Cowtipper

I love Dick!

I wasn't saying he wasn't elected on his merits per se, but if the voting body knew he was sick that was likely an impetus for the people to lean yes rather than no this time around. I personally thought he should have been elected long ago.

Ed Mickelson died. https://www.schrader.com/obituary/edward-mickelson Who was Ed Mickelson? Edward Allen Mickelson (September 9, 1926 – June 27, 2025) was an American professional baseball player best remembered for his long and productive minor league career and a brief, historically notable stint in Major League Baseball (MLB). A right-handed first baseman standing 6'3" and weighing 205 pounds, Mickelson played in just 18 MLB games across three teams—the St. Louis Cardinals (1950), St. Louis Browns (1953), and Chicago Cubs (1957)—while spending the bulk of his 11-season career in the minors. Born in Ottawa, Illinois, Mickelson served in World War II (1944–1946) before attending Washington University in St. Louis and Oklahoma A&M, where he played college baseball. He signed with the Cardinals in 1947 and excelled in the minors, hitting .413 across two leagues in 1950, which earned him a short call-up to the majors. His most historically significant MLB moment came on September 27, 1953, when he drove in the final run in St. Louis Browns history, an RBI single against the Chicago White Sox. That marked his third and final major league hit. He did not play for the Browns’ successor, the Baltimore Orioles, and finished his MLB career with three hits in 37 at-bats. Despite limited major league success, Mickelson was a standout in the minors, amassing 1,374 hits and batting .316, including several successful seasons in the Pacific Coast League with the Portland Beavers. He noted the league's favorable conditions and good pay compared to MLB. Mickelson authored a memoir, Out of the Park: Memoir of a Minor League Baseball All-Star (2007), where he shared insights from his career, including his first MLB hit off Hall of Famer Warren Spahn. He passed away at age 98 in 2025, making him the third oldest former MLB player at the time. His death left Billy Hunter as the last living former St. Louis Brown. Also, who was Dave Parker? David Gene "Cobra" Parker (June 9, 1951 – June 28, 2025) was a towering and powerful left-handed slugger whose MLB career spanned from 1973 to 1991. Known for his cannon arm, explosive bat, and outsized presence, Parker played primarily as a right fielder, most notably with the Pittsburgh Pirates and later with the Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, and several other clubs. In his prime, he was among the most feared hitters in baseball, winning two National League batting titles and the 1978 NL MVP award. He was a seven-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner, anchoring the "We Are Family" Pirates team that won the 1979 World Series. In 1985, he became the inaugural Home Run Derby champion and finished second in MVP voting with the Reds, where he enjoyed a renaissance after early career struggles with injuries and drug abuse. Parker's immense talent was shadowed for years by his central role in the Pittsburgh drug trials of the 1980s, which likely suppressed his Hall of Fame candidacy during his 15 years on the BBWAA ballot. Despite strong career statistics—2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs—he peaked at just 25% of the vote. Ultimately, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025 by the Veterans Committee, joining the likes of Dick Allen as a slugger whose off-field controversies delayed his recognition. Known for his style and swagger—he was one of the first players to wear an earring on the field and used a sledgehammer to warm up—Parker also served as a coach and ran businesses in retirement. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, he dedicated much of his later life to raising awareness and funds for a cure. He passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 74, shortly before he was to be formally inducted into Cooperstown.

I sure would like to see Bailey falter.

Now we know why they elected him this time around, despite him being a fringe candidate in the past.

Since this deals mostly with the Mets major league club and demoted usually means to the minors, I have faith you can figure it out.

Canning to 60-day IL. Mets have re-signed Jose Azocar. Colin Poche promoted. Adam Warren demoted. Richard Lovelady outrighted. Blade Tidwell promoted.

He was a great regression candidate, so in the long run he probably would've pitched like Frankie Montas traditionally has, leaving us groaning. It could be worse. Time for Sproat/Hamel/McLean. EDIT: Actually, he was already mid-regression and has sucked since mid/late May. His WHIP is nearly 1.400 (1.379 ish) which is unsustainable., I'm not too worried about this one.

Jonathan Pintaro down. Austin Warren up.

Time to call Pintaro back up.

Magic number down to 83. They need to go 43-38 the rest of the way to be a 90-win club, which should be doable. Mets should keep Brandon Waddell around for more than a game at a time. He's the kind of guy you use until he tanks and, with a 1.114 WHIP, he hasn't tanked yet.

A lot of big names have sunk their careers prematurely due to bad life decisions in recent years. Roberto Osuna Julio Urias Trevor Bauer Wander Franco Jenrry Mejia Felipe Vázquez Addison Russell Sam Dyson

The following players have officially retired in calendar year 2025: Nick Ahmed - 2014-2025; 2x GG Eddy Alvarez - 2020-2022, 2024 Jake Alu - 2023 Daniel Bard - 2009-2013, 2020-2023 Tucker Barnhart - 2014-2025; 2x GG Richard Bleier - 2016-2023 Trevor Cahill - 2009-2021; 1x ASG Matt Carpenter - 2011-2024; 3x ASG, 1x SS, 179 HR Curt Casali - 2014-2024 Jesse Chavez - 2008-2025; 657 G Tyler Cyr - 2022-2023 David Dahl - 2016, 2018-2021, 2023-2024; 1x ASG Jake Diekman - 2012-2024; 705 G Fraser Ellard - 2024-2025 David Fletcher - 2018-2024 Freddy Galvis - 2012-2021 Stone Garrett - 2022-2024 Kyle Gibson - 2013-2025; 1x ASG, 1,520 Ks Niko Goodrum - 2017-2024 Josh Harrison - 2011-2023; 2x ASG Andrew Heaney - 2014-2025 Adeiny Hechavarría - 2012-2020 Kyle Hendricks - 2014-2025 Jae-gyun Hwang - 2017 Jay Jackson - 2015-2024 Travis Jankowski - 2015-2025 Joe Kelly - 2012-2024 Tony Kemp - 2016-2024 Clayton Kershaw - 2008-2025; 3x CYA, 1x MVP, 1x Triple Crown, 11x ASG, 1x ROY, 1x Gold Glove; 223 W, 2.53 ERA, 3052 K Andrew Knapp - 2017-2024 Jake Lamb - 2014-2023, 1x ASG Evan Longoria - 2008-2023; ROY, 3x ASG, 3x GG, 1x SS, 342 HR Arturo Lopez - 2009 Lance Lynn - 2011-2024; 2x ASG, 143 W Martin Maldonado - 2011-2025; 1x GG Jose Martinez - 2016-2020 Kyle McGowin - 2018-2021 Whit Merrifield - 2016-2024; 3x ASG, 3x SB champ Charlie Morton - 2008-2025; 2x ASG, 2196 K Mike Moustakas - 2011-2023; 3x ASG, 215 HR Austin Nola - 2019-2023, 2025 Chris Owings - 2013-2023 Brett Phillips - 2017-2023 Kevin Pillar - 2013 - 2025 Kevin Plawecki - 2015-2022 Wilson Ramos - 2010-2021; 2x ASG, 1 SS, 136 HR JT Riddle - 2017-2022 Stephen Ridings - 2021 Anthony Rizzo - 2011-2024; 3x ASG, 4x GG, 1x SS, 303 HR Niuman Romero - 2009-2010 Hector Sanchez - 2011-2017 Jean Segura - 2012-2023; 2x ASG, 1545 H Max Stassi - 2013-2022 Ross Stripling - 2016-2024; 1x ASG Dan Straily - 2012-2019 Erik Swanson - 2019-2025 Michael A. Taylor - 2014-2025; 1x GG Bubba Thompson - 2022-2024 Cole Tucker - 2019-2024 Daniel Vogelbach - 2016-2024; 1x ASG Kolten Wong - 2013-2023; 2x GG Alex Wood - 2013-2024; 1x ASG

One of the luckiest Mets pitchers in recent history. A 2.38 ERA despite a WHIP of nearly 2.

Mets are burdened with a lot of mediocre relievers who all had runs of immeasurable luck, and now they're all regressing to the mean. Notable examples: Reed Garrett--career ERA: 4.55, ERA through 5/9: 0.57, ERA since: 4.11 Huascar Brazoban--career ERA: 3.61, ERA through 5/21: 0.90, ERA since: 8.25 Ryne Stanek--career ERA: 3.70, ERA through 5/13: 3.24, ERA since: 6.75 Max Kranick--career ERA: 4.69, ERA through 4/28: 2.55, ERA since: 4.66

Vic Harris died. https://www.mckaysmortuaries.com/obituary/victor-harris?lud=C78E174E63B324C4F17A8D1755F49B9A Who was Vic Harris? Victor Lanier Harris (1950–2025) was a versatile American professional baseball player who spent eight seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1972 to 1980. A switch-hitting utility man known for his speed and defensive versatility, Harris played for five MLB teams: the Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers. After excelling at Los Angeles Valley College and earning Junior College All-American honors, Harris was drafted in the first round of the 1970 MLB Draft (secondary phase) by the Oakland Athletics. He showed early promise in the minors, leading multiple teams in offensive categories. In July 1972, he was traded to the Rangers and made his MLB debut the next day. Harris made history with a record-setting 0-for-35 hitless start to his career but rebounded to become the Rangers’ regular second baseman. In 1973, he was moved to center field and posted career highs in games played, home runs (8), and RBIs (44). After that season, he was traded to the Cubs in a blockbuster deal involving Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins. Harris struggled offensively in Chicago and underwent knee surgery in 1974, derailing his potential as a starter. Over the next several years, Harris filled a utility role with the Cardinals, Giants, and Brewers, playing all over the diamond. In total, he played at least 27 games at six different positions, most frequently at second base. His MLB career totals include a .217 batting average, 13 home runs, and 121 RBIs across 579 games. In 1981, Harris revitalized his career in Japan with the Kintetsu Buffaloes, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 74 runs in his debut season—numbers that exceeded any of his MLB outputs. He became only the fourth player in Nippon Professional Baseball history to homer from both sides of the plate in a single game, and repeated the feat in 1983. However, declining performance and injuries ended his professional career after a stint with the Louisville Redbirds in 1984. Following baseball, Harris worked in aerospace with Rockwell and Boeing and later served as an instructor at MLB’s Urban Youth Academy from 2006 to 2013. He passed away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 75. Harris is remembered as a promising talent who became a valued utility player and international contributor to the sport. Diego Segui died. Who was Diego Segui? Diego Pablo Seguí González (born August 17, 1937, in Holguín, Cuba) was a Cuban professional baseball pitcher best known for his longevity, versatility, and unique place in MLB history. A right-hander with a signature forkball, Seguí played 15 MLB seasons from 1962 to 1977, compiling a 92–111 record, 3.81 ERA, 1,298 strikeouts, and 71 saves. Seguí played for eight different MLB teams, including both of Seattle’s major league franchises—the Seattle Pilots (1969) and the Seattle Mariners (1977)—making him the only player to appear for both and to pitch in each team’s inaugural game. He was affectionately nicknamed “The Ancient Mariner” at age 39 during his brief stint with the Mariners. His best MLB season came in 1970 with the Oakland Athletics, when he led the American League with a 2.56 ERA. That followed a standout year with the Seattle Pilots in 1969, where he set career highs in wins (12), saves (6), and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. Seguí was a true swingman—capable of starting or relieving—who contributed to several clubs including the Kansas City/Oakland A’s, Washington Senators, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox, for whom he pitched in the 1975 World Series. Outside MLB, Seguí had an exceptional international career. In the Mexican League, he pitched for a decade, posting a 96–61 record with a 2.91 ERA and throwing a no-hitter in 1978. He was even more dominant in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he became the all-time strikeout leader (941) and ranks among the top five in wins, ERA, and innings pitched. Seguí was inducted into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame (2003) and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame (2006). His legacy continues through his son, David Seguí, a 15-season MLB first baseman. Diego Seguí remains a celebrated figure in Latin American baseball history and a symbol of durability and international excellence. Matt Murray died. https://www.maxbrannonandsons.com/obituaries/matthew-murray Who was Matt Murray? Matt Murray was a right-handed pitcher born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970. He played briefly in Major League Baseball during the 1995 season for the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. Standing 6'6" and weighing 240 pounds, Murray batted left-handed. His MLB career was short, spanning from his debut on August 12, 1995, to his final game on September 25, 1995. Over that time, he recorded a win-loss record of 0–3, an earned run average (ERA) of 9.64, and struck out 4 batters. After his time in MLB, he also pitched in Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League for the Brother Elephants in 1997, where he pitched 2 innings with a 9.00 ERA and 2 strikeouts. Matt Murray passed away on June 24, 2025, at age 54 in Calhoun, Georgia. Also, who was Ron Taylor? Ron Taylor was a Canadian-born Major League pitcher and later a physician, known for his pivotal role in the 1969 "Miracle Mets" championship and for becoming one of the few athletes to successfully pivot into a medical career. Born in Toronto in 1937, Taylor pitched in the majors from 1962 to 1972, beginning with the Cleveland Indians before stints with the Cardinals, Astros, Mets, and Padres. He earned World Series rings with both the 1964 Cardinals and 1969 Mets, distinguishing himself as a reliable reliever and a steady presence in big moments, including a key Game 4 save in the ’64 Series and strong outings in the ’69 postseason. Taylor was highly educated for a ballplayer, holding an electrical engineering degree from the University of Toronto, which he completed while beginning his baseball career. After retiring from the game, he returned to school at 35 and became a medical doctor, eventually serving over two decades as the Toronto Blue Jays’ team physician and running a sports medicine clinic. His transition from the mound to medicine was inspired in part by a USO tour to Vietnam, where he was struck by the work of military doctors. Fans remember him for his intelligence, humility, and generosity—buying beers for soldiers in Vietnam, giving time to kids at YMCA gyms, and sharing stories with Mets fans decades after retirement. He was deeply respected for his service to both the game and his community. Taylor was honored with inductions into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, and received the Order of Ontario for his achievements. He passed away in 2025, leaving behind a legacy as both a World Series champion and a healer. More Ron Taylor was a Canadian-born Major League Baseball pitcher and physician, remembered for a unique dual career in professional sports and medicine. Born in Toronto in 1937, Taylor pitched for five MLB teams between 1962 and 1972, including the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres. He was part of two World Series-winning teams: the 1964 Cardinals and the 1969 "Miracle Mets." Known for his effective relief pitching, Taylor maintained a 3.93 ERA over 800 innings, with 74 saves in 491 games, and was perfect in four career World Series appearances, never allowing a hit. Taylor balanced his early baseball career with academics, earning a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto. After retiring from baseball, he returned to school to study medicine, inspired by a USO trip to Vietnam. He earned his medical degree in 1977 and became the long-time team physician for the Toronto Blue Jays, serving for over 30 years and earning two more World Series rings with them in 1992 and 1993. Known as “Doctor Baseball,” he also ran a private medical practice in Toronto until his retirement in 2014. Widely honored in Canada, Taylor was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. He was also appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2005. He passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 87 after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy that bridged excellence in both athletics and medicine. And finally, Chuck Cottier died -- in 2021. Rumors has been spreading for a while that he'd passed, but nothing was solid enough that I felt comfortable posting it. However, the word seems to be spreading. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cottich01 Who was Chuck Cottier? Chuck Cottier was a right-handed second baseman, manager, and coach in Major League Baseball whose career spanned multiple decades. Born in Delta, Colorado in 1936, he played nine seasons in the majors between 1959 and 1969 for the Milwaukee Braves, Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, and California Angels. Though a light hitter with a lifetime batting average of .220, Cottier was known for his solid defense and leadership. His best season came in 1962 with career highs in several offensive categories. After an Achilles tendon injury ended his playing career in 1969, he began managing in the minors, earning praise from players for his leadership and baseball acumen. He joined the Mets as a coach from 1979 to 1981, later serving on staffs with the Mariners, Cubs, Orioles, and Phillies. In 1984, he became manager of the Seattle Mariners, compiling a 98–119 record before being dismissed early in the 1986 season. Beloved by fans, colleagues, and family alike, Cottier was remembered as an aggressive third base coach—nicknamed "The man with the Golden Arm"—and a passionate manager, once famously throwing first base into right field during a heated argument. Off the field, he was described as humble, kind, and generous with his time and wisdom. His only child, Cody, was a devoted supporter. Cottier passed away in Edmonds, Washington in 2021 at age 85.

Mets are promoting Dom Hamel ❌ Nolan McLean ❌ Brandon Sproat ❌ Jonathan Pintaro ✅ A 27-year-old Double-A pitcher with all of 4 innings of AAA experience under his belt.

Jose Urena is on the move again as he just signed a minor league deal with the Twins. He's been in four MLB organizations this year and with three MLB teams. Diamondbacks just signed James McCann to a one-year deal. Marlins just released former Mets legend Albert Almora. Adrian Houser signed a deal with the White Sox. Ben Gamel signed with the Angels. Ali Sanchez, who played for the Mets in the blur of a year that was 2020, signed with the Jay Blues. Billy McKinney signed with the Rangers. J.D. Davis signed with the Angels. Michael Perez, another catcher you might've forgotten was once a Met, was released by the Diamondbacks. Trevor Gott was released by Seattle. Jorge Lopez was released by Washington. Kevin Pillar was released by Texas. Jake Diekman retired.

I'd say it's that we've finally reached the point where society is supersaturated with people who have never had to live in fear of being punched in the mouth or even getting punished for anything.

Jon Singleton was signed by the Astros. Brayhans Barreto, released in February, was signed by the indy Tri-City ValleyCats. Dylan Covey, who elected free agency in February, eventually signed with Atlanta.

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Is it obvious? I'll have to admit that my attention has drifted over the last ten games, but with Senga and Megill hurt, isn't Blackburn fairly likely to be one of the five starters in the rotation? There's Peterson and Holmes and Canning, and now Montas. Who ranks above Blackburn for the fifth spot? Tidwell? This. The Mets have been forced to dip into their depth. He is their depth.

Jose Marte: Marte had right shoulder surgery last September and is uncertain to pitch at any point in 2025. The 28-year-old made 14 appearances for the Angels last season, holding a 2.33 ERA and 14:10 K:BB over 19.1 frames. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 6/28/2025. Oliver Ortega: Ortega is recovering from elbow surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. The right-hander last pitched in the big leagues in 2023, turning in a 4.30 ERA in 14.2 innings with Minnesota. njury Elbow. Est. Return 6/26/2025. Luis Ortiz: Ortiz will miss most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He holds a career 4.76 ERA and 25:16 K:BB across 34 innings covering parts of five seasons at the big-league level. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 9/1/2025. Kodai Senga: Senga (hamstring) is scheduled to play catch off a mound Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. It's not a bullpen session, but Senga has done his best to keep his arm in shape as he recovers from a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. Senga is slated to be re-evaluated Friday, but the expectation is that he won't be ready to rejoin the Mets' rotation until after the All-Star break. Injury Hamstring. Est. Return 7/18/2025. Jose Siri: The Mets transferred Siri (tibia) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday. The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Travis Jankowski, but it doesn't alter Siri's timeline for a return since he has already been on the shelf for more than 60 days. He remains shut down from baseball activities after suffering a setback recently with his fractured left tibia. Injury Lower Leg. Est. Return 7/18/2025. Mark Vientos: Vientos (hamstring) will remain on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse through at least Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. The Mets had left open the possibility of Vientos rejoining them for their four-game series against Atlanta that begins Monday, but it now appears likely that the earliest he will return is Friday in Pittsburgh for the start of a road trip. Vientos has missed most of June with a right hamstring strain and has gone 2-for-17 with a double and 3:0 K:BB in four rehab games with Syracuse. Injury Hamstring. Est. Return 6/27/2025.

.......see below.

White Sox just signed Noah Syndergaard to a minor league deal.

Monturd is little better than Blackbum and we should expect about the same results from him.