Cowtipper

Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (knee) is expected to make two more rehab starts before being activated from the 15-day injured list, Joe Pantorno of AMNY.com reports. Blackburn reached 60 pitches in his last rehab outing with Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday and is aiming for the 75-pitch mark Friday with Double-A Binghamton. He's expected to make an additional rehab start after that. There doesn't appear to currently be room for Blackburn in the Mets' rotation, so he could be slotted into long relief when he's activated later this month. Blackburn has been out all season with right knee inflammation. Injury Knee. Est. Return 5/26/2025. Sean Manaea: Manaea (oblique) is slated to throw another bullpen session Tuesday, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. Manaea resumed a throwing program in mid-April following a PRP injection and has progressed to throwing from the bump again. He shouldn't be far off from facing hitters and eventually going out on a rehab assignment, but no target date for either has been revealed by the Mets yet. Injury Oblique. Est. Return 6/17/2025. Frankie Montas: Montas (lat) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. It appears to be the first time Montas will face hitters since he went down with a high-grade right lat strain in mid-February. The right-hander would appear close to a rehab assignment if all goes well, and the Mets have previously pegged early June as a possible return for Montas. Injury Lat. Est. Return 6/1/2025. Jose Siri: Siri is progressing more quickly than expected in his recovery from a fractured tibia and has already resumed baseball activities, Tim Britton of the Athletic reports. The Mets don't have a set date for Siri to begin a rehab assignment, but the 29-year-old outfielder was able to do some light jogging Monday and could beat the estimated 8-to-10-week timeline he was originally given for his return when he suffered the injury in mid-April. In his absence, Tyrone Taylor has received the bulk of the starts in center field, with Jeff McNeil also getting some occasional opportunities at the position. Injury Lower Leg. Est. Return 6/7/2025. Drew Smith: Smith (elbow) has been playing catch from 120 feet up to three times per week and threw 10 pitches from halfway up the mound earlier this week, Joe Pantorno of AMNY.com reports. Coming back from his second Tommy John surgery, Smith hopes to throw from the top of the bump in 2-to-3 weeks. The goal for the reliever is to begin a rehab assignment later this summer and return to the Mets before the end of the season, although he might not make it back until 2026. The Mets re-signed Smith in February to a one-year deal with a club option for next season. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 9/1/2025.

Hint: https://i.imgur.com/Pcx6ur3.png>

Mets team ERA is still just 2.87!

Ronny Mauricio activated and sent to Syracuse. Mets trade cash for a pitcher named Jose Castillo, who is now on the big league roster. Dedniel Nunez optioned to Syracuse. Kevin Herget DFA'd.

Jack Curtis died. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/hickoryrecord/name/jack-curtis-obituary?id=58399268 Who was Jack Curtis? Jack Patrick Curtis (January 11, 1937 – May 12, 2025) was an American professional baseball player and left-handed pitcher who appeared in 69 Major League Baseball games between 1961 and 1963. A native of Rhodhiss, North Carolina, Curtis was known for his gritty performances and early promise, particularly during his standout minor league years. Curtis signed with the Chicago Cubs in 1955 after graduating from Granite Falls High School. He broke out in the minors, winning 20 games for the Wenatchee Chiefs in 1959 and earning Texas League Pitcher of the Year honors in 1960 with the San Antonio Missions. That same year, he led the league in complete games and went 19–8. He made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 1961, finishing third in National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Billy Williams and Joe Torre. That season, Curtis went 10–13 with a 4.89 ERA and six complete games, also serving as a batting practice pitcher in the All-Star Game. In 1962, Curtis was traded to the Milwaukee Braves for veteran Bob Buhl. He recorded his only career save on June 25, 1962, and finished the year with a 4–4 record. After another trade, he spent the beginning of 1963 with the Cleveland Indians, appearing briefly before being sent to Triple-A. He continued in the minors until 1967, finishing with a combined 14–19 MLB record and 4.84 ERA, along with 97 minor league wins. After retiring from baseball, Curtis worked in the private sector and later spent 25 years as a production manager for a manufacturing company. He was inducted into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements. Jack Curtis passed away on May 12, 2025, at the age of 88. With the passing of Curtis, just 32 Milwaukee Braves players remain: Sandy Alomar, born October 19, 1943 Felipe Alou, born May 12, 1935 Ken Aspromonte, born September 22, 1931 Howie Bedell, born September 29, 1935 Wade Blasingame, born November 22, 1943 Clay Carroll, born May 2, 1941 Ty Cline, born June 15, 1939 Chuck Cottier, born January 18, 1936 Billy Cowan, born August 28, 1938 Ray Crone, born August 7, 1931 John DeMerit, born January 8, 1936 John Edelman, born July 27, 1935 Dave Eilers, born December 3, 1936 Hank Fischer, born January 11, 1940 Terry Fox, born July 31, 1935 Frank Funk, born August 30, 1935 Len Gabrielson, born February 14, 1940 Eddie Haas, born May 26, 1935 Bob Hendley, born April 30, 1939 Lou Klimchock, born October 15, 1939 Joe Morgan, born November 19, 1930 Johnny O'Brien, born December 11, 1930 Taylor Phillips, born June 18, 1933 Claude Raymond, born May 7, 1937 Phil Roof, born March 5, 1941 Amado Samuel, born December 6, 1938 Dan Schneider, born August 29, 1942 Bill Southworth, born November 10, 1945 Al Spangler, born July 8, 1933 Joe Torre, born July 18, 1940 Woody Woodward, born September 23, 1942 Mark Esser died. https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/obituaries/pnys1179781 Who was Mark Esser? Mark Gerald Esser (April 1, 1956 – May 12, 2025) was a left-handed pitcher who had a brief but memorable stint in Major League Baseball, appearing in two games for the Chicago White Sox during the 1979 season. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Esser moved with his family to Poughkeepsie, New York in 1965. He starred in both baseball and basketball at Roy C. Ketcham High School before choosing to play college baseball at Miami Dade College, turning down an offer from the Baltimore Orioles, who had drafted him in 1975. The White Sox selected Esser in the 8th round of the January 1977 draft, and he quickly rose through the minor leagues. In 1978, he was a key bullpen piece for the Appleton Foxes, posting a 9–2 record with 7 saves, and earning All-Star honors on a championship team that included future MLB pitchers LaMarr Hoyt, Britt Burns, and Ross Baumgarten. Esser made his MLB debut on April 22, 1979, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings against the Cleveland Indians. A week later, he appeared in his second and final big league game against the Texas Rangers, surrendering three earned runs in just one-third of an inning. After returning to Triple-A, he spent the rest of the year with the Iowa Oaks, and was later converted to a starter in 1980. In 1982, Esser’s career peaked again when he combined with Bill Atkinson for a no-hitter with the Glens Falls White Sox, but injuries and inconsistent performance led to his retirement that same year. Over six professional seasons, Esser was recognized as a reliable minor league contributor with flashes of promise at the highest level. Following his playing days, Esser returned to Poughkeepsie and later settled in Florida. He passed away on May 12, 2025, at the age of 69.

Jason Conti died. Kevin Kramer (@iamkevinkramer) • Instagram photo WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM 80 likes, 1 comments - iamkevinkramer on May 17, 2025: "Jason Conti, our friend and teammate, passed away this morning. In this Big East Championship winning picture, he is farthest to the right. He will be remembered as a champion at every level. Rest in peace Jason.". Who was Jason Conti? Stanley Jason Conti (January 27, 1975 – May 16, 2025) was an American professional baseball outfielder known for his strong throwing arm and defensive prowess. A left-handed batter and right-handed thrower, he stood 5'11" and weighed 180 pounds. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Conti played collegiate baseball at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 32nd round of the 1996 MLB Draft. Conti made his Major League debut on June 29, 2000, with the Diamondbacks and went on to play parts of five MLB seasons with four teams: the Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers. His most productive season came in 2002 with Tampa Bay, where he batted .257 over 78 games. Over his MLB career, Conti played in 182 games, hitting .238 with 6 home runs and 47 runs batted in. Traded multiple times during his career, Conti continued to make an impression in the outfield, famously throwing out baserunners on consecutive nights in highlight-reel plays — including gunning down Brian Jordan at third base while with Arizona and Frank Thomas at home plate while with Tampa Bay. One of his most memorable defensive feats occurred as a Texas Ranger, when he robbed Carlos Beltrán of extra bases by scaling Tal's Hill in center field at Minute Maid Park. After his Major League career, Conti played in the minors and independent leagues, including stints with the Yankees' and Cardinals' Triple-A affiliates. He concluded his playing career internationally with Bologna Italieri in Italy’s Serie 1-A Championship League in 2007. Jason Conti passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 50. Rich Rollins died. https://www.wkyc.com/article/life/people/rich-rollins-former-mlb-all-star-parma-senior-kent-state-dies-87/95-3d5dd615-63cd-4792-9505-8b2dfbab611c Who was Rich Rollins? Richard John Rollins (April 16, 1938 – May 13, 2025), known as "Red," was a steady and talented third baseman who spent ten seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Minnesota Twins. A right-handed batter and thrower, Rollins was best known for his breakout 1962 season, his All-Star selections, and his role in the Twins' 1965 American League pennant-winning team. Born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Rollins moved to Ohio as a child and attended Parma Senior High School. He excelled at Kent State University, where he played second base and posted a collegiate batting average of .389. Signed by the Washington Senators in 1960, Rollins quickly rose through the minors and debuted for the franchise—by then relocated and renamed the Minnesota Twins—in 1961. Rollins' rookie season in 1962 was his finest, hitting .298 with 16 home runs and 96 RBIs, earning him team MVP honors and selections to both All-Star Games. He finished 8th in AL MVP voting and was praised for his consistency and poise. His nickname, "Pie," was a nod to Hall of Fame third baseman Pie Traynor, a comparison made due to his similar playing style and Pittsburgh roots. Throughout his Twins career, Rollins was a dependable contributor at the plate and an improving defender at third base. In 1964, he led the American League with 10 triples. He appeared in the 1965 World Series, though hitless in three pinch-hit appearances. On June 9, 1966, Rollins was one of five Twins to homer in a single inning—a still-standing MLB record. Injuries and chronic ailments, including a broken jaw, calcium deposits, and knee issues, gradually affected his performance. Left unprotected in the 1968 expansion draft, Rollins was selected by the Seattle Pilots and later played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians before retiring after the 1970 season. Post-baseball, Rollins worked in the Cleveland Indians’ front office and later in sales for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. He also ran baseball camps and was inducted into several halls of fame, including those of Kent State, Summit County, and Greater Akron. Rollins was married to Lynn Maher and had six children. He passed away on May 13, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, at age 87, remembered for his work ethic, quiet leadership, and lasting contributions to the game. With the passing of Rich Rollins, just 25 Seattle Pilots players remain: Jack Aker, born July 13, 1940 Dick Baney, born November 1, 1946 Dick Bates, born October 7, 1945 Gary Bell, born November 17, 1936 Bucky Brandon, born July 8, 1940 Ron Clark, born January 14, 1943 John Donaldson, born May 5, 1943 Bill Edgerton, born August 16, 1941 John Gelnar, born June 25, 1943 Jim Gosger, born November 6, 1942 Larry Haney, born November 19, 1942 Tommy Harper, born October 14, 1940 Steve Hovley, born December 18, 1944 Skip Lockwood, born August 17, 1946 Jerry McNertney, born August 7, 1936 Bob Meyer, born August 4, 1939 John Morris, born August 23, 1941 John O'Donoghue, born October 7, 1939 Garry Roggenburk, born August 16, 1940 Diego Segui, born August 17, 1937 Dick Simpson, born July 28, 1943 Fred Stanley, born August 13, 1947 Gary Timberlake, born August 9, 1948 Steve Whitaker, born May 7, 1943 Dooley Womack, born August 25, 1939

Intriguingly, another James Robert Campbell also died in California in late 2024. This one played in 1962 and 1963. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=campbji01 Who was (the other) Jim Campbell? James Robert Campbell (June 24, 1937 – October 17, 2024) was an American professional baseball catcher who played 82 games in Major League Baseball for the Houston Colt .45s between 1962 and 1963. A right-handed batter and thrower, Campbell stood 6 feet tall and weighed 190 pounds. He was born in Palo Alto, California, and graduated from Palo Alto High School. Campbell began his pro career in 1955 with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, spending several years in the minors without advancing past Class A. After being briefly loaned to the Chicago White Sox system and then selected by the Milwaukee Braves, he was traded in 1961 to the newly formed Houston Colt .45s, a National League expansion team preparing to debut in 1962. In 1961, he played as the starting catcher for the Houston Buffs, then moved to the Oklahoma City 89ers in 1962 where he excelled, batting .350 in 70 games. This performance earned him a midseason call-up to the Colt .45s, where he started 25 games and hit .221 with 3 home runs. Campbell made the 1963 Opening Day roster and caught the season opener, but after a slow start at the plate, he lost his starting role. His final MLB appearance came on July 23, 1963, when he singled as a pinch hitter. He ended his Major League career with 54 hits, including 7 home runs and 7 doubles. Campbell returned to Triple-A play and remained in the minors through 1965 before retiring from professional baseball. He passed away in Los Altos, California, in 2024 at the age of 87.

I wonder when Judge is going to be busted for something. I find in baseball if something is too good to be true for too long, there's usually shenanigans going on in the background. And Judge has been too good to be true for too long now.

Magic number down to 116!

GTJL is correct! Hint: https://i.imgur.com/P4pw1sQ.png>

They're forthcoming. Hint: https://i.imgur.com/rtLrnvN.png>

I'd like to think we would have thrown batteries at him.

=Fman99 post_id=192634 time=1747222249 user_id=86] Why are you such a cranky dickhead all of the time? Do you have a rashy bottom? I don't get it.

Hey, Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin and Ray Lewis killed a guy, and they're in their respective Hall of Fames, but betting on baseball is the line in the sand.

Marshall Edwards died. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2025/05/12/marshall-edwards-who-made-a-famous-brewers-catch-in-1982-dies-at-72/83582942007/ Who was Marshall Edwards? Marshall Lynn Edwards (August 27, 1952 – April 15, 2025) was a professional baseball outfielder best known for his time with the Milwaukee Brewers from 1981 to 1983. A skilled base-stealer and strong defensive player, Edwards was part of a rare trio of Major League brothers—his twin, Mike, and younger brother, Dave, also played professionally. Edwards starred in both baseball and track at Jefferson High School in Los Angeles and continued his athletic career at Los Angeles Community College and UCLA. Despite a record-setting senior season at UCLA, he went undrafted and signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1974. After excelling in the minors—including leading the Florida State League in steals—he was acquired by the Brewers via the Rule 5 Draft in 1977. He debuted in the majors in 1981 and was a contributor to the Brewers' postseason runs in 1981 and 1982. His most memorable moment came during the 1982 ALCS when he made a critical defensive play to help Milwaukee reach its first World Series. Edwards batted .297 in 1983, his final major league season, before retiring from professional baseball in 1984. Following his baseball career, Edwards worked in real estate and construction, eventually becoming a minister at World Changers Church International in College Park, Georgia. Frank Johnson died. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnsfr03 Who was Frank Johnson? Frank Herbert Johnson (July 22, 1942 – May 7, 2025) was a professional baseball player whose Major League career spanned parts of six seasons with the San Francisco Giants from 1966 to 1971. A versatile right-handed hitter and thrower, Johnson played outfield, third base, and first base during a time when the Giants’ roster was rich with talent, including legends like Willie Mays and emerging stars like Bobby Bonds and George Foster. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Johnson stood 6'1" and weighed 155 pounds. He showed early promise in the minor leagues, batting over .290 in four of his first seven seasons. After two brief late-season call-ups, he saw his most consistent big-league action in 1968 and 1970. In the latter year, he hit a career-best .273 with 44 hits and 31 RBIs in 67 games, backing up in the outfield and at first base. Though his MLB stats include a modest .211 batting average, four home runs, and 43 RBIs in 196 total games, Johnson had standout moments in the minors, notably a .353 season in the Pacific Coast League in 1970. He also extended his career internationally, playing for the Lotte Orions in Japan in 1972 before retiring after the 1975 season. Johnson passed away at age 82 in Stockton, California, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated athlete who played alongside some of the most iconic figures in baseball’s golden era. Also, who was Tommy Helms? Tommy Vann Helms (May 5, 1941 – April 13, 2025) was a gifted American baseball player and manager whose career spanned more than four decades across Major League Baseball (MLB) and its affiliated leagues. Known for his stellar defense and steady presence on the field, Helms made his mark as a second baseman, manager, and mentor. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Helms signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1959 and climbed steadily through the minor leagues, developing as a reliable infielder. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he broke into the majors in 1964. Helms earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1966, transitioning from shortstop to third base to fill team needs. He later became the Reds' starting second baseman, earning Gold Glove Awards in 1970 and 1971 and All-Star selections in 1967 and 1968. Helms was a key contributor to the Reds' 1970 World Series run, praised for his defense and leadership. In 1971, Helms was part of a pivotal trade to the Houston Astros that brought Joe Morgan to Cincinnati, helping shape the Big Red Machine. Helms continued to perform solidly in Houston before finishing his playing career with stints in Pittsburgh and Boston. Over 14 MLB seasons, he compiled a .269 batting average, struck out just 301 times in nearly 5,000 at-bats, and was long respected for his defensive prowess and baseball IQ. After retirement, Helms transitioned into coaching and management. He served on the Cincinnati Reds’ coaching staff throughout the 1980s and twice took over as interim manager, including during Pete Rose’s 1988 suspension and again after Rose's lifetime ban in 1989. Though Helms hoped for a permanent managerial role, he was passed over in favor of Lou Piniella. He later managed in the minors and independent leagues, including the Charlotte Knights and Atlantic City Surf. Off the field, Helms endured personal tragedy, losing both of his sons—Tommy Jr. and Ryan—in 2014. His nephew, Wes Helms, also played 13 seasons in the majors. Tommy Helms was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1979 and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. A gritty, dependable infielder and respected clubhouse figure, Tommy Helms leaves behind a legacy of quiet excellence and perseverance in the golden era of professional baseball. And who was Chet Lemon? Chester Earl "Chet" Lemon (1955–2025) was a standout American professional baseball player best known for his exceptional defense in center field and a consistent, productive career spanning 16 Major League Baseball seasons. Born in Jackson, Mississippi and raised in Los Angeles, Lemon was drafted in the first round of the 1972 MLB draft by the Oakland Athletics and later made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1975. After six years in Chicago—where he earned two All-Star selections and set an enduring record with 512 outfield putouts in 1977—he was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he spent the remainder of his career from 1982 to 1990. Lemon was a three-time All-Star (1978, 1979, 1984) and a key member of the 1984 World Series champion Tigers, anchoring center field and providing consistent offensive power. Known for his durability and fearlessness—leading the league in being hit by pitches four times—he logged over 400 outfield putouts in five different seasons, setting an American League record. His peak came during the early to mid-1980s, when he combined elite defense, gap power, and leadership on a dominant Detroit team. Off the field, Lemon was a devout Jehovah’s Witness, which shaped his public stances, including his refusal to stand for the national anthem, citing religious conviction. He faced criticism for this but remained unwavering in his beliefs. Lemon’s career was cut short by polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder diagnosed in 1990. The condition led to recurring health issues, including strokes that eventually left him unable to speak or walk. Despite these challenges, Lemon remained active in baseball, founding a respected youth academy and mentoring future MLB stars like Zack Greinke and Prince Fielder. Chet Lemon passed away on May 8, 2025, at his home in Apopka, Florida, at age 70. Remembered as one of the finest defensive outfielders of his era and a devoted coach and mentor, his impact on baseball extended far beyond the field.

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Might as well put the January 6 insurrections in the Hall of Fame too. At least, as they eventually die off. Several others will also have their status changed by the ruling, including all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, former Philadelphia Phillies president Williams D. Cox and former New York Giants outfielder Benny Kauff. I'm not familiar with Cox or Kauff. I was thinking that maybe Cox was banned for having a plural first name, but that didn't stop Rogers Hornsby. While Benny played mostly with teams, his brother, Jack, usually played with himself.

From stories I've read, Joe may have been more like an innocent bystander than an active participant. My friend, Shoeless Don the White Sox fan, will be thrilled. Pete knew what he was doing, and he did it over and over and over. His name should never be spoken in the Hall of Fame, much less enshrined. Who gets the next set of pardons? The steroid guys? Feh! Later Why not? You can't fault people for a condition of the game at the time. Steroids are the low-hanging fruit that are often blamed for the offensive explosion of the 1990s and early 2000s, but there's a lot more to look at. A juiced ball, smaller ballparks, an increase in batter protection which means they weren't afraid to crowd the plate. I mean, for every guy who supposedly "benefited" from steroids, there were dozens that steroids clearly didn't help at all. The Mitchell Report names are hardly a Who's Who of the game's stars. People of a certain generation love to overlook all the cheating and chicanery that took place when THEIR heroes were playing. But when THEIR heroes were doing it, they were just being crafty and it "wasn't that bad" and so forth.

I did a Control-F for Cicotte and didn't get any results, at least. I'm a millennial, I only read headlines. Oh I see now. "all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox."

Kevin "Tear a Cat's Head Off" Mitchell is correct! John "That Other Guy in '86" Mitchell is correct! Luis "Get into a Fight on the Bus with Ordonez" Lopez is correct! And so are Jerry May, Trevor May, David Peterson, Eli Marrero, Deven Marrero, Tim Peterson and Gary "Two Times a Met and Sucked Both Times" Matthews Jr.!

I mean, the game allows betting now. Sure it was against the rules then, but you can't act all high and mighty about Jackson and Rose if you're not actively fighting the current betting allowed in MLB. Long past due for both of them. Reinstate Eddie Cicotte, too, while you're at it.

Luis Hernandez is correct! Don't Lope(z) on these Another common Hispanic surname in these United States is Lopez. Three have played for the Mets. Can you name them? 1. Luis Lopez, 1997-2999 2. Jorge Lopez, 2024 3. Yoan Lopez, 2022 Surname pairs Can you name the two Mets who share the surname... A. Peterson? 1. David Peterson, 2020- 2. Tim Peterson, 2018-2019 B. Marrero? 1. Eli Marrero, 2006 2. Deven Marrero, 2022 C. Matthews? 1. Gary Matthews, Jr., 2002 & 2010 2. Mike Matthews, 2005 D. May? 1. Jerry May, 1973 2. Trevor May, 2021-2022 E. Mitchell? 1. Kevin Mitchell, 1984 & 1986 2. John Mitchell, 1986-1989

I'm already getting playoff vibes and its still just mid-May. The last time I felt this way was in 2006. Even 2022 seemed unreal, like it was too good to be true. But this isn't, this feels almost ... ordained.

AJ Ramos is correct! One more Hernandez is all we need for this round.

That was actually a killer throw on Alonso's sac fly. Gotta give the outfielder credit for trying, whoever it was.

Keith and Manny Hernandez are correct!