Mets News and Notes

Some good news for former Mets, present Mets, and some news that is good or bad depending on your point of view.

On the former Mets front, Uncle Cliffy has signed with the Chicago Cubs. He will earn $3 million in 2007, with a mutual option for 2008 that vests with 100 starts or 425 plate appearances. I'm happy for Cliff. He gave it his all in NY, played hard every damn day. He played through pain that few of us can only imagine, both mental (loss of his sister, potential kidney issues for himself) and physical (Achilles and other ailments). I can't wait for Cliff to come to town on May 14 - 17 for a 4 game set. I hope he will receive the same treatment Mike Piazza received when he came back as a Padre. Maybe David Wright can carry his bags into the clubhouse for old time's sake.

Of course, the bigger good news is Willie Randolph signing a contract extension for 4 years, $8 million. The deal replaces his current one, so instead of $700 k this year, he will make nearly $1.4 m. Good for Willie, and good for the Mets to take care of this before Spring Training. Of course, some people were being jerks, saying the Mets were blaming Willie for the loss to the Cardinals. Then again, those people are known for their ripping of the Mets whenever they get the chance. I'm sure he is dislocating his shoulder patting himself on the back this morning now that the deal is done. News flash dummy, it was always getting done. Willie and Omar were classy enough to not make a big deal about it in the media. It was only people like you who were making a big deal about it.

Anyway, I'm happy Willie will be here until 2010. He has done a great job with this team. Yes, some in game decisions are odd, but you know what, all managers make decisions that make you scratch your head. LaRussa with Rolen, Torre with A-Rod, the list goes on. The bottom line is this, the team is winning, and is in a better place than they were under the veteran "leadership" of one Art Howe. Willie brought Wright along slowly, despite the roars from fans and the press to move him up in the lineup in 2005. He has a way of getting John Maine to nut up when in a tough spot. He uses his reserves to keep them in it, and keep the starters fresh (though he does need to rest Wright a tad more in 2007 methinks.) Willie is a winner, he's been on the big stage, and can talk to these young guys, and the vets as well about it. So, thanks Omar, Fred, Jeff and Willie for keeping the band together. Now, if we can only get Omar a raise...

The "is that true Johnny, 'cause if it is, I'm not quite sure how to feel" moment from yesterday was news that the Mets were watching Victor (the other) Zambrano throw in Venezuela. VZ is of course coming back from elbow surgery. With the Mets having a lot of projects in camp, it may seem odd that they would bring in a guy who has shown flashes of brilliance (brief though they may be), but is more remembered for who he is not. However, this could be a good signing, assuming it is cheap, and Vic accepts a minor league assignment until his arm is up to speed. As I noted, he has shown flashes. He had control issues, but had a good arsenal, and when on, was un-hittable for stretches. You wonder how he would do if The Jacket got to work with a healthy VZ. So, assuming the deal is cheap, I'm all in favor of signing Victor. Word is that he may work out of the pen to get his arm strength back, and so as to not push it too fast. That makes sense to me, and another hard thrower out of the pen could only help. Plus, it could free up some other guys as trade bait.

Pitchers and catchers can't come soon enough.