PLAYERS TRANSACTIONS AND NEWS DURING THE 2011 OFF-SEASON

February 16 Hall of famer catcher Gary Carter passed away today because of brain cancer, he was 57. Carter played 5 seasons with the Mets,1985-89, and he won his only world championship in 1986. Gary loved to play baseball and his teammates loved him. His nickname was “Kid” because of his smile. Gary was my sports idol and I will miss him.

February 10 The Mets named Josh Lewin as a radio announcer.

The Mets elected John Franco into the Mets Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place in June.

January 18 The Mets avoided arbitration with the following 4 players; pittchers Mike Pelfrey, Ramon Ramirez, Manny Acosta, and outfielder Andres Torres. Pelfrey will earn the most, he will make $5.68 million dollars.

January 10 The Mets released outfielder Fernando Martinez and pitcher Daniel Herrera. They also resigned outfielder Scott Hairston.

January 9 The Mets signed catcher Rob Johnson and infielder Ronny Cedeno.

December 19  The Mets resigned outfielder Mike Baxter to a minor leagues contract with an invitation to Spring Training. 

December 7  Tim McCarver, who broadcasted Mets games for 17 years, won the Ford Frick Award.  He will be inducted into the Broadcasting Wing of the Hall of Fame. 

The Mets traded outfielder Angel Pagan to the Giants for outfielder Andres Torres and pitcher Ramon Ramirez.

The Mets signed pitcher Frank Francisco to a two year contract worth $12 million dollars.

\The Mets signed pitcher Jon Rauch to an one year contract worth $3.5 million dollars. 

December 4  Multiple reports are saying that shortstop Jose Reyes has signed with the Marlins for six years $112 million dollars. 

The Mets signed outfielder Adam Loewen to a minor leagues contract. 

November 27  The Mets offered shortstop Jose Reyes salary arbitration. 

October 31  The Mets are changing the dimensions of the outfield in Citi Field.  The most significant changes will be making every wall eight feet tall and pulling in right center field to 398 feet.

October 29  The Mets named Tom Goodwin as the First Base/Baserunning/Outfield Coach.  The Mets also named Ricky Bones as the Bullpen Pitching Coach. 

October 27  The Mets released pitcher Ryoto Igarashi.

October 14  The Mets named Bob Geren as the Bench Coach,

October 12  The Mets are changing their coaching staff for 2012 season; Bench Coach Ken Oberkfell, Third Base Coach Chip Hale, and First Base Coach Mookie Wilson are not coming back.  The Mets named Tim Teufel as the Third Base Coach.