CHARLIE’S NY METS PAGE

TEAM AND PLAYER NEWS DURING THE OFF-SEASON

February 8 The Mets announced they are bringing back Old Timers Day! The date is Saturday August 27 before the 7 pm game. Steve Cohen said Old Timers Day was the most requested thing since taking over the club. This year is the Mets 60^th anniversary.

January 28 The coaching staff for the 2022 season was announced. It is as follow; Glenn Sherlock (Bench Coach), Jeremy Hefner (Pitching Coach), Eric Chavez (Hitting Coach), Jeremy Barnes (Assistant Hitting Coach), Wayne Kirby (First Base Coach/Outfield and Baserunners Coordinator), Joey Cora (Third Base Coach/Infield Instructor), Craig Bjornson (Bullpen Coach).

January 16 According to a report the Mets are hiring Glenn Sherlock as Buck Showalter’s Bench Coach. Sherlock was the catcher coach for the Mets during 2015-17. Glenn was with Buck during his Yankees years.

January 12 Steve Cohen announced that the Mets are retiring Keith Hernandez’s number, 17, on July 9. Hernandez played for the Mets from 1983-89, during which he helped the Mets to win their 2^nd World Series Championship in 1986. Keith was the first ever team captain Keith was a true leader. Keith has been a color analyst on SNY since its inception 16 years ago. President Sandy Alderson hinted that there may be an Old Timers Day in 2022.

January 6 According to reports the Mets are set to hire Eric Chavez as their Hitting Coach, Wayne Kirby as the First Base Coach, and Joey Cora as the Third Base Coach.

December 18 Buck Showalter is named as the next Mets manager, Owner Steve Cohen announced on Twitter Saturday afternoon. Buck is signed for 3 years at $3 millions per year with no option. Buck will become the Mets richest manager. Previously Showalter managed the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rangers, and the Orioles and his career record is 1,551-1,517. Showalter is known as a disciplinarian, focus on fundamentals, details oriented manager. Buck must mix in analytics in today’s game in order to please management. Buck is the 24^th Manager of the Mets.

December 9 The Mets wrapped up their first round of interviews to be the next Mets manager. The candidates are; Buck Showalter, Bob Geren, Brad Ausmus, Joe Espada, Don Kelly, Matt Quatraro, and Clayton McCullough. The final round of interviews, with no more than 3 candidates, are expected to begin this weekend. A final decision could come early next week. Don Kelly removed himself from the process while Buck Showalter emerged as the leader.

December 5 Gil Hodges is a member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame, finally. After being overlooked so many years the Golden Years Era Committee elected Hodges in. Gil played with the Brooklyn Dodgers then for the Washington Senators and he was an excellent first baseman. He is most remembered for being the manager of the 1969 “Miracle Mets” World Series championship team. Gil was a stern and strict manager. In 1972, Gil suffered a heart attack playing Golf and unfortunately passed away at 47 years old.

December 2 Major League Baseball owners unanimously voted to lock out the players started on December 2^nd at 12:01 am. This is the first work stoppage in 26 years in 1994-95. This means no trades, free agency signings, or any player movement during the lockout. However the Mets can hire their next manager. Hopefully Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Player’s Union can reach an agreement before any games get interrupted in 2022.

December 1 Marcus Stroman signed with the Cubs, leaving the Mets.

November 30 Robert Gsellman was non-tendered, making him a free agent.

Javier Baez elected to sign with the Tigers ending his brief Mets career.

November 29 Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer and the Mets agreed on a record 3 year $130 million dollars contract. The deal also includes a full no trade clause and a player opt out clause after 2 years. Scherzer went 15-4 with a 2.64 ERA last season with the Nationals and Dodgers. Max has won 191 games in his career and is a 3 timed Cy Young Award winner in 2013, 2016, & 2017. It is a historic and a franchise turning point contract.

November 26 The Mets signed outfielder Starling Marte to a 4 year $78 million dollars contract, pending a physical. Marte hit .310 with 12 hrs and 55 rbis. However Marte is a two time gold glove centerfielder and he stole 47 bases last season with the Marlins and the Athletics. Starling was sought after by several other teams.

The Mets and Mark Canha agreed on a two year $26.5 million dollars contract,with a club option for a third. The deal is pending a physical. Canha batted .231 with 17 hrs with 61 rbis last season with the Athletics. Canha plays all three outfield positions.

The Mets signed veteran infielder Eduardo Escobar to a 2 year $20 million dollars contract with a club option for a third. The deal is pending a physical. Escobar hit .253 with 28 hrs and 90 rbis last season with the Diamondbacks and Brewers. Eduardo plays all infield positions.

November 22 Aaron Loup signed with the Angels after he had a career year in 2020. Aaron had a 0.95 ERA.

November 19 The Mets named Billy Eppler as the team’s 16^th General Manager. Eppler signed a 4 year deal. Previously Eppler was the Angels General Manager from 2015-20, among the players he signed were; 2021 A.L. MVP Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Anthony Rendon. Before the Angels he worked in the Yankees organization under Brian Cashman.

November 17 It looks like Billy Eppler will become the next General Manager of the Mets. Reportedly Eppler will get a four year deal. Previously he has worked for the Angels and Yankees under Brian Cashman.

Noah Syndergaard decided to leave the Mets and signed with the Angels. He got an one year contract worth $21 million dollars.

Ex-Mets manager Luis Rojas signed with the Yankees to become their Third Base Coach.

November 6 The Mets extended qualifying offers to Noah Syndergaard and Michael Conforto. The offers are worth $18.4 million dollars for one year. The players have until November 17 to either accept or reject the offers. If either one rejects their offer, the Mets will receive a compensated draft pick.

November 2 The Mets and Zack Scott parted ways because of the alleged DUI charge he had in August. Scott was the acting Gm last session.

October 29 Francisco Lindor was named a finalist for the Gold Glove at Shortstop.

Jacob deGrom was named a finalist for the Silver Slugger award for pitchers.

Jeremy Hefner will be retain as Pitching Coach for the 2022 season, even though the new manager is yet to be named.

Also the Mets continue their search for a President of Baseball Operations. So far, everybody is rejecting their requests.

October 20 Carlos Carrasco had elbow surgery to repair a ligament but he is expected to be ready for spring training.

October 12 The Mets fired or reassigned all of their coaches, except one. The only survivor is Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner. His future will be decided by the new GM and manager.

October 5 J D Davis underwent successful handle surgery to repair a torn ligament.

OCTOBER 4 The team will be looking for a new manager as they declined the option on Luis Rojas. Team President Sandy Alderson offered Rojas another job in the organization. After the team spent 103 days in first place they just collapse in the second half. Sandy Alderson will hire a president of baseball operations first, then he will hire a new manager. It was be the third manager in 5 years.

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