Michael Cuddyer,
Last night while I was at my job’s holiday party I scanned Twitter to see there was a much chatter on the Mets front. Apparently word leaked on the Mets transaction page that you had retired but the post was quickly rescinded. By the time I had gotten home the rumors were confirmed that you were ending your 15 year career as a professional ball player.
As sad as I am to hear about your decision, I am very appreciative that you are stepping aside in what would appear to be in best interest of the team as well as your health. I realize that this past season was disappointing from a playing standpoint. You had struggled through injury and prolonged slumps which in the end regulated you to a role on the bench. But you took that adversity in stride and even mentored Michael Conforto, your heir apparent.
I also appreciate that you knew that it was time to call it a career, not staying around just to collect a big paycheck but letting new blood get their chance.
I wish you all the luck in the world with whatever your future holds for you, whether it is as a coach within this organization or elsewhere.
And lastly I’d like to say thank you for your service as a Met.
Ed “Rusty Jr” Marcus
Sadly on this date in 1992, Met pitching coach from ’68-’81, Rube Walker passed away. Rube is the longest tenured coach in Mets history.
Some transactions of note include:
The New York Mets traded back up outfielder, Jim Gosger and utility infielder, Bob Heise to the San Francisco Giants for starting pitcher, Ray Sadecki and outfielder, Dave Marshall on December 12, 1969.
The New York Mets traded outfielder Rusty Staub and minor league pitching prospect, Bill Laxton to the Detroit Tigers for one time World Series M.V.P, Mickey Loilich and reserve outfielder, Billy Baldwin on December 12, 1975. This had to be one of the worst trades in Mets history. The still in his prime Staub was traded for three time All-Star, Loilich but Loilich ended up being a total bust. In his only season as a Met Loilich went 8-13 and would retire after the seasons end.
The New York Mets traded outfielder, Gene Clines to the Texas Rangers for outfielder, Joe Lovitto on December 12, 1975. Lovitio never played a regular season game with the Mets. He was released during Spring Training.
The New York Mets traded pitcher, Roy Lee Jackson to the Toronto Blue Jays for utility infielder, Bob Bailor on December 12, 1980.
The New York Mets signed free agent reserve catcher, Orlando Mercado of the Minnesota Twins on December 12, 1989.
The New York Mets traded outfielder, Alex Ochoa to the Minnesota Twins for reserve outfielder, Rich Becker on December 12, 1997.
The New York Mets signed free agent utility infielder, José Valentin of the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 12, 2005. Valentin ended up being one of the unsung heroes from the ’06 NLDS champs.
The New York Mets traded reliever, Scott Schoeneweis to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league reliever, Connor Robertson on December 12, 2008.
Mets reliever, Ambiorix Burgos was granted free agency on December 12, 2008. The less I say about Burgos tenure and off field antics the better !
The New York Mets claimed starting pitcher, Jeremy Hefner on waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 12, 2011. Hefner pitched decently as a spot starter until he required Tommy John surgery back in ’13. He was ready for a return late into the ’14 season when he needed a second TJS procedure. He is currently trying to hook onto a major league team in hopes of making a comeback.
Mo Vaughn feels that Saturday night is alright for fighting !!!
