Mets to Join Rays with Name Change in ’08

By on Nov 27, 2007 with Comments 0

(Photo: Time)

Los Mets! Los Mets!

NEW YORK/SANTO DOMINGO — The Tampa Bay Rays won’t be the only “new kids” on the block come April. The New York Mets will join the artists-formerly-known-as-the-Devil Rays and don a new name for the 2008 season. Omar Minaya announced the change in a Tuesday morning media conference call.

In a move not surprising to those familiar with the Mets and the Minaya regime, the New York Metropolitans will now officially be known as Los Mets de Nueva York. Those close to the organization said the name change has been contemplated since Minaya took the helm as general manager following the 2004 season.

Known for his ability to connect with Hispanic players, Minaya has brought a plethora of Latin stars to Flushing over the past few seasons including Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran, Moises Alou, Luis Castillo, Pedro Martinez and Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez.

Already this offseason, Minaya has pursued Yankees backston Jorge Posada and gone after Rockies catcher Yorbit Torrealba (before snagging Johnny Estrada), and the latest rumors have his sights set on Phillies righthander Freddie Garcia. The Mets are, of course, also considered serious players in the Johan Santana sweepstakes and have been listed among those “interested” in another Twins starter, Carlos Silva.

Asked about the name change and his penchant toward aquiring Hispanic players, Minaya, who is currently on a scouting trip that will take him through the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Venezuela over the next two months, stated a goal of going “all Latin” by 2009. ” “Plus, we’ve already got the jerseys,” he added.

The starting lineup, as currently constructed, is already almost there. Outside of Virginia-native David Wright at third base, the Mets feature Carlos Delgado at first, Luis Castillo at second (recently signed to a four-year deal), Jose Reyes at short and either Castro or Estrada behind the plate. In the outfield, Beltran and Alou will take two spots with Lastings Milledge and Carlos Gomez likely to compete for the final outfield position in right.

Last offseason, Minaya traded away Brian Bannister and Jeff Keppinger to Kansas City and received Ruben Gotay (Puerto Rico) and Ambiorix Burgos (D.R.) in return. Should the Mets add Garcia, he would join Martinez, Oliver Perez and Hernandez, alongside John Maine in the starting rotation. Young prospects Phillip Humber and Mike Pelfrey will battle for a starting spot though both are considered among the Mets top trade bait.

The bullpen and bench were cited as additional reasons for the Los Mets moniker, with Duaner Sanchez due to return to a ‘Pen that features Pedro Feiliciano, Jorge Sosa and Juan Padilla. But the players are not the only place Minaya’s Latin leanings can be seen.

Other South-of-the-Border touches to Queens over the past few years include the signing of Banco Popular as the Mets exlcusive bank sponsor. Sources say that in light of the name change Los Mets are also considering adding Salsa Night, Mariachi Night, Samba Night and Maquarana Madness Night to a lineup that currently features Merengue Night and Fiesta Latina, two of Shea’s most popular annual promotional evenings.

Editor’s Note: Though I would never have thought this was necessary…based on the frightening number of emails and inquiries re: the Deshaun Stevenson “report” previously featured on this site, we would like to make clear that the above is satirical. It is penned with the same spirit as much of the content on this site…an attempt to be creative, and provide some commentary on the world of sports that might spark a chuckle during an otherwise drab work day.

In this case, we are speaking to what can be perceived as Minaya’s almost fanatical attention to adding Hispanic players to the Mets roster. In reality, the Mets latest 40-man roster is just over half Hispanic versus a league-wide average of about 30%. As a season ticket holder, I’m for anything that brings a pennant back to Shea. Heck, Omar can import the entire Cuban national team if that will do it (God knows, I certainly don’t need to see any more Aaron Sele or Scott Schowenweis in Queens). It’s just humorous to continue to read about potential Mets moves year-after-year and seemingly 90% revolve around players of Hispanic descent.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tags: • •

About the Author: Cecilio's Scribe is the founder of The Legend of Cecilio Guante and a generally pessimistic fan of the Mets, Jets, Knicks and Rangers. A fine NYC-based gentlemen who hones his marketing skills as his primary trade by day. Husband, chef, father of a newborn and after-hours blogger by night. Proud alum of the mighty Big Red of Cornell. University. Hot sauce devotee. Staunch protester of the continued wussifcation of American sports. Sometimes I rhyme slow, sometimes I rhyme quick.

RSSComments (0)

Trackback URL

Leave a Reply




If you want a picture to show with your comment, go get a Gravatar.