Archbishop Molloy grad Baxter could realize boyhood dream of playing for the New York Mets

Mike Baxter, who played under the legendary Jack Curran at Archbishop Molloy in Queens, is poised to replace Carlos Beltran on the Mets roster once he is traded. The 2002 Molloy grad was claimed off of waivers from the San Diego Padres last week after recovering from a spring training injury where he damaged ligaments in his left thumb after diving for a fly ball.

Since his signing, Baxter, the outfielder-first baseman was quickly promoted to Class AAA Buffalo from Class A Port St. Lucie after batting .438 in four games. Baxter didn't disappoint the Buffalo fans, swatting a home run in his first at-bat off of Scranton pitcher D.J. Mitchell.

The Whitestone native was excited about the possibility of playing with his hometown team. “I loved being with San Diego and I was disappointed at first, but then I was thrilled to learn I was claimed by the team I grew up rooting for. That was just fantastic."

Baxter made his major league debut as a September call-up in 2010, going 1-for-8, mostly as a pinch hitter. He was placed on the 40-man roster after his signing and could be first on the list to be recalled with Fernando Martinez and Kirk Nieuwenhuis on the disabled list.

More Info -
Baxter basking in big league call-up - New York Post
Meet Mike Baxter - Mets minor league blog
Queens native Baxter a hit with Triple-A Portland -  Dylan Butler

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Dwight Gooden serves customers at Sofrito

Last week legendary New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden appeared at the famous Puerto Rican restaurant Sofrito as a guest server. Gooden assisted in the kitchen and greeted patrons at the Midtown establishment owned in part by current New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran. Click here to see more photos and read a complete review of the event.

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Mets acquire Gary Matthews Jr. - Will the second time around be a charm?

MLB.com reports that the New York Mets have acquired outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. from the Los Angeles Angels for relief pitcher Brian Stokes. In addition to paying off a $500,000 obligation for trading Matthews, the Angels will pick up $21.5 million of the $23.5 million remaining on his contract. Matthews signed an albatross of a contract after having a breakout season in 2006 with the Texas Rangers, batting .313 and earning a spot on the American League All-Star team. He has hit .252, .242. and .250 in the three seasons he played with the Angels after signing the $23.5 million dollar contract in the 2006 off-season.

This is Matthews' second tour of duty with the Mets, as he was signed in December of 2001 from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played in two games for the Mets in 2002, going hitless in 1 at-bat before being traded to the Orioles for pitcher John Bale. Matthews was acquired to fill the centerfield void left by Carlos Beltran who will be out until May following knee surgery. He will be in competition with Angel Pagan for the starting centerfield spot throughout spring training.

Matthews initially spurned most trade requests this year because he couldn't be guaranteed playing time. Mets GM Omar Minaya said Friday during a conference call that Beltran's injury provided an opening for Matthews, "There's an opportunity for him to come into New York and hopefully be able to get more playing time," Minaya said. "I think the key for him is going to be playing time."

The Mets have taken a low risk option in acquiring Matthews, as the Angels have picked up most of his salary. They say things are better the second time around, but with Matthews' recent performance and his age (35), signs point to Matthews offering the Mets very little in terms of power and average.

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Manuel Names Daniel Murphy Mets Left Fielder

New York Newsday reports that Jerry Manuel has named Daniel Murphy at his starting left-fielder for the 2009 season. Murphy batted .313 in 49 games last season after his August 2nd call up. Murphy meteorically rose to the Mets last season, spending most of 2008 in AA, playing only one game in AAA before being summoned to the big show.
"I don't want him to get into a strictly platoon situation," Manuel said. "I think he's a little better player than that. Also, with Church being a lefthanded hitter, I kind of see Murphy being a better hitter right now at this time, so Tatis could go that way [in rightfield]. It all depends on how well they're doing. If they're not getting hits, they're not going to play. Development or whatever, they've got to perform."
While Murphy has shown that he can hit well, there are concerns surrounding his shaky outfield defense. The Mets even attempted to convert Murphy to second base in the Arizona Fall League to supplant Luis Castillo, but that experiment was unsuccessful. He spent the remainder of the off-season working out at his alma mater, Jacksonville University, with his brother Jonathan who is a freshman outfielder. He has also been receiving assistance from Carlos Beltran.
While Manuel's move may seem premature as the Mets have yet to play a Spring Training game, Manuel is sure about the young player's abilities. "I'm confident. The way he swings the bat, I'm confident that he can handle that. I don't have a problem with that."

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Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran Honored at 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner

Tuesday evening at the Grand Hyatt New York City brought us the 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, benefiting the AHRC. Among the honorees for their charity work were New York Yankee Outfielder, Johnny Damon and New York Met Outfielder, Carlos Beltran.

Johnny Damon, Ron Swoboda, Carlos Beltran / N. Diunte

Damon received the Thurman Munson Award as a result of his involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project. Damon was glowing in his praise of Munson, describing him as a "gamer, great family guy, great competitor and a champion."

As much as he tried during the press conference, he could not escape the repeated questions about Joe Torre's new book which had been released the same day. Damon took a little jab at the reporters.

"I'm not sure I am going to need to read the book as I am going to hear every little bit about it every single day."

Beltran was honored for his charitable donations to create sports education programs in his native Puerto Rico. He was proud to be recognized for his efforts.

"It's about doing things right off of the field, being able to give back to the people who really need it the most," Beltran said. "When I give, I don't expect to receive awards, but when you do, it lets you know you are doing the right thing."

Beltran also tried to sidestep the Torre questions, after a reporter found the two sentences where Beltran was mentioned in the book.

"When I met with the Yankees, he wasn't there, he didn't know what we talked about," Beltran said. "He said what he said, and that's his opinion. I don't have a comment on it. I am happy where I am."

Also honored were: 1969 Mets players Ron Swoboda, Bud Harrelson, Art Shamsky, Ed Kranepool, NY Giants Wide Receiver David Tyree, former NY Knick Allan Houston and Olympic Gold Medalist Dara Torres. On hand at the event to present awards were former Yankee Bernie Williams, and 1986 Mets pitcher and SNY analyst Ron Darling.

Johnny Damon










David Tyree, Diana Munson, Allan Houston, Dara Torres, Bernie Williams

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Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Ron Swoboda to Appear At The 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner Tuesday February 3, 2009 at Grand Hyatt, NYC

Who: Honorees/Special Guests: New York Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran; New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon; 1969 Amazin' Mets, celebrating the 40th anniversary of World Championship, right fielder Ron Swoboda will accept; outfielder Art Shamsky, shortstop Bud Harrelson, 1st baseman Ed Kranepool, 3rd baseman Ed Charles, Joan Hodges, wife of manager Gil Hodges, son Gil Hodges, Jr., Maxene Agee, wife of centerfielder Tommie Agee, will be in attendance; Giants Super Bowl hero David Tyree; former Knicks All-Star guard Allan Houston; Olympic gold medalist Dara Torres; Corporate Hero Award honoree: Michael Rosen, Partner, Bryan Cave; Diana Munson, widow of late, great Yankee catcher Thurman Munson; Len Berman, NBC Sports, Master of Ceremonies.

What: 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner to benefit the AHRC-NYC Foundation

Where: Grand Hyatt New York, 42nd Street at Grand Central; Chrysler Room, Mezzanine Level

When: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 Time: 7:00 pm dinner/ awards

For More Information: 212-649-6188

Diana Munson, Thurman's widow, has been involved in the benefit since its inception, raising nearly $9 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The honorees will be cited for their accomplishments on the field of play and philanthropic efforts. The AHRC New York City Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City. AHRC New York City is one of the largest organizations of its kind, serving 11,000 children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

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