Thursday’s Mets News: Amazins’ Sign Claudio Vargas
With Pedro on the DL and with El Duque out indefinitely, Omar Minaya felt like he had to bring in a starter ASAP. Minaya signed RHP Claudio Vargas to a minor-league contract today. Vargas, 29, was released by the Brewers on March 25 earlier this spring which means that he was available. In his career, Claudio is 43-38 with a 4.95 ERA in 153 games. This isn’t a spectacular signing, but it is a body…And bodies are what the Mets need right now.
Robinson’s legacy a major part of Citi - Anthony DiComo noted that Major League Baseball has chosen to anchor its Jackie Robinson Day festivities at Shea Stadium this year. Am I the only person that doesn’t understand why the Dodgers doesn’t handle all of Jackie Robinson’s festivities? Am I the only person that doesn’t understand how it defaulted to the Mets? From the retired number to the 50th Anniversary to the festivities, I don’t understand it at all. I know Robinson played for the Dodgers in NY fifty years ago. Is there any other player in the majors that has another organization celebrate his achievements? Please let me know if you know the answer.
Patient Mets end Phillies’ hex at Shea - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.
Mets take aim at series win over Phils - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.
El Duque suffers setback with hurt foot - Anthony DiComo reported that Orlando Hernandez suffered a tendon strain in his right foot, and he has to wear a protective boot for about two weeks. DiComo believes that El Duque may still be months away.
Randolph hopes to share No. 42 tribute - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Willie Randolph wore No. 42 during last month’s annual Jackie Robinson Day, but Willie would rather a player on his team wears it during next week’s Jackie Robinson Day festivities.
Mets play it safe with Castillo - Anthony DiComo reported that Luis Castillo will most likely not play tonight against the Phillies. Castillo is still listed as day-to-day.
Newsday:
Mets’ Castillo to miss a “couple” more days
Duque out; Vargas on way in? - David Lennon reported that the Mets may sign Claudio Vargas to a minor-league contract due to the status of El Duque. Last night, SNY stated that the Mets may sign Vargas as soon as today.
Give Phillies most of the credit for Mets’ win
Pelfrey gets win; Mets helped by sloppy Phils
New York Daily News:
Bumbling Phils make it easy for Mets
Bruntlett comes up short for Phillies
Knee has Luis Castillo in tight spot
Mets snap Phillies’ dominant streak
New York Post:
TIME OFF IS WHAT CASTILLO NEEDS
SLOPPY PHILS HELP SNAP AMAZIN’ SKID
New York Times:
For One Night at Least, Mets and Phillies Trade Places
The Star-Ledger:
Mets sign RHP Claudio Vargas - Joel Magaraci reported that the Mets signed Claudio Vargas to a minor-league contract. Vargas will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., before joining Triple-A New Orleans of the Pacific Coast League. Vargas hopefully will eat some innings due to the loses of Pedro and El Duque.
El Duque shut down; Vargas deal close
What’s that smell? - Dan Graziano explains how poorly both teams played last night.
Mets close to signing Claudio Vargas
