Bring Back Fonzi
Fonzi was one of the Mets' best hitters they've ever had. (PHOTO BY ICON SMI)
BY ANDREW CAVAGNARO
STACHE WRITER
Last week the NY Post reported that Edgardo Alfonzo wanted to return to Major League Baseball, his team of preference is the Mets. What a nostalgic moment that would be watching Fonzie walk to the batters box in a Mets uniform once again. All I know is I will be the first person at Modell’s to pick up his jersey if he represents my favorite team one last time.
The last time we saw Alfonzo don the blue and orange, it was the end of a miserable 2002 season. He hit .308 with 16 home runs that year and played a solid second base. However, lingering questions regarding his balky back inevitably stamped his ticket out of Flushing and landed him in San Francisco.
Do I think Fonzi can reclaim the magic he brought to the field during the late 90′s and early 00′s? It’s not possible. But I do believe that he is a relic from teams past that achieved more than their natural abilities led on. Alfonzo was a part of Bobby Valentine’s small-ball type of play where defense and situational hitting were key components in a winning brand of baseball. He was a key member of countless late relays and memorable events. Remember he did get six hits in a game and homered off Randy Johnson in the first game of the 1999 NLDS. Most importantly, he was a terrific teammate who cherished the opportunity to wear the Mets uniform.
The Mets of the recent past have quitters with no fire and desire to overcome adversity. Citi Field’s clubhouse needs someone with the heart, grit, and smarts of an Edgardo Alfonzo. He can sit next to David Wright and let him know how a number three hitter should conduct himself. Fonzi could come off the bench and help move a runner over or be a defensive replacement. Even better, he can remind Mets fans of summers past where a night at Shea was a thrill.
Maybe it’s just my affinity for Bobby Valentine’s teams, but the return of Edgardo Alfonzo would help me recapture my ties to a team that seems to have torn over the past few seasons. Hopefully it will tug enough at Mets fans hearts to give them a nostalgic reason to visit Citi Field. Let’s Go Mets.
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as a coach not a player his ship has sailed
I’d invite Fonzi to spring as a non-roster invite for a feel good story, but if he makes the team, something went terribly wrong.
Not resigning Fonzi was one of the best moves Phillips made. The Giants gave him a big contract, and paid big.
The Mets should learn from that when thinking about Delgado, etc.
I agree. Fonzi declined quickly after signing with the Giants. I in no way want the Mets to sign Carlos Delgado. However, the feel good story of seeing Edgardo Alfonzo in Mets colors is very tempting.