Archive for the ‘Frank Catalanotto’ Category

BY MATTHEW FALKENBURY
ASSISTANT EDITOR

There is nothing like watching Francisco Rodriguez try to nail down the save. Its like getting to watch the Circus perform some of its most awe inspiring acts either in person or on SNY/PIX 11. With that in mind, I think K-Rod needs to change his entrance music to fit the mood that comes with the high wire act he performs each time there is a save opportunity.

I don’t know about all of you, but not only does this song pump me up, it totally explains what exactly the circus atmosphere around K-Rod is like. Oh and don’t worry, as the song says, as long a K-Rod is here, the show will most certainly never end.

Is Alfonzo coming back? (PHOTO BY ICON/SMI)

FRANK GRAY
STACHE WRITER

The New York Mets have long been without a presence of leadership and quiet consistent confidence. There are several players that exude those attributes in Mets lore. One of them is Edgardo Alfonzo. While with the Mets, he became a leader and an example. He was what is called, ‘clutch’. Not many players can claim that anymore, especially in Queens.

The team has been searching for quality back up players and all the while spending and wasting valuable money on starters that don’t belong in the major leagues. According to MLB Rumors.com, Alfonzo had recently expressed interest in playing in the MLB again and more specifically with the Mets. The team has a need on the bench and even more so, a need at second base.

That position is currently being patrolled by Luis Castillo, who is having a poor season. His batting average (.246)and on base percentage (.340) are lower than his career averages. He does have seven stolen bases and two triples this season so far, but he is not getting on base and doing what he was paid to do entirely.
Read the rest of this entry »

Chris Carter is finally getting his chance. (PHOTO BY ICON SMI)

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

The cinderella story of the New York Mets is finally over, and the clock has struck midnight on Frank Catalanotto. Although I liked him and the story that he came with, he wasn’t performing, and he was designated for assignment because of it.

With one bit of sad news comes a bit of exciting news. Chris Carter, who has been absolutely tearing it up at Triple A, is heading to Queens and he will be in uniform in time for Tuesday’s second game against the Nationals. Carter will serve in a similar role that Catalanotto did, but he offers more power, which is something this Mets’ bench has been desperately missing.

You know what they say. Better late than never.
Read the rest of this entry »

Frank Catalanotto may be on his way out if he doesn't hit better.

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

Although it’s early in the season, things are beginning to take form for the Mets. We are seeing whether or not players fit, and we have already seen changes to make this team better. The calling up of Jenrry Mejia and Ike Davis has really brought some youth and exuberance to the lineup, and the loose ends have been dealt with.

For example, two people that aren’t currently wasting space on the Mets’ roster are Sean Green and Mike Jacobs. Green is hurt, and he will probably take his time recovering, and Jacobs was forced to accept an assignment at Triple-A because he simply just isn’t that good. But there might be one more spare part that might be on his way out sooner rather than later, and that man is Frank Catalanotto.

I, like the next guy, love the Long Island success story. Being from North Bellmore, I had no problem rooting for Frank, but he seems like he is out of his element. If he is going to take up a spot on the roster, he needs to be the pinch hitter that he has been in the past. Enough of these ground balls to second base. There may be someone else looming in the distance, and by distance I mean in Buffalo.
Read the rest of this entry »

Catalanotto has always been valuable because of his versatility.

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

The Rangers have officially informed Andruw Jones that he has made the team, and Frank Catalanotto is going to be cut because of it. The Rangers are out of roster spots and the fact that Catalanotto hit just .317 this spring didn’t do enough to help his case. Now the superman will get the chance to resurrect his career with another team, and who would be better than the Metropolitans of New York to take him in.

I know what the argument against it is. He is coming off of a couple of down years in which he hit just .260 and then .274 in limited action. But that beats the hell out of Marlon Anderson’s lack of production any day. The Mets can probably try to dangle Anderson, and if they find no takers, they can waive him to the minors. If he gets claimed, then so be it, but Catalanotto would definitely be much more of a help to this team. We are talking about a guy who has a .292 career batting average. In 2001, he batted .330 and he has batted over .300 four different times. His versatility makes him a positive asset to this team, and it is worth cutting Anderson loose.

Imagine it now. He can back up first, second, left, center, right and I think he has even caught a few times in his career. He could serve as the emergency catcher so Carlos Delgado’s nightmares finally stop. Either way, this is a move that the Mets would be smart to make if he comes on the cheap. Look for a team to act quick, and hopefully, he will be in Citifield when the season gets underway next week.