Results tagged “kenjitakabayashi”

-Ryan Howard wins the Home Run Derby: For once, David Wright’s enthusiasm got the best of him. Not that Mets’ fans will complain, but Wright attacked the Home Run Derby the way he does everything else: full bore. The problem was, he didn’t pace himself and after hitting 16 dingers in Round One, he could only muster another six while Howard hit 17 in the first two rounds and then slammed five in the final for the victory. Of course, some speculate that the winner of the contest is cursed, so it is probably ok that Wright lost.

Sunday, Mike Piazza agreed to a $2 million contract to return to the state where he began his Major League career, signing a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres. Staying in the National League, the 37-year old, joins the defending NL West champs and, according to his agent, was told that he could "catch as much as he wanted to." How much might that be? Reportedly about 90-100 games behind the plate as well as some action at 1st base and being the DH during interleague play.

If the ceremonies at the end of the season and the trade for Paul Lo Duca didn't make it clear enough, it's now official. The Mets will not be re-signing Mike Piazza (at least until May 1st) as they declined to offer salary arbitration, effectively ending his eight-year stint with the team. The 37 year-old Hall of Fame bound catcher hit only .251 with 19 home runs and 62 RBI last season. The .251 average was his worst since entering the Majors in 1992. In all likelihood, Piazza is now on his way to an American League team to be a designated hitter.

Despite the fact that the Mets finished their 2005 season on Sunday afternoon with an 11-3 loss, one couldn't quite say that it was a season of disappointment. Finishing with an 83-79 record, their best record since the 2000 season, the Mets managed a 3rd place tie in the NL East.