Jeremiah Bowens Retires at age 37, Receives Spot in Mets Honour Roll

Fresh into the 2044 season, the future of Mets pitcher and eight-time all-star Jeremiah Bowens was in doubt.  Absent from spring training and the first two weeks of the season, Bowens had a final year left on his contract worth $13 million. This comes after spending the majority of 2042 and 2043 on the disabled list and in Triple-A affiliate Las Vegas.

Today the Mets and Bowens held a press conference to put the questions to rest.  Jeremiah Bowens officially announced his retirement from baseball at the age of 37.  In doing so, he foregoes the final year of his deal.  He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and his home in North Carolina.

Jeremiah exploded onto the scene as a fan favourite and charismatic pitcher.  After a late call-up in 2030 and 2031 he earned a spot on the Mets opening day roster in 2032.  In his first full year, he won his only Cy Young award winning an impressive 21 games.  The Mets ended up losing the NL Championship that year after a bad performance by the young Bowens in the final game of the series.

Jeremiah did not let that disappointment stop him.  Determined to avenge the performance he had an impressive 2033 and pitched absolutely lights out in the playoffs.  Going a perfect 5-0 in the playoffs including winning both games 1 and 4 of the World Series, leading the Mets to their only World Title in the FCM Era.

Bowens spent the next decade as a leader on the field and in the locker room for the Mets making the all-star team eight times.  He unfortunately had his 2042 season cut short due to a separated shoulder.  He never fully recovered, spending 2042 and 2043 largely in the minors.  In this time he accepted more of a player/coach role.  Pitching for the fans of Las Vegas while also playing a large part in the development of prospects at the AAA-level.

General Manager and Owner Corey Sacrey had a lot of kind words to say about Jeremiah at the press conference.  "I've been the general manager of this team for almost 34 years.  In that time I have seen a lot of league greats come in and out of New York.  I can tell you that Bowens is one of the best pitchers I have every seen.  Jeremiah was part of the identity of this team for over a decade and was a Met from draft to retirement. He was a large portion of why we won the world series in 2032 and for that myself and the team will always be grateful for Jeremiah."

Also at the press conference, The Mets announced Jeremiah Bowens would be inducted into the Mets Honour Roll and have his own appreciation night on September 21 when the Mets take on rival Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium. Bowens becomes the first player to be inducted into the Mets Honour Roll since Brian Metcalf in 1932.

When asked what was next for Bowens, he said he wants to spend more time with his family and relax from the wear and tear the baseball season has put on him.  He did not completely rule out a future in major league coaching, stating he enjoyed his time in Las Vegas and would hope to return there in the future as a coach with the team.

Public Enemy #1 in New York today: Kansas City Royals

To steal an analogy from the wrestling world, Kansas City Royals on-again off-again GM Mikey Sweet has pulled a 1996 Bash at the Beach Hogan-sized heel turn in the eyes of the Mets organization.

The Mets and the FCM Universe were shocked to find out that Aaron Pitman, ace pitcher of the Royals and a former prospect in the Mets organization, was on his way to the NL and the St. Louis Cardinals. Many predict the Cardinals and the Mets as the odds-on favourites to face each other in the NL Championship to determine who goes on to the World Series.  New York Mets long-time GM Corey Sacrey is said to be livid today upon hearing the news about the monster deal that strengthens the Mets rival.  Sources within the Mets organization mentioned that they were under the understanding that if Pitman were ever to be put up on the market and traded, they would at least be given the heads up and offered the chance to match or beat any trade offer.  There was no contact between the Royals or Mets during the entire trading process.

Corey and Mikey are known around the league as being long-time friends in and outside of the Mogul World and had a friendly rivalry occuring within FCM whenever the Mets and Royals faced in interleague play.  When reached out for comment about the deal and his friendship with the Royals GM, Corey had harsh words for Mikey and the Royals organization. "What friendship? In the Mogul World our friendship is finished.  We wish Pitman luck in St. Louis and are just happy to see he gets to upgrade and play for a team that seems to be headed in the right direction rather than the wrong one."

Sources close to the situation have said that Corey contacted Mikey about the situation upon hearing about the deal and when Mikey tried to play damage control it only caused the situation to further deteriorate.  It will probably be a while before this Mogul bridge will be mended and we see any trading between these two teams.

New York Mets 2029 Season Preview

There is renewed optimism in New York right now as the Mets head into the 2029 season with a lot of new faces in the lineup.  After what was a disappointing start to the 2028 season, the Mets saw an unloading of fan favorite players in exchange for prospects and cash.  Despite this change, the Mets saw their statistically best months in August and September after the call-ups of many young players from AAA.  The team will largely continue the youth movement this year with a lot of the veteran leadership coming from Sean Fisk and Brian Metcalf.

Additions
+ C Nick Buck (Signed 2 year x $2 million contract)
+ C Ken Walker (Signed Minor League Tryout)
+ SP Max Roberts (Signed 1 year x $2.5 million contract)
+ SP Freddy Magdelena (Signed Minor League Tryout)
+ RP Mike Pellack (Signed 2 year x $2.3 million contract)

The additions are small but meaningful for the Mets.  Nick Buck was signed largely to act as the starting catcher for this upcoming season. The backup catcher spot will be held by fellow signee in Ken Walker who will act as a defensive specialist.

Two of the pitching additions should be familar to Mets fans.  Magdelena returns to the team where he was drafted and spent 5 years in the rotation.  He is expected to start the year as one of many pitchers fighting for the long reliever/alternate starter.  Max Roberts comes back to the Mets after being a part of the Allen Thomas trade last season and spending the second half of the season with Colorado.

Subtractions
- C Samuel Ardans (Retirement)
- C Brandon Weber (Release)
- SS Juan Ganzalas (Release)
- 3B Prescott Yarr (Release)
- SP Dee Wright (Release)
- RP Chad Wheeler (Release, signed with Atlanta)

The off-season loss of Chad Wheeler is the most meaningful name on this list.  Although he never had the reliability to take over as the closer for the Mets, he was an arm that helped out frequently in the bullpen.

Predicted Starters

Infield:
C Nick Buck
1B Robin Dyess
2B Dernest Johnson
SS Sean Fisk
3B Travis Cottingham

With the exception of Buck, this is the same lineup that started last year.  Being the most consistent area on the team, they will be expected to provide solid defense and offense on a team that is extremely young elsewhere.

Outfield:
LF Joseph Binford
CF CC Armstrong
RF Todd Henry
Platoon: Jeff Albin

After the trading of Prescott Hill and Marc Graf, the Mets called up 3 outfielders and they will be expected to continue in their new roles.  They will have to be on their toes though as if any of them seem to be going through sophomore growing pains, Jeff Albin is more then ready to step in.

Rotation:
Dave Sampson
Mathew Belovsky
Manny Bederra
Kyle Lenglet
Max Roberts

3 more young players lead the Mets in the 1-3 spots of the rotation.  They will be backed up by veterans Kyle Lenglet and Max Roberts.

Bullpen:
Travis McCliverty
Jose Jimenez
Brian Metcalf
Mike Pellack
Dan Vanhouten
Brent Ruediger

The bullpen is largely the same but with Mike Pellack replacing Chad Wheeler.  McCliverty starts his first full season in the closer role.  Ruediger also begins his first year with the Mets after being a part of the Rockies for the past 5 seasons.  He came over as a part of the Graf deal but was injured for the second half of last season.

Conclusion:
The Mets see a much lower payroll this season then in the past few.  Mets ownership and management have purposely made the decision to lower ticket prices as a result.  Tickets to a Mets game are now averaging $20 a ticket, down over 15% from last year.  At those prices, I urge anyone in the New York area to go out and support the young Mets organization.

Tragedy in New York: Fernando Martinez leaves field, unlikely to ever return

Tregedy occurred in the eighth inning of the game at CitiField on Wednesday, May 6th. Trying to make a diving catch at the wall to save the game, New York outfielder Fernando Martinez dove head first right into the left field wall. Play was instantly called dead as Martinez lay unconscious on the field for several minutes. Both teams wished for the best. Mets medical staff were quick to provide a neckbrace and stretcher for Martinez, and he did eventually gain consciousness on the field. The hope was that it was just the initial shock that caused the unconsciousness but when Martinez woke up he did not have any feeling from the waist down.

After further testing, worst fears were validated, Martinez had broken vertebra in two sections of his back. While with surgery and a lot of physical therapy it is likely he would regain the ability to walk, it is unlikely he will ever return to the baseball field.

"This team has lost a lot of it's veterans over the past few years, and Fernando was looked at as a leader for many of the young players. I speak for all the players on this team when I say that we wish Fernando a full recovery." said teammate Aroldis Chapman.

At a press conference, the New York Mets dedicated the rest of the season to Fernando Martinez. "Fernando was a great baseball player and he dedicated many years of his life to play baseball as a Met. The New York Mets will not forget this service. The entire organization would rather you be playing with us but we definitely wish you a full recovery. Just know that there will always be a spot with the organization for you." said New York Mets owner Corey Sacrey.

The team did say as a tribute they would be moving ahead with the Fernando Martinez bobblehead giveaway on July 25th, with the team donating a portion of ticket revenue to the charity of Fernando's choosing.

Exclusive: David Wright Benched?

Word coming out of New York is that the days of David Wright starting in 3B for the New York Mets are coming to an end. Sources report that David Wright has been approached about the possibility of him being benched if he can't find his swing back. Wright missed a large portion of last season with a ruptured disc in his spine. When he did return, he seemed a shell of himself, batting just .154 in the Mets 4 game loss in the NLCS to the Cubs.

Wright tested free agent waters but eventually settled on a return to the Mets on a one year, $2.5 million contract. He was not handed the 3B job but earned it through a decent spring training and because he provided stability in a Mets lineup that was already losing Jesus Montero, Jeff Francoeur and Reese Havens. So far he has followed up that spring batting just .222. The more pressing matter is that he has yet to knock a single ball outside of the park.

When reached out for a comment on the rumours, Wright was more then humble. "This is my 18th season with the team. Last season the team proved that they can make the playoffs without me. There is not much more that I can do then to give all I can out on the field. If me sitting on the bench means we have a better shot at winning baseball games then there is not much I can do. I will continue to give it 110%."

Management did not respond at our attempts to contact them. The question is, who will take over at 3B? R.J. Brown currently sits on the bench but he has never been known as a strong hitter. Batting only .188 in limited time this season, it would seem unlikely he would inherit the job.

The more likely move would be to make the call to Buffalo and call up Travis Cottingham to take over the job. Cottingham has been impressive in AAA this season and many thought he was less then a year away when he arrived from the Marlins in the off-season. Only time will tell on if this rumour is true or not.

Report: Gallardo Traded to Mets in Blockbuster

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Mets Magazine, an online magazine devoted to all things New York Mets. The magazine will be updated periodically to deliver the latest news and analysis on your New York Mets.

For our first update we bring you breaking news. Minutes ago we just learned that the New York Mets pulled off a blockbuster deal with the slumping Detroit Tigers. In exchange for prospect 3B Eric Adams and the Mets 2nd round pick in this years draft, the Mets receive ace pitcher Yovani Gallardo.

Calls to management and Gallardo were not returned, but a press conference has been called for tomorrow at CitiField where the deal is expected to be announced to the public, pending league approval. After the press conference it is expected Gallardo will fly to Cincinnati to join the Mets in order to meet the coaching staff and players and work out alongside with the team. His first start will likely not occur until the team returns home and faces the Washington Nationals.

Gallardo joins an injury riddled staff that has already seen Aroldis Chapman and Josh Stinson go down with injuries. Gallardo will be requested to replace Chapman as the veteran ace of the pitching staff and hopefully lead the Mets into the playoffs for the first time in three years. Chapman has not ruled out being ready if the Mets are in contention late into the season.

The Detroit Tigers have been off to a disappointing start at 24-28. There have been rumours that Gallardo was going to test free agent waters at the end of the season, it is currently not known how being a New York Met will change that intention.

Stay tuned to this blog for Mets news as it happens. MetsMagazine, your #1 source for all things Mets in the FCM.