January 21, 2006- After a tumultuous relationship with the New York media and the Mets. Anna Benson, and husband Kris are traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Jorge Julio and John Maine. While Kris Benson posted a meager 4.13 ERA with a 10-8 record, his wife, Anna repeatedly captured the headlines of the back page of newspapers with her quotes and suggestive photo opts. Whether they are missed is still debatable.
January 22, 2001- Hero of the 1969 “Miracle Mets”, Tommy Agee, passed away of cardiac arrest. He will always be remembered for his two fantastic catches and dramatic home run in the World Series. He was just 58.
January 22, 2010- In desperate need of a Center Fielder while Carlos Beltran is on the mend, the Mets trade reliever Brian Stokes for a Gary Matthews Jr that was well past his prime. Matthews Jr would go on to collect 11 hits while driving in just one run in only 36 games with the team. Stokes pitched an 8.10 ERA in just 16.2 innings. Neither player has reached the Majors since that season.
January 24, 1980- Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon purchased the New York Mets for a, then, record $21.1 Million. Wilpon still owns the team to this day. Much to the dismay of many beleaguered fans.
And Gary Matthews, Jr. was seen fit to start in CF on Opening Day 2010…facepalm…
My thoughts exactly Charlie. With him there in 2010, we have no room to complain about this year’s platoon.