Mets Spring Training Countdown: 11 Days

by Eric Simon on Feb 3, 2011 7:49 PM EST

In June 1978 Tim Teufel was drafted by the Brewers in the 16th round. He didn't sign.

A year later he was drafted by the White Sox in the third round. He didn't sign.

A year after that he was drafted by the Twins in the second round. Finally he signed.

During the winter between 1985 and 1986 Teufel was traded to the Mets for a group of players which included former first-round pick Billy Beane. Teufel didn't hit much during the regular season; his .247/.324/.369 batting line was not quite offset by the entertainment value of his "Teufel shuffle" rump-shaking histrionics at the plate. Anyone can be a hero in the playoffs, and Teufel wrote his own chapter in that book by going 4-for-9 with a home run in the World Series.

More recently Teufel was named as the new manager of the Buffalo Bisons, the Mets' Triple-A affiliate. I believe it may be too cold there to shuffle.

Just 11 days until pitchers and catchers report.

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Another year, another disappointment.

Not expecting much this year, wouldn’t be surprised if the Nats surpass us and claim 4th place in the NL East.

~~sigh~~

by Wei on Feb 3, 2011 8:07 PM EST reply actions

LULZ.

Anonymous strikes again! Damn him!

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!

by Steve Schreiber on Feb 3, 2011 8:18 PM EST up reply actions

Hello

sunshine.

by Eric Simon on Feb 3, 2011 8:42 PM EST up reply actions

the shuffle drives the women here in NY wild

so good

I hate Philadelphia so much.

by the caveman on Feb 3, 2011 9:16 PM EST reply actions

Clearly, Eric's never heard of the phrase, "Shuffling off to Buffalo."

At this point, it’s too cold to shuffle anywhere in the Northeast.

Now, kids, being eaten by a crocodile is just like going to sleep; in giant blender.

by meigs1414 on Feb 3, 2011 10:07 PM EST reply actions

11 Days never seemed so good!

Nor so far away. Man how I long for Summer…

by ScottfromPeekskill on Feb 4, 2011 12:10 AM EST reply actions

Baby im excited

This is gonna be a great season. Mets finish second in division behind the Phils and contend for the East crown. This season will be the launching pad for many good seasons to come. What would make it even better if Cuban bought the team outright and then the Mets had the dough to sign Pujols. And we keep Reyes making out lineup the best in the NL. And combine that with additions to the rotation from the minors or trades and our team is one of the top in the NL next year. Also, I hope for all the marbles that we don’t deal Reyes, unless we get a large haul. He is too much of a difference maker to just get rid of. It is hard to get your hands on a player like Reyes. Then for 2012 we would have a scary lineup with Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Pujols, Bay, Davis-RF, Havens/Murphy, Thole.

by TomCarvel on Feb 4, 2011 2:19 AM EST reply actions

This is the most complete the Mets have looked in years.

We have a great bench comprised of capable and veteran player. Our bullpen is loaded with options and should be better than advertised. And I think our two magic weapons in the pen this year will be Pedro Beato and Bucholz. Beato is a rookie from the Rule 5 and is a big young kid who has a power arm and a nice array of pitches. Combine that with a rotation that should prove reliable. A strong lineup that should continue to produce will complete the golden nugget. I say Mets can win somewhere around 85-94 games.

by TomCarvel on Feb 4, 2011 2:32 AM EST reply actions

I agree that I like the depth with the team now

it’s been a major issue for years that our peripheral players sucked. With a decent bench and a deep list of pen options, it should be a decent season. That said, we need a return to form from a lot of guys to compete this year, so it’s really gonna depend a lot on Dubs getting his K’s down, Reyes and Beltran staying healthy, Johan coming back strong, and Bay finding his power stroke. In many of the previous years the problem was a strong core with no supporting cast. They finally have their depth, now lets hope the key players come out of the gates strong.

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on Feb 4, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

I'd be surprised if Beato and Bucholz make it

they already have K-Rod, Parnell and Carrasco set as righty relievers. The Acostalypse is also on the roster, and I actually don’t think he’s terrible, but we’ll see.

by David G on Feb 4, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

Better shuffle

Ickey or Teufel?

It’s a tough call.

"It’s like being in love with an alcoholic. It’s like, you constantly defend her, and people are like, ‘Dude, your alcoholic friend is a mess,’ and you’re like, ‘Nah, you don’t know her like I do."- Jim Breuer

by spaceboy761 on Feb 4, 2011 9:10 AM EST reply actions