Tobi Stoner, Stephen Holmes, Bobby Jones, Hugo Chavez... and Frenchy's Lack of Walking

Tobi Stoner:

RHP, Mets - A starter in the minor leagues, Stoner's best shot to crack the 2010 pitching staff could be in long relief, though the pitching poor Mets likely will have rotation needs as the season evolves. Hardly overpowering, Stoner, 25, is 27-32 with a 3.57 ERA in 88 minor league starts since being taken in the 16th round of the 2006 draft. - link

Stephen Holmes:
 
RHP, Rhode Island, #154 Overall: Holmes was a college starter with fringe-average stuff, but above-average command of a fringy fastball. He profiled best as a swing man in the pros, or perhaps a middle reliever, though he was expected to go in the fourth to sixth round, in this range. Following players selected: Chris Hatcher, Devin Shepherd, Quintin Berry. Signing bonus: $168,000. - link
 

Bobby Jones:
 
Jones was the Mets’ first-round draft pick out of Fresno State in 1991. Two years later he was in the majors. Jones pitched for the Mets for eight seasons. He also cooked.


“Me and Turk Wendell used to eat fried turkey in the bullpen a lot during batting practice,” Jones said with a laugh. “We didn’t really have a kitchen at Shea, but when I went to San Diego I cooked a lot.”

Jones posted a 74-56 record for the Mets. The turning point came during the 2000 season, when he was sent to the minors. - link

Hugo Chavez:

President Hugo Chavez and several members of his Cabinet took to the field on Thursday for slow-pitch softball game with some of Venezuela's past and present major leaguers.

Among the players on hand were New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus and former Cincinnati Reds shortstop David Concepcion.

Chavez wore a jacket bearing the image of Venezuela's flag as he walked onto the diamond for a pre-game ceremony. He presented the major leaguers with a medal of honor named after Venezuelan independence hero Francisco de Miranda.
The president then pitched two innings and allowed seven runs. Rodriguez gave up 11 runs during three innings.

Chavez's team won 14-12. - link

Frenchy Lack of Walking:

Jeff Francoeur treats pitches the way a mean teacher treats unmotivated students: Thou shall not pass.

With the Atlanta Braves in 2006, Francoeur drew 23 walks in 686 plate appearances. Last season, with the Braves and Mets, Francoeur again allowed 23 free passes, this time in 632 plate appearances.

He has a .271 lifetime batting average and averages about 20 home runs over 162 games. - link
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