New Met: - OF - Matt Wilson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2009

Mets Sign OF Matt Watson to Minor League Deal, Assign him to Bisons RosterINF Luis Rivera also Joins Herd

The New York Mets have signed OF Matt Watson, to a minor league contract. He has been assigned and activated by the Bisons and will be in uniform for tonight’s game against the Norfolk Tides at Harbor Park (7:15 p.m.).The Bisons also announced that INF Luis Rivera has been promoted to the club from St. Lucie (A).Buffalo had roster room as OF Emil Brown had his contract selected by the New York Mets today.

Watson, 30, spent the first part of this season with the Doosan Bears of the Korean Baseball League. In 2008, he hit .290 (73-252) with 18 doubles, five home runs and 30RBI in 76 games with the Syracuse Chiefs. He drew 46 walks to only 47 strikeouts, good for a .395 on-base percentage.

Watson has seen big-league time with the Oakland A’s in 2005 (19 games) and with the Mets in 2003 (15 games). In 10 minor league seasons, Watson is a career. 300 hitter (961-3,208) in 912 games with 89 home runs and 522RBI.

Rivera has played in four games with St. Lucie with two hits in 16 at-bats. Last season, he hit .222 (44-198) with one home run and 15RBI in 61 games with St. Lucie.