Cutnpaste: - Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Alfredo Reyes, Skip Lockwood, Johan Santana, Mets Dogs

8-21-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/08/prospect-pulse-left-handed-hitters.html  - Kirk Nieuwenhuis - Captain Kirk, as he is affectionately known to Mets fans, was one of the “fast risers” in the Mets system before he injured the labrum of his non-throwing shoulder while making a diving catch in June. Before that he was considered the Mets best outfield prospect, and a borderline 5-tool guy. Some wondered whether his speed would be adequate for CF, and if he did have to move to a corner OF spot in the big leagues, would his power warrant playing in a power position such as RF? In 1500 lifetime minor league AB’s over four seasons, Captain Kirk has a slash line of .280/.354/.465. The key to his further development, once he recovers from surgery, is to cut down on his strikeouts. His lifetime K/BB ratio of 388/159 indicates just how far he needs to go. Chances are, a strong start to 2012, and he could be called up to the big club by mid-season.

8-23-11: - DSL 2011 End of Season Wrap-Up - http://www.nyfuturestars.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35808&sid=e8719b8eddffd9bc033d0ab708d8aff5  - Alfredo Reyes, 17, SS - The other big signee also didnt have a great debut season. In 52 games at short he hit .191, with 4 XBH (2 2B, 3B, HR) in 188 ABs. He also didnt have a great year with the glove, committing 24 errors at short in 52 games.

Although he did not make the list, Skip Lockwood should be recognized as one of the more dignified Mets relievers in the late 1970s. He was the Mets' closer between the Tug McGraw and Jesse Orosco/Roger McDowell eras. Unfortunately for him, he was also the Mets' closer during one of the darkest eras in franchise history. Lockwood first came up with the Kansas City A's in 1965 but then did not make the major leagues again until 1969 with the Seattle Pilots. He stayed with the Pilots from 1970-1973, including when the team moved to Milwaukee and became the Brewers. - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/822566-new-york-mets-top-10-relievers-of-all-time#/articles/822566-new-york-mets-top-10-relievers-of-all-time/page/2  

While the dream of Johan Santana returning from shoulder surgery to boost a playoff push has gone by the boards, Mets fans might still get to see the ace on the mound in Queens before the end of the season, as Alderson called a major league appearance "conceivable" as part of the lefthander's rehab process. "Johan's doing fine," Alderson said. "It's possible he'll pitch in a game by next weekend. The way things have gone, we're just taking it from outing to outing right now. I saw him on Tuesday last week, throw a bullpen. He felt great and was encouraged, and we talked about how we might use the rest of the minor league season, the instructional league opportunity that he has, maybe winter ball, and maybe some possibility of pitching here, if only for an inning or two, depending on where he is in his schedule." - http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2011/08/30/2011-08-30_ike_runs_as_surgery_decision_looms.html?r=sports  

Elaine Feerick described the incident. "They came at me like a locomotive," Feerick explained. She said that the dog was a pit bull (because how could it possibly not be?) and that it "looked like a wolf." Hold on to your seat Mets fans, because this story just got started. "My friend, who's terrified of dogs, ran for her life faster than I've ever seen her run before," Feerick continued. "I stood there and the pit bull rammed into me like a battering ram — amazingly, I did not go down." Amazing indeed! Why, it's almost as if the dog — perhaps! — barely bumped her and nothing more. - http://gothamist.com/2011/08/29/pack_of_stray_dogs_apparently_adds.php