I’m going to try a new format for my link dump today, because I’m kind of bored with the bullet points.  I’ll include the links in paragraph form, like some other sites do.  Instructions: when you see a link, click on it.

And away we go…

The Mets have begun to make some minor moves in order to position themselves for the rest of the offseason.  They removed LHP Justin Hampson from the 40-man roster.  He then opted for free agency.  New York also dropped C Rob Johnson from the 40-man roster.  He will also become a free agent.  We’ll always have your 1 scoreless inning on the mound, Rob.

Hampson and Johnson?  Well, there goes our chances for 2013, eh?

These moves are intended to make room for prospects the Mets want to protect from the rule 5 draft.

In other news, the Mets sacked strength and conditioning coach Brad Andress.  Over the past few years, it seems like some Mets players tend to wear down at the end of the season.  See Ruben Tejada and Daniel Murphy, for instance, in 2012, and Jonathan Niese (pre nose-job) and Dillon Gee in 2011.  Perhaps someone with a new approach will help the team improve in this area.

Collin McHugh’s encounter with a young fan helped him appreciate what he has, instead of dwelling on the way his season ended.

A certain optimistic Mets fan looks at some players who could have bounce back seasons in 2013.

Tejada and David Wright formed a very nice left side of the infield this year.  The big question this offseason is, how much longer will this duo remain together.

Justin Hampson

In the 8^th inning of last night’s game, two left-handed hitters were due to bat for the Yankees.  Terry Collins elected not to bring in LHP Tim Byrdak, but kept Miguel Batista in for a second inning of work.  Batista threw a tailing fastball to Robinson Cano, who drove it over the home run apple in center field for the eventual game-winning run.

It’s possible, with a shorthanded bullpen in a tie game, Collins wanted to get multiple innings out of Batista.  It’s also possible he wanted to save Byrdak for another situation in the 9^th or 10^th.  On Saturday, he said he was saving Byrdak and Parnell for the 9^th inning in lieu of Frank Francisco, who had injured his oblique during warmups.

Francisco would go on the DL on Sunday, at which point Collins said Parnell would be his interim closer.  Still, he chose not to use Byrdak in the 8^th.

To give Collins another left-handed option, the Mets recalled LHP Justin Hampson today from Buffalo.  Hampson was killing it at Triple-A to the tune of a 2.13 ERA and a .218 opposing batting average against left handers.  He has also held right handers to a .233 average.

Having 2 lefties in the bullpen is something this team has needed all year.  Robert Carson was recalled from Double-A earlier this season, but Collins used him sparingly, and usually in a mop-up role.

To make room for Hampson on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated OF-1B Vinny Rottino for assignment.  Rottino has been a useful right-handed bat off the bench, and was in the middle of the Mets’ 4-run, game-tying rally.  Rottino will have to clear waivers before being sent back to Buffalo.

Hampson last pitched in the majors for the San Diego Padres.  He has a career 3.38 ERA over three seasons.  He was a member of the independent Long Island Ducks in 2010.