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Wilpon Sees Mets' 2005 Campaign As A Step Forward

As the Mike Piazza era likely draws to a close, Mets owner Fred Wilpon views 2005 as a step forward.

"I think it's progress. I'm not sure [what] success is unless you are in the playoffs," Wilpon said Thursday following a news conference to launch the SportsNet New York (SNY), the cable network that will broadcast most of his team's games starting next year.

In the first season since Omar Minaya took over as general manager and Willie Randolph became manager, Pedro Martinez flourished and Carlos Beltran foundered for much of the year. Piazza, now 37 and nearing the end of a $91 million, seven-year contract, is likely entering his final weekend with the Mets.

"Our people are now assessing what they need and when they need it and how they need it," Wilpon said. "I don't know where they're going to come out. The likelihood is that Mike can be served best in the American League. We've heard that. I guess he has to make that decision as well."

Via ESPN

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Pedro Probably Shut Down For Season

A "banged up" Pedro Martinez will probably be shut down for the rest of the season, New York Mets manager Willie Randolph said Friday.

Martinez is next set to start Tuesday, and Randolph said: "If we're mathematically eliminated by then, then he definitely won't pitch."

The Mets were 75-77 heading into Friday night's game at Washington, last in the NL East and eight games behind Houston in the wild-card standings with 10 games left in the season.

"We have to look at the big picture, and we have to be wise in how we handle not only him but any player," general manager Omar Minaya said. "The big picture is we want Pedro pitching for us the next couple of years."

Via ESPN

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Mets To Go After Hernandez To Replace Piazza

The Mets will hit the off-season free agent and trade market looking for a catcher (San Diego's Ramon Hernandez is high on their list) and a first baseman (they'd love to pry Lyle Overbay from Milwaukee), but the September failures of Braden Looper have convinced them they will need an elite closer for 2006, too.

If the Phillies don't re-sign Billy Wagner, you can expect to hear his name a lot. Also, don't rule out a Mets pursuit of Baltimore's free-agent lefty B.J. Ryan.

Via Newar Star-Ledger

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