Sports
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Mets make hot stove debut in WNY
BUFFALO — If the first Bisons hot stove luncheon of the New York Mets era is any indication, this might be a marriage with some staying power.
In following the wedding theme at the Adam’s Mark hotel, the two teams introduced something old (former Met great Ed Kranepool, who was the keynote speaker); something new (with the official unveiling of their new logo); something borrowed (announcing the signing of longtime fan favorite Jason Cooper); and something blue (a line of Bisons uniforms in Met blue).
The latter included a black alternate jersey and road outfits that look strikingly similar to the Mets away uniforms, even with an NY symbol below the word Buffalo in scripted letters.
“It’s been a whirlwind offseason,” said Mike Buczkowski, the Bisons general manager. “We’ve been known to make some guarantees about the weather. Well, I can guarantee you it’ll be warmer on opening day than it is today.”
Mets director of player development Adam Wogan ran through a list of potential players who could fill the Bisons roster. Among those he highlighted was Fernando Martinez, listed as the top prospect in the organization.
The outfielder hasn’t ascended like many thought he might after signing a big contract in 2005, but he’s still expected to be an impact player in the major leagues.
“He may be the most exciting player in the system,” Wogan said. “If he’s not in New York, we expect him to be in Buffalo.”
Wogan also announced the re-signing of Cooper, who is the all-time leader in games played with the Bisons.
“We’re happy to have him on board,” he said after an ovation from the crowd.
Finally, Kranepool entertained the crowd with stories of past Mets success, including insight from the team’s run to the 1969 World Series title. He talked about playing for Casey Stengel (“once the red light went on, you never knew what was going to happen”), his views on the game’s changes over the years (“I wish my mother would have waited 25 years to have me”), and the Mets’ struggles against L.A. pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale (“they used to welcome us at the airport”).
Kranepool also said he’s expecting big things from this year’s team.
“This is the year we go all the way,” Kranepool said. “Philadelphia can do all the talking they want in the newspapers, you’ve got to do it on the field.”
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
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