Hershiser's In, Nomo's Not

(Boston, March 26, 1999) Japanese RHP Hideo Nomo has yet to rediscover the touch that brought him fame and glory with the Dodgers a few short years ago. He was assigned to start the season in the minors (or become a free-agent and lose the big $$) and work his way back, but the Mets had second thoughts about it and have given him his release.

. . . . . . De Old Folks, At Home . . . . . .

And the 1999 Metropolitan Geriatric Movement continues... A day later, the Mets signed veteran RHP Orel Bulldog Hershiser, age 40, who went 11-10, 4.41 in 202 innings for the SF Giants last season. Ironically, this is not a bad gamble. If The Bulldog can give the Mets 200-plus innings (and he's been throwing very well this spring), his presence and demeanor could help this club. Hershiser's incentives include the pursuit of victory #200, which would give him a pop at the Hall, and a final stint under the big lights - BIG APPLE LIGHTS, that is... the LA kid is impressed by Noo Yawk... Perhaps he was thinking of the team across town? Nope, too easy.

The O-Man at his best was one of THE best in his glory years. Big-game pitcher, Cy Young Award, 59 scoreless innings... Yeah, it's a gamble, but then, what's a couple a mill in this environment? And Grandpa Henderson, the 1998 stolen base king, gonna score a couple a runs fer him...

-- Johnny B --