Backup catchers are supposed to be forgettable — an endless parade of Charlie Greenes and Tom Wilsons and Joe DePastinos. Except the Mets have a way of finding memorable ones. Mackey Sasser could hit and could throw the ball to second but not to the pitcher, which was quirky when we were good and really annoying when we weren’t. Ed Hearn did an admirable job backing up Gary Carter, got traded for David Cone, got hurt and became a motivational speaker. Todd Pratt, to paraphrase his own words, was Mike Piazza for a day when it really, really mattered.
And then there’s Ramon Castro. The Round Mound of Pound could start for plenty of teams and make any clubhouse a better place. Right now he’s playing for a championship with Brooklyn until his bad back comes around. Ramon’s accepted this with good humor, joking to Ryan McConnell that he wanted to “drink champagne with the kids.” Here’s hoping the RMOP does just that — and then returns for four tastings with us.
Magic Number: 11.
I'm thinking Wayne Garrett when it comes to #11…
At the risk of ruining the fun, photo availability and number legibility plays a role here….
No love for Tim Teufel?
Ramon's back is stiffening. He's been bearing the burden of being the magic number going on four days.
Bring on Mike DiFelice!
Or Endy, at least….