Julio out… Rickey in!

The New York Mets, ahem, the NL East leading New York Mets were especially busy during the All-Star break.  Not just because Billy Wagner was giving up that homer in the bottom of the ninth in the game, but they made a few changes to the organization.  Hitting coach Rick Down was let go, and the stolen base king himself, Rickey Henderson was brought in. 

Official titles have not been set for Rickey, but hitting instructor is expected to be one of them.  On another note, Julio Franco was let go by the team a month-and-a-half shy of his 49th birthday.  Supposedly, this was done to bring up “phenom” Lastings Milledge.  This Met fan believes there may be a conspiracy in the works. 

Rickey has made no secret that he still wants to play baseball.  The Mets have made no secret in wanting to acquire a starting pitcher at the trade deadline.  Lastings Milledge is an obvious choice to dangle as trade bait for…. Jose Contreras (PLEASE!!! NO!!!)??  So, say the Mets give up Milledge and a reliever to get a pitcher.  Another roster spot is open…   Rickey is just sitting there at 48 years old…  The greatest base stealer ever, and the best base stealer in the game right now on the same base paths? 

“Coach” Henderson was contacted by APIAS.NET and had this to say

Rickey is ready for whatever the Mets put in front of him.  Rickey will coach, Rickey will play, Rickey will run through some white chicks at Shea Stadium.  Rickey is just here to help the Mets.**

It’s hard to let go of a legend like Franco, but it’s hard to go wrong with the greatest third-person speaker ever.

**Possibly not a real quote.  Though, it could be.