Great Scott! Lisa Guerrero's Hot
The Mets have come to terms on a minor league deal with
Scott Erickson, just two days after marrying MNF sideline reporter and latino sexpot
Lisa Guerrero.
Once one of baseball's most durable pitchers, Erickson has missed two of the past three seasons because of injuries. He was out in 2001 after having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and was sidelined last year after a shoulder operation.
Erickson is expected to be ready for spring training. The Mets are hoping he can compete for the fifth spot in the rotation...
This is a no-risk signing, as the Mets haven't promised Erickson anything but a shot at making the team. If he can stay healthy and avoid having his arm fall off again, he can be expected to pitch 200 innings of league average (or slightly worse) ball. Not too bad for a fifth starter making the league minimum.
Update: Erickson is apparently excited by the opportunity to pitch in New York.
"I wish spring training started tomorrow. I'm ready to go. I know a lot of the guys on the team, especially John (Franco) and Mike (Piazza). I know there's an opportunity for me here, and I'm hoping to make the most of my chance."
Franco, who has also undergone arm surgery with Dr. Lewis Yocum (he had Tommy John surgery, Erickson had labrum surgery), had this to say:
"I knew he had just gotten married; he was probably the last person I expected to hear from. I could tell from his voice how excited he was to join us. I know he's always wanted to pitch in New York. He's such a competitor, and if he's healthy, which he says he is, I know he'll help us."
Jim Duquette continued the quote parade:
"We were impressed with Scott at a workout last month in Arizona. We're happy to give him this opportunity to show that he has recovered from his injury problems over the last couple of years. We definitely feel that, if healthy, with his past success, it's a situation that could work out very well for both sides."