New York Mets' Biggest All-Star Flameouts Of All Time
By Ian Teti
- Bobby Jones: After Jones' 1997 All-Star season, he consistently declined. In '99, Jones played in 12 games and went 3-3 with a 5.61 ERA. He was sent back to the minors in 2000, but returned in June only to start 27 games and give up 25 home runs. Opposing teams probably placed bets on who would homer off Jones; it was practically inevitable that it would happen.
- Bobby Bonilla: The Mets will owe Bonilla $1.19 million every year through 2035. He hasn't played for the Mets since 1999. Probably the best deal in baseball history.
- Francisco Rodriguez: K-Rod! Where were those infamous strikeouts, man? This dude was blowing leads and saves all over the place for the Mets, despite being a phenom in Anaheim for many seasons. K-Rod let up two walk-off grand slams in one season, including allowing five runs against the Nationals with the Mets up, 4-2. The Nationals won 53 games that year and they managed to slam the star closer. Embarrassing. His streak of consecutive seasons with 30 or more saves ended at five in 2010 when he only saved 25. With a $37 million, three-year contract, you better be setting records for saves. K-Rod failed to be the Mets' "sure-thing" closer, and he was eventually traded to the Brewers where they had the sense to keep him out of the game in the ninth inning.
- Joel Youngblood: Youngblood was solid in his All-Star '81 season, which was shortened by the MLB strike. But after that, his only claim to fame is being the only player to ever get a hit for two different teams in two different cities on the same day. Ridiculous statistic, but without it, Youngblood's resume is weak. He's got to thank the Mets for trading him in the afternoon.
- Terry Collins: Ah TC, the fearless leader of the Mets. Collins has been named to the All-Star staff each of the last two years. But why? It's not like Collins is legendary or a historically good manager. The last time he coached an MLB team that finished with a winning record was in 1998. And the Mets aren't winning a ton of games and showing off Collins' managing skills. He boasts a 190-221 record in his three years with the Amazin's entering Wednesday, certainly not worthy of being named to the All-Star staff. He didn't even tell one of his star prospects, Zack Wheeler -- who is supposed to be a key piece who brings this team out of its black hole -- that he's tipping his pitches. Maybe Collins is so used to losing that he just prefers it these days.
You can follow Ian on Twitter @icteti.
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