Gooden To Start On Sunday Vs. Diamondbacks - Takahashi To Bullpen

Dwight Gooden is feeling a little confused these days.  On Wednesday night the 45 year-old ex-Met signed what he thought was a one day contract being offered by the Mets so that he could retire as a member of the team he spent his best years with.  Perhaps Doc should have read his contract a little more closely.  At the request of Jerry Manuel, the contract was actually a 100 day contract that would add Gooden to the Mets rotation for the duration of the 2010 season. 

Jerry Manuel is hoping that what started out as a symbolic gesture by the Mets front office will end up benefiting him on the field.   "The guy is a former Cy Young Award winner.  I don't see how that can hurt us.", said Manuel.  "Plus we get to have Takahashi back in the pen full time."

Early this morning, a confused Gooden was taken to Citi Field for a photo shoot.  "Are they serious?", Gooden asked the Apple.  "I'm an old man.  I'm not even in good shape for a 45 year old.  I'm tired.  I just want to go home.  Also, why does Shea look so different?"

While the Mets will pay Gooden the league minimum, the contract includes stiff penalties should Gooden walk away.   In essence, Gooden is trapped.

Omar Minaya seemed pleased with the move.  "We saw a chance to add a Cy Young Award winner and not add payroll.  We had to pull the trigger.", said Minaya.  "Even at 45, Doc can still beat you in so many ways.  I haven't actually seen him throw, but I assume he's kept in game shape."

Gooden will start on Sunday vs. Barry Enright and the D-Backs.  Tickets are still available by calling 718-507-TIXX.

All articles featured on The Apple are fictitious. No Mets were harmed in the writing of this story. Based on an idea by Larry Smith.

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