Baxter and Carson Claimed Off Waivers

Mets utility man, Mike Baxter, was claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday afternoon.  The twenty-eight year old, who the Mets claimed off waivers from the Padres in July 2011, is the victim of the roster crunch necessary to add various minor leaguers to the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 draft this winter.    For all intensive purposes Baxter was an okay player, but he hit only .189 in 2013 and simply wasn't worth protecting.  He will be fondly remembered by Mets fans because of his sprawling catch in the seventh inning of Johan Santana's June 2012 no-hitter, which resulted in a shoulder injury that cost him nearly two months.

Also claimed yesterday was Robert Carson, who is on his way to the Los Angeles Angels.  Carson probably won't be as fondly remembered by the Mets faithful after a short by terrible 2013 campaign.  Carson appeared in only fourteen games, but gave up nine home runs and walked seven in round an earned run average north of eight.  As a result, he became expendable due to others in the organization who will soon force their way into the team's bullpen.

There will be more moves coming, as thirty-six players still sit on the 40-man roster.  The Mets have until November 20th to add players like Jacob deGrom, Cory Vaughn and Steven Matz to the 40-man roster.  Otherwise they can be selected by other teams during the Rule 5 draft.