Feb 19, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher David Aardsma throws during spring training at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Aardsma, 31, underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2011 and has been bouncing around ever since.  He was with the Yankees last year, but only appeared in one game.  He opened this season in the Marlins organization before recently requesting and receiving his release.

In 2009 and 2010, Aardsma combined to save 69 games for Seattle.  He had a 2.52 ERA in 2009, and an ERA of 3.44 in 2010 (his WHIP was 1.16 both years).  Over 255 games in his seven year career, Aardsma has a 4.22 ERA and 1.43 WHIP  He’s averaged 9.1 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, but has had problems with his control over the course of his career (averaging 5.1 walks per 9).

With Scott Atchison and Jeurys Familia on the disabled list, Frank Francisco dealing with a plethora of maladies, and Robert Carson getting shelled pretty much every time he takes the mound, Aardsma may wind up on the major league roster sooner rather than later.  Still, he’ll have to prove that he’s healthy – something he certainly hasn’t done over the last two plus years.

You can follow Aardsma on Twitter @TheDA53.

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Apr 19, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Rick Ankiel (28) rounds third after a home run against the Cleveland Indians in the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Ankiel, 33, had been recently released by the Houston Astros, who are the worst team in all of baseball.  He was hitting .194 with a .231 OBP.

I’m trying to stay even keeled right now, but I’m afraid my vitriol is about to come through the computer screen.  So, I’ll keep this short before turning it over to a series of tweets from fans and writers that will adequately express my rage regarding this signing.

Not only did the Mets sign Ankiel, who’s atrocious, they’re opting to insert him in the lineup at the expense of Juan Lagares, who will now only play against lefties.  The move will also likely nail Jordany Valdespin to the bench.  What the HELL is going on here?  This is supposed to be a season when the Mets evaluate which young players should stick, not a season where they sign players who weren’t good enough to stick with the Houston Astros.

As is noted above and according to Terry Collins, Ankiel will start in center field against righties, while Juan Lagares gets the starts there against lefties.  I guess Matt den Dekker, who is a few weeks away from returning to action, should get comfortable in AAA.  Apparently, Sandy Alderson would rather fill the roster with a player he knows is useless when the alternative is evaluating a kid who could turn into something useful.

Now,  onto the tweets (from when the signing was rumored through when it became official):

At least we get to have fun every time he strikes out! “anKKKKiel” #mets

— Susana (@SusiMJK) May 13, 2013

I didn’t expect to get fired up about anything #Mets related until tonight’s game. I was wrong. — St Lucie To Flushing (@PSLToFlushing) May 13, 2013

430 players have at least 150 PA since the start of 2012. All 429 not named Rick Ankiel have a lower strikeout rate than Rick Ankiel. — Chris (@tpgMets) May 13, 2013

Sandy has got to be trolling at this point: “You want a new OFer? HERE’S ONE, BWAHAHAHAHA!”

— Maggie (@maggie162) May 13, 2013

The Mets definitely need more “Cold Map” players. Here’s Rick Ankiel’s 2013yfrog.com/esh1nxp — Mark Simon (@msimonespn) May 13, 2013

Crazy numbers: 35 K, 3 BB, 4 singles, 5 HRRT @msimonespn: Rick Ankiel has missed on 42% of swings. Average MLB pitcher misses on about 31% — Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) May 13, 2013

@metsgm: Rick Ankiel is NOT A MAJOR LEAGUE QUALITY OUTFIELDER. — Tejesh (@MetsProspectHub) May 13, 2013

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