Gary Carter was hitting grounders, Kevin Baez throwing BP, and a team of hopefuls geared up for the Atlantic League playoffs during yesterday’s workout at Citibank Park. That was the scene as I attended the Long Island Ducks playoff workout held for the media. Among the stars were Game 1 starter Troy Cate and former Mets farmhand Ray Navarrete. None of these players were concerned about getting a big league call, that chance had already passed them by in 2009, but winning the Atlantic League title. Tonight that quest begins as they take on Butch Hobson’s Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the first round of the playoffs.

Long Island coach Kevin Baez, a former Mets prospect himself, talked about the similarities between this Ducks club and his edition that won the title in 2004. Not only does he see the same mix of veterans and young players, but Ducks closer Bill Simas was the fireman for the 2004 squad.  When I asked him if winning at the independent league level really matters he said that “winning championships” is special regardless of the level. Baez only had a cup of coffee in the big leagues and that 2004 title was the lone one of his playing career at any level.

The one player that continues to draw raves was Ray Navarrete. Most Mets fans may remember Navarrete for his appearance on Mets Weekly a few years ago when he talked about his clothing line. The last few years Ray has been tearing out the Atlantic League hitting 50 homers over the last two seasons. Many around the team believe he deserves a chance to get a big league look.

Perspective from the Skipper

No Ducks workout would be complete without talking to manager Gary Carter. Gary is no stranger to winning in the independent league. Last year he won the Golden League with the Orange County Flyers a year ago. When I brought up how winning a championship on the east coast, the “hotbed of baseball”, might help him land a pro job he smiled and said “maybe, but if one championship didn’t convince them, than I am not sure if a second one will do any good.”: When pressed about his future Carter talked about focusing on the playoffs and leaving that to after the season. He did admit to missing his family since he has been away from them for six months. Somehow I get the feeling that, win or lose, we may be seeing the last of Gary Carter in a Ducks uniform. Of course only time will tell.

How You Can Follow the Atlantic League Playoffs

For fans that want to follow tonight’s Game 1, or the entire Atlantic League Playoffs, you can listen to the Ducks online or purchase tickets at their official website.

Sparky Goes for Another Ring

Former Yankees closer Sparky Lyle begins his quest for a fifth Atlantic League Championship opening up at home against the Newark Bears. I sat down with Sparky last year and reminisced about his big league career. You can download it here.

Moment of Irony

Carter brought up Kirk Gibson when he was talking about how the playoffs can bring up some of the most unlikely heroes. I said to Gary how ironic it was bringing up Gibson since it was his 88’ Mets squad that probably should have been playing Oakland in the World Series. I then said “Myers should have been in there for Doc”, which he promptly smiled and said “I wasn’t the manager back then”. That one still hurts over twenty years later.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

Mike Silva

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Tags: 1988 World Series, Atlantic League Playoffs, Bill Simas, Butch Hobson, Gary Carter, Kevin Baez, Kirk Gibson, Long Island Ducks, New York Mets, Ray Navertte, Somerset Patriots, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Sparky Lyle, Troy Cate