The following is a part of each of the series previews here at BP Mets. “Mets Connections” takes a look at the opposing teams’ rosters and highlights some of the noteworthy or interesting links that can be drawn between those players and the Mets organization. Some of these links may be obvious, such as if an opposing player has formerly played for New York, but some may be lesser known tidbits, such as if a player was previously drafted by the Mets. This version of this series analyzes the Phillies’ roster as they open up a four-game series this weekend at Citizens Bank Park tonight.
Mark Leiter: The young pitcher is the son of the former Phillies pitcher with the same name and nephew of Al Leiter, who won 95 of his 162 career victories in seven seasons with the Mets.
Cameron Perkins: Perkins and Kevin Plawecki teamed up in the heart of the Purdue Boilmakers lineup for three years, tormenting Big 10 pitchers from 2010 to 2012.
Draft Connections
2009 second round: Tommy Joseph (55, Giants) and Steven Matz (72, Mets)
2010 36th round: Jesen Therrien was drafted by the Mets in 2010 but did not sign
2012 second round: Matt Reynolds (71, Mets) and Nick Williams (93, Rangers)
2014 first round: Aaron Nola (7, Phillies) and Michael Conforto (10, Mets)
Hometown Connections
Phillies reliever Luis Garicia shares his birthplace with Amed Rosario and Jeurys Familia in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Switch-hitting infielder Cesar Hernandez and Mets utility man Wilmer Flores were both born in Valencia, Venezuela.
Photo credit: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports