http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/players/mike_nickeas/21513 Recent articles about Mike Nickeas en-us R.A. Dickey brought two personal catchers with him to Toronto in Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas and it has become apparent today that neither will be making the major league roster once the team breaks camp at the end of the week. This is obviously more surprising for Josh Thole, who despite his poor hitting for the last couple of years, there was hope a few seasons ago that he could be an “alright” batter at the plate. The former Mets starting catcher is even on the 2013 Mets calendar. Well not only did Thole have a poor year at the plate last year (and I mean poor, .234 BA, 16 extrabase hits including only one homer, 21 RBI’s) he has had a worse spring than Mike Nickeas. In this spring, Thole has hit .171 over 35 AB’s while Nickeas has hit .212 over 33 AB’s. Thole, Nickeas and former Mets catcher Henry Blanco had a unique opportunity this Spring at Jays’ camp. JP Arenciba, the projected starting catcher, was playing for team USA meaning there would be a lot of time for all three catc... Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:44:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/thole_nickeas_not_making_the_major_league_roster/13227550 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/thole_nickeas_not_making_the_major_league_roster/13227550 Thole, Nickeas Not Making the Major League Roster http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/thole_nickeas_not_making_the_major_league_roster/13227550 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png According to Jon Heyman via twitter, Mets catcher Mike Nickeas will be the third player included in the deal that will send R.A. Dickey and Josh Thole to Toronto that recently became official with Dickey’s passing his physical. The Mets will receive 18-year old outfielder Wuilmer Becerra as the fourth player involved in the deal. Heyman describes Becerra as “a prospect but aways away and nowhere near the level of the other 2 prospects the Mets got.” Becerra joins top prospect catcher Travis d’Arnaud, hurler Noah Syndergaard and veteran backstop John Buck. Looks like an offical announcement should come later tonight. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:27:16 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_included_in_dickey_deal/12458068 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_included_in_dickey_deal/12458068 Mike Nickeas Included In Dickey Deal http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mike_nickeas_included_in_dickey_deal/12458068 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Mets announced today that they have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with catcher Mike Nickeas with an invite to Spring Training. Nickeas elected free agency along with outfielder Fred Lewis earlier this week after being removed from the 40-man roster, however Nickeas will return to the Mets organization for 2013. With one of the biggest holes on the Mets roster being the catching position, this certainly adds –or maintains– a level of depth at backstop, however let’s just hope this isn’t the only move Sandy Alderson and the Mets make at catcher.   Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:40:08 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/mets_re_sign_mike_nickeas_to_minor_league_deal/12171661 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/mets_re_sign_mike_nickeas_to_minor_league_deal/12171661 Mets Re-sign Mike Nickeas To Minor League Deal http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/mets_re_sign_mike_nickeas_to_minor_league_deal/12171661 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Catcher Mike Nickeas is staying with the New York Mets, agreeing to a minor league contract. The 29-year-old hit 174 with one homer and 13 RBIs in 109 at-bats over a career-high 47 games for the Mets this year. he batted .364 with one homer and six RBIs in 66 at-bats at Triple-A Buffalo. Nickeas was a fifth-round draft pick of Texas in 2004 and made his big league with the Mets in 2010. He has a .180 career average in 73 games. Nickeas cleared waivers last week and was sent outright to the minors, then refused the assignment and became a free agent. His deal was announced Friday. Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:28:59 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nickeas_stays_with_mets_gets_minor_league_deal/12171493 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nickeas_stays_with_mets_gets_minor_league_deal/12171493 Nickeas stays with Mets, gets minor league deal http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/nickeas_stays_with_mets_gets_minor_league_deal/12171493 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Earlier this month Nickeas cleared waivers as he was removed from the 40 man roster. He was assigned to Triple A Las Vegas (which still is odd to type). Yesterday, Mike Nickeas elected free agency, ending his current time with the Mets, not withstanding a reunion. Mike is 29 years old, and in three seasons over 172 AB’s he batted .180 with 12 runs, 31 hits, 4 doubles, 2 homers and 19 RBI’s. I was at the game this year when he hit his really improbable grand slam in the stomping of the Giants.   Even though Mike was only up with the Mets for three seasons, and really only two seasons (2010 he played only 5 games) it felt like Mike was with us longer. This year more than others, he seemed more important than he was in that his existence on the roster represented what was wrong with the Mets as a whole. Happy Trails Mike. You were a nice guy, just not the direction the team needed.   (Although, I have an odd feeling that he may be back, and I don’t know why) Tweet Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:50:17 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_the_free_agent/12149908 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_the_free_agent/12149908 Mike Nickeas The Free Agent http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mike_nickeas_the_free_agent/12149908 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Adam Rubin reports: After being outrighted off the 40-man roster, Mike Nickeas has elected free agency, a team official said. Fred Lewis, who also had been removed from the roster, chose free agency as well. The Mets currently have catchers Josh Thole and Anthony Recker on the 40-man roster. C-Ya Mike… Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:30:14 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_opts_for_free_agency/12146911 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_opts_for_free_agency/12146911 Mike Nickeas Opts For Free Agency http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mike_nickeas_opts_for_free_agency/12146911 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Mets catcher Mike Nickeas has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas, the team announced today. He is no longer on the 40-man roster. Nickeas, 29, batted .174 with one home run and 13 RBI and had a .471 OPS in 122 plate appearances in 2012. Pretty scary, huh? The Mets have said that improving the catching situation will be an offseason priority, but will not be adding anyone significant via free agency. They have yet to decide whether to tend a contract to Josh Thole, but for now I can’t see them non-tendering him. Last week there were reports that Kelly Shoppach did not impress the brass and that he won’t be back. Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:00:49 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_clears_waivers_outrighted_to_triple_a_vegas/12119023 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_clears_waivers_outrighted_to_triple_a_vegas/12119023 Mike Nickeas Clears Waivers, Outrighted To Triple-A Vegas http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mike_nickeas_clears_waivers_outrighted_to_triple_a_vegas/12119023 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png September Call-Ups: Mike Nickeas returns for a shot at some redemption. It’s the first day of the ninth month of the calendar year, and one of the game’s longest-held rites of passage that still remains intact in this Bud Selig era is “September Call-ups”. This is a time for major league teams to expand their active roster to as many as 40 players and also when many young players make their Major League debuts. For some teams, it’s a time to bolster their rosters for a pennant chase, while for others (like the Mets) it’s an opportunity to assess and evaluate new players for the following season. On that note, the Mets have announced they will recall both Mike Nickeas and Zach Lutz from Triple-A Buffalo and that they will be available for tonight’s game against the Miami Marlins. In the case of these two players, no corresponding move will be necessary as they are both already on the team’s 40-man roster. It has already been reported that right-hander Collin McHugh will be added in ... Sat, 01 Sep 2012 08:47:28 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/september_call_ups_mike_nickeas_and_zach_lutz_get_the_first_call/11603428 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/september_call_ups_mike_nickeas_and_zach_lutz_get_the_first_call/11603428 September Call-Ups: Mike Nickeas and Zach Lutz Get The First Call http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/september_call_ups_mike_nickeas_and_zach_lutz_get_the_first_call/11603428 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After a disastrous 0-6 homestand, a very ticked off Terry Collins fired off some shots at his team’s poor performance to begin the second half. He promised changes and he promised them fast. It looks like catcher Mike Nickeas is the first casualty of the aftermath of the Washington Nationals sweep over the Mets. Here is the press release the Mets just emailed to us: The New York Mets today announced the club will recall catcher Rob Johnson from Buffalo (AAA) of the International League prior to tomorrow’s game at Arizona.  After today’s game, the Mets optioned catcher Mike Nickeas to Buffalo. Johnson will wear #16 and will be available for tomorrow’s game. Johnson, 30, was with the Mets from May 8-June 1 earlier this year. He hit .313 (10-32) with one double and one RBI in 11 games with the Mets. Johnson hit .207 (34-164) with 20 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple, four home runs and 15 RBI in 45 games for the Bisons this season. The 6-1, 220-pounder has hit .203 (138-681) with ... Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:48:59 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_gets_the_ax_rob_johnson_promoted_from_buffalo/11298718 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mike_nickeas_gets_the_ax_rob_johnson_promoted_from_buffalo/11298718 Mike Nickeas Gets The Ax, Rob Johnson Promoted From Buffalo http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mike_nickeas_gets_the_ax_rob_johnson_promoted_from_buffalo/11298718 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Mets dressed up as cowboys as they flew into Houston before they were swept by the Houston Astros. I posted many pictures of Mets players in their outfits. However, David Wright declined to be photographed in his costume by anyone that day. The Mets have finally revealed an image of David Wright in his Three Amigos outfit. He is joined by Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello and Mike Nickeas. Via the Mets on Facebook Sat, 05 May 2012 14:27:46 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_mets_have_finally_revealed_a_picture_of_david_wright_in_his_three_amigos_outfit/10724732 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_mets_have_finally_revealed_a_picture_of_david_wright_in_his_three_amigos_outfit/10724732 Mets dress for Cinco de Mayo http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/the_mets_have_finally_revealed_a_picture_of_david_wright_in_his_three_amigos_outfit/10724732 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/f/bfc09900ae9947ae32bf2d847f60193284226e10/mini/Mets.jpg Photo by Michael Baron Mike Nickeas is unavailable for tonight's game due to flu like symptoms, if the Mets need an emergency catcher Mike Baxter would fill-in.  Baxter has never played the position in the majors or the minors, but played the position in the 2008 Fall instructional league.  The Mets may fly in a catcher for the taxi squad in case Nickeas can't return.Lucas Duda is out for the second night with the same strand of flu, while his power potential will be missed in the line-up, it's a lot easier for them to fill the outfield position with Hairston.Mike Nickeas is back at the team hotel, not at the ballpark, in Houston because of a severe case of the flu -- the same illness that also has sidelined Lucas Duda. Because Nickeas' strain is so severe, the Mets were expecting to fly in a catcher from Triple-A Buffalo, Vinny Rottino or Lucas May, to at least have on standby on the newly created taxi squad. source ESPN NY Tue, 01 May 2012 20:50:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nickeas_and_duda_unavailable_with_flu/10698389 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nickeas_and_duda_unavailable_with_flu/10698389 Nickeas and Duda unavailable with flu http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/nickeas_and_duda_unavailable_with_flu/10698389 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Last month I posted my thoughts on Josh Thole and how the heat was on for him this spring, and that he wasn’t going to be handed the starting catching job on a silver platter. Thole knows exactly what’s at stake: “I’m getting to a point where we’re not in a trial-and-error period anymore,” Thole said. “It is what it is. If I don’t catch well over the course of this year, it will be a matter of who’s next, they’ll keep the line moving, and I can’t have that.” But Thole isn’t the only one with his job on the line, backup catcher Mike Nickeas needs to prove to both Terry Collins and Sandy Alderson that he can produce at the major league level or he’ll be cut in a New York minute. Nickeas was told he needs to cut down that big swing and make it more compact, and unless he can hit at a minimally acceptable level he won’t be long for this team. But here’s the thing…. Have you noticed the inspired play from spring invitee Lucas May? I bet Thole and Nickeas are watching. May is a c Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:42:34 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nickeas_and_thole_responding_to_managers_challenges/10311493 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nickeas_and_thole_responding_to_managers_challenges/10311493 Nickeas and Thole Responding To Manager’s Challenges http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/nickeas_and_thole_responding_to_managers_challenges/10311493 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/f/2f419a35876dd2bd4ca380f5f2e9c0b41bedcbf6/mini/Mets_Thole_Singles_af06.jpg I had a chance to do a Q&A with NY Mets catcher Mike Nickeas the other day. Mike was nice enough to take the time to field a whole slew of questions I threw at him, regarding his defense, his hitting, working with Josh Thole, and lot’s of other stuff. Mike is working hard this off-season getting ready for what should prove a very big year for him, and his answers are very interesting indeed. Keep reading to find out what Mike had to say: Petey:  First of all congratulations Mike on a terrific year in 2011! Getting the chance to log extended time in the big leagues with the Mets, and even hitting your first major league home run! Happy New Year! Hope you had a very happy holidays, and thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for our readers at MetsMerizedOnline.com. Where do you live in the off-season these days? Mike:  My wife, Rebecca, and I live in Atlanta, GA. Petey:  When the Texas Rangers drafted you in the 5th round of the 2004 MLB Player Draft, out ... Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:15:46 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/get_to_know_mets_catcher_mike_nickeas/10032004 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/get_to_know_mets_catcher_mike_nickeas/10032004 Get To Know Mets Catcher Mike Nickeas http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/get_to_know_mets_catcher_mike_nickeas/10032004 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png I had a chance to do a Q&A with NY Mets catcher Mike Nickeas the other day. Mike was nice enough to take the time to answer a whole slew of questions I threw at him, regarding his defense, his hitting, working with Josh Thole, and lot’s of other stuff. Mike is working hard this off-season getting ready for what should prove a very big year for him, and his answers are very interesting indeed. Keep reading to find out what Mike had to say: Petey:  First of all congratulations Mike on a terrific year in 2011! Getting the chance to log extended time in the big leagues with the Mets, and even hitting your first major league home run! Happy New Year! Hope you had a very happy holidays, and thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for our readers at MetsMerizedOnline.com. Where do you live in the off-season these days? Mike:  My wife, Rebecca, and I live in Atlanta, GA. Petey:  When the Texas Rangers drafted you in the 5th round of the 2004 MLB Player Draft, out... Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:00:46 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mmo_exclusive_interview_mets_catcher_mike_nickeas/9293924 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mmo_exclusive_interview_mets_catcher_mike_nickeas/9293924 MMO Exclusive Interview: Mets Catcher Mike Nickeas http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mmo_exclusive_interview_mets_catcher_mike_nickeas/9293924 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png In a post to Twitter, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says the Mets have indeed discussed the possibility of signing free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez. However, Heyman says the Mets are “leaning toward” passing on any available catchers and going with Mike Nickeas as the back up to Josh Thole. Rodriguez was hampered by a right oblique strain for the majority of last season. In 44 games for the Nationals last season, Rodriguez hit .218 with two homers, 19 RBI and a .281 on-base percentage, however he was 13 for 25 (52%) throwing out base runners. Brian Erni: Despite a very small sample size, I was encouraged by what I saw in Nickeas’ mechanics and his ability to call a game. Over the course of his 143.2 innings in 2011, he threw out 31% (4 for 13) of would-be base stealers and posted a 3.01 catcher’s ERA. Obviously those numbers come with a caveat considering they’re in limited work, but I remain impressed with the little things Nickeas does to manage a game. Mike won’t supply a ton of pow... Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:12:58 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_leaning_toward_nickeas_as_back_up_have_discussed_pudge/8704708 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_leaning_toward_nickeas_as_back_up_have_discussed_pudge/8704708 Mets leaning toward Nickeas as back up, have discussed Pudge http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_leaning_toward_nickeas_as_back_up_have_discussed_pudge/8704708 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png