It’s not exactly major news, but Frank Catalanotto has announced his retirement.
When last we heard from him he was being designated for assignment by the Mets to make room for Chris Carter after 25 dismal games last spring. But before that Catalanotto was the kind of player it was hard not to root for. He played everywhere -- left, right, first base, second base and third base -- he got on base at a really darn healthy clip, hit left handed and was never terribly expensive. Not quite good enough to demand a set place in the lineup 160 games a year but far better than your average platoon or utility guy, Catalanotto was totally the kind of complementary player who could help out a championship team.
Of course he never actually played on a championship team, but that’s neither here nor there. What is here and there was that guys with Catalanotto’s skills are kind of fun to have around, and it’s quite remarkable when they hang in the game for as long as Catalanotto actually did.
Enjoy retirement, Frank!
