Shortstops (And Other Short Position Players, Too)

Inspired by the reigning New York Macropolitan's just short-enough-to-win start yesterday, let's celebrate those who've donned XS jerseys for the Mets.

First Base: Sandy Alomar (5'7")
It's amazing that someone so tiny could father such a behemoth. I did cheat a little with this pick. Sandy Senior played 14 games at first in his career, but never for the Mets. In fact, no Met shorter than 5'10" has ever held down the warm corner. Most notable among the near six footers are Ed Charles, Jose Valentin and Bobby Valentine.

Second Base: Wally Backman (5'9")
A short man with a shorter fuse, is it possible that the root cause of Wally's temper was a Napoleon complex? Being the shortest player on roster for almost a decade must take a psychic toll. Then again, a more probable cause is booze. Sauced or not, Wally is the most accomplished player on this list, compiling a WAR of 9.7 over the course of nine years with the Mets, for a WARPI (WAR per inch) of 0.141.

Third Base: Sergio Ferrer (5'7")
Ferrer is undoubtedly the smallest Met ever. Five-foot-seven, 145 pounds. To put that into perspective for you younger fans, two Ferrers equals one pre-Wii Fit Heath Bell.

Shortstop: Desi Relaford (5'8")
His time in Queens was short, but memorable. When he wasn't being the 2001 Mets' second most productive hitter (only Mike Piazza put up a higher OPS+), Desi found time to be the shortest man to take the Shea mound, toeing the rubber in a 15 to 3 laugher against the Padres. The results? Surprisingly not bad. Where was he last September?

Outfield: Ced Landrum (5'7"), Ricky Otero (5'7"), John Cangelosi (5'7")
All three played between 1993 and 1995 and none came remotely close to hitting a home run for the Mets. I dub them: Cedrickohn Langelotero.

Catcher: Frank Estrada (5'8", 182 lbs.)
After the 1971 season, the Mets traded Estrada and a few spare parts to the California Angels for Jim Fregosi. Estrada never played in the majors again. SUCKERS! Also, what's with small catchers? The Mets have had a bunch of them (Choo Choo Coleman, Jerry Grote and Todd Hundley were all under six feet). Seems like pitchers would want a big target behind the plate.

Starting Pitcher: Al Jackson (5'10")
Ironic that he'd wind up on this list, given his long involvement with the organization. Fun fact: Tom Seaver is the Mets' all time leader in wins with 198. The man who held the record prior? Al Jackson. With 43.

Relief Pitcher: Bob Short (5'9")
That's an apropos note to end on, isn't it?