[gern11]

Mets have parted ways for the second time with Johnny Bench. The legendary catcher, who spent '81 at first base, cleared waivers.

Kent Tekulve, Rick Manning and Al Cowens have all opted for free agency. Organization gave little process in return.

Rick Camp, Lee Smith and Mike Scott all won their arbitration hearings while the arbitor ruled against Dave Stewart.

Once again, a rebuild seems upon us, meaning perhaps a prolonged post-season absence (at least by the standards of the Mets in this dynasty). However, a felt the same way after the '80 disaster and we patched together a club that returned to the playoffs and actually finished with a stamp of disappointment after spitting up a 2-0 series lead vs. San Fran in the NLCS.