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By Zach Gewelb

TimesLedger Newspapers

Major League Baseball has seen a slow start to its hot stove season, and the Mets have been no different.

The team dipped into the reliever market and has added some depth. But Mets fans who are expecting the team to make a big, splashy move will be disappointed.

It seems as though General Manager Sandy Alderson is operating with a tight budget, cutting payroll from last season. There may be a few bucks to spend, but given the way the free agent market typically develops, it’s unlikely the Mets will spend big on a first baseman, second baseman or outfielder, all areas of need.

So what can fans resonably expect from the Mets the rest of the offseason?

First, let’s take a look at the moves the team has already made.

Mets ink free-agent reliever

The Mets officially announced the signing of free-agent reliever Anthony Swarzak to a two-year, $14 million contract last Friday. Swarzak, 32, pitched to a 2.33 ERA in 77 1/3 innings in a breakout season with the White Sox and the Brewers in 2016. The righty also struck out a career-best 10.6 batters per nine innings, adding another arm that can generate swing-and-misses from the bullpen.

It was no secret that Alderson and the Mets were looking to add another reliever to the mix, but they are taking a big chance on Swarzak. He spent the first five years of his career in Minnesota, where he pitched to a 4.48 ERA, before moving onto Cleveland in 2015.

He only appeared in 10 games for the tribe before he went to the Bronx in 2016, where he struggled with the Yankees, pitching to a 5.52 ERA in 26 games. He signed with the White Sox before the 2017 season and pitched well before the team shipped him off to Milwaukee ahead of the trade deadline and finished the season on a high note with the Brewers.

Swarzak doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but he deepens the bullpen, adding to the core of A.J. Ramos, Jeurys Familia and Jerry Blevins.

The price may be a bit high for someone of Swarzak’s track record, but all-in-all, it seems like a good move for the Mets.

Mets add veteran catcher

The Mets signed free-agent catcher Jose Lobaton to a minor-league contract last Friday.

Lobaton, who spent time as the Nationals’ back-up catcher last year, is expected to compete for playing time with incumbents Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki.

While the Mets will likely go into the season with d’Arnaud and Plawecki as No. 1 and 2 on the depth chart, Lobaton offers insurance in the event of injury or ineffectiveness.

He had a down year in 2017, batting just .170/.248/.277 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 51 games. He has a reputation for being a strong defensive catcher who works well with pitching staffs.

The signing will not move the needle too much, but Lobaton provides good value as a third catcher.

Moves left to make

The Mets should still be searching for a first baseman to compete with Dominic Smith, a utlity infielder who can play second and third base and another outfielder. There are still plenty of options available, but the Mets need to be aggressive before being backed into a corner.

They can try to swing a trade, perhaps for a veteran infielder like Jed Lowrie (Oakland) or Jason Kipnis (Cleveland) and could look to bring back Jay Bruce as a first baseman/outfielder.

It will ultimately come down to cost, and while the trio is certainly not cheap, they could bring good value to the club under the right circumstances.

If the Mets can bring in some support and add some depth, they can slip right back into playoff contention and make some noise in 2018.

Reach reporter Zach Gewelb by e-mail at zgewelb@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4539.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

Two Queens NYPD officers were honored last week for their contributions to helping the city’s most vulnerable animals at the third annual Appreciation Luncheon held by ASPCA, a non-profit dedicated to preventing animal cruelty.

Sgt. Wendell Seymour of Patrol Borough Queens North, which is in Flushing, and Detective Marique Monzert of the 105th Precinct, located in Queens Village, were among the 17 people honored for preventing, investigating and prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and neglect in 2017, according to ASPCA spokeswoman Emma Dickson.

“The 17 men and women we’re honoring today were champions this year for animals across New York City,” said Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement at the Dec. 12 event. “They helped engage their colleagues and citizens in concrete ways to combat animal cruelty and were instrumental in building more actively engaged, safe, and humane communities.”

Seymour was recognized for his dedication and assistance to the NYPD/ASPCA partnership by supervising all liaisons in Patrol Borough Queens North Precincts, where he ensured all animal complaints reported to the command were thoroughly investigated, according to the non-profit.

Seymour also played a crucial role in growing the NYPD/ASPCA partnership in Queens precincts by providing animal cruelty-related training to supervisors, police officers, and newly assigned members of Queens North, according to Dickson.

He also implemented ongoing training to all precinct sergeants to distribute to their own commands, said Dickson.

Monzert, the 105th Precinct’s animal liaison officer, was consistently dedicated to all animal-related issues whether on duty or off, according to the ASPCA.

She assisted her fellow officers, ASPCA liaisons and community engagement coordinators by responding to animal welfare concerns that arose in her community, the non-profit said.

As a result of Monzert’s efforts, numerous investigations have been concluded that resulted in the removal of animal cruelty victims from unsafe situations, said Dickson.

She engaged with animal welfare issues through her recent maternity leave and recently returned to being a resource for the 105th Precinct, according to ASPCA.

Since January 2014 the NYPD and the ASPCA has teamed up citywide to address issues of animal cruelty and have worked on helping more than 2,500 animals since their partnership was formed, said Dickson.

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

Demetrius Blackwell, 37, the Queens Village man responsible for the shooting death of NYPD Officer Brian Moore and the attempted murder of Officer Erik Jansen, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Wednesday,

Blackwell was convicted by a jury of murder and attempted murder in State Supreme Court on Nov. 9, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

“While today’s sentencing cannot heal the prolonged pain endured by Officer Brian Moore’s family, friends and colleagues for their needless loss or erase the emotional wounds suffered by Officer Erik Jansen and his family, I hope, however, that it will bring some degree of closure and comfort to those individuals whose lives were forever changed on that horrific day,” Brown said.

Blackwell will serve the maximum sentence allowed under law“The defendant will serve the maximum sentence allowed under the law – life in prison without the possibility of parole,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. “ We as a society will never forget his heinous and cowardly act.”

On May 2, 2015, Moore and Jansen, officers with the 105th Precinct’s Anti-Crime unit, were patrolling near 212-11 104th Rd. in Queens Village around 6:15 p.m. in an unmarked car when both noticed Blackwell adjusting something on his waistband on 222nd St., according to the criminal complaint.

Shortly afterwards, Moore, 25 called out to the suspect, “Police, you got something?”

Blackwell, armed with an illegal five-shot revolver, fired three times into the car and hit Moore in the head, said prosecutors. Jansen rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where doctors put his partner in a medically induced coma only to die two days later.

Moore, the son of a retired sergeant in the police force, was posthumously promoted to detective after his death, according to the NYPD.

Blackwell was taken into custody 90 minutes later and pleaded not guilty to the charge in June 2015, said police.

Six months later former Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and City Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) honored the fallen officer with an unveiling of a street sign co-named Detective 1st Grade Brian Moore Way for 222nd Street in Queens Village on Dec. 11, 2015.

“We must honor him, not just through a street renaming along with his colors, but we must work with our police — not hamper their efforts to make us safe,” Miller said. “We must do all we can to collaborate to make this city as safe and as great as it can be.”

In attendance at the event was Moore’s father Sergeant Raymond Moore.

“I’m very proud of Brian today, but I have always been proud of my son and I always will be,” said the elder Moore. “Brian was an outstanding officer. We all know he made 160 arrests in his career and was awarded department medals. He excelled in every unit that he worked. His potential was unlimited.”

A year after Moore’s death a crowd of NYPD officers gathered at the intersection of 212th Street and 104th Rd., the scene of his murder, to honor him with Bratton.

Bratton said the purpose of the memorial was “fulfilling the promise we always make to the families of our fallen heroes” to never forget.

Moore’s mother, Irene Moore, implored those in attendance to hold on to memories of her son’s friendship and humor as bagpipes played in the background and a wreath was positioned at the site of the shooting.

“Remember a memory of him that made us happy,” she said. “He lit up the room every time he walked into the room.”

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Seniors in northeast Queens now have established free transportation to link them up with the services they require, such as visiting senior centers, physicians and running errands.

City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) announced expansion of the program after it was relaunched in early November in partnership with Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, at 208-11 26th Ave., and Four Two’s car service. The Senior Transportation Program will now serve all of Queens as an alternative to Access-A-Ride, which has been problematic for users in the past.

“When I launched this program, I hoped that it would grow and expand beyond just northeast Queens, and now that is starting to become a reality. Seniors in our city, many of who live on fixed incomes, are already faced with enough hardships such as rising property taxes, costs of living and stagnant funding for critical services. The last thing they should have to worry about is how they’re going to get to the doctor,” said Vallone. “This program has proven to provide our seniors with an alternative transportation option they need and deserve.

Popularity and demand brought back the program, originally launched as a pilot in April 2017, which sought to alleviate the transportation setbacks often felt by the elderly population in the transportation deserts of northeast Queens.

“Continued support from government is key to enabling older New Yorkers to stay connected to the communities they call home. Our transportation program, in partnership with Four Two’s, will help address one of the most significant challenges faced by older residents of Queens – the lack of accessible and reliable transportation in parts of our city,” Selfhelp spokeswoman Sandy Myers said. “Further, our Virtual Senior Center will bring connections, learning opportunities, and a link to the digital world through live and interactive classes on our platform. We look forward to the continued success of both programs and thank our partners in government for their ongoing support.”

According to Vallone, the service is for people on a fixed income and who face financial trouble from rising property taxes and living expenses.

The service requires seniors to apply for the service by filling out demographic information, creating an emergency contact and by calling Clearview Senior Center at 718-224-7888 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to schedule their rides for the following day and provide their name, address, phone number, time of pick up and their destination.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Merle Exit

TimesLedger Newspapers

Therapy continues for Steve Solomon in his self-written show, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Home for the Holidays.”

The show, presented at Queens Theatre, is the third of his very funny and true-to-life series that performs to an adult audience in cabaret style with one set and props. His impersonations capture the characters to include the multiethnic Brooklyn neighborhood that he grew up in.

In the episode of his life, Solomon is going back home to spend the holidays with his family as he tells the story to the audience. The scenario takes place in Atlanta’s airport where he is supposed to be flying home for the holiday dinner and running late as all flights have been canceled due to a snowstorm. Stuck alone in the terminal late at night, he takes the opportunity to kvetch to us about his parents, as well as his other oddball relatives. His story begins with the airport’s announcement coming over the speakers, which means he has to call his parents who are both hard of hearing, especially his father.

Both parents answer the phone — with previously recorded dialogue.

“It’s intense, it’s bad, nothings coming out, I’m in Atlanta,” says Solomon. His father replies, “He said his intestines are bad, nothing’s coming out, and he had Mylanta.” Solomon replies “No, I’m trapped in Atlanta,” to which his father responds, “Oh, I get it. He crapped from Mylanta.” We hear about Solomon’s own marriage, complete with impersonations of Solomon’s shrewish, fussy “Goy”, now ex-wife and his two teenage kids. He uses a Joe Pesci-like voice to imitate his cousin.

During an interview with TimesLedger Solomon revealed some of his humorous anecdotes.

“Over the last year and half I lost about eight pounds,” Solomon said. “I see my Italian family and they say, ‘Stevie, you’re looking good. You’re taking good care of yourself.’ I see my Jewish family and they say, ‘So, you been sick? See a doctor. You look sick.’ I make fun of my uncle Paulie, who is so dumb that when I said to him, ‘Look at the dead bird,’ he looked up.”

Many of his characters do appear to be stereotyped and it takes a good sense of humor to not be offended with some of his lines.

“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy” was Solomon’s first of the trio. It became the longest running one-man show on Broadway. He has another show entitled, “Cannoli, Latkes and Guilt. “

Solomon also does stand-up performances, which continue in Florida before returning to New Jersey in late January.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

The NYPD was searching for a man who allegedly robbed two stores in Jackson Heights and Sunnyside.

The suspect first struck in the early morning hours of Nov. 29, lifting up a security gate and walking through the front door of Veyta’s Bakery Cafe Restaurant, located at 92-01 Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights.

Once inside the suspect took $950 in cash from the register, police said. The individual was caught on a surveillance camera before fleeing the scene.

Police said the same man slipped through a small gap in a security gate at Priceless NYC, a 99-cent store at 42-06 Greenpoint Ave., in Sunnyside the morning of Dec. 9. The suspect swiped nearly $500 in cash from the register, police said.

The man was described as dark-skinned, last seen wearing dark-colored clothing. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

Police were searching for a man suspected of public lewdness in Forest Hills.

According to police, on Dec. 15 at 8:15 p.m., a 23 year-old woman was riding a northbound R train at the 67th Street and Queens Boulevard station when the suspect in the same train car began to masturbate in front of her. Police said both the victim and suspect exited the train at the next stop, Forest Hills and 71st Avenue.

The victim was able to take cell phone pictures of the man before he fled the station on foot in an unknown direction. Police said the victim was uninjured in the incident.

Police described the suspect as a black male in his 40s, 6-foot-1 tall ,180 pounds with black hair. According to police, he was last seen wearing all black clothing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

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Source: Times Ledger