Ducks Sign Armando Benitez

Armando Benitez has returned to New York.

Newsday reports that the Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks signed a deal with former beleaguered Mets pitcher Armando Benitez. Benitez is expected to make his debut with the team this weekend.

“He wants to make his comeback to the big leagues, and he’s had experience in this ballpark pitching for the opposition,” Ducks president/GM Michael Pfaff said. “He always liked what he saw with the Ducks.”

During his 15-year major league career, Benitez played for the Orioles, Yankees, Mariners, Marlind, Giants, and Blue Jays. Benitez previously pitched in the Atlantic League with the Newark Bears in 2009 and 2010.

Of course, we Mets fans remember Benitez not for the numerous games he did save, but the few big ones that he did not. Like Game 1 of the 2000 World Series.

I remember being the happiest person when Benitez was traded to the Yankees in 2003. Then he did good for them and he got traded to the Mariners nine days later.

Best of luck to Armando in his endeavor with the Long Island Ducks. Hopefully the fans are kind.