#630) SCOTT STRICKLAND

Scott Strickland was traded with Matt Watson and Phillip Seibel by the Montreal Expos to the New York Mets on April 5, 2002 in exchange for Bruce Chen, Dickie Gonzalez, and Luis Figueroa. He would make his Mets debut the next day facing the Braves in Atlanta. The hard-throwing reliever was acquired to set-up the team's closer, Armando Benitez. Scott would pitch well in 2002. Mets' General Manager, Steve Phillips was quoted after resigning Strickland for the 2003 season, "We feel that our bullpen is one of the deepest in the National League and Scott was a key contributor last season." That depth would be quickly tested as Strickland suffered a severe injury only 36 games into the year. The injury would require Tommy John surgery and sideline him for most of the next two years. Scott made his reappearance with the Mets during spring training of 2005. He was once again auditioning to become the set-up man in the bullpen. This time for new closer, Braden Looper. Strickland still had his sights on the more coveted role of finishing games. "That was the plan when (my career) started. It still is." Scott said, "I like being on the mound at the end — the last one standing." The Mets would keep Strickland back in Florida with the St. Lucie minor league team when they broke camp and headed north. After requesting the chance to pitch elsewhere, if not brought to the major league club, he was released by the Mets on May 22, 2005.

Scott was able to return with the Houston Astros during the 2005 season, but has pitched for only Triple-A baseball teams since. He collected 32 saves in 34 opportunities with the Albuquerque Isotopes during the 2009 season, and will be given the chance to make the Florida Marlins in 2010.

Scott Strickland signed his card in the set for my friend, Sam during Los Angeles Dodgers spring training camp in Glendale, Arizona on February 20, 2009.