The Joke's On Gomez This Year

John Delcos at Lo Hud, writes about Willie Randolph and his joke on Carlos Gomez:

It will be a tradition for as long as Willie Randolph manages the Mets. After the last intrasquad game he'll line up his team for a sprint around the bases. He tells them to run as if they are running out an inside-the-park homer.

The catch is after the first guy takes off Randolph holds up the rest of the group and the runner does it solo. Randolph said the practical joke is an initiation. "I want to see if he can take it."

Today it was outfield prospect Carlos Gomez, who not only zipped around the bases, but closed the deal with a slide into the plate. He obviously took it well.

His teammates went crazy.

The veteran guys said "Welcome to the Mets," Gomez said.