Kenny Rogers Really Proved Himself After Seducing the New York Mets

The New York Mets and New York Yankees have Kenny Rogers in common. That was not a good thing for either team, but it was disastrous for the Mets.

Rogers actually helped the Yankees win three consecutive world championships when he was traded to the Oakland A's after the 1997 season.

With Oakland in 1998, Rogers was 16-8, worked almost 240 innings in his 34 starts and had a 143 ERA+. He had a WAR of 6.9, which was almost as incredible as the fact that Rogers once pitched a perfect game.

Yankees' fans didn't think Rogers' performance with the A's was real. Mets management was seduced.

On July 23, 1999 Rogers became a Met. Rogers expressed the belief that the Mets might be the "perfect fit."

''I have something to prove to myself more than anyone else,'' Rogers said. ''I can pitch a lot better than I did in New York. For me to go back to New York and have the chance to prove that to myself, that's what I'm looking forward to doing.''

Mets' manager Bobby Valentine thought getting Rogers was a great move.

''He's a credible left-handed pitcher,'' said Valentine, while general manager Steve Phillips gushed praise on the Mets' new left-hander.

'He fits our club and the National League. To be able to get him before the trade deadline and to be able do it without having to move a starting pitcher or upper-level pitcher, I think it is extraordinary for us.''

Rogers started 12 times for the Mets. He pitched two complete games, went 5-1 with a 111 ERA+ and had a 1.3 WAR. 

Then the Mets won the wild card. They beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLDS. After losing the first three games of the NLCS to the Atlanta Braves, the Mets won the next two and were tied in the in 11th inning of Game 6.

Yes, Rogers certainly proved himself.