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In a somewhat shocking move the New York Mets announced that Cooper had been released to free up roster space for shortstop Javier Castillo who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox.

The Modern Era leader in games played with 436, Cooper ranks first in triples (20) and second in doubles (85), RBI (226) and runs scored (209).

Signed by the Mets in the off-season Cooper, a long time fan favorite was expected to be one of the “faces” of the team.

After spending five season with the previous parent club Cleveland Indians and not getting even the end of season courtesy call-up Cooper arrived in Buffalo at the start of the season with big smile and the feeling of a new lease on his professional life.

It wasn’t to be.

His playing team was sporadic and even when he got in Cooper wasn’t able to do much as he batted just .169 with four doubles and four RBI in 26 games.

The arrival of Emil Brown, Chip Ambres and Castillo made it obvious that Cooper no longer figured into the Mets plans.

Still, to his credit no matter how frustrating it was Cooper remained a good soldier and never bemoaned his situation publicly or in the clubhouse.

Which is why saying good-bye was so difficult for Bisons manager Ken Oberkfell.

“It’s a tough situation. Coop’s a great guy, a super guy. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do when I had to tell him,” said Oberkfell. “He wasn’t getting an opportunity to play and he needs to get an opportunity to play. I think someone will pick him up and he’ll be fine. He’s a true professional.”

xxx

Javier Castillo didn’t waste any time making a good impression as his two-run home run in the eighth gave the Herd an 8-1 lead over Durham.

“I didn’t realize how big he was,” said Oberkfell. “He’s a big boy and obviously he’s got a little pop.”

Castillo, 25, batted .262 with two home runs and 11 doubles in his 25 games with Triple-A Charlotte this season.

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This was just the second series win for the Bisons this year. Their last one coming when they took two of three at Norfolk June 2-4 with the scheduled June 5 series finale being postponed because of heavy rains.

Averaging six runs per game this series Bisons pitching was strong as the team ERA was 1.75 and starters were 1.98 over the four-game stretch against the Durham Bulls.

xxx

Fernando Martinez might be staying put in New York after all. Initially it appeared as if Martinez would be the victim of a numbers game and be returned to Buffalo after the Mets finished their stretch of inter-league games in American League parks. But with outfielder Gary Sheffield will be getting an MRI on his sore right knee that could open the door for F-Mart to stick should Sheffield go on DL.