Outfielder Fred Lewis is the latest player to be removed from the New York Mets’ 40-man roster, and he intends to elect free agency once all the paperwork is done, according to ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin.

Fred Lewis bats against the Atlanta Braves in September (Photo credit: Paul Hadsall)

Lewis played sparingly in September, going 3-for-20 with four walks during a callup that was his reward for a good season in Buffalo this year.  The 31-year-old is a veteran of seven major league seasons – he’s also played for the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds.

He’s the first player likely departing the Mets this off-season that I’ll actually miss. I enjoyed following Lewis’ Instagram account, fdotlewlive. But I realize the Mets need the 40-man roster spot to protect prospects that could be lost in the Rule 5 draft this winter and there are plenty of reserve outfielders who can be signed to provide minor league depth.

In other news, R.A. Dickey underwent successful surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle today. He pitched with an injury since April and finished at the top or near the top of nearly every pitching category – and he did it while playing on a not very good team. If that’s not a Cy Young-worthy performance, I don’t know what is.

And congratulations to the Detroit Tigers, your 2012 American League champions.