Keep in Mind...It's CitiField - NOT shefFIELD

Where do we start? Today was the first time the Mets walked onto a new field. For those keeping score, they walked on the Polo Grounds for the first time in'62, Shea in '64 and CitiField in '09.

So it was nice to see a "win" over the Red Sox as Manuel did a tune up before Monday's opening day. I was offered two tickets to the game, but unfortunately was unable to make it out there due to a few previous unbreakable commitments. (All I know is productivity for half of Metropolitan New York will be at a diminished rate from 1:10 p.m. on April 6 until the last pitch is tossed -- I plan to partake!).

News today also hinges on the signing of Gary Sheffield. Now, we all know he's a problem boy - and that's why Detroit let him go eating $14 million (stimulus $$$$ -?) of that contract and one HR shy of 500. Is this the makings of a dented can sale?

Omar was on WFAN today and basically summed it up, there is little downside risk. He's being signed at the Major League minimum (boy, we'd all like to have that!). So if he produces, we bought low and (can we? sell high. If he flops, cut bait.

Story in the Star Ledger: http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2009/04/sheffield_can_help_this_team_n.html

Now, my 2 cents...not a fan of Sheffield, but I do believe he can help the team as a pinch hitter and as a late inning defensive replacement. Would I go out and buy a Sheffield jersey? Nah. Do I think he will be around next year? Nah. Is he going to be part of the franchise? Nah. But, we need live bats and Yah - he's got one. Not for average. Not for clutch - just power. We are still trying to decide whether CitiField is a pitcher's or a hitter's park...I am hoping offensively, a hitter's and defensively, a pitcher's.

That's all for now...back soon!

ExquisiteDynamicColossalEyeCatchingComfort--WOWWWW!!!!

OK, in this life of mine, I have not had the chance to ever partake in a country club, but all of that seemed to change today.

You see, I visited the Mets new home, CitiField. It was odd attending a college baseball game, especially since my alma mater wasn't playing, but rather two rivals. The steep price of $5 per ticket couldn't keep me away.



As much as I LOVED Shea Stadium, this place is amazing.
It has elevated the National Pasttime from "going to a ballgame" to an "Experience"

More to come. Not a bad seat in the house.

(Incidentally, the picture above is the first pitch ever thrown at Shea. Brian Kemp of St. John's was the batter. Ironically, St. Johns was the visting team)

Pride in America - Pride in WRIGHT

This is a good story...

Nice to see a lot of Patriotism co-mingled with Baseball. And, Felix is a Wright fan.

Thanks David, for your heroics last night. Bottom of the 9th - BOOM...after the ball took its second bounce, (which, for those with a stopwatch wasn't in milliseconds, but eons, I knew the runner from second would score.

LETS win the WBC...After all, baseball is an American Game.

Red, white and blue, through and through

By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports 8 hours, 14 minutes ago

Related Video

Team USA rallies

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The flag traveled around the world and through the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it from home as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never left his Army backpack.

It accompanied Perez to Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday night. He needed some luck for his team, the United States, in its must-win World Baseball Classic game against Puerto Rico. Perez wore a Team USA hat and a Team USA hoodie, and his little sister, Jessica, draped his flag across her shoulders. The United States’ 6-5 come-from-behind victory in the ninth inning sent them into a frenzy. She danced around. He sat in his motorized wheelchair and roared.

On the way out, the 27-year-old Perez placed the flag in his lap and leaned over to a security guard manning Gate G. He was hoping some players from Team USA might sign it. The security guard led Perez and his sister to the U.S. clubhouse, and the flag went inside.

“The next thing I know,” Perez said, “I’m getting called to come back in there.”

And so began the coolest 30 minutes of Felix Perez’s life. On an evening when he felt especially proud to be an American – when a group of his sporting heroes wearing his country’s name across their chests banded together to win a game they had no business winning – Perez found himself surrounded by them, doused with celebratory Miller Lites, with the American flag that was with him during the worst moment of his life passed around the room and signed by every player on the team.

“Everybody,” Perez said.

Then they handed him a ball filled with signatures.

“Everybody,” Perez said.

The half-hour went too fast. Jimmy Rollins, who scored the winning run, wanted to chat more. David Wright, who drove it in, couldn’t hear enough about how the New York Mets are Perez’s favorite team. Almost half the team surrounded Perez for a photograph, the flag draped around his torso, a smile on every face, and none brighter than his.

“I’m just happy to see him happy,” Jessica said.

It’s been four years since Perez returned from the Middle East, where he spent four years. He enlisted after his 17th birthday and was in Afghanistan by the time he turned 20. He doesn’t like to talk about his injury. Some wounds don’t heal.

Perez played ball growing up in North Bergen, N.J., and still loves watching the sport. He attended Team USA’s first WBC game here, an 11-1 mercy-rule loss to Puerto Rico. When the Americans beat the Netherlands to stay alive, Perez woke up at 9 the next morning, called the box office and bought three tickets.

The stadium, practically empty at first pitch, filled to 13,224 by game’s end. It deserved more eyes. Puerto Rico scored in the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie and tacked on an insurance run in the ninth for a two-run lead. The Americans, about to get bumped from the second straight WBC before the semifinals, needed something divine. Shane Victorino singled to right field. Brian Roberts singled to center. And then Roberts, who had joined Team USA just two days earlier to replace the injured Dustin Pedroia, stole second base – even though coaches laid down the hold sign. Roberts hadn’t quite learned the signs yet.

A walk to Rollins, and another to Kevin Youkilis, and the U.S. had cut the deficit to one run. Wright laced a 2-1 pitch from Fernando Cabrera down the right-field line, and out charged all of Team USA, from the bench and the bullpen, in a bull rush to home plate, then to greet Wright. His teammates kept pushing Wright, joyous and unbridled shoves, until he fell down and they buried his face in the dirt.

“I never thought that we’d be dog piling in March,” Wright said.

No one did. The malaise that clouded the previous games involving Team USA seemed infectious. For every Felix Perez, there were dozens, sometimes hundreds, of fans rooting for the opposing team. Every WBC game thus far, even the ones in Florida, felt like it was on the road.

Not even that dampened the Americans’ enthusiasm. They play Venezuela on Wednesday to determine seeding in Los Angeles, where they’ll face either Korea or the winner of Wednesday’s Japan-Cuba knockout game – and perhaps with a few more supporters who can appreciate what Team USA accomplished Tuesday.

“That was the greatest game I’ve ever been a part of,” catcher Brian McCann said. “Ever.”

Same went for Perez. He said he would rather Team USA win the WBC than the Mets win a World Series.

“We’re the U.S.,” Perez said. “This is our game. … This is the world. You’re representing your country. What is more honorable than representing your country?”

Team USA’s manager, Davey Johnson, grew up an Army brat, his father a prisoner-of-war in World War II.

“There is nothing more honorable,” he said.

Wright was raised near Naval Station Norfolk, one of the largest military bases in the country.

“When you see those guys and get a chance to see how much it means to them, that makes it extra special,” he said. “They take a lot of pride in that red, white and blue, and to have USA across your chest and have supporters like that – that’s what this tournament means.”

Outside the clubhouse, Perez started moving toward the stadium exit. His dad, Felix, had called. He was wondering where Perez and Jessica had gone. They were headed back to the car, Jessica said. They had a pretty amazing souvenir.

A minute later, Rollins walked by and spotted Perez.

“All right, baby,” he said. “Keep a smile on your face.”

“Hey,” Perez said, “as long as you keep swinging the bat, I’ll be happy.”

Perez lifted his right arm as high as he could to wave goodbye. He wasn’t sure he’d see these guys again. He said he might fly to Los Angeles for the finals. He doesn’t know.

Perez moved his hands onto the flag. It’s a struggle, but he wanted to touch his prize. He plans on hanging it next to his other American flag, the one his friends in the 82nd Airborne sent to him when he was injured.

The old flag’s traveling days are over. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it to his home Tuesday night as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never will leave his heart.

Jeff Passan is a national baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Jeff a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Pedro Martinez - and, an EXCITING World Baseball Classic Game - Netherlands Upsets the Dominican Republic

I have seen many great baseball games, baseball moments and events - in person and on TV. Tonight, I witnessed one of the biggest upsets ever in International baseball - The under appreciated Netherlands doggedly beat the rock solid Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Not once - TWICE. But tonight it really counted.

As you know, this is a Mets blog, so the point here is that I saw Pedro Martinez pitch in relief, and to these eyes (YES, my contact lenses were in) he looked good. Got two innings under the belt and seemed to have his control in order.

Prior to watching him pitch tonight, I was resigned to letting him go his own way. But, with the news of the Mets releasing Duaner Sanchez (TAXI!!!!!!), I think the Metropolitans should offer Pedro a contract to come back as a middle reliever to pitch the 6th and 7th innings, hand the ball to Putz and then to K-Rod.

Pedro can be the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I would rather see him get a chance this year and do well, than to do well for another team - regardless of the league.

OK..each day gets closer to opening day. I can't wait.

And for you box score junkies (self included) here is the one from the Netherlands upset victory:
http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_03_10_domint_nedint_1

Gettin Ready for City Field...

Good Article today in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/sports/baseball/05stadium.html?_r=1&ref=sports

I was fortunate to get a ticket to the St. Johns -Georgetown game at the end of the month. It will be exciting to be at the first game at the new park, regardless who plays.

Shea was a great place. All the bashing and shortcomings people make of it, well, that's their loss.

Sure, I once sat in the last row of the loge in left field and couldn't see an outfielder (or two). Did I care? NO! I was at a baseball game.

The excitement is back. I'm worried about Santana's elbow a bit, but, let's face it, I rather he be safe and someone else pitch than to rush it for pomp and circumstance.

Before you read Belson and Sandomir's article, repeat this soothing mantra (NO, It is not "ommmmmmm" it's LET'S GO METS!

March 5, 2009
The Mets’ New Home: Call It the Anti-Shea
By KEN BELSON and RICHARD SANDOMIR

For those fans who hated Shea Stadium, fear not: Citi Field is nothing like its predecessor, the last bits of which lie in ruins a few hundreds yards away.

The Mets’ new park, which will open its doors for a Georgetown-St. John’s game March 29, is far more intimate than Shea and corrects some of the old stadium’s worst faults.

Citi Field will hold about 42,000 fans, 15,000 fewer than Shea. The park is enclosed and many seats wrap around the outfield, so it feels much cozier than Shea’s open-ended bowl, which favored watching football.

During an extensive tour of Citi Field on Tuesday, Jeff Wilpon, the team’s chief operating officer, spoke in the Acela Club, a restaurant in left field that will have 550 seats, table service, a bar and wine cabinets for frequent patrons.

“There’s all this light and air, and then you’re looking back at the field,” Wilpon said. “We want to make people feel they’re in a living room.”

The seats throughout the stadium are angled toward the center of the infield, reducing the need for fans, particularly on the field level, to crane their necks toward home plate.

Sitting in their seats, few fans will see the chop shops in Willets Point, the cars roaring past on the Van Wyck Expressway, the subway yards to the south or the U-Haul sign. They will still get a crystal-clear view of the planes on their final approach to La Guardia Airport. Some things never change.

Citi Field has many nooks and crannies that are nothing like Shea’s tired symmetry. The grandstand that hangs over right field, for instance, was inspired by the old Tiger Stadium, which Wilpon visited with his grandparents as a child. Fans in center field will get a bull’s-eye view of the bullpens, with Aaron Heilman only in the visitors’ half, which is on a slightly raised level, with some protection from fan saliva.

The 16-foot wall that rings much of the outfield means an Endy Chávez-like catch is unlikely, though.

Going for food or a bathroom break will be a lot easier. The concourses are far wider, bathrooms are more numerous and beer drinkers will not have to wander far for a microbrew. Gabila’s knishes will return thanks to convection ovens. (The old knishes were fried, which helps explain the heartburn they generated.)

The chance of a plumbing malfunction has also been reduced: the Mets have installed waterless urinals, an eco-friendly touch.

The walk from the subway station to Citi Field’s front entrance will take about as long as it took to reach Gate E at Shea, but an acre of planters, trees and other landscaping will usher fans to the new park’s brick exterior and ornate rotunda named for Jackie Robinson. Bricks embedded in the capacious plaza include inscriptions from fans who paid $195 to $345 for the privilege. Several applications were rejected because the language was deemed insulting of New York’s other baseball team.

Citi Field’s exterior is a splendid architectural response to the dullness of Shea, while the inner bowl is muted. Shea’s candy-colored plastic seats are gone (along with generations of chipped paint on the handrails) in favor of dark green seats everywhere.

“Dark green is the color of a classic ballpark,” said Dave Howard, the team’s executive vice president for business operations, as he stood ankle deep in snow. “And we thought the other team in town would use blue.”

Citi Field, with 28 different seating categories, also feels more fragmented than Shea, which had sections of box and reserved seats that stretched from one foul pole to the other. The collection of far smaller blocks of luxury suites, party rooms, restaurants and exclusive box seats spells exclusivity or exclusion, depending on your point of view.

Everything has a new name, as well. There’s the Ebbets Club, the Delta Sky360 Club and the Caesars Club. Seaver, Hodges and Stengel have their names on three of the five party suites. The name game is not done, either.

“In this economy, you don’t turn down sponsors,” Wilpon said. “Anyone who’s willing to pay. ...”
The suites, apparently, will not be just for baseball. Howard said that the club had already booked bar mitzvahs in the Caesars Club. A 150-seat auditorium could host corporate events.
While all the major construction is finished, many little touches remain. The kitchens are filled with refrigerators and even French fry baskets, but much of the equipment is unplugged, out of position and covered with layers of dust.

The much-improved sound system and scoreboards were getting a workout. A version of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” played loud and clear. The LED scoreboards that line the facades were ready for June. One read: “David Wright .320 AVG 15 HR 66 RBI.”
Wilpon said the team had not decided who would throw out the first pitch on opening day April 13. But he said it would be great if President Obama did it on Jackie Robinson Day two nights later.

With the sun setting, dozens of employees were waiting in the parking lot next to the park before their orientation sessions. Gary Brown, who worked at a concession stand for two years at Shea, said he and his friend Faruk Stokes were looking forward to their new workplace.

“Any type of progress is a good thing,” said Brown, who lives in Corona, Queens. “It’s a beautiful facility. I just hope the team is more successful here.”

Shea Stadium - Finally Climbing the Golden Staircase

I remember reading many years ago a story about an emperor or king in ancient Rome who built a statue that would last forever, but the only thing that survived was the base and the tribute to this king was faded. No one remembered him or heard of him.

The same can be said about Shea Stadium which finally (SADLY) has been taken down. All the brick and mortar (and hot dogs and beer and players and fans and seats and memories) is gone and the aforementioned is now on the tongues of the multitude of fans who had the privilege to view America's signature past time in a heralded venue.

(Click the link in the title for the Associated Press story).

In case you can't tell, I was a big fan of Shea. Saw my first game there (a rainout against the Pittsburgh Pirates). My neighbor, Mr. Geis, took my dad and I and his son along. He promised to make up the game. Never happened. He moved a few years later.

Instead, I probably went to Shea about 100 times...

When the Mets had a day game, and I had vacation time, you could be sure that I would take in a matinee once or twice a year. The only paper I would have in my hand was a score card while my fellow colleagues at the office were laboring over reports and other relevant documents. (Oh, don't think I am taking a snooty approach, I paid for it the next day with a workload in triplicate).

Many other memories in high school - hopping in the car at the spur of the moment, pooling $ together for gas, tolls and parking and within 45 minutes of deciding to go, our asses were in seats rooting loud for the blue and orange.

Today is the finality of Shea. While I wasn't there to see the last structure collapse, I do look forward to a solid season for 09 and beyond.

I wish I remembered King WhatsHisName's name from Rome. I would have loved to tell him about the splendor of Shea Stadium and the many battles the Mets won (and lost) on the green diamond. However, his statue is no longer around and probably was carted away with additional rubble.

Shea Stadium is dead. Long Live Shea! Long Live the Mets.

Landslide Answer in this Debate....

Newsday brings up a solid debate....Oliver Perez or Ben Sheets -- well, I like Ollie, but I don't love him. He's like the stock market these days...erratic. It's like buying Crackerjacks and not knowing whether or not you will get a prize.

What us peeps have to realize is he was a "throw in" in the Xavier Nady for Roberto Hernandez trade. I'm not knocking throw-ins. Ryne Sandberg was one.

See the debate below...I would rather have Sheets...I think there's more upside potential...More Ks. The Brewers were not the best team, yet he still seems to perform well.

Ben...sign here on the dotted line...Ollie, make your millions, but there can only be one winner in this beauty contest.

And now...The Newsday Debate forum...

DEBATE: Should Mets sign Ben Sheets or Oliver Perez?
NOTE: Baumbach's portion is reprinted (reposted?) from yesterday:

JIM: Sheets is a better option than inconsistent Ollie

Ben Sheets won't win any durability awards, I realize that. But when he's pitching, he's one of the best in the NL.

The Mets, in my opinion, are better off giving him a two-year, $28-million deal with a $15 million option that vests if he pitches 360 innings in the first two seasons.

I just don't buy the notion Perez is suddenly turning the corner, for good, and will be a consistent starter with pitching coach Dan Warthen back. Take a look at Perez's stats here. Everyone raves about the last two seasons, but he posted a 1.31 WHIP in 2007 and 1.40 in 2008. No thanks.
Especially not at the rate Scott Boras will negotiate.

ANTHONY: Why all the Oliver Perez bashing?
Yes, he drives the Mets crazy. He may never be a 15-game winner for the next 10 years. But he's young and lefthanded -- which is a big point when you are in a division with the lefty-leaning Phillies -- and has shown he can pitch well in big games. He always takes the ball; sometimes he's great and sometimes he stinks. But he's always out there.

Ben Sheets? Very talented. Effective when healthy. But when the Brewers were trying to wrap up a playoff berth last season, he couldn't pitch. You don't need to spend $30 million on a guy like that.

I agree with Jim that Perez isn't going to turn the corner. He'll probably always be what he is. But what he is isn't all that bad.

The larger issue -- and one we may explore later on -- is that if they sign Perez, with the exception of K-Rod and Putz, the Mets are bringing back the same team as last season.
Is that going to be enough?

Let's Get REDDING TO RUMMMMMMBLE

I am pleased with the deal to get Tim Redding http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/redditi01.shtml - while he has a crappy record from last year, he could be a good pull from the lowly Nationals. The Mets actually do well when dipping into their ranks - Brian Schneider, Ryan Church and a few others along the way.

He only cost $2.25 million (Hell, in this recession, I'd like to make that kind of an income!) and he should be able to eat innings. The Phillies certainly have their troubles against this righty. And, the more losses we incur on them, the better.

Spring training is coming...let's see what develops!

My Resolutions Are Still Strong

8 Days into the year...I still DON'T want Manny Ramirez to come to NY!

(Oh, and I lost 2 lbs)

Why Can't There Be More Players Like John Olerud?

They don't make em like they used to.

I never realized how much I missed having John Olerud (click for stats) on the Mets.

He could hit. He could take a walk and he had a high on base percentage.

Looking back, he got $6m a year. A bargain for sure.

Anyone out there in the cloning business?

The title of this article gives me the creeps....

A story by the Associated Press carries this headline: "Mets to meet with Boras about Lowe, Perez."

Dealing with Boras is like going to a used car dealer looking for a $100 clunker and then being sold a clunker for six figures. (With Boras, its multiple-millions).

If I were a ballplayer, I'd want a guy like that for my agent..."get it - as much as you can - 'tude"
but as a fan, I resent paying extra high prices to watch overvalued players. Now, the jury is still out on Lowe and Perez whether they will be wearing pinstripes, but Minaya better take a page from Billy Beane's book and set the value - and walk if its overpriced.

Who wants to pay for a Yugo with Cadillac dollars.

On another note, Omar was named as a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports through May 2010. Good thing the guy who signed Mo Vaughn wasn't appointed.

A Radical Idea - Ken Griffey Jr. A Met? (Well, I Think He's Better Than Andruw Jones)

A blog is a place where you can tout ideas - good or bad. Sane or ludicrous. Valid or Pipe Dream.

I am about to propose something that encapsulates all of the above.

What if Ken Griffey Jr. became a Met? The argument of "He's an American League type player" is bogus as he suited up for the Cincinnati Reds since 2000.

Before you say "WAIT~ He's been injured!!!!" I will stop and say, so has Andruw Jones - and for that matter, most every player who has the fortune of throwing or hitting a ball for a living.

Griffey would bring a senior presence to the team - and he still has a few years left I think. He's driven, unflappable and still puts up good numbers with HRs. Take a look at his stats: http://www.blogger.com/Ken%20Griffey%20Jr.%20Stats See how he's hit MORE home runs in less games from 2005-07 vs. the early 90s. True, his batting average went down a bit, but you can get him for a song and he's going to be a good corner outfielder. Moises Alou despite all his ailments HITS when healthy and I think Griffey can do better.

Andruw Jones? .158 last year...Pass GO, forget collecting the $200. (Besides, Jones looks like he needs to visit a fat farm in the Carolinas. --- Psssst. The AVERAGE is suppose to be up, the WEIGHT down...Simple inverse Andruw.

I'm back tomorrow.

Play Ball!

So, are you with my view on Griffey or shall I get some hiking boots as you are about to tell me to take one?

Where Are They Now? Anthony Young??

27.
Lets do some math here... 27 x 1; 9 x3 ; 15+12.

They all equal 27. And its a formula that can't be argued with.

However, Anthony Young, known as "AY" in his days with the Mets toed the mound and lost 27 consecutive decisions.

The Daily News caught up with him and it is really good to see that he has been unaffected by the notoriety.

Tis a good read... http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/01/03/2009-01-03_where_are_they_now_former_met_anthony_yo-2.html

And, for those who are interested in only text and not pix, here is the story: (My two cents...AY tried hard and gave it his best. He had a good work ethic and didn't slack like a lot of recent Mets middle relievers...)

Where are they now? Former Met Anthony Young emerges a real winner

BY ANTHONY MCCARRON DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Saturday, January 3rd 2009, 2:27 PM


Fans sent Anthony Young all sorts of good-luck talismans while he was enduring his infamous losing streak - four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, rabbit's feet. One woman gave him her treasured $2 bill. Psychics called the Met offices offering aid. Letters of encouragement poured in from folks who sat in the bleachers as well as Hall of Famer Bob Feller.

More than 15 years after his record 27-game losing streak ended, Young still holds onto his memories of "what I'm known for," as he puts it. He still has most of the trinkets, stored in his attic in the same box he kept them in at his locker at Shea. Recently, he says, he poked around in the box and watched several old videotapes - his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and a meeting he had with the family of Cliff Curtis, the pitcher who set the record from 1910-11 that Young eventually broke.

Nowadays, deep into a coaching career, Young gets occasional reminders from the kids on the five select teams he oversees. "Once they find out you were in the big leagues, they 'Google' you," Young says. "Then they say, 'Coach, you're known for a losing streak!'"

Young, who will be 43 later this month, had a 9-5 job at a chemical plant for eight years after his playing career ended in 1996. But he wanted to coach and now runs five different teams of kids from 9-13 years old in Houston, his hometown. He also gives private pitching lessons as part of his own company, AY Enterprise.

"It's a big business now and there's a lot of competition," Young says. Young says his teams have played tournaments against teams coached by ex-players such as Charlie Hayes, Chuck McElroy and Eric Anthony.

"Life is good," Young adds. "I'm a grandfather. It's been a pleasure watching my kids grow up and I'm keeping busy with baseball."

Young, who is also a regular at Met fantasy camps, knows that people will forever remember him as the promising pitcher who dropped 27 consecutive decisions from May 6, 1992 to July 24, 1993 - he's gone to memorabilia shows where people want him to acknowledge the streak next to his autograph. But sometimes he wishes everyone also remembers that he didn't pitch that poorly during the streak - managers don't keep giving you the ball if you're getting clobbered every time you pitch.

"I got a bad rap on that," Young says of the streak, in which he had a 4.36 ERA. "I always said I didn't feel like I was pitching badly. It just happened to happen to me. I don't feel like I deserve it, but I'm known for it. It was an 82-year-old record and it might be 82 more years before it's broken.

"Everything that could happen, happened. It was just destiny, I guess."
At one point during the streak, Young converted 12 straight save chances and threw 23.2 straight scoreless innings subbing for closer John Franco. He was 0-14 as a starter and 0-13 as a reliever.

It all ended on July 28, 1993 when the Mets scored twice in the bottom of the ninth against the Marlins. Young had entered at the top of the inning and allowed a tie-breaking unearned run after a Todd Hundley throwing error.

A few weeks later, Young flew to Los Angeles to be on The Tonight Show. While mired in the streak, he had been prime monologue material for Leno and when they met, Leno offered the chance for comic retribution, telling Young, "You can make fun of my chin if you want to."
"It was a lot of fun," Young says.

While the end of the streak offered relief, it is not nearly Young's favorite moment of his six-year career with the Mets, Cubs and Astros. That would be his debut against the Cubs on Aug. 5, 1991 when he relieved Pete Schourek with the bases loaded in the seventh and got Shawon Dunston to ground out to end the inning.

"That," says Young, "is one of the best memories of my life."

Lowe Ball

So...Short and sweet. Are the Mets going to get Derrick Lowe?

He was a semi-sensation earlier in his career, starting out as a closer and then migrating to starter: Stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/l/lowede01.shtml

Is he ready for the NY limelight? He pitched in Boston and LA (with a small cup of coffee with the Mariners).

Is he too old? Is his arm live?

We need the help here, so if I am throwing the dice, then the answer is YES! It's time for some Lowe Ball in NYC!

Worst Losses of 08

If you ask me, any time the Mets lost by blowing a save or to a team with a winning percentage BELOW .500, it was unwarranted, and for the most part, preventable. (Though I am a reasonable man and it was not 100% preventable).

Bill Price of the NY Daily News posted an interesting column the other day where he cited the top 10 losses. I would have to put the LAST game of the season as the #1 Worst loss. I was there. Trust me. It just ripped at all of us...

So, Bill, take it away...

December 31, 2008
Ten worst Met losses of 2008
Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while, I took some time off to spend the holidays with the Bitter wife and kids.

I was going to end the year with a blog stating the Jet collapse was 10 times worse than the Mets collapse, but Jet fans have been through enough.

Actually, I think Bill Cowher pulling out is actually a good thing for Jet fans. You don’t want a coach to come here just for the money. I think Steve Spagnuolo would be a great fit. He’s young, hungry and knows his stuff, so you can expect the Marty Schottenheimer press conference any day now.

Anyway, to end this year, I will put a final cap on the 2008 Mets season by ranking my 10 bitterest defeats of the year. Oh, there were plenty, but to me, these were the most gut-wrenching, season-killing ones they had. Enjoy reading and have a great 2008.

10. April 1: Marlins 5, Mets 4: The euphoria of Johan Santana’s debut doesn’t last long as Pedro Martinez gets hurt after throwing just 57 pitches the next day. It’s a sign of things to come for Martinez and the Mets, who, believe it or not, see the bullpen lose the game when Matt Wise - remember him - gives up a game-winning homer to Robert Andino.

9: June 27: Yankees 9, Mets 0: If you need one game to sum up the 2008 New York Mets, this was it. Just hours after pasting the Yanks, 15-6, at the Stadium, they are a complete no-show in the nightcap of a two-stadium double header. Sidney Ponson throws six shutout innings and Martinez and the bullpen are hammered by the Yanks. Instead of building on the momentum of Carlos Delgado’s huge game earlier in the day, the Mets seem happy with the split.

8. May 20: Braves 6, Mets 1: Riding a huge Sunday night win over the Yankees at the Stadium, the Mets head to Atlanta for a day/night doubleheader and get fading ace Tom Glavine in the first game. They look ready to hammer their old teammate in the first, especially when Luis Castillo homers with one out. The Mets load the bases off Glavine, but Moises Alou lines out to third and Delgado flies out on a deep shot. The Mets never threaten again while John Maine, in a sign of things to come, doesn’t have it. Things get much worse in the night game, when Ryan Church bangs his head into Yunel Escobar’s knee trying to break up a double play. It’s the start of season-long head problems for Church. It also starts a stretch where the Mets lose 7 of 8, putting Willie Randolph on the hot seat.

7. May 15: Nationals 1, Mets 0: In their final tuneup before a three-game set at Yankee Stadium, the Mets - with the SNY crew broadcasting from the upper deck - fail to show up, with the exception of Mike Pelfrey, who takes a no-hitter into the seventh. But Jason Bergmann, with the help of a great catch by Willie Harris and some awful base running by Jose Reyes, gets the win. Afterwards Billy Wager takes his perceived shot at the Carloses with his rant to the press. “You should be talking to the guys over there. "Oh, they're not there. Big shock." The loss concludes a 3-4 homestand against the woeful Nats and Reds.

6.August 11: Pirates 7, Mets 5: I know this was about 6 weeks before the end of the season, but this one was perhaps the most brutal defeat of the year. With the Pirates in town for a one-game makeup on a Monday afternoon, Martinez is brilliant, handing the Mets a 5-1 lead after six innings. But the gritty, gutty Pirates score three times in the seventh and three more times in the ninth to stun the Mets. Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano, Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis team up for the collapse. The Mets respond by winning 10 of their next 11, but the writing is on the wall.

5. June 8: Padres 8, Mets 6: Coming off three straight 2-1 defeats at Petco Park, the Mets put up three runs in the first, but Martinez gives the three right back in the bottom of the first, setting the stage for a wild one. The Mets take a 6-4 lead into the eighth, but Willie Randolph, now fighting for his managerial life, brings Wagner into the game with two outs in the eighth, runners on first and second and lefty hitting Jody Gerut at the plate. Gerut singles and then Tony Clark delivers a three-run bomb to center field, completing the Padres’ 4-game sweep. "I don't know what to say," Randolph says in San Diego, one week before he’s fired in Anaheim. "I'm not usually at a loss for words, but what do you say? We finally score some runs and Billy's been pitching lights-out. It's frustrating."

4. September 14: Braves 7, Mets 4: The Mets see their lead over the Phillies cut to one game in one of their most disastrous losses of the season. Leading 4-2 entering the ninth, Jerry Manuel sends Luis Ayala - now filling in for the injured Wagner - to end the game. Instead, he allows a three-run homer to Greg Norton, which sparks a five-run ninth for the Braves. The Mets drop two of three at home to the Braves, and do the same thing the following weekend in Atlanta. The collapse is in full swing.

3. July 22: Phillies 8, Mets 6: Johan Santana earns his money - sort of - allowing just 2 runs over eight innings and the Mets lead 5-2 going to the ninth at Shea. But with Wagner unavailable due to an injury, Santana doesn’t start the ninth. Duaner Sanchez does, and he implodes as the Phils score 6 times to win it. The big play comes when Jose Reyes fields a ground ball with the bases loaded, but instead of flipping to Damion Easley at second, tries to take it to the bag himself. He misses the base and a hustling Shane Victorino is safe. It’s a depressing glimpse into a future without Billy Wagner. Mets do take the next two from Phils to go a game up in the standings, but this one really hurts.

2. September 28: Marlins 4, Mets 2: In what would become the final game at Shea Stadium, the Mets are eliminated once again by the Marlins on the last day of the season. With the game tied 2-2, Schoeneweis and Ayala serve up back-to-back homers and the Mets never recover. The loss casts a serious pall over the Goodbye Shea ceremony, which is somehow held after, and not before the game. It’s a fitting way to conclude 44 mostly miserable seasons of baseball at Shea Stadium. It’s not, however, the bitterest loss of the year.

1. September 24: Cubs 9, Mets 6: Yes, the Mets were still alive after this loss and yes, they didn’t officially blow it until the last day of the season, but any real Met fan knew it was over after this brutal loss. In case you need a refresher course, this was the game were the Mets took a 5-1 lead on a Carlos Delgado grand slam only to see Oliver Perez give the lead right back. And then, with the score tied in the ninth, the Mets get a leadoff triple from Daniel Murphy, but can’t get him home as David Wright - trying way too hard - whiffs. After intentional walks to Carlos Beltran and Delgado, Church hits into a fielder’s choice (Murphy out at home) and Ramon Castro whiffs. Aramis Ramirez caps the game with a two-run bomb off Ayala in the 10th. If any Met is capable of hitting just a sac fly, the team wins the game and likely the division. It doesn’t get any worse.

Well, there you have it.

I know I left a few off, like the game in Philly where the Mets blew a 7-0 lead, but they did rally the next night in Philly, so that’s sort of a wash. There’s also the game in Florida where Aaron Heilman walked in the winning run, but the Mets responded with a four-game win streak after that. Actually, you could look at any loss - especially in a season where they missed the playoffs by one game - and count it as a disaster. This is just my list, I’m sure you guys remember other losses being worse.

Anyway, hope you - in a sick way - enjoy the list and have a Happy New Year. Who knows, maybe we’ll have Derek Lowe in the fold in the near future.

By the way, when do you stop saying Happy New Year to someone? Let's say you have a friend and you don't see him until next Wednesday, do you still say "Happy New Year," even though it's January 7? Just wondering.

A Wish for 2009

We are starting a new year and for 2009 I am wishing the following:

• Another appearance and win in the World Series. What a great media story winning after 40 years from the first - 1969.
• Solid management. Think before you strike.
• Patience at the plate. Take a few walks. Make the opposing pitchers work harder.
• No more garbage players - Schoenweis, Heilman, etc. We need players who contribute.
• This goes without saying - a solid bullpen. After experiencing 29 blown saves last year, this was the crux of the meltdown.
• For JJ to be a "Pootz" and not a "Putz"
• Forget about...Andruw Jones (Done); Manny Ramirez (Oil and Water in the clubhouse)
• Let's consider - Orlando Hudson at 2B - and, GULP - eating Castillo's contract.
• Put Moises, Orlando Hernandez and Pedro Martinez on Social Security.
• Swing High for the Fences and Swing for Derrick Lowe. That one extra starter will be key.
• OH...and, thank the forces that be for MLB TV - 24/7. Now there will be something for me to watch. Even though I like other sports, Baseball is my #1 Passion!
• Happy New Year to All

Thinking Like a GM....

So, as it is getting colder than my cards at a Las Vegas casino table, I am pondering the upcoming season and what the Mets need to do.



Recently, a client and I were talking baseball (a rarity, I must say) and he suggested I read Moneyball by Michael Lewis. I am in the process of both reading it and listening to it on CD.



You know, there is a lot of merit in the points being made, and if Omar absorbs the anti conventional way of thinking about baseball, we can find some hidden gems. Of course, with hidden gems, you strike pyrite, thinking it's gold.



There is a line in the book that resonates - a team of 9 Scott Hattebergs can be the best offense. We need to get guys who get on base, take walks, have a high on base percentage and willing to hustle. Omar, go under the radar some time....there may be something there that is basically "hidden in front of our faces."

What's good for the Mets is good for our soul.

We got rid of a Dick *(heilman)* and got a Putz

WHEW.

Last night as I was hitting the hay, I heard a "THIS JUST IN" in the sports report.

2 Sentences later, I leaped for joy! (The Mets Have Traded Aaron Heilman........) and to interject here, I would have been elated if the next few lines were "for 2 pretzel vendors and an usher..."

Glad to get rid of him. He was a level of total frustration (read a slew of previous blog posts) and quite frankly, helped the Mets lose a lot of games.

What do we get in return? HOPEFULLY a bit of stability in the Pen. JJ Putz was hurt for a bit last year -- but the last few years had some stellar numbers. The good thing is that Putz said while it wasn't his ideal role (8th inning set up man), he was going to pitch like it was a save situation. Go Get em JJ!

One footnote, that, you don't have to be Kreskin to figure this out, but the man's last name is pronounced POOTZ....First time he blows the game, you can hear the fans at She--er, CitiField call him PUTZ!

The sucky part is we lost Joe Smith. Omar, please get a decent sidearmer! (And Why oh Why couldn't you have unloaded Schoenweis?)

To close, (no pun intended) - remember the Seinfeld episode with Keith Hernandez? There were two instances when it came to friendship that you wouldn't help anyone move or take them to the airport?

Well, this is an open note to Aaron Heilman....Give me a call..I will help pack your steamer trunk, take you to ANY airport and bid for the privilege to yell the loudest BON VOYAGE you ever heard.

Putz -8th. K-ROD, 9th. Shut em down!

Another 57!!!!!!

Today. It's. Official.
Really, there is no need to make three sentences out of the first line, but it has to sink in now that we have K-Rod for the next few years.

One thing I noticed is that he wears #57. So does Santana. This should be interesting to see who ponies up the rights to wear that esteemed numeral.

Any Bill James disciples out there? Is this the first time the #57 is a duplicate on a baseball team?

Let's hope that K-Rod lives up to his promise. The Mets have had a long tradition of high priced / high profile closers that haven't amounted to much (Looper, Benitez, etc).

Now, all we gotta do is trade Schoenweis (FOR ANYTHING) and Heilman (FOR ANYTHING, LESS)

Winter Meetings - 08

An esteemed colleague of mine who shares my initials, though the letters are of an inverse nature, said to me today, "Hey, why haven't you blogged in awhile?"

Honestly, I had no legit comeback. So, I am going to post tonight and hopefully a LOT more.

Today, outside, it is colder than penguin droppings, but that has not thawed my love for baseball or the Mets.

I was at that very last game and as painful as it was, I am looking forward to the team rebounding this year.

We need to be like snakes and shed dead skin (Heilman, Schoenweis, etc) and become butterflies and develop (K-Rod - CC Sabathia, etc). Maybe an 8th inning chap like Huston Street would be good. (Can you imagine all the photo ops on Houston St. -- and for those outta towners, it is pronounced "House-Ton" - I have no clue why, but I digress.

Let's keep the sentimentality at a minimum and build a team.

Presently, I am reading Moneyball by Michael Lewis and it is a very introspective book...not only for baseball, but for life. One of my clients and I had dinner recently at a professional event and recommended the book -- from a baseball and biz perspective.

Omar, I am only on page 60 right now, but you should read this book while in the bathroom...believe me, it will prevent you from picking up shit players (as the aforementioned above).

Spring training is coming!!!!

Let's keep talking here...I encourage all posts...

GUEST BLOG....Another disappointing year for the New York Mets. I’ll keep this guest blog short – just like the Mets’ season (OUCH!).

My good friend, MLT, who has subbed for me on occasion for this blog, would like to weigh in on his thoughts about the Mets. I agree with some, but not all. However, he's holding the saxophone and doing the solo and I am being a good sideman, instrument in hand, listening to the music..

Take it away, MLT...

Here is my take on the NY Mets:

* Jerry Manuel – Keep him but he should be monitored by Minaya. He seems kind of stoic to me (in the dugout) just like Willie. I want a crazy manager like Bobby V or Lou Piniella
* Coaches – get rid of them all, especially Dan Warthen and HoJo – see ya!
* Ryan Church – can this guy get back to early season form? The dude should have been benched for the last weekend against the Marlins. He strikes out all the time. He has potential so I say we give him another year, but I’d bench him ASAP if he doesn’t perform early on.
* Nick Evans – this guy is just NOT good enough to play for the Mets. Daniel Murphy should be getting the playing time.
* Tatis – see ya!
* Easley – adios!
* Mets Pitchers: Shea goodbye to the following pitchers: Sanchez, Heilman, Ayala, Rincon, Schoeneweis. P-Mart, Muniz, Perez (Did I miss anyone?)
* Catchers – bench/get rid of them all – Mets need to find a catcher who can crush the ball like Piazza and Hundley used to. No more weak catchers.
* Castillo – bench or trade him
* Ramon Martínez - should be starting 2B next season if Daniel Murphy is still in the OF
* Argenis Reyes – not really impressed; go back to the minors
* Marlon Anderson – never come back!
* Endy Chavez – goodbye

We need better SPs, bullpen and a corner OF who can crush the ball like [Matt] Holliday. Where in the world is Val Pascucci? It’s a joke that we had to turn to Anderson, Easley and Chavez late in games as pinch hitters – they all suck.

Here is forecasted starting pitching for 2009:

* Johan Santana – very happy with Jo-San
* John Maine – he is my “maine man”
* Mike Pelfrey – not 100 percent happy with this guy, but he def deserves another shot in 2009
(Free Agent) – Minaya’s job this winter
(Free Agent) – another job for Minaya this winter

Good luck to the Mets in 2009. I am very much looking forward to Citi Field.

Shea - It Isnt So....

I was one of the fortunate to get a ticket for today's final game.

While I must say the outcome was disappointing - another meltdown. This one not as tragic as last year, but still, the balloon popped and the loud noise barked "NO POST SEASON! --- Again!!!"

I was sad to see the end of Shea...Lots of good childhood and adult memories. A good friend of mine and his wife and I just sat there long after the game and the ceremonies ended. I took about 180+ pics and I am guestimating there were at least 1 million pictures snapped.

My blog will continue on.

I took a break on Sept. 5. I literally ran out of perceptions and observations that day and decided to take a few weeks off.

By the way, Scott Schoenweiss is the Tom Glavine of 2008 - a Pariah we never want to see again.

As I took many a pic, the one accompanying today's blog sums it up. Let's see what 2009 brings.

We'll be talking soon and keep your eyes on this blog (as I am keeping my eye on YOU!)

A Fellow Mets Fan Spells Me (Even Cal Ripken Took A Day Off)

Well, As much as I like to write this blog, there are some days where I struggle for a topic. Well, unsolicited a good friend of mine, Mark Tordik, a die hard Mets fan sent this post to me earlier today. Sadly, I just saw it as I was at work and didn't check my personal email.

Mark, your up at bat...

I always hear that the Phillies are better offensively. Well, when it has counted this year against their division rival, the Phillies have faltered.

Mets are 10-5 head-to-head with the Phillies this year scoring 81 runs to their opponent’s 62. Mets averaged 5.4 runs a game. Nice.

Phillies have averaged only 4.1 runs each game against the Mets this year. That’s not a good number, especially against a supposed weak bullpen. I guess the Mets have stepped up their game this year and are playing like they were in all of 2006 and most of 2007.

This is a big series for the Mets and we should be VERY confident that Pelfrey, P-Mart and Jo-San (as well as the bullpen) can get the job done.

“Mr. Met is tired of playing around and wants to finish off the job. Once this series concludes, he’ll be wiping his boots clean of the Philly Phanatic’s guts.”

-MLT

Editors Note...Mark created a funny video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TyD05-P4KE

Random Met - Wayne Garrett

Ah, good ole Wayne Garrett was a solid player at 3rd Base for the Amazin's from 1969 to 1976. He and Rusty Staub were teammates and redheads.

Wayne had a brother, Adrian who played in the Majors too.

Its a slow news night, obviously.

Peruse Wayne's stats... http://www.baseball-reference.com/g/garrewa01.shtml

Back tomorrow...Let's sweep the Phils and double the 3 game margin to 6!

Mets Win. Phils Lose. Lather. REPEAT.

So I stole a semi popular but obscure tag line for shampoo that doubled sales in the 70s. If it worked for a hair care product, it SHOULD work for the Mets.

While I was slogging away at my desk today -- or in meetings. Let's say both....The Mets trounced Milwaukee 9-2 - maybe it was 9-3. I didnt see the final final on the reply.

The magic is working. I want to be far away from Philly as possible.

Day off tomorrow, but I will be back. Maybe with something interesting. If not, well, its cheaper than a bird cage liner.

Zonked. Off to bed.

Brewers - Can Make One Want to Drink

Long, but good game. Was it long? I guess when you go into extra innings and the opposition gets close to a W with two out, you kind of hyperventilate. I did. Check YouTube for the video.

Roundin' home. The finality of Shea is starting to dawn. Just 15 more games there for the end of the season (PLUS PLAYOFFS!).

Well, I'm hitting the hay and singing "Meet the Mets, Greet the Mets..." on my way up the stairs.

Hope to dream of a private concert with Jane Jarvis -- with the above theme.

Sorry I'm not that creative tonight.

Delgado - Not Hitting Skinny

If anyone ever told me back in June I would be writing praise about Carlos Delgado, I don't know what my reaction would have been. I'm not a negative person, but it seemed like the wood in his bat was infested with rotten bark.

Times changed and now Senor Delgado is clubbing home runs left and right. And he helped out the Metropolitans with a come from behind win against the Brewers. (I may add here, its good we aren't going to see the likes of C.C. (Carsten Charles) Sabathia. NOTE TO OMAR MINAYA -- Consider getting him for next year.

Once again, though, Santana was stymied for a W, but Ayala is looking good as the closer.

Here's a good article with some video: Delgado digs deep for late damage

And, in the "Whatever Happened To....(or What WILL Happen With.... for the new guys...)


9/1/08
Recalled LHP Jonathan Niese, RHP Carlos Muniz, INF Argenis Reyes and C Gustavo Molina from Triple-A New Orleans. Purchased the contract of LHP Ricardo Rincon, RHP Brandon Knight, RHP Bobby Parnell and INF Ramon Martinez from Triple-A New Orleans. Reinstated OF Marlon Anderson from the 15-day disabled list. Transferred OF Trot Nixon, RHP Matt Wise, RHP Orlando Hernandez and LHP Jason Vargas to the 60-day disabled list. Designated LHP Willie Collazo for assignment.

NOTE: If Anyone sees Angel Pagan, please notify the milk company to take his photo off the milk carton.

Last Day in Aug. Nice W

I can't believe it is the END of August. So much baseball, so little time.

I am happy the way the Mets capped off the month with a W against the Fish. The play of the game, to me, was the final where Jose Reyes stuck his glove out and caught the line drive. Hustle is key.

Tomorrow will bring a whole new dynamic to the game. The September call ups. It reminds me a lot of the gym during January. Some will stick around and be good (fit), others will drop out of sight and never be seen again (binge eaters, drinkers, etc).

Saw a graphic on Sunday's game and it looked all Latino. It's going to be a blast if Jose, Al and Argenis Reyes gets into a game. This is the ultimate call: "Ball pitched by Reyes (1); it's hit up the middle and Reyes (2) gets it and tosses it to the bag for the out, caught by Reyes (3).
1) Al
2) Jose
3) Argenis.

Ah...September. We are just a step away from October, so let's make it.

Another Heilman Appearance, Another Loss....OR, HeiLLLLLLLLman

It never ceases to amaze me how much the Mets, both under the regime of Willie and Jerry continue to use Aaron Heilman. Here is another example of why some folks don't understand a hot stove will burn you.

Duaner Sanchez gives up a tying run. UGH. Hey, did anyone get the license plate of that Taxi? I want that guy to come back and do it again...(and also take out Heilman). Not their lives, just their chances for playing on the Mets.

So, Heilman comes in,,,2 Intentional BBs and then WALKS in the winning run. All on horseshit pitches.

Is it ME? Or is he THAT bad? At least with Anthony Young, there was a bit of comic relief involved. The entire team sucked.

Belt Belt Belt Beltran

Carlos was the hero tonight and it was good to see him do it with his 8th career granny. (Uh, if you are a visitor for the first time to this blog, the previous sentence is not something that is happening in West Virginia where they do that stuff...I'm talking baseball).

In the post game interview, he had a candid admission that he wasn't trying to blast a home run. He also said with regret that two years ago he was in a situation where he didn't swing or protect the plate.

If he has games like he did tonight, we will be seeing more Ws.

Speaking of Ws. Two up on the Cheesesteaks. (Kudos to Steve Somers for that attribution).

Day Off...

Lame attempt at Poetry...

Day Off For The Mets
And Me Too
I'll Continue To Bleed
Orange and Blue

Let's pick this up tomorrow.

I will end with a rhetorical question..."Where have you gone Rusty Staub?

Gaining Ground...One Grain of Sand at a Time

Earlier in my salad days as a blogger (OK, since 2006) I may have referred to the Mets taking on a Sisyphus-like journey to the top.

Yesterday was horrendous. 13 innings and then Schoenweis gives up the ghost. (He and Heilman seem to corner the market on that).

Tonight, a decisive win. The Flip of the John Kerry Flop showed up. We like when the Mets win, but to slither down the drain like last night after being a commander on the field was, well, you fill in the blank _________________

Interesting stat popped up on SNY and it showed a dramatic drop off of average for the starters in the later innings. Are we TOO focused on middle relief to notice? Hope not. Baseball may be a diamond, but you need 360 degrees of visibility.

Let's Beat The Phillies

Im Zonked. But its the bottom of the 8th and Mets relievers are on. Pedro couldn't go much.

Mets middle relief is on.

The team blew a 7-0 lead.

When the rollercoaster ride is over, I am going to unbuckle and go to Bed.

Wake me if the Mets win.

2 Solid CGs For Pelfrey

Another Nice W you've Gotten yourself into...

If Oliver Hardy was still around, he would have said that to Pelfrey tonight. He's starting to emerge as an (GULP) "Ace." This was the first time since circa 1995 that a Mets pitcher went 2 complete games and got 2 wins in a row. This was a common occurrence up until the late 60s/early 70s when pitchers were more durable. Pelfrey, as my colleague at work said today, can "eat up the innings.

Delgado was on fire and his RBI total of 6 did NOT match the translation of his last name. (I will save you all from consulting Spanish dictionaries -- it means 'skinny.')

Maine is out and that is another hole that needs to be filled. Sept 1 is a few days away, but with a series against the rival Phillies, the art of being careful and playing strategic is a must.

Let's Go Mets! (See ya at the ballpark)

Thanks Aaron Heilman -- FOR BLOWING IT!

Whenever Aaron Heilman comes into a game..WATCH OUT! Today, against the Astros, the Mets were up and he pitches to two batters and allows the game to be tied. Is that consistent? With him, yes. Is it tolerable? No. Seems like Guillermo Mota - AGAIN.

Heilman was booed so loudly today, it was to the extent where he felt like crawling under a rock. And, as a die hard Mets fan, I wish he would. Aaron, please Hibernate from Opening Day to the Last game of the World Series. Just find something to do -- in the off season.

Resilliancy

It is the 8th inning and the Stros are ahead 8-3, but the Mets haven't folded. I see a bit of a rally and this is something that needs to carry us forward if we want to go ape in post season.

Phils won today, so let's kick it.

Sorry for the short posts of late...work, Olympics, etc...

Im going to the game tomorrow...Hope to have some fun stuff.

Shut Outs. Come From Behind Wins. First Place. Am I Dreaming?

Another quality win tonight and this can be attributed to good ball.

Baseball is an IRONIC game. Opposing pitcher Roy Oswalt retires something like 15 straight batters and still loses. Johan was brilliant again and is showing the investment is solid. No Runs-AGAIN.

Box Score

Berkman was shut down and the 'Stros, who have been playing solid ball of late, were quiet.

Good to see Ryan Church back. Isn't it interesting that 3 Mets were on the field that were recently Nationals? Ayala, Church and Schneider.

Wright's Double in the 9th

Turned the game on late, 4-4 and its the 9th. The way wright smacked the ball to the outfield is the kind of momentum we need - especially on a day like today.

As a track and field aficionado as well, I felt burned the US teams in the 4 x100 relay dropped the Baton. Mets, please pick it up.

Addendum - It is always nice to knock the ball around on Mike Hampton!

Start Printing #34 Jerseys

Pelfrey has pitched well and I think after today's performance, you will be seeing kids and adults donning #34 shirts.

Let's face it. He's part of the future. He has confidence and shut down the Braves - EASILY.

I am ordering mine -- if you have a "L" on hand, I'll make it fit me.

Is It 1986 -- or 2006 again? A Come From Behind Win!

Sorry for the short posts. Been caught in the Olympic fever (110 degrees at least!).

Fear not, I am still watching the games.

Much needed come from behind win. This is the same drive and fight we had in 06.

Keep it up. Need to hold the lead in the standings.

Over and Out.

Today's Loss - A Come From Behind Win for the Bucs is Like.....

Getting a balloon as a child at the zoo and then letting go of it and wondering why you don't have it anymore. Losing an easy gift.

Metsies - How many times do I have to tell you that you can't afford to be sloppy.

Live by this Motto: Bring you "A" game even against the "Z" teams."

Typo - it is now Johan SAINTana

Brilliant performance today by J0-San. These are the kind of games you long for - 9 complete innings. 113 pitches with 85 of them strikes and no free passes. Did I mention anything about Shut-out? (His fifth career).

Box Score

Yes. I realize it was the Pirates, but this is the type of performance that should be coming regularly.

Long day today, so I will be brief. I was glad to be part of Johan's first complete game a few weeks ago against the Cardinals.

Back tomorrow.

Pelfrey - A Star (well, As conveyed by Text Messaging!)

First...glad the Mets held on to a shaky lead against the Pirates tonight. It was the start of a mini-melt, but something we were able to hold off. Thanks Jerry Manuel for being logical.

Now, on Saturday morning around 8 am, I got a text message from MAC who is an occasional contributor --but not that often this year -- AHEM, MAC, love your columns when you step in for me.

So, it turns out he is in Kentucky on biz and I am guessing its an hour behind us. Anyway, for someone to THINK about my blog THAT early on a Saturday, how could I shy away from his comment.

Turns out as you may know, last year and a little bit of this year, I said that Pelfrey sucks and the Mets should get rid of him. This leopard has changed his spots. Not only do I think he is a core member of the pitching staff, I actually believe, just by watching his motion and composure, he is a legit superstar for years to come. As cited earlier in a post (hey, I'm too lazy to find it now -- its close to midnight -- that when he ditched the mouth guard, Pelfrey was a pitcher).

What I feel foolish about was I didn't stick with him in my fantasy league after his last start. That will sure change.

So, MAC, while its late for me, I hope you are up awaiting this post and feel that I rectified my old position. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but MAC got me to change my opinion faster than a politician visiting two diverse audiences an hour apart.

Pelfrey for Prez!

Another Day, Another Win

The title of the blog is something I wish was said more often, but that is something we need to keep up going forward.

The main thing is the Mets are in first by a game and a half as I write this. (Phils are tied, 0-0 in the 6th.

It's been a roller coaster, but if the boys in blue can beat these tomato can teams over the next few, the confidence and momentum will carry against the red hot 'Stros.

Back tomorrow.

W over W

Win over Washington. Make it 3 - Uh...A Sweep.

This is the kind of ball we need to play.

Something perplexed me. Heilman, 9th inning, 2 out, 3-2 - what happens? Aw come on, its easy. You don't have to be Kreskin to guess. Yup. Batter gets on.

Omar, fish or cut bait. We don't want another ineffective pitcher.

Right On Target!

12-0. What does this mean? How many eggs? How many broken? It could very well be.

Sarcasm aside, the Mets did what they SHOULD have been doing to many of the weak teams they faced. Trouncing 'em in the hallways, taking the entire opposing team's lunch money and then splurging the found booty on a white elephant item.

The right guys were putting up the numbers and hopefully this will continue.

Oh, and I tried to listen, but couldn't hear Paul LoDuca repeat his comment after he left the Mets and went to the Nationals. It was akin to "I can't wait to face the Mets! We'll see them 14 times in '08!" Pssssst. Someone just tapped me on the shoulder and whispered that Paul LoDuca was cut a few weeks ago. OH WELL!

Now, we have to do some more decisive winning against the DC and PITT teams in the coming days. If Philly waivers, first is a grain of salt away.

Casey Stengel Was Right

"Can't anybody here play this game?"

Bases loaded, then the ONLY run comes when Damion Easley is plunked on the coconut allowing David Wright to score.

Am I remiss in the fundamentals of hitting?

Well, the score is 4-3 Mets as I am about to finalize this sentence...

Mets' Youth is Answer to Their Woes

All --
I'm taking a day off from writing today (can't stomach it after seeing the Mets pen give up 6 runs today to the lowly Pirates). I dispatched a long time business colleague and fellow Mets fan to utter some logic in this time of bullpen confusion.

by Mark Tordik

Okay, so the Mets didn't sweep the Marlins on Sunday. [Editors Note: Nor did they play up to the level of the Sisters of Charity "B" team against the Pirates on Monday in a make-up game].
We have to give Josh Johnson a lot of credit. He is a big time pitcher although he's still relatively inexperienced. It's a waste of time to analyze Pelfrey's performance since the Mets' bats did nothing to keep pace with the offensively-charged Marlins.

Going back to Game 2 of this series, Murphy and Evans were nothing short of awesome. It is always exciting to see our young talent get called up in August and September every season. Two years ago, Mike Jacobs hit 10 HRs in something like his first 100 ABs. He's a jerk anyway, especially with what he did to Brian Stokes who got his first major league hit in as many ABs -- Jacobs tossed the ball over the Mets dugout and into the stands. Delgado and Mets officials needed to act fast to get the ball back. This was no accident -- the Marlins team was angered by a stong start by the Mets in which they scored four runs in the first inning.

Anyway, back to the young Mets talent. Another minor leaguer who has been getting some blog buzz is Valentino Pascucci who has hit 25 HRs this season for the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA).

Val Pascucci should be starting in LF for the Mets. Evans should split time with Tatis in RF and Daniel Murphy should be starting every game for the Mets at second base (he played 3B in the minors and should be able to make the switch) while Castillo continues his rehab. I don't want to ever see Damion Easley start a game for the Mets. He should always be used for PH.

Here is what the Mets lineup needs to look like if they are to challenge the Phillies and take the NL East:

• 1B - Carlos Delgado/Nick Evans
• 2B - Daniel Murphy/Luis Castillo
• SS - Jose Reyes
• 3B - David Wright
• C - Ramon Castro (when healthy, of course)
• LF - Valentino Pascucci
• CF - Carlos Beltran
• RF - Fernando Tatis/Nick Evans (if Church comes back healthy, then I'd give him the nod to start against righties only)

Note: I left Argenis Reyes off the list since he hasn't shown enough power and hitting ability. Murphy should be getting the time there. After all, Murphy has a .500 batting average. As for Nick Evans, he started slow batting .179 on July 12, but has been on a hot streak and is now hitting at a healthy .263.

In terms of pitching, the Mets need to bring up southpaw pitcher Jonathan Niese NOW. His ERA at New Orleans is 2.37. (FYI -- Brian Stokes' ERA at AAA is 4.41). He needs to come up ASAP along with teammate Tony Armas who is sporting a 2.54 ERA.

The Mets' future is bright but only if they can embrace the future and give these young kids a shot.

Editors Note: Mark, I thank you and even though I should be neutral as a moderator, I'll compromise and be succinct... "Ya darn right!"

Sunday, DUD-ddy Sunday

Box Score

What a bad day to spend an afternoon watching the Mets get trounced by the Marlins. The only consolation that came from this is that Hanley Ramirez went 0-for-5.

Pelfrey was off and walked everyone. In fact, people were foregoing trips to Lourdes because they saw they may have a chance at walking if they faced Pelfrey. I'm selfishly mad because I picked him as a spot starter in my fantasy league and he hurt my ERA and WHIP.

Serves me right.

Makeup game against the Pyrites tomorrow. Next few must all be wins as we are facing "tomato cans."

Some Candid Insight from a Pitcher I Was Not Too Fond Of...

Listening to the radio today on WFAN, and John Franco was on. Now, for those who know me, I am not a fan of his as a pitcher and thought he was way overrated. Blew too many easy games too.

In any sense, he waxed philosophical and candid about the 2008 Mets. He stated the team does not have a true leader, a stand up guy who can rally everyone and spark the team. He thinks David Wright could be the one, but at 25, may be too young and won't have the respect of older players. Franco, I agree.

Another point he made...

I am paraphrasing his quote, but it was along the lines of, "I don't think the Mets show up to play hard every day. You would think that after what happened last year, they would be consistently hungry. Against teams with bad records like the Astros and Padres, they come in with a mighty attitude and they aren't dominating, so they play a less casual game."

Franco, you may not have hit the strike zone from 60'6" at the right time, but this is an accurate call.

And, another thing, the schedule coming up is soft. After the Marlins series, 8 games against the Pirates and the Nationals...Lord help me if they go worse than 7-1.

Hooked The Fish

Ollie was dead on tonight and nary a shaky performance. He still gives up a lot of walks, so if you are in a fantasy league, your WHIP goes up without fail.

Great news...a shut out and the Mets get closer to first. Box Score...What is most remarkable is that Aaron Heilman went two hitless innings, striking out three and, yes, you ARE reading this right, earned a save.

Next up on things we thought were impossible, Rex Reed chasing girls. (This will happen before Mike Hampton goes "injury"-free

The Heilman Express

Can you believe the guy who mars all the win Opps for Johan Santana actually stepped in and got the win today in a see saw of a game. Aaron Heilman who should be on Waivers....Pssst. Mets - you missed the boat with Chad Bradford who just got picked up by the Devil Rays...and Livan Hernandez too! Why not put Aaron on the wire and see who bites? Think of it as putting out junk at the garages sale.

Who is this aforementioned Jody Gerut? He is 5-for14 in the series against the Mets and 3 (1-2-3) of those are Home Runs. To the Mets, they pronounce it to rhyme with "Babe Ruth"

A series against the Fish and on Sunday, it's Billy Wagner Bobble Head day. Can't wait. (The broken ones have heads that don't move - they are on the disabled list).

The paragraphs tonight are somewhat non-sequetirs. Go ahead, make your own transitions.

Loss to Padres Means...

Sometimes you are the priest...
Sometimes you are the altarboy...

You don't have to do much deducing here...

Look at the Box Score

Aaron Heilman -- Is he For REAL?

Another "fasten your seat belt" performance from Aaron "Enola Gay" Heilman. Gees, he keeps dropping these bombs and rattling the hell out of us fans.

Mets were up by a good 6-2 margin when Mr. GiveItUp, well, gave up a 3 run king kong to the world famous Jody Gerut (Box Score).

It is just baffling beyond the permissible pale of comprehension how a team keeps putting out the bait for hitters to hit. Heilman is just bad. He gave up a surprisingly low 9 HRs this year -- last two were a 3 and 4 run numbers.

Each day, the Mets pitching staff seems to erode like a glacier in Hades. Maine. Wagner. Away. Heilman (should be put away) and Duaner "Hey Taxi" Sanchez is not Ole Reliable.

I'm tired of sounding like an old washerwoman, but this pitching is just bad. I can remember in the early 90s when the Mets just reeked of solid starters.

OK Omar, dig up some goodies from the minors or work the wavier wire...

NOTES: Seems like some of the position rookies are doing well. There are less of them than last year, but Nick Evans and Dan Murphy and pitcher, Eddie Kunz are nice surprises. Let's cultivate them and not burn em out.

And, a special shout out for Fernando Tatis...GO GET EM AGAIN, EffTee!

Pound the Pods

3 Game series coming up with the woeful Padres who beat the woeful Mets in a sweep earlier this year.

Ironically, we should all be praying to the padres before the Padres prey on the Mets.

A lot of weak arms in the hurling ranks...Duaner, Billy, Maine...

On the other side, the Phils and the Marlins are going to rock it out. Let's hope for a mathematical luck. A sweep with the Mets to gain 1 1/2 and the other two to lose...

Back tomorrow.

Stros Pull Another W Away from the Mets

Baffled. Plain Baffled is all I can say about the loss today: Box Score

Mets kept leaving men on base and the Houston Astros were able to capitalize and have a 4-0 easy walkover win. We are not fighting hard and this is war. Especially when the Fish and Phils are close to first as well.

Day off on Monday. Typical Wash Day as they used to say. Let's hope we wash out the Ls and fold and hang some Ws.

Maine is on the DL, Wagner is hurt...Oh, get this. He says he felt this way since the Florida Series...Thanks Billy. Secrets like these are not welcome.

Wagner. Heilman. Reminds Me of John Franco Blowing Games...

The first 8 innings of tonight's game were great. Not much to chirp about. Santana was pitching well and held the fort down - but alas, he doesn't collect a W. Start sending the "Thank You" Notes to Billy Wagner and Aaron Heilman.

Wagner had every opp and reason to beat his old team, but for some odd reason, kept letting batters from the 'Stros reach base. And, alas, they tie it. Not a line item in the job description of a closer. Worse yet, Heilman comes in the 10th and gives the game away.

Take a close look at the box score, especially the men left on base (LOB). Mets have a baker's dozen - which is bad, but the 'Stros have a quarter of a century -- and they STILL win.

A friend of mine commented to me after the game, "Wagner got a free pass...Heilman needs to go to triple A." I agree, but I would send Heilman to another team and let them deal with it.

Now's the time where I get a bit snarky..."See Omar, you should have been pulling triggers and flipping switches the last week of July..."

Giving the Gophers Away

Its only the fifth inning as I watch tonight's game against the 'Stros, but Pedro has given up 3 runs - ALL HRs. Not good. This shows that the opposing team has him figured out.

Let's see what the rest of the game brings... (Box Score)