Is Baseball a Funny Game? YEAH. When a 40YO Steals a Base...

....and it is the catalyst to a win.

And, the other conundrum, the Mets regular (maybe not anymore) catcher, Brian Schneider is due back tomorrow and Omir Santos does it again.

I like this kid. Good attitude and his post game comments weren't all about bravado and slugging, but rather contribution to the team. "Putting the ball in play" was his mantra.

It seems as the come from behind wins are the gas and fire the Mets need. Marlins are always pesky - no matter how good or bad they are on paper. This time, we burned the paper.

RANDOM MET -- The Stork - George Theodore

Day off...time to pay homage to a legendary Met...a true character - the one, the only - THE STORK.

George Basil Theodore (born November 13, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah) is a retired Major League Baseball player. Nicknamed "The Stork," Theodore played outfield for the New York Mets in 1973 and 1974. He is probably best remembered for a brutal outfield collision with Don Hahn in a game against the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium in 1973, in which Theodore fractured his hip.

He is also remembered for his offbeat personality and idiosyncratic interviews. For example, on Kiner's Korner he once remarked, "I've been trying transcendental meditation, and that helps me be passive and wait on the curve. I've got to find something else to hit the slider."

Today, Theodore serves as a youth baseball coach and gives counsel to elementary school students.

On September 28, 2008, Theodore returned to Shea Stadium for the stadium's closing ceremony.

Career Stats Played in a Mere 105 games....2 HR....seemed like more....How great is this world? I mean, the guy had a signed ball on eBay for $15

You Oughta Be In Pictures....(Or At Least HR Reviews)

How BizAAAR. Remember those lyrics in a song a few years ago? That's what it is coming down to with the Mets. They are getting the breaks with the videos...when they are on the offensive, they have gotten the HR call. The opposition, flagged. (no downside!).

Tonight was another example. Daniel Murphy who was riding the slump pony got a good shot off in the RF porch -- or did he? He did!

Nice sweep of the Nats.

I am wondering, will there be a category for Most HRs Via Replay for a player?

I'm in the bottom of the 14th here spirit-wise - a shade tired. So, I'm going to my own video review room and catch a few dreams (World Series 2009---AND Beyond).

And Livan, Livan Likes Complete Games....

About time the Mets (or any team these days) had a complete game. According to a graphic, this was the first one since Johan Santana's gem on Sept. 27, 2008 - the day before Shea gave its finale.

I only saw the last inning or so on TV and heard a bit of the early game on the radio. I wanted to see the long awaited debut of Fernando Martinez (0-3).

The line-up shuffle is odd, but they are winning. Now with Reyes and Church hobbled, Manuel has to make a five course dinner out of eggs, flour, a tea spoon of oil and water. Mix. Bake. Set. Win.

Left me back pedal for a second on complete games...How rare are they? Well, Cy Young pitched 749 of em. Modern and career of active players, Randy Johnson has 100. (2 in 2008, 2 in 2006). Here's the list of active players and complete games. Astonishing...you only need "4" to get on it....Livan is 5th now with 35.

Send those get well cards to Ryan and Jose.

Walk(s) Right In, Set Right Down....

(Song from the 70s I believe...too late in the evening for me to recall who sang it)...

But tonight's game against the Nationals slinged along at a slug's velocity (that is also a subtle slam against something, but more on that offline).

16 Walks - generated by 321 pitches. Sheer monotony - against the worst team in the MLB.

Glad for the win, but something like this should have been easier. J J Putz almost sent many to the dictionary to prove that his current alleged last name is NOT pronounced "pootz."

A sweep is mandatory. You heard it here, now follow it at Citifield.

It Takes Different Stokes (Brian) (to RUIN the World)

Who the hell is Brian Stokes and what is he doing in my salad?

He has not been effective of late and today, gives up 5 runs in 1.1 innings.

Mr. Manuel, if I were to greet you on the street today after that decision, I would same it with the same tone, cadence and timbre that Newman does when he greets Signore Seinfeld.

A word of advice, Willie always went to Guillermo Mota as his "boy"...Find another on this staff and send Stokes to bail out Heilman -- wherever he is!

Short. Spicy and Sour today.

Mir Omir - Or On The Wall...Who Hit a FAIR, Homerun Ball?

When you are scraping for a topic and a third string catcher hits a dramatic homerun, don't look anywhere else.

I thought the Mets were going to let this one get away with a skinny 2-1 score. Then, BAM! Omir Santos hits a rocket that HE knew was gone when it left the bat. Where did it land/bounce? Off the red strip in the outfield. Video review - Joe West comes out, circles his index finger in the air. We are ahead.

Check out the box score...Papelbon takes home an L....Feliciano gets the W at somewhat Pelfrey's expense.

The bottom line is the Metropolitans have 2 of 2 so far and one more to go.

Muses...Big Papi hasn't been able to connect much of late and is getting a reputation for leaving men on base...Perhaps "big crappy" is more apt.

OK...I'm personally pumped for a revenge sweep.

I'll be frank here, Ramon Martinez has made me cringe every time he touches the ball and every time he steps to the plate. That last out seemed to take forever and I was following the trajectory of the ball...WHEW...it hit Murphy's glove.

Wikked - We Beat the Sawx (Hearken Back to '86)

Like Gaul, this blog post will be divided in 3 parts...As far as drawing sequiturs between them, that's up to you -- I ain't the brains of this outfit - you are! (That's why you read UltiMETFan1969 with wreckless abandon).

So, first of all, I am not a fan of the Red Sox. Only players I really admired were Ted Williams and Carl Yaz (who was a relative of a late friend of mine, BJMZ). Tonight's victory was a symbol of a long rivalry and a triumph for all mankind. Going back to (I think) '06, the Sox swept the Mets in three. I still have not forgiven that!

Interesting stats...coming into this game, the Mets had ZERO Home runs on the road trip. That's hard to believe. HR's don't WIN games, but they are a catalyst...How are we going to fill the missing folks..Reyes out, Church looks like he may be out a day or two...and, Ramon Martinez? Puh-leeese...

Now the third part...as you know a good friend of mine, ML was a Mets fan in the Casey Stengel era. He and I have an instant message conversation maybe a few times a week relating to our fave team. Today, he sent me an interesting email, which he has allowed me to post...check it out....


If I could live through 40-120 I can certainly live through being a measly game and a half out of first place in May, after sleep-walking on the west coast.

Here is exactly what happens:

Murphy gets a glove from Wilson and learns to enjoy taking infield practice again. Amazingly, he snaps out of his slump.

Luis Castillo continues at a .280 clip and is solid as the two hitter. Jose Reyes returns in June, takes a minute, then gets hot as a firecracker in July, bouncing triples off the crazy angles at Gil Hodges/ Choo Choo Coleman Field

David Wright is David Wright. He and Shef become the clubhouse leaders. Remember the hug after home run 400? That was significant.

Carlos Delgado rests.Carlos Beltran never runs into another error where the ball drops in his area.

Ryan Church never misses another base and Angel Pagan is a better hitter than people give him credit.

Oliver Perez and Brian Schneider are traded to the Texas Rangers for an insurance infielder.

Sean Greene will be Fed Ex'ed to AAA Buffalo in early July and Dillon Gee gets his minutes.

Putz and KRod do their thing. By September 3rd, Billy Wagner is pleasantly effective as a middle relief man, augmenting Pedro Feliciano from the left hand side.

The Phillies lead the division by 9.5 games in early September. The Mets, channeling 1969, catch fire and catch them at the wire... in truly amazing fashion, in a pennant drive for the ages, forty years after catching and passing the Chicago Cubs.

Jerry Manuel is suddenly a genius.

You heard it here first.

So, wisdom of many! Let's go Mets!

Uh...Murphy CAN Play First...Excuse Me While I Wipe The Egg Off My Face

Short post...

Murph looked like he handled himself well at 1B last night...did some good fielding and the double play was exemplary.

Let them play! Let them Play! (forgot what movie that was from) but the thought carries over for #28.

Big series against the Red Sox tomorrow. Don't crank me up on Interleague play...NOT a fan.

We'll catch you on Friday and hope Santana can Sock the Sawx.

POST SCRIPTS --- My good friend, ML who was cited here a few times had another gem of wisdom combined with philosophy: As the Mets are going through a rough patch (only one game out of first DESPITE all the drama) this is May. The baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. Stop with the cheap finger pointing at Omar Minaya unless you want to give back Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez.

(_________) Doesn't Know Their Ass From First Base

I didn't intend for the bracket and the underline to be an "ass," but it sets up the post I have for tonight.

Based on the press, the fans, the banter, Carlos Delgado's career at first, as a Met, is, essentially, being garnished with a toe-tag. In this not so humble blogger's opinion, I think he will come back later this season, but that will be the swansong.

As I hinted a few days ago - OK, knowing me, it's not a hint, I parade around and make my opinion known - the Mets are going to more than likely seek outside help. John Heyman addressed this today in his article. Dear readers from the other day (here's hoping long term memory triumphs your short term) will remember that I cited a possible candidate as Aubrey Huff? (You ignored it here first!). On WFAN, Steve Sommers also likes Huff.

Today, Jerry Manuel said that Daniel Murphy will get the starts through the series with the Red Sox. His fielding is suspect - needs to learn a bit more of the fundamentals. Easy for me to say and you to agree...where are OUR contracts? But I think we need to give Murph an opportunity. He's patient at the plate - a key attribute.

So, will Murphy survive the experiment? Will Tatis take it? Will Delgado come back and have a great rest of '09 and play into to 2010? Is Nick Johnson? Aubrey Huff? The Professor and Mary Ann? the next ones? You, Omar, Jerry and The Wilpons know about as much as I...Is that my ass or is that first base? Its first? OH, whose going to be on First?

Sorry Bud. Sorry Lou...didn't mean to go there.

I am hearing grunts from the followers of this blog, so I will kindly depart.

See ya tomorrow. Comments welcome.

The Missed Base Debacle...

In my lifetime I have seen many key sporting events, in person, on TV and always reveled in being there. Taking home a memory (a la Robin Ventura's grand slam single) is something cherished.

However, the Man Upstairs knows how much of a devout Mets fan I am and spared me the pains of the 5 error, Ryan Church mis-step. Only saw the first two or three innings before the sandman tossed his weapon.

When I heard about the sloppiness, I was beside myself. But, listening to Jerry Manuel on today's pregame broadcast on WFAN, he said the team was mad at themselves and showed how they want to win. OK, let's use this game as a catalyst.

The lineup last night resembled a shell of the regulars...But, a team of 9 on any given day...

Aw right, the Mets are on TV now...let me go to Church (and tell him to hit the bases).

WOLF in Sheep's Clothing

The game is about to start in a few minutes, so I may dash out of here before you read the next sen.....

(fooled ya) tence.

But one of the oddest pitchers (to me, that is) is facing the Mets - Randy Wolf. On paper, he has some great days - lot of strikeouts. But often erratic. The prognostication I have is that we will be seeing some interesting pitching and a mix of pitches, especially against a lineup that is, in essence, going into the Roman, er Los Angeles Coliseum (well, Dodger Stadium, but you get the drift).

Too many regular Mets are out. If a Martian landed and saw no Reyes, no Delgado, no Schneider and now, oddly, no Cora, he would be perplexed.

So, with the balance of the line up a bit influx, I think Wolf will get a lot of Ks, but the Mets will be gritty.

One thing I wanted to run by all you reader(s)* -- hoping it is plural -- is that every year, early on, the Mets have had some nice numbers from unheralded players. In '07, Jose Valentin, in '08, Angel Pagan and this year, Fernando Tatis. (Yeah, I'm a FernANdo).

First pitch is about to be thrown -- and so is your first tomato at me....I'll see ya later.

Let's Go Mets!

DLgado

Irony, huh? About 12 months ago, Carlos Delgado was all set to be hanged by a posse of Mets fans who were fed up with his inability to put a Louisville Slugger against a ball being tossed 726 inches away.

Fast forward a bit - he broke out of the slump and became somewhat iconic in the last season at Shea. Now his hip is bugging him and who knows when he will be back. Sounded like Jerry Manuel wasn't too optimistic this year (based on an soundbyte I heard on WFAN). And, listening to the ESPN game tonight, John Miller was asking Manuel who the true leader on the team was and the first name he mentioned? Carlos Delgado.

Reyes is out. His replacement in tonight's game, Cora, is out and Tatis is playing short...there's a guy who I think is a quiet leader (and he doesn't know it). I love how Tatis plays his heart out.

Carlos D, we hope you get better and come back soon. In the mean time Daniel Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Tatis are sure to see more playing time.

OH, and to the boobs (too many to count) who were calling WFAN today (I was listening while out running errands - don't think I am glued to it all day)...asking for Reyes to be traded, give it a break.

Sweeping Giants

Three down and four to go.

What has been remarkable about this series is...NO home runs for the Mets and over a dozen stolen bases -without - their prolific man on the bases Jose Reyes.

Personally, I love Jose, but as of late, he needs to be smacked around a bit and get the hustle and the guts back. This hopefully sends a message to our venerated shortstop that its time to run things out...

Amazing how the Mets took apart Lincecum and Randy Johnson, both dominating pitchers. Randy a way bit less than his salad years, but still intimidating. One more game tomorrow. Let's see what the team can do.

Here's an article I found amusing...it mentions Oliver something...oh, Perez.... Brian Costa's article the Star Ledger today...Ollie allowed NO hits....interesting. I would love to see who was batting.

Is it me? *YES* - or has there been way too many delayed games this week?

And, the saga of the journeyman (save for the taxi ride) Duaner Sanchez continues...the Padres are looking to give him his unconditional release. That's fare...oops. I didn't think he would meter....I mean, meet her. Bad taxi jokes. End of blog post. Thanks for surviving this.

That's All (W)Right Mama...

Ben Shpigel's New York Times article chronicles the hustle that David Wright had last night in the game against the Giants. I'm sort of kicking myself because I was offered Wright and Delgado in a trade in my primary fantasy league - for Tim Lincecum and Juan Pierre (I need the steals from Pierre -- IRONICALLY) and turned it down.

Henceforth, the Mets took the game. I watched the first two innings or so and thought it was going to be a barn burner and thought the Mets were going to get stung. Glad I was wrong.

Rule right now is you can't take any team for granted. Each win is important, but as a friend pointed out to me, the NY beat writers reek doom and gloom with every loss and pick it apart like a vulture. It's OK to analyze, but then move on.

So, with the West Coast trip hitting game #2 tonight, I am optimistic that we will shorten the giants.

And, #5, it's OK to steal more...And, if Elvis Presley were alive (OK, he is - he's a postman in Ontario) he would turn to his beloved mother and say after each of your steals - That's ALLLLLL Wright, Mama. SONG

Ward or Dugout?

Seems like there are some hurtin' bods in Queens (and now on the West Coast)...Delgado's hip, now Putz's elbow and Reyes too is getting sore.

Too many integral guys getting aches at the wrong time - and the time zone change doesn't help much - that's for sure. The Mets need to realize the team doesn't revolve around 1 injury and must cover for it.

I just turned on the SF - Mets game and what astonishes me is how many empty seats there are. A downright crime.

My good friend and Mets fan from the Casey Stengel days (ML) just IMed me with a nice nugget of wisdom...I agree...he states: "... nice challenge move to bat Sheffield in the 4 spot. Manuel sends a dual message of respect to a vet, and simultaneously challenges him to produce."

I like ML's viewpoint. SF is soft target, and after the first AB it produced a dividend - a hit and an RBI

In other areas....Maybe this guy can teach some of the Mets how to run out hits.... Streaker (Jose Reyes, I hope you are reading this...I LOVE ya, but you gotta learn to hustle a bit more...Willie R is gone...Jerry M is the man now).

Niese - NoPhew

Yeah. The title is corny.

But, I was sitting out in the sun today (AT THE GAME) so I am entitled to be a bit sun stroked while stroking the keyboard.

First, I want to thank my friends (alphabetically by height - Thanks Yogi) BB, LG, RM for accompanying me to the game today. We all are PR pros and had a blast.

The attendance today, according to the box score was 40,555 - and I think that almost everyone who showed up today got a chance to pitch (No, not PR-wise). The Braves used 8 hurlers and so did the Mets. Jonathan Niese looked OK and was able to regain a lead after his early surrendering of runs.

The jury (mine) is still out on him. Though I heard after the game he was sent to the minors and Nelson Figueroa was called back up.

Overall, it was an enjoyable game. Tenacity is back in the Mets DNA.

Sheff was both a hero (*homer*) and goat (*last strike out*).

Not worried about the win, but tomorrow's game should prove interesting as they head west. Let's see what the time zone shift brings.

The Magic Is Back

Doing a little research, I came across a tagline the Mets used probably in the mid 80s - "The Magic Is Back" and, anyone who saw tonight's game would agree. A lot of wheels in motion - runners going, extra bases being taken (Jose - some may boo you for trying to take third - I applaud it as it brought it two runs).

Who would have thought that....1) The Mets are now in First.....2) Tonight's winning run would be by a BB and 3) Frankie Rod would go two innings -- (Disclosure here...I get batty when announcers proclaim that a closer pitches 4 outs or goes beyond one inning...have em look up Rollie Fingers and see what a real reliever did).

Starting pitching is threatening and looks like its going to be a petrified line-up. I am going to quote a friend of mine here, ML who is a die hard Mets fan from day one (yeah, THAT day one - Polo Grounds, Casey Stengel, Choo Choo Coleman days)...he lives in Atlanta too...so this was a solid W in his eyes as we chatted tonight...ML stated that he believes Oliver Perez should look up a realtor in Port St. Lucie. For those who can't pronounce the aforementioned town, just say "Single A."

Tomorrow I am taking the afternoon off and going to CitiField with three friends and cheering on the Metropolitans.

How Bout Scorin' Some Runs When Johan Pitches

It perplexes me how the Mets bats fall asleep when Johan Santana pitches. I'm writing this in the top of the 7th and the score is 1-1.

Odd phenomenon if I do say so.

Metsies, we all are in awe of #57, but lets shake up the bats a bit.

Manuel is in Autodrive

Short note tonight...

I am happy with Jerry Manuel and the way he is managing. He's doing things right *Wright* and the momentum, is there.

Take a moment and think of the precarious position he is in. I liken him a bit to Gerald Ford who took the reins of the Presidency when Nixon resigned. Manuel was there, named as head skipper and made the team better (I love Willie, but the guys win for Manuel).

Interesting day tomorrow...only one of 4 games on the docket, this one against the pesky Braves.
(Psssssst. I hope Glavine isn't traveling with them as he is on the DL).

6Ws - STR8

Short note.

I want to thank the hotel clerk who gave the Mets a wake-up call (figuratively speaking, of course).

Seems like we got the old spirit back. And that's what makes being a Mets fan so great.

I thought of something today, looking at the future. Carlos Delgado probably has one, maybe two years after this season. At 38, he is plateauing. A guy that should get a serious look is Aubrey Huff. I like his numbers. Aubrey Huff stats He can play 1B, 3B and has been a DH.

OK, you heard the prognostication here first.

5 Straight - Showing Resillience!

OK...I was a bit skeptical a few posts back thinking the Mets would be drifting downward and the spiral would continue.

The last 5 games have shown they are tough...

Murphy is batting around .388 with a two strike count...Delgado has been hot (tonight was the first time I saw him writing in his book again)...Also Kudos to Carlos as he passed Mickey Mantle on the career RBI List...that's not saying he's better than Mantle (Jeff Kent has more RBI).

I was amazed how Nyjer Morgan continued to work the pitchers....something like 8, 9 and 10 pitches per AB. Take note Mets.

Niese pitched well in my view and a few more starts, he could be either good or.....

So, it proves the team has got the fire in the belly. They came back against good and bad teams with OOOMPH!

I can't wait until Wednesday, May 13....tickets to a day game!

Mo-Men-Tummmm

4 Wins in a row. Nice. Especially taking the Phillies in close ones.

Two things bugged me about the game - the way Shane Victorino was NOT called out on interference and -- I had to look twice. Jose Reyes' numbers. When I saw 2HR and 9RBI --- .248why, I was taken aback. What's scary is pinch hitter Matt Stairs (at 41 years old) has the same numbers. I'm afraid to look, but Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano (dynamite with the wood) probably has a higher batting average.

And, K-Rod - four straight saves....He's paying dividends.

For the diehards who want to look at the Box Score...

3 In A Row (W's) - Where's the Run Support for Santana

It is a rule (no such thing) that when Santana pitches, no one bats -- on either side. Today he squeaked by in a gem - 1-0 over the Phillies. (Incidentally, the Phils are the first team this year to score 0-to-13 runs. Don't think of me as a stats genius. I know this for a fact since I was in a 13-0 pool and it concluded last night).

So, Johan is 4-1 with an ERA thinner than Bobby Sands' final weight. Like the economy, this team will turn around. The new park, the new rotation - we are NOT completely out of it yet. There are up streaks and down streaks.

A very good friend just IMed me and shared that Ollie is on the DL for tendinitis in his knee: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2009-05-06-3643460624_x.htm I think one of my Italian brethren got to him and bopped his knees. So, our go to guy is Jonathan Niese...let's see.

That same friend seems to be abuzz on reports he heard about Dillon Gee. I have not seen Gee pitch, but, hope he's going to be great. I mean, you can't deny calling an Ace Pitcher - Gee Whiz.

While we are on semi (maybe BAD? pun nicknames) check out the Rockies Dexter Fowler. After he stole 5 bags last week, the name "Fowler the Prowler" came to mind...come to think of it, the Mets need to be running the bags more....

Since we are going in a positive direction in mini series (2 games)...Here's to a sweep tomorrow!

Never Assume A "W" When Running an Errand

Needed to make a last minute dash to the supermarket as the Mets were concluding their game against the Braves. As soon as I parked, the announcer said that K-Rod was just one strike away. Figuring the game was in the bag, I shut the car off, went into the store and expected the wrap-up to be on when I got back five minutes later.

Fast Forward Five Minutes. Turn on the ignition and the radio "boots up" and the first thing I hear is the Mets are now leading 4-3...wait..wasn't it 4-1 a few minutes ago? Chipper gets up - pins and needles...then flies out.

A mini sweep over the Braves, but it was a mental see-saw....

If Ollie was pitching....AH, I rather have a nightmare with Boris Karloff in it..less gruesome.

Suddenly It's 2005 and 2006 (The Good TIMES)

Wright belts one from a powerful swing and Beltran sends two, 2-run HRs to beat the Braves.

Funny how time is relative. In '05 and '06 and bits of '07 and '08 (the early parts, mind you), this was routine.

For those who watched the game, the phrase "decisive" was apropos.

Oddities ...So, we have a 40 year old "rookie" (make that quotes around the quotes too) in Ken Takahashi, AND simultaneously, we are still trying to figure out what to do with Oliver Perez.

My take for the Perez situation? Strap him to a chair and make him sit through Ice Capades ad infinitum. He will get the drift of what we had to see for many years...torture!

Reflective Look Back - The Mets Had Their OWN Version of the Three Stooges...

When World War I and World War II were going on respectively, the public at large did not refer to them by this name - mainly because it was coined afterward. I don't know if this lead in will exonerate me for the rationale of this post, but last season (as confirmed by yesterday's pitching debacle by Ollie Perez) the Metropolitans had their own version of the Three Stooges.

With all due respect to that trio of men, the old fashion version was more ept (is that the opposite of inept?) than the squad about to be mentioned.

SCHMOE - Scott SCHMOenweiss...His record and ability to give up long home runs - or runs in general to get a lead were legendary.

Larry - and in Aaron Heilman. See above.

Curly - (Rhymes with Ollie)... Anyone who can walk a 46 year old pitcher...ah, let's stop right there.

Footnote, as a die-hard fan, let's keep this with these three. No need for a Shemp, Joe or Curly Joe.

Stick To It! (Good Job)

Short post tonight...


Kudos to the Mets for staying close (albeit a loss), but sometimes its better to lose and show a lot of hustle and the ability to come back than it is for a lopsided W.


See, Mets, you were playing like the Phils. A cavalry charge from behind.

Perez - well, he's terrible. As far as I'm concerned, send Ollie and NJ Governor Jon Corzine on a one-way trip into the solar system...Who cares about the trajectory? Ollie doesn't on the mound, why should he while hurtling through space. A minor league park and a leaky school bus should be his regimen.


Tomorrow is your game.

Pitchers Can Be Funny

W
Phills. Good!

The things that resonated in tonight's game were related to pitching -- or were they?

Chan Ho Park, who I saw pitch in his only Mets game about two years ago (and had high seats in the upper deck at Shea - talk about double value) was lifted AFTER he intentionally walked a batter and had to face the pitcher next...AND, Charlie Manuel gave him the hook. What happened next? DrumRoll...Drama...

Pelfrey singled in a run.

I also got a chuckle when, as SNY-TV put it, a "left hander specialist" (Pedro Feliciano) got to bat. And, got to the bag ninety feet away via base on balls.

End result? Mets hold on to a victory.

Here's the box score.... http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=290501122

ICE - Who Would Break It?

While the Mets are off today, there is no time for idleness...they may take a break, but this blogger doesn't.

So, tonight, a good friend of mine pulls a Pat Benatar-like question and asks me,..a Hit Me With Your Best Shot --and this question, literally is....

Bottom 9, runner on 2nd, 2 outs, who would you most want hitting for the Mets?

Reyes?

Wright?

Delgado?

Beltran?

(he says....NONE)

You know, when firing on all cylinders, I would throw a dart as they are all good. But as this snapshot of time is relevant, I would probably go with Daniel Murphy (patient at the plate) or Fernando Tatis. Ideally, a switch hitter like Beltran would be the ideal one to walk up holding the lumber, but he looks at too many third strikes.

The dynamics of the team need to change...the bugaboo now is the LOB factor cited too many times in this blog and being overheard from the typical Man on the Street.

Let's Go Mets!

39,339; 14; 3 - OK, Let's Play a Numbers Game....

So, the first, 39,339, is the number of people who came out to the ballpark today (I am not in that figure). The second, is the number of men left on base for today's game, 14. The "3" is the number of men left on base in the bottom of the 9th with two outs.

Let me clarify, that 39,339 can also be used as the LOB for this year.

Is this baseball? Granted, a 9-12 record isn't dwindling to no-mans land, but you need to do two things in baseball with asses....

1) Put them in seats (see the first reference of the 39k figure)
2) When Asses are standing on the bag, they need to rotate counterclockwise, at 90 feet multiples until they pass a 5-sided shape called home plate. Each time that happens, its a score. So, for the Mets faithful, LOB isn't the determiner of Wins....

OK, tomorrow is a day off...Batteries on this hybrid are being recharged....

What Is It?

I'm writing this as the bottom of the 9th is about to happen, and, in hoping the Mets follow the Phillies with their knack of a come from behind win, I am inclined an "L" is in the cards.

I think I know whats wrong with the team. It's simple.

The Mets are....
Stuck in a labyrinth with
an inverted course that
is turned inside out and
upside down and also
reversed in another
time warp where everyone
is going backwards as time
decelerates.

(OH, and we need pitching and hitting).

Logic Defied - Logic Defined? As Archie Bunker Would Say...."WHATEVER"

When you have a hard time beating the worst team (Nationals) and then come back and whoop the best (or one of them - Marlins) with a 1-hitter from your starter who was having a boat load of trouble, then you have the consider that this is the conundrum of baseball.

(The Nationals and last year's World Series Champs staged a 13-11 battle tonight as well).

Bright spot was in Omir Santos' granny. That helped propel confidence.

A good friend of mine had an idea...to do a shake-up...not sure I fully agree, but, here goes...Cliff Lee (P, Indians) for Daniel Murphy, Ramon Castro and two others. I like Lee....love Murphy.

The pitching definitely is still a question mark despite Maine's performance. It isn't as strong as the Milwaukee Braves duo in the 40s/50s...Spahn and Sain (then pray for rain)...we can't (yet) say Santana and Maine (then pray for rain).

On another note - an actual reader of this blog had a bit of a mini gripe (all in fun) that I slammed #47 (Glavine and Fossum - no, don't go back to the Spahn / Sain thing...these two are far from it)...He gently brought up that he wore #47 in Pop Warner football and kept it through college during intramurals. Lord, forgive me for sullying a number. (Glavine and Fossum STILL suck no matter what letter, number or symbol are on their back. My friend in Pop Warner, well, he admits he was no star either).

I Can't Think of a Title....so, Please Ad Lib Your Own

Adam Rubin's article today, really sums it up. Click

I think we should call it Ollie's Follies...it seems more like a song and dance when he pitches. Time to make a move. (Oh, and designating THE ((pronounced THEEE)) Casey Fossum for assignment doesn't count). To interject and get off the point, Casey Fossum sounds like a Charles Dickens/W.C. Fields type name. Seeing a "47" on a back of a Met conjures up Glavine. UGH!

Ollie needs to be moved out of the rotation and we need to bring in (via trade) a semi-solid band aid. The question is WHO?

As I write this, it's a Sunday night, and I have no idea. Perhaps when I dream (nightmare?) tonight about the Mets it will come to me...OH! I just got a good idea...Nick Swisher -- or maybe even Jose Canseco. See Stats: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/04/26/2009-04-26_ollie_rocked.html -- Footnote - his ERA was ONLY 27.00 - which is eerily lower than Chen Ming Wangs.....

2 W's Against W

These last two games were confidence builders. I know a win against the lowly Montreal Expo---er, Washington Nationals is like beating up the little kid in front of the drugstore and taking his lunch money, but this happened to the Mets a few times the last few days...why not reciprocate?

Still the deal of leaving men on base - this time 8 - is an ongoing issue, but Beltran had a good game and so did Murphy - defensively (you read that right).

I was very impressed with the hustle from Left Field to get that ball and to throw out the semi-speedy Anderson Hernandez at first...This should exonerate Danny from his previous gaffes.

OK, I raved a lot about CitiField in a few recent posts, now it's time for some validation. MT, who has guest blogged a few times here went to his first game. Here is what my fellow colleague (poor bastid and I are in the same profession AND Mets fans!) had to say...

Sun was brutal today. Of course, Murphy put on a clown show but what annoyed me more was Beltran not backing him up on the play until after the ball went behind the Mets left fielder.I called (Elijah) Dukes missing that fly ball in the first. The guy is all about how he looks and doesn't play the game the way it should.Wright, Church and the team played well. Pelfrey was effective and the bullpen got it done! Go Mets!

MT is right...more Dukes is a great big hot dog...See ya soon! I welcome your comments....

Excited About a Nationals Win? Is This What It Comes Down To?

Never thought I would be happy about the Mets pulling off a W against a team that can barely get out of its own way, but tonight's game was a must to ensure a total collapse is in the cards.

Let's face it, the Mets are only two games under 500, which isnt bad, but a few of those losses were senseless.

Was impressed with Johan shutting down the side twice and a total of 10Ks. The lingering bug-a-boo is the inability to hit with runners in scoring position and as a result, tooooooo many men left on base.

Simple to say, this needs to be worked on. Perhaps stealing a few bags (love the double steal Jerry...take heed from this scribe and deploy).

Onward. Upward. Let's hope Pelfrey is able to pitch well.

Cardinals Made the Mets Their Own Altarboys...

I know the headline is a bit vile, but it basically describes how the St. Louis Redbirds basically owned and dominated the Metropolitans today in an afternoon contest (oh, sorry for using the word 'contest' - you have to be competitive to qualify). Mets lost the last 4 after winning the previous 3 of 4.

So today's post brings an interesting exchange. I posted on my Facebook page...

"I wonder if Beltran's 3-Run HR will spark a come from behind rally..."

And got some pretty interesting, erudite, snide (accurate) and realistic replies. Names here are changed to initials to protect the guilty.

L.T. 4:29pm April 23 - Snore. Bring on the football season already.

D.T. at 4:37pm April 23 - Doubt it.

L.S. 4:45pm April 23 - "A bigger concern PITCHING!!!!Can we find any?"

T.S. at 5:09pm April 23 - "I'd be happy if it sparked fewer LOB's on the box score."

P.T. at 5:09pm April 23 - "Do the Mets know they can advance more than 1 base on a hit? They take the term base hit literally. Frustrating and boring to watch right now."

M.B. at 9:45pm April 23 - "Time to place a call to Pedro and Ben Sheets."

P.T. (again!) at 9:51pm April 23 - "..and Manny and Brian McNamee."

M.B. (again!) at 9:53pm April 23 - "...or Nick Swisher. (That's my second Swisher joke today!)"

Putting all this together, I agree...need a few high caliber hot players like Swisher (he's a walking OBP dude) and Ben Sheets, if the wing gets better, I think would be an interesting pick up.

Any base running coaches out there that can teach guys (who hold a bat on their shoulders when its an X- and 2 count?)

Grapes are getting sour -- and so is the tone of my fingers hitting the keyboard. Time to rebound against the lowly Nationals.

Nothin' to Say 'Cept

I feel like the Mets are getting beat up too many times...and not by great teams.

Didn't get a chance to see too much of tonight's game, but there are some outfield woes - Church's inability to play the carom off the wall.

Day game tomorrow...Let's see if there can be a rebound. Livan is pitching - this could be a good litmus test.

Casey Fossum? Casey Stengel? Glavine's #47 - A Curse WORSE than "13"

Was feeling good. 4-0, Ollie WAS having a good game, then he collapsed like a house of cards. They bring in Casey Fossum (WHO????) when I see he's wearing #47, the thought was, OH, great, another Glavine. Sure is! Walked in a run ...

Casey Stengel would have said "Can't anybody here play this game???" The answer is NO!

Time for a Random Met - Choo Choo Coleman - Is He Better than the "7" Train???? You Decide for Yourself...

Yogi Berra got a lot of the headlines with his famous Yogisms, but one of the original Mets, Clarence "Choo Choo" Coleman certainly deserves a spot in everyone's hearts...

Read on...

Original Met Clarence "Choo Choo" Coleman is from Orlando FL. He was signed by the Washington Senators as an amateur free agent in 1955. Choo Choo was drafted from the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1961 expansion draft. He would play parts of three seasons for the Mets, hitting .205 in 415 at bats. But Choo Choo is more famous for his character and personality than his playing ability. Ralph Kiner once asked Choo Choo "What‘s your wife‘s name and what is she like?" Choo Choo replied "My wife‘s name is Mrs. Coleman and she likes me, bub." Roger Craig once said: "Choo Choo would give you the sign and then look down to see what it was." Choo Choo definitely has cemented a place in Mets folklore.

Transactions

• Signed as an amateur free agent by Washington Senators (1955).
• Released by Washington Senators (1957).
• Signed by Los Angeles Dodgers (1959).
• Selected by Philadelphia Phillies from Los Angeles Dodgers in the Rule 5 major league draft (November 28, 1960).
• Selected by New York Mets from Philadelphia Phillies in the expansion draft (October 10, 1961).

See what kind of blog posts you get on days off -- and rainy ones to boot!

NY Times Article Says it All for Today's Game... Opportunities Are Wasted as Mets Let a Sweep Slip Away

It was a tanatlizer today, but for some reason, I knew the Mets were going to be doomed...it was a game that should be remembered...ah...no it shouldn't.

Sheff still looks a bit shaky with a glove on.

Read Ben's article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/sports/baseball/20mets.html?_r=1&hpw

Day off tomorrow to lick the wounds...then on to other diamond adventures.

Santana, A Win, Some Friends and A Great Day....

I always used to say (and still do!) a bad day at the ballpark is better than a good day at work...also, a bad seat at a game is better than a comfy seat in the office.

Today, while I did not have a bad seat, I got a chance to see Johan Santana pitch a gem at CitiField.

This guy's arm is amazing. I am amazed how consistent he is. This sums it up...on the ride home the bus was crowded. I gave up my seat to an elderly lady who was standing right next to me. She said..."Looks like you came from the game today." "Yes, I replied." She said "How did the Mets do?" "Wonderful. They won 1-0." "Who pitched?" she inquired and I told her "Santana, and it was a great performance. He really shut the Brewers down and dominated." ...To which she said, "Ahhhhh Santana.... (pause) .....its nice to see SOMEONE finally living up to and beyond the hype!"

This game was a true pitchers duel. Take nothing away from Yanni Gallardo - he matched Santana K for K and Hit for hit. But Santana came up the winner....Cora's bunt was the key. At the same time, my good friend (Thanks for the ticket, S.W.- a friend since we both were young) said it was amazing that the winning run was influenced by a third string catcher, Omir Santos.

On another personal note, it was great to see another friend of mine at the game, B.B....he worked on one of my teams at a recent job and he is a true Mets fan...Wishin ya luck bro!

Back tomorrow...and now we are 1 game over .500...more to come!

500 Homers - 300th Post and a Win...

A night of milestones - both unexpected.

Gary Sheffield got his first HR as a Met and it was # 500..when you saw the way the players embraced him, it was electrifying. Tell me there is no animosity in the clubhouse...seems the players like him. Until he does otherwise, he should be a Met that should be saluted. Ironically, that homerun came off the Brewers - the team he broke in with.

Is it me, or are the Brewers a bit on the stout side? Prince Fielder is listed at 270 and Pitchers Seth McClung (250) and Todd Coffey (240) certainly look bigger than that...if so, lay down the bunts and watch em scramble.

For this blogger, this is the 300th post to Ultimetfan1969 since it started in Mid 2006. I would say during that time, I had about 10-15 friends step in and write guest blogs...

I'm heading for the game tomorrow...lets see the Amazing's win! This time a leading victory vs. a come from behind.

My First Game at CitiField....METS, that is....

Wonderful place to watch a game...however, I got caught in the cold swirls of the winds...and so did the Mets.


Was a little disappointed to see them lose AGAIN to the Padres....especially since the Pads have picked up a lot of players that other teams released...REtreADRES should be the name of the team...but these retreads steamrolled us.

Next in person game for me is this Saturday and I hope to have better news.

First W at CitiField

W
Now it's part of the Mets DNA in their new castle.

I only got a chance to watch a little of the game tonight in the 7th inning, but what I saw was hustle ball - the way baseball is supposed to be played - the way the Mets SHOULD play routinely.

Taking advantage of 10 straight balls, they loaded the bases and took advantage of poor throws, bad pitching and when Jose Reyes scored from first on a gaffe - why, that brought it to a nice conclusion.

Box score is here: http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=290415121

Tomorrow will be my first official Mets game at CitiField...Can't wait!

Mets Need a Savoir

Hi All --

I'm a bit jammed today, but a fellow Mets Maniac who stepped up to the plate a few times in the past to write, MT, is back...here is the blogpost for today...

Okay, so here we are seven games into the 2009 season, and our beloved Mets are just plain pathetic.

Am I the only one who thinks John Maine should be our number two starter? Why are they giving Pelfrey so much credit?Defense aside, the Mets really need an offensive spark - a savior, if you will.

Per the following ESPN article - http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-1-44/Mets--Sheffield-to-get-outfield-start.html - my prayers have been answered.

I am confident that if Gary Sheffield is afforded enough ABs, he can re-emerge as a deadly power hitter and help the Mets win some ball games.I am not liking what I've seen from the Mets so far, but maybe it's still a little too early to criticize them.

Thoughts?

New Home - But We Got PadCasted

Brand new home. Doors open. The Friars come in and vandalize our new house. It was a relief and long awaited debut and the enthusiasm is there.

Wright's HR...nice...Loss - not so. Jodi Gerut came from nowhere and basically hit us all in the Gut...(first player to EVER lead off in a new ball park with a homer).

I was impressed, but Pelfrey needs to get the rust out and the Mets lost to a team that was basically a doormat in the NL last year (I know, they swept the Metropolitans at the end of the year).

Turn it around...back on Wed.

Sorry...not that creative today.

Ramblings (And Shamblings)

Where do we start? The bounce out of Daniel Murphy's glove today at first appeared to be innocuous (the Mets could make up a run, right?) -- uh, not today. I like Murphy, and, personally think he's on the same trajectory as Wright and Reyes en route to making this a dynasty. But, a rookie mistake, IS a rookie mistake....BUT, two hands are what you use to trap a ball...At the end of the year, this is a loss you look back on --- If you miss the playoffs or wild card by, dare I say - One game...

On to better things...tomorrow night, the MOST anticipated night in Mets history since....(1964?) - the Metropolitans officially move into their new digs.

Let's start a solid winning streak at home!

That's all for now--- PLAY BALL

The Marlins Triangle (9th Inning)

Seems like every time the Mets play the Marlins, things are good up until the 9th inning. To wit, there IS NO sure thing, even with an 8-2 lead.

I have found implosion, then resurrection to be routine in these situations, and, to quote Jerry Manuel, it seems to be a high wire act.

Nice to see Livan Hernandez pitch very well, and was glad that the Mets have a side-armer in Darren O'Day. Easter tomorrow, so we are hoping for a W and for our pitchers to put "eggs" across the board.

The Mets of Sisyphus

Those pesky Marlins for some reason are foreboding to the Mets and the contests are usually tantalizing obstacle courses. Give a little, take a little, give a little, tie the game. Get Jeremy Reed to tie the game and then va-voom, the Marlins come back in the dip of the final frame and take it.

Reminds me of a story we had to read in Intro Philosophy in college - it dealt with Sisyphus. Well, I'll let Wikipedia pick it up:

As a punishment from the gods for his trickery, Sisyphus was compelled to roll a huge rock up a steep hill, but before he could reach the top of the hill, the rock would always roll back down again, forcing him to begin again.[2] The maddening nature of the punishment was reserved for Sisyphus due to his hubristic belief that his cleverness surpassed that of Zeus.

Remind you of today's loss to the Slippery fish? The Rock here is a run...ever elusive.

This is the Ollie We Paid $36 Million For...

With all due respect to the great Oliver Hardy, who in my opinion was one of the comic geniuses of all-time, our Oliver Perez couldn't have bumbled more that our pal at the left did. Wait - let me change that, he bumbles MORE!

(Keep in mind, Mr. Hardy was acting and wasn't this way in life. However, Mr. Perez looks good in the beginning and then the bottom drops out).

I was kicking myself for the first few innings for NOT picking him up as a starting pitcher in a fantasy league, but then all of a sudden, I had the feeling of validating my gut instinct.

I won't drone on here, but performances destined for a routine collapse were a focus of elimination by Mets management. (Remember Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoenweis?).

The Metropolitans definitely overpaid on this one. Today's loss was expected. Good, let's move on, but keep in mind, I don't want to see Mr. Perez twiddling his tie and say, "hmmm hmmm hmm....pardon me, Mr. Omar, I seem to have made a faux pas."

Good Fever Going

Short note...Mets are doing well in a mini rally after being down 4-2 against the Reds. Manuel seems like he is "together" and working on some solid baseball strategy.

Today Sheffield says he's not ready yet to play outfield...let's see, $400k / 365 days = $1095.89 earned today for doing nothing - just think of that being 10 cokes, 10 pretzels and 10 hot dogs.

ShefSpeculations

Day off. No game. No facts, just pondering.

A good friend of mine via Facebook is a die hard Mets fan too. We were weighing in on the Sheffield influence (good / bad) and came to the conclusion that there was no downside risk. If he messes up - BOOM. Gone. We also wondered if his temper flared up, what would happen to the watercoolers. (Footnote - Paul O'Neill of the Yanks is the world's foremost champ on destroying them.

My Mets Amigo had this to say if Sheff pursued that route:

"if he busts watercoolers, contract is torn up and they are only 400k in the red (about 45 pretzels)" and the rest of the guys get together in the brand spanking new cushy clubhouse and laugh (while watching their personal replays on their personal flat screen tee vees) and chirp, "yo, did you see what that crazy mo'f'n' Shef did?"

Gotta love it. I rather Sheff crushes a few dingers when they are needed.

FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY!!!

I have been awaiting this day since the last pitch of the World Series last year. Baseball is back! And, it is going to be better than ever for the Mets this year.

Today's game was a plus and a feather in the cap (next to the interlocked NY logo). Santana pitched good. A few too many walks, but everyone is rusty coming from the warm clime and then going to Cincy where rain pounded the city.

A few blunders in the Reds outfield made for a few laughs...but, don't sell these guys short. They have a good team with several solid positon players.

The bright spot of the day? In these eyes, was Daniel Murphy's HR. Look for more of them!

Back tomorrow...no Mets game, but I will be watching others.

Hey Ollie - WTF???

Ollie - (and his fans)...

Please remember you are a "throw in" in the Xavier Nady trade... That performance today was beyond horrendous. I'm scared if this is what we are in for this year.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ny-spmbar0512622672apr04,0,1249809.story

Ahhhhhh, I can't write anymore.

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.