Okay, it's only April, but we're 2 and 0 and it's better than being 0 and 2, am I right ? I realize how old their starting pitching is, but as a Met fan I'm delighted at what I've seen from Glavine and El Duque so far. Too bad last year's NLCS wasn't best out of 9.
Congratulations! I'm a Giants fan and I'm depressed as possible when I say we are 0-1. And it wasn't even a competitive loss. Like you said, it's only April 2nd, but you are feeling excited about your Mets... I'm feeling like a suicidal teenage 'Evanescence' fangirl.
Congratulations! I'm a Giants fan and I'm depressed as possible when I say we are 0-1. And it wasn't even a competitive loss. Like you said, it's only April 2nd, but you are feeling excited about your Mets... I'm feeling like a suicidal teenage 'Evanescence' fangirl.
At least someone has a good team to cheer for.
Don't fret Blibble, Zito will come around. He's accustomed to the Bay area, the wind, etc...I'm sure he just had opening day jitters, new team and all. To be honest, I was disappointed that my Mets couldn't sign him.
My father grew up in East Harlem when the Giants were there and became a Met fan at their inception, something that's been instilled in me since I was a kid. He's actually forgiven the Giants, after 50 years, for moving west on him. He told me very recently that he's ready to root for them as his second favorite team, when Bonds retires of course.
It's hardly a consolation for the Cardinals killing our World Series hopes last year but it's still nice to get off to such a positive start. John Maine gave us 7 strong innings allowing only 1 hit and the Mets went on to win a laugher, 10-0. Their pitching staff has only allowed 2 runs in the first 3 games while the offense has put up 20 runs over the same 3 games, really coming alive tonight with Carlos Beltran hitting 2 home runs and Jose Reyes adding one. It's only the first week of April but we seem to have picked up right where we left off in last year's regular season.
Glad to hear the Mets are doing so well. I personally thought they would have beat St. Louis last year. I wish they would have and went on to beat Detroit. Oh well, this is a new year.
Hey, it was a learning experience, no excuses. But if they don't lose Pedro AND El Duque for the playoffs, they'd be getting their rings next week. Let's hope they can stay healthy this year.
My brother had his company luxury box for the Yanks today but got rained out. The weather sucks up here this week. It's gonna be the coldest and dampest Easter week in years.
Was the Braves scalping last year a fluke...or is there talent now jobbers?
The Mets were 18 games better than the Braves last year. The Braves will no doubt be better this year, but 18 games better ? I really doubt it. They look good so far though. It's gonna be another fun season. Let's go Mets!
But I'm gonna wait -- after the all star break. And then I'll meet with Don Cox -- and Charlie Manuel -- all of the heads of the Five Eastern Division teams...
I know I must sound ridiculous, a middle aged man excited about 4 lousy games in an early and frigid April, but I'm really excited. For 4 games, they've looked THAT GOOD. Tonight they pounded out 15 hits for 11 runs and won another laugher, beating the hated Braves 11-1. Oliver Perez gave the Mets 7 solid innings and their starters notched their fourth win in 4 tries. They've now outscored the opposition 31-3 over the first 4 games of the season.
In the words of Jimmy Conway, from one of our very favorite Gangster BB films, GOODFELLAS...It's gonna be a good summer.
Thankfully Willie scrapped the idea of batting LoDuca 8th.
Yes. I remember reading about that and wondering why in the world they would even consider batting LoDuca 8th. Thankfully, as you said, Willie scrapped that idea.
And as long as Alou is hitting the ball well, you'll see Wright start hitting too.
I'm not overly concerned about Wright either. He'll be just fine. I was just trying to point out that in order for him to start seeing some good pitches, Alou needs to continue to consistantly hit the ball well.
The reason Willie gave for moving LoDuca down in the lineup, was to get Wright more at bats, and better pitches to hit, hitting in front of Beltran.
Yes, I read that. But overall I didn't agree with it. I realize that there is some logic behind that kind of thinking, a two run homer every now and then, etc. But I like LoDuca just where he is.
ARRRRGHHHHHH! Green rips the ball and the 1st baseman robs him of a hit that would have tied the game.
And then I have to listen to stupid McCarver, who I've actually grown to dislike, say that if Wright does NOT steal second base on the play before that, he's being held on first and Green's shot ties the game.
He's a jerk.
I can't stand McCarver. Mr. Cliche. Mr. Monday Morning QB. Mr. Second Guess.
I've been more comfortable with the starting pitching so far this year than with the relief pitching, which is supposed to be the strength of their pitching staff.
Not for nothing, but how about El Duque giving us two excellent starts. Looks to me as though he's changed his style of pitching which may be the reason that he's been able to go more innings more effectively.
I'm gonna say this one time DC. Julio Franco is older than us. How can you pitch so afraid ? Philly fans, not exactly known for forgiveness, are gonna give that kid hell.
Well, she was going on today about opening day and how her and Mark love Chavez and Reyes, etc...Plus she's doing radio spots for them on WFAN, so that my weigh into it.
Last night's game really proved how important good defense is. How many times was Pelfry in trouble after walking a batter or two with less than two outs? Several times it looked as though Washington was about to break the game wide open only to have the Met defense come up with a nice play in the field to turn the double play.
They can talk all they want about Franco's pinch hit winning the game for them ( which of course it did on the scoreboard), but to me the turning of those double plays is what really won it for the Mets.
I had to turn the game off. The Phillies just kill me. The Mets play to win, but the Phillies just go through the motions. Pat Burrell, I'm convinced, only shows up to collect a pay check.
They got rid of Francona because he was supposedly too soft; they got rid of Bowa because he hurt their feelings. The only constant has been this apologetic brand of baseball.
Sorry about polluting the Mets Board. I just had to blow off steam.
Beltran! I'm telling you. This guy is going to win the NL MVP this year.
He's worth every penny. I loved him when he was KC, and went out and bought an authentic jersey as soon as they signed him.. Sometimes he frustrates me with K's with runners in scoring position. But I'm just nitpicking.
Jimmy Rollins - " We're the team to beat this year!"
Keep your mouth shut and play ball. Why put that kind of pressure on your team by opening your mouth that way? Stupid.
The best thing that happened to Beltran was when the Mets aquired Delgado. That took all the pressure off of Beltran and he obviously now plays more relaxed.
Beltran is not the kind of guy that wants to be looked upon as the carrier of the team. Not a limelight kind of guy. He seemed to press when he was in that position with the Mets. Then when Delgado came aboard, Beltran seemed to start producing more.
Jimmy Rollins - " We're the team to beat this year!"
He was 100% correct. Everyone's been beating them.
While these statements never do anything more than put pressure on your team, I have to say Rollins is one of the few guys holding up his end of the bargain.
It's a long season, and I won't give up hope yet, but there has got to be some changes. If we can't beat the Nationals, we're in trouble.
While these statements never do anything more than put pressure on your team, I have to say Rollins is one of the few guys holding up his end of the bargain.
I have to agree with you there. So far he is holding up his end of the bargain. Truthfully, going into this season, the Phils looked to have one of the best starting rotations in the league.
In fairness to many teams and players right now, no one can tell me that the unusual cold weather for this time of year has not affected thse players, especially the pitchers.
Jeter is the perfect example. When did you ever see him make this many errors this early in the season. Glavine is another one. You're lucky if he gives up 2 walks a game. Look at last night.
The cold weather has definitely affected a lot of these players.
At every stoppage of play during the Ranger's game last night, I would switch over to the Met's game. And everytime I switched over, the Mets were running up the score.
I like this kid Maine. I've always liked him more than Pelfry.
I had season tickets up until last season. But I still went to a couple of games last season. I happen to really enjoy myself at the Cyclones games. The stadium is great, and the atmosphere really incorporates that baseball and family feeling. Those kids play their hearts out and give it all that they've got.
And the nice part is that you can take your family there and not have to take out a loan to do so. The most expensive ticket is $11.00!
You should try and get to a game there. Especially being a Mets fan and a baseball fan in general.
Maybe a few of us can get together for a game this summer.
In all fairness, the Marlins are hurting big time. I believe that they have something like 8 regulars on the IR. And half of them are pitchers: some starters, middle relievers and a closer.
I'm listening to them right now. It is scary. But we are only a month into the season. Come June, then we'll see. I remember back in 1986, by June we basically had the division locked up. This team, in many ways, reminds me of the 86 Mets. And this one is probably more potent offensively. Scary.
1 thru 8, I think this team has more offense than 1986. 1986 had something this team doesn't have though. An amazing starting rotation. 4 out of 5 starters won at least 15 games, and their 5th starter Rick Aguilera was 10-7.
Very true about the starting roation Lou. But the game is different today as far as starting pitching goes. 20 years ago almost every team had at least two aces in their starting rotation.
Today your lucky if you have one ace on your staff. So many 4th and 5th starters today wouldn't even have made it past triple A 20 years ago.
And as far as the Mets themselves, the 86' team had an arrogance about them where this team does not. But offensively, I really beleive that this team is much better. You have legitimate stars from the number 1 spot through the number 6 spot. In 86' you had a few stars thrown in with some career year players.
I'm listening to them right now. It is scary. But we are only a month into the season. Come June, then we'll see. I remember back in 1986, by June we basically had the division locked up. This team, in many ways, reminds me of the 86 Mets. And this one is probably more potent offensively. Scary.
If you remember DC, and I'm sure you do, around memorial Day 1986, Whitey Herzog caught some flak from media types for declaring the race for the NL East OVER, only 2 months into the season.
No jinxes. The old man just had a little too much... oh, wrong thread.
The kid just didn't have his stuff on the mound last night. He showed signs at times, but he just couldn't seem to get that ball over the plate when he needed to. And let's not take anything away from Hudson's pitching performance. He pitched excellent and I've always thought that he was one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball. That f**king Chipper is just a MET killer too. The Braves kicked our asses. Know what, that's a good thing early in the season after winning in the fashion that the Mets have been winning. An ass kicking like that will show what this team is really made of and if they can rebound and go back on a winning streak.
Oliver Perez throws 20 straight strikes? What are the chances of that?
Perez originally was touted as a big time pitcher when he came up. Obviously he had a lot of problems early, especially when he was in Pittsburgh. But the Mets organization saw something in him and Peterson believed that he could work with this guy and bring him back to the type of pitcher that he was once touted to be. Let's hope!
If they didn't make two errors, they would have won 6-3.
I walked in the house and turned on the TV when the Braves tied the game with the homerun. I didn't realize that they had made two errors until later on. You're right. But their ptiching still sucked out of the pen!
She did when he first got here last year. But I guess since he's on the dl she's not getting much PR herself. I honestly don't know what she does here or where they live. Orioles players in general don't get much press here either, unless their name is Cal Ripken. But then again, when anything Orioles comes on the news I usually switch the channel.
This was a big win for them. Not so much in the standings, but more so because they haven't really played many close games this year and this kind of win now shows that they can win the close ones as well as the blowouts.
I have no idea what Willie was thinking letting Oliver Perez hit for himself with the bases loaded and only 1 out. My best guess is that he figured that eventually his team would score some runs either way. He was wrong.
I have no idea what Willie was thinking letting Oliver Perez hit for himself with the bases loaded and only 1 out. My best guess is that he figured that eventually his team would score some runs either way. He was wrong.
I was second guessing that move too. Their bullpen was rested. I couldn't believe Perez was allowed to hit.
I have no idea what Willie was thinking letting Oliver Perez hit for himself with the bases loaded and only 1 out. My best guess is that he figured that eventually his team would score some runs either way. He was wrong.
I was second guessing that move too. Their bullpen was rested. I couldn't believe Perez was allowed to hit.
Ahh. Since taking over the Mets Willie's made some brilliant moves and decisions that have won some games for them. So I'll give Willie a pass on this one. He sure looked brilliant having Endy Chavez playing in left feild in last years playoff game, and inserting him in the other night in the extra innings win. It wasn't really a terrible decision letting Perez bat. Perez is a good hitting pitcher who can hit a fly ball, and his pitch count was not that high at that point.
Funny that you should post this. I was thinking the same thing about him. Something is not right with Wright.
I've been watching him closely when he bats and I notice that he pulls his head out quite a bit. He is not keeping his head tucked on his front shoulder the way that he did last year.
They'd better give Galvine some run support tonight! The way that he's pitched since his second season with the Mets he should have reached 300 wins a long time ago.
I was laying down watching the game. Earlier in the day I had oral gum surgery so I was kind of out of it. I fell asleep in the 8th inning.
Around 4:30 I got up to go and coach my daughter's softball game. I get in the car, turn on WFAN and they're talking about how Willie made all the right moves and the Mets winning the game! WOW!
Was it just me, or did that home plate umpire have an obscenely wacky strike zone (for both teams)...? Stuff that was low and in was a ball, but stuff way outside beyond the black was a strike...I wanted to punch the guy in the face.
If Delgado has indeed lost it, then the Mets have more than enough bats to make up for it. I was more worried about Wright because he's 24 years old. It might be time to move Delgado down in the order.
If Delgado has indeed lost it, then the Mets have more than enough bats to make up for it. I was more worried about Wright because he's 24 years old. It might be time to move Delgado down in the order.
I don't think that Delgado has "lost it."
I just think that he's in a real funk. You're right. They should move him down in the order. Take some pressure off of him. He just looks completely lost at the plate these days.
Losing a bench guy like Endy Chavez really hurts the team. And right now our outfield is hurting. I believe that Beltran is playing hurt.
But teams go through these setback cycles. And what makes the difference between the good teams and the great teams is that the great teams overcome these kinds of setbacks and find ways to stay in the race.
He's one of those types of players that when he comes into the game he just seems to makes things happen. And when he fills in for an injured or rested player, you really don't mind because you remain confident with him.
Back to Back to Back HOMERUNS by Delgado, Wright and LoDuca to take a 3 -2 lead!
LET'S GO METS!!!!!
EDIT : All the so called "experts" said that the Mets were weak in the starting pitching department, and that their strength was in the relief department. So far this season it's been the opposite. F**king Wagner!
I just don't get Willie's managing tonight. I can understand bringing in Wagner in the 8th if you're going for the win, but then why the fuck is he bringing in that piece of shit Schoeneweis and his 7.17 ERA in to start the 10th?? I don't get it.
Fire the Manager! Get a new GM! Make some trades! Bring a 44 year old pitcher in to save the team! They're in a tailspin! It's the begining fo June and they lost again!
Oh sorry, I forgot, I'm a Mets fan, not a Yankees fan.
Tell you what. I'd rather give Milledge another chance than have Julio Franco play. I mean I love the guy, but he's done. He can't hit a fastball anymore. He should announce his retirement which would make room for another player, and then the Mets should make him a coach. The Mets need to keep Franco around the organization, but not as a player. He's so done as a player.
Tell you what. I'd rather give Milledge another chance than have Julio Franco play. I mean I love the guy, but he's done. He can't hit a fastball anymore. He should announce his retirement which would make room for another player, and then the Mets should make him a coach. The Mets need to keep Franco around the organization, but not as a player. He's so done as a player.
I have a 1980 World Series program (Phillies/Royals) that lists future Phillie stars then in the minors. Franco was one of them. The Phillies traded farm product, Ryne Sandberg, in '81, in part, to make room for Franco. They then traded Franco in December, '82 because they had Juan Samuel ready to emerge.
Franco won an All-Star MVP 17 years ago. It amazes me that he's still in the majors as he's nearing 48. I agree that he's not an option for every day play.
I agree about Franco. He's done. I don't think the Mets will just release him though. He's going to have to retire on his own. I have no problem with Milledge coming up and playing everyday if he's healthy. Sooner or later we have to find out if he's going to be a player or not.
Jul 10: Perez (back) pitched four scoreless innings in a Gulf Coast League rehab start on Tuesday, the Journal News reports. Perez was efficient, throwing 49 pitches with seven strikeouts and no walks. He should be able to make his scheduled start for the Mets on Sunday against Cincinnati.
Tell you what. I'd rather give Milledge another chance than have Julio Franco play. I mean I love the guy, but he's done. He can't hit a fastball anymore. He should announce his retirement which would make room for another player, and then the Mets should make him a coach. The Mets need to keep Franco around the organization, but not as a player. He's so done as a player.
ATLANTA -- Julio Franco will get another chance to swing the bat in the big leagues.
The 48-year-old utilityman signed with Atlanta on Wednesday, rejoining the Braves a week after he was cut by the New York Mets.
Franco cleared waivers during the Braves' game against Cincinnati. Atlanta signed him for the rest of the season and said he would be activated for Thursday night's game against St. Louis.
Franco, who turns 49 next month, played for the Braves in a backup role from 2001-05. He is a 24-year veteran with 2,576 career hits and is a lifetime .298 hitter.
He hit just .200 (10-for-50) with one homer as a reserve with the Mets. Franco will serve in the same capacity for Atlanta.
This season, Franco became the oldest player to hit a home run in major-league history. He has said he would like to play until he turns 50.
In related news, the Braves are also hoping to bring back Gaylord Perry and Joe Torre, if he can't come to terms with the Yankees. Perry still has something on his spitball and Torre still has some pop in his bat. As far as Franco, well, 3 words, M V P.
Only the 5th left hander in the history of baseball to reach 300 wins, the 23rd overall, and quite possibly the last, due to middle relief and the way the game is played today. A truly great accomplishment.
HOW THE F*CK do you come back from being down 6 to 1 to take the lead, blow it, come back and tie it and then lose the game in extra innings? Focking MUTTS!
Guess it's better than being an Orioles fan these past two days!
I watched the Mets play the other night against San Diego! They got beat 7-5 am i right? The only reason i mention this is because it was unusual to see the Mets being shown over here. They always show the Yankees or the Red Sox....
You should really wait until after today's game because if Philly loses one game of the series, they're finished and you're going to look pretty silly. And even if they sweep again, they're still more than likely done.
Freddie, I have to hand it to you. After that post, you kept your mouth shut. Your Phils are sitting pretty right now. We'll see at the end of this weekend.
I'm not counting my chickens yet. I've been a Phillie fan too long. While I was only a few months old when they collapsed in '64, I remember Vic Davalillo, Manny Mota and Davey Lopes in '77;the Maddox error in '78; the late season charges from Willie Stargell and the Pirates; and of course, Joe Carter taking Mitch Williams deep when a young Curt Schilling covered his head with a white towel.
Then the Mets and Phillies would have a one game playoff on Monday.
Since they are in the same division, wouldn't it go to the team with the best record against the other team? For Example, if the Mets were 12-8 against the Phillies then the Mets would go to the playoffs?
I may be wrong, but for some reason I thought that record would come into play within the division. Now if the Mets were in a tie for the wildcard with the Padres, then they would have to play a tiebreaking game.
By the way, this has been one of the most exciting finishes to a regular season as I have seen in a while. In the National League anyway... I love it when it comes down to the wire like this!
Blib's right... but the Phils and Mutts have identical records going into the last day. If they both win or lose tomorrow, then I would think there would be a playoff game...
They're could be a wild card playoff game Tuesday too. If San Diego and Colorado lose, and the Mets and Phillies both win, then the loser of the Met/Phillie game plays San Diego on Tuesday to determine who gets the Wild Card. Now if Colorado wins, I'm not sure what would happen since 3 teams would then be tied for the WC.
If New York (88-73) and Philadelphia (88-73) finish with the same record, they would play a tiebreaker game Monday in Philadelphia.
Wild Card
In the event two teams tie for the wild card, Colorado (88-73) would host New York, Philadelphia or San Diego (89-72) in a tiebreaker; New York would host San Diego; and San Diego would host Philadelphia.
Three teams with same record
In the event New York, Philadelphia and San Diego finish with the same record, New York and Philadelphia would play a tiebreaker Monday at Philadelphia for the division title. The loser of that game would then play a wild-card tiebreaker Tuesday against San Diego.
Four teams with same record
If Colorado, New York and Philadelphia win Sunday and San Diego loses, all would finish 89-73. New York and Philadelphia would play the NL East tiebreaker Monday; the loser would play a three-team, two-day, wild-card tiebreaker with Colorado and San Diego on Tuesday and Wednesday. In that scenario, Colorado (the team with the best head-to-head record among the three teams in the wild-card tiebreaker) would get the choice of having a bye on Tuesday or playing both games at home.
What a job the "genius" Rick Peterson has done with this pitching staff. I have a feeling Willie will be looking for a new job despite the fact it isn't his fault that most of his pitchers couldn't get anybody out for the last 2 months.
I know this was a tough way to end the season for Mets fans :(...but the champagne is flowing in my house tonight.
By the way, if the Mets and Phillies finished in a tie, there would have been a play-off game. If both teams would have clinched a play-off berth with a tie (division and wild card), the team with the better head-to-head would get the division and no play-off game would be necessary.
Thanks, SC. It's been a 14 year drought for me. I'm not used to having something at stake in October.
Maybe it'll be a Phillie/Red Sox series. I would enjoy Schilling coming back to Philly more than Abreu returning.
Congratulations to the Mets for having a fine season even with a heartbreaking loss. I feel bad for Randolph even though my team benefited. We're usually the guys, who collapse.
Over in the playoff talk topic, several members have tried to attribute the Mets season ending collapse to a lack of leadership on David Wright's part, and the Phillies winning the division to the leadership of Jimmy Rollins.
I personally don't agree with either assessment. But I did not want to conitnue to hijack that topic with a debate about this, so I thought that I'd continue with it over here in this topic.
It all comes down to the lack of clutch pitching down the stretch by the Met pitching staff. If not for the horrible pitching, the Mets would have held onto the division lead and the Phils may have had a shot at the wildcard.
The Mets did NOT blow the division lead because of a lack of offense. They blew it because of pitching. Bottom line.
For heaven's sake they gave up over 30 runs in one series against the lowly Washington Nationals!
Some ERA's for September :
Glavine : 6.10
Maine : 5.53
Pelfry : 4.88
Humber : 7.71
Scott Schoeneweis : 4.70
Billy Wagner : 3.60 As A CLOSER!!!!
NOTE : And I am NOT trying to rain on the Phillie's or the Phillie fans Parade here. Congratulations to you all. You deserve it. I'm Just trying to make a point in response to what's been said about where the blame goes for the Mets season ending collapse.
I don't blame Wright for the collapse. A collapse as historic as the Mets' had to be team wide. Similarly, the Phillies' winning the NL East involved team wide contribution, and the most "valuable" (not necessarily the best) component of the team was Rollins.
He played in each of the 162 games, which increases his value to his team. He also went from the lead-off spot to the number three hole when Howard went down, and he drove in runs. He undoubtedly became the team leader as he challenged his teammates and stuck by his promise that the Phillies were the team to beat.
I think if voters were to decide only between Rollins and Wright, they would have to consider in the 7 crucial games down the stretch, the Phillies won all of them and Rollins hit .382 w/ 2 triples, 2 homers, 2 doubles, scored 6 and knocked in 6 while going 4 for 4 in SBs.
In the field, none of the other MVP contenders come close to Rollins, who committed only 11 errors in 162 games for a fielding percentage of .985.
While I admire Holliday's amazing year, and understand the arguments in his favor for MVP, he doesn't have great range. Sure, he got a big hit the other night in extra innings, but he misplayed a routine flyball into a double that allowed the Padres to tie it in the eighth, and his face first slide into home tells me he doesn't have a firm grip of the fundamentals of baserunning. I would say as an outfielder, he was average with the glove.
But if he wins the award, I wouldn't lose sleep.
The funny thing is if Chase Utley was the leading MVP candidate until he was hit by a pitch, broke his hand, and lost a month of the season.
Finally, there is no mathematical formula for determining MVP, which makes the debate so intriguing. DC had mentioned Andre Dawson's year for the Cubs, who were buried in last place in 1987. There was little doubt that he was the "best" player that year in the NL, but some have argued how "valuable" were his contributions (49 HRs, .287 and one of the best arms in the history of the game) when most of the games he played took place when the Cubs had no chance of winning the NL East. That year the Cardinals won the East and Ozzie Smith (.303 0HR and the best defensive SS ever) finished second and Cardinal Jack Clark (.286 35 HRs) finished third. It could have been argued that Jack Clark's 35 homers were more valuable than Dawson's 49. Another Clark (Will) of the NL West Champion Giants finished fifth in the votiing with 35 HRs and a .308 avg. I will note in passing that Dale Murphy that year hit .295 with 44 HRs, numbers very similar to Dawson, but finished 11th in the voting. It appears that while the voters weren't holding the bad team against Dawson, they held it against Murphy, whose Braves struggled in the NL West.
Sometime take a a look at the 1995 MVPs. Albert Belle clearly had the numbers in RBI, HR, and Avg. and his Indians won the division, but the MVP went to Mo Vaughn, who was a much nicer guy.
Also that year SS Barry Larkin beat out Dante Bichette, whose numbers were amazingly similar to fellow Rockie, Holliday.
Nice photos. As a Phillie fan, I tip my hat to the Rockies. They're hot and very good. I didn't expect the Phillies to get this far with the injuries to Utley, Hamels, Garcia, Lieber, etc.
I take consolation this year in knowing the team was resilient, never quit despite the odds, and, oh yeah, the Mets are our bitches.
Klyd, I don't believe that Just Lou posted those pics to rub your face in it. I believe that they he posted them for another Phillies fan on here who's had nothing constructive to say and only came out of his hole to post pics every time the Phils beat the Mets.
You on the other hand have been nothing but a gentleman who's talked with knowledge of the game, has shown class when winning, and has bowed out gracefully when losing.
So there would absolutely be no reason whatsoever for Lou or I to rub your face in it..................that was until you wrote
"the Mets are our bitches."
Now all bets are off. You drew first blood.
Do you happen to be a Flyers fan or an Eagles fan.......BITCH?
It doesn't make the pain of the biggest collapse in history go away, only winning a championship can come close to doing that. However, it sure was nice to see all of those broken hearts in the Philly dugout. Yesterday wasn't all good, though. I was really rooting for Piniella. Geez, Diamondbacks-Rockies, the network execs must be ready to jump.
Klyd, I don't believe that Just Lou posted those pics to rub your face in it. I believe that they he posted them for another Phillies fan on here who's had nothing constructive to say and only came out of his hole to post pics every time the Phils beat the Mets.
You on the other hand have been nothing but a gentleman who's talked with knowledge of the game, has shown class when winning, and has bowed out gracefully when losing.
So there would absolutely be no reason whatsoever for Lou or I to rub your face in it..................that was until you wrote
"the Mets are our bitches."
Now all bets are off. You drew first blood.
Do you happen to be a Flyers fan or an Eagles fan.......BITCH?
Happily, I am neither a Flyer or Eagle fan. Nor am I a Sixers fan.
I should have posted a smiley face to indicate that I was fooling around with Lou, whom I like very much. I remember Freddie posting the pictoures, and knew that Lou was ribbing him back.
Truth is, I don't have any bad feelings for the Mets or their fans. I don't hide the fact that it will likely be another 14 years before I can crow again, so I might as well have done it now.
Actually, there are two major leaguers, whom I know, and one is a Rockie, who had made tickets available to me in Philly that I couldn't use. So, I'll root now for Colorado in the NL. After all, we Phillie fans are their bitches now.
Just announced earlier. Alou to have hernia surgery. Out at least 6 weeks.
That sucks.
Delgado is scaring me now with his problem. I chalked off last season to his being injured at the start of it, missing spring training because of it, and figured that he never completely healed and played injured the whole time.
I had hoped that was the case and that he would come back this year healthy and once again be the solid player that he once was.
Now he's hurt again. Reyes, Wright and Beltran NEED to come up big offensively for the Mets this year.
If Pedro can pitch around .500 and take over the role that Glavine once filled, Pelfry pitches decent enough to be the fifth starter, and Sanchez returns to 80% of what he used to be, the pitching will be just fine.
El Duke should resort to the fact that he's almost done and at best can be a set up man.
The Giants Superbowl Champions, Hockey Playoffs hopefully with the Rangers in it and Mets Baseball opening day just around the corner.
I've heard reports that his job is in jeopardy, and ownership is disgusted with the performance so far. Apparently, the owners are not even speaking with him.
I would agree that the team is presently underachieving and that some of the blame has to rest on his shoulders, but a mid-season managerial change for a contending team with a lot of talent is a huge move?
Will Willie get the axe during the season, and if so, who will take his place?
. . . but a mid-season managerial change for a contending team with a lot of talent is a huge move?
The Willie-watch is on. That's the impression I get, anyway.
Mid-season change is always dangerous. Although, I could see them pulling it off if they do it from within. Lee Mazzilli works for the team as a broadcaster, and rumor has it he's on a short list to succeed Willie.
There are also Bobby Valentine rumors going around. Now maybe my stupid fellow Met fans finally realize that he was a GREAT manager.
WILLIE'S MEETING WITH WILPONS SCHEDULED FOR 2 P.M. TODAY By MARK HALE
May 26, 2008 --
Willie Randolph's meeting with Mets New York Mets ' ownership is going to take place today at 2 p.m. at Shea Stadium today, the Post has learned.
The much-hyped summitt is slated to include Randolph, GM Omar Minaya and both Fred and Jeff Wilpon. It should determine Randolph's immediate managerial future.
Fred and Jeff Wilpon arrived within minutes of each other at Shea at approximately 1:20 p.m. Fred said the meeting had not occured yet, while Jeff declined comment.
The Mets host the first-place Marlins tonight at 7 p.m.
I have mixed feelings. I don't dislike Willie, but something is wrong with this team. He kind of reminds me of Jim Fassel when he coached the Giants. He may just be too soft.
What a great come from behind win. It was a good game to watch. The pitching did a great job in keeping L.A. to 2 runs, allowing the offense to procure the win.
The difference between the Phillies since 2007 and the previous Phillies is that they expect to win games after falling behind by multiple runs.
Who knows how the NL East will turn out in the end? Long way to go.
Last year's Phils were somewhat of a cinderella/miracle team, especially the way they beat the Mets (sorry for stirring up painful memories Mets fans). As an ex-New Yorker, I am a backseat Mets fan. I grew up with the Yankees, but I did see the Mets in the Polo Grounds. Just can't warm up to them. I do wish them well, but they are such a boring team. They need Pedro back if only to add some personality.
The Mets can find the most original ways to lose. Bases loaded and your pitcher hits the batter on the first pitch to bring in the winning run. Willie must be wishing he was still Joe Torre's bench coach. Oh, how are the Dodgers doing? First place you say.
I was fuming too, but you can't blame Willie on that one.
I didn't see the game, but they were questioning why Wagner didn't start the ninth as the starter had never pitched 9 innings and Wagner isn't nearly as effective when he is brought into a game with runners on base. Of course, if Reynolds (who has been red hot) didn't hit the homer, nobody would care about when they brought Wagner in.
I hate to scapegoat the manager when a team's not hitting, but it might be time for a change. But I'll tell you this: Omar Minaya is not without sin here. He should have to answer for raiding the Latino version of the AARP for ballplayers. It's gotten way out of hand.
I can't question leaving your starting pitcher in the game when he's pitching a dominating shutout. He pulled Pelfrey as soon as he gave up a hit. Wagner came in with a 3 run lead, when the runner on base meant nothing. Bottom line is, Wagner threw a 2 strike fastball right down the middle of the plate.
...In case you missed it, Wagner actually hit Reynolds with the previous pitch, but the ump missed it.
I can't question leaving your starting pitcher in the game when he's pitching a dominating shutout. He pulled Pelfrey as soon as he gave up a hit. Wagner came in with a 3 run lead, when the runner on base meant nothing. Bottom line is, Wagner threw a 2 strike fastball right down the middle of the plate.
...In case you missed it, Wagner actually hit Reynolds with the previous pitch, but the ump missed it.
I agree. I think they're hyper-critical of Willie here.
Willie Randolph is out as manager of the New York Mets, fired in the middle of the night 2 1/2 months into a disappointing season that has followed the team's colossal collapse last September.
Bench coach Jerry Manuel takes over on an interim basis for Randolph, who led the Mets to within one win of the 2006 World Series. They got off to a strong start again last year but plummeted down the stretch and have been unable to rebound.
A preseason favorite to win the NL pennant, the $138 million Mets (34-35) had won two in a row when Randolph was let go early Tuesday morning — making him the first major league manager to get fired this season.
Pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto also were dismissed in an enormous overhaul that was revealed in a fact-of-the-matter Mets news release at a stunning time — about 12:15 a.m. PDT, nearly two hours after New York's 9-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Ken Oberkfell, the club's manager at Triple-A New Orleans, and Dan Warthen, pitching coach for the Zephyrs, will join the major league staff along with Luis Aguayo, a Mets field coordinator.
A message left for general manager Omar Minaya was not immediately returned. The Mets said Minaya and Manuel would be available to reporters at Angel Stadium at 2 p.m. PDT on Tuesday.
Reached by phone nearly three hours after Monday's game, Mets utility man Marlon Anderson said he didn't know that Randolph had been fired and he didn't want to comment until he heard the news from a member of the team.
"Not tonight," Anderson said.
It was a frustrating end for the 53-year-old Randolph, who was set to be an NL coach at the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium next month.
Signed through the 2009 season, Randolph won't be able to move with the Mets into new Citi Field next year, either.
Randolph was known for his exceptionally steady play as a six-time All-Star second baseman and even-keel demeanor as a coach with the Yankees.
Yet Randolph's time in charge of the Mets was marked by highs and lows from the get-go.
Hired by Minaya to replace Art Howe for the 2005 season, Randolph lost his first five games as a major league manager, then won the next six.
He nearly guided the Mets into the 2006 World Series, losing Game 7 of the NLCS to St. Louis on Yadier Molina's tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning.
The Mets and their fans were convinced 2007 would be their year. Poised for a big run, what followed was one of the biggest collapses in baseball history: Leading the NL East by seven games on Sept. 12, they lost 12 of their last 17 and missed the playoffs as Philadelphia rallied to win the division title.
Several times, Randolph tried to separate last season's failure and this season's struggle.
"I really felt we put last year behind us," he said last month. "Any pressure we feel is because of staying in the mix and not reverting back to last year. I don't sense that at all. No one ever talks about it, no one ever brings it up, so if we are looking a little like we were last year, there's no correlation."
Many Mets watchers, however, felt there was a carry-over effect. Injuries to Pedro Martinez, Moises Alou and Ryan Church, another down year by Carlos Delgado and a sudden slump by closer Billy Wagner didn't help.
With each stretch of inconsistent play, chants of "Fire Willie!" grew louder at Shea Stadium and on New York's sports talk radio station.
Despite a $138 million payroll, the highest in the National League, and the offseason addition of ace pitcher Johan Santana, the Mets never found their groove. Even when things briefly went their way, Randolph caused trouble.
Coming off an uplifting, two-game sweep at Yankee Stadium in mid-May, the first black manager in team history created a stir by suggesting in a newspaper interview that he was portrayed on Mets broadcasts differently than a white manager might be.
Randolph brought up the race issue as he detailed the way he's been shown by SNY, the team's TV network.
"Is it racial?" Randolph was quoted. "Huh? It smells a little bit. ... I don't know how to put my finger on it, but I think there's something there."
A couple of days later, Randolph apologized to Mets ownership, SNY and his players "for the unnecessary distraction" he'd created.
Late last month, Randolph got a temporary reprieve when he met with ownership.
"Willie's job was never in danger going into this meeting," Minaya said after the session. "Willie has my support. He has the support of our ownership. ... There is no limbo period. Willie is the manager."
But no promises for the future were made.
Raised in Brooklyn, Randolph enjoyed many of his favorite and finest moments in the Bronx.
He played for the Yankees from 1976-88 and was a member of two World Series championship teams.
Surrounded by stars Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson, characters Sparky Lyle and Mickey Rivers and volatile George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin, Randolph merely went about his business. He made for a good fit in pinstripes, and later became a Yankees co-captain.
Randolph batted .276 lifetime — he got 2,210 hits in 2,202 games — and never made an error in his 47 postseason appearances.
After finishing his playing career with the Mets in 1992, Randolph served as an assistant GM with the Yankees in 1993. The next year, he moved back onto the field and became their third-base coach, a post he held for 10 seasons.
He was part of the Yankees team that won four World Series titles, and was manager Joe Torre's bench coach in 2004. Before landing the Mets job, Randolph said he interviewed unsuccessfully for 11 or 12 managerial openings.
Randolph had Torre's full backing for the move over to Queens and they remained friends, filming a series of popular local TV commercials together.
Randolph was hired in November 2004 and, boosted by the addition of Carlos Beltran and Martinez, the Mets showed immediate improvement. They went 83-79 in his first year, stopping a slide of three straight dismal seasons.
The Mets did far better the next year, tying the crosstown Yankees for baseball's best regular-season record (97-65) and winning the NL East for the first time since 1988.
Making their first playoff appearance in six years, the Mets swept the Dodgers in the first round despite an injury-depleted pitching staff and went into the NLCS against the Cardinals with high expectations — those ended in Game 7.
Minaya has been criticized (mostly by fans) for favoring Latin players. Now he has fired a Negro manager and two Caucasian coaches. Bench coach Jerry Manuel (Latino) takes over. Willie may be right "It smells a little bit." The highest paid National League Team.....as the Beatles sang, "Can't buy me love".
It's tough to defend Willie. They blew the NLCS in 2006. They had one of the biggest collapses in 2007. And they are severely underachieving in 2008. You can't fire the players, so the coaches have to take the hit.
It's tough to defend Willie. They blew the NLCS in 2006. They had one of the biggest collapses in 2007. And they are severely underachieving in 2008. You can't fire the players, so the coaches have to take the hit.
It doesn't help that the Mets have the highest payroll in the league and have (on paper, anyway) a lot of talented players. SOMEONE has to be a scapegoat when they fail to win regularly, and Willie was elected.
Yeah, I just don't like the way they fired him; having him fly cross country, then fire him in the middle of the night.
Plus, I hate the fact that Minaya gets a pass. It reminds me of the Steve Phillips/Bobby Valentine situation. Bobby got scapegoated, while Steve preened (I can't stand that guy), only to be fired a year later.
Minaya has to answer for signing every Tom, Dick and Harry over 40 years old. I mean, is this MLB or the AARP?
ANAHEIM - The e-mail was time-stamped 3:14 a.m., Eastern time. In a simpler time, in a different world, maybe the Mets would have succeeded completely in this cowardly purge of their baseball team. Maybe then they would have been able to hold off on telling everybody what they'd planned to do until long past their vessels in the media were fast asleep.
Ah, but there is this wonderful thing known as the Internet now, and here we are, telling you that while you were sleeping, at 3:14 a.m. New York time, at 12:14 a.m. California time, two hours after the Mets beat the Angels 9-6, the Mets finally got around to firing Willie Randolph.
Maybe that seems a simple proclamation. Maybe you think everyone knows about the Internet. Well, the men who run the Mets are quite obviously simple men, and sinister men, cowards cloaked in "no comments," who have seen the way their baseball team has performed this year obviously decided: people don't just need to be fired.
They need to be humiliated.
What a crowd these bums are, all of them, from the Wilpons at the top to Omar Minaya down below, all of them who conspired to botch this firing worse than any firing has ever been botched. Ever. You wouldn't trust these guys to run a 7-Eleven, let alone a National League baseball team. What a joke. What a cowardly, dastardly joke.
A midnight massacre.
A 3 a.m. thrashing.
Disgraceful. Utterly, completely, disgraceful.
And here's the ridiculous part: They could have gone through the transaction of what they did — firing Randolph, firing Rick Peterson, firing Tom Nieto, elevating Jerry Manuel and Ken Oberkfell and Luis Aguayo and Dan Warthen, at any time across the past few weeks and they would have been perfectly justified.
Hell, if they wanted to raze the whole staff last October, after the epic collapse of September, that would have been all right, too. You may not have agreed with it (although a loud segment of Mets fans surely would have). But that would have simply been a baseball decision. And the baseball was enough to warrant it.
This? This is unspeakable. These men couldn't have been fired in New York, before heading on a plane and flying 3,000 miles to their doom? They couldn't have been spared the ignominy of a public perp walk back east, their dignity thrown into their carry-on luggage?
Really?
Is this the best the Mets can do? Is this really what they are about? Can they really consider themselves a professional operation when they do the simplest task in sports, firing the manager, this wretchedly?
It's entirely possible that Randolph fell on his sword over this one, because it was being swirled that he would be spared and his coaches sacrificed, and if that indeed happened we will laud him and praise him for that later on. Randolph was never going to be confused with John J. McGraw as a manager. But he wasn't J. Edgar Hoover as a person, either. We already knew that.
What we know now is that Randolph was so much better than the men he worked for it's as if they were playing a different game in a different league. What a fiasco. What a joke. Less than two years after Game 7, less than nine months from opening their signature ballpark, the Mets reveal themselves, again, for what they've been for too long.
A cheap, unfunny joke.
Run by a miserable cast of miscreants. Good for Randolph, Peterson and Nieto. They may not know this, but their lot in life just got a bit brighter, getting away from this batch of bums.
That would have only made him create a 10 paragraph post on Santana's stats of National league vs American league, his ERA in each ball park, and his batting average. Superceded with a and a
Shea will always have a lot of memories for me. I've been there countless times in the last 30+ years to baseball and football games. But, it has to go. It really is a dump. I will miss it though, and will be very sad when I see it being torn down.
That's how I felt about Candlestick (although it is still being used for the 49ers ). I was very sad to see the Giants leave the stadium, but it sure is nice to have a nice park with nice view and modern stuff.... in other words it's nice not having to piss in a trough with ten other guys.
I still have fond memories of the old park like you said, but you'll love having a brand new stadium. I can't wait to see it. I'm hoping it is nicer than the new Yankee stadium
The new Mets' home is going to awesome. Citi Field
If I were a Yankee fan, I wouldn't be happy about a new stadium. I hate to see the old parks go. It was even sad seeing them tear down Tiger Stadium this week.
If I were a Yankee fan, I wouldn't be happy about a new stadium.
I agree actually. When I first heard the Yankees were getting a new stadium I was shocked. Their old stadium has so much history it seems crazy to leave it.
I believe the only reason the Yankees are getting a new stadium is because they heard the Mets were getting a new stadium and the Steinbrenner's didn't want to be outdone by another New York club. That's why I hope the Mets new stadium is better than the Yankees new stadium.
I'm hopeful that I'll be able to visit New York someday to judge the two myself. I had always hoped to go to the old stadiums but my time has run out on that.
So it goes.
If Wrigley and Fenway are ever shut down it will be the end of a baseball era that shouldn't be forgotten.
The first really big game that I recall going to was an early 10th birthday gift from my Dad. I was born on October 25th, 1959. So when the Mets made it to the World Series in '69, I was as gleeful as a ten year old baseball fan could be.
Anyway, the series fell a week or so prior to my birthday, but my Dad wangled tickets to game 3 at Shea. It was awesome; the Mets won 5-0. Gary Gentry (who?) got the win over Jim Palmer's Orioles. Tommy Agee and the Bronx's own Eddie Kranepool hit home runs. A youngster named Nolan Ryan got the save. And a ten year old Pizzaboy had one of the great days of his childhood, spent with his Dad.
The first really big game that I recall going to was an early 10th birthday gift from my Dad. I was born on October 25th, 1959. So when the Mets made it to the World Series in '69, I was as gleeful as a ten year old baseball fan could be.
Anyway, the series fell a week or so prior to my birthday, but my Dad wangled tickets to game 3 at Shea. It was awesome; the Mets won 5-0. Gary Gentry (who?) got the win over Jim Palmer's Orioles. Tommy Agee and the Bronx's own Eddie Kranepool hit home runs. A youngster named Nolan Ryan got the save. And a ten year old Pizzaboy had one of the great days of his childhood, spent with his Dad.
That was cool Klyd! I need to figure out how to use that baseball reference site. It's overwhelming for me every time I try to go there, but there was a particular game I went to as a kid that I'd like to find and print out like that one Pizzaboy went to.
The game I went to my Dad decided to leave early because the Giants were losing 7-2, I think. As a kid all I wanted was to see Kevin Mitchell hit a homerun but it was the end of the game so we left early to beat the traffic (He's an ex-Dodger fan so go figure) and when we turned on the radio to listen to the end of the game the Giants came back and won in the ninth including a Mitchell homerun. I was so mad and bring it up as often as I can to tease my Dad about it. We never left a game early ever again and I still annoy my own family now when the game is a blowout and they are cold and tired but I insist on staying to the last out.
Sorry to tell a Giants story but I was inspired by PB's story and it got me thinking about my Candlestick memories with my Dad.
Can this be the game you're talking about? September 20, 1989, Dodgers at Giants? John Wetteland, who later became one of the finest closers of the 90s, started in his rookie year with the Dodgers, who led 7-0 after 3 innings. The Giants scored 3 in the 6th, and then 5 in the ninth...without recording a single out! Mitchell started the ninth with a homer.You missed a hell of a finish if this was the game.
A few weeks before this game the Phillies scored about 10 in the ninth to beat the Dodgers, who had a 9 run lead.
1989, as you know, was the year the Giants beat the Cubs to get to the world series, which is probably best known for the earthquake that hit before the game was to start.
That's it! I love you Klyd!!! Wow, how did you find that?!
That home run by Ernie Riles earlier in the game landed three rows down from us. I seriously can't believe you found that with such little information I gave you. I can't wait to show this to my Dad. Maybe I'll frame it and give it to him as a Father's Day gift next year
That's it! I love you Klyd!!! Wow, how did you find that?!
It wasn't too hard. I knew Mitchell played in SF from '88 to about '92. 1989 was his mvp year w/47 homers, so I researched the schedule for the '89 Giants, and scrolled down their home games, in which they scored 8 or more and their opponents scored 7 or more. This was the second game that fit those conditions.
By the way, the first two major league games I ever went to were the Giants at the Phillies, a year apart.
Back to the Mets on topic. They seem to have it going on right now. The NL East should be an interesting race, especially if the Marlins hang and the Braves get back in.
Don't look now Kly, but the Phils are only a 1/2 game up on the Metropolitans.
"We'll get there, Pop. We'll get there."
I don't know Pizzaboy, there was just too much time, too much time. [Vito lamented how things would have been different in 2007 if the season was 154 games. He didn't know until that night that it would be the Phillies and not the Braves.]
Any thoughts on how Willie Randolph's dismissal has now (positively) affected the Mets' performance?
Coincidence?
Team chemistry is one of those intangibles that is the subject of debate. Was it Willie's fault? Some will argue that he doesn't swing the bat, pitch the ball or make the put-out, but......
I think team chemistry has a lot to do with success in team sports. How do you explain the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays? How do you explain the Giants winning the Super Bowl? There are innumerable examples. Intangibles play a large part and it is a part that sportscasters tend to downplay because they can't explain it. And what is the power and attraction of a sports cast?.....Knowledge and prediction; chemistry takes that leverage away from them.
Joe Morgan said it best Sunday night. The Mets just seem looser under Manuel, which is surprising since Randolph wasn't exactly a disciplinarian. I think the huge pitching turnaround is due to Peterson being gone. He was an ass. He truly believed he was a genius.
Brilliant all around game by the Mets' entire coaching staff. Everything from sending a runner from 3rd twice with nobody out, only for them to be thrown out at hone by 10 feet, to taking the supposed best pitcher in baseball out of the game in the 9th on a low pitch count, when you don't have a closer.
Brilliant all around game by the Mets' entire coaching staff. Everything from sending a runner from 3rd twice with nobody out, only for them to be thrown out at hone by 10 feet,
That was mind boggling that it happened twice. It was like September of '07.
As an ex-NYer, transplanted to South Jersey in Philly/Eagles terrritory, I am a Yankees/Giants fan. I could never get to excited about the Mets/Jets. I will quietly root for them when their opponents are not the Yanks or G-men. But down here, the local media and TV are Philly based, so you can get caught up in the Phillies. AND since the city hasn't had a champion in 25 years in any of the major sport...well, But when they play the Mets..... I do kinda cheer a little for the Phillies.
Mr. Babe got invited to tonight's game. Given the battle for first, and that this will probably be his last chance to see a game at Shea, he was really looking forward to it. Chances are looking good for a rain-out, but you never know.
Mr. Babe got invited to tonight's game. Given the battle for first, and that this will probably be his last chance to see a game at Shea, he was really looking forward to it. Chances are looking good for a rain-out, but you never know.
.....which might be a better result for the Mets than if they play.
Mr. Babe got invited to tonight's game. Given the battle for first, and that this will probably be his last chance to see a game at Shea, he was really looking forward to it. Chances are looking good for a rain-out, but you never know.
.....which might be a better result for the Mets than if they play.
Martinez working on return when father dies of cancer ESPN.com news services
Pedro Martinez's struggles on the mound took a backseat on Wednesday after the father of the New York Mets pitcher died.
Martinez has traveled back and forth to the Dominican Republic this spring and summer to be with his father, Pablo, who had been battling brain cancer. He was 79.
Martinez is 3-2 with a 6.25 ERA in nine starts this season. The Mets pushed back his last scheduled start, but an encouraging bullpen session had him slated to start Friday against St. Louis.
Martinez left his start July 12 after only four innings with a sore shoulder.
It was not immediately clear when Martinez would travel to the Dominican and return to the team.
Someone want to give me insight on the issue of Reyes throwing his glove recently? I turned on Mike and the Mad Dog briefly and callers were complaining about it, but I didn't see it.
Earlier in the month, Reyes made a catchable throw to Delgado, that Delgado didn't catch. They charged Reyes with an error. When he saw it, he slammed his glove down.
Spin it however you like, Philly fans. But the Mets have now won ALL 4 of the season series and are in SOLE posession of first place. Albeit, by onle one game.
I know, I know . . . long way to go . . . I'm just sayin'.
But don't fret, football is almost here. So look at the bright side, maybe the Eagles can lose another NFC Championshio or Super Bowl.
Although I wish he was still a Blue Jay, it's good to see Carlos Delgado doing well with the Mets. At his age it's gonna be tough but if he can maintain this high level of performance for a couple more seasons he might be heading to Cooperstown when all is said and done.
Well, he was invited to three of them, so that helps.
There are rabid fans on both sides, Beth, but we feel that they're still a NY team. And the game was a great one, and it was also a last opportunity to be at Shea. All in all, he had a great time.
Call it a wrap, Tom. You had a great career, but it's over.
Tom Glavine out for season, hopes to pitch in 2009
ATLANTA (AP)—Braves pitcher Tom Glavine is out for the season, and his illustrious career could be over if he needs major surgery on his injured left elbow.
The 42-year-old Glavine still hopes to return next year—unless he needs elbow ligament replacement surgery.
A 300-game winner, Glavine said Saturday he will be examined by Dr. James Andrews next week in Alabama. Glavine, placed on the disabled list Friday with a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow, plans to have surgery to repair the tendon.
He said he’d give up his comeback hopes for 2009 if Andrews determines the pitcher needs the ligament replacement procedure, known as Tommy John surgery. Rehabilitation after that procedure often takes at least a year.
A two-time NL Cy Young Award winner with Atlanta, Glavine gave up seven runs in four innings against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday in his first start since June 10. He is 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 games this season, and 305-203 in his career.
Glavine said his elbow began to stiffen in the fourth inning against the Cubs.
“I know it’s not going to get any better,” he said. “Clearly it’s not going to hold up under the stress of me going out there every five days and throwing a lot of pitches.”
Glavine said Braves doctors think the damage in his elbow is limited to the tendon. If Andrews confirms Glavine does not need ligament replacement surgery, the pitcher said he could have the tendon surgery immediately and recover in time for a normal offseason program.
“By no means do I want to go through another year with what I’m going through now,” he said. “But at the same time, I don’t think I want my career to end this way, either. I think that lends me to think I want to pitch next year. I think it’s easier to walk away if you can honestly tell yourself, you know what, I can’t do it anymore. And I don’t know that I can answer that question right now because my body hasn’t allowed me to do it this year as much I wanted to.”
Though his overall numbers are disappointing, Glavine said: “When I was healthy, I pitched well. When I wasn’t, I didn’t. That makes it harder to say I can’t do it anymore.”
He said he would have the tendon repaired even if he retires so he could play baseball and hockey with his children.
Glavine turned down a $13 million option with the Mets to sign an $8 million deal with the Braves for 2008. He kept his offseason home in Atlanta while pitching five years with the Mets.
Glavine pitched for Atlanta from 1987-2002 and won 20 games or more five times. He said he would only pitch for the Braves in 2009, but he doesn’t know if he will be offered a contract.
“I can want to all I want,” he said. “If they don’t want me to come back, it really doesn’t matter.
“I don’t want to go anywhere else. At this stage in my life, I’ve done that. I don’t want to do it anymore.”
Braves general manager Frank Wren talked with Glavine on Saturday but said “it’s way too early” to give a commitment for next season.
“We’ll see how things play out over the course of the winter for us and for him, and his prognosis if he does have to have surgery,” Wren said. “There’s a lot of factors that we just don’t have enough answers yet.”
The Braves have lost their top three starters—Glavine, John Smoltz and Tim Hudson—for the season, leaving rookies Jair Jurrjens, Jorge Campillo and Charlie Morton in the rotation.
Rafael Soriano, who began the season as the closer, is on the disabled list for the third time this year with a sore elbow.
I had to look at my calendar this morning. I could have sworn it was 2007.
I guess this morning will feel like every other day.
Then again, what did Willie Randolph say when the Mets huge lead shrunk to just a couple of games..."The champagne will taste even sweeter."
I actually think the difference in playing the Mets this year is Carlos Delgado. While his numbers are a little better than last year's, he has been getting hits in big situations.
Back in May, the media was suggesting releasing Delgado to make statement, and the fans were booing his every at bat. Since then he's been playing like an MVP, and it's almost certain the Mets will pick up his $12 millions option. He was so bad in April and May, it's unbelievable he's going to finish with over 30 HRs and 100 RBIs.
Mets' Billy Wagner will be out through 2009 season
By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer1 hour, 15 minutes ago
New York Mets closer Billy Wagner needs elbow surgery that will sideline him through the 2009 season. The five-time All-Star has been sidelined since Aug. 3 and the Mets said Monday that he has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left elbow and a torn flexor pronator, which is a muscle in the forearm.
Wagner, a 37-year-old left-hander, will have surgery later this week.
I heard this on the radio and immediately thought of you Mets fans here, especially JL and PB. Speaking of which, where the hell IS PB lately?? He must be checking his Florida place for storm damage.
At 37, I have a feeling that may not just be season-ending, but also career-ending surgery for Wagner. It's a shame.
No offense, PB, but how many games are left in the regular season?? Because the Mets were ahead 7 games with 17 to go last year. I wouldn't get too cocky.
What I really want is for Joe to get to manage a playoff game in New York this year.
It looks like it might just happen. Of course, I'm rooting for my Mets, but the idea of Torre in the New York post season is probably enough to give Hank Steinbrenner acid reflux.
I'm going to the game tomorrow night (9/12) against the Braves. I thought I had made my last trip to Shea last month, but I decided I wanted to go one more last time, in case I don't get any post season tickets.. I picked up a pair of Field Box Seats for $40 on eBay.
Four in the loss column, with the Phils playing the Brewers this weekend, and the Mets playing the lowly Braves, then the lowly Nationals again.
As the incomparable Howie Rose says, "Put it in the books!"
Well, it looks a little bleak for the Fightins, but don't start popping the champagne corks yet. Remember, it was the "lowly Nationals", who swept your butts last Sptember. The Big Fella is really heating up this month, and we took the first one from the Brewers and Sheets, and, like you guys, we don't have to face Sabathia in our 4 game series.
Last year at this time I was thinking the Phils had a shot at the wild card and not the division. The Rockies made the amazing charge to get the WC. I think the Astros might be this year's Rockies.
If you decide to go, you can get seats real cheap for this series on eBay and StubHub. Much less than 1/2 price.
How's that? I thought the tickets on stub hub were always more than face value?
Not always. It depends on the game. There are seats above face value, but there were also tickets for last night's game for $10.
...FWIW, I made out like a bandit with the rainout. I got a refund of face value of the tickets, and only paid $20 each for them. A nice profit of $70+.
I'm going to try again this afternoon. I picked up a cheap pair of tix on StubHub. I figure they have to play at least 1 today. They have no more days off until the end of the year.
I'm going to try again this afternoon. I picked up a cheap pair of tix on StubHub. I figure they have to play at least 1 today. They have no more days off until the end of the year.
I was driving upstate last night in the pouring rain, Lou. I kept thinking of you getting rained out at Shea. Well, better luck today, buddy.
The Mets' bullpen as a team has blown a total of 27 saves this year. The bullpen is a disgrace. They were unable to get out AAA players this weekend. The Mets don't deserve to be in the post season, but will probably make it anyway since the Brewers refuse to win a single game when CC isn't pitching.
I've been watching the Mets since the 70's, and even back then when they were terrible, I've never seen an entire bullpen unable to get 3 outs. There's not one single guy out there they can rely on.
I've been watching the Mets since the 70's, and even back then when they were terrible, I've never seen an entire bullpen unable to get 3 outs. There's not one single guy out there they can rely on.
The injury to Wagner is tough as it forces everyone in the pen up a peg. This is the time of year that the staffs and bullpens may get fried.
I've been watching the Mets since the 70's, and even back then when they were terrible, I've never seen an entire bullpen unable to get 3 outs. There's not one single guy out there they can rely on.
The injury to Wagner is tough as it forces everyone in the pen up a peg. This is the time of year that the staffs and bullpens may get fried.
There's not one single guy in that bullpen I want to see back next year.
Four in the loss column, with the Phils playing the Brewers this weekend, and the Mets playing the lowly Braves, then the lowly Nationals again.
As the incomparable Howie Rose says, "Put it in the books!"
knock, knock. We're baaaaaaaaaaaack.
You better hope the Nationals are more lowly than the Braves. Look on the bright side....You got a one game lead in the wild card race.
(I post this knowing that it will inevitably result in a losing streak for the Phillies)
Go scratch, Counselor.
The Mets will eek out the division. The Astros will win the wild card. The Phils can commiserate with the Eagles.
I am officially an Eagle hater this week because they're hosting my Steelers this Sunday. Where I live, most football fans are split between the Steelers and Eagles, and a civil war brews in Harrisburg whenever they play.
I'm not saying anything. Maybe the Mets will back into the playoffs via the Wildcard since the Brewers are just as bad. Then when the playoffs start, Santana, Pelfrey, and Perez will just have to go 9 innings each start.
I'm not saying anything. Maybe the Mets will back into the playoffs via the Wildcard since the Brewers are just as bad. Then when the playoffs start, Santana, Pelfrey, and Perez will just have to go 9 innings each start.
The Mets have a team, I think, more suited to win in the playoffs than the long haul for the reasons you state (not that the starters will have to throw nine innings).
I'm thinking the loser of the NL East will take the wild card as the Breewers are as tight as a drum, and Houston's momentum was slowed by the hurricane.
Any thoughts of putting Pedro in the bullpen for the postseason, and run with a four man staff?
Random observation: The Dodgers are really getting it together at the right time and look formidable. They are the anti-Brewers as they blew by the Diamondbacks. LA has gone through several different lineups, adjusted to injuries and reinvented their team. I'd have to say that the NL Manager of the Year is Joe Torre.
LA has gone through several different lineups, adjusted to injuries and reinvented their team. I'd have to say that the NL Manager of the Year is Joe Torre.
Who is this Joe Torre guy?? He sounds like he really knows how to get the most from his players. Too bad we don't have someone like him in NY!
Oh, wait!! That's right! We DID!! We actually had HIM!! And the team made the playoffs EVERY YEAR!!
Santana, Pelfrey , and Perez are locks. If a series goes 7, I would expect Santana to get his 3rd start on short rest. I can't see any scenario in which Pedro would start, unless he does something really impressive in all his final starts.
the good news is that neither the Phillies or the Brewers seem to really wanna make it to the post season. the bad news is that the Mets are making the Washington Nationals pitching staff look like a bunch of Hall of Famers.
If I were Willie Randolph, I would be doing the Dance of Joy in my living room right now.
Why? He couldn't win here either.
Willie may be managing the Brewers next year. If he can't win there (with such a young and talented team), then we'll know that he just doesn't have it as a manager. Time will tell, but as I always said, I like Willie and wish him well.
But seriously, it is hard to defend the Mets right now. Fortunately, they're still tied in the loss column and actually leading in the wild card race. But I still want the division, just to aggravate Ryan Howard. I hope he gets cantelope sized hemorrhoids. Big fuckin' ape.
Okay, as far as the loss column goes, we're up two in the wild card race and tied for first in the division.
The Brewers are really self destructing. Yesterday, they were up 6-2 in the 9th, two outs, no one on, and the Cubs come back with 4 runs to send the game into extra innings, then won it in the 12th!
So it looks like the Mets and Phils may both go to the playoffs, but can't meet in the first round. It would be great to meet in the NLCS, though.
Last week you said the division was in the books. I'm still looking for the books. I like the Mets' chances though. They're due to win a series against the Braves.
I never said I'd settle. I still think we'll eek out the division. But frankly, if we do, we play the Dodgers in the opening round, and they're on fire, so I'm not sure who I want, them or the Cubs. Well, being a true fan, I still want the division, so bring 'em on.
All kidding aside, the Marlins are hot. I think they'll cool off the Phils this weekend.
I never said I'd settle. I still think we'll eek out the division. But frankly, if we do, we play the Dodgers in the opening round, and they're on fire, so I'm not sure who I want, them or the Cubs. Well, being a true fan, I still want the division, so bring 'em on.
All kidding aside, the Marlins are hot. I think they'll cool off the Phils this weekend.
I agree it's a tough call on whom to play. The Dodgers swept the Phillies in 4 games in LA and 2 weeks later the Phils swept 4 from the Dodgers which is odd. The Cubs are a bit more balanced than the Dodgers, so I think I'd rather play LA. Plus, the NL East Division winner will have home field.
The Marlins are indeed hot as are the Phillies. I'm hoping for two out of three with tonight's game being the most important as Brett Myers is on the mound.
The Phillies end the season with six home games against the Braves and Nationals. I'll be at Saturday night's game, kind of hoping it is the division clincher.
I know the Mets finish with the Marlins, who really enjoyed knocking the Mets out of the postseason last year and would love to do it again.
The Brewers have to be shell shocked by last night's loss. The only thing they have going for them is they finish with the Reds and Pirates. I'll hold off on declaring them dead.
as for whom to play, you gotta love the Dodgers right now, and the best thing about them is that they actually have 5 good starting pitchers. but once postseason starts and rotations are settled with 4 or maybe 3 men, the Cubs have as great as a group with Zambrano, Rich Harden and Ryan Dempster. anyway the way the Mets are playing, both teams are going to beat them.
Still, last night's loss for the Brewers was one of the worst I've ever seen. And I really do mean ever.
C'mon, worse than all the games that the Mets' bullpen have lost for Santana?
Can't argue with that! Johan would be a shoo-in for Cy Young if not for those no decisions.
Now back to the standings. As predicted, the red hot Marlins cooled off the Phils last night. We're hardly out of the woods, but we're leading the division by a game in the loss column. And, yes counselor, in the "just in case" wild card column, the Mets have a 3 game lead on the Brewers. The Phils have a 2 game lead on the Brew Crew.
It should be a fun final week of regular season baseball. What I DON'T want to do is to waste Santana in a one game playoff with the Phils, especially if the Mets were to be guaranteed the wild card.
If the Mets had a mediocre bullpen, they'd have 100+ wins this year.
ATLANTA (AP)—Another late lead and another bullpen meltdown for the New York Mets.
The Atlanta Braves rallied for four runs in the eighth inning and a 7-6 win Sunday that stalled New York’s playoff push.
The Mets began the day trailing Philadelphia by a half-game in the NL East. Their edge in the wild-card race was cut to 1 1/2 games by Milwaukee, which beat Cincinnati 8-1.
Down 4-3, Atlanta struck in the eighth against Scott Schoeneweis (2-5) and three Mets relievers. It was the latest collapse for a beleaguered bullpen missing injured closer Billy Wagner. The relievers have a league-high 16 blown saves since the All-Star break, the worst in the NL. Schoeneweis has lost three games since Aug. 26 and the relievers have a woeful 2-8 record since Aug. 11.
“It’s kind of a shocking thing. No explanation. Our starting pitchers and offense have carried us,” Schoeneweis said. “If not for them we would not be close to where we are. At some point we’ve got to hope it turns around late in the game.
All kidding aside, the Marlins are hot. I think they'll cool off the Phils this weekend.
As your attorney, I would recommend that you rephrase your assessment. The Marlins will get hot again next weekend.
Still a week to go, Counselor.
Oh yeah, how 'bout them Steelers?
I don't blame you for wanting to change the topic.
Yesterday afternoon I had several friends and their family at the house for the Steeler game. Half were Eagles' fans and the intelligent half were Steelers' fans. We had the three tvs in the basement on. One for football, one for the Phillies and the other for Yankee Stadium.
Fortunately, I wasn't crucified too badly by the Eagles' fans. I must have invited the only Eagle fans with an ounce of sensibility.
Anyhow, Leftwich's fourth down pass with a minute and a half fell incomplete at the precise moment that Lidge struck out out the final batter in the ninth. It was bittersweet.
It's Pennsylvania, he needs the extra space to store his beer.
There's not much else to do.
Well, there is a small bar.
Actually, we had the football game on the big screen. On the other side of the basement, there's a 40 inch set that is used mostly for the kids' video games. I put a smaller set on the wall behind the bar. That one is not hi-def, so that if I have that set and the big screen on the same game, because of the delay in broadcast, I can see the action take place 5 seconds earlier on the smaller tv. I'll amaze guests by correctly predicting play calls and outcomes over and over.
Jewish pitcher smashes grand slam Published: 09/23/2008
Jason Marquis became the first Jewish pitcher to crack a grand slam since 1950.
Marquis, a Chicago Cubs' right-hander, connected to right field off Mets' rookie lefty Jonathan Niese Tuesday night at Shea Stadium in New York. The homer, part of a six-run fourth inning, propelled the Cubs to a 9-5 victory. Marquis also picked up the mound win to raise his record to 11-9.
The last Jewish pitcher to hit a grand slam was Saul Rogovin of the Detroit Tigers in 1950. Rogovin smashed his homer off Eddie Lopat of the New York Yankees.
Tough call. It looked like Delgado could have scored, but with no outs, why take the chance? You'd think they'd be able to bring him home (with no outs).
On the other hand, maybe they (the Mets) need to be more aggressive now.
Like I said earlier, why go to the playoffs if you can't beat last place teams, and teams resting some of their regulars because the game means nothing to them?
Watch. The Mets now will probably go out in the off season and give Francisco Rodriguez a gazillion dollars, but they'll keep the rest of the garbage in the bullpen.
Watch. The Mets now will probably go out in the off season and give Francisco Rodriguez a gazillion dollars, but they'll keep the rest of the garbage in the bullpen.
Speaking of which, I'd like to know what you and pizzaboy thought of the extension to Omar Minaya. I was kind of surprised that it was for 4 years, and the timing of it was interesting.
The Mets have used a lot of pitchers in the past several days and they, like the Brewers, don't have a day off through the regular season. The Brewers are in more trouble, I think, because of the state of their starting pitching and Sheets. I don't know how deep Sabathia went into the game tonight, but they are going to have to start him Sunday, if necessary.
I've had it with Omar, Klyd. I hope this doesn't come off as racist, because God knows I'm liberal minded, but I'm just tired of him signing these over the hill Latino ballplayers. It's almost like he scouts the AARP in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Minaya has done more good than bad. Not getting any bullpen help before the deadline is inexcusable though. Even when they had Wagner closing, the rest of the bullpen still sucked. Giving Luis Castillo a 4 year contract should be enough to get any GM fired. WTF was he thinking with that?
I've had it with Omar, Klyd. I hope this doesn't come off as racist, because God knows I'm liberal minded, but I'm just tired of him signing these over the hill Latino ballplayers. It's almost like he scouts the AARP in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
I know a guy down here who went to grade school with him in the Dominican. He didn't know him to well. Instead of the aging Latinos, he should scout some of those slugging Jewish outfielders.
By the way, did you know there was a year in MLB where both the NL and AL had Jewish homerun leaders?
the stats say that Wright and Beltran are raking in september and Beltran is one of the most talented players I've ever seen but they were a complete chokejob last night.
I agree with JL - why even go to playoffs? the only reason is to avoid 2 girly collapses 2 years in a row. with that pitching staff and a trio of "gazillion" dollars themselves who can't bring home the rookie who led off the ninth with a triple they have no future.
they have no business in the postseason but if they reach it I still they think they are the favorites to win it all!
That's because thery're only built for the post season. If they sneak in and throw a hot Johan Santana 3 times in a seven game series, you never know. Getting there is the problem.
I don't think the Mets or Phillies are going to play until Sunday, at the earliest.
I know. MLB has to be a bit concerned about this weather affecting the pennant races this weekend.
That's a little bit of good news for the Brewers. A three way tie would result in a playoff game between NY and PHL in Philly. The loser would then host the Breers for the wild card.
Off topic for a second - speaking of Jewish ballplayers, HBO has been airing a wonderful documentary on Hank Greenberg. Check it out if you get the chance.
Back to the Mets - I can't see them playing before Sunday (rainouts) and Milwaukee is playing at home (where they should be able to play). Milwaukee is going against the Cubs, so they'll have no easy wins. Since Philadelphia is also playing at home (and unlikely to play today and possibly tomorrow) the Mets need to pray that the Cubs go on a winning streak.
Last night's win had to be a big boost in the arm for NY.
I saw it, SC. I thought it was fantastic. I never realized that he ws the FIRST Jewish athlete to refuse to play on a "High Holiday." Rosh Hashanah, I believe. I vaguely remembered Sandy Koufax doing the same when I was a kid, and I figured he was the first, but in 1934 it obviously took a lot more chutzpah (no joke intended).
Just watched the greatest moments at Shea press conference. Daryl represented the '86 team. He looks and sounds great. It looks like he's really gotten his life together. I'm happy for him.
Off topic for a second - speaking of Jewish ballplayers, HBO has been airing a wonderful documentary on Hank Greenberg. Check it out if you get the chance.
Back to the Mets - I can't see them playing before Sunday (rainouts) and Milwaukee is playing at home (where they should be able to play). Milwaukee is going against the Cubs, so they'll have no easy wins.
I heard about that documentary and will have to make a point to watch it.
I may have asked this already, but do you know what year it was that both the NL and AL were led in homers by Jews?
Back to the playoffs- The Brewers may have an easier time of it if the Cubs rest their starters, and play reserves and September call-ups as they did last night.
I may have asked this already, but do you know what year it was that both the NL and AL were led in homers by Jews?
1933 - Jimmie Foxx AL / Chuck Klein NL
Good try.
In 1979 Dave Kingman, then with the Cubs, led the NL while Gorman Thomas of the Brewers led the AL. In 1982 the pair again led their leagues, but this time Kingman was a Met, and Thomas was tied in HRs with Reggie Jackson, who probably isn't Jewish.
Another oddity in 1982 was that it was the only time where the Cy Young Award winner had a higher batting average than the league HR hitter. Kingman finished at .204 while Steve Carlton hit .218.
Back to the thread...It looks a little gloomy for the Mets now. I was surprised that there were so many empty seats at Shea, not only because of the playoff race, but because it's the last year for the stadium. I also heard on the Met telecast that because the Mets lost, Santana will pitch Saturday on three days' rest after 125 pitches in the previous start. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.
I think most of the empty seats were due to the weather forecast. It was supposed to be heavy rain all night, but it never happened. The tickets were sold. It was all no-shows.
I hated Dave Kingman, but to this day, I've never seen anyone hit a ball as hard as he did at Shea Stadium. Not Daryl, not Piazza. Although they were both better ballplayers, and probably better people.
(...) Santana will pitch Saturday on three days' rest after 125 pitches in the previous start. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.
what's most unbelievable is that is that if he do not throw a complete game shutout he will go down as the guy who did not earn his millionaire contract. he, of the sub 3 ERA, over 200 K's and over 20 quality starts. and he should have over 20 wins as well, if not for those guys who blew up the season.
An absolutely unbelievable performance by Johan Santana!
On three days rest, he tosses a three hit, complete game shutout to keep the Mets wild card hopes alive, going into the final game of the regular season. We still need some help from the Cubbies (who have to beat the Brewers for us today or tomorrow), but we still have some hope. It is absolutely CRIMINAL that he won't really be a Cy Young contender due to all of the blown saves, because he's clearly one of the three best pitchers in BOTH leagues.
On a more humorous note. How bad is Hank Steinbrenner's ulcer right about now, after watching Johan single handedly keep the hopes of his crosstown rivals alive?
If the Mets play Monday, I'll probably be there. I'm trying to get tickets for tomorrow too.
Me too, Lou. As we speak. I'm waiting on a callback from my sister-in-law. She has a pretty good hook into Shea. If she can't come through on short notice, I'll figure something out. If the Mets won't be denied, neither will I.
one of the most unbelievable things I've notived too was that Gil Meche was one of the best pitchers in the MLB in the second half of the season along with him.
I got back late last night from Philly after watching them win the division. It was an amazing time and 45 year old Philadelphia-born Jamie Moyer won his 16th game. He won the clincher last year too.
It was an incredible moment, which was made more wonderful by being with my kids when it happened.
pizzaboy, you are right about Steinbrenner kicking himself for not unloading Kennedy, Hughes and Cabrera for a star pitcher. If he made the deal, the Yankees would be in the playoffs, and the Mets would have been eliminated weeks ago.
These 5 pieces of garbage better not be on the team next year.
Aaron Heilman Luis Ayala Duaner Sanchez Scott Schoeneweis Luis Castillo
They ruined a great day. The last day at Shea. All those great old Mets in attendance.
Fuck those 5 guys and that PIECE OF SHIT Omar Minaya. It's all his fucking fault signing every Tom, Dick and Pedro, who shows up for winter ball in Central fucking America.
I think that the Mets should give him another shot. When they originally named him interm manager, I wasn't that thrilled. But in truth the guy did a great job turning the team around, getting them to respond to him, and doing the job that he did with that sorry ass excuse of a pitching staff.
As for Maniya, I think that he is the one who deserves the boot. not a f**king 4 year extension. This team collapsed two years in a row under him. Yeah, he did go out and get Johan in the off season, but he did absolutely nothing by the trade deadline this year to try and bolster an already anemic pitching staff.
I say give Jerry a few months into next season and tell Omar to find a job somewhere else.
On another note, Delgado definitely should win comback player of the year.
Originally Posted By: Just Lou
I'm also very depressed about Shea's death.
Don't even get me started Lou. I've been depressed all day about this. A lot of great memories there for me.
My grandfather used to have season tickets to the Mets and he, my dad, my uncle, (who was also my Godfather) and I would go to the games all of the time. I have so many memories of going to so many games with the three of them.
Great memories...great times.
My dad, my grandfather and my uncle all passed away and now that Shea is going to be torn down it's as though this is really a finality for me in regards to all the great memories that I had of going to Shea with the three of them.
I'll never forget the time that I met. talked to and got an autograph from my favorite Met, Tommy Agee. I still have the baseball card that he autographed that day for me. I was probably about 8 years old.
The other event that I will always remember was going to Tom Seaver Day at Shea. He was my other all time favorite Met.
We were given a lithograph of Seaver that day and about a month later I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Terrific and getting that Litho of him autographed.
But I will never forget the great times that I had as a kid with my dad, my grandfather and my uncle at Shes Stadium.
Wow, I'm REALLY surprised the Mets didn't make the postseason 2 years in a row now. Hopefully they get K-Rod in the offseason because their bullpen needs a MAJOR overhaul
I say give Jerry Manuel a 1 year extension. He seemed to have given this team some new life. Let's see how he does from the first game of a season. The players seem to want to play for him. If I were Mets managment I would try to trade Beltran this off season. I would try to put some kind of package together for CC Sabathia. You would have a great one two punch with him and Santana.
CC is a free agent after this season, so if they throw enough money at him, they can sign him but I think the Yankees will outbid anyone (just a personal opinion)
Manuel deserves to be back. When he took over, the team was like the walking dead. He brought them back to life. It's not his fault that Minaya couldn't pull the trigger on a reliever or an outfielder.
Omar: "Outfielders are just so expensive."
Two days later, the Yanks stole Xavier Nady.
Why didn't Omar try to get Nady back? If fucking Duaner Sanchez (an Omar disciple) didn't go out on a 3am yayo run two years ago in Miami, we never would have had to trade him in the first place.
But knowing Omar, he would have traded him anyway. Probably for another 45 year old Cuban pitcher and a bucket of balls.
Absolutely. Two years in a row his team showed mental toughness, overcame deficits in the standings and won the division against odds....oh,...did you mean Jerry? Not Charlie?
Absolutely. Two years in a row his team showed mental toughness, overcame deficits in the standings and won the division against odds....oh,...did you mean Jerry? Not Charlie?
Absolutely. Two years in a row his team showed mental toughness, overcame deficits in the standings and won the division against odds....oh,...did you mean Jerry? Not Charlie?
Maybe he'll win a playoff game this year.
I hope so. And maybe the 2009 Mets will have a little guts.
On the bright side, the Knicks' season will start soon.
Absolutely. Two years in a row his team showed mental toughness, overcame deficits in the standings and won the division against odds....oh,...did you mean Jerry? Not Charlie?
Maybe he'll win a playoff game this year.
I hope so. And maybe the 2009 Mets will have a little guts.
On the bright side, the Knicks' season will start soon. [/quote]
You couldn't pay me to watch a basketball game anymore, Counselor. But I guess you have to cling to those memories of Dr. J, Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, and those awkward teen years as the only time Philly ever won anything in your lifetime.
You couldn't pay me to watch a basketball game anymore, Counselor. But I guess you have to cling to those memories of Dr. J, Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, and those awkward teen years as the only time Philly ever won anything in your lifetime.
Fortunately, the Phillies are the only Philadelphia team that captured my heart, which has spared me some heartbreak. I too am not a big basketball fan although I used to follow the Celtics in the 70s and 80s and hopped shamelessly back on their bandwagon last year.
I think my most painful sports moment (other than perhaps the Joe Carter homerun) was Game 3 of the '77 NLCS when the Phillies had a two run lead in the top of the ninth with two out. Vic Davaliilo of LA dragged a bunt and was safe; Manny Mota hit a ball that Luzinski trapped against the wall in left; Mota ended up on third with a throwing error, and scored when Davey Lopes rocketed a bad hop grounder off Schmidt's shoulder, which Larry Bowa barehanded and fired to first. Replays confirm that the throw beat Lopes, but safe was the call. He stole second and scored on Bill Russell's hit.
Interesting side note:
Former Phillie Bowa now coaches third base for LA (the base from which he tried to throw out Lopes; Former Dodger Lopes now coaches first for the Phillies (the base where he was safe).
Those were good pictures, Lou. It was actually nice to have Yogi Berra there. While Yankee Stadium is much older and has more history, it's hard to beat Game 6 of '86 for WS history.
Great Pics Lou. The closing ceremony was just fantastic. It was such a treat to see all of those old timers and ex Met players!
Very touching and very moving. I'm so glads that I DVRed the ceremony. I am going to put it on DVD. That surely will be something to watch many years from now.
I thought that it was great that Seaver and Piazza recieved such an outstanding ovation. And deservadly so!
Probably two of the greatest Mets that ever played for the organization.
Seaver pitching to Piazza...how fitting was that!?!?!
The whole thing really choked me up and brought tears to my eyes a couple of times.
Some good details here on how Shea Stadium is going down...
To those Mets fans frustrated enough to want Shea Stadium blown up to rid the franchise of the stench of another September collapse, you're going to be disappointed.
The stadium will be torn down slowly and meticulously, without the help of any dynamite.
"It will be dismantled," said Dave Howard, executive vice president of business operations. "There won't be an implosion and there won't be any wrecking balls. It will sort of be strategic cutting and dismantling section by section."
That process is going to begin in less than two weeks, Howard said, and it's something the Mets have been quickly preparing for.
For starters, Tuesday was the first day not a single Mets employee reported to work at Shea Stadium. Everyone with the Mets, from the general manager to the switchboard operator, has now officially been moved to Citi Field.
The transition process actually began two weeks ago, Howard said. By the time the Mets' final homestand at Shea began, most employees already were working out of their offices inside Citi Field.
The only workers who remained at Shea during the final regular-season games, he said, were those who worked in the ticket office and stadium operations. That's only because their jobs required them to be there.
Now that the Mets are out of Shea, Howard said they have 15 days from the final game to clear the stadium of everything they want to save ... or else.
"It's being prepped for demolition," Howard said. "We're pulling out all salvageable stuff and memorabilia items. It's a very active site right, with regards to both the Mets and the Parks Department."
That means everything that is for sale or has been bought, from the seats to the dugouts to the foul poles, are currently being removed. In a matter of days the stadium will be barren.
Then comes the demolition and pretty soon after that you will start to notice a difference as you drive by on the Grand Central Parkway.
"It will be gradual," Howard said. "The goal is to have it down by Opening Day next year for Citi Field, which is April 13. That will be a challenge, and it will be dependent on a lot of things, including what the weather is like this winter. But that's the goal."
As Howard spoke, he said he was looking out his office window onto the crews of workers on the new playing field. The irrigation system is being installed and the sod is expected to be down by the end of October, just in time to set in before the winter frost hits. He thinks more than 90 percent of the seats are now in place.
For Mets fans already looking ahead to next year, the vision of an almost-finished Citi Field will likely bring warm feelings of a new beginning.
"It was very interesting to move over here while the season was still going on at Shea because we would go back over for games during the final homestand, and you definitely see Shea Stadium in different eyes," Howard said. "Even for just a couple of days. The quantitative difference is exponential."
Ugh! This really puts the Wilpons on my shit list , but at least the Daily News readers were decent.
Woman reunited with dad's ashes, readers give fan sacred Shea dirt BY TINA MOORE DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Monday, October 6th 2008
Chris McGonigle gave Lisa Hasson and son Ben a jar of Shea Stadium dirt after he read The News of her attempt to get soil from pitching mound where she left dad's ashes 12 years ago.
The Mets vowed not to budge - but three big-hearted Daily News readers were eager to help a woman barred from retrieving her father's ashes at Shea Stadium.
The story of Lisa Hasson's failed attempt to scoop dirt, and hopefully some of her father's remains, from the ballpark's pitching mound on Saturday touched one worker.
So the worker, who said he was dismantling the doomed stadium's bleachers, contacted The News and offered to give Hasson a plastic bag of dirt he took from the mound.
"I took this for myself but it means more to her than it means to me," said carpenter Chris McGonigle, 26, of Queens, as he handed over a jar full of dirt to Hasson and her 10-year-old son, Ben, last night.
The gesture meant the world to Hasson.
"Honestly, that's the sweetest thing," she said. "I never expected this."
"[It's] New York at its best," added her husband, Ira Hasson.
The News reported Sunday that Hasson went to the stadium to take dirt from the mound, but was turned away.
Hasson, 48, said she was following the final wishes of her father by sprinkling his ashes on the mound 12 years ago. She planned to save some of the soil and sprinkle the rest in the new Citi Field.
Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said the organization could not let Hasson on the field for "safety reasons," as workers were tearing out the bleachers and using large machinery.
""I'm not trying to be hard about it," Horwitz said. "But the stadium is closed."
Hasson's predicament moved Ralph Bencivenga, 57, so much that he decided to give her a dollop of dirt from Shea that he won in a contest.
Bencivenga, of Staten Island, won the dirt when his scratchoff Mets ticket was pulled in a New York Lottery second-chance drawing.
"When I read the story this morning, I thought, 'I wish I had done that for my father,'" Bencivenga said. "I said, 'If I can make these folks feel better, I should.'"
Mets usher Richard Rosenblum, of the Bronx, wanted to give Hasson dirt he took from the mound after the final game.
"It seems like it means a lot more to them than it does to me," he said.
Ugh! This really puts the Wilpons on my shit list , but at least the Daily News readers were decent.
I had mixed feeling when I heard the story. First, I thought it was bizarre that they allowed her to put the ashes there in the first place. Second, after twelve years, there is nothing left to original mound. 3rd, the Mets were probably correct in not allowing anyone into Shea while it being demolished.
Funny you just posted that, because I had to run out to Forest Hills this morning. I usually take the long way, which is the Throgs Neck Bridge, to the Clearview to the Grand Central West. It's longer, but wide open. But today, I deliberately took the Whitestone to the Van Wyck, because I wanted to have a look at Shea. It gave me a really empty, melancholy feeling.
If we get a real nice day on one of my days off in the next week or so, I'm going to take a ride out there on the 7 train to take a look around and take some pics.
Anyway, tearing down an old ballpark is like losing a friend.
I remember waaaay back when they tore down Ebbets Field (where the Brooklyn Dodgers played). This was back in the days when you'd see this stuff only on tv. I'll never forget the day they showed the wrecking ball knocking into one of the dugouts at Ebbets Field. It was on the early news and it was the quietest dinner my family ever had.
I remember waaaay back when they tore down Ebbets Field (where the Brooklyn Dodgers played). This was back in the days when you'd see this stuff only on tv. I'll never forget the day they showed the wrecking ball knocking into one of the dugouts at Ebbets Field. It was on the early news and it was the quietest dinner my family ever had.
OMG... that brings back some memories. The early scenes in that video (with the wrecking ball) are what I remember seeing on tv.
Thanks for posting that, JL.
Not to make a comparison, but maybe one is inevitable... sure both Yankee Stadium and Shea held some great moments and memories for many, but they're being re-built a block or two away from where they originally stood. When Ebbets Field went down, it lost those memories to 3,000 miles away.
As you know, SC, my dad was a huge Dodgers fan. He never reconciled himself to that loss.
Not sure if it was the year they lost the World Series or when the franchise moved, but my dad and his landlord both loved the Dodgers. They had a funeral wreath made up and hung on the door to the house. The little Italian lady who lived next door assumed that a family member had died and hobbled over, all upset (probably carrying a tray of lasagna for the family). When she found out that the wreath was for the Dodgers, she hit them with her cane.
The little Italian lady who lived next door assumed that a family member had died and hobbled over, all upset (probably carrying a tray of lasagna for the family). When she found out that the wreath was for the Dodgers, she hit them with her cane.
I can't even imagine what it must feel like for a favorite team to pack up and leave. It hurts me to see a dump like Shea getting demolished, and they're moving into a palace right next door.
Beltran, Wright win Gold Gloves by Jeremy Cothran/The Star-Ledger Wednesday November 05, 2008, 6:02 PM
Carlos Beltran and David Wright each took home Rawlings Gold Glove awards Wednesday for the second straight year. It is the third overall for Beltran and the second for Wright.
With his fantastic instincts and range in center field, Beltran was a no-brainer for the award. Wright said he focused hard on his defense following the 2007 season, and had his best season at third base this year, sporting a career-high .962 fielding percentage along with a highlight reel's worth of defensive gems.
"Individual awards are nice, but for me, the entire focus is on the team and getting back to the playoffs," Wright said in a statement released by the team.
The New York Mets agreed to a three-year deal with free-agent reliever Francisco Rodriguez, a source told ESPN.
The deal, worth $37 million plus addition incentives, is pending a physical.
It is a one-year increase over the two years and $24 million the team is said to have initially offered Rodriguez, who broke the major league single-season saves record last season with 62.
FoxSports.com previously had reported that the Mets had offered Rodriguez a third year.
The Mets, whose bullpen was a major culprit in the team's September collapse, are in need of a front-line closer to replace the injured Billy Wagner, who likely will miss all of 2009 following elbow surgery.
The contract would pay Rodriguez about $3 million more than he was offered by the Los Angeles Angels in spring training and $6 million less than Wagner's deal with the Mets.
Congrats to the Mets fans. KRod's a terrific closer.
I was laughing this morning when I heard the announcers on the radio saying that because he "only" got $3 million more from NYM than LAA, that must be a reflection of the economy. On CBS880, they said that $1 million a year is NOTHING for a baseball player.
I think it's actually a very good deal for the Mets. He's only 26, and it appears he really wanted to be a Met. There's also talk that Wagner could return late in the season and be a possible setup man.
By MIKE FITZPATRICK, AP Baseball Writer 5 hours, 9 minutes ago
LAS VEGAS (AP)—The New York Mets overhauled their much-maligned bullpen with two big moves Wednesday, obtaining J.J. Putz from Seattle as part of a three-team, 12-player trade that gives them a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Hours after completing a $37 million, three-year contract with Rodriguez, New York dealt seven players—six to the Mariners and one to Cleveland—to get three back in a huge swap at the winter meetings.
“All I kept on hearing in the streets of New York when you go get bagels in the morning was, `Omar, please address the bullpen,”’ Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. “Well, to all you Mets fans, we’ve addressed the bullpen.”
New York shipped reliever Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez, lefty Jason Vargas and three minor leaguers to the Mariners for Putz, center fielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green in the first trade by new Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik.
Promising outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was sent from the Indians to Seattle. Cleveland got reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and 23-year-old second baseman Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.
“It helps all of us,” Zduriencik said.
An All-Star in 2007 when he saved 40 games, Putz was 6-5 with a 3.88 ERA and 15 saves in 23 chances last season when he missed long stretches with ribcage and elbow injuries. But Minaya wasn’t concerned about the pitcher’s health, saying New York had a scout at his final game of the season and Putz maintained a 98-99 mph velocity.
Before the trade was announced, Putz’s agent, Craig Landis, said the right-hander wanted to remain a closer. But Minaya said he spoke with Putz, who was excited about his new team and role.
“It’s about winning championships,” Minaya said. “I’ve always said it’s about the team and putting teams first and going for that ring. To win, you’ve got to sacrifice yourself.”
The Indians had been interested in acquiring Putz before nearing a two-year contract with free-agent closer Kerry Wood, who needed to take a physical before that deal could be finalized.
Once the Indians closed in on Wood, the three-team trade came together quickly.
“We dealt from an area of depth,” Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro said, referring to his club’s young outfielders.
The key to the deal for Seattle was Gutierrez, who batted .248 with eight homers and 41 RBIs. A skilled defender, he played right field in Cleveland because the Indians have All-Star Grady Sizemore in center.
“That’s one of the things that we wanted to do is make our defense stronger,” Zduriencik said. “I think it’s helped us shore up our prospect status.”
Zduriencik said it was uncertain who would close for Seattle and too early to determine what role Heilman would have.
Heilman was inconsistent in his setup role with the Mets and would prefer to be a starter. He was 3-8 with a 5.21 ERA last season and was among the bullpen culprits as New York folded in September for the second straight season.
When Billy Wagner got hurt, the rest of the relievers struggled as they tried to adjust to different roles.
“We’ve proven that sometimes, unfortunately, one closer is not enough,” Minaya said.
Smith, a submarine-style right-hander who gets plenty of grounders, was 6-3 with a 3.55 ERA.
“Joe Smith clearly goes right in the major league bullpen as a guy we’ve had long-term interest in,” Shapiro said. “A different look, complements our ‘pen well. We think he can be an important part of the back end of a ‘pen.”
The three minor leaguers New York sent to Seattle were first baseman Mike Carp, right-hander Maikel Cleto and outfielder Ezequiel Carrera.
Putz will earn $5.3 million next season, and the Mets inherit an $8.9 million option for 2010 with a $1 million buyout. New York had 29 blown saves in 72 chances this year, and its 4.25 bullpen ERA ranked 13th in the NL.
“To get one closer like Frankie would have been a good winter. I think to get two guys like this is a great winter,” Minaya said.
I had a math professor in college named Putz, but he insisted that we pronounce it POOTZ. Yeah, like THAT happened.
You gotta feel bad for a guy with that name playing professional ball in NY of all places. Let the poor bastard have one bad inning and I don't know who will be worse - the press or the fans.
Chavez was a good role player. When he was forced to play on a more regular basis, he got really exposed, and his production died. He's excellent as a pinch hitter, 4th or 5th outfielder, and defensive replacement. He's not productive enough to play everyday though.
Friday, December 12, 2008 D-backs trade for Schoeneweis Associated Press
NEW YORK -- The New York Mets traded left-hander Scott Schoeneweis to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, cutting loose one of the most maligned members of last season's shaky bullpen.
Schoeneweis went 0-3 with a blown save and a 5.40 ERA in September as New York collapsed down the stretch for the second straight year. He became the third Mets reliever to be traded this week, joining Joe Smith and Aaron Heilman.
New York, which had 29 blown saves in 72 chances last season, overhauled its bullpen at the winter meetings by signing free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez and acquiring J.J. Putz from Seattle. Smith went to the Indians and Heilman was dealt to the Mariners in the three-team deal that put Putz and reliever Sean Green in New York.
Schoeneweis was 2-6 with a 3.34 ERA in 73 games -- including 1-4 with a 4.66 ERA after the All-Star break.
"We feel that Scott will help balance our bullpen," Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes said in a statement. "Given his success against left-handed hitters over the last several seasons, he provides us another weapon late in games."
The 35-year-old Schoeneweis limited lefty batters to a .178 average (18-for-101) last season.
New York agreed to pay $1.6 million of Schoeneweis' $3.6 million salary for 2009 and acquired right-hander Connor Robertson from the Diamondbacks. Robertson, who came over to Arizona in the Dan Haren deal, was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in six games this year.
Schoeneweis was implicated in a 2007 ESPN.com report that said he received six shipments of steroids in 2003 and 2004. Schoeneweis declined comment at the time of the report and the commissioner's office said there was insufficient evidence to penalize him for any violation of the sport's drug agreement with the players' association.
Schoeneweis, a survivor of testicular cancer, is 45-55 with a 4.91 ERA and nine saves in 10 major league seasons.
Also Friday, the Mets decided not to offer 2009 contracts to right-hander Ambiorix Burgos and infielder Argenis Reyes. Both became free agents.
Burgos, who spent last season on the disabled list following elbow ligament replacement surgery, is awaiting trial for a hit-and-run accident that killed two women in the Dominican Republic. He is accused of abandoning the victims and fleeing, charges that can carry six months to two years in prison.
Arizona didn't offer 2009 contracts to infielder Chris Burke, outfielder Jeff Salazar, catcher Robby Hammock and left-hander Wilfredo Ledezma. Salazar hit .211 in a career-best 90 games this year.
Fred Wilpon and Bernard L. Madoff grew up in the 1940s less than a dozen miles from each other in middle-class neighborhoods of New York City. Wilpon went on to become a wealthy real estate investor and the principal owner of the Mets, and Madoff one of the most successful traders on Wall Street.
Madoff and Wilpon have had a close personal and financial relationship for more than two decades, and Wilpon entrusted Madoff with hundreds of millions of dollars to invest, according to several people with knowledge of their relationship. But Madoff’s investment firm has collapsed in what federal authorities are describing as a $50 billion Ponzi scheme, and questions are being raised about whether the fraud could harm the Mets’ status as a big-payroll franchise.
Bob DuPuy, the president and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball, said Saturday that he and Commissioner Bud Selig had spoken with Wilpon on Friday. DuPuy said that all three believed that the fraud case would have no effect on the Mets’ operation.
But interviews Saturday with several people with knowledge of Wilpon’s business dealings revealed concern about significant problems that Wilpon and the Mets could encounter because of the reported fraud. Although it is unclear how much money Wilpon may recoup, any significant financial loss by a team owner raises questions about how those losses may affect the franchise.
“Any fraud that has been committed against Fred is something of deep distress to all of us and we feel very badly about the entire matter, but we all believe that this will not affect the team,” DuPuy said in a telephone interview.
Wilpon invested his own money and that of his investments firm, Sterling Equities, with Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities. That company had a long track record of strong and steady returns, but Madoff was arrested Thursday morning by federal agents at his apartment in Manhattan and later charged with securities fraud for operating what the authorities were portraying as the biggest Ponzi scheme in financial history.
DuPuy said that the Mets were a separate entity from Sterling Equities and Wilpon’s other investments.
“The Mets are completely self-sufficient, and we have confidence that none of the other investments will affect the team,” DuPuy said. “They have been one of our most successful franchises on and off the field, and they are going into a magnificent ballpark next spring, and we expect it to be business as usual.”
Wilpon bought the Mets in 1980 in a partnership with Nelson Doubleday and became the team’s principal owner in 2002, when he bought Doubleday’s share of the team. The losses that Wilpon has sustained as a result of the Madoff fraud case could hamper his ability to pay back debt related to that buyout.
The losses could also hurt Wilpon’s ability to help the Mets weather the current economic downturn. Many sports leagues, including Major League Baseball, are bracing for lower revenue next season as consumers cut back on discretionary spending.
Perhaps most troubling is the possibility that losses incurred by Sterling Equities could put pressure on Wilpon to raise money by selling other assets. Because Sterling invested money directly with Madoff, Wilpon may have to come up with money to reimburse some of his own investors for losses. That may cause him to sell valuable assets, including a portion of his ownership in the Mets.
This year, Forbes magazine estimated the value of the Mets to be $824 million, making it the second-most valuable baseball franchise, behind only the Yankees.
After Wilpon became the Mets’ principal owner, the team had several down years. In recent years, Wilpon has made a concerted effort to put a more competitive team on the field. The payroll has surged as the team started its own television network, SportsNet New York, which broadcasts Mets games.
In 2008, the Mets had the second-highest payroll in baseball. Despite the current economy, the Mets have planned to keep their payroll at the same level in 2009. This week, the Mets signed Francisco Rodríguez to a three-year, $37 million contract to be the team’s new closer.
One person who has worked directly with Wilpon said that Wilpon and Saul Katz, the president of the Mets, who is a co-founder and president of Sterling Equities, were very close with Madoff.
“They were more than just business associates; they were friends and there was an enormous amount of trust,” the person said.
That friendship may or may not end up being something that Mets fans regret.
Eric Dash and Jack Styczynski contributed reporting.
Just wanted to let you Mets fans know that Modells is having a HUGE sale. My friend's son is a Mets fan. I got him a $90 Mets Santana jersey for Christmas for $20. The ad was in the paper today, even though the sale wasn't supposed to start until Sunday, so with tomorrow's anticipated snowstorm, they were already being sold out.
The Yankees jerseys were on sale, too, and I tried to get me and Mr. Babe any, and they only had Chamberlains. I wanted to get him a Rivera and get myself a Jeter, but no luck. He said they may get more in tomorrow.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Two congressmen want Citigroup out of Citi Field.
Reps. Dennis Kucinich and Ted Poe sent a letter to new Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Thursday, urging the government to demand that the company drop its $400 million, 20-year agreement for naming rights to the New York Mets' ballpark. The stadium opens in April.
"At Citigroup, 50,000 people will lose their jobs. Yet in the boardroom of Citigroup, spending $400 million to put a name on stadium seems like a good idea," said Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat. "The Treasury Department, which forced Citigroup corporate executives to give up their private jet, should also demand that Citigroup cancel its $400 million advertisement at the Mets field and instead begin to repay their debt to the taxpayers."
Citigroup reached its agreement with the Mets three years ago. It is among several American banks that have received financial assistance from the federal government in recent months.
"Citigroup claimed it was on the brink of financial disaster, then demanded and took $45 billion from the taxpayers through government giveaways," said Poe, a Texas Republican. "While average Americans are hunkering down worried about their jobs, food, clothes, and mortgage payments, these irresponsible executives are blowing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars."
Monday, February 2, 2009 Sources: Perez to return to Mets ESPN.com news services
Left-hander Oliver Perez will be taking the hill for the New York Mets again next season.
Perez and the Mets agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal, sources told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick and 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. The agreement was first reported by the New York Post.
Perez rejoins a rotation headlined by Johan Santana and that also includes right-handers John Maine and Mike Pelfrey. Newly signed right-handers Freddy Garcia and Tim Redding will vie for the fifth spot in the rotation.
In 194 innings last season, Perez was 10-7 with a 4.22 ERA.
The Post reported that Perez's signing all but signals that Pedro Martinez, also a free agent, will not return to the team for the 2009 season.
I was just going to post that, JL. Sheff was very talented in his day, but even then he was not much of a team player. Add his nastiness to his loss of ability, and that's quite the package you're getting!!!
Lou, I was scared a couple of days ago when there were reports the Phillies were interested in signing him. His last good year was 2005, and his skills have declined steadily. I know the Phils need a right handed bat, but I'm glad he didn't sign with them?
Are the Mets thinking of using him as an every day player in a corner outfield spot? I'm assuming they'll start that young Murphy kid, but is Fernando Tatis still on the team?
Yes, Sheffield played for the Yankees and had some differences with Torre.
According to Omar Minaya, how much Sheffield plays depends on how much he produces. Tatis is still on the team, and is/was the 4th outfielder. The Mets hope Murphy is for real, and he is expected to be the everyday leftfielder. Ryan Church was expected to play everyday in RF against righties. But now, who knows. According to some people, this signing was only made to keep him from signing with the Phillies. I wish he would have.
I forgot about Ryan Church. I didn't think Tatis was an every day player. He is, as you know, the only player to hit two grand slams in the same inning. And I believe they were hit off Chan Ho Park, whom I just mentioned in another thread.
I wondered too whether this signing happened just to keep him out of Philadelphia, but I doubt it. That's something the Yankees and red Sox do occasionally, and results in the Rays winning the division.
Lots of people, including Sports Illustrated, are picking the Mets, Lou, which might place some extra pressure on them. I think the Marlins and Braves are going to be tough in the East. Florida may have a bad bullpen, but I like their starting rotation and their lineup.
I watched the opening game for the Met's in their new stadium. It sure looked like a pitchers park after that first game... has it played the same since?
Bam - Do you even have the ability to explain what you mean when you post something?
You've made some statments not only here, but in several other threads, and to be very frank with you they make absolutely no sense! You've never once have been able to clarify or explain what you may mean when you've been asked to do so.
I watched the opening game for the Met's in their new stadium. It sure looked like a pitchers park after that first game... has it played the same since?
I watched the opening game for the Met's in their new stadium. It sure looked like a pitchers park after that first game... has it played the same since?
Anybody?
Very much so. On the one hand, Santana has been virtually unhittable, but on the other, the Mets aren't hitting worth a damn either.
I think the Mets hitting will be fine. They're hitting, just not with men on base. As for the stadium, it's a pitchers park. More so for left hand pitchers. It takes a real good shot for a RH batter to hit one out in left center.
If I were a Mets fan I would be happy with having a pitcher's park over what appears, as pointed out, a joke of a park for the Yankees. A full season will tell the whole truth though.
I've had enough of Jerry Manuel. His moves in the 9th inning today were the final straw. For the 2nd time this year, he refused to bunt the winning and tying runs into scoring position with no outs in the 9th inning. Then perhaps one of the strangest moves I've ever seen. He calls in the 3rd string catcher who's in the bullpen warming up a RP, to pinch hit for catcher Ramon Castro who had 2 hits and an RBI.
Yeah. I heard his post game interview, and it made me even more livid. He was laughing and joking about the loss today. I wanted to punch my radio. When anyone questions his managing, he responds with a joke or sarcastic answer.
the Mets can't stop to make a fool out of themselves against the Phillies. Beltran GIDP to finish the top of the 10th with men on the corners and the bullpen walked the winning run with the bases loaded!!!ugh!
I've said it for two years now; Oliver Perez is NOTHING more than a 2 inning middle relief / mop up man!
As for the team as a whole, they disgust me. Not so much because they are losing. What disgusts me about this team is there is absolutely no leadership on it whatsoever. No fight! No tenacity at all.
I can't recall the last time that I saw a player on that team get mad or disgusted. You never see anyone on the team slamming, throwing or breaking things in the dugout.
It's as though they have this " ahh, so what, I'm still making my $25 mil a year" attitude.
They totally disgust me. And I'm sick of the Met fans that keep saying "Oh, it's early in the season."
Know what? This team, for the last TWO years, missed the playoffs by ONE game. That one game that they lost wayyyy back in April, when it was "early in the season" could have made the difference!
If this team does not make the playoffs this year, you can say goodbye to everyone from Omar on down.
Then perhaps one of the strangest moves I've ever seen. He calls in the 3rd string catcher who's in the bullpen warming up a RP, to pinch hit for catcher Ramon Castro who had 2 hits and an RBI.
Apparently MLB doesn't think too highly of Manuel's move either:
05/02/09 5:20 PM ET Manuel fined by MLB for delay of game Santos took long route from 'pen to pinch-hit Wednesday
By Marty Noble / MLB.com NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball evidently didn't buy Jerry Manuel's explanation about the delay of the game Wednesday.
Bob Watson, the vice president of on-field operations for MLB, fined the Mets manager for "failure to comply with pace of game" regulations during the Mets game against the Marlins. Watson was acting in response to a complaint filed by Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez.
Manuel said he was joking after the game Wednesday when he was trying to disrupt Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom when he summoned Omir Santos from the bullpen to pinch-hit. The Mets manager claimed Santos, who was wearing his spikes, didn't want to cut across the field, so the catcher walked gingerly through the concrete runway under the stands.
Manuel subsequently said Santos had sufficient notice to get to the plate in a timely manner.
"That's not what I do," the manager said. "The games are long enough."
I made my first trip to Citi Field today. The place is beautiful. The park has some little quirks which need to be ironed out, but it's an awesome ballpark.
I plan on going to the new Yankee Stadium soon. Other than making fun of it for playing like a "band box", I won't pass judgment on it until I see it. I do know that the newspapers here trash it on a regular basis, but it's mostly do to the homeruns, and overpriced empty seats.
It looks like Jerry "The Genius" Manuel has put and end to the Mets 7 game winning streak by deciding that it was a better idea for Pedro "I Really Suck" Feliciano to pitch the 7th inning tonight than Santana.
The manager is a joke. Santana starts the 7th, gives up a bloop single, and the manager gives him the hook because he reached 100 pitches. Then he lets Feliciano, who RH hitters bat about .350 against, pitch to Matt Diaz. If Bobby Valentine managed this team, it would win 100 games this year. Manuel doesn't have a clue. Santana now has 2 loses, and hasn't given up an earned run in either.
Here we go, Giants vs' Mets The Mets always dominated, so I'm not expecting much. I always support the Met's fans here, but this is the one time I have to hope you guys lose. Nothing personal, I hope you understand
I haven't had a chance to turn on the game, I'm about to. But if Sanchez has good control then yeah I think the Giants have a chance. If not, then this could be a blow out for the Mets.
Unless there is some late inning heroics from the Giants the Met's will win, and probably by at least 3-5 runs. Sanchez doesn't look good, and the Giants offense rarely score more than 4 runs in a game.
Congrats to Mets fans for taking the series against the Giants. Suddenly the Giants can score runs but can't pitch. A complete flip-flop. I can't remember the Giants ever being able to win against the Mets.
What a joke. I knew I should have just gone to bed when Mr. Manuel in his latest string of bizarre moves, doubled switched his cleanup hitter out of the game when the team was losing. But it only got worse as the Mets turned the 11th inning into "The Bad News Bears". Everything from Ryan Church missing 3rd base when scoring the go ahead run, to them committing their 4th and 5th errors to lose the game. Unbelievable.
I felt so bad for Ryan Church, though. He knows it was an incredibly bone-headed move (one sportscaster said, "I think that they teach you to touch the bases in TBall.")I saw him being interviewed, and he looked like he wanted to cry.
Yep. As I said before, baseball is a game that can rip you apart. Church probably never missed a base since Little League and won't likely miss one again in his life, but the one time he did burned him.
Joe Maddon, probably the most intelligent manager in the game, submitted a lineup card that inadvertently listed Longoria at third base instead of DH, and he ends up having to bat his pitcher third in the order.
Church can take solace in knowing an earlier NY baseball player still holds the biggest misplay. Late in the 1908 season Fred Merkle of the NY Giants was on first base and another Giant on third with two outs in the bottom of the 9th of a 1-1 game with the Cubs, who were neck and neck with the Giants for the NL pennant. The batter lined a two hopper into centerfield and the runner from third crossed the plate with the apparent game winning run.
Merkle, celebrating the run, never touched second base. As the fans and Giants players stormed the field in celebration, Cubs' secondbaseman, Johnny Evers screamed for the ball, got it, stepped on second and the umpire called Merkle out. Because a run can not score on a force play, the winning run was nullified and the Cubs went on to win the game in extra innings, and ende up winning the pennant a week later by a game.
Merkle, although known as one of the brightest players of his time, received the nickname "Bonehead" that remained with him for life.
I'm still more disgusted that Manuel once again does something that makes zero sense. Even the Met announces said they'll have to check and see if Sheffield was hurt, because it made no sense. Why do you double switch your cleanup hitter out of the game, if you're not winning, and he's going to bat again before the game is over?????
Mets trade Ramon Castro to ChiSox for Lance Broadway. I love this deal. Broadway was a #1 pick in 2005, and a top prospect. He hasn't pitched well in relief, but the Mets are sending him to AAA to be a starter again. This is a low risk, possible high reward deal.
I'll have to admit, I was 100% wrong about the Sheffield signing. I can't imagine where the Mets would be without him right now.
I still think Manuel is an awful manager.
I was not totally against the signing of Sheff. I didn't think that he could be an everyday player, but thought that it was a good move as long as they limited his play to pinch hitting off the bench. So far he's proved the both of us wrong. And I hope that he continues to prove us wrong!
I'm not in love with Jerry as a manager. As a matter of fact I think that he manages better under the gun....particulary in situations like this one where many of his key players are out and he has to make moves with bench players. He seems to manage better when he's unde rthe gun.
When he has a healthy team and his starters are playing everyday, for some strange reason he seems to get a bit lax and does not make the right decisions that a good manager makes in game deciding situations.
I did not like that he sat Murphy out last night. I know that it was a decision made because of the Lefty / Righty situation, but Murph seemd to start to settle in at 1st base which I thought relaxed him a bit at the plate resulting in his having a nice game hitting on Wednesday. If I were the manager I would have given him the start once again last night regardless of the lefty / righty situation. The kid needs to have his confidence boosted and a start last night would have helped him in that area. This is where Manual and his managing decisions irks me.
I don't understand sitting Murphy either. He had the biggest night of his career, and his lifetime batting average against lefties is over .300. That's the biggest problem I have with Manuel. He just does too many things that make no sense to me.
I don't think that he ever played first base. But it's not unusual for a 3rd baseman to convert to 1st base. It's not a very hard transition because third baseman have fast reflexes and are accustomed to making plays scooping hard hit - short hopped balls out of the dirt.
Many Catchers and 3rd baseman can usually make the transition to 1st base.
Personally, after hearing Delgado say that it doesn't matter what anyone says about his coming back in July and that he'll decide if and when he's ready to come back this year, I think it's now time for the Mets to inquire about Nick Johnson.
No one was a bigger supporter of Delgado than I was over the last year or so. When most fans said that he was washed up last year, I refused to believe that and kept saying that he would come around. And he did. But he really pissed me off saying what he did about coming back this season.
If Carlos does happen to come back this year and the Mets do get Nick Johnson, then they should just say "Sorry Carlos, we went out and got Nick because YOU said what you did and we really want to win it all this year."
Jerry Manuel strikes again. Let's take out Bobby Parnell, and bring in a 40 year old rookie pitcher that lefties are hitting .440 against, to pitch to the heart of the Philly batting order. The result was so predictable.
I can't really get on the guy because for the most part he's played above and beyond the level that most of us Mets fans thought he would.
But c'mon! You have to use two hands on that play. What bothers me even more was that after dropping that ball he didn't even have the presence of mind to throw home!
As for Manuel, while I am not a huge fan of his, I have to respect him for the way that he protected his players in the press conference.
I only hope that once he left that press conference, he called Luis into his office and got in his face!
Losses don't come tougher. I don't know if Castillo, a multiple gold glove winner, ever dropped an easier ball.
I thought the worst part of the play was his throw across the field to second base. Had he fired home, they may have been able to stop the winning run. I think he allowed himself to lose concentration and in his shock of dropping it, couldn't think of where the play was. If there were one or nobody out, it would have been no problem as the infield fly rule would have protected him.
You're right about the two hands, DC, especially when making the final out of a one run game with runners on base and two out.
This is the same fucking team that for 2.5 years now have been a bunch a fucking losers. Fuck them. I doubt they care that they lost. Omar sits back and does nothing. The manager has the same dumb look on his face win or lose. At least we won't have to watch the collapse in September. They won't even be in it by then.
Losses don't come tougher. I don't know if Castillo, a multiple gold glove winner, ever dropped an easier ball.
Castillo is done. Up until this year, he's been taking a brutal beating at home games by the Mets' fans. They've gotten off his back somewhat this year, but it will now be uglier than ever when he takes the field at Citi Field. Especially with Orlando Hudson, who publicly stated he wanted to be a Met, doing what he's doing in L.A.
I only hope that once he left that press conference, he called Luis into his office and got in his face!
Manuel do something like that?
"Manager Jerry Manuel put Castillo in the leadoff spot for Saturday’s game against the Yankees. He says he had no special message for Castillo, just telling him he was happy to see him when he arrived for the game."
Let me know when Ike Davis is playing 1st, F-Mart is playing CF, and they pick up some starting pitching. Until then, if Wilpon doesn't care, neither do I.
I've gone 20 games a year minimum, for the last 30 f****** years, like a f****** jerk. I know the guy got robbed by Bernie Madoff, but if he can't afford to contend, he should just sell.
This isn't Milwaukee or Pittsburgh or San Diego or any of the other small baseball markets. It's New York City and we deserve better. They make me sick .
I've gone 20 games a year minimum, for the last 30 f****** years, like a f****** jerk. I know the guy got robbed by Bernie Madoff, but if he can't afford to contend, he should just sell.
This isn't Milwaukee or Pittsburgh or San Diego or any of the other small baseball markets. It's New York City and we deserve better. They make me sick .
I was at the now infamous "we weren't ready to play" game Sunday, and before the game started I said to my wife " I can't believe how many empty seats there are here on a beautiful Sunday, with Santana pitching." By the 2nd inning I felt like an asshole for being there.
Mike Francesa was quoting one of the players a few days ago (I think Francouer) that "we were flat". Francesa went nuts. "How could you be flat 5 games into the season!"
Today, Castillo runs up Reyes' back and gets tagged out. Reyes gets caught stealing third with Wright at bat (you can score from 2nd, asshole) and then Wright strikes out. Potentially two men on with no outs and then zippo. What a pathetic team.
Is Citi Field always that windy with garbage flying around? Reminds me of the old days at Candlestick.
We're having big wind here in the east. Cold front coming in 80 this morning; probably 45 on Sunday morning. Sorry about the Giants losing in NY. They never should have left.
I haven't been to either of the new stadiums, although I had been to both Shea and the old Yankee stadiums. How've you been, Blib? It's nice to see you around.
So you're saying the wind isn't normal in that park? It looks like a nice place to see a ball game. Have any of you been since it opened?
The wind is not normal. Our entire area is under a wind advisroy right now. We're having wind gusts in the low 50's right now. As for the park, it's beautiful. The only complaint from Met Fans is that it doesn't really feel like a 'Met Ballpark'. Mostly due to the fact when you enter the park you walk through a tribute to Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. There is also very little blue and orange (Met colors) in the stadium. They have made some changes though this year, adding more Mets' stuff. The field of play is huge, and the fences are high. They're usually no cheap homeruns.
A ploy by Mary to make you think he's a New York fan.... he's a wannabe now. Living in the Devil's pine barrens, he's lost, but he's REALLY a Phillie fan.
I'm just glad I got to watch it pretty much in its entirety. I turned the game on in the 3rd inning. And for anyone looking to knock it because of the blown call at third base, well, that's baseball. Show me a no-hitter where a little bit of luck wasn't involved.
I'm happy for Johan. It seems he's made it all the way back .
You're right. The blown call is just one of the beautiful random and arbitrary events intertwined in the fabric of the game that gives baseball its mystique. Just as last year or 2 years ago, a pitcher lost a perfect game on a blown call at first. But it wasn't a perfect game because the umpire blew the call. Even in the context of a perfect game, baseball has a way of telling you that you're never in control of the game, but the game can control you.
The bottom line is that Santana endured the gut wrencing moments of the last couple of innings and walked the tightrope, making it to the other side.
I remember a Met pitcher, by the name of Randy Tate, who came very close to a no-hitter in 1975. I was listening to the Phillies on the radio and they were giving updates while noting that the Mets had never had a no-hitter. I was thinking of Tate 37 years later when I watched Santana's final inning.
How many games could go either way on an umpire's call? Hundreds, maybe thousands. Replays in super slow motion have turned sports into a video game. There is something wrong with that. Soon they will be breaking down replays into mega-pixels....yes there was chalk on the ball, but the circumfernce of ball and the uneveness of the chalk line indicate that the ball was indeed foul.
Jon Stewart had a clip on his show last night about the no-hitter, and he was actually at the game with his family, so he shows the footage he recorded...
Nice win for the Metsies last night. 11 k's for the kid .
I made this post on May 23rd, and I jokingly referred to R.A. Dickey as "The Kid," because he's almost 40 years old and having a renaissance year. He hasn't given up an earned run since the streak started that night .
Klyd---- All ball breaking that you and I revel in aside, I think the Phils may be too far back by the time they get healthy. And those Nationals are really starting to get on my f'n nerves .
Klyd---- All ball breaking that you and I revel in aside, I think the Phils may be too far back by the time they get healthy. And those Nationals are really starting to get on my f'n nerves .
I think you're probably right on the Phils. This is a breakout year for the Nats, and while I think they're not going to take the division this season, they're just beginning a long run of success.
This is a breakout year for the Nats, and while I think they're not going to take the division this season, they're just beginning a long run of success.
Kind of interesting how the Yankees beat up on Mets rivals (Atlanta and Nats) and Mets have taken the Orioles. Should be fun reprise of the Yanks-Mets series this weekend.
This is a breakout year for the Nats, and while I think they're not going to take the division this season, they're just beginning a long run of success.
They have a great manager .
Indeed they do.
I know that there is still a whole lot of baseball to be played but if the season were to end now, in my opinion, NL manager of the year would be between Johnson and Collins.
A good friend of mine is a long-suffering (they like to say that) Mets fan. He is happy when they are ahead of the Fillies. Daniel Murphy is hitting well, and David Wright is Wrong. Go figger.
and a 
Now it's really on. 
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