A lot of hubbub was made yesterday about the Mets trying to put a stop to R.A. Dickey's trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.
Usually, the teams makes silly or stupid decisions regarding things like this, and though an unpopular move, I'm with them on this one.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a walk in the park. He's not cycling around Central Park for charity, running in a 5K or going door-to-door selling cookies (thought the Mets may need to resort to that to pay some bills). He's climbing a freaking mountain - and it's not just any mountain - it's the highest mountain in Africa.
Would you want your second best pitcher (or best pitcher, if you like) climbing a 19,000 foot mountain? Heck, you're all Mets fans - do you want him doing it? Would you want to do it?
A lot can go wrong up there. It's dangerous, cold, dangerous, windy, dangerous, a volcano and very, very dangerous. You'd never catch me up there.
Dickey, though, seems adamant that he will be making the trek no matter what. So, the most the Mets and fans can do is wish him well and hope he stays safe.
Good luck. Godspeed. Please don't die.
12/27/11
R.A. Dickey in an oxygen-deprivation mask
Go to this Wall Street Journal article to see the greatest photo of R.A. Dickey ever taken.
Thank me later.
Thank me later.
12/23/11
Beltran to the Cardinals
Conversation on first day of Cardinals Spring Training... Carlos Beltran: "Hey man, nice curveball." Adam Wainwright: "Yeah, thanks."
— Andrew Vazzano (@TheRopolitans) December 23, 2011
12/16/11
12/7/11
Bloggers react to flurry of Mets moves
After all the moves last night, let's roundup some thoughts from around the baseball blogsphere...
Joe Janish at Mets Today
Joe Janish at Mets Today
Sure, the Mets lost shortstop Jose Reyes, but Sandy Alderson is not one to let grass grow under his feet. The genius GM made a whirlwind of moves guaranteed to make the Mets almost as good as they were in 2011 — and at minimum, assures them a fifth-place finish in the NL East.
I suppose that leaves the bullpen looking something like: Francisco, Ramirez, Rauch, Acosta, Bobby Parnell, Tim Byrdak and, I don’t know… Pedro Beato? DJ Carrasco? Daniel Herrera? Longman McGee? I guess there’s no reason to settle on the 12th pitcher in December. Plus there’s a solid chance more trades will be made. Hell, at this rate there’s a strong possibility more trades have been made while I’ve been writing this.
Sure, the Mets bullpen looks better this morning than it did yesterday. Of course, Terry Collins is happy. His job just got easier. The reinforced bullpen might even help the Mets win an extra game or two in 2012.
No, they didn’t just win the pennant, for those who want to dismiss any minor move. But this is a good move for the Mets.
There are reasons not to like these deals — dollars per win, Francisco’s health, Rauch’s mediocrity, the current state of the Mets — but the fact remains that Bobby Parnell has not proven he can be a cheap closer, the Mets revamped a sorry bullpen for a decent price, and they may have even acquired a piece with future trade value.JB at JBMets
Just looking at the bullpen, tonight was a great night for the Mets. Rauch and Rodriguez are great additions, and really bring some depth to the bullpen. Terry now has a few guys he can turn to late in games. Francisco wasn't my choice for closer, but it is nice knowing that someone is there. And the price was right, which I'm sure played a huge role in Sandy's decision.Have your own link? Leave it in the comments.
12/6/11
Mets making moves: Deal Pagan; Add Rauch, Torres, Ramirez, Francisco
Jose Reyes who?
Just kidding.
The Mets went out in the wake of Reyes taking his talents to South Beach and inked Jon Rauch for $3.5 million, plus incentives. Sandy Alderson also went out and dealt Angel Pagan to the Giants for Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez, pending physicals. Then, as if the first two deals weren't enough, they signed Frank Francisco, of chair-throwing fame, to a two-year deal, also pending a physical.
+Rauch
+Torres
+Ramirez
+Francisco
-Pagan
Whoa.
Some night, eh Mets fans?
Update: Looks like Francisco is getting $12 million over two years. I guess we know who the closer will be next year.
Long Aside: I don't know how to deal with breaking news on this blog any more. The Mets blogsphere is totally saturated with everyone trying - and failing - to be MetsBlog. Twitter is inundated with beat writers, columnists, bloggers, fans, idiots, trolls and more trying to get their 15 second of fame. Help.
Just kidding.
The Mets went out in the wake of Reyes taking his talents to South Beach and inked Jon Rauch for $3.5 million, plus incentives. Sandy Alderson also went out and dealt Angel Pagan to the Giants for Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez, pending physicals. Then, as if the first two deals weren't enough, they signed Frank Francisco, of chair-throwing fame, to a two-year deal, also pending a physical.
+Rauch
+Torres
+Ramirez
+Francisco
-Pagan
Whoa.
Some night, eh Mets fans?
Update: Looks like Francisco is getting $12 million over two years. I guess we know who the closer will be next year.
Long Aside: I don't know how to deal with breaking news on this blog any more. The Mets blogsphere is totally saturated with everyone trying - and failing - to be MetsBlog. Twitter is inundated with beat writers, columnists, bloggers, fans, idiots, trolls and more trying to get their 15 second of fame. Help.
12/5/11
12/4/11
Goodbye, Jose
So long, farewell,
auf wiedersehen, good night.
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.
auf wiedersehen, good night.
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.
Adios, Jose Reyes. You were a great Met.
Leave your Reyes memories below. It might help ease the pain.
Hey SNY, they're the Miami Marlins now
M-i-a-m-i.
Update: The ticker has now been changed to correctly identify the Miami Marlins.
Be the GM: What contract would you offer Jose Reyes?
What would you offer Reyes? Leave your contract offer in the comments.
11/28/11
Interleague play is A(L)-OK with me
Year-round interleague play, you say?
OK.
It seems like every baseball fan hates interleague play, except me. I just don't care.
Why shouldn't teams play other teams? NFL has interleague games all the time. Doesn't seem to bother anyone in that sport. But if you mention interleague play in baseball, it's like you proposed that everyone has to give up their first-born child and live in a cardboard box for a year.
Not only do I not care about interleague play, but I enjoy it.
Can I name five Seattle Mariner players? Let's see... Ichiro, King Felix, uh... Who, What and I Don't Know?
That's a product of me being a Mets fan, for the Mets rarely playing the Mariners and, I guess, for the Mariners not being very good at baseball. But if the Mets played Seattle more, I'd know more players.
Interleague is good for baseball, good for fans, good for everyone.
I'm all for interleague. As long as the Mets still play the Phillies, Braves, Marlins and Nationals more than anyone else, I don't have a problem with this.
This all seems logical to me, but yet, I stand very alone in my stance on the AL playing the NL.
Why is it bad? Why do people hate interleague? Please, someone enlighten me in the comments.
OK.
It seems like every baseball fan hates interleague play, except me. I just don't care.
Why shouldn't teams play other teams? NFL has interleague games all the time. Doesn't seem to bother anyone in that sport. But if you mention interleague play in baseball, it's like you proposed that everyone has to give up their first-born child and live in a cardboard box for a year.
Not only do I not care about interleague play, but I enjoy it.
Can I name five Seattle Mariner players? Let's see... Ichiro, King Felix, uh... Who, What and I Don't Know?
That's a product of me being a Mets fan, for the Mets rarely playing the Mariners and, I guess, for the Mariners not being very good at baseball. But if the Mets played Seattle more, I'd know more players.
Interleague is good for baseball, good for fans, good for everyone.
I'm all for interleague. As long as the Mets still play the Phillies, Braves, Marlins and Nationals more than anyone else, I don't have a problem with this.
This all seems logical to me, but yet, I stand very alone in my stance on the AL playing the NL.
Why is it bad? Why do people hate interleague? Please, someone enlighten me in the comments.
11/23/11
11/15/11
Would you give Jose Reyes a 6-year, $90 million contract?
Rumors are that Jose Reyes has been offered a six-year, $90 million contract by the Miami Marlins. Below, baseball fans question whether they would offer that deal.
11/8/11
R.A. Dickey's book due out in March
R.A. Dickey's book, "Wherever I Wind Up" is due out on March 15, 2012, according to Amazon.com.
I've already pre-ordered the Kindle edition.
Can't wait to read this.
11/5/11
Quick Plug: LI Ducks Blog
Just popping in to alert you to the LI Ducks Blog, written by Corey Mansfield.
He has interviews with some past and current players up, and this really cool post looking back at the Evolution of the Atlantic League.
For you Long Islanders who may or may not be fans of the Ducks, take a look at LI Ducks Blog.
He has interviews with some past and current players up, and this really cool post looking back at the Evolution of the Atlantic League.
For you Long Islanders who may or may not be fans of the Ducks, take a look at LI Ducks Blog.
11/3/11
10/25/11
Look what I got...
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Thank you to my wonderful girlfriend Jillian for getting this for me.
10/21/11
The flawed argument of 'If they lost with them, they can lose without them!'
Today, Joel Sherman "perfect stormed" a story about how the Mets may lose Jose Reyes to free agency and will listen to offers on David Wright.
I tweeted, "If 2012 opens without Reyes or Wright, I might jump off a bridge."
Richard DeCicco responded with, "why we have stunk with them, I'm sure we can lose without them."
This is not the first time - or the last time - I will hear this argument. I'm sure many Mets fans out there have heard it too, or even suggested it themselves. But there's one giant flaw in that argument.
These guys were a huge part of the reason they won any games at all.
Sure, let's pull the guys with the .887 OPS (Wright) and .877 OPS (Reyes) out of the lineup. See how the team functions now. You have to remember that these are two of the best players in baseball at their positions. You will not be able to replace them with equal or greater players. Therefore, you lose production.
If you're losing production at two positions, how do you expect to win?
Grit? Tenacity? All those intangibles people love to talk about, always circling around David Eckstein?
Bull.
Wright and Reyes are arguably top 5 in baseball at their respective positions. The team won't land anyone above that in a deal, free agency, or trade. Maybe they can develop one in 3, 4, 5 years. But nothing is really on the horizon to take the place of these two currently.
So sure, they've lost with them. But they'd lose even more without them.
And no one wants to see that.
I tweeted, "If 2012 opens without Reyes or Wright, I might jump off a bridge."
Richard DeCicco responded with, "why we have stunk with them, I'm sure we can lose without them."
This is not the first time - or the last time - I will hear this argument. I'm sure many Mets fans out there have heard it too, or even suggested it themselves. But there's one giant flaw in that argument.
These guys were a huge part of the reason they won any games at all.
Sure, let's pull the guys with the .887 OPS (Wright) and .877 OPS (Reyes) out of the lineup. See how the team functions now. You have to remember that these are two of the best players in baseball at their positions. You will not be able to replace them with equal or greater players. Therefore, you lose production.
If you're losing production at two positions, how do you expect to win?
Grit? Tenacity? All those intangibles people love to talk about, always circling around David Eckstein?
Bull.
Wright and Reyes are arguably top 5 in baseball at their respective positions. The team won't land anyone above that in a deal, free agency, or trade. Maybe they can develop one in 3, 4, 5 years. But nothing is really on the horizon to take the place of these two currently.
So sure, they've lost with them. But they'd lose even more without them.
And no one wants to see that.
10/19/11
Ron Darling SU2C for Gary Carter
Ron Darling in the latest "Stand Up To Cancer" commercial, running during the World Series, holds a sign up for Gary Carter, who is battling brain tumors.
Via Remembering Shea
10/11/11
The one where I stump Jimmy Rollins with a yes or no question
What I asked...
What he responded with...
What???????
10/7/11
10/5/11
Mets make major coaching changes
I'm truly bummed to see Chip Hale go. He was my favorite.
Firing Mookie is never cool. No matter what. What did he do wrong?
Also, if Teufel is promoted, that leaves a empty Triple-A managerial spot. Wally Backman, anyone?
10/3/11
Sixty years ago, this happened
At 3:58 p.m. on October 3, 1951...
Not Mets, per say, but still great baseball history.
Not Mets, per say, but still great baseball history.
9/29/11
Thanks, Deadspin
Jose Reyes won the batting title yesterday, the first Met to do so. Hooray!
But, of course, something had to go wrong and Reyes' feat is being tarnished. He got a hit, then promptly left the game. It was his decision and the media went bonkers because of it. But thankfully, Deadspin comes along to highlight the dumbest story and then takes them down a peg or two.
Congrats, Jose.
Please stay.
But, of course, something had to go wrong and Reyes' feat is being tarnished. He got a hit, then promptly left the game. It was his decision and the media went bonkers because of it. But thankfully, Deadspin comes along to highlight the dumbest story and then takes them down a peg or two.
Congrats, Jose.
Please stay.
9/27/11
When will it be March?
Confession time: I haven't watched a Mets game the entire month of September.
It's not that they're boring, they're just not overly interesting. There's no young player(s) to track as he gets his first reps at the major league level - mostly because he's been getting reps all year with the team. There's obviously no playoff race, and barely a hint of playing spoiler. It's just, well, uneventful.
So now, as the season draws to a close, I - and every other baseball fan not waiting to watch their team play in October - look forward to March (or even February, for that matter). The time when hope springs eternal, the team assembles, hopefully with a few new faces, and they play meaningless - but more interesting - games again.
This offseason will likely be a long, long one. With one name thrown around more than any other: Jose Reyes. We will hear that he's staying, that he's going, that he hates the Mets, that he loves the Mets, that he wants to play here, that he wants to play there. We'll hear it all from the media, but for the sake and sanity of every fan, I hope this journey ends soon. If he stays, I'll be a happy man. If he leaves, I'll be devastated. So, stay Jose. But please, don't drag it out.
And now it's time for the offseason. Sandy & Co.'s first full time off together, to tweak, to adjust, to sign and to deal. To do what they need to do to make the team win. It will be fun to watch them work, watch them get critiqued and watch how they respond.
Let's look forward to March. Let's look forward to baseball. Let's look forward to hope, for a season that might not be lost - at least not yet.
It's not that they're boring, they're just not overly interesting. There's no young player(s) to track as he gets his first reps at the major league level - mostly because he's been getting reps all year with the team. There's obviously no playoff race, and barely a hint of playing spoiler. It's just, well, uneventful.
So now, as the season draws to a close, I - and every other baseball fan not waiting to watch their team play in October - look forward to March (or even February, for that matter). The time when hope springs eternal, the team assembles, hopefully with a few new faces, and they play meaningless - but more interesting - games again.
This offseason will likely be a long, long one. With one name thrown around more than any other: Jose Reyes. We will hear that he's staying, that he's going, that he hates the Mets, that he loves the Mets, that he wants to play here, that he wants to play there. We'll hear it all from the media, but for the sake and sanity of every fan, I hope this journey ends soon. If he stays, I'll be a happy man. If he leaves, I'll be devastated. So, stay Jose. But please, don't drag it out.
And now it's time for the offseason. Sandy & Co.'s first full time off together, to tweak, to adjust, to sign and to deal. To do what they need to do to make the team win. It will be fun to watch them work, watch them get critiqued and watch how they respond.
Let's look forward to March. Let's look forward to baseball. Let's look forward to hope, for a season that might not be lost - at least not yet.
9/11/11
#WearTheHats
News is spilling out today that Major League Baseball has put a kibosh on teams wearing non-MLB hats to honor those we lost on 9/11. Specifically, for the Mets, that means they can't wear FDNY, NYPD or any other hats for tonight's game. And the Mets are going along with it.
"MLB set a league-wide policy as it related to caps and uniforms for Sept. 11 and we followed the guidelines,” reports Brian Costa.
They can wear them before and after the game, but not during.
Come on now, Mets. If you know what's right - and all your fans do - you should wear the hats no matter what. This is one of the best things the team did after 9/11 back in 2001. Sporting those hats in a sign of solidarity with those we lost and those who were working tirelessly to clean up the mess was a touch of class, a wonderful moment for sports fans and Americans as baseball returned to New York City after such a crushing loss.
And now, 10 years later, Major League Baseball has the gall to tell teams not to wear these hats?!
Insanity. Stupidity. And downright wrong.
#WearTheHats. Pay the fine.
"MLB set a league-wide policy as it related to caps and uniforms for Sept. 11 and we followed the guidelines,” reports Brian Costa.
They can wear them before and after the game, but not during.
Come on now, Mets. If you know what's right - and all your fans do - you should wear the hats no matter what. This is one of the best things the team did after 9/11 back in 2001. Sporting those hats in a sign of solidarity with those we lost and those who were working tirelessly to clean up the mess was a touch of class, a wonderful moment for sports fans and Americans as baseball returned to New York City after such a crushing loss.
And now, 10 years later, Major League Baseball has the gall to tell teams not to wear these hats?!
Insanity. Stupidity. And downright wrong.
#WearTheHats. Pay the fine.
9/1/11
Press Release: Liquor Mogul Aims to Buy Mets
Here’s a press release that just made its way into my inbox…
New York, September 1, 2011 – Following the announcement that the NY Mets have ended negotiations with hedge fund honcho David Einhorn to buy the team, the president of one of the largest liquor distributors in the U.S. has declared his intention to purchase the cash strapped ballclub.
While the Mets remain in the financial freefall caused by the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme, Martin Silver, President of NY-based Star Industries, which represents over 30 liquor companies and is the largest distributor of Georgi Vodka in New York, has stepped forward as a potential partner. Silver is also the owner of a minor league pro team.
At the very least, I guess this would diversify the alcohol selection at Citi Field.
H/T Geoffery Sorensen
Update: Here’s video from the end of January where Silver states his yearning to buy the team…
8/30/11
Did Justin Turner just let it leak that the Mets are moving in the outfield walls at Citi Field? [Update]
Updated: It was all just a silly joke.
Turner said today, “And for the record, it's still just a rumor that the fences are being moved in...I was just making a joke out of it!”
Original: It’s no news that people want the Mets to move the walls at Citi Field, or that the Mets might be moving in the walls this offseason.
But, after seeing this odd tweet to Charlie Sheen from Mets second baseman Justin Turner earlier today, did he just let it slip that the Mets have already decided to move in the walls, and that they told the team already?
He might just be perpetuating the rumors that have been swirling in the past few weeks/months, or he might know something we don’t and he just let the cat out of the bag.
What do you think: Should the Mets move in the walls at Citi Field?
8/23/11
8/22/11
Paul DePodesta needs to update his LinkedIn page
Paul DePodesta is a little behind the times. Or, at least, his LinkedIn page is.
He still lists himself as the Executive VP for the San Diego Padres, a position he hasn’t held in 10 months.
So hey, Paul, update your LinkedIn. Billy Beane might want you to write him a recommendation or something.
H/T to Andrew Fletcher.
8/20/11
Book: ‘An Arm and a Leg’ by Emma Span
I just finished “An Arm and a Leg” by Emma Span, a Kindle single (not just for those with the cute little eBook).
It’s an essay about Jose Reyes: his life, his career and how he will affect the Mets if they do or do not sign him come October.
It’s a quick and wonderful read, reminding me of all the great things Jose has done during his tenure as a New York Met (most importantly make fans forget about Rey Ordonez).
It’s not just stats, though Emma gets into OPS+, WAR and VORP. (Don’t be scared.) She also gets into the man, the affable one with the smile, the jokes and the charm.
I suggest shilling out your 99 cents and reading this. (Yeah, you can read it without a Kindle.) It will make you warm and fuzzy for Jose Reyes, and then make you fear the day we ever see him in a non-Mets uniform.
8/16/11
8/2/11
Video: Fight at Mets/Nats game
Because there’s no rivalry like the Mets and the Nationals…
Thanks to Chris Foley for tweeting it over.
7/27/11
The alternative list of facts about newest Met Zack Wheeler
Zach Wheeler came over from the San Francisco Giants for Carlos Beltran. You’ll find his ERA, pitching motion breakdown and more on other sites.
Here’s the things the other blogs won’t tell you…
1,689 tweets under his belt on his account @Wheelerpro45.
He follows Kate Upton, Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashain.
He’s patiently awaiting the premiere of Jersey Shore.
His new glove says “Flocka” on the side.
Sometimes, all he can do is laugh.
He once battled a bat and lived to tweet about it.
He’s not a morning person.
It seems he already knows Howie Rose will soon call his games.
He knows dubstep is good warm-up music.
Needs to learn the difference between “good” and “well.”
And that’s enough of going through his Twitter stream.
Live in St. Lucie? Go see Johan Santana pitch
On Thursday, Johan Santana will take the mound in St. Lucie for a 45-pitch rehab start.
Since this is a rehab start, Santana will have 30 days to be activated onto the major league roster, barring any setbacks. Looks like mid-August debut for Johan, if any.
The St. Lucie Mets will be playing the Daytona Cubs on Thursday.
So begins the road to recovery.
7/21/11
Carlos Beltran, my favorite Met
As much as I swoon over David Wright and Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran has always been my favorite Met.
I’ve been a Mets fan since birth. I still have “Metty Bear,” from when I was an infant. But as my friends and family can attest, I wasn’t diehard until 2005. (Heck, I even fell asleep during the 2000 World Series, something I will never live down.)
When Beltran signed with the Mets in early January ‘05, I was thrilled. Playoff beast coming to the Mets, a month after Pedro Martinez joined the club. These Mets were destined for greatness. A revitalized lineup, a crafty GM and nowhere to go but up.
‘05 for Beltran, as we know, wasn’t much fun. But during his ‘06 campaign, where he slugged 41 home runs, OPS’d .982 and all those great things, the team made it within one game of the World Series. Unfortunately, Beltran was the man at the plate with the game on the line, and that wicked curveball froze him. The season ended and it all fell on Beltran’s shoulders.
This “scar” on Beltran’s career is still fresh in many fan’s eyes. He’s continually called soft for missing most of the last two season. (No one seems to point out he played 151, 140, 144 and 161(!) games the previous four years for the Mets.)
This season, the last in his contract with the Mets, he’s raking to the tune of .293/.389/.528/.917, 61 RBI and an NL leading 30 doubles. He’s also played 92 of their 107 games, something not expected after his previous injury-shortened seasons.
Today is likely Beltran’s last home game with the Mets. He’s expected to be dealt before the July 31 trading deadline, and the Mets don’t return to Citi Field before the calendar turns.
I’ll miss Beltran – my favorite Met. He’s been there during my entire “die hard” fan life and I’ll be sad to see him go.
7/15/11
In honor of the K-Rod trade [All The Photoshops]
I was in the hospital and now I’m on vacation. So here’s my K-Rod trade post… all the silly images I made in Photoshop of Francisco Rodriguez.
Here are three from before he signed…
Also, I made this when he signed…
MLB poorly Photoshopped a Mets hat on him.
So I tried to do one better.
And finally, the Mets upgraded their bespectacled ones…
Fin.
7/11/11
Me on Mets Weekly two years ago
This is now vintage.
Two years ago today, on my birthday, I was on Mets Weekly. Here, as will be tradition, is my interview.
Also, Julie Alexandria, we miss you.
7/7/11
7/3/11
6/29/11
I believe
Call me crazy, but I believe.
No, not in comebacks. But in the playoffs.
I honestly believe – as a generally sane 22-year-old male – that these New York Mets can make the postseason.
Sure, a lot of this depends on if (but more likely when) some of the players on this team get shipped elsewhere for a package of prospects, and the next two weeks may determine if that happens sooner, later or not at all.
The Mets are 9.5 out of first place in the NL East, but at one game over .500, they’re five games out of the Wild Card. They trail four teams – Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Arizona and Atlanta. Two of those teams are likely playing well over their head. The other two are definite contenders.
Still, the Mets have a shot.
With the way Jose Reyes is playing, the way the team is stringing together hits, it seems almost anything is possible. With a invigorated offense that has scored 32 runs over the last three games, and a pitching staff that seems to be getting things together – both in the rotation and the bullpen – I believe this team has a chance.
I’m not saying that this team is destined for late fall baseball, but to borrow from Dumb & Dumber, I’m telling you there’s a chance.
For a season I had relegated to a rebuilding year, the Mets have made it interesting. They’ve happily surprised me, and many other fans so far. It’s been entertaining and I think it can continue on that track.
I believe they can take it to the next level and content for a playoff spot.
I believe.
6/21/11
6/15/11
Justin Turner (and Kris Medlen) tweeting during rain delay [Uh-Oh]
I’m sure fines will be coming their way soon.
Update: And Turner keeps tweeting… He even admits he’s not sure if he should be tweeting during games.
Oh boy.
Someone stop him!
Update 2: Now he’s moved to retweeting. Strike that, he un-retweeted it.
$1 for control of the Mets?
In three years hedge fund manager David Einhorn could gain control of the New York Mets for $1.
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Get the majority stake in the Mets for cheaper than anything you can possibly buy at Citi Field.
He should pay in pennies, if he ever decides to do this deal.
Quote from Collins: On Reyes
“How many games we got left?
I hope that's how long.”
-Terry Collins on how long Jose Reyes
can keep up his current hot streak
6/8/11
Pay the man
This man. Pay this man his money. It’s not Carl Crawford money anymore, it’ll be Jose Reyes money (ripped from Peter Botte’s tweet). And he’ll deserve it.
He’s slashing .339/.389/.512/.899 –that’s average, OBP, SLG, OPS, in case you didn’t know.
He’s tied for the major league lead in hits, with 84.
He leads all of baseball in triples with 11. Second place has 6.
He’s only tied for 4th in the majors with 18 doubles.
Stolen bases, you ask? Tied for third, with 19.
Not enough walks for you? He’s 17th in MLB with a .389 OBP.
Pay this man his money.
He’s healthy. He’s in his prime. He’s killing opposing pitchers.
And he’s awesome.
Pay the man his money. Whatever it may be.
Open your checkbooks, Wilpon family. Sign whatever has the most zeroes on the end of it. Trot out more merchandise to fill your empty pockets. Do whatever you have to do.
Pay the man.
6/2/11
The Mets in South Park? [Audio]
Something went wacky with my MLB AtBat app and this is what the game sounded like…
Wayne Hagin never sounded so good.
6/1/11
Why I haven’t been posting much
Apologies for the lack of posts on TheRopolitans.com lately.
I’ve been plugging away making sure the 32 news sites we just launched in Westchester County, NY were ready to go live. If you happen to be a Westchester native, check out TheDailyWestchester.net, which will link you to one of our local news sites.
I’ll get back to the Mets soon enough.
Thanks for understanding!
5/26/11
Mets fan and author Dana Brand passes away
Sad news in the Mets-fan family today, as fan and author Dana Brand has passed away.
Above is a note from his wife on his Facebook page.
Brand was the author of The Last Days of Shea and Mets Fan.
Our thoughts are with Brand’s family.
Mets agree to sell part of team
The Mets have agreed to sell “less than 49 percent” of the Mets for $200 million, according to ESPNNewYork.com and the New York Daily News.
Update: Adam Rubin says the Mets have confirmed the sale.
The sale is to David Einhorn, an investor from Westchester County, NY. The sale does not include stake in SNY.
Never a dull moment in Mets-world, eh?
5/24/11
Gooden on Dykstra [Quote]
“Actually, Dykstra came to visit me on ‘Celebrity Rehab. I’ll tell you what, it was crazy. He thought that I had been hypnotized and (Dr. Drew) got me in there and was holding me hostage. He tried to come in with two guys to get me out of there.”
-Dwight Gooden on Lenny Dykstra
on WFAN’s Boomer & Carton Show
Oh, Nails…
Listen to me on 1010 WINS
Head over to this article and click play under “1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera reports: Wilpon Disses Top Players”
You’ll hear me.
5/23/11
Mets fans and bloggers react to Wilpon’s comments [Part 1]
Here’s what Mets fans, bloggers and writers are saying about Fred Wilpon’s comments…
But forget the George Steinbrenner comparison ... when did Fred Wilpon become Rachel Phelps? It's like he wants attendance to fall so he can move to Cleveland ... or Brooklyn.
Whether you agree with that perspective is one thing, but hearing it from the primary source should at least provide better insight than the rampant speculation that pervades a story that will cloud Metsopotamia for quite a while to come.
Wilpon's going to be eviscerated for this whole business today, but we doubt there are many Mets fans who disagree with him, on any of this. Not that it'll matter.
Most everything he said, to me, in reading the context of which these comments were made, sounds more to me as one ‘frustrated’ Mets fans making candid comments about a club who — at the time– was in the midst of losing 11 of their last 13 games.
With the reputation of both his family and franchise flagging, Wilpon spoils what is otherwise a pretty positive profile by serving up a heaping platter of bloody red meat for the New York tabloids and baseball blogosphere.
More responses from fans on Twitter a little later.
What do you think? Leave you comments below.
Fred Wilpon says things, makes Mets fans even angrier
Read this article. Go ahead. I’ll wait.
It’s a fascinating look at Fred Wilpon and the Madoff situation. Sandy Koufax even makes an appearance.
But Fred took the opportunity to opine on some of his players, which unless you’re George Steinbrenner, usually doesn’t work out.
Here are the juicy bits…
On David Wright: “A really good kid. A very good player. Not a superstar.”
On Jose Reyes: “He thinks he's going to get Carl Crawford money. He's had everything wrong with him. He won't get it.”
On Carlos Beltran: “He's 65 to 70 percent of what he was … We had one [person] in New York who paid him based on that one series.”
Because when you’re the owner of a team, it’s smart to take swipes at three of your top players, three of the fan’s favorites, three of the cornerstones of the team who have made sure the last few years weren’t worse than what they were.
Smooth move, Fred.
Go read the whole thing, please. Brilliant work by Jeffery Toobin.
5/18/11
NYDN writer tweets phone number of guy who keeps bothering him
I censored the phone number Andy Martino
tweeted… because I’m not a jerk.
5/16/11
Facebook: Stop Abusing Coffee
You may have seen the dog that sits outside Citi Field every home game with a Mets jersey on his furry back, glasses on his snout and a pipe in his mouth.
Well 1,400 animal lovers have joined a group on Facebook called “Stop Abusing Coffee” – which aims to get the dog’s owner to stop the “dirtbag of an owner” that “has abused this dog non stop for years & uses the dog to make money.”
What do you think about the pooch?
5/10/11
5/3/11
On R.A. Dickey and his bats
One bat is called Orcrist the Goblin Cleaver and the other is Hrunting. Dickey, an avid reader, said that Orcrist came from “The Hobbit.” Hrunting — the H is silent, Dickey said — came from the epic poem “Beowulf”; it is the sword Beowulf uses to slay Grendel’s mother.
Because we needed just one more reason to love R.A. Dickey, he goes out and names his bats Orcrist the Goblin Cleaver and Hrunting.
I mean, come on, is this some sort of massive scheme – orchestrated by a genius PR firm - for Mets fans to fall in love with this man over and over again?
If so, it’s working.
If not, it’s still working.
5/2/11
Mejia tears right elbow MCL
From the Mets…
Righthanded pitcher Jenrry Mejia was examined today by Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altchek and was found to have a complete MCL tear of the right elbow. Mejia underwent an MRI at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. Surgical treatment has been recommended, but Mejia is expected to seek a second opinion.
Err on the side of caution here, Mets.
Do everything possible to keep this man healthy.
4/27/11
Mets owe Saberhagen $250K a year until 2029
Because paying Bobby Bonilla $1.2 million until 2035 just wasn’t enough.
Vote Brad Emaus!
The 2011 All-Star Game ballot is out. And Brad Emaus is on it.
Yes, Bradley Mark Emaus, of the .162/.262/.162 and one RBI major league slash line is on the 2011 All-Star Game ballot.
Yes, B. Emaus, of the 14 games and 42 plate appearances with the New York Mets is on the 2011 All-Star Game ballot.
Yes, Brad E., of the 81 1/3 innings and 53 chances in the field is on the 2011 All-Star Game ballot.
Vote Emaus! Because there’s nothing better than a minor-league player who has been on three teams this month alone making the All-Star Game.
4/26/11
4/24/11
Can someone please explain this Mets-themed PostSecret?
I don’t get it.
If it wasn’t urine, what was it?
4/22/11
Quote from Collins–4/21
“I watched on every TV set in the clubhouse. They're charging me for new carpeting in a couple of spots.”
I know how you feel, Terry.
4/21/11
Quote from Collins–4/21
"We've been sitting back waiting for **** to happen, but it hasn't happened."
-Terry Collins
4/20/11
This is the lede to a real NY Daily News article
Blah blah blah blah rain blah blah blah Niese blah blah Astros blah blah Mets got spanked. Blah blah, 6-1. We really don't know what else to tell you about this one.
-Andy Martino, NY Daily News
No, seriously. He – and his copy editors – led with that. It wasn’t just a stupid tweet.
Here’s a screengrab, in case you don’t believe me…
I have nothing to add. This stands alone in its stupidity.
4/19/11
Was Brad Emaus given enough time?
The Mets pulled the plug on the Brad Emaus experiment today, designating the Rule 5 draft pick for assignment. This means he’ll be offered back to the Toronto Blue Jays, then put on waivers, allowing any team to claim him.
I think the Mets may have made the move a little too quickly. What do you think?
4/18/11
Meet the real Sidd Finch
A great story about the man who we all know as Sidd Finch.
At least, the guy in the photograph of the most famous pitcher to never live.
4/14/11
4/12/11
Quote from Collins
“Everybody is as frustrated in this room as I am, but we've been in every single game but one. The fight is still there, but we've got to stop making mistakes.”
4/11/11
Today in non-news
There’s ‘growing suspicion’ that the Mets will look to trade veterans such as Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and Francisco Rodriguez if they are not contending midseason. Plus, Mike Pelfrey could find himself on the block.
-MLBTR, paraphrasing Jon Heyman
No, really?
4/10/11
Izzy & Iggy up, Duda optioned, Boyer DFA’d
Right moves all around.
Boyer had struggled every appearance, and today’s four-run inning did nothing to help. Duda needs more reps at Triple-A.
Thoughts?
One-Sentence Recap: Mets 8–Nationals 4
Here’s one sentence to recap last night’s game…
Though his pitching line won’t reflect it, Chris Capuano pitched well as the Mets bats – including two home runs from Carlos Beltran – delivered in four separate innings to even up the series.
Think you can do better? Leave your one-sentence recap in the comments.
4/9/11
Mets ban tweets at Collins’ pressers
According to Neil Best, the Mets have banned tweeting from Terry Collins’ press conferences. He later tweeted that a reporter is allowed to step out of the room to send his or her tweet.
I, as it should be obvious, do not agree with Best’s stance on the matter – he later tweeted that he finds it “rude and unnecessary.”
Reporters should be free to tweet as they please. The reporters currently handle voice recorders and scribble notes on a pad. Why is a tweet over the line?
I don’t get it.
(H/T JSchil.)
4/8/11
One Sentence Recap: Nationals 6–Mets 2
Here’s one sentence to recap the game…
It’s kind of hard to win a baseball game when you go 0-10 with runners in scoring position.
Think you can do better? Leave your one sentence recap in the comments!
4/7/11
ANNOUNCING: The New York Mets Walk-Up Music Collaboration Project
And now, for a special announcement…
Thanks to a genius idea from Pirates blog Raise the Jolly Roger, passed along by MetsGrrl, I’m happy to announce the beginning of The New York Mets Walk-Up Music Collaboration Project.
The New York Mets Walk-Up Music Collaboration Project (TNYMWUMCP, for short) will be a crowd-sourced, fan-created and maintained document tracking the music that our favorite players on our favorite team have blast over the loudspeakers as they walk to the dish.
If you know of the song and artist a specific Met walks up to, you can add to our list here.
The project’s spreadsheet will always live on this page, so you can refer to it at all times when you want to know what song Jose Reyes walked up to in the third inning of last night’s game or what song Carlos Beltran uses as he walks to the plate.
There’s even a separate tab for past Mets songs to be filed away for reference.
View the document here. And edit it here.
I hope you all think this is as cool as I do.
Please spread the word and contribute!
This article is worse than anything I’ve ever read on Bleacher Report
And this guy is apparently paid for the words he writes.
“Mets are a national punchline” by John Gonzalez on Philly.com.
Here’s his second paragraph…
I was watching the Phils hammer the Astros when an out-of-town score popped up on the screen. The Mets were up big against the Marlins. Manuel was right about learning something. I learned that the Mets still play baseball. They have not disbanded. Wild.
HAHAHA. You’re so funny, “Gonzo”!
And later…
Thankfully, actual on-field competition - or, rather, the lack thereof - between the two teams has never hindered the fan base here from hating the Mets or their fans. That's always been the main draw when the (not-so) Amazin's play the Fightin's. The Mets don't have to be good or even mediocre for you to loathe them and delight in their misery. If anything, curb- stomping them while they're down is just as enjoyable - if not more so. And here's the best part: Philadelphians aren't the only ones doing it now.
Ah, yes. Curb-stomping. How eloquent.
The rest is here. Read at your own risk.
At least some of the comments are level headed.
4/6/11
One Sentence: Phillies 10–Mets 7
Here’s one sentence to explain the game…
The Mets battled back from a 7-0 deficit, only to watch the bullpen let the game slip through their fingers again.
Think you can do better? Leave your one-sentence recap in the comments.
One Sentence: Mets 7–Phillies 1
Here’s one sentence to explain last night’s win…
The Mets bats beat up and knocked Cole Hamels out early, while Chris Young shone in his Mets debut.
Think you can do better? Leave your one sentence recap of the Mets game in the comments!
4/5/11
Twitter Poll: How many wins in Philly?
I took to Twitter to ask how many wins you think the Mets will win in Philly. I say one out of three.
Here’s what you think…
4/4/11
Quote from Collins–4/4
“We talked about it the other day, this us-against-the-world stuff. That’s great as a team phrase kind of thing, but you’ve got to believe you can go out and play.”
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