The 'Ropolitans: February 2012

2/29/12

Believe me, MLB At Bat app, I've tried

If only it was as easy as pressing that button.

2/27/12

The Mets have 'Underdog' shirts from Jeff Wilpon

Mets players were given orange t-shirts with the Underdog "U" on the front by Jeff Wilpon. Fans are, as expected, polarized on the topic.

I like it. I get the idea behind it, and the motivational tone to it. A lot of people are writing the team off this year - no real shocker there - so why not use the underdog idea as a rallying cry? Works for me.

Others, though, are probably put off by the fact that a Wilpon made this gesture. If Terry Collins, or even a player, had thought of this or made these shirts, it might have meant a little more to everyone and maybe taken a bit of the sting out of the shirt. But because Jeff Wilpon was behind it, it must be evil and mean and angry! Grr!

Look, I get the Wilpons aren't great with their money and have put the team in quite the precarious situation, but it's another thing entirely to think they want the team to lose, or don't want what's best for them. As I wrote a while ago, this is not Major League.

The Wilpons want the Mets to do as well as any fan does. In fact, probably more so. Everyone wants the Mets to win. If they have to wear pink tutus to do it, so be it. These Underdog shirts shouldn't be an issue and we shouldn't make it one, but the simple fact that I'm having to write about it shows that I'm too late for that.

Here's some fan reactions...

Here are the things you need to be able to do to be a Washington Nationals ballgirl

via MLB Team Jobs:

Baseball Knowledge:Fielding foul balls and getting out of the way of fair ones, it is important to know the difference between the two. Also knowing when to retrieve the pitchers’ jackets from the bullpen to run to the dugout.

Fan Interaction:Interacting, motivating and energizing Nats’ fans at all designated Nationals home games through the giving of foul balls to kids and Nats fans.

Gameday Setup and Breakdown:Arriving on time and making sure uniform is clean and neat, stool is clean and in working order and helmet is clean.

Other:Assisting with other on-field activities as needed (Presidents Race, t-shirt toss, etc.).
Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

Required: (critical to successful job performance)Prior experience in softball a plus.
Must be reliable, able to arrive at Nationals Park at least 60 minutes prior to gametimes, punctual, courteous, and have good listening and multi-tasking skills.
Ball Girls must display professionalism whenever they are wearing their uniform, as they are brand ambassadors for the entire Washington Nationals organization.
Strong ability to work well with co-workers and supervisors in a team environment and professional manner.
Must have the physical ability to perform athletic activities in all weather conditions, including running around the warning track.
Must be able to lift and carry items up to 50lbs.
Must be available to work during all Nationals home games, including days, nights, weekends and holidays.

2/26/12

Gary Carter patch

This is the patch the Mets will wear in honor of Gary Carter in the 2012 season.

It's perfect.

2/17/12

Links: Remembering Gary Carter

Mets fans are penning their tributes to Gary Carter. Here's a roundup...

This is not an exhaustive list. Please let me know if you have a link to post.

If you have your own thoughts on the passing of The Kid, please leave them in the comments.

2/16/12

Gary Carter, 57, always #8

Gary "The Kid" Carter did a lot during his baseball days. It is truly a blow to the baseball community to lose him so young to something so horrible. He was 57.

Here is, maybe, his crowning moment, a Newsday commercial from 1986...

2/14/12

WFAN hires Josh Lewin to replace Wayne Hagin

WFAN and the Mets have confirmed that Josh Lewin will join Howie Rose in the radio-broadcast booth, replacing Wayne Hagin.

ESPN's Adam Rubin tweeted before that the Mets confirmed the hire, which confused me. I figured it would be WFAN's call, through-and-through. After a few tweets about it, the Immortal Chris Majkowski, chimed in from the Mets WFAN Twitter account.