If you haven't noticed, I took a non-deserved day off.
Pedro Martinez goes tonight against the Astros, with a limit of 80 pitches.
Enjoy the game!
8/1/08
Why would a Mets fan purposely wear a Yankees hat?
The scene: Thursday afternoon, 3:50 train out of Penn Station. I'm on my phone trying to keep up with the madness that was the Jason Bay and Manny Ramirez trade. Sitting a few rows ahead of me in the other row, two guys in their mid-20s discussing the trade deadline.
One guy (Guy #1) is devoid of any sports paraphernalia. The other guy (Guy #2) is wearing one item belonging to a sports team, but more on that later. I overhear them wondering what is happening with the trade deadline, so being the helpful and gregarious guy I am, I offer my knowledge to them.
(Side note: At this point in time, it was believed that Jason Bay was going to the Tampa Bay Rays)
I tell him, "Hey, not to intrude, but rumor has it Jason Bay is going to Tampa."
"Oh, really! That's crazy," Guy #2 responds.
I look up, and perched upon Guy #2's head, is a well worn Yankees cap, fitted. I offer my condolences, "Yeah, that's not going to be good for your Yanks! The Rays just got a lot better."
Guy #2 looks confused. How could I know that he's a Yankees fan? He then realizes that he's wearing his Yankee hat and I'm not a psychic. He laughs. "Oh no man, I'm a Mets fan, I just wear this hat."
Now I'm the one that's confused. I stare at him. He laughs. I try to fake a laugh. My mind is racing.
Why, on all of God's green earth, would a Mets fan willingly and lovingly wear a Yankee hat?
Guy #2 thanks me for the info, and turns back to his friend. I nod, but also throw him a suspicious glance.
This man is a traitor.
He is not one of the blue and orange pride. He's a closet Mets fan, one who would rather seem "cool" and sport our crosstown brethren's cap instead of showing his pride for the team from Queens.
This man was no fan.
Be wary, folks, for people like Guy #2. There are more of them out there. Fans who don't think the Mets are good enough for their fashion choices, yet claim to be fans. Fans who are too embarrassed to sport the interlocking N and Y, in blue and orange. They prefer white on navy for their outward appearance. Not good.
Any true fan would never be caught dead in another teams garb. It's your team or no team.
People like Guy #2 should never be trusted.
One guy (Guy #1) is devoid of any sports paraphernalia. The other guy (Guy #2) is wearing one item belonging to a sports team, but more on that later. I overhear them wondering what is happening with the trade deadline, so being the helpful and gregarious guy I am, I offer my knowledge to them.
(Side note: At this point in time, it was believed that Jason Bay was going to the Tampa Bay Rays)
I tell him, "Hey, not to intrude, but rumor has it Jason Bay is going to Tampa."
"Oh, really! That's crazy," Guy #2 responds.
I look up, and perched upon Guy #2's head, is a well worn Yankees cap, fitted. I offer my condolences, "Yeah, that's not going to be good for your Yanks! The Rays just got a lot better."
Guy #2 looks confused. How could I know that he's a Yankees fan? He then realizes that he's wearing his Yankee hat and I'm not a psychic. He laughs. "Oh no man, I'm a Mets fan, I just wear this hat."
Now I'm the one that's confused. I stare at him. He laughs. I try to fake a laugh. My mind is racing.
Why, on all of God's green earth, would a Mets fan willingly and lovingly wear a Yankee hat?
Guy #2 thanks me for the info, and turns back to his friend. I nod, but also throw him a suspicious glance.
This man is a traitor.
He is not one of the blue and orange pride. He's a closet Mets fan, one who would rather seem "cool" and sport our crosstown brethren's cap instead of showing his pride for the team from Queens.
This man was no fan.
Be wary, folks, for people like Guy #2. There are more of them out there. Fans who don't think the Mets are good enough for their fashion choices, yet claim to be fans. Fans who are too embarrassed to sport the interlocking N and Y, in blue and orange. They prefer white on navy for their outward appearance. Not good.
Any true fan would never be caught dead in another teams garb. It's your team or no team.
People like Guy #2 should never be trusted.
7/31/08
Movin' on up: Daniel Murphy
The Mets seem to be making a minor league transition. Toby Hyde is reporting Daniel Murphy was promoted to AAA New Orleans.
We just saw Jon Niese get promoted a few days ago and shine in his first triple-A start. Seems the Mets are grooming their prospects for call-ups soon, or even next year.
We just saw Jon Niese get promoted a few days ago and shine in his first triple-A start. Seems the Mets are grooming their prospects for call-ups soon, or even next year.
MLB Trades: Manny to LA, Bay to Boston, prospects to Pitt.
Red Sox Nation can officially wave goodbye to Manny Ramirez.
Manny will now be Manny in southern California. Jason Bay will be heading to Boston, and a bevy of prospects will land with the Pirates.
Well it took a few days, and I am shocked they traded him. The Sox do land a very good player in Bay, and the struggling Dodgers get Manny, ego and all.
Joe Torre is Manny's new manager. How many people thought that would ever happen?
Manny will now be Manny in southern California. Jason Bay will be heading to Boston, and a bevy of prospects will land with the Pirates.
Well it took a few days, and I am shocked they traded him. The Sox do land a very good player in Bay, and the struggling Dodgers get Manny, ego and all.
Joe Torre is Manny's new manager. How many people thought that would ever happen?
So long, trade deadline
The non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, and suprisingly the Mets stood pat with their current roster.
Something could still happen in the next few weeks, but those players will have to pass through waivers before getting to the team that wants them.
That was fairly exciting, albeit unneccessary for the Mets.
Something could still happen in the next few weeks, but those players will have to pass through waivers before getting to the team that wants them.
That was fairly exciting, albeit unneccessary for the Mets.
MLB Trades: Jason Bay to be a Ray (Updated: No he won't)
Update 2: The deal is off. No Bay for the Rays.
Update: Bay is still not a Ray. Yet...
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Jason Bay has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Still waiting on conformation elsewhere. But if this trade goes down as is...
Bay was swapped for a pair of prospects from the Tampa organization.
I think this is a great pickup by the Rays who are finally in contention and are hoping Bay can put them over the top. And for those who can't put two and two together, this also means the rumored three team blockbuster with the Pirates, Red Sox, and Marlins is completely dead. If the Marlins still want to add Manny Ramirez, they're on their own.
Update: Bay is still not a Ray. Yet...
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Jason Bay has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Still waiting on conformation elsewhere. But if this trade goes down as is...
Bay was swapped for a pair of prospects from the Tampa organization.
I think this is a great pickup by the Rays who are finally in contention and are hoping Bay can put them over the top. And for those who can't put two and two together, this also means the rumored three team blockbuster with the Pirates, Red Sox, and Marlins is completely dead. If the Marlins still want to add Manny Ramirez, they're on their own.
Mets Rumors: Shhh! All quiet in Queens
It looks like the deadline is going to pass without a move. Thank goodness.
There isn't a bullpen arm on the market that I would want the Mets to look into. Arthur Rhodes was taken by the Marlins, but I don't think he's that great of a pitcher. Keeping Scott Schoeneweis is a great move.
Just over an hour left before the deadline passes, and I'll be keeping track while on the train home. I highly doubt any Mets trades go down, but I'll try to keep you updated on any MLB trades from around the league and especially if anyone in the NL East makes a move.
There isn't a bullpen arm on the market that I would want the Mets to look into. Arthur Rhodes was taken by the Marlins, but I don't think he's that great of a pitcher. Keeping Scott Schoeneweis is a great move.
Just over an hour left before the deadline passes, and I'll be keeping track while on the train home. I highly doubt any Mets trades go down, but I'll try to keep you updated on any MLB trades from around the league and especially if anyone in the NL East makes a move.
The 'Ropolitans Podcast Volume 1
or click this link.
Thanks for listening. Hit the comments for any critiques. And yes, I know the end kinda got screwed up, but it was my first time!
or click Thanks for listening. Hit the comments for any critiques. And yes, I know the end kinda got screwed up, but it was my first time!
Podcast @ 2 pm
Just another alert to everyone to tune into BlogTalkRadio today at 2 pm as I will be hosting my very first podcast.
Head here to listen, or use the button on the top of the right hand sidebar...
Joining me is Colin Ake from BravesBlast.com and Ryan Punzalan from Mets Merized Online and Mets Lounge.
Head here to listen, or use the button on the top of the right hand sidebar...
Joining me is Colin Ake from BravesBlast.com and Ryan Punzalan from Mets Merized Online and Mets Lounge.
Rebuttal: My problem with veterans
Yesterday, I wrote about "my problem with prospects." Today, in a guest post, Doug Helferich is going to explain his problem with veterans...
They've seen it all. They know the pitchers, they know how to play each hitter in the field. The provide stability. But are they a sure bet? I think it depends.
Over the years, the Mets have perennially been buyers at the trading deadline. Trading for such gems as Kris Benson (losing the young Ty Wigginton who, while never a stay, provided decent defense and adequate hitting ability) and practically giving away the fireballing Scott Kazmir for the miserable Victor Zambrano, the Mets have time and again thrown away promising young stars for players with a few more years under their belts. Luis Castillo is another recent name added at the deadline.
Other free agent deals and trades in the offseason brought the likes of Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar, Jeromy Burnitz, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana, Cliff Floyd, and Moises Alou into the orange and blue. While most of those deals (certainly more recently) have been at least good if not excellent, some have been questionable at best (read: Castillo).
At some point, you have to plan for the future. The Mets will never truly rebuild like they need to, purging the team of old fallen stars and getting valuable playing experience. However, there are small circumstances where they have had the chance without losing much, if any, skill at a given position. For example, why won't the Mets commit to a youngster at second base? As much as I love Gotay, he was a terrible fielder, and he has not had a good year with the Braves. However, we really didn't give him a real chance to start. Same thing this year with Argenis Reyes; he splits the starts with Easley, and clearly will get less time with Castillo coming back soon.
The Mets opt for veterans time and again, when, by the end of the year, the kid that is replaced would be nearly as good (and certainly not as injury-prone) as the older player. Every veteran we sign is one less opportunity to build a team of players we can keep for years at a time. We don't have to sign or trade for a whole new team each year. 2006 is a good example of solid veteran signings; they unquestionably put experienced players in the needed positions. But what did Luis Castillo offer that necessitated a 4 year deal? Why did we resign Alou when we could have gotten away with a platoon of Endy and friends?
Veterans can be great mentors and provide stability to an inexperienced team. However, they also impede the progress of a franchise. The Mets need to decide whether they are going to sign a new team of old-timers every year, or actually put together a real team that will play together for years.
They've seen it all. They know the pitchers, they know how to play each hitter in the field. The provide stability. But are they a sure bet? I think it depends.
Over the years, the Mets have perennially been buyers at the trading deadline. Trading for such gems as Kris Benson (losing the young Ty Wigginton who, while never a stay, provided decent defense and adequate hitting ability) and practically giving away the fireballing Scott Kazmir for the miserable Victor Zambrano, the Mets have time and again thrown away promising young stars for players with a few more years under their belts. Luis Castillo is another recent name added at the deadline.
Other free agent deals and trades in the offseason brought the likes of Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar, Jeromy Burnitz, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana, Cliff Floyd, and Moises Alou into the orange and blue. While most of those deals (certainly more recently) have been at least good if not excellent, some have been questionable at best (read: Castillo).
At some point, you have to plan for the future. The Mets will never truly rebuild like they need to, purging the team of old fallen stars and getting valuable playing experience. However, there are small circumstances where they have had the chance without losing much, if any, skill at a given position. For example, why won't the Mets commit to a youngster at second base? As much as I love Gotay, he was a terrible fielder, and he has not had a good year with the Braves. However, we really didn't give him a real chance to start. Same thing this year with Argenis Reyes; he splits the starts with Easley, and clearly will get less time with Castillo coming back soon.
The Mets opt for veterans time and again, when, by the end of the year, the kid that is replaced would be nearly as good (and certainly not as injury-prone) as the older player. Every veteran we sign is one less opportunity to build a team of players we can keep for years at a time. We don't have to sign or trade for a whole new team each year. 2006 is a good example of solid veteran signings; they unquestionably put experienced players in the needed positions. But what did Luis Castillo offer that necessitated a 4 year deal? Why did we resign Alou when we could have gotten away with a platoon of Endy and friends?
Veterans can be great mentors and provide stability to an inexperienced team. However, they also impede the progress of a franchise. The Mets need to decide whether they are going to sign a new team of old-timers every year, or actually put together a real team that will play together for years.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)