It's not often that a news article will move you, but for fans of the New York Mets, this is a must read.
Ben Shpigel caught up with the team as the players and coaches entered the finished Citi Field for the first time. It can be boiled down to this: Like kids in a candy store.
This is Shpigel's feather in his cap so far this spring. He caught the emotions, the newness, the exciting feeling one gets when opening a present all from grown men. That is what the stadium is to the Mets players and fans -- a present that will get unwrapped every time they walk in.
Please, go read the New York Times article by Shpigel. You might want to get some Kleenex ready if you're a little emotional.
4/3/09
4/2/09
Game Recap: Mets 9 -- Orioles 8
And that's a wrap! The Mets close out spring training with a rallying victory.
On The Mound
Let's just say this didn't go very well for Mike Pelfrey. Four innings for Pelfrey resulted in 10 hits and eight runs for the Baltimore squad. Pelfrey walked only one and stuck out two, facing 23 batters in four innings. The O's scored in all four innings against Pelfrey with one in the first, two in the second and third, and three in the third.
Yikes! Not exactly the numbers you want to see for the last start of the spring. I don't think it'll be a need to worry. Everyone has a bad start once in a while, though a 7.77 ERA for spring training isn't the most comforting number.
Newest Met Ken Takahashi threw two innings, allowing one hit. He walked three. Roy Merritt (hey, there he is again!) pitched a scoreless inning, striking out one and allowing one hit. Tim McNab pitched a hitless inning. Nelson Figueroa struck out two, allowed one hit, and earned the win as the Mets came back late.
Enjoy the minor leagues, you guys. I'm sure we'll see some of you soon.
At The Plate
What's with the catchers?
Ramon Castro went 2-2, scoring once and driving in three runs. Brian Schneider also drove in a run.
Jose Reyes and Daniel Murphy each drove in one run. Alex Cora knocked in one run as well, while Fernando Tatis drove in two.
I'll take it.
I'd also like to tip my cap to Carlos Delgado who finished a shortened spring training with a .500 batting average. That's not easy.
On Deck
Heading North. Two exhibition games against the Red Sox at Citi Field (both on SNY). Cincinatti for Monday's first game of the season.
On The Mound
Let's just say this didn't go very well for Mike Pelfrey. Four innings for Pelfrey resulted in 10 hits and eight runs for the Baltimore squad. Pelfrey walked only one and stuck out two, facing 23 batters in four innings. The O's scored in all four innings against Pelfrey with one in the first, two in the second and third, and three in the third.
Yikes! Not exactly the numbers you want to see for the last start of the spring. I don't think it'll be a need to worry. Everyone has a bad start once in a while, though a 7.77 ERA for spring training isn't the most comforting number.
Newest Met Ken Takahashi threw two innings, allowing one hit. He walked three. Roy Merritt (hey, there he is again!) pitched a scoreless inning, striking out one and allowing one hit. Tim McNab pitched a hitless inning. Nelson Figueroa struck out two, allowed one hit, and earned the win as the Mets came back late.
Enjoy the minor leagues, you guys. I'm sure we'll see some of you soon.
At The Plate
What's with the catchers?
Ramon Castro went 2-2, scoring once and driving in three runs. Brian Schneider also drove in a run.
Jose Reyes and Daniel Murphy each drove in one run. Alex Cora knocked in one run as well, while Fernando Tatis drove in two.
I'll take it.
I'd also like to tip my cap to Carlos Delgado who finished a shortened spring training with a .500 batting average. That's not easy.
On Deck
Heading North. Two exhibition games against the Red Sox at Citi Field (both on SNY). Cincinatti for Monday's first game of the season.
Things I found at Citi Field: Part 12 -- Really cool trash cans
The next in a series of photos and findings from Citi Field...
While wandering the kiddie area out in center field, I happened upon these really, really awesome trash cans. I want one. Badly.
While wandering the kiddie area out in center field, I happened upon these really, really awesome trash cans. I want one. Badly.
Awesome.
Things I found at Citi Field: Part 11 -- The scoreboards
The next in a series of photos and findings from Citi Field...
Ah, the scoreboards. The giant screens where fans will be treated to Professor Reyes and replays of great plays on the field.
Here are a shot of the large scoreboard in straightaway center field...
And the video screen, up close. One note about this screen is that there is a line down the middle separating the two physical screens. When they showed replays or action, the one screen was a little slower than the other one, making for a choppy image right down the center.
Hopefully they can recalibrate or something, because such a nice screen shouldn't be ruined by something so petty.
Here is the backside to that screen, so when you're out in the food concourse area, you will still be able to see the action on the field. This screen is much smaller than the one on the front, but it will serve it's purpose well.
And finally we have the auxiliary scoreboard where the line score of the game will be shown, along with player's batting numbers and pitchers pitch counts.
Now, I'll pull back a little so you can see the supports and all the advertising that will surround it.
A set of beautiful screens to complement a beautiful park.
Ah, the scoreboards. The giant screens where fans will be treated to Professor Reyes and replays of great plays on the field.
Here are a shot of the large scoreboard in straightaway center field...
And the video screen, up close. One note about this screen is that there is a line down the middle separating the two physical screens. When they showed replays or action, the one screen was a little slower than the other one, making for a choppy image right down the center.Hopefully they can recalibrate or something, because such a nice screen shouldn't be ruined by something so petty.
Here is the backside to that screen, so when you're out in the food concourse area, you will still be able to see the action on the field. This screen is much smaller than the one on the front, but it will serve it's purpose well.And finally we have the auxiliary scoreboard where the line score of the game will be shown, along with player's batting numbers and pitchers pitch counts.Now, I'll pull back a little so you can see the supports and all the advertising that will surround it.A set of beautiful screens to complement a beautiful park.
4/1/09
Game Recap: Mets 5 -- Cardinals 2
In the second to last spring training game, the Mets mostly played with a cast of backups and minor leaguers, and still bested the St. Louis Cardinals.
On The Mound
Johan Santana made his last start of the spring, pitching in only three innings. He allowed two hits, both solo home runs, while striking out two. He faced 11 batters.
A final tune up for the first start on April 6 in Cincinnati.
Bobby Parnell pitched one inning, allowing one hit, one walk and striking out one. Elmer Dessens threw two innings of shut out baseball, allowing two hits and striking out two. Darren O'Day notched a hitless inning, walking one and striking out one.
Parnell and O'Day will be heading north with the team and will be looked upon for clutch performances out of the bullpen. Dessens will also head north, but will land in Buffalo to pitch for the Bisons. I'm surprised he made it this far into camp.
Roy Merritt (who?) allowed one hit in 1-3 of an inning. Brian Stokes finished out the game with 1 2-3 innings of one hit baseball, walking two.
If you've heard of Merritt, you win...something...
At The Plate
Three Mets had two hits and three Mets had one hit.
Alex Cora, Jeremy Reed and Omir Santos had the two hits for the club, with Santos hitting two home runs. A two-run home run and a solo home run, both off of Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse.
Santos has really been playing well lately. Very good to see.
Rene Rivera picked up the other two RBIs for the Mets with a two-run home run of his own off of Kyle McClellan.
Big day for the catchers.
On Deck
The Mets will play their final spring training game before breaking camp to take on the Boston Red Sox in two exhibition games at Citi Field. They will play tomorrow against the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m. The game is not on TV.
On The Mound
Johan Santana made his last start of the spring, pitching in only three innings. He allowed two hits, both solo home runs, while striking out two. He faced 11 batters.
A final tune up for the first start on April 6 in Cincinnati.
Bobby Parnell pitched one inning, allowing one hit, one walk and striking out one. Elmer Dessens threw two innings of shut out baseball, allowing two hits and striking out two. Darren O'Day notched a hitless inning, walking one and striking out one.
Parnell and O'Day will be heading north with the team and will be looked upon for clutch performances out of the bullpen. Dessens will also head north, but will land in Buffalo to pitch for the Bisons. I'm surprised he made it this far into camp.
Roy Merritt (who?) allowed one hit in 1-3 of an inning. Brian Stokes finished out the game with 1 2-3 innings of one hit baseball, walking two.
If you've heard of Merritt, you win...something...
At The Plate
Three Mets had two hits and three Mets had one hit.
Alex Cora, Jeremy Reed and Omir Santos had the two hits for the club, with Santos hitting two home runs. A two-run home run and a solo home run, both off of Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse.
Santos has really been playing well lately. Very good to see.
Rene Rivera picked up the other two RBIs for the Mets with a two-run home run of his own off of Kyle McClellan.
Big day for the catchers.
On Deck
The Mets will play their final spring training game before breaking camp to take on the Boston Red Sox in two exhibition games at Citi Field. They will play tomorrow against the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m. The game is not on TV.
An interview with the 45 Adapters; The band behind new Mets anthem "The Metropolitans"
Check out the song "The Metropolitans" by punk-rock band 45 Adapters. I conducted a Q&A with the band, posted below.
Click here to listen to the song.
This might be the new Mets fan anthem, if you ask me. It's better than every song since "Meet The Mets."
Here's the Q&A...
The 'Ropolitans: Who makes up your band?
Gerrard: Pat plays drums, Craig plays bass, Dave plays guitar and I sing and play guitar.
TR: Where are you based?
G: We all live in Brooklyn and Queens. I'm originally from Brentwood on LI, Craig is a transplanted Pittsburgher, Pat is from upstate and Dave is from Maspeth by way of Arizona. I actually live on Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, so you can say that's our home base.
TR: All Mets fans?
G: I'm probably the craziest Mets fan, with Craig following close behind. I think I missed watching three games last year and that was an off year for me. Dave lost the faith a bit while he was in Arizona, but he's as jazzed about the new season as we are. Pat is more into rugby (some sort of sport where a bunch of dudes hug, from what I gather), but he likes booze and Woodside so we drag him along to games.
TR: How did you get into the Mets?
G: My grandmother was always a big Dodgers fan because of their signing of Jackie Robinson. She hated the Yankees, so she became a Mets fan by default sort of as a Dodgers replacement. One of my favorite childhood photos is me in head to toe Mets gear in 1986. After that, how could I not be a fan?
Craig: I started out listening to games on WFAN and then I got free tickets from work. Once I got to see a live game at Shea I was hooked for life. It's hard not to be a Mets fan hanging out with Gerrard!
Dave: Growing up in Maspeth, my grandfather didn't allow Yankees fans in the house.
TR: How did you get into music?
C: I started playing bass at nine in a youth orchestra and I've been listening to music and wanting to be in a band since then.
G: I've always loved music and I've gotten more and more into making instead of just being a listener as time has gone on. I had a band in High School, but I haven't been in another band until this one.
TR: Favorite Mets players?
C: Probably Jose Reyes and Johann Santana
G: Way to go out on a limb Boltsy. Definitely not Bobby Bonilla! Man, that's a tough question. I'm a huge Keith Hernandez fan in terms of all time Mets greats and of course who doesn't love Chocolate Strawberry? Maybe John Olerud? My favorite current Met is probably David Wright because of how he's handled adversity when it's presented itself the last two years. Last year I probably would have said Endy Chavez.
TR: Favorite team?
G: New York Metropolitans Baseball Club. I'm a pseudo Jets fan, but the Mets are the only team I'm really crazy about.
C: All time, any sport, definitely the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a religion in Pittsburgh.
D: J-E-T-S! Jets Jets Jets!
TR: Why did you write the song?
G: Last week I was trying to learn "Meet the Mets" on guitar and I got frustrated trying to pick it out. I started fooling around and before you know it I'd written the first verse of my own tune. A little while later I had the whole song written.
TR: What are your thoughts on other Mets related songs (Let's Go Mets Go! or Meet the Mets)?
G: If you ever see Craig and I out on the town after a few drinks you'll definitely hear us yelling a word for word rendition of "Meet the Mets". I've had the original '63 version as my ringtone for a few years and we love driving people crazy with impromptu renditions. I just bought the "Let's Go Mets" New York Dream team record from 1986 on vinyl, actually.
TR: Do you see this song as an anthem for Mets fans?
C: I hope so!
G: I've been walking around yelling it all the time and I've for other people to enjoy it as much as I do. Tell your friends!
TR: Do you play live shows / do you ever play this song? If so, what's the reaction?
G: We've just started playing out live again and we're looking to play anywhere we can. I've just written "Metropolitans" so we haven't had a chance to unveil it on stage yet. I can't wait!
...Can I add one thing? My favorite Mets Manager was Bobby V. A truly underrated genius/lunatic!
TR: Thanks!
Let's get this song played at Citi Field!!
Click here to listen to the song.
This might be the new Mets fan anthem, if you ask me. It's better than every song since "Meet The Mets."
Here's the Q&A...
The 'Ropolitans: Who makes up your band?
Gerrard: Pat plays drums, Craig plays bass, Dave plays guitar and I sing and play guitar.
TR: Where are you based?
G: We all live in Brooklyn and Queens. I'm originally from Brentwood on LI, Craig is a transplanted Pittsburgher, Pat is from upstate and Dave is from Maspeth by way of Arizona. I actually live on Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, so you can say that's our home base.
TR: All Mets fans?
G: I'm probably the craziest Mets fan, with Craig following close behind. I think I missed watching three games last year and that was an off year for me. Dave lost the faith a bit while he was in Arizona, but he's as jazzed about the new season as we are. Pat is more into rugby (some sort of sport where a bunch of dudes hug, from what I gather), but he likes booze and Woodside so we drag him along to games.
TR: How did you get into the Mets?
G: My grandmother was always a big Dodgers fan because of their signing of Jackie Robinson. She hated the Yankees, so she became a Mets fan by default sort of as a Dodgers replacement. One of my favorite childhood photos is me in head to toe Mets gear in 1986. After that, how could I not be a fan?
Craig: I started out listening to games on WFAN and then I got free tickets from work. Once I got to see a live game at Shea I was hooked for life. It's hard not to be a Mets fan hanging out with Gerrard!
Dave: Growing up in Maspeth, my grandfather didn't allow Yankees fans in the house.
TR: How did you get into music?
C: I started playing bass at nine in a youth orchestra and I've been listening to music and wanting to be in a band since then.
G: I've always loved music and I've gotten more and more into making instead of just being a listener as time has gone on. I had a band in High School, but I haven't been in another band until this one.
TR: Favorite Mets players?
C: Probably Jose Reyes and Johann Santana
G: Way to go out on a limb Boltsy. Definitely not Bobby Bonilla! Man, that's a tough question. I'm a huge Keith Hernandez fan in terms of all time Mets greats and of course who doesn't love Chocolate Strawberry? Maybe John Olerud? My favorite current Met is probably David Wright because of how he's handled adversity when it's presented itself the last two years. Last year I probably would have said Endy Chavez.
TR: Favorite team?
G: New York Metropolitans Baseball Club. I'm a pseudo Jets fan, but the Mets are the only team I'm really crazy about.
C: All time, any sport, definitely the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a religion in Pittsburgh.
D: J-E-T-S! Jets Jets Jets!
TR: Why did you write the song?
G: Last week I was trying to learn "Meet the Mets" on guitar and I got frustrated trying to pick it out. I started fooling around and before you know it I'd written the first verse of my own tune. A little while later I had the whole song written.
TR: What are your thoughts on other Mets related songs (Let's Go Mets Go! or Meet the Mets)?
G: If you ever see Craig and I out on the town after a few drinks you'll definitely hear us yelling a word for word rendition of "Meet the Mets". I've had the original '63 version as my ringtone for a few years and we love driving people crazy with impromptu renditions. I just bought the "Let's Go Mets" New York Dream team record from 1986 on vinyl, actually.
TR: Do you see this song as an anthem for Mets fans?
C: I hope so!
G: I've been walking around yelling it all the time and I've for other people to enjoy it as much as I do. Tell your friends!
TR: Do you play live shows / do you ever play this song? If so, what's the reaction?
G: We've just started playing out live again and we're looking to play anywhere we can. I've just written "Metropolitans" so we haven't had a chance to unveil it on stage yet. I can't wait!
...Can I add one thing? My favorite Mets Manager was Bobby V. A truly underrated genius/lunatic!
TR: Thanks!
Let's get this song played at Citi Field!!
Things I found at Citi Field: Part 10 -- Right field overhang
The next in a series of photos and findings from Citi Field...
Right field at Citi Field is a little different. It's got something that gives the stadium "character."
In RF, the Pepsi Porch overhangs a bump out in the outfield wall. The stands are in play, so a ball hit just right can land in the stands at a point where Ryan Church or the opposing team's right fielder would have been able to catch the ball.
It should be very interesting to see it when it happens. I kind of like this idea. Just a little quirk in the park that makes it all the more interesting.
Here's a shot of the bump out in the wall, complete with tables and chairs behind the fence for no apparent reason.
And a nice shot of the overhang, from the side. See how the stands reach out over the wall?
Also, check out the crazy outline this outfield wall creates from this graphic...
Hopefully the Mets realize that RF will play a little crazy and when they need to find a new player to fill that position, they'll consider his play in the field a little more than they usually would.
Right field at Citi Field is a little different. It's got something that gives the stadium "character."
In RF, the Pepsi Porch overhangs a bump out in the outfield wall. The stands are in play, so a ball hit just right can land in the stands at a point where Ryan Church or the opposing team's right fielder would have been able to catch the ball.
It should be very interesting to see it when it happens. I kind of like this idea. Just a little quirk in the park that makes it all the more interesting.
Here's a shot of the bump out in the wall, complete with tables and chairs behind the fence for no apparent reason.
And a nice shot of the overhang, from the side. See how the stands reach out over the wall?Also, check out the crazy outline this outfield wall creates from this graphic...Hopefully the Mets realize that RF will play a little crazy and when they need to find a new player to fill that position, they'll consider his play in the field a little more than they usually would.
Things I found at Citi Field: Part 9 -- The lights
The next in a series of photos and findings from Citi Field...
For some reason, one I cannot fully explain, I am in love with the lights at Citi Field. I don't know if it's the large metal structure they're attached to, or the simple design they are shaped into to spread light across the field, but I just think they're awesome.
I think I was kind of excited when we pulled up to the stadium and I noticed the lights were on.
And here is an up-close shot of the lights...
Don't ask me why -- I just think they're cool.
Speaking of lights, it seems that Citi Field will use 11 megawatts of power during games. Nowhere close to 1.21 gigawatts, though. I'm not sure what Doc Brown and Marty are going to do...
For some reason, one I cannot fully explain, I am in love with the lights at Citi Field. I don't know if it's the large metal structure they're attached to, or the simple design they are shaped into to spread light across the field, but I just think they're awesome.
I think I was kind of excited when we pulled up to the stadium and I noticed the lights were on.
And here is an up-close shot of the lights...Don't ask me why -- I just think they're cool.Speaking of lights, it seems that Citi Field will use 11 megawatts of power during games. Nowhere close to 1.21 gigawatts, though. I'm not sure what Doc Brown and Marty are going to do...
BREAKING NEWS: Citi Field shut down
Another messy situation for Mets fans.Probably the worst news that fans can hear, Citi Field has been shut down for an undisclosed amount of time for health and building code violations.
Right now, it seems there are thousands of rats living in the Home Run apple and they have since escaped into the park.
I, for one, am not surprised. I can only imagine how disgusting it must be in the stadium right now.
Literally thousands of rats have overrun the stadium.
For now, it seems they will have to close the stadium until they can round up enough cats to drive the rats out of the park.
Of course, that only means they'll have to find a way to get the cats out of the park after that.
Obviously, this is terrible news for the Mets, who will have to play many of their games at the new Yankee Stadium or in Buffalo, NY, until a workaround can be worked out.
Legitimately, why this team? Since September '06, have we been cursed or something?
So there you have it. Citi Field overrun by rodents.
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****April Fools!**** Notice how the first letter spells out April Fools? No? Too bad!!
Have a good day and watch out for pranks!
3/31/09
Game Recap: Mets 9 -- Marlins 2
It seems the Mets are ready for the start of the season.
On The Mound
John Maine made the start, going 5 2-3 innings allowing two runs. He allowed one home run, a solo shot from Cody Ross. Maine let up six hits and one walk while striking out three.
He seems to be accepting the tweaks well. He threw 83 pitches, so if it was the regular season, I could see him going 7 innings if he's not struggling.
Pedro Feliciano finished out the sixth inning, striking out the sole batter he faced. Sean Green pitched a scoreless 7th inning, allowing one hit. J.J. Putz faced two batters, striking out both, before leaving the game with an injured fingernail.
One of the stranger injuries in sports. I'm sure he'll be just fine.
Darren O'Day finished out the inning, striking out one. Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth, striking out two.
Every pitcher who entered the game for the Mets struck out at least one batter. They struck out 10 overall.
At The Plate
The Mets knocked out 12 hits and scored nine runs.
Daniel Murphy, Jonathan Malo and David Wright each drove in two runs. Malo hit an inside the park home run.
A Jerry Manuel favorite. I hope he performs well at Triple-A Buffalo. Keep an eye on him.
Carlos Delgado went 3-3, driving in one run. Marlon Anderson and Maine each picked up an RBI as well. Jose Reyes went 2-4, scoring twice.
Not bad, not bad at all Mets bats.
On Deck
The Mets will head back to Jupiter, Fla. to play the St. Louis Cardinals for a 1:05 p.m. game. The game is NOT on TV.
On The Mound
John Maine made the start, going 5 2-3 innings allowing two runs. He allowed one home run, a solo shot from Cody Ross. Maine let up six hits and one walk while striking out three.
He seems to be accepting the tweaks well. He threw 83 pitches, so if it was the regular season, I could see him going 7 innings if he's not struggling.
Pedro Feliciano finished out the sixth inning, striking out the sole batter he faced. Sean Green pitched a scoreless 7th inning, allowing one hit. J.J. Putz faced two batters, striking out both, before leaving the game with an injured fingernail.
One of the stranger injuries in sports. I'm sure he'll be just fine.
Darren O'Day finished out the inning, striking out one. Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth, striking out two.
Every pitcher who entered the game for the Mets struck out at least one batter. They struck out 10 overall.
At The Plate
The Mets knocked out 12 hits and scored nine runs.
Daniel Murphy, Jonathan Malo and David Wright each drove in two runs. Malo hit an inside the park home run.
A Jerry Manuel favorite. I hope he performs well at Triple-A Buffalo. Keep an eye on him.
Carlos Delgado went 3-3, driving in one run. Marlon Anderson and Maine each picked up an RBI as well. Jose Reyes went 2-4, scoring twice.
Not bad, not bad at all Mets bats.
On Deck
The Mets will head back to Jupiter, Fla. to play the St. Louis Cardinals for a 1:05 p.m. game. The game is NOT on TV.
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