Photo: Paul McCartney’s stage in Citi Field

The stage is in place for Paul McCartney’s concerts at Citi Field.

For more photos, head over to WBCS880.com.

Thanks, Tom!

Citi Field for All-Star Game in 2013

Way back in July of 2008, Ken Davidoff had a note that the Mets and Citi Field were in line to host the All-Star Game in 2013.

Here’s what he wrote way back when…

Baseball has announced the sites for the 2009 and 2010 Midsummer Classics, with next year's at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, followed by Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

The 2011 game is expected to be at Arizona's Chase Field, then Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City in 2012. Then it will be the Mets' turn.

And here’s what Kevin Kernan wrote for the Post today…

The next two All-Star Games are set, Anaheim next season and Arizona in 2011. Then it shifts back to an AL club the following year, most likely in Kansas City. That leaves 2013 all set for Citi Field and the Mets.

Well done by Davidoff.

The Home Run Derby in Citi Field? That should be quite fun.

And here’s what I wrote a year ago…

Shea Stadium held the 1964 All Star Game, and saw the National League actually win a game (shocker!) by a score of 7-4. Ron Hunt was the only Mets player elected to the game that year.

According to Baseball Almanac, Shea was host to over 50,000 fans that day. Unfortunately, Citi won't hold that many, but I'm sure they'll find a way to squeeze more and more people in.

Still rings true.

Poll Results: Mets fans not counting on October in 2009

Will the Mets make the playoffs in 2009? Mets fans don’t seem very optimistic about their teams playoff chances in 2009.

Next poll: How many games will Johan Santana win in 2009?

Pedro to play phor Philly

Pedro Martinez and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year deal, worth $1 million.  There is also a chance for Pedro to earn up to $1.5 million in incentives.

After signing the contract, Martinez was placed on the Phillies 15-day DL with a mild shoulder strain.  This is to allow him to rehab in the minor leagues before making his first start in the majors.

I wrote this the other day and I still stand by it:

Frankly, I don’t care. Mets fans know how he has pitched in the last few years, battling injuries and a fizzling career. Plopping him down in Citizens Bank Park, where he gave up eight home runs in 18 innings is going to be a joy to watch from the Mets perspective.

Sure, I bet Pedro still has something left in the tank. And of course, he’ll outduel Johan Santana if they match up down the stretch, but I’m not going to lose any sleep over this.

All-Star Game Chat

A little late, but here we go…

(Chat removed, as usual.)

The State of the Mets: Me on Mets Weekly [Video]

I finally got my segment from Mets Weekly up on YouTube. Thanks to everyone at SNY who had a hand in this. It came out very well.

The interview focuses on me and my blog and how I keep up with everything. I talk a lot about Twitter, Game Chats and connecting with fans. All the different aspects of "blogging."

The audio is extremely low, so crank it up all the way to get a good listen.

Manuel’s Musing

“It was very encouraging to watch him move as freely as he was moving and to be able to not have a noticeable limp or anything.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jose Reyes

Home Run Derby Chat

Join in for a fun little discussion while watching the Home Run Derby from St. Louis.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Tune in tomorrow for an All-Star Game Chat.

All-Star lineup set, Wright batting sixth

Charlie Manuel has released his lineup for tomorrow night’s All-Star Game in St. Louis.  David Wright is batting sixth, sandwiched between two Phillies.

1. Hanley Ramirez – FLA
2. Chase Utley – PHI
3. Albert Pujols – STL
4. Ryan Braun – MIL
5. Raul Ibanez – PHI
6. David Wright – NYM
7. Shane Victorino – PHI
8. Yadier Molina – STL
9. Tim Lincecum - SF

New York Mets lunchbox [Photos]

This is, by far, the best promotion.  Ever.

My girlfriend’s parents attended the Saturday night game between the Mets and the Reds and were treated to a Johan Santana gem.  Along with taking in the game, they were able to snag two lunchboxes as they walked through the gates, courtesy of Verizon Wireless.  They graciously passed one on to me.

It is awesome.  I don’t know why, but I just love it.  I think I’ll use it to bring my lunch to college next year, much to my girlfriend’s chagrin.

Here’s what it looks like…