David Wright, 7/27: 2-3, 2 R, BB, K
AVG: .321 (Change from previous game: +.003, Change from Game 81: -.005)
OBP: .412 (Change from previous game: +.003, Change from Game 81: -.002)
SLG: .458 (Change from previous game: +.002, Change from Game 81: –.012)
Barring some unforeseen changes to the situation between Adam Rubin and Omar Minaya, here is my take on the matter.
One of the first things I learned in my journalism classes was to never make yourself part of the story. Yesterday, Rubin had no control over it. Minaya pulled his name out and tried to drag it through the mud. Rubin had to respond with a press conference of his own to clear up the insanity.
Most people are taking sides on it, but I stand firmly in the middle. Both parties were wrong.
Rubin, though interested in a job in baseball, should not continually (or even once) “lobby” for a position or even inquire with officials of the team he is covering. Maybe another team, in another league. Maybe. Otherwise, this just seems like a huge conflict of interest if anyone does lend a hand his way while he may be covering the team.
Edit: Rubin said something to the effect of talking to people about a career in baseball. That might not be lobbying (hence the " ") but it is something to note. Minaya could be fabricating this “continuing lobbied” story, or it could be true. Even if Rubin once asked Jeff Wilpon or anyone else with the Mets about a job with the team, I think he crossed some line.
Minaya, though somewhat just in his suspicions, should not have slapped this on Rubin during the press conference that was being broadcast on TV. If he took Rubin aside and spoke to him, that would have been fine.
Rubin should, and has, stood by his reporting. His articles brought to light a very serious matter within the Mets and they conducted their own investigation because of it. The team must have found something to back up Rubin’s story, otherwise Tony Bernanzard would still be employed.
Sure, it could have just come from fan pressure that they let Bernazard go, but I don’t see that being the reason. They must have found a red flag (or a few) in order to go through with canning a dear friend of Minaya and Jeff Wilpon.
Rubin did some great reporting to break the story and defended himself against the acqusations that he was gunning for Bernazard’s job. But Rubin did trip up in his press conference and appearance on TV afterwards.
He said, on many occasions, that he doesn’t know how he’s going to cover the Mets anymore after this.
That’s a big no-no to me. As a journalist, you have to stay emotionally separate from your story or beat. You cannot spill emotion into a news article. That’s for a columnist or fluff article. You must report the facts whether you like them or not, because what you think as a reporter doesn’t really matter.
If you do see a discrepancy or some fault, you can further investigate, but your personal feelings should never, ever creep into your articles.
If he believes that, as a reporter, he won’t be able to continue to find the true facts on the team, that may be one thing. I don’t believe that was what he was alluding to, though.
So both Minaya and Rubin were at fault. Minaya should not lose his job over this. Either should Rubin (though as he said, he doesn’t know how he’s going to cover the team anymore). Both probably said things they would take back in a second.
This story seems like it has some legs and will keep chugging along for a few days, at the least. As a journalist, it is fascinating and horrifying to watch.
It might be more exciting than the Mets season.
Lost in the shenanigans that is the Adam Rubin / Omar Minaya / Tony Bernazard fiasco, the Mets won a game, in dramatic fashion, and pushed their winning streak to three.
The game was tied at three in the bottom of the 8th inning. Luis Castillo, who has, as Jerry Manuel noted, been on fire, walk to lead off the inning. David Wright followed with a walk of his own as Rockies pitcher Juan Rincon couldn’t even come close to the strikezone.
This is where things jumped the script of the Mets season as of late. Daniel Murphy, who for no reason should be the Mets cleanup hitter, pushed a beautiful bunt down the third base line, advancing both runners in exchange for the first out of the inning.
Then the Rockies issued an intentional walk to Jeff Francoeur, the first base on balls for Frenchy as a Met. This was to get to ex-Rockie Cory Sullivan, who was 0-1 with a walk and a RBI sac-fly. Instead, Jerry Manuel chose to pinch hit Fernando Tatis.
And every single Mets fan watching this game thought the same thing: Here comes the inning-ending double play.
New pitcher Franklin Morales was quickly ahead 0-2 on Tatis and every Mets fan had the same wish: Please strikeout!
But Tatis connected on a changeup down and over the plate and sent it into the left field stands for a pinch-hit grand slam, giving the Mets a 7-3 lead that they did not relinquish.
This game did not seem like it was a 2009 game. The Mets hung tough and scored when it counted. They manufactured two of their runs, and the other five came from home runs (Francoeur earlier connected on a solo shot).
I remarked during the game, “This Mets team actually looks like it wants to win games.” I also remarked that games like this give Mets fans hope, which I couldn’t decide if that was a good or bad thing.
The jury is still out on the latter.
(Oh, and for those wondering about my trip to the dentist (see: bottom), I’m cavity free. I just need to floss more.)
If you’re a Mets fan, you probably know who Julie Alexandria is. If you don’t, here’s a primer: Beautiful TV host on SNY. Used to do Beer Money, now does Mets Weekly. Is pretty awesome at what she does.
Anyway, she’s branching out and will take to the stage as a comedian on July 30.
Here’s the info:
Comix Comedy Club - The 12 Angry Mascots sports-comedy show.
Hosted by Scott Rogowsky (The Onion) and Neil Janowtiz (ESPN the Mag), 12 Angry Mascots brings together the best sports-themed stand-up and sketch comedy in the city, along with special guest interviews. Julie will be joined by NY Rangers' Christopher Higgins (just got traded for Scott Gomez) on the July 30th show, 7:30 pm. There will also be stand-up from Comedy Central's Dan Allen and VH1's Best Week Ever's Matt Goldich.
More info and tickets at http://www.comixny.com/event.aspx?eid=553&sid=2022 Comix is located at 353 W. 14th St (just east of 9th ave).
Here's a video Julie did to generate some buzz about the show. It's pretty funny stuff.
(There’s some NSFW language in there, so be wary.)
-Jerry Manuel on Luis Castillo
Buckle up for a long and extensive journey around the blog-o-sphere to pick up quotes 
Here’s the words from non-Mets blogs and writers…
Sports Crackle Pop! - Bernazard Loses a Job, Adam Rubin Loses Much More [Sic’d]
Omar Minaya always seemed like a quality guy. But as this Mets’ season continues to implode, and the walls start coming in around him, it seems Minaya’s true colors are starting to shine. He’s pulling a Sarah Palin, blaming his mis-steps and failures on media members trying to advance their own personal agendas. Well, Sarah Palin’s approval numbers are in the toilet. Now, Minaya’s seem to be circling the rim.
Big League Stew - Omar Minaya hurls reporter under bus at press conference
From my viewpoint, it was completely irresponsible for Minaya to spin the press conference the way he did. If he had an axe to grind with Rubin over the outing of an employee he hired, then there was a time and place. Needless to say, this wasn't it, and you have to think that Minaya's turn for being thrown under the bus himself just lurched a lot closer.
ShysterBall - Even firing Bernazard is crazy
Does Omar not read the papers? Does he not realize that throwing such a thing out there -- even if true -- is going to inspire about 12 attacks a day? Is this the GM's equivalent of suicide-by-cop?
The Cuce’s Rant - Omar Minaya Calls Out Adam Rubin (Daily News) During Bernazard Press Conference [Sic’d]
I read Adam Rubin's column every day for the Daily News and when I heard Omar called out this reporter it was at the very least a stunning event taking place. A very immature move for Omar Minaya to try to take out his frustration on a reporter who was just trying to do his job. What difference does it make if Rubin wants to become a scout one day? It has nothing to do with the reason why Bernazard got fired. Many different players,coaches, and members of the organization confirmed the story, so it obviously had to be true. I don't think I've ever seen an upper-level member of a professional organization sink to such a low-level in blaming a media member of trying to conspire an untrue story in order to get that person's job.
Tony Blogs - Omar Minaya and Adam Rubin of The Daily News get into it at Bernazard press conference
For Minaya to imply that these things didn't need to be revealed is ludicrous. Whether Rubin likes Bernazard or not has nothing to do with the fact that Bernazard was wrong and definitely has an attitude problem. But Bernazard was Minaya's "guy," and to fire him makes Minaya look bad. He chose to take it out on a reporter, in a room full of press, which is ridiculous of Minaya to do.
The LoHud Yankees Blog - Game 99: Yankees at Rays (updated with Girardi audio)
One of the first things you learn at journalism school is not to become the story. This has to be a bad spot for Rubin. But Minaya is teetering on the brink of full-scale nuttiness. It’s unfathomable how the Wilpons could let him run their team at this point.
I covered the Mets before I was promoted to the Yankees. They are are wildly dysfunctional organization but what happened today was an all-timer. It’s too bad because Mets fans are largely good folks who care deeply about their team. They deserve better.
Third String Safety - Houdini Minaya Shouldn’t Escape This One
Minaya has had more lives than a cat at this point. He survived the collapse of 2007. He survived the botched firing of Willie Randolph. He survived the collapse of 2008. Until today, he looked to be treading water in the disastrous season of 2009.
I’m shocked it hasn’t come already. For an organization that is as concerned about public perception as the Mets are, how have they continued to employ someone that routinely fails in that area? No mater what the situation, Omar’s “hijinks” invariably make the Mets look bad.
The Village Voice - Mets Fire Tony Bernazard, Minaya Blames Daily News Writer
Maybe this was Minaya's childish way of playing down his own responsibility for the move, or of giving the organization a scapegoat in hatred of whom they could all come together. Or maybe the Mets really are just so cursed this year that they can't do anything right without screwing it up.
Deadspin - Minaya Calls Out Daily News Reporter; Mets' Season Descends Further Into Farce
Only one way to settle this: shirtless fistfight.
Have you seen another good quote or reaction from a non-Mets blog? Post it in the comments!
Thank you, Geoffrey!
Buckle up for a long and extensive journey around the blog-o-sphere to pick up quotes 
Here’s the words from the Mets blogs and writers…
Noble Thoughts - Omar, Tony, Rubin & the circus
It's almost impossible to defend what Minaya just did. Even if he had all the evidence in the world to make those allegations, it's just not something you do in that setting. The fallout from all this is going to be immensely interesting, but Omar immediately comes off looking like the bad guy. Again.
NY Sports Dog - Adam Rubin Is Too Emotionally Involved
Can't cover the team while Minaya is GM? Why? Because his feelings got hurt? Welcome to real life.
Adam needs to act like a real reporter instead of an overly emotional teenager who got left at the prom by their date.
Reporters are often at odds with those whom they target--that comes with the territory--the key here is Adam Rubin reported it right and needed to be ready for whatever reactions came his way--not to ask for or expect a pat on the back or quit because he was singled out.
The InterMet - So It’s Rubin’s Fault Bernazard Was Out Of Control?
That is so counter-productive it’s insane. It makes no sense for two reasons.
1. Who exactly is he trying to win over by discrediting the reporter? Other reporters at other papers will see through that, not to mention be outraged by a baseball executive trying to blame the media for a nightmare that transpired on his watch.
2. How does this end the distractions?
This was a terrible, terrible job by Minaya, who has brought down an entirely new storm on this team. And most likely, on himself.
The Mets Police - New York Mets Omar Minaya Apologized, So Let's Accept The Apology
I have no dog in this fight. I feel bad for Adam Rubin and hope he doesn't lose his gig over this, and I think asking someone how they got a job in the front office is no different than me asking Matt Cerrone how Metsblog started - does that mean that I'm not good at whatever my real job is (it's not this) or that I'm somehow out to get someone? No. Rubin should be allowed to explore whatever he thinks will make him happy in his life. Bernazard either did or didn't do what Rubin wrote, and apparently Bernazard did.
I don't think Minaya should lose his job over not being smooth in press conferences. The Mets should hire someone who is smooth to handle all interactions with the media. If Minaya is to lose his job it should because the team fails, not because he took a wrong turn in a press conference - and hey Jay Horwitz way to protect your guy!
Metsopolis - Omar Minaya Calls Out Adam Rubin
Omar Minaya clearly wanted to deflect attention away from Tony Bernazard and the mess that he created. He accomplished that, but at the expense of a fine reporter. There was absolutely no reason to call out Adam Rubin at this press conference, and it is just another sign that the front office and ownership of the Mets do not understand public relations in addition to baseball.
Mets Fans Forever - OMAR'S MELTDOWN [Sic]
Omar, you should be embarrassed of what you did today. The press conference was supposed to be about the dismissal of Tony Bernazard, and instead you turned it yet again into another circus. And I am speaking about all Met fans when I say "You should be axed"
Mets Today - Bernazard Firing Part Deux
After listening to Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum in this absurd press conference, Jerry Manuel’s postgame interview will resemble a symposium conducted by Albert Einstein.
One can only wonder what this Mickey Mouse operation will do next.
Mets Report - Omar Minaya Apologizes For Trashing Adam Rubin
It’s been a bizzare day, even by Mets standards. This kind of bad PR just can’t be doing Minaya any good right now. Unbelievable… Does the embarrassment ever end?
John Delcos’ New York Mets Report - In defense of Adam Rubin …
There are few reporters I admire and respect as much as I do Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News. He is among the first to arrive and last to leave. He works the clubhouse as well as any colleague I have competed against. I consider my work ethic one of my strong suits and I envy his. As far as I am concerned, his integrity is above reproach.
---
If Minaya had a problem with Rubin, he should have addressed it privately behind closed doors as part of his in-depth investigation. Bernazard, an embarrassment to the Mets, has been fired and is gone. The Mets’ embarrassing behavior still remains.
Have you seen another good quote or reaction from a Mets blog? Post it in the comments!
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Hit the comments below to discuss the Mets 7-3 win over the Rockies...
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Tony Bernazard has been fired.
Bernazard was in a large pot of hot water after a report surfaced that he removed his shirt and challenged the Binghamton Mets players to a fight. Other reports also said he was involved in a shouting match with Francisco Rodriguez on the team bus.
Honestly, almost every Mets fan is probably celebrating this move. Finally something all fans can agree on.
(I'm at the dentist right now. More later.)
In the most recent poll, I asked readers how many games they think Johan Santana will win in 2009. Right now, Santana is 11-8 in 20 games.
Here are the results…
How many wins do you think Santana will earn in 2009?
Next poll: Should Omar Minaya be fired?
