Hilarious front page from the NY Post [Image]

Take some enjoyment away from this, Mets fans…The Nightmare World Series has been good for something.

Twenty-three years ago…

Twenty-three years ago, 55,032 fans packed into Shea Stadium on an October evening.

Twenty-three years ago, Ron Darling struggled early and was pulled after only 3 2-3 innings.

Twenty-three years ago, Sid Fernandez tossed 2 1-2 shutout innings in relief.

Twenty-three years ago, Ray Knight and Darryl Strawberry homered in the 7th and 8th inning, respectively.

Twenty-three years ago, Jesse Orosco’s glove went up and may have never come down.

Twenty-three years ago, at 11:26 p.m., the Mets and their fans had the ultimate reason to celebrate.

Twenty-three years ago today, the Mets won the 1986 World Series, beating the Boston Red Sox 8-5.

What are some of your memories of the ‘86 World Series?

Link: What to do now, as a Mets fan

Head over to the New York Daily News blog Touching Base for some responses from Mets fans around the blogosphere on what they’ll be doing for the nightmare World Series.

With quotes from Caryn from MetsGrrl.com, Grag and Jason from FAFIF, Sagiv from FireJerryManuel and Steve from Kranepool Society, along with me.

Click here and give it a read.

In case you were worried: Mets not fielding offers for Beltran

A few days ago in the Boston Herald, columnist Michael Silverman pitched the idea of Carlos Beltran going to the Boston Red Sox.

It was just a suggestion, but the Full Count blog squashed any rumors before they could get started.

From WEEI’s Full Count blog…

A major-league source said that the Mets would not even entertain the idea of trading Beltran. The Mets are instead giving every indication that they will be active in adding pieces this offseason (New York is expected to get involved in the markets for Bay and/or Matt Holliday). Given that likelihood, it would not make sense for the team to deal one of its best players.

(Emphasis mine.)

Don’t worry, Beltran fans.  He’s not going anywhere but back out to centerfield in Citi Field for at least another year.

Where I wish I could spend the next two weeks [Image]

Just until the Yankees or Phillies fans get sick of celebrating.  Then I will rejoin society.

Twitter Poll: Who do you want to lose in the World Series?

I think it’s too touchy of a subject to ask Mets fans who they want to see win the World Series.  It might be a little gentler to ask them which team they would rather see lose.

So I asked.  Here are some responses…

cutiepie0319k said: the yankees better lose. i cannot deal with their fans in my face anymore.

VivaLMainstream said: Someone needs to demolish the Phillies. I'm gonna have to hide for a week if they win again (Mets fan in Philly = FAIL)

VivaLMainstream continued: The Yankees have had their time in the humility box. Now I need them to start kicking ass again (not too much, mind you)

metsphanatic said: Phillies!

loganpoweredny said: Phillies MUST lose

kayser3373 said: I would much rather see the Yankees lose. Just so their fans will stop squawking.

bosco86 said: would like to see the Phillies get swept and embarrassed by the Yankees.

fscker said: phillies, no question.

realcinch said: phils

davidwakeman said: I was thinking maybe they can cancel this world series.

How about you?  Who would you rather see lose in the World Series?

Steve Phillips fired from ESPN [Updated]

Steve Phillips is out at ESPN, according to Mike Soltys of ESPN PR.

Update – 10:31 p.m.:

Yikes.

The ‘Ropolitans Radio recap [Ep. 2]

Something went awry with the recording, but I was still able to pull three clips off the CD.

Joining me on the show are Jeremy Schilling, Alex Birsh and Lenny Neslin.

We discuss playoff baseball, Jose Reyes and Jeff Francoeur.

Clip 1 – Playoff baseball

Clip 2 – Jose Reyes

Clip 3 – Jeff Francoeur

 

Mets minor leaguer dies

Rafael Castro, 18 and a Columbian native, collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack, according to the Associated Press.

Castro had been in the Mets organization for two years, both with the Venezuelan summer team.  He died at the team’s academy in Carabobo, Venezuela.

Should you be dreaming of Aroldis Chapman in orange and blue?

Simply: Probably not.

The 21-year-old Cuban defector looks like he’ll be making headlines until he signs, but it’s unlikely he’ll land in Flushing.

Chapman is asking for somewhere between $40 and $60 million, according to David Lennon.

If that’s the case, count the Mets out.  With something like $30 million coming off the payroll this season, the Mets have too many other things to deal with.

For all of those that have high hopes of Chapman and Mr. Met arm in arm, it might be time to set your sights a little lower.  Or a lot lower.