More ‘69 World Series videos

Two more videos from the 1969 World Series.  First up, the shoe polish play…

And the final out and subsequent celebration…

Great comment on the first one: “The 1969 Mets – God’s most recent miracle!”

Dueling reports: Castillo three-way (not) being discussed

I’m sure you’ve all read this: Cubs explore Bradley deal that would net Castillo.

Well, now read this: Rangers won't do three-way Bradley deal.

Welcome to Hot Stove Season, where I won’t believe anything until the papers are signed.

I like talking about them on Twitter as hypotheticals and possibilities, but I’m not going to link to every rumor out there.

If you want rumor-mongering, you know what sites to visit.  If you want the news and analysis, come here and the other quality sites which I frequently link to.

How Mets fans view Luis Castillo [Image]

Link: Part V of blogger roundtable

Head over to NJ.com to check out the fifth and final portion of the blogger roundtable.

Today we answered, “If the Mets do not sign John Lackey, which other free-agent pitcher do you think would be the best fit for them?”

My answer is kind of a mess, but you’ll get the point.

Thanks to Brian Costa for setting this up.

Showdown: Santos’ OBP vs. Molina’s OBP [Graph]

The Mets need a catcher.  Bengie Molina is available.  The Mets will likely be interested.

Say the Mets sign Molina and pair him with Omir Santos as the Mets catchers in 2010, can you imagine the battle to keep their combined OBP above .600?

Here is a chart with Santos’ and Molina’s OBP for every year from 2001 on, Santos’ first year in pro ball.  All numbers for Santos are minor league stats except for 2009.

Please, no.  Don’t let it happen.  I don’t want to see a two-man battle for futility.

Phrases I hate during hot stove season

Here is a list of phrases I find are overused and stupid during this insane season of hot stove baseball

• Rumor
• Interested in
• Could
• Look at
• Anonymous sources
• Major-league sources
• Insider(s)
• Pursue
• Possible
• Likely
• Unlikely

Example: According to my anonymous major-league sources, INSERT TEAM NAME could be interested in INSERT PLAYER NAME.  Insiders say it’s possible TEAM NAME could look at pursuing PLAYER NAME as a possible addition to their team.  It’s not known if he is likely to be available for a decent price, but it’s unlikely he gives any team a bargain.  Right now, it’s just a rumor.

I apologize in advance if I use these in any major way in any posts from here on out.  I try not to rumor-monger, but sometimes I lapse into some bad blogging judgment.

‘69 Mets locker room after winning the World Series [Video]

This is just too cool.

This seems to be the NBC feed, with no commercials, which is awesome.

Also, note the insanity on the field.  Could you imagine if they still allowed that?

Link: Roundtable Part IV

Head over to NJ.com for Part IV of the blogger roundtable.

Today we answered, “Could you live with Daniel Murphy starting at first base if the Mets sign Matt Holliday or Jason Bay to play left field? If not, what should the Mets do at first base?”

Thoughts?

A message from Wally [Video]

Link: Part III of blogger roundtable

Head over to NJ.com to read Part III of the Mets blogger roundtable.

Today we answered, “If the Mets spend big on one free agent this winter -- and, obviously, there are only three high-priced options here: Matt Holliday, John Lackey or Jason Bay -- who do you think it should be and why?”

Click here to read Greg and Jason’s answers from Faith and Fear in Flushing, Eric’s from Amazin’ Avenue and mine from here.