Home Sweet Home

 

To view photos of our Amazin’ new cathedral, click here or if you don’t have a facebook account click here..  After spending the day at CitiField yesterday, I came away feeling like I just stepped away from a field of dreams.  It’s the perfect blend of old time baseball visuals and modern conveniences. 

It’s all very well thought out with many places to hang out with other fans, an unlimited variety of food and every angle of view available to everyone.  Lastly and most unexpected, from the centerfield camera on SNY… it’ll look exactly like Wrigley.

Posted By Nik Kolidas

Filed under: New York Mets 2009-2010, Nik Kolidas

Spring Report

I like what I see from the team this spring. More importantly, I really like what I see from Jerry the Gangsta. This is HIS team folks, something that we haven’t seen since Bobby V. Willie seemed to “play the part” while Jerry is the part.

 

I went to the game, well sort of, today. It rained, and I had to get on the road – so I didn’t see too much of it. I did see pre-game, where Jerry was signing autographs and talking with fans. He really loves this team, and he is a take charge guy. I can see why the players bonded with him as a bench coach, and really liked playing for him last year. I am excited to see what he can do with this team for a full year.

 

I also had my annual “words” with Omar. I usually see him once a spring and tell him how I feel about the team. If you ever have the chance to talk to him do it, he is very engaging. A few years ago I said to him “Omar, PLEASE find a taker for Matsui” he laughed and actually said he was trying (half joking). Today, he was walking through Ft. Lauderdale stadium among at least 65% Mets’ fans, and no one seemed to notice him. I called out his name and thanked him for the bullpen. He smiled and gave a thumbs up. I mentioned this in a previous post, but you really do have to have your eyes open during spring games. I went to an Astros/Phils game last week and while I was exiting there was Miguel Cairo and Raul Ibanez standing by their car in the parking lot. People were walking by them without even noticing them – some of them were autograph seekers as well. Since they were Phillies’ fans, I didn’t let them know who they were missing. Sorry folks- oh, and don’t wash all of those new red shirts with whites!!! 

 

I have many memories of Ft. Lauderdale stadium, from the 80’s, some of which I have to get around to posting here. I was a autograph hound and loved talking baseball with players. Unfortunately, from a fan perspective, much of this was with Yankees – Winfield, Mattingly, Henderson, Tommy John, but also many visitors – Boggs, Rice, Valentine, Brett, etc.

 

I have seen the Mets a few times this year, and I see a different focus. The easiest way to explain it is that they look like seniors in high school. They are having fun, they are used to one another, but at the same time are extremely focused in what they are doing. I like it.

 

 

Posted by Gene Anthony

Filed under: Gene Anthony, New York Mets 2009-2010

The State Of The Mets

Hello true believers! In this episode Spiderman battles the Phillies

As we wind down the blue and orange brick road to Opening Day, I think it’s a good time to look at where the team stands and what it needs to do to get prepared over the next two weeks.  I have total confidence that on paper, we’re light years ahead of anyone in the division. The reality is that the paper has crumpled the last two seasons based on bad preparation, bad luck and Omar putting faith in the wrong guys.  Let’s see how the different facets of the game are coming together and what concerns there might be.  I also look forward to hearing what you think…

I found a way to get back to 2006!

Offense:

I’m confident the Mets can repeat a similar performance as they did last year based on our major run producers being healthy and on track this spring.  They got a very pedestrian performance out of both left and rightfield last year and were solid (at least early in the game), so I feel based on past production that Church and Murphy can be at least league average.  I also like our back up depth as Tatis, Cora, Sullivan & Evans should be able to outplay the Gerald Williams’ of the world we’re used to seeing. The injury protection is solid as our farm system has been finally getting some good press and come July, we can import another bat if someone goes down.

The issues I wonder about are not addressing the fatigue/ focus factor that had them shutting down late in games and our 2nd baseman. 

I know it sounds like a broken record, but the WBC is bad for baseball.  I believe now that everyone’s come back reasonably healthy (except for out of shape Olle), we might get off to a fast offensive start partly because of the tournament.  The issue I have is the fatigue factor down the stretch.  In 2006, they got out of the gate so fast that before long they were 86ing the East, but by October the mental and physical tank was empty. 

Since the lineup has barely changed, I don’t except the same recipe to suddenly hit late in games (change the mix and I’ll change my opinion). They have to count on the opposition (like 2006) not believing they can beat our pen and giving up. 

pass the dutchie on the left hand side

 Luis Luis Luis

Castillo by most accounts is having a solid spring, but I keep getting this smoke and mirrors vibe. (With the design to improve his confidence and our attitude toward him).   I’ve hear Eddie C and several other reported talking about how great he’s moving and what great shape he came into camp in, but two things stand out.

 

On a recent broadcast, Kevin Burkheart began to drive the “don’t boo Louis” bandwagon before Darling asked him to remember this is NYC. 

I wouldn’t boo right away just due to the fact he’s worked to improve, but if he still stinks I can’t tell someone what to do with their voice.  I don’t personally boo unless I see lack of hustle.

Best for the team it is

 

I think where he hits in the lineup is also a huge issue.  If he’s 85% of his former self and hitting 8th, his tools aren’t utilized and he becomes a light slap hitter with average defense that does nothing but clear the pitcher and move the 7th hitter into scoring position.  

 

If he’s almost his old self and hitting 2nd, then he’s at least useful.

There are two things that worry me.   First is the fact that Manuel knows this and is talking about hitting Murphy 2nd.  Why would he put Castillo in a spot where he has no use unless he’s not himself?  Second…

For the last time... I'm not Lee Mazzilli!

 

 

Lee Mazzili on 1050espn threw a lot of cold water on Castillo and hinted that he’s not nearly his old self.  This is after seeing him this spring.

We’ll have to wait and see…

 

 

Rotation/ Pen

We have two questions here.  First, can Dan Warthen undo the damage that team Mexico has inflicted on Olle Perez and second, can John Maine figure it out in two more starts.

How do I reeeeeach these keeeeeeds?

Of all the things that bug me about the way the front office has laid the season down for Bud and his dopey project, the things that bothers me most is allowing our most fragile player to go unsupervised for two weeks.

Perez needs to be hounded constantly to be any good and we have to hope two weeks is enough to make up for 19 days of abuse.  The man pitched just twice over two weeks and threw a huge amount of pitches out of the wrong slot in those two outings.  The well worked out machine that left has returned an out of shape man with no release point. Nobody who lives and works in the US most of the year belongs on “Team Mexico”.  What a joke…

You can dance with me all day but I’m not throwing that curveball

 

 

I have little to say about John Maine other than he’s behaving like… John Maine.  Sadly, his own head will always get in the way of him being great (see Olle has example number #1).  I expect 12-13 wins from him this year and out of the #4 spot, it should be fine.  Like all of you, it would be nice to see at least one good start before they break camp. 

 

 

 

Livan said something that put the rotation in perceptive…

“With the players you’ve got on the team, you’ve got a chance to win a lot of games,” Hernandez said. “A lot of people have got a chance to win a lot of games.”  Isn’t that always the case with this bunch?

Pedro & Livan in happier times

Count me as shocked he’s part of it.  What the hell?  Grab a glove buddy…   Pedro who?

I can see a middle reliever getting 10 wins this year (like McDowell’s 14 in 1986) due to the Perez and Maine 100 pitch 5 innings efforts.  Due to the new pen, the team will be much better so I do expect a few of those losses from last year to get flipped.  With a slightly less specialized look, don’t’ be surprised if Parnell wins more games than Livan.

As far the overall pen, there’s little for me to write.  If the WBC fatigue sets in, we’re going to have problems in September.  If it’s really not that impactful, then we’ll have the best pen in the NL six months instead of five months.  I can’t see someone as fifthly as Putz pitching badly in the 8th , but who knows?   I’d bet we’re fine there.

We've got to stop drinking before games!

 

Overall, I see a 95 win team on paper with issues that could knock 10 wins off that number or dominate the division by June.   It wouldn’t shock me if the WBC involvement makes the team go on an offensive tear to start the season.  If the rotation can somehow get back into shape by then, we might be looking at 2006 again.  It’s hard to collapse when you’ve truly buried the team behind you.

Posted By Nik Kolidas

Filed under: New York Mets 2009-2010, Nik Kolidas

Doc… are you telling me this sucker’s nuclear?

YES!

 

I’d like to step away from 2009 for a moment and jump in Doc Gooden’s Delorean, hitting 88 mph back to good ol’ 1986. Grab a cup of coffee and read this really fantastic article from SI back in 86′. You can thank me later.

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1065412/index.htm?eref=sircrc&eref=sisf

Filed under: New York Mets 2009-2010, Nik Kolidas

Help me if you can I’m feeling doooooooown

I can’t take it.  I’m tired of writing about the same thing over and over, but since there is no true spring training and our players are gallivanting with other team’s stars what else is there to do?

I love the WBC!

Wright gets knocked in the head the other day like Ryan Church last year.  It’s March and the man gets up and like a warrior gets back into a game the next day.  WFT?  I swear if I ever run into Jeff Wilpon I’m going have a mental breakdown.  A urologist is needed pronto to locate and repair his balls.  Why is Krod having a four out save in March?  Why wasn’t he on a plane home the after 1 pitch in the 9th when our representative (I assume we have one watching things) saw him come out for a 2nd inning?  Why is Perez throwing so many pitches in a start so early?   Why are they risking THEIR OWN 150 million investment for Bud?  

What was my name again? Point me toward 3rd base and I'll try and crawl out there..

They expect me to be invested with this team for the next six months and asked me (begged me) to buy season tickets for over a month now.  To that I tell them to go ask your manlover Bud for the money.  I really hope Wright is ok and I hope Jeff get a justified lashing in the NY press if he’s not.  If Krod loses gas this year, you can bet half of NY will be looking at the WBC.  Once again, BRING THESE ABUSED PLAYERS HOME.

By the way… give Pedro a one year two million dollar offer and let it sit there.  If he wants it,  great.  If not, he’s only got 10 starts in him anyway.  I’ll probably not be able to watch a Livan start (boring as hell), but if he’s the 5th starter we’re ok.

Posted By Nik Kolidas

Filed under: New York Mets 2009-2010, Nik Kolidas

Maybe He’s Just Not That Into You?

It’s turned into a great debate among Mets fans this off-season – whether or not to re-sign Pedro for 2009.

Some argue that he’s a future Hall-of-Famer, career ERA of 2.91 and a uniter in the clubhouse- a good guy to have around. Others look at his performance in 2008 and doubt there’s anyway he can come back and stay healthy for an entire season…not to mention the issue of salary.

Fans can go back and forth on this, but regardless of what we think, it all comes down to Omar. And Pedro, I’m starting to think that maybe Omar’s just not that into you.

The honeymoon's over.

On Tuesday, Martinez told reporters:

“If they want a fifth starter, I’ve been there,” Martinez said. “I don’t know how much they want me, but I’m available. That’s all I can say.”Yeah, I would like to be back [with the Mets], but I’m not just going to follow the Mets. They have their own plans and they have their own thought process. “Yes, I would love to go [to Citi Field] and hopefully have the same success I had at Shea. Shea was a great stadium for me. I hope the new Shea pretty much follows up on the old one. But I have my goals and I have my things that I want to achieve in life. If it’s not with the Mets, it will be with someone else.”

Um….Pedro? You’re kinda starting to sound a little desperate, like a scorned ex-girlfriend. You promise you’ll change, you can be all that Omar wants you to be. And then when you realize he’s not going to take you back, you turn it around and pull the “I can find someone else. I won’t stay single for long, you’ll see……but if you wanna work things out, baby let’s talk.”

I can’t help but feel bad for Pedro Martinez. One of the greatest modern pitchers in the twilight of his career, though no one wants him. Tommy Glavine, John Smoltz and my boy Randy Johnson are all similarly injury-prone AND significantly older…but they’ve got jobs.  So hang in there, Pedro….I have faith that someone will be into you.

Posted by Emily Doran

Filed under: Emily Doran, New York Mets 2009-2010

Mets in Viera: Mad Dog the Ambulance Chaser!

Great day today to take in a spring game. As I mentioned in a previous post, when you are at a spring game always be aware. Today I got to the game about an hour early (in Viera) and noticed John Franco behind home plate talking to a fan. I went down to say hello, as you can do in spring. The “fan” was in fact Bret Saberhagen, who was taking in a game and chatting with Franco. Even though John used to give me an ulcer watching him pitch, I was inclined to say hello and thank him for the memories. He was cool.

 

As this was taking place, Mad Dog Russo comes running up to Franco like a school girl. He started hugging him and messing with his hat. Then he noticed Saberhagen talking to Franco through the fence and was obsessed with getting him on his show. I now get the “dog” part of his name, since he reminded me of the cartoon where the small dog is trying to pal around with the bigger bulldog – “we’re pals aint we Chester”.  Saberhagen agreed to meet him later on his show and Franco continued to give Russo hell, as Russo then asked Saberhagen to walk up to the booth after he first told him that he would have someone come get him.

 

I then chimed in telling Franco to make Russo a Mets’ fan and have him stop ragging his team. Russo, in a dorkish manner, heralded Lincecum – like no one had ever heard of him. Franco and Saberhagen immediately asked if he saw the video game commercial with Lincecum (where his character shadows him). Russo hasn’t seen it – what a “tool”. The line of the day came from Franco. Russo was still giddy about Lincecum, saying he was the “real deal”. Franco said “yeah, know you’ll win one game a week”. All of us laughed but Russo. As he walked away Franco told Saberhagen (and me, by default) that he got Russo in a clubhouse prank 15 years ago. Russo clearly looked like an ambulance chaser. He also later walked around the stadium almost hoping that someone would recognize him.

 

Couple of points from the game, besides the pre-game. Murphy is working his ass off. He takes extra batting practice and is driving the ball to all fields. At one point I wondered if his opposite field hitting would make him vulnerable to the inside pitch. The next round he hit three bombs to right. He has the same obsession with practice that Wright does. Church doesn’t seem to enjoy spring, or just not today. He was jawing with his old teammates while playing the field, noting that he is not picking up the outside pitch this spring. He also hoped he wouldn’t be in the game much longer. He later dove for a sinking line drive, playing it into a triple. It was good to see him get a hit off of a lefty as well.

 

The “gangsta” was on the field hitting fungos before the game. He was also working with infielders by having them take fungos on their knees at fairly close range. Here he is hitting to his infielders:

 

 

 

Posted by Gene Anthony

Filed under: Gene Anthony, New York Mets 2009-2010

D. Murph

Just came back from the Mets game and it was worth it. Daniel Murphy had very good ABs – this kid’s power to left center reminds me of Mattingly. He also seems extremely comfortable hitting with two strikes.

I also saw something from him that I was unaware he had – an arm. On a single to left center, he fired a ball to home (which surprised me). I don’t remember any of his throws from the outfield last year (that is, none left an impression).

For a game that I was expecting nothing, I came away with three good ABs by D. Murph – go kid go!

posted by Gene Anthony

Filed under: Gene Anthony, New York Mets 2009-2010

A-Hip & the Vultures – The WMC & Adventures in Petoria

Damn, I’m hungry and I can’t believe that shoulder was ok! Wait… that Dominican guy is clutching his hip! Fresh meat!

Congratulations to Met fan Alex Rodriguez for his fantastic portrayal of a steak dinner for New York’s hungry media.  Disappointed, and unwilling to accept Yohan’s elbow is fine, they needed a major injury to fuel their doomsday stories.   If nobody got hurt soon, one of those reporters might have had to go trip a player on purpose to have something to write about.  Lucky for the Mets, it was the Met fan in the Bronx who’s fallen and can’t get up.  Naturally, now the Yanks are the team that’s in trouble/ might not make the playoffs/ have a terrible bottom of the lineup.  All of the sudden now people notice that the closer is coming off surgery; the catcher is a huge question mark and the 2nd basemen pulled a Castillo last year.  Thing is, just like it was when the Mets were “doomed”…  it’s all crap.  I just hate this negative energy no matter where it’s directed. 

Introducing the The WMC (World Mets Classic)

Can two divorced Mets live on a baseball field without driving each other crazy?

The WMC (World Mets Classic) has gotten off the ground, as many different teams of Mets (supplemented by a few other players) take on Japan for the chance to be best the Met spring training squad of the year!  Really, Jeff… you’ve made me agree with Michael Kaye for the first time in my life.  This is a disgrace.  Oh yea… Tatis is replacing ARod http://www.metsblog.com/2009/03/05/news-tatis-to-replace-arod-in-wbc/ . Of course he is. 

Hey Bud... it's time for your enema

This team need a strong arm in the front office; someone who is willing to say “No” when everyone else is to afraid to.  Seriously guys, I volunteer.  Don’t want me?  Go ring Steve Keane http://www.kranepoolsociety.com/  and tell him you need someone to talk to Bud whenever he calls.    How about Matt http://www.metsblog.com/ or is he too busy?  I’ve got one!  Patch all Bud calls to Met fan Scott Ferrell www.scottferrall.com and see if Bud ever wants to call back.

The Land Of Petoria

What I'm looking for is respect

I’m torn on Petey.  He’s a huge distraction and I get the feeling the team is better off without the circus in town.  That being the case; if he continues to throw 91, how can you not think about it?  It is after all unfinished business.

 

 

 

Posted By Nik Kolidas

Filed under: New York Mets 2009-2010, Nik Kolidas

Photos from Metland

Hi, I'm Bob Stanley and I'm about to make 50,000 people very happy

Now that everyone has breathed a sigh of relief that Santana feels ok and Mike Francesca has begged David Wright for forgiveness, all seems right with the world again.  So, before any major news hits, I figure it’s a good time to stroll down  memory lane and look through some pictures. I actually have a few gems with Doc & Darryl from the 80s’ I can’t find, but I did find a bunch of goodies for your viewing pleasure. They are all photos from Game 6 in 1986 through today at Shea.

Click here to view all the photos 

 Posted By Nik Kolidas

Filed under: New York Mets 2009-2010, Nik Kolidas

I Told You So (A Saying I Hate)!

An excerpt from a previous post, regarding the insanity of the WBC:

 

I don’t like the idea, I don’t like the timing, and I don’t like the fact that it perpetuates the fantasy-league type culture of sports. Having the games in the spring is an obvious risk for the players. It is going to take a spring injury to a major star, maybe one from Milwaukee, for the commissioner to wake up. Yes, they train year round, but still need the spring to get geared up for the grueling 162 game season. As far as rooting for a team from your country of origin – FOLLOW SOCCER AND THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!!

 

Well, unfortunately it was one of our guys. Looks as if Johan is “feeling fine” yet headed back to NY for an MRI on his elbow. Again, if they want to do this exhibition, do it after the season, do it indoors, and give the players enough time to get hurt, have surgery and be ready for 162 game marathon. Good job MLB.

 

That being said, the season is not over for the Mets if Johan is not able to start the season. I’m not happy, but consider how he started last season. Plus, you need five starters to win. Which reminds me, Livan will be the fifth starter (you heard it here) and I think he will surprise many. They guy is a bulldog, who pitches late into games, fields his position, and can swing the bat. The two biggest moves of the offseason will be Putz/Green and Livan.

 

Posted by Gene Anthony

Filed under: Gene Anthony, New York Mets 2009-2010