2008 is just around the corner and like many people, I hope the new year is a good one. 2008 will bring many joys and many sorrows, as any new year does. 2008 will mark some firsts, and some lasts. We will have to wait to find out what many of those firsts and lasts are, but some we already know about.
In the world of sports, 2008 will mark the last game played at Shea Stadium. The field, which the Mets have called home since 1964, since leaving the Polo Grounds, will be replaced by a new stadium. Certainly this is the way of sports. It is amazing that the Mets have not received a new stadium in their history. So, it is with a lot of joy, but also some sorrow, I look towards Citi Field.
The first time I saw Shea Stadium, I thought it looked like a donut with a bite taken out of it. The “Horseshoe” shaped stadium was something with which I was not familiar. It is probably something with which today’s fan is even less familiar.
I also am looking forward to seeing a stadium model after Ebbets Field, as I never saw the Brooklyn Dodgers play. My dad would have probably been excited, although he never forgave the Dodgers for leaving Brooklyn and deserting their fans.
Still, it is not with pure joy that I look forward to the opening of a new stadium. Shea holds lots of memories for me. The first live baseball game I ever saw was at Shea Stadium. I have memories of leaving school early on opening day and heading out to the park, with a few friends, to watch the game. I remember being in the stadium the day Pete Rose tied Tommy Helms for the longest hitting streak in the National League (at 37 games). I remember all the fans giving him a standing ovation, but I still refused to stand for the man who got into a fight with Bud Harrelson during the 1973 playoffs.
Perhaps the greatest Shea Stadium memory I have was September 17, 1986. That was the day the Mets beat the Chicago Cubs to clinch the NL East. I was at the game and, like the rest of the fans, following the victory made my way onto the field. I still have my grass and dirt from that day. It is protected, in a glass jar.
So yes, I acknowledge it is time to get a new stadium. Yes I am excited. Still, a part of me is sad to say goodbye to Shea Stadium.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Living In The Past
As I entered my last post, talking about numbers that should be retired got me reminiscing. Many of my memories with the team are not ones of them winning. As a Met fan growing up in the mid-70’s and dearly 80’s, I suffered through many bad years with the team. Still, I enjoyed watching the games.
Yes, the Mets over the years have been known for pitching but I also remember watching pitchers like Nino Espinosa, Pete Falcone and Harry Parker. I remember watching Willie Montanez, Roy Staiger, Elliot Maddox and Alex Trevino.
I remember the Seaver trade where the Mets got pitcher Pat Zachry, second baseman Doug Flynn, and outfielders Steve Henderson and Dan Norman. Dan Norman years later was used in the Ellis Valentine trade and Steve Henderson years later was used to bring Dave Kingman back to New York.
In 1979 the Mets had Montanez at first, Flynn at second, Frank Taveras at shortstop and Richie Hebner at third. John Stearns was the catcher and the outfield was made up of Joel Youngblood, Lee Mazilli and Steve Henderson. Craig Swann was the ace of the staff. The Flushing Flash, Ed Glynn was in the bullpen and amazingly enough, I was watching as many games as I could.
I would argue with my friends as to why the Mets were going to win it all, why they were a better team than the Yankees, why we should all be Met fans.
It was frustrating, and yet, it was fun. And that team never had the chance to choke in the clutch, so maybe it was easier being a fan then, than it was this past year. I guess I still take the team we had (and even the one we will have next year) over the team of 1979.
Yes, the Mets over the years have been known for pitching but I also remember watching pitchers like Nino Espinosa, Pete Falcone and Harry Parker. I remember watching Willie Montanez, Roy Staiger, Elliot Maddox and Alex Trevino.
I remember the Seaver trade where the Mets got pitcher Pat Zachry, second baseman Doug Flynn, and outfielders Steve Henderson and Dan Norman. Dan Norman years later was used in the Ellis Valentine trade and Steve Henderson years later was used to bring Dave Kingman back to New York.
In 1979 the Mets had Montanez at first, Flynn at second, Frank Taveras at shortstop and Richie Hebner at third. John Stearns was the catcher and the outfield was made up of Joel Youngblood, Lee Mazilli and Steve Henderson. Craig Swann was the ace of the staff. The Flushing Flash, Ed Glynn was in the bullpen and amazingly enough, I was watching as many games as I could.
I would argue with my friends as to why the Mets were going to win it all, why they were a better team than the Yankees, why we should all be Met fans.
It was frustrating, and yet, it was fun. And that team never had the chance to choke in the clutch, so maybe it was easier being a fan then, than it was this past year. I guess I still take the team we had (and even the one we will have next year) over the team of 1979.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Retiring Numbers
It is time for a post that has nothing to do with the Mitchell report; nothing to do with moves the Mets have made, or are trying to make, during the off-season, nothing to do with the Mets awful decline this past season.
Growing up, as a big baseball fan and much less interested in other sports, this time of year was tough for me. I would actually start counting down the weeks until pitchers and catchers report, then to the start of spring training games and ultimately to the start of the season. So, in that vain, this post is just one to allow fans to recall some of their greatest memories, but in a round-about way.
This past season, when the Mets brought Ricky Henderson on board, he was given the number 24 to wear. It was the first time since Willie Mays wore that number for the Mets that anyone has been given that number to wear. Of course Mays only finished his career with the Mets and his brilliant numbers were put up with the Giants (both in New York and San Francisco). Mays’ number was never retired, and it can probably be debated whether it should have been (of course it should be with the Giants, but he really did not accomplish much in a Met uniform).
Still, that brings up the fact that the Mets have only chose to retire three numbers (and four altogether). The Mets have retired Casey Stengel’s 37, Gil Hodges’ 14 and Tom Seaver’s 41. They have also retired, as has all of baseball, Jackie Robinson’s 42.
So, are there any other numbers you feel the Mets should have retired? It doesn’t mater if it is a moot point because others have worn them since. It is just your feelings about who the team SHOULD have honored by doing this. There are a few players, for me, who come to mind. Of course you are free to disagree (isn’t it nice of me to give you permission).
I would have liked the Mets to retire 36 in honor of Jerry Koosman. He was one of the best left handers of his generation. He had a great pick-off move for which he never received credit (but Steve Carlton did say he stole Koosman’s pick-off move). He played on some terrible teams and he kept his focus. He was fun to watch, and a personal favorite.
Another man I thought the Mets should have honored was Tug McGraw. Not only, as a reliever, did he have good numbers, he was the backbone of the ’73 Mets, coming up with the phrase “You gotta believe”. He also understood the importance of being a showman. So I would have retired 45 in honor of Tug!
I still debate the next two but I think it would be appropriate for the Mets to honor these next two players. One is Keith Hernandez. While, by things Hernandez has said, I don’t think he is one of the nicest human beings and I still have not forgiven him for admitting that he game up on the ’86 Mets in game 6, he had very good numbers and his leadership was crucial. As a result, I think he earned his number 17 being retired.
The final player I think deserves the honor is Mike Piazza. Number 31 should be retired because Piazza put up strong numbers, was fun to watch, understood how to play in New York and for years was the face of the team.
So there you have it, the additional numbers I think should be retired. Again, I may have left some out, but feel free to voice your opinion on the topic.
Growing up, as a big baseball fan and much less interested in other sports, this time of year was tough for me. I would actually start counting down the weeks until pitchers and catchers report, then to the start of spring training games and ultimately to the start of the season. So, in that vain, this post is just one to allow fans to recall some of their greatest memories, but in a round-about way.
This past season, when the Mets brought Ricky Henderson on board, he was given the number 24 to wear. It was the first time since Willie Mays wore that number for the Mets that anyone has been given that number to wear. Of course Mays only finished his career with the Mets and his brilliant numbers were put up with the Giants (both in New York and San Francisco). Mays’ number was never retired, and it can probably be debated whether it should have been (of course it should be with the Giants, but he really did not accomplish much in a Met uniform).
Still, that brings up the fact that the Mets have only chose to retire three numbers (and four altogether). The Mets have retired Casey Stengel’s 37, Gil Hodges’ 14 and Tom Seaver’s 41. They have also retired, as has all of baseball, Jackie Robinson’s 42.
So, are there any other numbers you feel the Mets should have retired? It doesn’t mater if it is a moot point because others have worn them since. It is just your feelings about who the team SHOULD have honored by doing this. There are a few players, for me, who come to mind. Of course you are free to disagree (isn’t it nice of me to give you permission).
I would have liked the Mets to retire 36 in honor of Jerry Koosman. He was one of the best left handers of his generation. He had a great pick-off move for which he never received credit (but Steve Carlton did say he stole Koosman’s pick-off move). He played on some terrible teams and he kept his focus. He was fun to watch, and a personal favorite.
Another man I thought the Mets should have honored was Tug McGraw. Not only, as a reliever, did he have good numbers, he was the backbone of the ’73 Mets, coming up with the phrase “You gotta believe”. He also understood the importance of being a showman. So I would have retired 45 in honor of Tug!
I still debate the next two but I think it would be appropriate for the Mets to honor these next two players. One is Keith Hernandez. While, by things Hernandez has said, I don’t think he is one of the nicest human beings and I still have not forgiven him for admitting that he game up on the ’86 Mets in game 6, he had very good numbers and his leadership was crucial. As a result, I think he earned his number 17 being retired.
The final player I think deserves the honor is Mike Piazza. Number 31 should be retired because Piazza put up strong numbers, was fun to watch, understood how to play in New York and for years was the face of the team.
So there you have it, the additional numbers I think should be retired. Again, I may have left some out, but feel free to voice your opinion on the topic.
Monday, December 24, 2007
What's On The Farm
So, I am left wondering what the Mets have down in their farm system. As we ended the baseball season, I thought they looked pretty good. Carlos Gomez proved he could play at the major league level and he showed he could hit and play defense. Lastings Milledge put up some strong numbers late in the year and was one of the clubs best clutch hitters in the last month or two of the season.
I didn’t think Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey looked great when they pitched this season, but I did not think they devalued themselves either. I thought this was, in large part, a problem of rushing them to the majors because they didn’t have the pitching the needed. In addition, I hear great things about Kevin Mulvey and I believe Carlos Muniz is supposed to be the real deal.
There is also Rueben Gotay who struggled against lefties but hit .318 against righties, certainly some impressive numbers. He seemed to play the game with a lot of flair and excitement. Once, however, the Mets picked up Luis Castillo, Gotay’s time was seriously reduced.
Still, I am clearly missing something. No one seems interested in trading with the Mets when it comes to get a pitcher. Yes, the Mets are looking at getting a special pitcher, still it seems to me they have some chips, but nothing is happening.
The Mets traded Milledge for a lot less than what they should have, as far as I am concerned. The Mets have not been able to land a pitcher either. No one seems interested in what they have to offer. I don’t know what the answer is, but I do know Omar needs to do something. This is a franchise that has been known for its pitching.
There were, of course, Seaver and Koosman. You can certainly through Nolan Ryan into that group as well, although he never put up strong numbers in New York. There was Jon Matlock and even in the terrible years of the late 70’s (and early 80’s) there was Craig Swann (not a household name but good enough to lead the league in lowest ERA for a season or two—and be in the running for a number of other ones). Of course there were Doc and Ron and Sid, Bobby O and David Cone. The history of the Mets is rich with pitching and now we cannot seem to land one.
It is ironic and more importantly, it is frustrating.
I didn’t think Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey looked great when they pitched this season, but I did not think they devalued themselves either. I thought this was, in large part, a problem of rushing them to the majors because they didn’t have the pitching the needed. In addition, I hear great things about Kevin Mulvey and I believe Carlos Muniz is supposed to be the real deal.
There is also Rueben Gotay who struggled against lefties but hit .318 against righties, certainly some impressive numbers. He seemed to play the game with a lot of flair and excitement. Once, however, the Mets picked up Luis Castillo, Gotay’s time was seriously reduced.
Still, I am clearly missing something. No one seems interested in trading with the Mets when it comes to get a pitcher. Yes, the Mets are looking at getting a special pitcher, still it seems to me they have some chips, but nothing is happening.
The Mets traded Milledge for a lot less than what they should have, as far as I am concerned. The Mets have not been able to land a pitcher either. No one seems interested in what they have to offer. I don’t know what the answer is, but I do know Omar needs to do something. This is a franchise that has been known for its pitching.
There were, of course, Seaver and Koosman. You can certainly through Nolan Ryan into that group as well, although he never put up strong numbers in New York. There was Jon Matlock and even in the terrible years of the late 70’s (and early 80’s) there was Craig Swann (not a household name but good enough to lead the league in lowest ERA for a season or two—and be in the running for a number of other ones). Of course there were Doc and Ron and Sid, Bobby O and David Cone. The history of the Mets is rich with pitching and now we cannot seem to land one.
It is ironic and more importantly, it is frustrating.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Mitchell Report
So far, I have been strangely quiet about the Mitchell report. Perhaps there is a good reason for that. The more I think about it, the more I wish the Mitchell report never came to light, that baseball never commissioned this report and that money wasn’t wasted on it.
I will admit this was not how I felt at the time that Mitchell was first brought on board. I thought it would be good for baseball and for the fans. Hindsight being 20-20, I was wrong, it was a mistake.
What really has changed now? We know steroids and HGH have been around for a while and that some of the premier players in the game were using them. Is that a new revelation? Is baseball going to come up with new standards for testing? Probably not as they already employ one of the toughest standards. We know players who want an edge will probably find a way to stay ahead of the testing. This is not a reason to do away with it, but it is a reason to carefully consider how we want to move forward.
I have heard it suggested that the Mitchell report smacks of McCarthyism. I am not sure I agree with that, but I am not sure I disagree with it either. Is there anyone who is clean? How many? What about the hall of fame? Well, as I see it, players who are the best in the steroids generation should still get in.
First off, with so many people indulging, the field is more level than we would like to admit. Second, while steroids are illegal, dangerous and should not be used (and that must be stated), players have always looked for ways to get an advantage over the competition. Should a player who has undergone hypnosis to see the ball better be ban from the Hall of Fame because he had an edge over other players? Should a pitcher who threw a spitball be removed from the Hall because he used an illegal pitch?
The more I look at it, the more I think we would have been better off if the Mitchell report never saw the light of day. Baseball needs to address the steroids issue, they have been addressing the issue and to go back now and try and identify everyone who has indulged seems ridiculous.
Let’s keep steroids out of baseball (or do the best we can) and let’s move on and play baseball (in another 4 months)
I will admit this was not how I felt at the time that Mitchell was first brought on board. I thought it would be good for baseball and for the fans. Hindsight being 20-20, I was wrong, it was a mistake.
What really has changed now? We know steroids and HGH have been around for a while and that some of the premier players in the game were using them. Is that a new revelation? Is baseball going to come up with new standards for testing? Probably not as they already employ one of the toughest standards. We know players who want an edge will probably find a way to stay ahead of the testing. This is not a reason to do away with it, but it is a reason to carefully consider how we want to move forward.
I have heard it suggested that the Mitchell report smacks of McCarthyism. I am not sure I agree with that, but I am not sure I disagree with it either. Is there anyone who is clean? How many? What about the hall of fame? Well, as I see it, players who are the best in the steroids generation should still get in.
First off, with so many people indulging, the field is more level than we would like to admit. Second, while steroids are illegal, dangerous and should not be used (and that must be stated), players have always looked for ways to get an advantage over the competition. Should a player who has undergone hypnosis to see the ball better be ban from the Hall of Fame because he had an edge over other players? Should a pitcher who threw a spitball be removed from the Hall because he used an illegal pitch?
The more I look at it, the more I think we would have been better off if the Mitchell report never saw the light of day. Baseball needs to address the steroids issue, they have been addressing the issue and to go back now and try and identify everyone who has indulged seems ridiculous.
Let’s keep steroids out of baseball (or do the best we can) and let’s move on and play baseball (in another 4 months)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Dealing With Frustration
This is a paid post, sponsored by http://www.docsports.com/bowl-game-schedule.html
Every day I check out the Mets website. Every day I look, hoping to see they have acquired that needed starter, the person who can be the ace of the staff. Every day I leave the site frustrated.
I know you can only trade for what is out there and you need a willing partner. I know you need to be careful of trading all your prospects in one deal. Still, I am frustrated, as a fan, waiting for my team to make the deal, waiting for Omar Minaya to find some magic and get us that pitcher. So, right now checking out the Mets website is just frustrating.
Fortunately, I have found a website that can ease some of that frustration. Doc Sports is a site that is devoted to giving in depth previews to all the different sports. They will give you picks, odds, handicapping information, scores and schedules. It is quite fascinating to look and see the information they have.
They do a nice job of covering football and you can get information about College and professional games. They will be doing an in depth preview of all 32 college bowl games. You also can find information about college bowl game schedules.
Right now, based on the time of year, they do not have much in the way of baseball, but they do a nice job covering that as well, during the season. So, whether it is baseball, football, basketball, hockey, or horseracing, Doc Sports should have something that appeals to you.
Every day I check out the Mets website. Every day I look, hoping to see they have acquired that needed starter, the person who can be the ace of the staff. Every day I leave the site frustrated.
I know you can only trade for what is out there and you need a willing partner. I know you need to be careful of trading all your prospects in one deal. Still, I am frustrated, as a fan, waiting for my team to make the deal, waiting for Omar Minaya to find some magic and get us that pitcher. So, right now checking out the Mets website is just frustrating.
Fortunately, I have found a website that can ease some of that frustration. Doc Sports is a site that is devoted to giving in depth previews to all the different sports. They will give you picks, odds, handicapping information, scores and schedules. It is quite fascinating to look and see the information they have.
They do a nice job of covering football and you can get information about College and professional games. They will be doing an in depth preview of all 32 college bowl games. You also can find information about college bowl game schedules.
Right now, based on the time of year, they do not have much in the way of baseball, but they do a nice job covering that as well, during the season. So, whether it is baseball, football, basketball, hockey, or horseracing, Doc Sports should have something that appeals to you.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Milledge Gone But For What?
Steve Phillips, the former GM of the Mets and now sports commentator, once said of Omar Minaya, the current GM and a former Phillips understudy, “Omar feels prospects do not win you Worlds Series”. In other words, if you have the chance to trade a prospect for an established player, you do it.
Perhaps we can see why that philosophy should be applied by looking at the recent Lastings Milledge trade. In the past, before Milledge ever put on a Mets uniform, he was considered the major chip to a trade for Manny Rameriz, to a trade for Roy Oswalt, to a trade (I think) for Barry Zito, to some other trades for well known players. I don’t know if it was the Mets that balked or the other team, or a combination of both, but certainly the trade value for Milledge was high.
Now, Milledge is gone and the Mets got Brian Schneider and Ryan Church in the deal. WHAT??!!?!?! Is this really the best the Mets could do for someone expected to be a superstar and at one time able to get them a big name player?
Perhaps Minaya knows something I don’t (Okay, I’m a fan, baseball is Omar’s livelihood. I hope he knows something I don’t). Perhaps Minaya has another dealing in the works for Johnny Estrada now that Brian Schneider will be catching. Perhaps Minaya knows he can now get better pitchers because they know they will be throwing to a good defensive catcher. Certainly from his days with the Montreal Expos, Minaya knows about the two players he obtained.
And yet, I just can’t help but think he could have gotten the same thing for less. I can’t help think that if this is all Milledge lands you, keep him and wait for his value to go up. If it doesn’t what have you missed out on—Ryan Church and Brian Schneider? And, I certainly can’t help but think why Omar is addressing these issues when his biggest problem is pitching. Hopefully, I will read in the very near future about a trade Minaya made for a high quality starting pitcher.
Perhaps we can see why that philosophy should be applied by looking at the recent Lastings Milledge trade. In the past, before Milledge ever put on a Mets uniform, he was considered the major chip to a trade for Manny Rameriz, to a trade for Roy Oswalt, to a trade (I think) for Barry Zito, to some other trades for well known players. I don’t know if it was the Mets that balked or the other team, or a combination of both, but certainly the trade value for Milledge was high.
Now, Milledge is gone and the Mets got Brian Schneider and Ryan Church in the deal. WHAT??!!?!?! Is this really the best the Mets could do for someone expected to be a superstar and at one time able to get them a big name player?
Perhaps Minaya knows something I don’t (Okay, I’m a fan, baseball is Omar’s livelihood. I hope he knows something I don’t). Perhaps Minaya has another dealing in the works for Johnny Estrada now that Brian Schneider will be catching. Perhaps Minaya knows he can now get better pitchers because they know they will be throwing to a good defensive catcher. Certainly from his days with the Montreal Expos, Minaya knows about the two players he obtained.
And yet, I just can’t help but think he could have gotten the same thing for less. I can’t help think that if this is all Milledge lands you, keep him and wait for his value to go up. If it doesn’t what have you missed out on—Ryan Church and Brian Schneider? And, I certainly can’t help but think why Omar is addressing these issues when his biggest problem is pitching. Hopefully, I will read in the very near future about a trade Minaya made for a high quality starting pitcher.
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