MFS62

="Gwreck":2gxbhwby]Lessons are taught. Who teaches? Professors teach. Professor = Casey Stengel. Duh.[/quote:2gxbhwby] Very obvious. Very incorrect. Nice try. Later TransMonk Mar 02 2009 02:54 PM Stretching for JC Martin? MFS62 Mar 02 2009 03:12 PM ="TransMonk":2c4rd0i6]Stretching for JC Martin?[/quote:2c4rd0i6] Nope. Not him. I don't get how professor would be a clue to JC Martin. Even as a stretch. Later TransMonk Mar 02 2009 03:30 PM Hugh Martin co-wrote Buckle Down, Winsocki. Learn Your Lessons Well is a song from from Godspell, which is about JC. Like I said...a stretch. MFS62 Mar 02 2009 04:41 PM Wow! I'm old and brittle. If I stretched that far I'd break. My kudos for getting creatively analytical. Later 86-Dreamer Mar 03 2009 03:41 PM Gil Hodges? can't quite connect all the clues, but here are some of the things that make me think of Gil mets fans always look to the future with hope = wait 'til next year at least one CPF'er has spoken with him - Gil was a very accesible person in his Brooklyn nabe, so can imagine several of the older members might have met him - he lived around the corner from where I grew up Winsocki - can't figure that one out, other than that it was a fictional military academy and Gil was a military man. there is probably some connection to fight songs but i cant figger it out Learn your lesson well - Gil taught Cleon a lesson. MFS62 Mar 03 2009 04:02 PM Dreamer - you connected the dots pretty well. Unfortunately, not well enough. I'm surprised nobody else has selected Gil as their post- 11,000 avatar. But I have selected someone else. Thank you. Later 86-Dreamer Mar 03 2009 04:21 PM Mets fans always look to the future with hope = Lets Go Mets? could it be Jane Jarvis? Edgy DC Mar 03 2009 07:30 PM I'm gonna bet 1,000 cranebucks that it's not Jane Jarvis. metirish Mar 03 2009 07:30 PM Need some resolution here on this.....please... soupcan Mar 03 2009 07:36 PM ="metirish":8eyqqbmn]Need some resolution here on this.....please...[/quote:8eyqqbmn] Do we? Really? cooby Mar 03 2009 07:40 PM ="MFS62"] Learn your lesson well. Ricky Nelson? Real guess: Bill Shea? DocTee Mar 03 2009 07:40 PM Davey Johnson. MFS62 Mar 04 2009 06:25 AM All good, or creative, guesses. None correct. All will be revealed shortly. I don't want to use up allthe remaining posts until 11,000 in this thread. Thank you for playing along. Later MFS62 Mar 31 2009 07:13 AM I�m announcing the identity of my chosen permanent avatar today because it is the anniversary of his death. I have chosen Brian Cole. He was a rising star in the Mets minor league system, an outfielder with speed and emerging power. Brian had been named Mets minor leaguer of the year 1999 by Baseball America Almanac. Spring training had ended. He was driving home from spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., to Meridian, Miss., to drop off his truck. He was to fly Saturday to Binghamton, N.Y., to join the Mets' Double-A team. There was a companion in his truck. Cole's truck was hit by another vehicle near the Florida-Alabama border. His vehicle rolled over and Brian was thrown out. It was later found that he had not been wearing his seat belt. He was killed almost instantly. His companion, who had been wearing a seat belt, survived. The Mets have named a rookie award after him. I want to honor his memory this way. Later Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 07:20 AM soupcan Mar 31 2009 07:26 AM Thank goodness. Now I can sleep tonight. metirish Mar 31 2009 07:27 AM It was worth the wait , what a nice tribute to Cole. Fman99 Mar 31 2009 07:30 AM ="MFS62"]I�m announcing the identity of my chosen permanent avatar today because it is the anniversary of his death. I have chosen Brian Cole. He was a rising star in the Mets minor league system, an outfielder with speed and emerging power. Brian had been named Mets minor leaguer of the year 1999 by Baseball America Almanac. Spring training had ended. He was driving home from spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., to Meridian, Miss., to drop off his truck. He was to fly Saturday to Binghamton, N.Y., to join the Mets' Double-A team. There was a companion in his truck. Cole's truck was hit by another vehicle near the Florida-Alabama border. His vehicle rolled over and Brian was thrown out. It was later found that he had not been wearing his seat belt. He was killed almost instantly. His companion, who had been wearing a seat belt, survived. The Mets have named a rookie award after him. I want to honor his memory this way. Later That's a good choice, I like it. seawolf17 Mar 31 2009 07:32 AM Interesting choice; I like it. Benjamin Grimm Mar 31 2009 07:33 AM So I wasn't TOO far off when I guessed Bob Hope. metirish Mar 31 2009 07:40 AM A New York Times report from April 2nd 2001 BASEBALL; Subdued Mets Share in Loss Of Player With Major Future By TYLER KEPNER Published: Monday, April 2, 2001 ] The televisions were on in the Mets' clubhouse this morning, but nobody paid attention. Most players sat alone or spoke softly to teammates. There was a game to play, the Mets' last exhibition before opening day, but nobody seemed to care. The night before, at a team dinner, the players had learned that Brian Cole, a 22-year-old outfielder who had been with them for much of spring training, had been killed in a car accident. ''There's no doubt that baseball is definitely secondary today,'' the veteran outfielder Darryl Hamilton said. ''It's going to be like that for a little while for us. You can't just let it go.'' Cole was driving from spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., to Meridian, Miss., with his 17-year-old cousin, Ryan Cole, on Saturday afternoon. According to the Florida Highway Patrol in Panama City, Fla., Brian Cole's 2001 Ford Explorer, which was exceeding the 70-mile-an-hour speed limit, drifted onto the grass median from the inside westbound lane of State Route 8. The car then re-entered the westbound lane, slid sideways and rolled almost two times. Brian Cole, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the car. He and his cousin were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Marianna, Fla., almost 20 miles east of the accident site. Brian Cole was pronounced dead there, and Ryan Cole, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated and released. The police said neither alcohol nor drugs were involved in the accident. The Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates observed a moment of silence for Cole before today's game at PNC Park, and the Mets are preparing to honor him in another way. A prayer service for Cole was held for the Mets' minor leaguers in Port St. Lucie, where workouts were canceled. Dr. Allan Lans, the director of the Mets' employee assistance program, will meet with the Class AA Binghamton Mets, the team Cole would have played for, to counsel them. ''That we were all together when we heard it, I think, is something that will make us a little stronger, that we shared our grief together,'' Mets Manager Bobby Valentine said. ''Guys know there was real emotion there, and a lot of people to share it with.'' Jason Phillips, a Mets catcher who played with Cole last season, said a driver had backed into Cole's Explorer a week ago. Cole planned to fly to Binghamton after driving hi car home so that his father and brother could take it in for repairs. ''That's the only reason he was going home,'' Phillips said. Phillips and others remembered Cole's quiet confidence and his ability to match his expectations. In an interview last month, Cole said his goals for last year had been 60 stolen bases, 18 home runs, a .300 average and 75 runs batted in. He exceeded every figure. Cole was in major league training camp for the first time this spring, and he impressed Mookie Wilson, the Mets' outfield coach, with his willingness to learn. All their conversations, Wilson said, were about how Cole could get better. Cole would sit in a corner of the locker room taking everything in, and he became friends with the veteran infielder Desi Relaford. The two played video games together, and Cole spent time at Relaford's home in Jacksonville, Fla. ''It's hard to comprehend the fact it's a life that's over,'' Relaford said. Mets General Manager Steve Phillips said Cole was projected to be an impact player in the majors, and that his talents suggested he could be an updated version of the classic leadoff hitter -- Cole could steal bases, but he also had pop in his bat. Phillips saw Cole play for the Class A St. Lucie Mets last year, and Cole put on a show -- infield hits, stolen bases, home runs. The Mets even considered promoting him last September. ''We had some of our longest discussions about him during spring,'' Valentine said. ''Most of it was about whether he was going to hit 20 or 35 homers in the big leagues.'' Cole was named the organization's player of the year last season, and he was considered the team's third best prospect behind outfielder Alex Escobar and pitcher Pat Strange. Pitcher Jerrod Riggan, a former teammate, struggled to fight back tears this morning. ''He knew he was going to make it,'' Riggan said. ''He knew he was going to be a big leaguer.'' Riggan was not the only Met hit hard by the news. Cole was a teammate for a few weeks, the veteran John Franco said, but he was part of the Mets' family. ''We all have some types of tears in our eyes,'' Franco said. ''The kid had a great future ahead of him, and it was stopped so short with a tragedy like that. It makes you realize how precious life is and appreciate everything you have. You want to go home and give your kids a big hug.'' Photo: Brian Cole (Gary I. Rothstein) MFS62 Mar 31 2009 07:46 AM Thanks, Irish. And thank all of you. Later 86-Dreamer Mar 31 2009 08:52 AM It is a nice tribute to a life cut short. But, how does it relate to the clues you gave? metsguyinmichigan Mar 31 2009 10:31 AM Tip of the cap. A fine choice. MFS62 Mar 31 2009 11:06 AM ="86-Dreamer":18grwt9a]It is a nice tribute to a life cut short. But, how does it relate to the clues you gave?[/quote:18grwt9a] Thanks, The key ones: Promise followed by sadness. I think our metfairy mentioned that she had spoken to him/ written about him. The lesson to be learned is to buckle up. (I took license with "Buckle Down, Winsocki") Later

Actually, he has reminded me of someone else. I remember when that other player came up. He had played mostly third base in the minors. His fielding was ok there, not great. But the reports said he didn't have the power to move to first base, or to win a regular corner outfield spot in the majors. But I liked the way the other player was patient, took the outside pitch to left, and hit for gap power to all fields. That other player? Wade Boggs. I honestly think Murphy can be like him. But since he wasn't on the list, I voted Keith Hernandez. Later

Congrats for reaching 11,000 before me, Doc. But in his thread, he did mention something about someone else helping him with his chosen avatar. As y'all may have fugured out by now, I don't do technology well. (I can't even imbed a link or a video image). Who can help me to edit (crop) and upload the avatar image of the person I've chosen? That said, time for my final clue: Learn your lesson well. Later

Hope they find out what it is and cure it soon, Monk. And we hope its something they've seen before, not something new that they have to name after you. Later

="Frayed Knot":yrhqs7qm]Yes, you "heard it" at the top of this thread.[/quote:yrhqs7qm] Didn't read it here, but I guess I should have. Later metirish Mar 01 2009 04:23 PM In the words of Kevin Burlhardt during the game today , anytime you cancel an MRI even if it's because of the weather that's a good thing....very true....as we know there are no MRI facilities in FLA. Frayed Knot Mar 01 2009 07:13 PM ="MFS62"]="Frayed Knot"]Yes, you "heard it" at the top of this thread. Didn't read it here, but I guess I should have. RMPL ]as we know there are no MRI facilities in FLA. The idea is to get the NYM doctors to look at them. themetfairy Mar 01 2009 07:15 PM Get the man some liniment, STAT! Fman99 Mar 01 2009 08:56 PM ="themetfairy"]Get the man some liniment, STAT! Pour me a shot of that. What do you chase linament with anyway? Benjamin Grimm Mar 02 2009 05:40 AM ="Frayed Knot":3mhjvck2]The idea is to get the NYM doctors to look at them.[/quote:3mhjvck2] It would be nice if their doctors were in Florida when the Mets were, but I guess the docs aren't exclusive to the Mets. Edgy DC Mar 02 2009 06:29 AM I knew a guy who was the team's "consulting neurologist." Now, one imagines they wouldn't need a neurologist every day, but I knwo he followed them down to spring training. He was the doctor on the scene when Mookie's glasses shattered into his eye. Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 07:02 AM Last radio reports I heard now say there will be no MRI at all - not just on account of the weather but also because there was no pain in Sunday's throwing session. metirish Mar 02 2009 07:25 AM Well that is good news.... SteveJRogers Mar 02 2009 08:38 AM ="metirish":oukyvq09]Well that is good news....[/quote:oukyvq09] I wouldn't be so sure. Given the Mets medical staff history, and the importance of that arm, I would go through the motions of an MRI just to be on the safe side. Better err on the side of caution than have Santana's arm fall blow out on Opening Day. Vic Sage Mar 02 2009 08:54 AM Apparently, Dr. Altcheck is going down to florida this week to check on Santana. The mountain is coming to Mohammed. Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 09:05 AM ="SteveJRogers":1nac43oz]I wouldn't be so sure. Given the Mets medical staff history ... [/quote:1nac43oz] And what history is that? SteveJRogers Mar 02 2009 09:08 AM Mo Vaughn, Ryan Church, Billy Wagner, John Maine, etc. This crack staff would give someone a day-to-day diagnosis for a brain tumor! Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 09:10 AM So it's the medical staff fault that those players got hurt? If so I think we should fire the entire medical team and hire the staff from one of the teams without injuries. Remind me who those are again? Benjamin Grimm Mar 02 2009 09:11 AM Ryan Church's concussion seems to be the one thing that's been truly botched in recent years. But saying someone is day-to-day doesn't mean the medical staff is a bunch of boobs; it could mean that they're not too hasty to make a panicky diagnosis. I'd want to pause and make sure too before consigning somebody to surgery or the 60-day DL. SteveJRogers Mar 02 2009 09:27 AM ="Frayed Knot":o41s9oyl]So it's the medical staff fault that those players got hurt? If so I think we should fire the entire medical team and hire the staff from one of the teams without injuries. Remind me who those are again?[/quote:o41s9oyl] So, how much does Fredo pay you? No, it is not the Mets training and medical staff's fault that injuries happen, it is the staff's fault for the misdiagnosises, the lack of desire to give proper care and treatment just to get the players back on the field and the general sense that they really are a bunch of quacks. SteveJRogers Mar 02 2009 09:30 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":7pulkn2q]Ryan Church's concussion seems to be the one thing that's been truly botched in recent years. But saying someone is day-to-day doesn't mean the medical staff is a bunch of boobs; it could mean that they're not too hasty to make a panicky diagnosis. I'd want to pause and make sure too before consigning somebody to surgery or the 60-day DL.[/quote:7pulkn2q] Considering this team goes from an 85-90 win team to a 75-80 win team without Santana, yeah I would understand a panicky diagnosis and getting him into an MRI. Again, better be safe than have him blow out his arm in April and losing him for more than just 2009. Edgy DC Mar 02 2009 09:35 AM And naturally, if he hurts himself, it'll be directly connected to his not getting an MRI this weekend. TransMonk Mar 02 2009 09:45 AM They call medicine a "practice" for a reason. I was walking to work a month ago and got a severe headache, tightness in my throat, dizziness and loss of balance. I got rushed to the hospital and they said my symptoms indicated I had a small stroke. But after a spinal tap, CT scan and multiple MRIs they could not find anything showing any blockage...in other words, no stroke. I've now visited different doctors (pulminologist, neurologist, physical therapist, opthomologist) 2-3 times per week for the past month and they're still not sure what's wrong. The initial diagnosis was an inner-ear virus, then I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, which is a problem, but seemingly unrealated. After a month, I'm still only at about 80% with my balance and I have abnormal sensation ability on the left half of my body. I really have no idea if it will start to get better tomorrow or if I'll be this way the rest of my life. I'm well enough to perform daily activities, but I'm not running or exercising at all. I have another MRI scheduled for Wednesday (but I don't have to travel to New York). I feel like I'm guessing Church did last year. I could not even play catch with a buddy right now, but I'm not giving up hope that I couldn't at this time next week. I'd call my self day-to-day, and would not want to be put on the 60 day DL. I don't know if these or any doctors could be called quacks, it's just that the body is a very complex thing that differs greatly from person to person. Edgy DC Mar 02 2009 09:47 AM Perspective. Get well, Monk. Benjamin Grimm Mar 02 2009 09:48 AM Geez, Monk, I hope you feel better soon. Your account reads like an episode of House. TransMonk Mar 02 2009 09:56 AM Thanks guys. I've never watched House, but I've had many, many people say that. I was hoping to at least get a rare disease named after me. Kong76 Mar 02 2009 10:36 AM Speedy health, Tmonk. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 02 2009 10:38 AM Yeah, hope you're feeling better soon. Gotta be tough to be troubled by unexplainable stuff. Rockin' Doc Mar 02 2009 10:40 AM I hope you get feeling better soon. themetfairy Mar 02 2009 10:47 AM Feel better TMonk! Benjamin Grimm Mar 02 2009 10:52 AM Kind of selfish, though, how TransMonk has hijacked Johan Santana's thread. Have some respect for the guy with the $137 million contract! Gwreck Mar 02 2009 10:53 AM Best wishes for speedy recovery. TransMonk Mar 02 2009 11:02 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":10s8n325]Kind of selfish, though, how TransMonk has hijacked Johan Santana's thread. Have some respect for the guy with the $137 million contract![/quote:10s8n325] HA! The jist was really the first and last sentences of the post. And that I recently have a little more respect for Church and his health problems last year...and for any injured athlete for that matter. My job doesn't depend on me being fully-functional physically. I can't imagine being in my condition and being a pro-athlete with money, passion and fan opinion on the line. MFS62 Mar 02 2009 11:05 AM Hope they find out what it is and cure it soon, Monk. And we hope its something they've seen before, not something new that they have to name after you. Later Centerfield Mar 02 2009 11:10 AM Whatever. Pop a couple of Advil and walk it off. Like you ever use your lower left-side anyway. I'm kidding. Perhaps in bad taste. Feel better soon. It is incredibly frustrating when all the doctors in the world seem unable to pinpoint a problem. Here's to hoping they figure it out (and cure it) soon. metirish Mar 02 2009 11:20 AM Rub some dirt on it for fecks sake Monk..... Seriously it made for somber reading..I thought at first you were taking the piss then I was hoping you were...get well .. themetfairy Mar 02 2009 11:23 AM D-Dad had a bad case of vertigo about five years ago. Not as debilitating or long-lasting as TMonk's, but frustrating as hell. These things can be weird - sometimes they just run their course without explanation. Hopefully this will be out of your system soon. Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 02:04 PM ="SteveJRogers"]So, how much does Fredo pay you? OK, I give up. Who the hell is Fredo? ]No, it is not the Mets training and medical staff's fault that injuries happen, it is the staff's fault for the misdiagnosises, the lack of desire to give proper care and treatment just to get the players back on the field and the general sense that they really are a bunch of quacks. If you're going to label "quacks" whenever an exact diagnosis and return date isn't nailed down within 24 hours of an injury then you're never going to be happy with any medical staff and instead are going to sound like one of those idiot fans who wonders why only his closer blows games. And I'm not even going to ask you where you came up with "lack of desire to give proper care and treatment". LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 02 2009 02:12 PM ="Frayed Knot":dd6jvwzq]="SteveJRogers":dd6jvwzq]So, how much does Fredo pay you?[/quote:dd6jvwzq] OK, I give up. Who the hell is Fredo?[/quote:dd6jvwzq] Fred? Jeff? (As in, the incompetent son?) Special Medical Adviser to the New York Mets, Zombie John Cazale? Edgy DC Mar 02 2009 02:14 PM ="SteveJRogers":3ed1rmeg]="Frayed Knot":3ed1rmeg]So it's the medical staff fault that those players got hurt? If so I think we should fire the entire medical team and hire the staff from one of the teams without injuries. Remind me who those are again?[/quote:3ed1rmeg] So, how much does Fredo pay you? No, it is not the Mets training and medical staff's fault that injuries happen, it is the staff's fault for the misdiagnosises, the lack of desire to give proper care and treatment just to get the players back on the field and the general sense that they really are a bunch of quacks.[/quote:3ed1rmeg] And all these guys were misdiagnoses (or "misdiagnosises")? You know that the medical staff has been turned over since Mo Vaughn's day, right? Twice, I think. Steve, are you gunning for Davidoff's job or something. Kong76 Mar 02 2009 02:16 PM SJR: No, it is not the Mets training and medical staff's fault that injuries happen, it is the staff's fault for the misdiagnosises, the lack of desire to give proper care and treatment just to get the players back on the field and the general sense that they really are a bunch of quacks <<< You've out done yourself. Again. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 02 2009 02:59 PM Relatively new here. Is it silly to ask what SJR's "deal" is, generally speaking? Edgy DC Mar 02 2009 03:02 PM No. It may be silly to expect to understand the answer, however. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 02 2009 03:07 PM ="Edgy DC"]No. It may be silly to expect to understand the answer, however. All those times there was one set of footprints... SJR was carrying me? TransMonk Mar 02 2009 03:08 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"] All those times there was one set of footprints... SJR was carrying me? Bullet of cool! SteveJRogers Mar 02 2009 03:56 PM ="Frayed Knot"] OK, I give up. Who the hell is Fredo? Wilpon. ] If you're going to label "quacks" whenever an exact diagnosis and return date isn't nailed down within 24 hours of an injury then you're never going to be happy with any medical staff and instead are going to sound like one of those idiot fans who wonders why only his closer blows games. And I'm not even going to ask you where you came up with "lack of desire to give proper care and treatment". Okay, fine I'll give you that point. But at the end of the day, this staff is still very cloak and dagger on just about every single medical issue. Is player A okay to play? He's day-to-day. Okay, but he's been out for a week, shouldn't someone look at him? Nah, he is day-to-day, we are going with his word. And it especially looks worse right now when Dan Warthen apparently was under the impression that Santana WAS gearing up for the WBC, when it was decided about a month ago that Santana was NOT going to be pitching in the WBC. metirish Mar 02 2009 04:11 PM Really though are the Mets any different that any other organization in regards to medical reports? I would say NHL teams are the most notorious of the "day to day" injury reports. SteveJRogers Mar 02 2009 04:30 PM ="metirish":dalf2wz3]Really though are the Mets any different that any other organization in regards to medical reports? I would say NHL teams are the most notorious of the "day to day" injury reports.[/quote:dalf2wz3] NFL is worse though. Because they have to list the injury list every week. Great example, every week for a couple of years the Pats listed Tom Brady on the injury list, probably at the least severe level, with an arm situation. This was done as to not "tip" off the opposition or some nonsense. I hear you though, it is just that the Mets, and other teams do seem to treat the fans and the media like idiots with the way they handle injury situations. Maybe I'm being too harsh on the medical staff here, fine, then maybe it is the PR staff, maybe it's Omar, I don't know then, but there is something rather infuriating with the way the Mets handle injury situations. Kong76 Mar 02 2009 04:36 PM SJR: But at the end of the day, this staff is still very cloak and dagger on just about every single medical issue <<< Keep diggin Stevers, name one team in Major League Baseball that does better when it comes to reporting actual news on what's going on with high profile franchise players. Name one team that does it 20% better and provide insight into how you ac- tually know what you're talking about. Name one team that does it 10% better if you can't do that. Cloak and dagger??? Sheesh. Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 04:47 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 02 2009 05:32 PM ="SteveJRogers"]Wilpon. So if I don't trash the medical staff I must be some kind of Wilpon suck-up? I think you want to re-think that one. "Okay, fine I'll give you that point." You mean the point about the medical staff not wanting injuries to linger and hurt the club? -- Very big of you. " But at the end of the day, this staff is still very cloak and dagger on just about every single medical issue." 'Cloak and Dagger'? You mean if a player gets hurt during a game it's some kind of conspiracy of silence unless they have the complete diagnosis and exact return date by the morning papers? Medicine doesn't work that way Steve-O and things like waiting for swelling to go down of seeing if a problem will heal on its own are often proper procedures not examples of malpractice. "Is player A okay to play? -- He's day-to-day. Okay, but he's been out for a week, shouldn't someone look at him? Nah, he is day-to-day, we are going with his word." As Vince Scully says, 'Aren't we all?' (day-to-day) Again, see the point above about medical science not running on the same schedule as beat reporters or stupid fans who are too pissed off to think straight and therefore spout off on topics they know nothing about because they think it makes them sound superior. The only thing worse is listening to those idiots and the repeating what they say as if gospel. "And it especially looks worse right now when Dan Warthen apparently was under the impression that Santana WAS gearing up for the WBC, when it was decided about a month ago that Santana was NOT going to be pitching in the WBC." Something which has nothing to do with the medical staff. Rockin' Doc Mar 02 2009 05:16 PM LWFS - "Relatively new here. Is it silly to ask what SJR's "deal" is, generally speaking? I have a theory that Steve may be a distant relative of King Nebuchednezzar. Of course, I could be wrong. SteveJRogers Mar 02 2009 05:25 PM ="Frayed Knot"]="SteveJRogers"]Wilpon.] So if I don't trash the medical staff I must be some kind of Wilpon suck-up? I think you want to re-think that one. No, you seem to stick up for the Met organization and players quite often, to the point where yeah, you do sound like a Kool Aid drinking Met fan. metirish Mar 02 2009 05:31 PM Steve you are really scraping the bottom of the barrel with that jibe at FK. A thread about one of the games best pictures has turned into a SJR thread , happens far too often. Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 05:38 PM Do you really think I stick up for the Wilpons irrationally or have you gotten to the point where you're simply labeling anyone who doesn't trash them incessantly as a suck-up because you think that puts you in with the in crowd? Either way, if you want to find examples where you think I did so we can debate the specific topic(s) individually, but don't make blanket statements about my opinions that you can't back up -- like the one that started this discussion for instance. Edgy DC Mar 02 2009 06:09 PM Does Wilpon even serve Kool-Aid anymore? Because I'm really thirsty and I think I'm entitled to some. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 02 2009 06:55 PM If said Kool-Aid is cherry- and/or mango-flavored, and it will knock me unconscious for the last two weeks of October, I will drink this Kool-Aid. Benjamin Grimm Mar 02 2009 06:56 PM ="metirish":1tgpntg3]happens far too often.[/quote:1tgpntg3] Yep. It's tiresome. Clueless Koolaid Guzzler Mar 02 2009 07:15 PM ="SteveJRogers":1qlt4bm3] No, you seem to stick up for the Met organization and players quite often, to the point where yeah, you do sound like a Kool Aid drinking Met fan.[/quote:1qlt4bm3] hey! you say that like it's a bad thing. metirish Mar 03 2009 07:28 PM ] Mets' Santana won't be ready for Opening Day BY DAVID LENNON | david.lennon@newsday.com 4:50 PM EST, March 3, 2009 The Mets finally came to terms Tuesday with the reality that Johan Santana is not going to be their Opening Day starter for April 6 in Cincinnati. Santana will have another bullpen session tomorrow morning, but the delay caused by the tightness in his left elbow is going to push him back to the fifth turn of that first week, which is Saturday, April 11, in Florida. Pitching coach Dan Warthen explained that Santana is not likely to get into a Grapefruit League game until March 18. That pretty much wipes out any chance of him being ready for Opening Day. Benjamin Grimm Mar 03 2009 08:28 PM April 11 is no tragedy. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 03 2009 08:37 PM May 1 is no tragedy neither. Edgy DC Mar 03 2009 08:50 PM Tomorrow's scapegoating articles can just write themselves. That's a little tragic. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 03 2009 10:57 PM How is this at 20/20 update status on the 'FAN? (He asks rhetorically... since it is.) 86-Dreamer Mar 04 2009 01:11 PM Johan had a strong bullpen today and now says he is still shooting for Opening Day: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/news/story?id=3950758 MFS62 Mar 04 2009 01:21 PM ="86-Dreamer":2c4tjkyk]Johan had a strong bullpen today and now says he is still shooting for Opening Day: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/news/story?id=3950758[/quote:2c4tjkyk] I don't like it when my emotions are toyed with. Later Frayed Knot Mar 10 2009 06:43 AM Well they're about to be toyed with again because Johan says he's feeling good and aiming for Opening Day (a phrase that should always be capitalized, btw). He used all his pitches in yesterday's throwing session and is scheduled for a Thursday start. So the thousands of trees and E-trees that were killed in order to make room for the multitude of columns and blogs detailing the dire consequences and medical malpractice in connection with Santana's left wing turned out to have given their lives in vain all over a soreness which required that miracle of modern medicine ... a 3-day break. themetfairy Mar 10 2009 06:45 AM Either that, or that liniment really works! metirish Mar 17 2009 12:18 PM Great news. ] Mets' Santana throws four innings without incident BY DAVID LENNON | david.lennon@newsday.com 1:41 PM EDT, March 17, 2009 PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - More than any one pitch, the best indication of Johan Santana's mindset as he prepares for Opening Day came during the second inning of Tuesday's minor-league game on Field 7. Santana was so sure he had Scott Grimes struck out on a changeup in the dirt that he stormed off the back of the mound to argue with the umpire behind him. That's right. Scott Grimes, who was playing for the Worcester Tornadoes last season. Santana buried a changeup, and Grimes -- not used to that kind of pitch in the Can-Am League -- clearly did not check his swing. Which is why Santana was annoyed. "Oh yeah, this is a game," Santana said. "You have to do whatever it takes to even win that game and get ready. Because that's the thing, when Opening Day comes, there's not going to be any practice. You've got to be ready. "So that's what we're trying to do now, focus on throwing all of the pitches, on controlling the strike zone and throwing changeups and sliders. I think we're pretty good. We're on the right track." The irritated Santana finished off Grimes with a fastball that he missed for strike three -- no discussion there -- and completed his four-inning stint without incident. Overall, Santana allowed six hits and two earned runs, with five strikeouts and no walks. He threw 56 pitches, 40 for strikes, and his fastball stayed in the 87-89 mph range. With three more starts to go, Santana figures to build up more arm strength and the velocity should increase as well over the next three weeks. "We're still working," Santana said. "I don't work by percentages or anything, but I think we still have some room to improve and to get better and that's what we're focused on right now."

I heard that he threw this morning and "felt fine". The trip to New York for an examination had been scheduled prior to today's throwing. Later

But I betcha' no matter where you sit you'll be able to see the entire field., unlike at that other new place. Later

Its great to see them again. When you look at the box scores for the Mets, how do you read them? Hitters first? From the top, or do you check out any particular players and then read the other names? Pitchers first? Prospects first? Do you check out the boxes for any other particular team(s)? All of them? Inquiring minds want to know. Later

Fron the thread title I thought this was about Jerry Seinfeld. He had been calling to speak to Steve Somers for many years. He just calls himself "Jerry from Queens" and is very knowledgeable. I don't like Francessa. We now return control of this thread back to the original topic. Later

His is the cry of reserves afraid of being exposed by regular play for years: (I first heard it over 40 years ago) "bench me or trade me" Later

Craig Brazell played first base for the O's against the Mets today. Later

Pagan AND Murphy AND Evans? What positions did they play? EDIT: Never mind - Murphy in left, Pagan in center and Evans at first. Later

Gopher ball - a home run. Later

Drag Bunt - where a batter bunts down the first base line, trying to get the ball past the pitcher so he can beat it out for a base hit. Later

OK. I'll be the first to say it this year. The pitchers are ahead of the hitters. Later

Basically, it looks like the starting infield against the starting outfield. Later

="Edgy DC"]Nah. Stupid, sexist, vaguely insulting at many levels, and not particularly funny. Cleaning up my act starting with a new respect for Ms. Sedgewick, co-star of charming mediocrities like Singles and Phenomenon. Oh. I thought you were going to say something about the really bad Southern drawl she puts on in her starring role in her cable show, The Closer. Her accent is so difficult to understand, at times you wish for subtitles. Makes the show unwatchable for me. Later

="Edgy DC":14jnjjn2]Moment's passed.[/quote:14jnjjn2] Pretty please? With ice cream on top? Later Edgy DC Feb 23 2009 08:49 AM Nah. Stupid, sexist, vaguely insulting at many levels, and not particularly funny. Cleaning up my act starting with a new respect for Ms. Sedgewick, co-star of charming mediocrities like Singles and Phenomenon. MFS62 Feb 23 2009 09:02 AM ="Edgy DC"]Nah. Stupid, sexist, vaguely insulting at many levels, and not particularly funny. Cleaning up my act starting with a new respect for Ms. Sedgewick, co-star of charming mediocrities like Singles and Phenomenon. Oh. I thought you were going to say something about the really bad Southern drawl she puts on in her starring role in her cable show, The Closer. Her accent is so difficult to understand, at times you wish for subtitles. Makes the show unwatchable for me. Later

="Edgy DC":2vsw6hk3]Damn, nobody asked me why that's so shocking. I figured I could count on Fman at least to set me up. Oh, well. The moment's passed. [/quote:2vsw6hk3] pant, pant, gasp Sorry. Late to the party. I ran as fast as I could. I hope its not too late. OK, why is that so shocking? Later metirish Feb 23 2009 08:01 AM Is Yuki's hubby the Wilpon son that acted as Asia scout for the Mets? Edgy DC Feb 23 2009 08:07 AM Moment's passed. MFS62 Feb 23 2009 08:37 AM ="Edgy DC":14jnjjn2]Moment's passed.[/quote:14jnjjn2] Pretty please? With ice cream on top? Later Edgy DC Feb 23 2009 08:49 AM Nah. Stupid, sexist, vaguely insulting at many levels, and not particularly funny. Cleaning up my act starting with a new respect for Ms. Sedgewick, co-star of charming mediocrities like Singles and Phenomenon. MFS62 Feb 23 2009 09:02 AM ="Edgy DC"]Nah. Stupid, sexist, vaguely insulting at many levels, and not particularly funny. Cleaning up my act starting with a new respect for Ms. Sedgewick, co-star of charming mediocrities like Singles and Phenomenon. Oh. I thought you were going to say something about the really bad Southern drawl she puts on in her starring role in her cable show, The Closer. Her accent is so difficult to understand, at times you wish for subtitles. Makes the show unwatchable for me. Later

Quick bat- a short, compact stroke that can catch up with a fastball. (my definition) Later

Just saw in the BaseballAmerica Almanac that in 2008, Craig Brazell went .238-16-58 for the Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League. Don't know where he will be playing in 2009. Later

="John Cougar Lunchbucket":pzznudbs]Can someone explain what it is with the brothers who don't take the stickers off the bill?[/quote:pzznudbs] Are you talking about store/ price stickers? My daughter told me a few years ago that used to be a sign of pride that the hat was stolen, rather than paid for. Later batmagadanleadoff Feb 20 2009 10:29 AM ="Gwreck"]="metsguyinmichigan"]Just found out they're going to wear that cap with the patch all season! If only that were true. More likely, they're going to wear that cap in the 15 games of the year that Charlie Samuels and the Mets deign to actually wear their proper uniform, and they'll wear some godawful black or blue-and-black caps the other 147. I bet you're right. Benjamin Grimm Feb 20 2009 10:51 AM I just saw a clip (on "Mets Hot Stove Report") of Francisco Rodriguez's press conference, and it looks (although it was hard to tell for sure) that his blue Mets cap had a white button on top. (Hmmm, didn't the Brooklyn Dodgers have a white button on their caps?) OlerudOwned Feb 20 2009 12:58 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1j28k4gy]Can someone explain what it is with the brothers who don't take the stickers off the bill?[/quote:1j28k4gy] Someone probably started doing it to be different, and everyone else wanted to be different too. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 20 2009 04:30 PM ="Gwreck":1phroxm2]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1phroxm2]It seems that whether it�s in regard to replenishing the major-league lineup (win-now-sort-of) restocking the minors (draft-well-but-don�t -sign-anyone-above-slot) or off-field stuff (this-Madoff-business-doesn�t-affect-our-budget-but-we�ll-be-alarmingly-frugal-anyway-despite-3-or-4-new-for-2009-partially-publically-funded-revenue-streams), our franchise plan is �Serving two masters/pleasing none.� So, you know, the two-different-patches rigamarole fits.[/quote:1phroxm2] I count 3 or 4 large exaggerations there.[/quote:1phroxm2] A little drama-queen-y, to be sure. (Once I hit Madoffville, I figured I might as well gun the accelerator.) Offseason-that-felt-much-too-long + Fumbling-something-stupid-and-easy-like-commemorative-patch-design = A dull, exaggerative boy.

We don't need no steenking patches. Later

="themetfairy":67aky83c]="metirish":67aky83c]It's ended.... Rodriguez ended by saying he wants "to make the world a better place" , words that would inspire Bernie Taupin.[/quote:67aky83c] How does he feel about World Peace?[/quote:67aky83c] It doesn't matter. He's not competing for Miss America. Later LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 17 2009 09:57 PM ="metirish":cg5944xb]Johnny Damon - "using steroids is wrong but he didn't commit a crime or like go out their and kill someone".....[/quote:cg5944xb] You know, like Leyritz. /Why, yes, my tongue works fine-- why do you ask? Nymr83 Feb 18 2009 02:26 AM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2ac33j35]="metirish":2ac33j35]Johnny Damon - "using steroids is wrong but he didn't commit a crime or like go out their and kill someone".....[/quote:2ac33j35] You know, like Leyritz. /Why, yes, my tongue works fine-- why do you ask?[/quote:2ac33j35] Sorry Johnny, whatever he took was probably illegal in the U.S. Edgy DC Feb 18 2009 05:59 AM I actually tihnk a human being must be sacrificed every time Madonna copulates. metirish Feb 18 2009 07:06 AM More from Johnny....to the print media he had this to say..... ] "It's unfortunate he made some stupid mistakes. He's a guy who definitely did not need it, and I definitely do not condone it....But there could be a lot worse things he could've been doing out there, (like) murdering someone"It's unfortunate he made some stupid mistakes. He's a guy who definitely did not need it, and I definitely do not condone it....But there could be a lot worse things he could've been doing out there, (like) murdering someone "We can go out there and support him," Damon added, "because we know we can't go out there and win a World Series without him." Rodriguez's amatuer hour defense defies logic , I didn't expect anything else from him but it couldn't have been more staged if he were on Broadway. Frayed Knot Feb 18 2009 07:06 AM ="Edgy DC":1kos7lsf]I actually tihnk a human being must be sacrificed every time Madonna copulates.[/quote:1kos7lsf] That would explain all the death and destruction in the world. Re: Damon -- His name came up in a round-table type sports discussion I was listening to and the panel was deftly using euphemisms like "an uncomplicated man" when describing him in order to keep from flat-out saying that he's basically box-of-rocks stupid. Edgy DC Feb 18 2009 07:19 AM Yes, Johnny, murder, manslaughter --- these things are worse than cheating at baseball. Thank you for your incisive analysis. For a counterpoint, here's Ambiorix Burgos.

Taking the title of the thread literally, the best free agent the Mets never signed was Vlad. Later