MFS62

seawolf17 wrote: Ah. Thanks, Val. Hey, they kept giving the award to Jeter, and he sucked too. And IIRC one year an AL second baseman (Harold Reynolds?) got the award in a year in which he made 18 errors (a LOT for a second baseman) while playing on an artificial turf infield. Later

I've hated that fat bald fucker Williams for about 20 years. He was originally drafted by the Mets, but chose to go back to school because he said he didn't want to play in New York. And no matter where he played after that, he always had New York on his list of "no trade to" cities. I hope those steroids have made his gonads shrivel and fall off by now. Later

The press conference was held in center field at Chavez Ravine. I guess they don't have a monument park out there. (snicker) Later

And having Peterson may be the only way to get around that no-trade clause. Later

Obtaining Zito might only be for one year. Any player who had been signed to a multi-year FA contract becomes a free agent if traded during the term of that contract. OTOH, being reunited with his former pitching coach might be enough for Zito to waive that right should the Mets get him. Later

Rockin' Doc wrote: I hate to rain on your dream, but isn't Castro a free agent? He's not even the Mets to trade at present. If we're going to dream, we might as well dream big. I propose Schoeneweis for Cain and Lincecum And if they insist, I'd throw in David Newhan. Later

And I liked his comments about Tom Gorzelanny. When he writes, he lets his historical perspective shine through. I think his age 27 thingie is based on something he wrote many years ago. Buried in one of his books (sorry, can't find a link) was a comment that hitters begin to achieve their power potential at 27. IIRC the reasons he gave were by that age: They have had sufficient at bats to feel comfortable in the majors, They are at the peak of physical maturity, They now know what pitches they can hit (including the best zones), and They've figured out how to drive those pitches. He added that a player's peak power years start to decline at age 33/34. I'm not sure if he has ever done the same kind of thing for pitchers. Some young power pitchers never are able to effectively change from throwers (relying purely on stuff) to pitchers (using other pitchers and location to get hitters out. IMO, those skills seem to be more mental than for hitters at that age. Later

Thanks for the update. Later

Nymr83 wrote: there is a rule against a player having a piece of the team. This plan calls for the player to receive the shares when they are finished playing, so it doesn't violate any current league regulations. Anyone care to comment now? Later

One of the callers to WFAN the other day said something I feel is worth considering for any team. (I paraphrase) He noted that the current (reported ) salary demands of Agent Orange - $30 million-per-yer and above may move A-Rod out of consideration for most teams. But he suggested that an interested team might offer a more reasonable salary (maybe $20+ mil?) and then offer a piece of the club when he retires. The caller noted that this would address Boras' contention that signing A-Rod would result in the financial growth of the franchise. So, he continued, why not allow the player to reap those benefits he provided to that team? ***************************************** My thoughts are that even with joint partnership with one majority owner, the team might offer non-voting shares (the votes associated with shares given to the player remain with the owners giving up those shares). But the profits of those shares would go to the player. It seems like this is something worth considering. I'm not sure if the Union would agree, since he would be signing at a lower annual salary. And I'm not sure this is allowed within the baseball bylaws. BUT... Thoughts? Later

They all hit home runs against the Mets after they left the team? Later

Why? Just from videos I've seen of their games. The ballparks looked that big. And I'm not sure if its cost-effective to build a ballpark with a lesser capacity, considering the popularity of baseball there. Just my impression. Later

38,118 fans? Anyone know the capacity of that dome? I thought the Japanese parks all held about 50,000. Or did they think they were Braves fans? (I hadn't had a chance to slam the fans who made "no-show" famous in a while.) Later

Pettitte announced today (as per WFAN) that he will either stay a Yankee next year or retire. That seems to remove him from consideration as a future Met. I guess that also means he won't be following Joe to LA. Later

="John Cougar Lunchbucket"]What would be interesting would be for MFS to provide any documentation whatsoever regarding his "too colorful" quotes to begin with. You know I can't. But I recall from the Weiss interviews I read at the time (circa 1964/ 65 after both Allen and Tiant had become valuable contributors at the major league level) that he did use the words "too colorful". I used it above to talk about off-the-field antics. Michigan gave it the different meaning. But since my recollection is the only thing available (unless you can find to the contrary) here's something about "best evidence":

Having A-Rod lead the Mets to a World Series championship would sure peg the needle on the "Shove it up Boss George's Ass" o-meter. Later

Yancy Street Gang wrote: Yancy Street Gang wrote: Quick! Name five Mets players who were able to speak Papiamentu! Nobody? Oh, come on, this was easy! The answer is, of course, Danny Heep, Lute Barnes, Mike Glavine, Roy Staiger, and, this last one was the tricky one, Mark Clark. Thanks for playing, everybody! I guess the question was limited to players. We who heard him know that's what Casey Stengel was speaking. Later

Has there ever been a major leaguer (or anyone else for that matter) named Gorkys? Of course he'll become a star, and they'll make a movie about his success, and all those who kidded him about his name. They'll title it; Gorkys' Revenge Sorry Later

Centerfield wrote: Wasn't he too high-strung for the Marlins? This could be fun. What will be more fun is that he has mentioned Dallas Green as one of the managers from whom he has learned. I wonder what part, burning out pitchers or not playing youngsters? Later

Edgy DC wrote: Is this satire? http://jc_baseball_analysis.mlblogs.com/jc_baseball_analysis/2006/12/wally_joyner_a_.html I certainly hope it is. If not, I'd suggest the writer re-check the dosage of his medications. Later

I think he'll go to the Cubs. He likes Pinella, and that would be a great park for him to play in if he is going to compile career stats. Also, he will be compliling them as a shortstop. But if the contract is going to be more than 7 years, it might be an AL team, so he can finish out his career as only a hitter. Later

Andrew Eugene Pettitte Born June 15, 1972 in Baton Rouge, LA Bats Left, Throws Left Height 6' 5", Weight 235 lb. Career Records: Regular season: 210-113 2527.7 IP, 2636H, 790BB, 1844K, 3.83 ERA, 118 ERA+, 1.355 WHIP Post Season: 14-9, 3.96ERA, 218.1 IP, 235 H, 60 BB, 139 K (couldn't find the other stats) Personal observations: For a guy that big, his last name is inappropriate. He may have the biggest nose in the major leagues since Ernie "Schnoz" Lombardi. When he's pitching to Jorge Posada, their noses are about 10 feet closer than 60' 6". Reputation: "Big Game" postseason pitcher Great pickoff move (which opposing managers still claim is a balk) Off field stuff: Made a tv ad for selling Bibles. I'm not sure if that irritated Boss George, but that was the year that, despite his record, Boss Geaorge reportedly insisted he not be re-signed. All else written about him says he was a good guy, a good teammate and a tough competitor. He signed with the Yankees again and many say it was for a chance to be reunited with his pitching buddy Roger Clemens. Now that he's a free agent: Why he'll stay with the Yankees: He's a Yankee. He's a winner. He doesn't seem concerned with chasing the most money - IIRC he would have signed with the Yanks when he was let go for less than what was being offered. Why he would sign with the Mets: I can't come up with a good reason, or any reason for that matter. Later

Thanks for reviving this thread. A few weeks ago I heard Steve Somers interview Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm). The usual 20 minute time slot (between 20-20 updates) was stretched to over 30 minutes while they schmoozed together. Larry not only roots for the Mets, but follows the Jets, too. He knew a lot of what was going on (team and individual player stuff) so it seemed genuine. Later

Commando is one of those movies that if I'm clicking to see what's on and it is, I'll watch it to the end. I can't take my eyes off it, sorta' like a train wreck. Later

If you haven't clicked on the list yet, and were hoping to see Witness For the Prosecution, it isn't there. Bad omission. Later