Centerfield

This is great. When was the last time someone came out of the blue like this? Harvey came with a good amount of fanfare.

Somewhat inspired by the Burkhardt thread. I'm tough on the Wilpons, but overall, I think they did a great job with their network. The coverage is Mets-centered enough that it feels like a Mets network. But the coverage is neutral enough that I don't feel like it is just a propoganda machine for the organization. Maybe because they coupled with the Daily News, I feel like the network's anchors don't pull any punches in their criticism of the team. As to individuals: Gary, Keith and Ron: Love them. I think the kids that grow up on these guys will feel the same way about them that my generation felt about McCarver and Kiner. Let's hope none of them turn douchy later on in their careers. Gary Apple: Good guy. No complaints. Kerith Burke: Love her. Easy on the eyes too. Bob Ojeda: Mixes in some actual analysis with some bullshit and cliches. Ok in small doses. I only tune into the post-game after wins, so it ends up being small doses. Chris Carlin: I don't understand this at all. Talks funny. Is not smart. Is not funny. (and it's worse because he thinks he IS funny). Adds nothing in terms of insight or analysis. Not an unlikeable guy, but just a very strange pick for such a frontline position at the network. Michelle Yu: Can't stand her. Awkward delivery. Gets shit wrong. Reminds me of annoying girls at the bar who act like they know sports, are opinionated about things, then undermine their credibility by saying things like "Home Base" and "Wilbur Flores". Jim Duquette: Surprisingly good in a limited role for a guy with not much personality. Still hate him for Kazmir trade, but maybe hate him a little less.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Here's where you say, "Murphy is our second baseman. We have no plans to trade him this offseason." And then wink, like, so hard you go Popeye for a day or two from the aftereffects. You don't want to Ike your trading leverage like last time. Murphy is what he is, and at absolute best maybe a little more, and he'll begin to get increasingly expensive (and approach decline) really soon. It's not just the ceiling of Flores that makes this doable-- we've also got the floor of a good-glove, on-base-y Herrera. Yup. I know this maybe somewhat reactionary, but I think I am willing to go into next year with Flores, Matt Reynolds and Tejada at SS. There are only a few difference makers at SS around, and I don't think any are available (except maybe Hanley, but there is a lot of baggage there). If I had to make a choice, I'd go with the in-house candidates at SS and go all in on a stud LF. Of course, I'd love for the Mets to one day realize they are a big market team, and sign Hanley, sign the Cuban LF guy, then win the World Series.

That is great. Good guy. Happy for him that he is moving on to better things, but I will miss him during the broadcasts. I had no idea how hard his job was until I started seeing Steve Gelbs fill in for him. (And be awkward and strange.) I have run into him a few times while at CitiField. He is an extremely friendly guy and his off-camera personality is as engaging as it is when the tape is rolling. One time he was trying to line up a shot and figure out where to have the cameraman. I asked him what he was doing, he explained it, then actually listened to my feedback. (Or at least pretended to in a convincing enough way to make it seem like he did.) Lots of luck Kevin. Hope the new guy doesn't suck.

Flipping around I saw a stat that he had been 0 for his last 23 (or something like that). Last two weeks? I think they have this wrong. I think he retired two weeks ago...

They should just name this the Jorge Toca Award.

At the headquarters of Sterling Enterprises, immediately following a meeting in which good coffee was served... Diamond Dad: Freddie, lead the way. Boys, get to work. Jeff Wilpon: A please would be nice. Diamond Dad: Come again? Jeff Wilpon: I said a please would be nice. Diamond Dad: Get it straight assclown - I'm not here to say please, I'm here to tell you what to do and if self-preservation is an instinct you possess you'd better fucking do it and do it quick. I'm here to help - if my help's not appreciated then lotsa luck, gentlemen. Saul Katz: No, Mr. Diamond Dad sir, it ain't like that, your help is definitely appreciated. Jeff Wilpon: I don't mean any disrespect, I just don't like people barking orders at me. Diamond Dad: If I'm curt with you it's because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act fast if you wanna get out of this. So, pretty please... with sugar on top. Settle the fucking case.

Agreed. It is foolish for me to think I can wake up on the morning of September 11 and get anything done. And it wouldn't hurt to get some actual first responders to join this organization. I'm down with making this one of the CPF Goals for 2015.

Yup. Greg, killer stuff! How does one think to tie in "Never Forget" with d'Arnaud's baserunning blunder? Fantastic.

Edgy MD wrote: I'd be happy to sell you a ground floor piece of my language software application, Gonzalez German, my new bed sheet brand, Josh Satin, or perhaps my booming animal breeding business, Jeremy Heifer. I'll take a pass. Still reeling from my losses on John's Bucks, the "companionship" service from last year.

My real name is Ja... Oh, you meant him. Right. That would make more sense.

But seriously, wow. I am dying here. Imperturbabilty. Lol. Have you posted that before?

I am outraged. OUTRAGED. You've seen pictures of my kids. I hope you can live with the fact that you just stole their college tuition.

Ceetar wrote: Centerfield wrote: I have decided that within the year, I am starting a line of fragrances called "Bartolo Cologne", featuring our debonair starting pitcher. This is a great investment opportunity. PM me if you want in. Will this conflict with my Bartolo Cleanses initiative? Ceetar, please expect to hear from my attorney.

I have decided that within the year, I am starting a line of fragrances called "Bartolo Cologne", featuring our debonair starting pitcher. This is a great investment opportunity. PM me if you want in.

Diamond Dad wrote: But the very fact that they fired a senior female employee just a few months after she returned from Maternity leave, allegedly for poor job performance, is a historically stupid thing to do. Even if none of the other allegations were true, this would be very bad and any employment lawyer would advise against it. Yup. And unless they have a series of negative reviews on record preceding this firing, I would say it's even historicallier stupider.

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Comment on Facebook: Jay Kim: You know, the best way to Never Forget would be to tell Bud Selig where he can put his MLB sanctioned hats and let the team wear first responder hats during the game.

Emails have been sent to: Adam Rubin: adam.rubin@espn.com David Newman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications with the NY Mets: dnewman@nymets.com Looking for additional emails now. Now, if only I knew someone with a well-respected and widely read blog for Mets fans who like to read....

They are expected again to throw away a great tradition and instead wear MLB sanctioned hats. It continues to be one of my biggest complaints about management and ownership. I don't know that there is anything more to say, except to reiterate my disappointment.

I heard Jacob deGrom. He is awesome and not douchy.

I'm going to disagree with Edgy here. Not only do I think this is a no-brainer, I think this should have been done months ago. It is one thing to try to play through the pain when he initially hurt it, it is another to keep trying after he aggravated it further. He should have been placed on the DL in June to allow the inflammation to calm down. I am glad to hear that surgery is not likely, but where there is any chance of this, the Mets should have been cautious. The Mets were never really in a pennant race, and whatever hope there may have been, it has been several weeks since that fairy tale was even entertained. I can't understand why it took this long. Sandy is right, David acted like a captain. I don't blame him at all. The ones that dropped the ball were Sandy, the owners, and management (let's be honest, it's most likely the owners). They needed to be the adults in the room and were not. This, unfortunately, is not surprising. Now let's stop being foolish and shut down the closer that is trying to pitch through a hernia before he blows out his arm.

Have you guys heard the WOR commercial for NYC Corrections Officers? I'm paraphrasing, but it's something like: We lock up da criminals of New York. Da guy dat raped yuh daughta. The guy that kidnapped yuh son. Dese are da guys we spend time wit every day. Make a donation to the Corrections Officers Benevolent Association. Because widout corrections officers, how safe are you? It's like something out of a Ben Stiller movie.

Classy Things Derek Jeter has done this year: 1. Discretely asked teams to forego the fanfare of a farewell tour, instead, focusing on the games to be played. 2. Seeking out Girardi and telling him he should rightfully be dropped in the batting order. 3. Seeking out Girardi and telling him he should rightfully not start any games at SS. 4. Nipping the rumored "Jeter Patch" in the bud and not letting it see the light of day. A source with knowledge of the discussions has quoted Jeter as saying, "That is over the top. How can I wear a patch to commemorate myself? That takes ego to new heights. Besides, it feels morbid. I may not be the player I once was, but I'm not dead yet. In fact, I'm feeling much better. I think I'll go for a walk."

Only one weekend series in Phillly (May 9-10). We are likely going to make that trip in case anyone is planning to go.