batmagadanleadoff

Perhaps I've already forgotten, but I don't recall Jerry bunting this season to the point where it's a nuisance. I specifically remember two bunt attempts in the late innings of home games where the Mets had a runner on second with nobody out. Successfully using up your first out to advance a runner from second to third base is the only instance where a team can increase its chances of scoring a run to the point where it might be reasonable to use up that out. Given that the Mets now have Putz and K-Rod to finish the game and that the new stadium appears to be death on Home Runs, those bunt attempts might not have been so bad. This year's Mets, especially at home, have a much better chance of protecting a one run lead over the last two innings.

What's the over/under on a Met getting drilled tonight as payback for Ramirez?

I'm glad I only conflated white guys in the Conflate thread.

ESPN is reporting that Perez in on the brink of a demotion: Perez to get start in Philadelphia When the New York Mets re-signed Oliver Perez in the offseason to a deal with big numbers -- $36 million over three years -- they expected he would be providing the small ones -- as in, his ERA. Instead, Perez finds himself facing the loss of his spot in the starting rotation and possible demotion. Manager Jerry Manuel said on Monday that Perez, 1-2 with a 9.31 ERA and almost as many walks (15) as strikeouts (18) in four starts this season, will get one more shot. Perez's next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia. "I think it's important, him being one of my guys, that I give him every benefit of the doubt," Manuel said. "I'm looking at that Philadelphia outing as a big outing for him." Perez's fortuitous timing in getting another chance is linked to the fact he has been good against the Phillies, with a 0.35 ERA in four starts last season, allowing just one run in 26 innings. "I am looking at Philadelphia as a big outing for him. I'm hoping to find something," Manuel said. But Manuel has indicated his patience is sorely tested, especially after Perez imploded Sunday against the Washington Nationals, giving up seven runs on nine hits and walking three in 4 1/3 innings in the Mets' eventual 8-1 loss. "I'm really concerned about him at this point. I don't know what we do. I'm not going to come out and make a decision right now," Manuel said Sunday after the game. "I haven't seen stuff yet. I don't know what it is with Ollie. I'm going to sit down and talk with him and try to figure it out." Perez has allowed 15 walks and 23 hits in 19 1/3 innings this season. "I don't feel good," Perez said. "I haven't been doing my job, and I feel bad for that." http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4106942

="Rob Dibble"]A team is not measured by its best players, but by its 23rd and 24th and 25th men on the roster. http://masnsports.com/2009/04/this-team-is-better-than-the-1.html But what happens when the team has three 23rd men, and three 24th men? This might turn into its own fun Rob Dibble sez thread.

Edgy DC wrote: I don't believe you. Ask Rob to show you his ring.

="The Big O"]="metirish"]="A Boy Named Seo"]Rob Dibble hates scouting reports. They're confusing and stuff for pitchers. In Dibble's world that's probably cool , didn't Bobby Valentine basically call Dibble a moron while he was manager of the Mets . IIRC Dibble questioned the toughness of Mets pitchers and Bobby told him to shut up. Ollie might be the last person I'd want coming out of the pen. Some guy in baseball-hating Washington has the deets (but not the Jeets) right here. "He was unprofessional and uninformed," Valentine also said. "This is the reason people switch off ESPN, because you have people with no knowledge of the game or the English language presenting the game we love." Rob Dibble has his own blog. He thinks that the Nats have a chance to win 90 games this season: ="Rob Dibble"]The same people who said before the 2008 season that the Tampa Bay Rays who won 66 games in 2007 had no chance are choking on plenty of crow this year. The Rays went from 66 wins to 97 in one year and won the AL East; so why is it so hard to believe the Washington Nationals can't go from 59 wins to 92? That's how many wins The 2008 World Champion Phillies had when they won The NL East last season. If you still don't believe me, believe this: nearly 20 years ago right around this time in April, I was on a team that was 400-1 odds in Vegas to win the World Series. Anytime you want me to show you my WS ring, let me know, I really won't mind... http://masnsports.com/2009/04/dont-look-back.html

I skimmed through my copy of Jones, Cleon with Ed Hershey, Cleon, Coward-McCann (New York), 1970 (1st Ed. - Hardcover) for any Wilber Huckle references, being that Huckle and Jones were both, supposedly called up in September of 1963. There were none. But I was reminded that Cleon roomed with Paul Blair in St. Petersburg during Blair's only Spring with the Mets; that Casey Stengel was the most knowledgeable baseball man that Cleon ever met, and that Cleon thought the Otis-Foy trade would help both teams. There's also a full page B&W pose of Cleon wearing a Mets #12 home 1965 uniform, and a picture of Cleon and his wife Angela in a supermarket, shopping for hamhocks. Cleon loves hamhocks. Here's Angela's recipe for hamhocks, as it appears in the Appendix to Cleon, pg. 189 -- a recipe that I would recommend for inclusion should the Mets and Stop -n- Shop ever collaborate on a Turn Back the Clock Mets Cookbook: Cleon's Special Soul Food Dinner by Angela Jones ="Angela Jones"]The way the schedule breaks, with all the night games and road trips, Cleon and I don't get too much of a chance to entertain in New York. But when we do have people over for dinner, Cleon is very partial to a few dishes that he has enjoyed all his life.... Recipe for Hamhocks and Greens/Hamhocks and Butterbeans Eight smoked hamhocks Package of Lima Beans Fresh collard greens Sugar Salt Pepper Whole garlic Small onion Vinegar Boil six of the hamhocks in a three-quart saucepan for two hours, adding water if necessary. Add the lima beans, four to six sections of a clove of garlic, half a diced onion, and sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Reduce flame and simmer for two more hours. Serve hot. Boil the other two hamhocks in a smaller saucepan for three hours. Roll up the greens, slice them into bite-size portions, and add them to the hamhocks with sugar, salt, a dash of pepper, a touch of vinegar, and afew bits of the onion. Reduce flame until there is just enough heat to keep hamhocks and greens warm until serving.

I've got a "Wilber Huckle for President" pin. I wonder how Wilber made out?

="batmagadanleadoff"]I've heard nothing but good things about the Ron Darling book, which I haven't picked up yet but intend to. Also due out are two more Met related books: A Tale of Three Cities: The 1962 Baseball Season in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and a book about the Continental League (forgot the title). Bottom of the Ninth: Branch Rickey, Casey Stengel, and the Daring Scheme to Save Baseball from Itself ="Fay Vincent"]"Baseball is all about good stories. In this well-conceived and graceful book, Michael Shapiro wraps the superb story of the 1960 World Series within the intriguing tale of Branch Rickey�s concurrent efforts to start a new league�the Continental League. Shapiro argues that baseball made a crucial and irreversible error by aborting that league. Not surprisingly, the on-field stuff outdoes the business stuff, but only barely. A good read."--Fay Vincent, former commissioner of baseball and author of The Only Game in Town and We Would Have Played for Nothing ]Fifty years ago, as baseball faced crises on and off the field, two larger-than-life figures took center stage, each on a quest to reinvent the national pastime In the late 1950s, baseball was under siege. Up-and-coming cities that wanted teams of their own were being rebuffed by the owners, and in response Congress was threatening to revoke the sport�s antitrust exemption. These problems were magnified by what was happening on the field, as the New York Yankees were winning so often that true competition was vanishing in the American League. In Bottom of the Ninth, Michael Shapiro brings to life this watershed moment in baseball history. He shows how the legendary executive Branch Rickey saw the game�s salvation in two radical ideas: the creation of a third major league�the Continental League�and the pooling of television revenues for the benefit of all. And Shapiro captures the audacity of Casey Stengel, the manager of the Yankees, who believed that he could bend the game to his wishes and remake how baseball was played. Their stories are interwoven with the on-field drama of pennant races and clutch performances, culminating in three classic World Series confrontations. As the tension built on and off the field, Rickey and Stengel would find themselves outsmarted and defeated by the team owners who held true backroom power�defeats that would diminish the game for decades to come. Shapiro�s compelling narrative reaches its stunning climax in the seventh game of the 1960 World Series, when one swing of the bat heralds baseball�s eclipse as America�s number-one sport.

From the AP article on tonight's Met game: ]Unlike the Yankees, the Mets' premium seats behind home plate were filled, although they have far fewer and at much lower prices. Just 34 of the 92 Delta Club Platinum seats in the first two rows were occupied in the first inning but about 80-85 percent filled by the third. The top price was $295 for the first "value" game of the season, down from $695 for the opener and $595 for the remaining games on the first homestand, which were classified "gold." At the Yankees, a majority of the 1,895 premium seats that cost $500-$2,625 were empty for the final five games of their opening six-game homestand.

There's your new leadoff hitter, Jerry. (as Luis drives in the Mets second run). A feast for Johan.

="G-Fafif"]Lord of the K's... That was an old SI cover.

="SteveJRogers":37wifovh]="batmagadanleadoff":37wifovh]="SteveJRogers":37wifovh] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:37wifovh] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else.[/quote:37wifovh] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products.[/quote:37wifovh] I think that the 2008 revised YB would be a tough find. In most circumstances, you won't be able to identify a revised version on ebay even if it's being auctioned: the seller probably won't know the nature of his own item, and the revised cover -- likely to be the only photograph used in the auction-- is no different than the original unrevised cover. Also, I think (but am not entirely sure) that the revised version sold only during the Mets last series against Fla. metsguyinmichigan Apr 24 2009 11:15 AM My awesome cousin Mike went to Opening Day and surprised me with a program! As for the yearbooks, I usually wait a month or two and buy it from the Mets Web site. It's not up there yet, but it will be at some point. batmagadanleadoff May 21 2009 04:53 PM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers"] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products. Rogers ... .. A revised 2008 Mets yearbook is being auctioned off on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-METS-FINAL-SHEA-STADIUM-REVISED-YEARBOOK_W0QQitemZ160336752620QQihZ006QQcategoryZ43356QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem By the way, the revised 2008's are labeled "Final Shea Stadium Edition". This should make it easier to find another one, should this ebay auction not work out for you.

="GYC":3t3bl6py]It reads as if Charles Bukowski wrote it. I'm a fan; of Bukowski and this, I mean.[/quote:3t3bl6py] I read that post last night for the first time ever, and I was thinking Bukowski almost immediately. Were all of his posts like that one? John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 24 2009 10:07 AM There were about a half-dozen that year that were just as good if not better -- that one just happened to be the only one that survived. My favorite was called "Valentine's Magical Thinking" which involved an analysis of Valentine's style and set within a tale of a visit to the Village Idiot bar. Edgy DC Apr 24 2009 10:12 AM There's got to be a way to recover them from the internet archives. soupcan Apr 24 2009 10:22 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":8b670l7z]...the Village Idiot bar.[/quote:8b670l7z] Used to have best juke box in the City. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 24 2009 10:26 AM That was part of his story! He described it playing "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" by David Allen Coe, only he didn;t know the singer or the song, and was shocked when I replied with the lyrics. Edgy DC Apr 24 2009 10:30 AM I'm able to dig deep enough to get old forum pages listing thread titles, but not the threads themselves. Frusterating. http://web.archive.org/web/20001014000542/www.metsonline.net/home2.html soupcan Apr 24 2009 10:34 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket"]That was part of his story! I used to play 'Walkin' After Midnight' by Patsy Cline everytime I went in there. God that was so many years ago. Farmer Ted Apr 24 2009 07:14 PM I couldn't pull an Al story out. Hmm. Where have you gone Ambler, JSW52, & Met Jim?

="SteveJRogers":17usl6m1] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:17usl6m1] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else. Benjamin Grimm Apr 24 2009 09:57 AM I agree. My guess is that, since so far Citi Field seems to be the only place to get the yearbooks, and there have only been six home games, there's a temporary and artificial short supply. Once more yearbooks are in circulation, and they hit the newsstands, the prices should come back to more reasonable levels. SteveJRogers Apr 24 2009 10:37 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="batmagadanleadoff":3bfkyjaz]="SteveJRogers":3bfkyjaz] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:3bfkyjaz] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else.[/quote:3bfkyjaz] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products. batmagadanleadoff Apr 24 2009 10:52 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers":37wifovh]="batmagadanleadoff":37wifovh]="SteveJRogers":37wifovh] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:37wifovh] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else.[/quote:37wifovh] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products.[/quote:37wifovh] I think that the 2008 revised YB would be a tough find. In most circumstances, you won't be able to identify a revised version on ebay even if it's being auctioned: the seller probably won't know the nature of his own item, and the revised cover -- likely to be the only photograph used in the auction-- is no different than the original unrevised cover. Also, I think (but am not entirely sure) that the revised version sold only during the Mets last series against Fla. metsguyinmichigan Apr 24 2009 11:15 AM My awesome cousin Mike went to Opening Day and surprised me with a program! As for the yearbooks, I usually wait a month or two and buy it from the Mets Web site. It's not up there yet, but it will be at some point. batmagadanleadoff May 21 2009 04:53 PM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers"] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products. Rogers ... .. A revised 2008 Mets yearbook is being auctioned off on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-METS-FINAL-SHEA-STADIUM-REVISED-YEARBOOK_W0QQitemZ160336752620QQihZ006QQcategoryZ43356QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem By the way, the revised 2008's are labeled "Final Shea Stadium Edition". This should make it easier to find another one, should this ebay auction not work out for you.

I've heard nothing but good things about the Ron Darling book, which I haven't picked up yet but intend to. Also due out are two more Met related books: A Tale of Three Cities: The 1962 Baseball Season in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and a book about the Continental League (forgot the title).

="soupcan":3ix9ibcp]Maybe the fact that the yearbook wasn't ready until opening day (because of the inclusion of all those recent events) has something to do with its online availability?[/quote:3ix9ibcp] I think that technological advancements in printing and publishing allow for a team's yearbook to go to press much later than in the past, thus leaving more wiggle room to include some last minute events (like Sheffield and the SJU-G'Town game). soupcan Apr 24 2009 08:04 AM Oh, I agree. I just noticed that as opposed to previous yearbooks, some of the pics included in this one were much more recent. Just an observation. Maybe its got something to do with Grimm's question, maybe not. Probably not. themetfairy Apr 24 2009 08:10 AM MK and I got a good laugh of the players' yearbook photos this year. You have giant pictures of each guy rising up out of Citi Field. The giant Mr. Met looks like the Staypuff Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters. Nymr83 Apr 24 2009 08:46 AM I'm going monday, if ebay prices are still that high by then i'm buying 10 of them and keeping none. if anyone here wants one (with no markup) private message me and perhaps we can work out a quick paypal payment and i'll mail it tuesday. SteveJRogers Apr 24 2009 09:32 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="Benjamin Grimm"]This morning I looked into ordering a Mets yearbook online, since the soonest I'll be able to get out to Citi Field is May 31, if then. It's not listed on the Mets website in their "Publications" section. (They do have a few DVD packages where Hall of Famers get a 10 per cent discount. Would I be able to get a discount by pretending to be Johnny Bench? Strange.) Anyway, I did find some listings on eBay. One seller has the bidding up to $51 for a "mint condition" 2009 Mets yearbook. Huh? Are the bidders nuts? Or are Mets yearbooks this year a rare commodity? I'd say nuts category based on the whole "First Year" scenario with Citi Field. No reason why the Mets will make this years edition a rareity. Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year. batmagadanleadoff Apr 24 2009 09:53 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers":17usl6m1] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:17usl6m1] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else. Benjamin Grimm Apr 24 2009 09:57 AM I agree. My guess is that, since so far Citi Field seems to be the only place to get the yearbooks, and there have only been six home games, there's a temporary and artificial short supply. Once more yearbooks are in circulation, and they hit the newsstands, the prices should come back to more reasonable levels. SteveJRogers Apr 24 2009 10:37 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="batmagadanleadoff":3bfkyjaz]="SteveJRogers":3bfkyjaz] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:3bfkyjaz] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else.[/quote:3bfkyjaz] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products. batmagadanleadoff Apr 24 2009 10:52 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers":37wifovh]="batmagadanleadoff":37wifovh]="SteveJRogers":37wifovh] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:37wifovh] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else.[/quote:37wifovh] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products.[/quote:37wifovh] I think that the 2008 revised YB would be a tough find. In most circumstances, you won't be able to identify a revised version on ebay even if it's being auctioned: the seller probably won't know the nature of his own item, and the revised cover -- likely to be the only photograph used in the auction-- is no different than the original unrevised cover. Also, I think (but am not entirely sure) that the revised version sold only during the Mets last series against Fla. metsguyinmichigan Apr 24 2009 11:15 AM My awesome cousin Mike went to Opening Day and surprised me with a program! As for the yearbooks, I usually wait a month or two and buy it from the Mets Web site. It's not up there yet, but it will be at some point. batmagadanleadoff May 21 2009 04:53 PM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers"] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products. Rogers ... .. A revised 2008 Mets yearbook is being auctioned off on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-METS-FINAL-SHEA-STADIUM-REVISED-YEARBOOK_W0QQitemZ160336752620QQihZ006QQcategoryZ43356QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem By the way, the revised 2008's are labeled "Final Shea Stadium Edition". This should make it easier to find another one, should this ebay auction not work out for you.

="Benjamin Grimm":1xkz5jq3]I have to wonder why the Mets aren't selling the yearbook through the mail themselves. Haven't they done that in the recent past?[/quote:1xkz5jq3] That's a good idea, if they aren't. The bidders must be from out-of state, or upstate, at the least. Usually, about a month after the baseball season begins, Met yearbooks are also availiable at newsstands and magazine stores throughout the five boroughs and, I would assume, Long Island. soupcan Apr 24 2009 07:55 AM Yearbook at Citi Field is $12.00 I think (or maybe $18? I forget). Picked one up last Sunday and there did not appear to be a shortage of them. The one thing I did notice is that there are photos of Citi Field in it that were taken at the St. John's - G'Town game and there is a photo of Sheffield in Mets warm-up togs. In the past it was not odd for the opening day yearbook to have pictures of guys from that year's spring training but Sheffield was added to the roster - what - a week before the opener? And the college game was also fairly close to that date as well. Now that I think about it there may have even been some shots from the Red Sox exhibition games in there. Maybe the fact that the yearbook wasn't ready until opening day (because of the inclusion of all those recent events) has something to do with its online availability? batmagadanleadoff Apr 24 2009 07:58 AM ="soupcan":3ix9ibcp]Maybe the fact that the yearbook wasn't ready until opening day (because of the inclusion of all those recent events) has something to do with its online availability?[/quote:3ix9ibcp] I think that technological advancements in printing and publishing allow for a team's yearbook to go to press much later than in the past, thus leaving more wiggle room to include some last minute events (like Sheffield and the SJU-G'Town game). soupcan Apr 24 2009 08:04 AM Oh, I agree. I just noticed that as opposed to previous yearbooks, some of the pics included in this one were much more recent. Just an observation. Maybe its got something to do with Grimm's question, maybe not. Probably not. themetfairy Apr 24 2009 08:10 AM MK and I got a good laugh of the players' yearbook photos this year. You have giant pictures of each guy rising up out of Citi Field. The giant Mr. Met looks like the Staypuff Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters. Nymr83 Apr 24 2009 08:46 AM I'm going monday, if ebay prices are still that high by then i'm buying 10 of them and keeping none. if anyone here wants one (with no markup) private message me and perhaps we can work out a quick paypal payment and i'll mail it tuesday. SteveJRogers Apr 24 2009 09:32 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="Benjamin Grimm"]This morning I looked into ordering a Mets yearbook online, since the soonest I'll be able to get out to Citi Field is May 31, if then. It's not listed on the Mets website in their "Publications" section. (They do have a few DVD packages where Hall of Famers get a 10 per cent discount. Would I be able to get a discount by pretending to be Johnny Bench? Strange.) Anyway, I did find some listings on eBay. One seller has the bidding up to $51 for a "mint condition" 2009 Mets yearbook. Huh? Are the bidders nuts? Or are Mets yearbooks this year a rare commodity? I'd say nuts category based on the whole "First Year" scenario with Citi Field. No reason why the Mets will make this years edition a rareity. Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year. batmagadanleadoff Apr 24 2009 09:53 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers":17usl6m1] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:17usl6m1] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else. Benjamin Grimm Apr 24 2009 09:57 AM I agree. My guess is that, since so far Citi Field seems to be the only place to get the yearbooks, and there have only been six home games, there's a temporary and artificial short supply. Once more yearbooks are in circulation, and they hit the newsstands, the prices should come back to more reasonable levels. SteveJRogers Apr 24 2009 10:37 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="batmagadanleadoff":3bfkyjaz]="SteveJRogers":3bfkyjaz] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:3bfkyjaz] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else.[/quote:3bfkyjaz] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products. batmagadanleadoff Apr 24 2009 10:52 AM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers":37wifovh]="batmagadanleadoff":37wifovh]="SteveJRogers":37wifovh] Unless they know something we don't and major changes are coming, but since I doubt the Mets are going to make a Revised Edition this year (they haven't in more than a decade now), the book you get tonight, was the same as you got Opening Night, and the same as you should get the final game this year.[/quote:37wifovh] That's not entirely correct. Last season, for example, there was a revised edition yearbook. The yearbook sold at Shea at the end of last season had some pictures that weren't in the first version of the yearbook, including some of the team's later acquisitions. You might not know this (most fans don't) because the front cover remained the same and did not include the "Revised Edition" designation. Anyway, I think that the inflated 2009 YB ebay prices have everything to do with the "new stadium" craze, and nothing else.[/quote:37wifovh] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products.[/quote:37wifovh] I think that the 2008 revised YB would be a tough find. In most circumstances, you won't be able to identify a revised version on ebay even if it's being auctioned: the seller probably won't know the nature of his own item, and the revised cover -- likely to be the only photograph used in the auction-- is no different than the original unrevised cover. Also, I think (but am not entirely sure) that the revised version sold only during the Mets last series against Fla. metsguyinmichigan Apr 24 2009 11:15 AM My awesome cousin Mike went to Opening Day and surprised me with a program! As for the yearbooks, I usually wait a month or two and buy it from the Mets Web site. It's not up there yet, but it will be at some point. batmagadanleadoff May 21 2009 04:53 PM Re: Yearbook shortage? ="SteveJRogers"] Oh, bugger...that is not good news for my wallet. Nor for snooty vendors are card shows who don't like customers "leafing" through their precious products. Rogers ... .. A revised 2008 Mets yearbook is being auctioned off on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-METS-FINAL-SHEA-STADIUM-REVISED-YEARBOOK_W0QQitemZ160336752620QQihZ006QQcategoryZ43356QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem By the way, the revised 2008's are labeled "Final Shea Stadium Edition". This should make it easier to find another one, should this ebay auction not work out for you.

I wonder if this new pressure on some of the pitchers and coaches came straight from the top, and if so, whether it's motivated by money (ultimately, isn't everything?) to an extent that is greater than usual?

I was also going to write a post about 2009 Met yearbook prices on ebay. I don't think I've seen one on ebay going for less than $20 and, not having been to CF yet, was wondering if this year's version costs that much at face value. Some ebay sellers are indeed nuts. The going ebay rate for an opening day Citi Field program, for example, has settled into the $15-$20 range, but some sellers are still asking for close to $100 for the program.

="DocTee":2nozydcy]I thought this thread was about the controversial Iphone app.[/quote:2nozydcy] I tohught it was gonna be about the Citi Field Shake Shack. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 24 2009 07:41 AM I think a certain amount of what Jerry says is calculated to send a particular message. Although it only stands to reason that if Maine and Perez go around sporting 7+ ERAs they're not going to be starters for long, so it's not like that's news, and the Mets whack a coach or two every time they don't get off to a hot start --- that's not shocking either. batmagadanleadoff Apr 24 2009 07:50 AM I wonder if this new pressure on some of the pitchers and coaches came straight from the top, and if so, whether it's motivated by money (ultimately, isn't everything?) to an extent that is greater than usual? MFS62 Apr 24 2009 08:01 AM IIRC, Pelfrey got off to a slow start last year. Wasn't he something like 1-5 and then got hot? Perez got off to a slow start last year, too. Maine was around 2-1 at this time. I'd like to see one more time around the rotation beofre they do anything drastic. 1/10 of a season gone. Be patient. (I can't believe that I was the one who just said that) Later John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 24 2009 08:03 AM Paul Byrd, anyone? He apparently is angling for a new job and is persoannly out there denying reports that he wpuldn;t be ready till the ASB Edgy DC Apr 24 2009 08:27 AM I can't unconflate Paul Byrd and Cory Lidle, and therefore I think Paul Byrd is dead. mario25 Apr 24 2009 08:56 AM What does Omar have to lose in calling the Padres about Peavy? the Mets cant wait until midseason to fix this mess. Fman99 Apr 24 2009 09:00 AM ="Edgy DC":25323lp7]I can't unconflate Paul Byrd and Cory Lidle, and therefore I think Paul Byrd is dead.[/quote:25323lp7] Paul isn't dead. Your Beatles' albums have been lying to you. metirish Apr 24 2009 09:01 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2gndu3v2]Paul Byrd, anyone? He apparently is angling for a new job and is persoannly out there denying reports that he wpuldn;t be ready till the ASB[/quote:2gndu3v2] A lighter and whiter version of Livan , the only plus I see is that he's a a FA. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 24 2009 10:47 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 24 2009 11:09 AM ="Edgy DC":5na5fhxi]I can't unconflate Paul Byrd and Cory Lidle, and therefore I think Paul Byrd is dead.[/quote:5na5fhxi] Holy crap-- tell me you're serious. I thought I was the only one. Nymr83 Apr 24 2009 11:02 AM ="mario25":zuadabrx]What does Omar have to lose in calling the Padres about Peavy?[/quote:zuadabrx] Well he could lose his Dignity, Jonathan Niese, and Fernando Martinez. metsguyinmichigan Apr 24 2009 11:09 AM Before we freak out too much, I just looked at the standings for the first time. Didn't realize that only one team in the division is above .500. And we're one game out of second place. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 24 2009 11:12 AM It's less about that standings than about how big a pile of shit we resemble. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 24 2009 11:12 AM ="metsguyinmichigan":286cr7j7]Before we freak out too much, I just looked at the standings for the first time. Didn't realize that only one team in the division is above .500. And we're one game out of second place.[/quote:286cr7j7] To rebut, tonight marks ten percent of the season already completed. And the troubling thing is that this isn't something that seems luck-borne-- the starting pitching outside of Johan has been consistently bad. (For the record, MGIM, I'm with you in the take-deep-breaths club. But there is significant reason for worry.) metsguyinmichigan Apr 24 2009 11:26 AM JC, we do resemble a pile of pooh, and what happened in St. Louis was just horrible. But I'd be freaking out more if we were sucking and already buried and climbing out of a deep, deep hole. But I have to think: 1) The Sheffield experiment if drawing to a close. 2) Murphy works too hard to suck that much in the field. He's an infielder converting, and we're seeing the transition. Maybe they shouldn't have had him play second in the winter leagues. Bad call in hindsight. But you have to think he'll be adequate beofore long. 3) Maine and Pelfrey are recovering. 4) Our hitters are hitting, but just not at the right times. You just have to think that can't last. I wouldn't be stunned if this team got its act together in a hurry and goes off on a vicious tear. But then, I'm an optimist. metirish Apr 24 2009 11:36 AM ] 2) Murphy works too hard to suck that much in the field. He's an infielder converting, and we're seeing the transition. Maybe they shouldn't have had him play second in the winter leagues. Bad call in hindsight. But you have to think he'll be adequate beofore long. I've never played baseball but I think I'd do better than Murphy in the outfield , with my hurling background and pulling the sliothar out of the air I think Razor would have me in passable shape in a few weeks. Seriously, I think Murphy is brutal out there. Benjamin Grimm Apr 24 2009 11:38 AM ="metsguyinmichigan":3j769mbn]JC, we do resemble a pile of pooh [/quote:3j769mbn] You mean, like this...? ="metsguyinmichigan":3j769mbn] I wouldn't be stunned if this team got its act together in a hurry and goes off on a vicious tear. But then, I'm an optimist.[/quote:3j769mbn] Clearly! I do think it's possible that things might turn around in a hurry, but I'm not at all sure how likely it is. I would think that one or two of the four awful starters will get better soon, but that still would leave the Mets with two other awful starters to replace. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 24 2009 11:38 AM My pessimism is about Maine. I don't think he's hurt. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 24 2009 11:38 AM Another option, should Pelf feel balky on Saturday morning. Do 12-year-olds count against the 40-man? ]FROM DEADSPIN/THE STAR-LEDGER: The taunting rings in your ears and burns like fire, and will for years. A girl pitched a perfect game against your Little League team, and you struck out three times. Nelson Muntz approves. On Tuesday Mackenzie Brown became the first girl to throw a perfect game in Bayonne Little League history. Her reward? Today she gets to pitch for the New York Mets. She'll throw out the first pitch before the Mets take on the Washington Nationals at CitiField � finally Jerry Manuel has a reliable starter � as part of a whirlwind publicity tour that has included newspaper and TV interviews and a mention on SportsCenter. From the Star Ledger of New Jersey: Norman Brown expressed countless thanks to a mysterious voice on the other end of his cell phone. He then snapped it shut and turned to his 12-year-old daughter, Mackenzie. "Yo dawg," he said, thrusting his arms in her direction, "you're throwing out the first pitch at the Mets game on Saturday!" Brown retired all 18 batters she faced on Tuesday, striking out 12; including the last six of the game in succession. This season is her baseball swan song, however. When her Little League career ends at the conclusion of this season, she will make the switch to softball. She has enjoyed her heyday playing ball with the boys but has aspirations of a chance to play college sports � either in softball or basketball, in which she's a highly touted point guard. The Nationals, of course, are also thankful that she's only throwing one pitch today. metirish Apr 24 2009 11:40 AM John's balls are high , his pitching high in the zone and getting hammered. Benjamin Grimm Apr 24 2009 11:43 AM ="metirish"]John's balls are high. Now that sounds like it might be painful John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 24 2009 11:47 AM Giraffe walks into a bar. "Highballs on me!" metsguyinmichigan Apr 24 2009 12:00 PM Good Pooh pile! Has anybody ever won anything out of one of those claw games? I wrote a story once about how Connecticut had inspectors who checked them (among other duties) because the owner can adjust the tension on the claw to keep it frm closing down too tightly on something. metirish Apr 24 2009 12:00 PM John needs his balls to be below the knees........ all joking aside his fastball is staying high , wasn't that a mantra of Peterson , pitch low in the zone all the time. Edgy DC Apr 24 2009 12:04 PM ="metsguyinmichigan":2l96utz6]Murphy works too hard to suck that much in the field. He's an infielder converting, and we're seeing the transition. Maybe they shouldn't have had him play second in the winter leagues. Bad call in hindsight. But you have to think he'll be adequate beofore long.[/quote:2l96utz6] Actually, they didn't. He played second in the Arizona Fall League, but then went off to the Caribbean to play the outfield again, though I think that season was cut short for him by an injury. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 24 2009 12:39 PM ="Edgy DC":v3l5pbx6]="metsguyinmichigan":v3l5pbx6]Murphy works too hard to suck that much in the field. He's an infielder converting, and we're seeing the transition. Maybe they shouldn't have had him play second in the winter leagues. Bad call in hindsight. But you have to think he'll be adequate beofore long.[/quote:v3l5pbx6] Actually, they didn't. He played second in the Arizona Fall League, but then went off to the Caribbean to play the outfield again, though I think that season was cut short for him by an injury.[/quote:v3l5pbx6] Wasn't there a practice field at PSL built to the exact dimensions of CitiField? Didn't they use this one for outfield practice? If not, why not? If so, why not more?

Selig: Yankees, Mets to discuss prices Associated Press NEW YORK -- Baseball commissioner Bud Selig says the New York Yankees and Mets will be discussing whether to adjust their ticket prices after seeing premium seats remain empty at their new ballparks. Speaking Thursday to the Associated Press Sports Editors, Selig said it was an issue for the teams to decide, not Major League Baseball, and that he wouldn't make any recommendation. The Yankees are charging $500-$2,625 for Legends Suite tickets in 25 sections at the new Yankee Stadium in the first nine rows around the infield, an area that contains 1,895 seats. The Mets are charging an average of $175-$495 for 1,567 seats in the Delta Club, which includes 20 rows between the dugouts. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4093702

You can make a reasonable argument to order Beltran, Delgado and Wright in any of the six possible permutations, especially considering the way Delgado's been hitting since June of last season. (I'm assuming that they'll bat 3-4-5, however they're ordered). Everyone has noticed how difficult it has been for the Mets to come up with runs this season even though practically the whole lineup is producing. I thing that this is no more than a short term statistical oddity and that the offense will generate above average run totals soon enough. Offense is not the team's weakness: it's of the Majors' best.

="G-Fafif":2nv25y2s]="batmagadanleadoff":2nv25y2s]It'd be keen if Citi Field is lacking in PG references because the stadium once housed the hated MFY's. [/quote:2nv25y2s] In which case, forget Shea and its clutch of poorly hosted "home games" in '74, '75 and '98.[/quote:2nv25y2s] Well ... like I said ... this thread is about the Mets ignoring their own history. soupcan Apr 23 2009 10:51 AM ] April 24, 2009 Some Fans Feel New Home Ignores the Old Mets By KEN BELSON Where have you gone, Tug McGraw? Apparently, to the windswept left-field entrance of Citi Field. The Mets have taken a lot heat from fans angry about the ticket prices and the obstructed views at Citi Field. A vocal minority of fans have also complained that the new $800 million ballpark does not do enough to honor the team�s history. �The Mets have always been a populist ball club; �Bring the kiddies, bring the wife,� everyman stars like Ed Kranepool, sign day, etc.,� James Conley, a Mets fan, said in an e-mail message. �The best way to recognize the history of the team is to recognize the close connection to the fan base the Mets club has always enjoyed.� Where, other fans complain, are the banners that used to hang inside Shea that could be seen from the escalators? (They were sold at auction.) What happened to the 1969 photo montage that adorned the outside of the right-field stands? (Gone like the stadium.) Where is the bronze statue of Mike Piazza hitting his famous home run in September 2001? (Not on the drawing board yet.) The Mets do nod to their past. On the left-field side of the stadium, there are a dozen or so black-and-white banners of Stengel and Hodges, Tom and Tug, Darryl and Dykstra and other Mets. They are classy photos, but seen by only a fraction of the fans since most people enter through the rotunda near the subway station. The four retired numbers hang on the left-field fence, and the team�s championship flags fly on poles in right field. The old home run apple sits near a picnic area in right field, and the skyline from the old scoreboard is above the Shake Shack. The 18,000 bricks on the Fan Walk are touching, and the Jackie Robinson Rotunda is a high-minded tribute, even if Robinson never played for the Mets. But some fans are irked by the team�s decision to model Citi Field after Ebbets Field. (The Dodgers left New York long before many of them were born.) A handful of other fans wish the Mets did more to honor the Giants and the Polo Grounds. The Mets are aware of these complaints, including the chatter on sports radio stations. But opening the stadium on time took precedence over adornments. �It was something we always intended, but it wasn�t given a priority,� said Dave Howard, the Mets� vice president for operations. Howard said the team was working to add more memorabilia, including a display of Topps baseball cards of Mets from each year since 1962. Banners like the ones outside the stadium could be hung on the concourses inside. The busts in the team�s hall of fame, which has not added a member since 2002, could be replaced by plaques with relief sculptures and descriptions. Life-size statues, like the ones at AT&T Park and Busch Stadium, are possible. These additions will take time, though, which means the Mets will have to endure more taunts from their fans. Howard is sanguine. �I�m never surprised and always encouraged by the passion of Met fans,� he said. �It�s great that people care this much and we listen to it.� John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 23 2009 10:56 AM I can almost see Howard reading his quotes in the paper and saying "I think they bought it." G-Fafif Apr 23 2009 01:20 PM It is great people care this much. I doubt they listen to it. Now to get the passion of the players to match the passion of the fans. seawolf17 Apr 23 2009 01:48 PM ="nytimes":wyzq4ko4]including a display of Topps baseball cards of Mets from each year since 1962[/quote:wyzq4ko4] Ooh, I'd be thrilled with that, considering I'm working on that Mets Topps run myself. SteveJRogers Apr 23 2009 04:12 PM ]�The Mets have always been a populist ball club; �Bring the kiddies, bring the wife,� everyman stars like Ed Kranepool, sign day, etc.,� James Conley, a Mets fan, said in an e-mail message. �The best way to recognize the history of the team is to recognize the close connection to the fan base the Mets club has always enjoyed.� I like this fellow's passion in terms of emailing The New York Times and all, but... Well for one, it was called "Banner Day." And second, even though I'm typing this on a fourm named in his honor, why is it that Kranepool, who barely started most of the time he was a Met, always gets spotlighted as the symbol of the franchise? Edgy DC Apr 23 2009 04:45 PM He doesn't always get spotlighted as a symbol of the franchise. Kong76 Apr 23 2009 05:15 PM I caught up three pages, good thread. Nice job with The Spirit of Metsio. EDC: He doesn't always get spotlighted as a symbol of the franchise <<< Jeets has 20/20 vision, the rest of the world is wearing bifocals. (loosely from some movie that I can't think of right now, Paul Newman?)