metirish

I'm watching , been some good pitching going on. I especially like watching some of the young pitchers the Rays have(no this is not to drag up Kazmir) , both starters and guys from their bullpen. I'll watch the NLCS with a lot of interest , having said all that I have no problem turning over to watch something else.

I'm sure it's a rather simplistic question but I look at the Rays and I wonder why Pittsburgh are so bad. Have they not had as many high picks as the Rays in say the last ten years?

="HahnSolo":30e6vvu4]Soupcan, SNY on one of their shows this year did a feature on the guy who does all the stitching of the Mets uniforms, and he did mention that he did all their "special" stitching, specifically mentioning that he did the '86 20th Anniversary stitching. So my guess is that they probably did the stitching for the Shea Goodbye. Which means that they (or the Mets) had to get those Unis from somewhere. don't remember the name of the place but it is local (either Brooklyn or Queens). Maybe someone at SNY could give you their name?[/quote:30e6vvu4] Good call , i saw that show, was very interesting too. G-Fafif Oct 07 2008 12:52 PM Whenever I imagine myself playing for the Mets (and ignoring the competitive consequences for the team), that, the '81 uniform, is the one I'm wearing. It's the one they would have had me hold up at the press conference after signing right out of high school. A couple of weeks at Jackson and I would have been good to go. In my dreams. soupcan Oct 07 2008 01:18 PM ="batmagadanleadoff":3sqjrxkp]Mitchell & Ness makes a 1978 Willie Mays Mets jersey.[/quote:3sqjrxkp] Only a few left and all size 4XL. Why the hell would they make a Willie Mays jersey from 1978? Benjamin Grimm Oct 07 2008 01:21 PM Good question. A Willie Mays Mets jersey ought to be from 1973. Of course, Willie was a coach with the team in 1978. (I don't remember, though, was he with the team full time or just in spring training?) His time with the Mets ended when he and Mickey Mantle were banned from baseball because they had some kind of promotional jobs with a casino in Atlantic City. When the ban was eventually lifted, Willie reconnected with the San Francisco Giants and hasn't been involved at all with the Mets until last Sunday. batmagadanleadoff Oct 07 2008 05:22 PM About 10 years ago, M&N did make a 1973 Mays Mets jersey. Sometime thereafter, M&N became a wildly successful vintage uniform manufacturer ... particularly with the hip-hop crowd. That segment favors unreasonably large sized jerseys. M&N caters to their hip-hop customers. Hence the 4XL sizes. With respect to Russ Gompers, that would be "Stitches", in Queens. They've been lettering and numbering Mets uniforms since the early '90's. They weren't involved with the Mets when the team wore their two button pullovers. The last name lettering on some of those unis (definitely '79 and '80, maybe '81) was the most unique font the Mets ever used for their player last names. Thick, and wide, and each letter noticeably distant from the next, even on long last names. If anyone can dig up a photo of the back of Kranepool's '79 uniform, you'd see what I mean. His last name was a semi-circle, beginning and ending below his armpits. Both the "K" and the "L" were entirely sideways, 90 degrees from upright. soupcan Oct 07 2008 07:47 PM After a few emails to different sources it turns out that M&N was in fact the provider of those jerseys at the Shea ceremonies. I am now waiting with baited breath for them to tell me whether or not they are willing to produce a one-off for me and if so what the cost might be. metirish Oct 07 2008 08:10 PM ="soupcan":jpz2yo9y]After a few emails to different sources it turns out that M&N was in fact the provider of those jerseys at the Shea ceremonies. I am now waiting with baited breath for them to tell me whether or not they are willing to produce a one-off for me and if so what the cost might be.[/quote:jpz2yo9y] I'm guessing that they will do it for $500. John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 07 2008 08:48 PM I might know a guy G-Fafif Oct 07 2008 10:35 PM ="batmagadanleadoff":1mub057a]About 10 years ago, M&N did make a 1973 Mays Mets jersey. Sometime thereafter, M&N became a wildly successful vintage uniform manufacturer ... particularly with the hip-hop crowd. That segment favors unreasonably large sized jerseys. M&N caters to their hip-hop customers. Hence the 4XL sizes. With respect to Russ Gompers, that would be "Stitches", in Queens. They've been lettering and numbering Mets uniforms since the early '90's. They weren't involved with the Mets when the team wore their two button pullovers. The last name lettering on some of those unis (definitely '79 and '80, maybe '81) was the most unique font the Mets ever used for their player last names. Thick, and wide, and each letter noticeably distant from the next, even on long last names. If anyone can dig up a photo of the back of Kranepool's '79 uniform, you'd see what I mean. His last name was a semi-circle, beginning and ending below his armpits. Both the "K" and the "L" were entirely sideways, 90 degrees from upright.[/quote:1mub057a] One of the strangest sensations I've ever had as a Mets fan was tuning in the opener from Wrigley in '79 and seeing names on the back of Met uniforms. It was just so unexpected. It almost felt like cheating. I can see those big clumsy letters arching just as you describe them. Benjamin Grimm Oct 08 2008 07:08 AM I even remember the first name I saw on the back of a Mets uniform: CHAPMAN. I think he was the second batter in the first inning, and we saw his name on his back after he singled and rounded first. soupcan Oct 08 2008 07:18 AM I remember thinking how cheap the Mets were that they used 'nameplates' rather then stitiching on each individual letter Benjamin Grimm Oct 08 2008 07:24 AM Yeah. That looked especially crummy on the home uniforms, where the pinstripes were interrupted by the nameplate. soupcan Oct 08 2008 07:48 AM Boooo! ]Thank you for your interest in Mitchell and Ness. Unfortunately we cannot make the jersey that you mentioned, that is not an item that we offer for retail sale. Everything that we offer is featured on our website, is there a jersey on there that you might be interested in? Andrew Basenfelder E-Commerce Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co. John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 08 2008 07:50 AM I got two words for you: Santino. Rice. That guy could make anything! metirish Oct 08 2008 07:53 AM ="soupcan"]Boooo! ]Thank you for your interest in Mitchell and Ness. Unfortunately we cannot make the jersey that you mentioned, that is not an item that we offer for retail sale. Everything that we offer is featured on our website, is there a jersey on there that you might be interested in? Andrew Basenfelder E-Commerce Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co. If you were Jay-Z and not Soupcan they would make it for you. Benjamin Grimm Oct 08 2008 07:58 AM Wasn't Doug Flynn wearing the very same jersey you're coveting when he was at Shea for the closing ceremony? Maybe you can find a way to contact Doug Flynn and see if you can pry it away from him somehow. You could even swap him a fresh "Wonderful Woody" t-shirt. John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 08 2008 08:01 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":6k2qn0rw]Wasn't Doug Flynn wearing the very same jersey you're coveting when he was at Shea for the closing ceremony? Maybe you can find a way to contact Doug Flynn and see if you can pry it away from him somehow. You could even swap him a fresh "Wonderful Woody" t-shirt.[/quote:6k2qn0rw] We should send Dougie a WW shirt anyhow. Benjamin Grimm Oct 08 2008 08:03 AM It might bring back some sad memories. Woody has to be in that great backyard in the sky by now. Doug has probably moved on to a new dog and could be walking around in a "MAGNIFICENT MUFFIN" shirt these days. AG/DC Oct 08 2008 08:11 AM Be honest. Has anybody bought a WOODY shirt? Doug Flynn, by the way, sends inspirational e-mails these days: http://www.metstoday.com/mets-2008-games/2008/doug-flynns-inspirational-email/ soupcan Oct 08 2008 08:15 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":30e2j3u5]I got two words for you: Santino. Rice. That guy could make anything![/quote:30e2j3u5] Who is that? ="metirish":30e2j3u5]If you were Jay-Z and not Soupcan they would make it for you.[/quote:30e2j3u5] Absolutely right. And you know they'd personally deliver it to my house tomorrow. ="Benjamin Grimm":30e2j3u5]Wasn't Doug Flynn wearing the very same jersey you're coveting when he was at Shea for the closing ceremony? [/quote:30e2j3u5] YES! That's why this is killing me! ="Benjamin Grimm":30e2j3u5]Maybe you can find a way to contact Doug Flynn and see if you can pry it away from him somehow.[/quote:30e2j3u5] That's where I am now - trying to find out who his agent is. I'm on a mission. ="Benjamin Grimm":30e2j3u5]You could even swap him a fresh "Wonderful Woody" t-shirt.[/quote:30e2j3u5] Excellent idea! AG/DC Oct 08 2008 08:15 AM If anybody wants to hook Dougie up with a tee, or buy his jersey, he now works with the Central Bank of Lexington: Central Bank P.O. Box 1360 Lexington, KY 40588-1360 Benjamin Grimm Oct 08 2008 08:22 AM Their Internet domain is centralbank.com. You can derive a list of his possible e-mail addresses. dflynn, doug.flynn, douglas.flynn, doug_flynn, douglas_flynn, wonderful_woody, etc. Send out a bunch of e-mails to those various addresses and you may actually get through to him. John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 08 2008 08:24 AM ="AG/DC"]Be honest. Has anybody bought a WOODY shirt? Doug Flynn, by the way, sends inspirational e-mails these days: http://www.metstoday.com/mets-2008-games/2008/doug-flynns-inspirational-email/ I'm about 250% sure that's a joke. Note the Billy Joel lyrics quoted. ]Santino. Rice. That guy could make anything! Who is that? Santino was the all-time reality show villian from Project Runway! A complete riot, and he could make clothes. soupcan Oct 08 2008 08:29 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":30ox43z3]="AG/DC":30ox43z3]Be honest. Has anybody bought a WOODY shirt? Doug Flynn, by the way, sends inspirational e-mails these days: http://www.metstoday.com/mets-2008-games/2008/doug-flynns-inspirational-email/[/quote:30ox43z3] I'm about 250% sure that's a joke. Note the Billy Joel lyrics quoted. [/quote:30ox43z3] And Jesus Jones. AG/DC Oct 08 2008 08:35 AM Yeah, I worked that one out for myself. The Central Bank address: not a joke. You can go there tomorrow and stalk him like the crazed fan you are. HahnSolo Oct 08 2008 08:53 AM Have you tried contacting Paul Lukas at UniWatch? He might have an idea or two. mario25 Oct 08 2008 08:54 AM I can check in my book that I have that has baseball players home addresses in them...I will check when I get home from work if you would like. I bought the book on the web and I used it to get autographs on cards from Mets players. Kranepool, Charles, Harrelson, Maine, Cameron, Piazza, Dyer, Garrett, all signed cards and sent them back. It is worth a shot...maybe he will give you the jersey...SIGNED dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 06:40 AM New member here I stumbled upon this discussion doing a search on Doug Flynn.He was my favorite Met in the late 70's early 80's.The jersey he wore at the ceremony was manufactured by Majestic athletic and they were only a one time thing.I own his ceremony jersey and his Game Worn Expos jersey from 1984 plus some gamers from 79 80 81 and 2 Mitchell and Ness one the Willie Mays and one I stripped and had 18 for Joel Youngblood.The Mitchell and Ness are hard to come by anymore but do pop up on ebay.Anyways here is my collection from that era enjoy plus his ceremony jersey..Any questions feel free to ask my email is dcrules01@msn.com John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 21 2008 07:09 AM A Hubie Brooks 62 from 1980? Fascinating. How'd ya get it? Valadius Dec 21 2008 08:31 AM That's pretty damn cool. Welcome a-bordick! dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 09:09 AM The Brooks was a spring training jersey the Flynn came directly from the Mets The Piagnatano came from another collector,The Brooks and Taveras Ball Park Heros and the Cubbage another collector and the 2 Mitchell and Ness jerseys ebay metirish Dec 21 2008 09:43 AM Very nice collection. soupcan Dec 21 2008 11:09 AM Wanna sell me that Flynn one...? Edgy DC Dec 21 2008 11:52 AM The Brooks62 is a glass slipper. dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 12:46 PM No way I have been looking for some kind of Flynn Game Used jersey since I started buying game worn jerseys a few years ago.This is one of my prized possessions now. dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 12:58 PM Guys thanks for the compliments..Here is my man room it needs work.I love the Brooks im trying to find photos of him wearing the jersey its like looking for a needle in a haystack lol..Here are my Gamers I have some negro league gamers from the turn back the clock games.Id like to see everyones collection.. Edgy DC Dec 21 2008 01:01 PM The stuffed hippo ties it all together. dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 01:06 PM You like the hippo thats my wifes touch lol Who has the Willie Montanez id like to see pics.I remember that one from ebay when it sold.. Zvon Dec 21 2008 01:22 PM incredible jersey collection dcrules01! batmagadanleadoff Dec 21 2008 01:25 PM Welcome a-Bordick, drcules. Nice jerseys, too. I mostly lurk on the GU forum, but I must have missed your Flynn TBTC acquisition post. I've got some pretty neat game used Mets jerseys as well. I was wondering if after you converted your Mays Mitchell & Ness, whether the old #24 stitch marks were still visible. Thanks in advance. [u:2uyf57gy] On Edit:[/u:2uyf57gy] By the way, I just noticed that the back of your Brooks jersey has mismatched number fonts. The "6" is sans serif, while the "2" is serifed. In 1980, the Mets wore sans-serifed numerals on the home unis. Check the provenance on that Brooks jersey. Either the Mets got sloppy with Brooks' first uni ... or something else. dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 01:56 PM The pinstripe Was actually a MItchell and Ness Valentine I think I mistyped that I was up all night googling lol..No it looks gen nint the numbers came right off now I tried stripping the road because I wanted that to be a Flynn but the glue was bad and the numbers would not come off at all so I had it re sewn at Stitches.On the gamers the Cubbage and Taveras nameplates were restored which I think is a good possibility with the Brooks also since a ton of these were recycled in the minors from what I understand...Do you have your collection on line id like to see it.. G-Fafif Dec 21 2008 02:55 PM Flynn's Expo top blows my mind. The road New York Cubans...is that from a turn back the clock promotion? Or authentic Negro League? dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 03:17 PM Its from the tbc promotion its Todd Zeiles jersey he wore it in 04 I also have a TBC NY Cubans from 02 on the way it was worn by Turk Wendell diffrent style Edgy DC Dec 21 2008 03:51 PM Whenever you're ready to talk about the chiseled male torso on your TV screen, go ahead. No rush. DocTee Dec 21 2008 03:57 PM ]Whenever you're ready to talk about the chiseled male torso on your TV screen, go ahead. No rush. Holy shit that's funny! Kong76 Dec 21 2008 04:04 PM He said it was his man room. dcrules01 Dec 21 2008 04:17 PM LOL I belong to a few newsgroups and I posted photos of the room and they were razzing me about it..I was a show on MTV called Made the tv was left on lol..I can take the razzing im the new guy lol I have heard dont lie you were watching Chippendales male review just admit it..All I do is watch tv im outta work with 3 herniated discs which sucks.. themetfairy Dec 21 2008 07:58 PM Very nice collection! Welcome Abordick! soupcan Dec 22 2008 07:22 AM Re: The Flynn Mets jersey. ="dcrules01":14wrfsv5]No way I have been looking for some kind of Flynn Game Used jersey since I started buying game worn jerseys a few years ago.This is one of my prized possessions now.[/quote:14wrfsv5] Yeah I figured but doesn't hurt to ask. I'm not so much into the 'game-used' thing I'd just love to have a Flynn that is true to the style when he was with the Mets. Do you know where I could find one - I've exhausted every avenue I can think of with no luck. Kong76 Dec 22 2008 07:31 AM I got someone you can ask, I'll pm his email address to you. dcrules01 Dec 22 2008 07:33 AM What size are you?? Ill sell you my Youngblood you can strip it or send it to EPS and have them strip it and they can make it into a Flynn.The Youngblood has 3x but fits more like a 2xl..There was just a Mays on ebay size 46 which im confused because they only come s m l xl xxl xxxl xxxxl that sold ..They pop up once in awhile.. batmagadanleadoff Dec 22 2008 11:22 AM ="dcrules01":1pg8w5tc]On the gamers the Cubbage and Taveras nameplates were restored which I think is a good possibility with the Brooks also since a ton of these were recycled in the minors from what I understand.. Do you have your collection on line id like to see it..[/quote:1pg8w5tc] Yes. I didn't think you could've found that Brooks jersey with Hubie's nameplate still intact. The Mets, as you said, recycled their uniforms, especially during that era. An undesirably high number like Brooks' 62 uniform would've ultimately ended up anywhere in the Mets system .. any minor league level, the instructional league, spring training. As an example --among other jerseys I own, I have the uniform that Jesse Orosco wore in his first game ever. It's a #61 uni and it was issued to Orosco temporarily because his regular #47 jersey didn't arrive in time for the Mets '79 opener. That jersey was also recycled -- there are barely visible outlines of a nameplate once affixed to that jersey after Orosco wore it. My collection is not online. It's not even on display. It's all packed up. I have a project (all in my head) to eventually display my Mets collection. One day, I might even get around to doing it. I think that there's at least one other member here who collects Mets jerseys. He has a very good sized collection of game useds, M&N's and retail authentics, if I remember correctly. ="dcrules01":1pg8w5tc]What size are you [soupcan]?? Ill sell you my Youngblood you can strip it or send it to EPS and have them strip it and they can make it into a Flynn.The Youngblood has 3x but fits more like a 2xl..There was just a Mays on ebay size 46 which im confused because they only come s m l xl xxl xxxl xxxxl that sold ..They pop up once in awhile..[/quote:1pg8w5tc] ebay M&N jerseys with numerical sizes are most likely, counterfeits. I'd guess that most ebay M&N's are fakes. Some of the fakes are comically inept. But even the fakes that look reasonably accurate might be made of inferior fabrics. They might not wear well, or last very long. dcrules01 Dec 22 2008 11:29 AM If you ever want the Orosco nameplate restored lmk ill give you my guys info he does great work as you can see from the Cubbage and Taveras nameplate..Yeah I remember that Orosco being for sale that is a gem piece you have and display your items it drives my wife crazy but in a way she says it keeps me outta trouble or so she thinks lol.. batmagadanleadoff Dec 22 2008 11:53 AM ="dcrules01":2iy1cg4g]If you ever want the Orosco nameplate restored lmk ill give you my guys info he does great work as you can see from the Cubbage and Taveras nameplate..Yeah I remember that Orosco being for sale that is a gem piece you have and display your items it drives my wife crazy but in a way she says it keeps me outta trouble or so she thinks lol..[/quote:2iy1cg4g] Orosco never had a nameplate on his #61 uni. The jersey was issued to him for one game only. dcrules01 Dec 22 2008 01:14 PM So was it a carry over from the 78 season? Im confused lol I thought you said you could see where the nameplate was.Interesting Mets wore this style home from 78-82 but changed the road in 82.I have a Zachary and Swan road 82 I love them.. batmagadanleadoff Dec 22 2008 01:53 PM Orosco appeared without a nameplate. And yes, it was a 1978 issue. I suppose that there wasn't enough time to affix a nameplate to Orosco's temporary game jersey. Either that, or the Mets simply didn't care about the aesthetics, knowing all along that Orosco would wear #61 only until his regular #47 arrived. Teams usually carry spare jerseys in case of unanticipated screwups. I know that the Mets do. When the team realized that Orosco's regular jersey didn't arrive in time, I suppose that he was given any old available number. Orosco was a rookie and thus, unlikely to complain about wearing such a high number. He was probably just happy to be there. The nameplate was affixed after the jersey was presumably recycled to a lower league. I was using that jersey to illustrate how Met jerseys were recycled. That jersey, like your Brooks, was worn in only one Major League game. You're right about the '82's. In 1982, the Mets changed their road unis, adding racing stripes and eliminating both the two button pullover front collar and the sleeve end piping. These elements would be added to the home unis the following season. I have two 1982 game useds -- a Mike Scott road and a Joel Youngblood home. dcrules01 Dec 22 2008 02:13 PM Flynn and Youngblood were my guys I would kill to have a Youngblood if you ever consider moving it or if something would interest you in a trade I would do it in a heartbeat.. soupcan Dec 22 2008 02:32 PM He'll trade you Youngblood for Flynn. I'll be the middle man - send Flynn to me and I'll forward on. Can't promise it won't get lost in transit, but I'll do my best... dcrules01 Dec 22 2008 03:11 PM He has seen my collection not sure if anything would interest him..But im envious of the Youngblood big time.Another one of my buddies has a road Zachary from 81 and a Chapman and Pacella and an 82 Neil Allen.And another buddy has John Stearns 81 whole uniform..BPH has more but they won't send a list ive inquired many times.. dcrules01 Dec 22 2008 03:13 PM ="soupcan":1phtnlkt]He'll trade you Youngblood for Flynn. I'll be the middle man - send Flynn to me and I'll forward on. Can't promise it won't get lost in transit, but I'll do my best...[/quote:1phtnlkt] I told you I would sell you the Youngblood and you can strip it or have EPS strip it and get it customized into a Flynn... dcrules01 Mar 18 2009 04:28 PM Just wanted to share a few of my additions with you guys.Baseball is heating up spring is here...Enjoy LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 18 2009 04:41 PM Paul Wilson wonders whether he is chopped liver. (Nice hobbyin', sir.) dcrules01 Mar 18 2009 04:57 PM Im looking for a Paul Wilson Gamer havent had much luck.It took me 3 years to find the Pulsipher and 2 1/2 to find the Izzy.I was lucky a fellow collector sold me his Izzy bat..I love the hunt

It's hard to beat places like BJs and Costco to buy diapers and such.

After watching the Rays this past week I must admit that their home and road uniforms are not bad and in fact like them.

I like the prototype, nice work.

Absolutely classic , the clothes the uniforms , the sunglasses , everything. We need a thread for classic Mets and Shea pictures like these.

Frayed Knot wrote: Clueless line of the week goes to Alfonso Soriano when asked what he'd say to the Cubs fans; "Be patient" No way , come one , that's funny.

It's funny how some in the baseball media are trying to tot up how much money K-Rod is costing himself with the Drew home run the other night. His agent is funny too , recently saying that K-Rod would be looking for at least five years at Mariano money.

I like how metfairy's picture helps answer who the people out in center field are in the picture soup posted, kind of cool that two members can post similar pictures for the same opening day in 1987.

Of course he wasn't even with the mets then...never mind me. Actually I meant Nelson Doubleday but I'm still probably wrong.

I was thinking M. Donald Grant .

I wouldn't want to be on the beach with Broxton either , rooting for the Dodgers.

Those are great pictures soup , maybe it's the contrast but it looks cold and bleak that day.Is that guy wearing a batting helmet?

I'm glad Jerry is back , never really expected much form the Bobby V talk. Some things from Manuel today. ] Jerry Manuel was in a joking mood. "I was trying to get 15 years on my deal," the New York Mets manager said Saturday. "They cut it down." Manuel's "interim" tag was removed Friday night when the Mets gave him a two-year contract that guarantees him more than $2 million and includes a club option for 2011. Now he must figure out why the team collapsed in each of the last two Septembers and find a solution that gets New York back in the postseason. "We have to grow from every time that we get as close as we get and don't make it, and we have to review and kind of marinate on why we don't make it," Manuel said during a conference call. "My job is to make sure that each guy is clear with his responsibilities for not being there, for us not making it," he said. "I have to look at myself first, and we have to kind of look at the team and see where we failed, why we failed and talk about it as a group and grow from it." On his first full day as the Mets' long-term manager, Manuel forcefully attacked the SABR-type mathematical analysis some have fixated on in recent years. "You get so many statistical people together, they put so many stats on paper, and they say, well, if you do this and you score this many runs, you do that many times, you'll be in the playoffs," he said. "That's not really how it works, and that's what we have to get away from. And that's going to have to be a different mind-set of the team in going forward. We must win and we must know how to win rather than win because we have statistical people. We have to win because we have baseball players that know and can understand the game." Manuel took over when Willie Randolph was fired on June 17 with New York at 34-35 then. He loosened Randolph's stricter clubhouse atmosphere, and the Mets rebounded to take a 3 1/2-game NL East lead in September. But they lost 10 of their final 17 games and were eliminated from postseason contention on the final day of the season for the second straight year. In 2007, the Mets wasted a seven-game division lead with 17 to play. For Manuel, the key is teaching his players to execute in the key situations. "We have to put a value on say, moving a runner over. We have to put a value on getting a bases on balls. We have to put a value on infield back, (getting a) ground ball that's sufficient to score a run," he said. "Those types of things have to be accented in order for us, in my opinion, to kind of get to the next level." The AL Manager of the Year in 2000 with the Chicago White Sox, Manuel inherited a core group anchored offensively by David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado, and a starting rotation headed by Johan Santana. While the big offensive trio had respectable statistics or better, they didn't stop the September slide. Manuel said spring training will be a time of teaching, for him to give "clarity" to players on his methods. Execution in the clutch is his emphasis, and the Mets likely will bring in new offensive players, likely in the corner outfield spots. "You don't see a lot of guys that have statistical numbers play well in these championship series," Manuel said. "What you see is usually the little second baseman or somebody like that carries off the MVP trophy that nobody expected him to do. That's because he's comfortable in playing that form of baseball, so therefore when the stage comes, it's not a struggle for him." The other key is to address the flammable bullpen, which flopped when Billy Wagner missed the final two months of the season due to an elbow injury that will sideline the closer for most if not all of 2009. Mets relievers were 2-for-6 on save chances in the final 17 games, combining for a 6.23 ERA and a .335 opponents' batting average. "I couldn't tell you how much is salvageable and how much is not. I do know that I've been without a couple pair of shoes," Manuel said. "Our job is to get people back in their roles that we think that we signed them up for, and then evaluate from that point of view. But to put them in roles that they're not accustomed to is sometimes an unfair evaluation."

Can't say I have watched the Rays much but they have some live arms coming out of that bullpen , guys I never heard of.

If I'm negotiating with Manuel and I read what Valentine said then I would be foolish not to call the man. I puked my guts out in the bathroom at Bobby's old restaurant , had a hard nights drinking on a Saturday , went to his place on the Sunday , had some wings and got sick. Were the bathrooms in the restaurant , I seem to remember going into the motel to get sick.

Is this the skyline with the ribbon? ] Yesterday workers removed a facsimile of the city skyline from the top of the giant outfield scoreboard. The skyline will be moved to Citi Field, the Mets' new ballpark being constructed in a Shea parking lot.

Estrada?

What are we doing here , I hate it when I don't get things. I referenced both those players and Green is with Arizona and Bostick never made it to the Mets.

Manuel mentioned that Schoeniweiss was his best crossover guy , still in the last weeks he was like a mad man changing pitchers.

What to make of the large man , lasted only 3+ innings in game 2 against the Phillies. I had put that down to his super human effort of pitching on three days rest for several starts in a row. CC pitched 10 complete games this season , 253 innings pitched this season , the guys a horse . The I read something today that I had never heard about before.... Baseball Prospectus Total Pitcher Abuse Points. Rany Jazayerli came up with the concept.. this from he article I read (Klapisch) ] The formula, devised by Rany Jazayerli, the site�s co-founder, works like this: a starter gets one point for every pitch he throws in a game over 100 up to 110. Two points for every pitch between 111-120, three points for 121-130, four per pitch between 131-140 and five between 141-150. Sabathia placed well behind Tim Lincecum, but the point system didn�t take into account the lefty�s furious finish � he made his last three starts on three days� rest, all under unrelenting pressure. I looked at the BP site and can't find any numbers on this , is this information useful , does anyone know anything much about it. I'm thinking FK does. (Merged from CC Sabathia, 12/10/2008)

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: The great thing is, Jerry is representing himself in negotiationsm, and I'm all for him getting all he can get. I didn't know he was representing himself , I don't know if that's the smartest thing .

Good points edgy , and last I read Bobby V was making $4 million per year over in Japan , plus he practically runs the whole show .

Jeez but the Cubs are blown this , they look completely dead while the Dodgers look loose.