Fman99

For those wondering the Mets are wearing the road grays and the black caps with the blue brims.

Boo ya! The delay gave me just enough time to hit the liquor store. Reyes on with the infield single. Let's Go Mets!

Eff it. Taking the PM off and driving home to watch the game. See you all in the IGT! If there's a delay I can always take a nap...

1) Reyes: Stolen bases 54 2) Castillo: Games played 138 3) Delgado: RBIs 103 4) Wright: Rank in MVP voting 1 5) Murphy: Doubles 36 6) Beltran: Home Runs 29 7) Church: Games started 125 8) Schneider: Extra base hits 26 9) Sheffield: Home runs 10 10) Anderson: Plate appearances 0 11) Reed: Batting average .290 12) Cora: doubles 16 13) Castro: Home runs 8 14) Tatis: Games started 38 15) Santana: ERA 2.19 16) Pelfrey: Wins 16 17) Ollie: Strikeouts 181 18) Maine: Games started 26 19) L. Hernandez: Innings pitched 52 1/3 20) F Rodriguez: Saves 44 21) Putz: ERA 1.88 22) Parnell: K/9 9.3 23) Stokes: Wins 6 24) Green: Appearances 73 25) Feliciano BAA -Lefties .250 26) O'Day: Appearances 60

Red Sox v. Rays in Boston also cancelled.

="Benjamin Grimm":2gszsbes]Looks like the makings of a miserable day in Cincinnati. ="National Weather Service":2gszsbes]Today: Rain and snow showers likely, mainly after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 40. Northwest wind between 11 and 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.[/quote:2gszsbes][/quote:2gszsbes] I wonder if this prohibits the game from being played, or just being played well. I am still trying to decide if I want to split early to go home and watch the game... Benjamin Grimm Apr 06 2009 08:04 AM Hard to say. My hunch, as worthless as it is, is that they will play, since tomorrow's forecast also looks pretty miserable. Maybe the game will have a delayed start. HahnSolo Apr 06 2009 08:20 AM Agree they will try to give it a go. Only trip to Cincy this year as well. Fman99 Apr 06 2009 08:49 AM Red Sox v. Rays in Boston also cancelled. Fman99 Apr 06 2009 10:15 AM Eff it. Taking the PM off and driving home to watch the game. See you all in the IGT! If there's a delay I can always take a nap... A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 10:17 AM Atta boy. Frayed Knot Apr 06 2009 10:23 AM 37 degrees currently - heading for a high of 39 (around 2PM) 13 mph wind out of the northwest A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 10:24 AM Ick. Rockin' Doc Apr 06 2009 11:21 AM Sounds more like football weather. I can be fun watching the pros struggle in such adverse conditions. I hope they can get the game in. Gwreck Apr 07 2009 09:22 AM In the end, aside from the cold, the periodic rain, and occasional hail it was a pretty good day for baseball. Fman99 Apr 07 2009 09:34 AM ="Gwreck":2gg7vk9m]In the end, aside from the cold, the periodic rain, and occasional hail it was a pretty good day for baseball.[/quote:2gg7vk9m] I am glad that I took the afternoon off. I did doze for 20 minutes or so and missed an inning (the 6th) but it was an entertaining game, with a great ending.

I am still trying to decide if I want to take a 1/2 day and come home to watch, or just follow the game on GameTracker or something. If there's not too much happening at work, and if the forecast makes it look like they'll definitely get the game in, I am likely to come home and watch. Between a trip to Maryland for Passover and a trip to Texas for work I am going to miss much of the first two weeks of games.

I watched the first 4-5 innings. Funny how things change from a few years ago. I enjoyed watching the Phillies get smacked around, even if it was Atlanta doing the smizzacking.

My boy is starting '09 where he finished '08, about 75 miles or so south of where I currently reside. He did not appear in the major league camp this year and I did not hear much buzz about him. This is a pivotal season for him.

="Edgy DC":2pwmw3xs]Is that their court appearance for beating up the cop?[/quote:2pwmw3xs] Just let your Soul-Glo! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2009 08:12 PM ="Edgy DC":w001b2um]Is that their court appearance for beating up the cop?[/quote:w001b2um] I do believe t'is so. Off-topic: I love mid-80s pictures of stylish sports dudes. Between feathered hair and the Jheri-Curl, even tough guys have their edges softened (and sprayed wet/teased). A Boy Named Seo Apr 05 2009 08:13 PM You down wit' OPP? Yeah, you know me! metsguyinmichigan Apr 05 2009 11:37 PM Looks like Nick Evans, and not Marlon, is the casualty of the Sheffield signing. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2009 11:40 PM ="metsguyinmichigan":11zmbped]Looks like Nick Evans, and not Marlon, is the casualty of the Sheffield signing.[/quote:11zmbped] For now, yes. In a week, Marlon's likely gone, too (to make room for Livan). John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 04:43 AM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2tp9i25a] If Detroit's economy doesn't do a sudden, magical 180 this summer, it won't matter if the Tigers perform this year.[/quote:2tp9i25a] I don't think Detroit's economy is ever going to recover. How could it? duan Apr 06 2009 09:18 AM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2dql048w]="metsguyinmichigan":2dql048w]Looks like Nick Evans, and not Marlon, is the casualty of the Sheffield signing.[/quote:2dql048w] For now, yes. In a week, Marlon's likely gone, too (to make room for Livan).[/quote:2dql048w] and therein's the point - that's all that he's taking a roster space from and I'd be very, very, very, surprised if he's not quite a bit more productive. Benjamin Grimm Apr 06 2009 09:50 AM I've been reading that it's Darren O'Day who's in jeopardy, not Anderson. And I'm less pleased about that, since if O'Day gets sent down the organization could lose him. And if he was good enough to make the team, I'd hate to see him casually discarded. gerrard00 Apr 06 2009 10:07 AM I voted "don't like it", because I don't want anything to prevent Church from getting a fair shot to shine. At least Willie isn't the one divvying out playing time or Sheff would wind up the every day right fielder. duan Apr 06 2009 10:18 AM i'm game for only having 11 pitchers. totally game. TransMonk Apr 06 2009 10:38 AM I like it. Cheap, proven and seems to know his role (for now). I was gone for the weekend and saw the signing on a TV crawl yesterday. I originally groaned, but with him getting the league minimum, why not? As far as dividing the playing time, I say the more options the better. Jerry seems to know how to play the hot hand. SteveJRogers Apr 17 2009 08:21 PM ="SteveJRogers":2xbk0gxs]While it means jack squat, it would be kind of nice to see someone trotting around the bases in a Met uni when montages of 500th homers is shown. [/quote:2xbk0gxs] But did it HAVE to be in the black uni? UGH! willpie Apr 18 2009 08:59 AM Didn't think I was going to like Sheff that quickly. #500 was pretty clutch, though, and a cooler moment than I was expecting. Ashie62 Apr 18 2009 02:54 PM Sheff seems to have mellowed..Seems like he can add a certain fear factor to opponents that was missing in 07-08 Elster88 Apr 19 2009 10:38 AM ="SteveJRogers":hu4dho3l]="SteveJRogers":hu4dho3l]While it means jack squat, it would be kind of nice to see someone trotting around the bases in a Met uni when montages of 500th homers is shown. [/quote:hu4dho3l] But did it HAVE to be in the black uni? UGH![/quote:hu4dho3l] Stop pandering. Elster88 Apr 19 2009 10:38 AM ="willpie":1i8rx6oj]Didn't think I was going to like Sheff that quickly. #500 was pretty clutch, though, and a cooler moment than I was expecting.[/quote:1i8rx6oj] Agree! Elster88 Apr 19 2009 10:39 AM ="Ashie62":16p1k8iu]Sheff seems to have mellowed..Seems like he can add a certain fear factor to opponents that was missing in 07-08[/quote:16p1k8iu] Agree on both counts. I just don't think I want him starting over Church when Church is OPSing over a thousand. That's on Jerry. Gwreck Apr 20 2009 11:59 AM ="Elster88":35zbx1nh]Stop pandering.[/quote:35zbx1nh] It's not pandering. The Mets desperately need to get rid of those uniforms.

Wally is a real cum head.

A Boy Named Seo wrote: I think they've started w/ just 1 game the last coupla years, no? Do they let the champs play the first game now, then everyone else the next day or something? 'Cause I could get behind that. It's a neat, odd thing and stretches Opening Day into 2 days. It isn't always the champs... but the season has started on Sunday night for several years now. I like it.

According to the geniuses both Monday and Tuesday are supposed to be pretty crappy... highs in the upper 30's, lower 40's and snow/rain. Blecch.

="SteveJRogers"]Retired numbers Nice pics Steve. I like seeing that the "Shea" baseball is carried over to the new park. G -- does this mean a revision to the FAFIF T-shirt is in the works?

Arroyo has really owned the Mets in past years but he has had a woeful spring. So has their closer Cordero. The Mets should have opportunities to put some runs up.

Oooo! 63 = the Duke

Tree Men Does.

="metsmarathon":1p6sjfmz]sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254[/quote:1p6sjfmz] Wow. Those numbers cut me deep. I like him as a "kick Marlon to the curb" guy and to spell Church or Murph against a tough lefty, and as a power PH bat off the bench. But no way do I think they should be handing him a starting job of any kind, until "interleague DH" pops up as a choice. metirish Apr 03 2009 12:47 PM #16 is available...Pagan was the last to wear it... LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 12:49 PM ="Edgy DC":3hf23mwu]Has he ever left a team without burning shit first? Braves?[/quote:3hf23mwu] I hope you meant that figuratively, because I don't think signing an arsonist when breaking in a new stadium is a good idea. metsmarathon Apr 03 2009 12:50 PM ="metsmarathon":2k3jrt6p]sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254 i'm really hoping the mets aren't foolish enough to actually sign him. and that if they do, that they do not then compound the error by placing him higher in the depth chart than either murphy or church.[/quote:2k3jrt6p] ok, i'm suffering a case of conflicting reports. on baseball prospectus' pecota cards, they have his 2008 EqA as 0.256. on their DT cards, they have it at 0.267. castillo's pecota card and DT card both show 0.261, and schneider's pecota and DT cards both say 0.256. and now i can't get back to the page that showed me the 0.257 for castillo. so i guess, take my numbers as approximate....? regardless, even at 0.267, that's no great shakes. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 01:14 PM Sheff's a Met (acc to WFAN) Can't remember the last time I [u:25ntqmw0]Pre[/u:25ntqmw0]-disliked a Met player. duan Apr 03 2009 01:17 PM jesus wept. 400,000 is all he'll be paid and we've a starting outfield including 2 guys who're lefties and NEITHER of whom are locks to hit 20 home runs and a lefty firstbaseman too? I know you might feel he's a grumpy fucker, but if he can he the can of fire in his belly that Manny had for the dodgers last year then he's got plenty of potential to be a contributor and if he ISN'T we cut him and bring up Bobby Kielty!!!!!! John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 03 2009 01:17 PM If Anderson gets whacked here I can see it. OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 01:20 PM My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:25 PM Yeah his glove isn't great but neither is Murphy's or Church's defense that great. Sheff is a real gansta for Jerry Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 01:27 PM I'll disagree on Church. Compared to most rightfielders, I'm saying he's good. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:28 PM Yes he is good , better than we were led to believe I think.... G-Fafif Apr 03 2009 01:29 PM Ladies and gentlemen, your 1997 World Champion Florida Marlins! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 01:30 PM Heyman has it, too. He's at his best when motivated (raking in a couple of previous contract years)... and if desperation doesn't motivate, what does? metirish Apr 03 2009 01:31 PM Sheffield always wanted to be a Mets player.......I'm sure of it... MFS62 Apr 03 2009 01:32 PM ="Edgy DC"] The Mets were widely considered the likeliest destination, as they almost always are when an expensive asshole needs a home (see Manny). A brief, but accurate, description. Later attgig Apr 03 2009 01:40 PM first milestone home run hit in citibank: Gary Sheffield - 500. he doesn't play at all while on the road, and only plays at home until 500 gets hit. he gets cut soon after batting .212 through the month of april. that's my prediction for what happens to gary. attgig Apr 03 2009 01:43 PM they still haven't made it official that marlon's the one getting cut, have they? RealityChuck Apr 03 2009 01:47 PM It's chump change to sign him. Doesn't work out? He gets released. It's a smart deal. It may not work out, but for the minimum, it's a cheap gamble for a significant upside. duan Apr 03 2009 01:55 PM ="OlerudOwned":3mofw6v8]My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense.[/quote:3mofw6v8] but right now, he'd be competing with Nick Evans and Marlon Anderson for a roster spot - it isn't hard to see him being quite a lot better then either of them. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 01:57 PM Keeping a guy even though he sucks is more likely when you're on the hook for a big contract. Since the Mets will be paying Sheffield the minimum salary, that shouldn't be a problem. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:58 PM Ken Davidoff ] It will be interesting to see how Sheff would function in this Mets clubhouse. When he was with the Yankees, Sheffield knew that he couldn't cross Derek Jeter. Will Sheffield respect anyone in this clubhouse the same way? Probably not. But again - if he hits, his personality isn't much of an issue. If he doesn't hit, he's out. mind boggling OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 02:00 PM ="metirish"]Ken Davidoff ] It will be interesting to see how Sheff would function in this Mets clubhouse. When he was with the Yankees, Sheffield knew that he couldn't cross Derek Jeter. Will Sheffield respect anyone in this clubhouse the same way? Probably not. But again - if he hits, his personality isn't much of an issue. If he doesn't hit, he's out. mind boggling It has to all be a joke, right? Like, a game of one-upsmanship to see who drop the most ridiculous Jeter deification into a piece of professional journalism? Please? Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:05 PM I resolve to send a box of candy and a basket of fresh fruit to any sportswriter who leaves Jeter unchecked on his Hall-of-Fame ballot. metirish Apr 03 2009 02:05 PM Would even Sheffield cross these two ?...I think not Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:06 PM That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror. metirish Apr 03 2009 02:11 PM ="Benjamin Grimm"]That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror. OK , this one is more fierce LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 02:34 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":7llf1e9x]That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror.[/quote:7llf1e9x] More gay, si. More disturbing? Not in the least. And if Sheff doesn't play... is it because Jerry's racist? Nymr83 Apr 03 2009 02:42 PM i think this will end up being a distraction. my prediction: he won't hit enough to deserve to take significant ABs away from church or murphy in the outfield, he'll play a little more than he deserves too because of who he is, he'll still whine and cry about playign time, he'll be gone by July 1st. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 02:46 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 06:26 PM ="Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:48 PM I swear, sportswriting has reached a level of insanity I never would have imagined. Here's a fun fact about Gary Sheffield: He was the Comeback Player of the Year... in 1992! Seventeen years ago! Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 03:03 PM ="Nymr83":282zbt07]i think this will end up being a distraction. my prediction: he won't hit enough to deserve to take significant ABs away from church or murphy in the outfield, he'll play a little more than he deserves too because of who he is, he'll still whine and cry about playign time, he'll be gone by July 1st.[/quote:282zbt07] You know, a lot of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals are about a group of disparate people learning to live together --- farmers and ranchers, US servicemembers and South Seas islanders, townees and carnies --- and to thrive once they get past differences and find their united purpose. But you know --- before they could unify and prosper, they would have to take out the bad seed, face up to ol' Jud and give him his. Somebody not with the program had to be whacked. Maybe Shef will end up being the new George Foster. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 03:09 PM He still could be enough of a RH threat w/good OBP to put a scare into opposing pitchers & managers - which is kind of what we need in a way. The problems are: - questionable (at best) defensive skills to the point where he may be marginally useable anywhere but in the batter's box -- something that's particularly true in an OF he's never seen with what looks like might be a tricky wall in spots - he reportedly only wanted to sign with a team that was going to give him significant ABs. Did they promise him that? -- If so that's something that can only come at the expense of either Murphy or Church - he's not only an ass, but he's one who will trash mgmt, teammates, the press, MLB as a whole, and probably Barack Obama if he's not getting what he wants -- and he often finds something to get pissed at (see points 1 & 2). Hopefully he got read the riot act before a deal was signed. Not that they couldn't drop him anyway but at least this way he knows that going in. metsguyinmichigan Apr 03 2009 03:10 PM So our first 500 homer celebration will be like our first 300 win celebration. A guy we don't like, but we'll take it! OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 03:41 PM ="Edgy DC"]="By Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." I can only conclude that Sheffield is homeless, and looks forward to taking shelter in the now-abandoned facilities of the old Yankee Stadium. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 03:44 PM ]he's not only an ass, but he's one who will trash mgmt, teammates, the press, MLB as a whole, and probably Barack Obama if he's not getting what he wants -- and he often finds something to get pissed at (see points 1 & 2). Hopefully he got read the riot act before a deal was signed. Not that they couldn't drop him anyway but at least this way he knows that going in. He always seems to say this stuff on the way out the door. Maybe he's not so much a bad guy... as a bad breaker-upper? "Hey, Evans-- you have a big head! Big head!" Kong76 Apr 03 2009 03:55 PM FK: Can't remember the last time I Pre-disliked a Met player <<< I have to say this made me laugh out loud when I was lurking at work. Nymr83 Apr 03 2009 04:55 PM ="Kong76"]FK: Can't remember the last time I Pre-disliked a Met player <<< I have to say this made me laugh out loud when I was lurking at work. Tom Glavine Kong76 Apr 03 2009 05:00 PM Yeah, but two completely different types of dislike. Farmer Ted Apr 03 2009 05:13 PM Fun fact...Sheff and Derek Bell were little league teammates. I hope most similarities end there. batmagadanleadoff Apr 03 2009 05:24 PM ="duan":3d2r4ikm]="OlerudOwned":3d2r4ikm]My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense.[/quote:3d2r4ikm] but right now, he'd be competing with Nick Evans and Marlon Anderson for a roster spot - it isn't hard to see him being quite a lot better then either of them.[/quote:3d2r4ikm] Yes. But will Sheffield go along with getting the amount of playing time -- and no more -- that would have otherwise gone to either Evans or Anderson? It seems that Sheffield would not have agreed to play for the Mets under those conditions. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 06:47 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." WAIT. Did an actual paid sportswriter actually write that? Holy fuck. I am so sick of this Yankee-loving bullshit. You have got to be kidding me. Hey, Red Sox and Rays, put that on your fucking bulletin boards, in case you need any more reason to knock those fuckers back into third place where they belong. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 06:49 PM Oh, and you know what? I'm down with Sheffield. Bring it on, Gary! Welcome to the Mets! Make us proud! Kong76 Apr 03 2009 07:00 PM I'll feel better after a coupla three run ding dongs. Frayed Knot Apr 04 2009 05:55 AM ="Kong76":daiwlvuq]Yeah, but two completely different types of dislike.[/quote:daiwlvuq] Egg-Zactly! Actually, I never really disliked Glavine anyway but even so, there's 'pre-dislike' simply because a guy's an accomplished opponent and there's dislike because he comes across as a fuckin' asshole. Chipper, for instance, would be type A and I'd have no problem rooting for him in orange & blue. With Sheff on the other hand - while I'm not going to root for him to fail (an increasingly popular activity for some Met fans it seems) - it's going to be tough to get the warm and fuzzies going.

Newsday is saying it could happen as soon as tonight, as per Rotoworld. Blerch.

If I remember right Tony Fernandez' one year in orange and blue was 1993, not 1992.

="Benjamin Grimm":29ka38qg]I don't imagine that most fans will want to be "immersed in a Mets and Pepsi experience" while at the ballgame. I know I wouldn't. I just want to watch the game, without any immersion at all.[/quote:29ka38qg] Little known fact, the Jimi Hendrix Experience was originally known as the Mets and Pepsi Experience. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:04 PM ="soupcan"]Delgado, last night. Cool, huh? Beautiful picture , one for the mantle I should think. This story went with that picture in the NY Times ] Mets Get a Late-Night Sneak Preview of Citi Field By BEN SHPIGEL Published: April 3, 2009 Out from the buses they spilled, marching through a gate, down a corridor and around a corner until, finally, there it was. Home. The Mets� shiny, new clubhouse awaited. And as Carlos Delgado poked his head inside at about 10:55 p.m. Thursday, he surveyed the sheer size of it all and said, �Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the big leagues.� His teammates, arriving at Citi Field fresh off a flight from Florida that landed two and a half hours late, followed suit, each more mesmerized than the next. After locating his locker, Jos� Reyes opened a cabinet and wondered aloud how much clothes he could fit inside. Pedro Feliciano plopped into his ergonomic chair. Shaking his head, Razor Shines could manage only a �Wow.� Then he said it again. �I�m overwhelmed,� Bobby Parnell said. �The other guys, they�re used to this.� Their curiosity piqued, players wheeled their hand luggage to their lockers and started to explore. John Maine and Mike Pelfrey bounded down the steps, past the sprint track. �Mainer, you want to race?� Pelfrey said. Ascending another set of stairs, they funneled into the dugout, joining Delgado and Carlos Beltr�n. Everyone looked up, almost instinctively, and then out, to the fences, scoping out the dimensions. Ryan Church, pointing toward the 415-foot marker in right-center field, told Delgado, �I don�t think they made it deep enough.� For the occasion, the lights had been turned on � �I should have brought sunscreen,� Darren O�Day said � and the grass glistened. But with rain in the forecast for Friday, when the Mets are scheduled to play Boston in an exhibition game, a tarp lay over the infield, preventing Johan Santana and friends from climbing the mound. Undeterred, many of the pitchers walked in the grass toward right-center, toward the bullpen, as quickly as their suits and dress shoes would allow them. Every few feet, J. J. Putz stopped, pointed the camera on his cellphone and snapped. The Mets occupy the bottom level of the two-tiered bullpen � just as the Phillies do in their ballpark � and the bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello wandered in. Assessing where the plate will be, he got into a crouch for a few seconds. As �In My Life� by the Beatles played, the lights suddenly went out. All part of the plan, explained Jeff Wilpon, the team�s chief operating officer, as a montage of highlights, player introductions and construction footage played on the video screen. Luis Alicea, the first-base coach, spotted Wilpon and thanked him. �Beautiful,� Alicea told him. �Absolutely beautiful.� When it ended, Wilpon escorted everyone into a tunnel behind the plate that led to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. As workers took a break from polishing the terrazzo floors, Jerry Manuel and Sandy Alomar Sr. walked slowly, taking time to read each of Robinson�s nine values, which are inscribed in the floor. Behind them, Putz slipped his feet into Robinson�s footprints. They matched. �Size 14,� Putz said. On the way back inside, Howard Johnson took a detour to show two of his apt pupils, Nick Evans and Daniel Murphy, the video room and the batting cage. Murphy gazed through the window. The door was locked. �Tomorrow,� Murphy said. soupcan Apr 03 2009 02:28 PM Stole this from baseball-fever.com... metirish Apr 03 2009 02:30 PM That needs a lot of dents in it.....too shiny. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 02:38 PM Needs a top hat is what it needs. Strikes me that a cool reverence to the polo grounds could have been done by putting a recess in the wall out there.

2007: Gotay?

2000 Derek Bell

2006 Nady (yes, I know my '06 Mets!)