soupcan

="Edgy DC":2rvjidqw]Smooth and relaxed is not what's getting you hired these days. I have a friend who worked for a long time as George Michael's camera op/photography director. Michael, by the standards of his day, was loud and brash. By the standards of these days, he's all class. (And he is.)[/quote:2rvjidqw] The Sports Machine! I always wanted to press that big button. Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 12:29 PM Interesting tidbit about Michael: he's got a hobby of garnering this huge collection of photographs of plays at the plate, and --- since a lot of these are un-labeled --- his secondary hobby is trying to figure out exactly what play it was by trying to identify the players and umpire, which team was home, what part of the game it is (which you can figure out by the warn out chalk marks) etc. That's his hobby. That's the life I want. Is that so wrong? Won't you please love me anyhow? John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 01 2009 12:36 PM Way back in the early VCR Era we used to tape "Sports Machine" along with "TWiB" and Warner Wolf's "Plays of the Month/Year" so as to get the kind of replays we see 24/7 on ESPN today. Some of George Michael's narrations during these segments, which must have been largely investented on the spot, rate incredibly high on the unintentional comedy scale. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2009 12:55 PM ="soupcan"]="G-Fafif"]Channel 2 kept Sam Ryan as primary sports anchor Is Sam Ryan the former Sam Marchiano? And is Sam Marchiano the daughter of Sal Marchiano? Nope. Marchiano-- indeed Sal's daughter-- went to Columbia with a friend of mine, and is over at MLB.com. Marchiano Ryan Quien es mas MILFy? soupcan Apr 01 2009 12:57 PM Gracias. MFS62 Apr 01 2009 01:03 PM ="metirish":fgza39i0] Jenna Wolfe who used to be on MSG when that had sports now does news and fills in on the Today show.[/quote:fgza39i0] I have a serious crush on Jenna Wolfe. She's not knockout beautiful, but there's something about her style that I like. Later LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2009 01:14 PM ="MFS62":24w9idqp]="metirish":24w9idqp] Jenna Wolfe who used to be on MSG when that had sports now does news and fills in on the Today show.[/quote:24w9idqp] I have a serious crush on Jenna Wolfe. She's not knockout beautiful, but there's something about her style that I like. Later[/quote:24w9idqp] She's got that perky-gymnast/cheerleaderness about her... a certain je ne sais Kolber, non? MFS62 Apr 01 2009 01:33 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":208iqprz]="MFS62":208iqprz]="metirish":208iqprz] Jenna Wolfe who used to be on MSG when that had sports now does news and fills in on the Today show.[/quote:208iqprz] I have a serious crush on Jenna Wolfe. She's not knockout beautiful, but there's something about her style that I like. Later[/quote:208iqprz] She's got that perky-gymnast/cheerleaderness about her... a certain je ne sais Kolber, non?[/quote:208iqprz] oui! Later OlerudOwned Apr 01 2009 02:13 PM Scott Clark from ABC get fired yet? He always stuck me as something of a toolbag, possibly unfairly. cooby Apr 01 2009 07:34 PM I have a second cousin named Jenna Wolfe. She's in about 11th grade and adorable.

="G-Fafif":1t3az2vu]Channel 2 kept Sam Ryan as primary sports anchor[/quote:1t3az2vu] Is Sam Ryan the former Sam Marchiano? And is Sam Marchiano the daughter of Sal Marchiano? themetfairy Apr 01 2009 12:02 PM ="metsmarathon":1p1lsjd6]do they still have dedicated weathermen on these news shows?[/quote:1p1lsjd6] Yes. I'm a weather junkie, and since I live between NYC and Philly, I find that I need to check both cities to figure out what to expect in the suburban middle ground. Mr. G on Channel 11 is my favorite in the New York market. metirish Apr 01 2009 12:03 PM Chris Wragge is a former sports guy that has moved to news , Jenna Wolfe who used to be on MSG when that had sports now does news and fills in on the Today show. I think thats' the way to go these days , gotta be versatile. Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 12:09 PM Smooth and relaxed is not what's getting you hired these days. I have a friend who worked for a long time as George Michael's camera op/photography director. Michael, by the standards of his day, was loud and brash. By the standards of these days, he's all class. (And he is.) My friend has some emmies on his mantle and is proud of his work (though he sees way too little of his wife and son, particularly on weekends), but he may end up returning to the midwest because the industry is changing, local broadcasts are dying in favor of botique sports channels, and a history with Michael isn't what gets you hired on those channels. I used to dream of 24-hour sports. Little did I know it would four hours of sports and 20 hours of ugly. metirish Apr 01 2009 12:14 PM That big fat contract that NBC gave Tiki Barber is looking bad , he's a total block head too, I really don't like him at all. soupcan Apr 01 2009 12:24 PM ="Edgy DC":2rvjidqw]Smooth and relaxed is not what's getting you hired these days. I have a friend who worked for a long time as George Michael's camera op/photography director. Michael, by the standards of his day, was loud and brash. By the standards of these days, he's all class. (And he is.)[/quote:2rvjidqw] The Sports Machine! I always wanted to press that big button. Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 12:29 PM Interesting tidbit about Michael: he's got a hobby of garnering this huge collection of photographs of plays at the plate, and --- since a lot of these are un-labeled --- his secondary hobby is trying to figure out exactly what play it was by trying to identify the players and umpire, which team was home, what part of the game it is (which you can figure out by the warn out chalk marks) etc. That's his hobby. That's the life I want. Is that so wrong? Won't you please love me anyhow? John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 01 2009 12:36 PM Way back in the early VCR Era we used to tape "Sports Machine" along with "TWiB" and Warner Wolf's "Plays of the Month/Year" so as to get the kind of replays we see 24/7 on ESPN today. Some of George Michael's narrations during these segments, which must have been largely investented on the spot, rate incredibly high on the unintentional comedy scale. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2009 12:55 PM ="soupcan"]="G-Fafif"]Channel 2 kept Sam Ryan as primary sports anchor Is Sam Ryan the former Sam Marchiano? And is Sam Marchiano the daughter of Sal Marchiano? Nope. Marchiano-- indeed Sal's daughter-- went to Columbia with a friend of mine, and is over at MLB.com. Marchiano Ryan Quien es mas MILFy? soupcan Apr 01 2009 12:57 PM Gracias. MFS62 Apr 01 2009 01:03 PM ="metirish":fgza39i0] Jenna Wolfe who used to be on MSG when that had sports now does news and fills in on the Today show.[/quote:fgza39i0] I have a serious crush on Jenna Wolfe. She's not knockout beautiful, but there's something about her style that I like. Later LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2009 01:14 PM ="MFS62":24w9idqp]="metirish":24w9idqp] Jenna Wolfe who used to be on MSG when that had sports now does news and fills in on the Today show.[/quote:24w9idqp] I have a serious crush on Jenna Wolfe. She's not knockout beautiful, but there's something about her style that I like. Later[/quote:24w9idqp] She's got that perky-gymnast/cheerleaderness about her... a certain je ne sais Kolber, non? MFS62 Apr 01 2009 01:33 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":208iqprz]="MFS62":208iqprz]="metirish":208iqprz] Jenna Wolfe who used to be on MSG when that had sports now does news and fills in on the Today show.[/quote:208iqprz] I have a serious crush on Jenna Wolfe. She's not knockout beautiful, but there's something about her style that I like. Later[/quote:208iqprz] She's got that perky-gymnast/cheerleaderness about her... a certain je ne sais Kolber, non?[/quote:208iqprz] oui! Later OlerudOwned Apr 01 2009 02:13 PM Scott Clark from ABC get fired yet? He always stuck me as something of a toolbag, possibly unfairly. cooby Apr 01 2009 07:34 PM I have a second cousin named Jenna Wolfe. She's in about 11th grade and adorable.

Ooh, I can do this... Pronounced 'MAY-low' Mellow Mellow Yellow Donovan My friend Chris Donovan Chris Donovan went to Villanova Villanova is in the Final Four The Final Four is in Detroit 'Detroit' in French means 'strait' When I hear 'strait' I think of 'The Straits of Hormuz' (don't know why, something from high school that just stuck, you know?) Straits of Hormuz is in the middle east. The nickname is....PITA BREAD!

="MFS62":2d5mzl8r]according to the radio crew, the guy's name is pronounced MAY- low.[/quote:2d5mzl8r] We don't need Valadius for this one... We'll call him 'May-low Yay-low'...quite right. Benjamin Grimm Apr 01 2009 07:57 AM Let's play "Choose a Valadius nickname for Jonathan Malo!" My pick: Hellman's DocTee Apr 01 2009 08:00 AM Sta Puff. You see, malo, as in malomar-- the main ingrediaent of which is marshmallow...like the Ghostbusters character of the same name. So there you have it, Sta Puf. Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 08:01 AM J-Lo. Only possible answer. Nymr83 Apr 01 2009 08:04 AM one disadvantage of working in an office is i dont feel comfortable anymore googling a giant image of the marshmallow man and posting it here, so please use your imagination. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 01 2009 08:04 AM Jonathan Malo Raul Malo Raul Malo sang for the Mavericks The Mavericks made an album called trampoline Trampolines have springs therefore: "Jonathan Springer" What a name! soupcan Apr 01 2009 08:34 AM Ooh, I can do this... Pronounced 'MAY-low' Mellow Mellow Yellow Donovan My friend Chris Donovan Chris Donovan went to Villanova Villanova is in the Final Four The Final Four is in Detroit 'Detroit' in French means 'strait' When I hear 'strait' I think of 'The Straits of Hormuz' (don't know why, something from high school that just stuck, you know?) Straits of Hormuz is in the middle east. The nickname is....PITA BREAD!

Thank goodness. Now I can sleep tonight.

The Nightcrawler & Black Mamba references have gone completely over my head.

How about 'Dan'?

="SteveJRogers"]="Benjamin Grimm"]I'm no fan of ads, but I kinda like that big Pepsi Cola sign. It's as much "advertising art" as it is advertising. Isn't it very similar to the vintage sign in Queens that can be seen from across the East River in Manhattan? An exact replica actually. Well except the recent Pepsi "dot" replaces the vintage Pepsi bottle from that iconic signage. Close but not 'exact'.

Comerica in Detroit...

So true.

Shit like that always amazes me. You're in a stadium watching a game with people behind and next to you. You know you'll be blocking people's views. Why do some people feel so entitled to doing stuff like that? Do they just not think? Are they stupid? Selfish? All of the above? I just don't understand that kind of behavior. Pack a fucking poncho.

="apmorris"] ="Farmer Ted"]Yup, always one douchebag that opens an umbrella the size of Rhode Island inside the stadium. That effing thing hangs over three rows. I believe that there are some stadia that do not allow people to bring umbrellas inside. Now that's a good rule.

Hey, lookie who showed up to the party... I believe this is behind leftfield. On edit: Scooped! ="metsguyinmichigan"] The skyline lives! I'm glad to see that it made the trip over to Citi Field.

Crazy Pete!

="metsguyinmichigan":3f8733ov]Could that place be any more tacky? Typical Yankees. Everything in your face.[/quote:3f8733ov] Now, now... It's a nice-looking place. A bit more grandiose than our little ballpark but still very nice. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 25 2009 08:46 AM I'm trying not to be biased but I would suspect when all is said and done that MFYs will realize a ton of cash for this whole new stadium thing but will have sacrificed an advantage over the competition that they will never get back. Yes, they surrendered much in the 1970s too but they could at least pretend the bones were authentic. But from now on, there's no pretending there's any real history in their building -- which was an enormous tenet of the Yankee Brand (TM) message -- and also, no assurances they'll have even the best park in their city which is a claim they could have made forever and might now might never be able say again. metsguyinmichigan Mar 25 2009 09:28 AM I bet they don't even have a Wiffle Ball field! Plus, at Citi I can get a new (at least to me) muffler or tire rims across the street while watching the game. SteveJRogers Mar 25 2009 09:50 AM ="metirish"]A view of the great hall in the new Yankee Stadium. I think I'll take this Great Hall Benjamin Grimm Mar 25 2009 09:54 AM Or this one: Edgy DC Mar 25 2009 09:56 AM Which brings to mind the Yankees original domed design. They even had a cap redesign to go with it. If I joined the Legion of Doom, I'd always end up sitting between the mantis and the gorilla at the board meetings. metsguyinmichigan Mar 25 2009 10:51 AM Sweet SuperFriends references. And, not the hijack the thread, but what the hell was the deal with the Wonder Twins? I get Wendy and Marvin and WonderDog. The were to provide comic relief. But the whole, "Wonder Twins powers activate! Shape of a tree! Form of a Pinto with a leaky gas tank!" stuff, I never got into that. Edgy DC Mar 25 2009 11:04 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 02 2009 09:22 AM Well, I don't think there was anything to get. She could become any animal, and he could become any form of water. Placing teen characters into adult adventures has always been important, allowing the junior viewer an oppotunity to project themselves into the story. But, the strangely parentless (and deluded) Wendy, Marvin, and Wonderdog served that purpose, yet they got fired for teens with real superpowers. I honestly think that the Superfriends producers had data showing that their target audience were big Donnie and Marie fans. Zan and Jana seem highly modeled on them, in look and personality. Here's my issue. In the secondary stories, they worked in peripheral heroes --- some already established in the DC universe, some not --- to get some needed diversity into the Justice League. But (1) why couldn't they work them into the major storylines? and (2) why did they have to underscore their ethnicity so damn much? Couldn't they have a guy who shoots streams of acid who just happens to be Thai, without calling him Bangkok BadAss or some shit? I always wanted to hear an exchange like: "Black Vulcan, do you copy?" "Yes, White Batman, I hear you." Oh and um, Yankees. Boo. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 25 2009 11:07 AM ="metsguyinmichigan":3mhc4q58]I bet they don't even have a Wiffle Ball field! Plus, at Citi I can get a new (at least to me) muffler or tire rims across the street while watching the game.[/quote:3mhc4q58] Or, you know, you can buy your old ones back. (Never have I rooted for "eminent domain" to prevail... before last year. The one advantage the MFYs do have over us-- and the New Yorker article pointed this out sharply-- is location... if nothing else, they're where a ballpark should be, smack in the middle of a city.) Benjamin Grimm Apr 02 2009 05:55 AM Get a load of the view from these seats in the new Yankee Stadium: The seats, according to the New York Times, only cost five bucks, but geez, you're unable to see about a third of the field. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/sports/baseball/01seats.html?_r=1&ref=baseball metirish Apr 02 2009 07:01 AM I'm not an architect , hell I'm not even a doctor but I don't know why these new stadiums have any such seating like above. Edgy DC Apr 02 2009 07:20 AM Quirky has a price. G-Fafif Apr 02 2009 09:14 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":1rdpk7hv][/quote:1rdpk7hv] The less one has to see of the MFYs, the better. Benjamin Grimm Apr 02 2009 09:19 AM I guess some Yankee fans may prefer those seats because they won't be able to see Alex Rodriguez when he's playing third base. metsguyinmichigan Apr 02 2009 09:26 AM Yup. It's a "True Yankee Filter." You pay more for that. seawolf17 Apr 02 2009 12:08 PM ="metirish":uoy3pvzx]I'm not an architect , hell I'm not even a doctor but I don't know why these new stadiums have any such seating like above.[/quote:uoy3pvzx] I have to say I agree. They made a big fucking deal about having less seats, and angling them toward home plate, and so on... and you have this obstructed-view bullshit? Eff that. seawolf17 Apr 02 2009 08:02 PM A 76.3% increase?!?! Eff you, Yankees. You too, Johnny Damon. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4036916 metirish Apr 02 2009 08:08 PM Wankers - $41.40 to $72.97 - suckers Rockin' Doc Apr 02 2009 08:08 PM Damon should stick to doing Gieco commercials. seawolf17 Apr 02 2009 08:48 PM ="Rockin' Doc":lhs13t5x]Damon should stick to doing Gieco commercials.[/quote:lhs13t5x] Seriously. That pissed me off. "I mean, really, fuck the little guy. I make $13 million a year, guaranteed. So I don't care if they can't afford tickets; I wipe my ass with $1,000 bills." Rockin' Doc Apr 03 2009 04:52 AM A 76.3% increase in the cost of the average ticket for a seat at Yankee Stadium is once again, proof positive that it sucks to be a Yankees fan. Johnny Damon, it seems safe to conclude, is not exactly a thinking man. His comments are insensitive and out of touch with the day to day struggles of the common working man or woman. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 05:51 AM ="Johnny Damon":1g3apd5t]"It's tough. New York can withstand it," he said. "Coming to this plush building, I think it's definitely something that people want to see. I mean, those are great seats. It's going to be tough for a family to afford but, you know, but we'll let the people upstairs worry about that."[/quote:1g3apd5t] Clearly, the people upstairs don't give a damn either. Nymr83 Apr 03 2009 06:18 AM In the post this morning Sherman says bad things about the New Yankee stadium while Kevin Kernan has some faint praise for Citi Field (though more dumping on Shea) soupcan Apr 03 2009 07:00 AM Times has its architectural reviews of both stadia today... ] April 3, 2009 Architecture Review Two New Baseball Palaces, One Stoic, One Scrappy By NICOLAI OUROUSSOFF American stadium design has been stuck in a nostalgic funk, with sports franchises recycling the same old images year after year. Still, if you have to go with a retro look, New York City could have done worse than the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. Both were designed by Populous (formerly known as HOK Sport Venue Event) and are major upgrades over the stadiums they replaced, which had been looking more and more dilapidated over the years. Both should be fine places to spend a few hours watching a game. What�s more, each stadium subtly reflects the character of the franchises that built them. Yankee Stadium is the kind of stoic, self-conscious monument to history that befits the most successful franchise in American sports. The new home of the Mets, meanwhile, is scrappier and more lighthearted. It plays with history fast and loose, as if it were just another form of entertainment. Yankee management started talking about replacing the old stadium more than a decade ago, and this seemed to be the tougher challenge: the stadium sparkled with the memories of 26 World Series championships. Architecturally, however, the stadium was charmless. Renovation in the 1970s may have made it more comfortable (fans loathed the painful wooden seats of the original version), but it also destroyed many architectural features. The original copper frieze that lined the stadium�s upper deck was ripped out. (A partial concrete replica was added later.) The monuments that had once stood in the deepest recesses of center field were moved to an insipid space behind the left-center field fence and named Monument Park. The little personality the stadium had came from its site: a tight urban lot framed by elevated subway tracks on one side and a city park on the other. The new stadium, which stands across the street from the old one, spruces up that image while reviving some of the lost history. The towering arched windows that dominated the original exterior, an echo of the Roman Colosseum, have been recast in a mix of limestone, granite and cast stone, and they are as imposing as ever. A small urban plaza, raised just above the level of the sidewalk, faces the bars and souvenir shops along River Avenue and the entry to the elevated train, strengthening the structure�s relationship to its urban setting. The city has also promised to build a park and several ball fields just to the south of the stadium in an effort to put a more community-friendly face on the project. A broad pedestrian walkway will eventually link the stadium to the fields and a Metro-North station farther to the south. The biggest improvements, however, are the interiors, which have been organized with an eye to the fans. The concourses are broad open spaces, with concession stands set along the perimeter so that they don�t obstruct views down to the field. More seats are concentrated below the mezzanine level, closer to the action. Even the luxury suites, which suddenly look like a holdover from the era of corporate excess, are discreetly set back so that they don�t detract from the shared intimacy of watching the game. There�s history here, too, or at least a facsimile of it. The Yankees have brought back the old manually operated scoreboards in left and right field, a feature that was last used in the 1960s. A replica of the old frieze sits along the top of the upper deck. Best of all, the slot that separated the scoreboard from the right-field stands in the old stadium has been recreated, so you can still catch glimpses of the subway rumbling by � a reminder that the stadium has been carved out of the heart of a living, thriving city. All in all, the new Yankee Stadium may be an austere, even intimidating place, but there�s nothing tacky about it. It�s straightforward, paint-by-numbers architecture. Getting to Citi Field is a more drawn-out aesthetic experience. Descending from the elevated 7 train in Queens, you have to cross a wide landscaped plaza before arriving at the main entry gate. A sea of parking stretches out in both directions. A pile of rubble (once the old Shea Stadium) currently lies just beyond the parking to the left. The building fits comfortably in this setting. Yankee Stadium�s facade is dominated by vertical lines, which emphasize its monumentality. Citi Field�s facade, which is loosely modeled on Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, is more low-key. Its brick cladding gives it a warmth that Yankee Stadium doesn�t have. A pre-cast concrete band cuts across the arched exterior, breaking down the structure�s scale and emphasizing its horizontality. History also feels less heavy here. Like the Yankees, the Mets built broad concourses that open up to the field so that you feel close to the game even while you�re standing in line for a beer. But the design is far more eclectic. A porch that cantilevers out over right field is modeled on the old Tiger Stadium. Big steel trusses conjure the structure that supports the nearby elevated train. A soot-colored pedestrian bridge that spans the bullpen behind center field is a miniature version of the Hell Gate Bridge. Even the color of the seats � dark green � was copied from somewhere else: the Polo Grounds, where the New York Giants baseball team played and the Mets played their first two seasons. The casual mood is reinforced by a number of spaces that have little to do with watching a baseball game: an auditorium, a Wiffle ball field � even an event room for weddings or parties. What saves the design from becoming completely hokey, however, is its openness to the real world outside. Most of Queens, from the faded remnants of the 1964 World�s Fair to the Whitestone Expressway and the muddy waters of Flushing Bay, is visible from the main concourse level. Farther up, you can see the Manhattan skyline several miles away. The visitors� bullpen has a view of dilapidated garages and auto body shops across 126th Street to the northeast. The reality of this working-class landscape tempers the artificiality of the interior. Even so, most serious architects today strive to create buildings that reflect the values of their own era, not a nostalgic vision of the past, no matter how open they may be toward their surroundings. And in that regard both stadiums will be a disappointment to students of architecture. For us, the buildings are just another reminder of the enormous gap that remains between high design and popular taste. dinosaur jesus Apr 03 2009 07:12 AM ]Even so, most serious architects today strive to create buildings that reflect the values of their own era, not a nostalgic vision of the past, no matter how open they may be toward their surroundings. The whole game of baseball is a nostalgic vision of the past. What values of our own era do we really want to bring to it? Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 07:20 AM I like the part where Hankenbrenner (or was it Hal-enbrenner?) says; 'yeah, we overpriced some of the seats and as a result they're not selling as well as we hoped ... but we didn't misread the market!' Umm, yeah ya did. In fact, that's kind of the definition of misreading the market. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 07:20 AM ="dinosaur jesus"]]Even so, most serious architects today strive to create buildings that reflect the values of their own era, not a nostalgic vision of the past, no matter how open they may be toward their surroundings. The whole game of baseball is a nostalgic vision of the past. What values of our own era do we really want to bring to it? I don't know enough about architecture to explain why I agree with that statement, but I do. I would rather the Mets had built a stadium the reflects early 21st Century architecture, whatever it is. Citi Field looks like a nice place to watch a game, and it's visually appealing, but it also has a Disney feel to it, like you're in "Baseball Land." soupcan Apr 03 2009 07:35 AM These two come to mind when I think about new stadiums with a modern bent. Target Field, which is the new stadium now being built for the twins in Minnesota. Nationals - Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 08:00 AM Glass façades and baseball go together like bleach and baby baths. Even if there's no real threat of the two actually coming together --- and even if the vulnerable element is reinforced against the dangerous element --- it creates an atmophere of anxiety. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 08:19 AM I kinda like the Minnesota park. The Nationals less so, but it's not bad either. soupcan Apr 03 2009 08:19 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 08:21 AM ="Edgy DC":292rjkrd]Glass fa�ades and baseball go together like bleach and baby baths. Even if there's no real threat of the two actually coming together --- and even if the vulnerable element is reinforced against the dangerous element --- it creates an atmophere of anxiety.[/quote:292rjkrd] That's an interesting point, but perhaps the juxtaposition of those types of elements is what appeals to an architect trying to make a statement? I'm certain Art Van DeLay would find a way to make it work, soupcan Apr 03 2009 08:20 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":3rv0nqrw]I kinda like the Minnesota park. The Nationals less so, but it's not bad either.[/quote:3rv0nqrw] Yeah - the Minnesota park has a sort of retro Jetsons feel to it. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 08:29 AM The Nats park has like five different tiers, each one more heavily raked than the one below it. Sometimes the price of everybody being closer to the field horizontally is that you get some crazy options vertically. I'm sure you'll hear Keith complain this season about the vertigo-inducing situation of their press box. That is, if Mr. Fancy Pants makes a road trip to Washington. HahnSolo Apr 03 2009 01:35 PM Hmm. I guess my perception of Nationals Park was different. I took the Metro to the game and walked in through the CF promenade. And we sat field level, so I didn't notice the slopes in the upper reaches. I never saw the glass encasings in the photo above, and liked the interior of the ballpark. metirish Apr 03 2009 06:33 PM ="Nymr83"]In the post this morning Sherman says bad things about the New Yankee stadium while Kevin Kernan has some faint praise for Citi Field (though more dumping on Shea) Sherman just about takes a dump on the doorstep of the new MYF stadium I'm biased of course but I have tuned into YES a few times and if I didn't know better I would think they were playing the the MFYII.... IN TOUGH TIMES, A MONUMENT TO GREED ] IT IS beautiful, of course. But in the way that a woman who went to the world's best plastic surgeon might be beautiful. It is supposed to remind you of the previous incarnation, and ends up feeling artificial and overdone. The new Yankee Stadium has just about everything you would want in a modern sports facility, except charm and a sense of proportion. If you can afford the prices, you should have a good time there. The sightlines are wonderful. The large screen in center field is so clear you really do feel as if you could reach out and touch the people on it. The concourses are wide, and the food choices abundant. Yet the place brought nausea, not nostalgia. It just feels like the wrong time in the history of this country and this city to be opening up the George Mahal. When the project was initiated 2 � years ago, the Yankees could not have known what the state of the economy was going to be now. But this is about more than wrong place, wrong time. The Yankees' sense of entitlement and unrestrained excess is timeless. They will tell you they built this stadium for the everyman, stressing what they consider still affordable pricing and amenities. But this stadium, in actuality, was built for a moneyed class that in many respects does not even exist in this city any longer. Those $2,625-per-game Legends tickets behind home plate are selling slowly, and that certainly is because there is a whole class of banking/Wall Street/real estate mogul who would have scooped them up but has gone the way of flannel uniforms. But also because those seats not long ago would have screamed status, and now speak only to greed. The working world will not look onto those sitting there with envy. They will wish that those seats came with a dunk tank, not waiter service. The Yanks also want to make you believe that the history and romance could be easily shipped from the old place to the new one simply by recreating dimensions, reconstructing the facade or replanting Monument Park. However, the new Stadium didn't make me think of the place just across the street. It made me think about Vegas or Disney World, since it made me think of a fake place designed to manipulate my emotions and get into my wallet. "We don't see it as ostentatious or flashy," Hal Steinbrenner said. "We see it as classy." For me, class is out. In truth, sadly, the Yanks have conjured up a building that defines them: cold, corporate, over-privileged. At a financially distressed time in which Bud Selig has appealed to teams and players to be more fan friendly than ever, the Yanks have constructed even more of a moat between their players and those paying for all the goodies. For example, Yankee executives see it as a positive that the players now have underground parking rather than in the old place, where they had to walk 50 feet outdoors from the parking lot to the Stadium. In those 50 feet, fans held back by barricades could scream to their favorite players and -- if one of those players indulged -- get an autograph or two. Now the interaction between fans and players, and media and players, will be less than ever. I know no one sheds a tear for the media, but I think the new clubhouse, overstocked with off-limits areas and clandestine exits, only leads to a group that will feel less accountability. And an over-privileged nature and lack of accountability have hurt recent editions of the Yankees. "We are not a regular team," Brian Bruney said. "We are the New York Yankees, and it has to be nicer." Nice is in the eye of the beholder, and if you work for one of those few places left where the corporate card is still set on unlimited, then the new Yankee Stadium is for you. For many others, this place will have all the charm of Bernie Madoff. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 06:44 PM And Brian Bruney, you're an overpaid tub of goo who can't find the strike zone with a guide dog who's lucky the Yankees wouldn't know pitching talent if it punched them in the neck, or you'd find yourself pitching for the Sioux City Sand Gnats. So shut the hell up and join Caveman on the Ass Line. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 08:16 PM Wolfie, save something for the regular season. MFS62 Apr 03 2009 08:56 PM I just went on mlb.com to check the box scores. I noticed that the Mets' game tonight was played at "CitiField". The Yankees' game tonight was played at "New Yankee Stadium". Is that going to be the official name of that place? Later seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 08:57 PM Didn't they call it "New Comiskey" for a while too? themetfairy Apr 03 2009 08:58 PM ="seawolf17":3ge41hzz]Didn't they call it "New Comiskey" for a while too?[/quote:3ge41hzz] Yes - that's what it was called when I visited the park in 1991. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 09:08 PM ="Edgy DC"]Wolfie, save something for the regular season. I know, but again, this stuff pisses me off. Who the hell is Brian Bruney? Good thing crappy middle relievers don't bat in the American League, or if I'm Lou Piniella tomorrow, I buzz an exhibition fastball right past his manboobs. You are "a regular team," Bruney. You're one of 30 teams that all need each other, or professional baseball doesn't exist. MFS62 Apr 04 2009 06:27 AM ="seawolf17":11yncmqm]Didn't they call it "New Comiskey" for a while too?[/quote:11yncmqm] Who is they? The White Sox? White Sox fans? The fans in Chicago? The papers in Chicago? But this is the official website of major league baseball itself. And that's why I asked if anyone knew if this is the official name of that place. Not just what some may call it. Later Frayed Knot Apr 04 2009 06:44 AM No, I don't believe 'New' is part of the official name. 'Fucking Gargantuan Edifice to Conspicuous Consumption' may be, although I'd have to check on that to be sure. SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 06:45 AM ="MFS62":2qks5l00]="seawolf17":2qks5l00]Didn't they call it "New Comiskey" for a while too?[/quote:2qks5l00] Who is they? The White Sox? White Sox fans? The fans in Chicago? The papers in Chicago? But this is the official website of major league baseball itself. And that's why I asked if anyone knew if this is the official name of that place. Not just what some may call it. Later[/quote:2qks5l00] Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. Reinsdorf didn't sell the naming rights until 2003. So it was Comiskey II from 1991 through 2003. G-Fafif Apr 04 2009 06:55 AM I believe that someday Seawolf will punch that arrogant Brian Brueny at New Yankee Stadium on his fat nose. MFS62 Apr 09 2009 06:56 PM Here's one you might not have heard about. (Thank you, Onion) http://www.theonion.com/content/video/yankees_buil ding_new_vacation Later Kong76 Apr 09 2009 08:39 PM Dude, your link actually pointed to this: http://www.theonion.com/content/video/study_children_exposed_to Figure out how to work stuff, child porn humor ain't for here. Later metsguyinmichigan Apr 09 2009 10:01 PM I clicked the link and thought, "Damn, the bleeping Yankees really ARE trying to appeal to everyone. Now I know why they have that massive video board in center." MFS62 Apr 10 2009 07:36 AM Let's try that again. And let the ad finish. http://www.theonion.com/content/video/yankees_building_new_vacation EDIT: I tried it after I re-posted and it worked. Later

The grass looks nice. I'll now go on record as saying I approve of the new apple. Mainly because its not coming out of a ridiculous top hat. An apple is easily recognizable as a symbol of NYC. If it simply has a Mets logo on it or says 'Let's Go Mets' when it pops up, I'm very cool with that. However, if says something like 'Citi - the core of banking in the Big Apple' or some other stupid ad, I'm out baby.

Gwreck wrote: Mexico got knocked out by Cuba last night, so Oliver Perez, please get yourself on the next flight back to Port St. Lucie immediately. Mexcellent. ="Edgy DC"]It's a contact sport played with really hard balls. That's what she said. (sorry, I'll stop now)

I dunno. I think its good that Beltran and Delgado are in regular season mode and hitting lights out and Ollie apparently needs the work. Putz has only been used for 2 innings and are two 4 out saves for Rodriguez that worrysome? Wouldn't these guys be dialing it up about now anyway? As Edgy says they can get hurt just as easily in Port St. Boring then they can in the WBC.

Met fans would certainly recognize a silhouette of Jesse in that pose. No question.

Now we all know that's not gonna happen.

] PORT ST. LUCIE - Billy Wagner, who has been throwing in his native Virginia, has been shut down by the Mets. But there's no bad news. Mets officials are concerned an enthusiastic Wagner is trying to rehab from Sept. 10 Tommy John surgery too quickly and requested a throwing moratorium to avoid the risk of re-injury. Wagner is not expected to visit camp, but Mets rehab specialists Chris Correnti and Guy Conti are expected to visit the southpaw at his home when the Mets break camp in three weeks. Wagner expects to be with the Mets for the season's final month, if not earlier, a source close to the former closer said. Why on earth do they care?

="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1391jq7m]I like Orosco's Post-WS Daily News cover for the Bullpen Gate.[/quote:1391jq7m] Oooh, good call. MFS62 Mar 13 2009 12:25 PM One guy's opinion about the new stadium. I can see how he feels about Mays and the Giants being left out. http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/03/13/2009-03-13_why_did_the_mets_build_a_shrine_to_the_d.html Later Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 12:35 PM That article is pure hackery. G-Fafif Mar 13 2009 12:38 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":3qghjbcz]I like Orosco's Post-WS Daily News cover for the Bullpen Gate.[/quote:3qghjbcz] You'd have to clearly mark it as Jesse and his moment of triumph. Otherwise, the sight of a Mets reliever down on his knees conjures visions of 2008 and all the saves that were blown. G-Fafif Mar 13 2009 12:43 PM ="Edgy DC":384aoame]That article is pure hackery.[/quote:384aoame] I don't mind this narrative, to a certain extent, for my own Polo Grounds-loving reasons, but does the author (or the News' editorial page editor) think this is a startlingly new observation? Also, Mays played for the Mets in '72 and '73. Being too young to remember 1969 is no excuse for not getting that much straight. Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 12:49 PM No, his position is fine, but it's late in the day, cherry picked, and his always-has-been, always-will-be tone as if his position is so self evident is weak. I also have a dislike for columnists who ask questions out loud and then provide their own answers. You're a journalist. If you have questions, direct them at people and find some answers. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 13 2009 12:49 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 13 2009 12:59 PM ="G-Fafif"]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]I like Orosco's Post-WS Daily News cover for the Bullpen Gate. You'd have to clearly mark it as Jesse and his moment of triumph. Otherwise, the sight of a Mets reliever down on his knees conjures visions of 2008 and all the saves that were blown. Fists raised to the heavens wouldn't mark it clearly enough? (Am not sure any of the 2008ers had the arm strength left by season's end to raise 'em above his head.) soupcan Mar 13 2009 12:58 PM Met fans would certainly recognize a silhouette of Jesse in that pose. No question. SteveJRogers Mar 15 2009 06:53 PM From Baseball-Fever, well, FINALLY a familiar face appears! Edgy DC Mar 15 2009 06:59 PM I'm guessing Johnson and the '86ers will go in next to that. seawolf17 Mar 15 2009 07:35 PM ="Edgy DC":okbu00pg]I'm guessing Johnson and the '86ers will go in next to that.[/quote:okbu00pg] Or maybe Alston and the '55ers. metirish Mar 15 2009 08:04 PM I like it , who is that.......I'm kidding , I'm kidding. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 15 2009 08:09 PM Up there until they can sell the space a la the lizard above, prolly. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 15 2009 08:14 PM Enjoy it now for free; take it home in 30 years for $690,000 as CitiField gives way to People's Republic of China presents Shamwow! Park. seawolf17 Mar 15 2009 08:38 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":h17a01f9]People's Republic of China presents Shamwow! Park.[/quote:h17a01f9] That was excellent. metsguyinmichigan Mar 15 2009 08:53 PM ="seawolf17":31zy52xl]="Edgy DC":31zy52xl]I'm guessing Johnson and the '86ers will go in next to that.[/quote:31zy52xl] Or maybe Alston and the '55ers.[/quote:31zy52xl] Badass! SteveJRogers Mar 18 2009 04:59 PM Mural is complete Both off of Baseball-Fever.com And it looks like Shea's ghosts have moved over already metsguyinmichigan Mar 21 2009 02:25 PM The skyline lives! I'm glad to see that it made the trip over to Citi Field. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 21 2009 04:02 PM Nice photos and an enthusiastically positive review here: [url:3bkz11bv]http://metsgrrl.com/index.php/site/comments/the-metsgrrl-citi-field-preview/[/url:3bkz11bv] LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 21 2009 11:22 PM Caryn's work is a friggin' public service. I feel like I did as a 5-year-old, waiting for the Millennium Falcon I'd get on Christmas. themetfairy Mar 22 2009 06:59 AM It does look lovely - I'm looking forward to seeing it. Benjamin Grimm Mar 22 2009 07:34 AM I'm having doubts as to whether I'll get there in 2009. I just pretended to be a ticket buyer for seats for a weekend game in May. No Promenade seats seem to be available. They instead redirect me to 100 level seats in left field, which seem okay, and at not-too-awful a price. But That's six weeks from now. My standard approach has been to wait until three or four days before to buy tickets. (I want to see what the weather will be.) I don't think I'll have that luxury anymore. G-Fafif Mar 22 2009 08:43 AM I can feel the psychic barrier that has kept me from embracing this new place beginning to seriously crack. Probably has something to do with this is where the Mets are going to play in their home uniforms, and that there is no other physical option in the immediate vicinity available for that activity. seawolf17 Mar 22 2009 11:14 AM ="G-Fafif":16qx2n7l]I can feel the psychic barrier that has kept me from embracing this new place beginning to seriously crack. Probably has something to do with this is where the Mets are going to play in their home uniforms, and that there is no other physical option in the immediate vicinity available for that activity.[/quote:16qx2n7l] Yep, me too. Benjamin Grimm Mar 22 2009 11:21 AM Not me. That won't happen until I actually see that I'll be able to go a couple of times per year. I don't have any bad feelings about the place, but I also don't have any connection to it either. At least, not yet. metirish Mar 24 2009 08:29 AM Some great looking shots here , I'm excited about this place. > soupcan Mar 24 2009 08:56 AM The grass looks nice. I'll now go on record as saying I approve of the new apple. Mainly because its not coming out of a ridiculous top hat. An apple is easily recognizable as a symbol of NYC. If it simply has a Mets logo on it or says 'Let's Go Mets' when it pops up, I'm very cool with that. However, if says something like 'Citi - the core of banking in the Big Apple' or some other stupid ad, I'm out baby. metsmarathon Mar 24 2009 09:07 AM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Mar 24 2009 09:11 AM they're just shoving the citi-branding all up in our faces with every opportunity, those bastards! i mean, look at that repeated arc in the outfield grass, and tell me you don't see the affront of yet another little red rainbow. how fitting that this arc is painted in glorious shades of green, echoing the fields of taxpayer cash funneled into citibank and, therefore, citifield, from the ground, up. it sickens me. really, it doesn't. i just wanted to be the first to mention the similitude between the arcing turf and the citi logo, whether its intentional or just a logical extension of the border between infield and out. metsguyinmichigan Mar 24 2009 09:09 AM ="soupcan":30e9w3y7]The grass looks nice. I'll now go on record as saying I approve of the new apple. Mainly because its not coming out of a ridiculous top hat. An apple is easily recognizable as a symbol of NYC. If it simply has a Mets logo on it or says 'Let's Go Mets' when it pops up, I'm very cool with that. However, if says something like 'Citi - the core of banking in the Big Apple' or some other stupid ad, I'm out baby.[/quote:30e9w3y7] Aw Soup, I never even considered they'd do something like that. Now I'm worried! G-Fafif Mar 24 2009 09:49 AM ="soupcan":303y480g]I'll now go on record as saying I approve of the new apple. Mainly because its not coming out of a ridiculous top hat.[/quote:303y480g] I think I liked the hat more than the apple a) because it brought me back to the Magic Is Back season that inspired its construction and because once they went from Mets Magic to HOME RUN, I got a continuing kick out of the incongruity of it. The relocated original apple is good to have on the premises, but I'm a touch disappointed that its new top hat is so small. More of a straw hat now. Alas, men haven't worn either since JFK decided the look wasn't for him. G-Fafif Mar 24 2009 09:50 AM ="metsmarathon":ws77e5n1]they're just shoving the citi-branding all up in our faces with every opportunity, those bastards! i mean, look at that repeated arc in the outfield grass, and tell me you don't see the affront of yet another little red rainbow. how fitting that this arc is painted in glorious shades of green, echoing the fields of taxpayer cash funneled into citibank and, therefore, citifield, from the ground, up.[/quote:ws77e5n1] And every mention of insurance runs is surely a thinly veiled bonus payment to the former AIG. metirish Mar 24 2009 09:57 AM And every Bill Webb shot of the NYC skyline from now on will be greeted by Gary with " great Citi shot". G-Fafif Mar 24 2009 10:05 AM "Good group of bench players Jerry Manuel has" will be a telltale sop to Citigroup. Pitchers who are automatic will be no more than plugs for Citi's network of ATMs. And when Delgado deposits one over the right field wall... metirish Mar 24 2009 10:27 AM Pitching changes will now be known as withdrawals - " Manuel goes to the mound to make a withdrawal , hey folks you too can make withdrawals all over Citi Field" G-Fafif Mar 24 2009 11:01 AM First reliever to get sent down for giving up a key hit will be written off as a toxic asset. SteveJRogers Mar 24 2009 07:08 PM From a Baseball-Fever.com poster, the Left Field Gate's mural is complete! One more banner space left around the corner, inbetween Casey and Gil. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 24 2009 07:45 PM ="SteveJRogers":1ddnwx4v] One more banner space left around the corner, inbetween Casey and Gil.[/quote:1ddnwx4v] Ah, yes... the Bobby Bo spot, you mean? batmagadanleadoff Mar 24 2009 08:01 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Mar 24 2009 08:14 PM ="SteveJRogers"]From a Baseball-Fever.com poster, the Left Field Gate's mural is complete! One more banner space left around the corner, inbetween Casey and Gil. The detail in the Stengel banner (your lower right) appears to be the Grote/Koosman embrace , Game 5, 1969 WS, yada yada, although it's not the iconic angle that includes Ed Charles' dance of joy. batmagadanleadoff Mar 24 2009 08:12 PM G-Fafif Mar 27 2009 06:08 AM Jeff Wilpon impresses Len Berman. soupcan Mar 27 2009 11:42 AM Hey, lookie who showed up to the party... I believe this is behind leftfield. On edit: Scooped! ="metsguyinmichigan"] The skyline lives! I'm glad to see that it made the trip over to Citi Field. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 27 2009 01:34 PM The scoreboard-topper's going to be in center; that concession-plex is the Danny Meyer street-food fantasia (mmm.... elote!). metsguyinmichigan Mar 27 2009 02:16 PM I like it! Too bad they couldn't find a wall somewhere to hang replicas of the blue and orange tiles that used to hang outside Shea, or one of the neon players -- though apparently they are incorporated into the carpet design in the clubhouse. apmorris Mar 29 2009 03:08 PM Opening day beta (from the webs) Farmer Ted Mar 29 2009 04:05 PM Yup, always one douchebag that opens an umbrella the size of Rhode Island inside the stadium. That effing thing hangs over three rows. metirish Mar 29 2009 04:13 PM saw on ABC News highlights from the game today , looks spacious , one punter complained that the area around the apple is very plain looking. The report mentioned that Bernie Madoff had season tickets in the platinum section behind home plate , valued at $40,000. The Mets say they will not go unused but didn't say how. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 04:28 PM If Wilpon followed his heart, he'd donate the seats to Hilda Chester's family. But Fred loves money even more than he loves the Dodgers. I wonder if the Mets make his top five. Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 04:50 PM Come on. We're indicting him for what you imagine he'd like to do? batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 05:23 PM ="Edgy DC":z4d7oe86]Come on. We're indicting him for what you imagine he'd like to do?[/quote:z4d7oe86] We? You don't have to join me, but Fred opened the door for this kind of abuse -- yes, it's a straw man, or straw woman argument-- when he built a Mets Stadium in the image of Ebbets Field and then decided to tack on a rotunda, -- one of its most prominent features -- in honor of a Dodger. I don't mind the Ebbets reference so much. But that and a Jackie Robinson Routnda? Enough's enough. It's inappropriate, in my opinion. A Mets stadium is not the right place to honor a Dodger on a permanent basis -- any Dodger. Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 05:28 PM He was actually under intense public pressure to name the stadium after Robinson. That the rotunda --- and has anybody ever cared before what a rotunda was called --- was named after Robinson was him throwing a bone to the public, not sticking it to the public in his self-interest. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 05:32 PM ="Edgy DC":3662lti7]He was actually under intense public pressure to name the stadium after Robinson. That the rotunda --- and has anybody ever cared before what a rotunda was called --- was named after Robinson was him throwing a bone to the public, not sticking it to the public in his self-interest.[/quote:3662lti7] Why? And did George Steinbrenner face that same pressure? Or what about the owners of the St. Louis Cardinals and their new stadium? Philadelphia Phillies? Where's the Philadelphia version of the Jackie Robinson rotunda? And was Wilpon also under the same intense pressure to eliminate 10,000 seats from the new stadium and raise the prices of some tickets almost tenfold? Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 05:34 PM In order, Why is irrelevant. The point is that he was. No. No. Nothing that I don't know of. You're changing the subject. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 05:36 PM ="Edgy DC":jm0mylax]He was actually under intense public pressure to name the stadium after Robinson. That the rotunda --- and has anybody ever cared before what a rotunda was called --- was named after Robinson was him throwing a bone to the public, not sticking it to the public in his self-interest.[/quote:jm0mylax] By the way, Wilpon has been sticking it to the public in his self-interest throughout his entire tenure. The evidence is everywhere, in all the details, small and large. Crappy hot dogs. Mesh trucker caps for the old-timers. A parade of car dealers pulling numbers off the outfield wall. Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 05:37 PM Get some rest. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 05:41 PM I wasn't trying to change the subject. I just think that these baseball owners are powerful enough to do whatever they want to do, for the most part. Wilpon doesn't strike me as the kind of guy that would cave in to public pressure over the rotunda. I believe that he created the Jackie Robinson rotunda because he wanted to, and any explanation slightly inconsistent is just spin so as to rationalize the event in a way that would appeal to the largest number of people. In other words, his explanation has more to do with political correctness than sincerity. SteveJRogers Mar 29 2009 05:42 PM ="batmagadanleadoff":131szgo8]="Edgy DC":131szgo8]He was actually under intense public pressure to name the stadium after Robinson. That the rotunda --- and has anybody ever cared before what a rotunda was called --- was named after Robinson was him throwing a bone to the public, not sticking it to the public in his self-interest.[/quote:131szgo8] Why? And did George Steinbrenner face that same pressure? Or what about the owners of the St. Louis Cardinals and their new stadium? Philadelphia Phillies? Where's the Philadelphia version of the Jackie Robinson rotunda? And was Wilpon also under the same intense pressure to eliminate 10,000 seats from the new stadium and raise the prices of some tickets almost tenfold?[/quote:131szgo8] Because of Wilpon's ties to the Dodgers as a fan which made the Mets the "torch bearers" of the Dodger-Giant legacy. Well it did start with day one when the Met roster would feature ex-Dodgers and ex-Giants. It would continue on during Old Timers Day festivities during the '60s and '70s when Dodgers and Giants were trotted out and so on. Because it was at Shea where Bill Clinton and Bud Selig stood and made the pronouncement that 42 would be retired in perpetuity. Hell, because it was at Shea that they actually honored the 40th anniversary of Robinson's debut in 1987, check out the 1988 yearbook for a photo of that festivity. So, where were you in 1987 decrying why were the Mets honoring Robinson? batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 05:51 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Mar 29 2009 05:53 PM ="SteveJRogers":37juno6t]="batmagadanleadoff":37juno6t]="Edgy DC":37juno6t]He was actually under intense public pressure to name the stadium after Robinson. That the rotunda --- and has anybody ever cared before what a rotunda was called --- was named after Robinson was him throwing a bone to the public, not sticking it to the public in his self-interest.[/quote:37juno6t] Why? And did George Steinbrenner face that same pressure? Or what about the owners of the St. Louis Cardinals and their new stadium? Philadelphia Phillies? Where's the Philadelphia version of the Jackie Robinson rotunda? And was Wilpon also under the same intense pressure to eliminate 10,000 seats from the new stadium and raise the prices of some tickets almost tenfold?[/quote:37juno6t] Because of Wilpon's ties to the Dodgers as a fan which made the Mets the "torch bearers" of the Dodger-Giant legacy. Well it did start with day one when the Met roster would feature ex-Dodgers and ex-Giants. It would continue on during Old Timers Day festivities during the '60s and '70s when Dodgers and Giants were trotted out and so on. Because it was at Shea where Bill Clinton and Bud Selig stood and made the pronouncement that 42 would be retired in perpetuity. Hell, because it was at Shea that they actually honored the 40th anniversary of Robinson's debut in 1987, check out the 1988 yearbook for a photo of that festivity. So, where were you in 1987 decrying why were the Mets honoring Robinson?[/quote:37juno6t] Wilpon's ties to the Dodgers are no greater than your ties to the Mets. He's a fan. OK ... a fan who was friends with Sandy Koufax before Koufax was anybody, but still, just a fan. There's nothing wrong with on-field festivities honoring opponents. Stan Musial was honored at the Polo Grounds. Lou Brock was honored on his last visit to Shea. Willie Stargell, too. Honoring is a time-honored baseball tradition probably employed by every team. Naming a part of your stadium after a member of the opposition? I don't agree. The Mets aren't, and shouldn't be the torch-bearers of the Dodgiant legacy, just as, likewise, the Dodgers need not erect a statute of Californian Tom Seaver. Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 05:51 PM ="batmagadanleadoff":213hxw3s]I wasn't trying to change the subject. I just think that these baseball owners are powerful enough to do whatever they want to do, for the most part. Wilpon doesn't strike me as the kind of guy that would cave in to public pressure over the rotunda. I believe that he created the Jackie Robinson rotunda because he wanted to, and any explanation slightly inconsistent is just spin so as to rationalize the event in a way that would appeal to the largest number of people. In other words, his explanation has more to do with political correctness than sincerity.[/quote:213hxw3s] Well, you just keep believing then. And "these baseball owners," of course, continues to change the subject. Anything that deviates from your hard-headed position is a "rationalization"? Nobody using mesh caps to broadly indict a billionnaire is positioning himself to talk about who is being rational. A rich guy runs his business to make money. And that pisses you off. Except when he doesn't. And that pisses you off. Come on. Just stop. Gwreck Mar 29 2009 05:54 PM ="batmagadanleadoff"] when he built a Mets Stadium in the image of Ebbets Field and then decided to tack on a rotunda, -- one of its most prominent features -- in honor of a Dodger. You've got things a little mixed up. The rotunda wasn't tacked on; it was deliberately planned to be the part of the stadium that is built in the image of Ebbets Field. Nowhere else in the park is reminiscent of Ebbets. Yes, Robinson was a Dodger. A perfunctory look inside the rotunda indicates that Robinson is being honored for much more than that. ]A Mets stadium is not the right place to honor a Dodger on a permanent basis -- any Dodger. Sorry, this Dodger's special. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 05:57 PM ="Edgy DC":2us8tl51]="batmagadanleadoff":2us8tl51]I wasn't trying to change the subject. I just think that these baseball owners are powerful enough to do whatever they want to do, for the most part. Wilpon doesn't strike me as the kind of guy that would cave in to public pressure over the rotunda. I believe that he created the Jackie Robinson rotunda because he wanted to, and any explanation slightly inconsistent is just spin so as to rationalize the event in a way that would appeal to the largest number of people. In other words, his explanation has more to do with political correctness than sincerity.[/quote:2us8tl51] Well, you just keep believing then. And "these baseball owners," of course, continues to change the subject. Anything that deviates from your hard-headed position is a "rationalization"? Nobody using mesh caps to broadly indict a billionnaire is positioning himself to talk about who is being rational. A rich guy runs his business to make money. And that pisses you off. Except when he doesn't. And that pisses you off. Come on. Just stop.[/quote:2us8tl51] I doubt that getting the old-timers decent baseball caps, or uniforms that resembled the ones they actually wore during their playing days would've made much of a dent to the bottom-line. How much money did Wilpon save on that deal -- one, maybe two thousand dollars? Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 05:58 PM I doubt that Fred Wilpon has any idea what you're talking about or which employee of an employee of an employee of his ordered the hats. I beg you. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 06:01 PM ="Gwreck"]="batmagadanleadoff"] when he built a Mets Stadium in the image of Ebbets Field and then decided to tack on a rotunda, -- one of its most prominent features -- in honor of a Dodger. You've got things a little mixed up. The rotunda wasn't tacked on; it was deliberately planned to be the part of the stadium that is built in the image of Ebbets Field. Nowhere else in the park is reminiscent of Ebbets. Yes, Robinson was a Dodger. A perfunctory look inside the rotunda indicates that Robinson is being honored for much more than that. ]A Mets stadium is not the right place to honor a Dodger on a permanent basis -- any Dodger. Sorry, this Dodger's special. I was using the phrase "tack on" as a term of art, not literally. I understand that the rotunda wasn't a last minute afterthought but rather, a key design element of the new stadium. But my point remains the same, even if it was tacked on. Yes, Jackie Robinson was very special. I agree. But let the Dodgers erect a Jackie Robinson rotunda. We'll just have to disagree on this one. When I buy the Mets, and build my own stadium to replace Citi Field, things are gonna change. SteveJRogers Mar 29 2009 06:26 PM ="batmagadanleadoff"] The Mets aren't, and shouldn't be the torch-bearers of the Dodgiant legacy, just as, likewise, the Dodgers need not erect a statute of Californian Tom Seaver. So, the Braves should take down the statue at The Ted honoring Georgian Ty Cobb? apmorris Mar 29 2009 06:33 PM ="batmagadanleadoff":b4so81jp] We'll just have to disagree on this one. When I buy the Mets, and build my own stadium to replace Citi Field, things are gonna change.[/quote:b4so81jp] Please name it Shea. I think CitiField looks like a Good Ol' Timey Baseball Themed Amusement Park. Maybe great for a game but it has nothing to do the Modern Post-War New York that the Worlds Fair and the Mets (and Shea) were born out of, you know - the future they promised us that never happened? The Mets are NOT the History of Baseball team and that stadium would look a lot better in the middle of a strip mall in New Jersey - between Flinger's and Chotchkie's - than in the middle of a parking lot in Flushing Meadows. It is way too backward looking and not forward looking enough. I think. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 06:35 PM ="SteveJRogers"]="batmagadanleadoff"] The Mets aren't, and shouldn't be the torch-bearers of the Dodgiant legacy, just as, likewise, the Dodgers need not erect a statute of Californian Tom Seaver. So, the Braves should take down the statue at The Ted honoring Georgian Ty Cobb? Not if they don't want to. Plus, the Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn statues are mitigating factors. ________________________ **Photo widths edited by admin on 3/29** apmorris Mar 29 2009 07:56 PM ] the Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn statues they both have BRAVES on their jerseys (and statues) - just thought I'd point that out. soupcan Mar 30 2009 07:10 AM ="apmorris"] ="Farmer Ted"]Yup, always one douchebag that opens an umbrella the size of Rhode Island inside the stadium. That effing thing hangs over three rows. I believe that there are some stadia that do not allow people to bring umbrellas inside. Now that's a good rule. metirish Mar 30 2009 07:13 AM See , I would be embarrassed to open one that size , or if the person I was with opened one like that.Is that even an umbrella , looks like something that one would use on the beach for shade. Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 07:15 AM I'm no fan of ads, but I kinda like that big Pepsi Cola sign. It's as much "advertising art" as it is advertising. Isn't it very similar to the vintage sign in Queens that can be seen from across the East River in Manhattan? soupcan Mar 30 2009 07:16 AM Shit like that always amazes me. You're in a stadium watching a game with people behind and next to you. You know you'll be blocking people's views. Why do some people feel so entitled to doing stuff like that? Do they just not think? Are they stupid? Selfish? All of the above? I just don't understand that kind of behavior. Pack a fucking poncho. Edgy DC Mar 30 2009 07:25 AM Douchebag neighbors. Story of Soupy's life. soupcan Mar 30 2009 07:28 AM So true. metirish Mar 30 2009 07:51 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":1v08570j]I'm no fan of ads, but I kinda like that big Pepsi Cola sign. It's as much "advertising art" as it is advertising. Isn't it very similar to the vintage sign in Queens that can be seen from across the East River in Manhattan?[/quote:1v08570j] Good call , the sign was one of the first things that jumped out at me when they were showing highlights on the News.I am trying to remember what other stadium has a similar sign , Fenway? soupcan Mar 30 2009 08:01 AM Comerica in Detroit... SteveJRogers Mar 30 2009 08:32 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":2n7rxdgz]I'm no fan of ads, but I kinda like that big Pepsi Cola sign. It's as much "advertising art" as it is advertising. Isn't it very similar to the vintage sign in Queens that can be seen from across the East River in Manhattan?[/quote:2n7rxdgz] An exact replica actually. Well except the recent Pepsi "dot" replaces the vintage Pepsi bottle from that iconic signage. soupcan Mar 30 2009 08:44 AM ="SteveJRogers"]="Benjamin Grimm"]I'm no fan of ads, but I kinda like that big Pepsi Cola sign. It's as much "advertising art" as it is advertising. Isn't it very similar to the vintage sign in Queens that can be seen from across the East River in Manhattan? An exact replica actually. Well except the recent Pepsi "dot" replaces the vintage Pepsi bottle from that iconic signage. Close but not 'exact'. G-Fafif Mar 30 2009 11:01 AM Company-issued release: ]Pepsi gains branding rights to the name-entitled "Pepsi Porch," the 1,284-seat area in right field that extends over the playing field. This interactive brand showcase at the Pepsi Porch will immerse fans in a Mets and Pepsi experience with special entertainment programming broadcast to those in attendance and watching Mets games on SNY, the television home of the Mets. A 37-foot by 89-foot Pepsi sign, evocative of the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign facing Manhattan from Long Island City, will sit atop the Pepsi Porch. The sign will face into the ballpark and be visible from downtown Flushing and nearby highways and mass transit lines. Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 11:12 AM 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. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 30 2009 11:13 AM Like the signage... mildly-- very mildly-- put off by the modern-Pepsi-dot-with-vintage-Pepsi-lettering juxtaposition of ad styles. From the woulda-coulda-shoulda department: making the outfield "bridges" a little more evocative of the Triboro/Queensboro/Whitestone trifecta (not sure I buy the supposed Hell-Gate connection) would have made for a nice little architectural curlicue. OlerudOwned Mar 30 2009 11:35 AM Wouldn't have minded immersing my eyes in Pepsi at the ends of the last two seasons. metirish Mar 30 2009 11:41 AM The language of such releases are all the same , jeez sounds like I'll have the expreince of my life if only I was sitting in the Pepsi porch. I do like Pepsi though Farmer Ted Mar 30 2009 01:13 PM The Pepsi sign is a big FUCK YOU to Atlanta and Ted Turner's phallic Coke Bottle. metirish Apr 02 2009 01:24 PM Head groundskeeper Pete Flynn marks the baselines and grooms home plate at Citi Field. (Newsday / Audrey C. Tiernan / March 25, 2009) Pinball machines in the Mets' new clubhouse at Citi Field. (Newsday / Audrey C. Tiernan / March 25, 2009) Pepsi porch I like the detail in the carpet. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 02 2009 01:31 PM Those pinball machines are too close to the wall, and one another, to be playable. However, I think can whip Jose Reyes' butt on either table. themetfairy Apr 02 2009 01:39 PM I love the pool table! DocTee Apr 02 2009 01:41 PM The pool table is coin operated? You can buy any of these items in 35 years when the Mets move to a new stadium. I call dibs on the leather recliners. soupcan Apr 02 2009 01:59 PM This carpet is god-awful. Benjamin Grimm Apr 02 2009 02:23 PM I agree. It's garish. It's nice that they're honoring Shea with the neon players, but those big grey baseballs are hideous. The first thing I'd do is replace that carpet with something with a blue-and-orange 1960's Shea Stadium shingle pattern. Edgy DC Apr 02 2009 02:27 PM I'd do a pattern based on an acne-covered back. soupcan Apr 03 2009 10:44 AM Delgado, last night. Cool, huh? Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 10:51 AM How does the warning track soil/clay stay packed like that? Fman99 Apr 03 2009 10:53 AM ="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.

="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1ycvojue]="soupcan":1ycvojue]'Dick-Rod'[/quote:1ycvojue] Wouldn't it just be "Rod"?[/quote:1ycvojue] How about 'Rod-Dick'? Oh, nope - that's already taken. metirish Mar 13 2009 10:30 AM ="seawolf17"]Let's call him Nightcrawler. Good times , speaking of Nightcrawler , from the Snooze ] PORT ST. LUCIE - Billy Wagner, who has been throwing in his native Virginia, has been shut down by the Mets. But there's no bad news. Mets officials are concerned an enthusiastic Wagner is trying to rehab from Sept. 10 Tommy John surgery too quickly and requested a throwing moratorium to avoid the risk of re-injury. Wagner is not expected to visit camp, but Mets rehab specialists Chris Correnti and Guy Conti are expected to visit the southpaw at his home when the Mets break camp in three weeks. Wagner expects to be with the Mets for the season's final month, if not earlier, a source close to the former closer said. I guess that is where Conti landed with the org. Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 10:39 AM Go, Guy! soupcan Mar 13 2009 10:55 AM ] PORT ST. LUCIE - Billy Wagner, who has been throwing in his native Virginia, has been shut down by the Mets. But there's no bad news. Mets officials are concerned an enthusiastic Wagner is trying to rehab from Sept. 10 Tommy John surgery too quickly and requested a throwing moratorium to avoid the risk of re-injury. Wagner is not expected to visit camp, but Mets rehab specialists Chris Correnti and Guy Conti are expected to visit the southpaw at his home when the Mets break camp in three weeks. Wagner expects to be with the Mets for the season's final month, if not earlier, a source close to the former closer said. Why on earth do they care? Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 10:57 AM Because he could be back pitching for the Mets late this season. soupcan Mar 13 2009 11:00 AM Now we all know that's not gonna happen. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 13 2009 11:04 AM Very haterly of me, but I never warmed to Wagner even a little. He can go screw an alpaca for all I care. Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 11:06 AM ="soupcan":i7excr8s]Now we all know that's not gonna happen.[/quote:i7excr8s] Hey, you so certain, take it to Paddy Power. TransMonk Mar 13 2009 11:08 AM I give him a little cred for rehabbing so hard. If I were 38, due to make (a lot of) guaranteed money this year and my team had replaced me with 2 capable players, I would probably move to Mexico and sip Margarita's all day. I do admire his drive and competitiveness...even if he is mostly a dick. metirish Mar 13 2009 11:14 AM "Wagner has re-dedicated himself this season to the task at hand"... LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 13 2009 11:20 AM ="TransMonk":3jzzxrpz]I give him a little cred for rehabbing so hard. If I were 38, due to make (a lot of) guaranteed money this year and my team had replaced me with 2 capable players, I would probably move to Mexico and sip Margarita's all day. I do admire his drive and competitiveness...even if he is mostly a dick.[/quote:3jzzxrpz] Also, he's so wittle! (You can put 'im in your pock't!) Frayed Knot Mar 13 2009 11:39 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1fzhr4jb]Can I make a general comment about there being a certain level of paramoia and hypersensitivity to bias in the media here? That's not a good article and it appears that he's missing a good deal of the bigger picture but I'm certain Gordon Edes isn't out to attract attention to himself by hating the Mets for no reason.[/quote:1fzhr4jb] I've long yapped about the idea that Met fans have a tendency to see bias far too easily. Edes is, I believe, Boston based, and should have no particular reason for Met-hating or Jeter-kissing (even beyond just journalistic ethics) and I don't think that piece shows much of either. I just think he was going for the angle that if Frankie is going to blow-off the media every time he's pissed off about something that it's not an act that will play well in the city where he's going to be cashing his paychecks for the next few years (and you know it won't). He probably should have stayed away from the Putz/putz line even if it was (maybe especially because it was) seemingly set up on a tee for him. Benjamin Grimm Mar 13 2009 11:44 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2o3vtj44]Can I make a general comment about there being a certain level of paramoia and hypersensitivity to bias in the media here?[/quote:2o3vtj44] I agree. Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 11:46 AM I just dislike journalists who take cheap and easy snarks. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 13 2009 12:42 PM Agreed about the hypersensitivity to bias-- likely a function of "kid brother" status in the eyes of most local media/observers from out-of-town (see also: Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels of Not Los Angeles, New Jersey Nets/Devils, Los Angeles Clippers). Also, I'm not a professional Met fan. Being held to higher standards comes with the paycheck (and/or journo degree). metsguyinmichigan Mar 13 2009 01:03 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3vxc1rj7]Can I make a general comment about there being a certain level of paramoia and hypersensitivity to bias in the media here? That's not a good article and it appears that he's missing a good deal of the bigger picture but I'm certain Gordon Edes isn't out to attract attention to himself by hating the Mets for no reason. I'm also at least open to the possibility that Rodriguez really is a dick.[/quote:3vxc1rj7] Guilty. Maybe it's a professional thing. Bad writing and reporting jumps out at me. And we on the news side are often peeved at what we see coming out of the sports side, which often doesn't have the same standards. If I referred to a school board memebr as a putz, there would be hell to pay. I'd also never get away with all the unnamed sources. We see a lot of these guys sitting back and pontificating, or grumbling about stuff readers don't care about. As a reader, do I really give a rat's butt that he had to with 90 minutes for Rodriguez to answer questions? That said, once you're concious of it, there are a lot of cheap shots at the Mets' expense, and the Yankees do get a lot of passes. But I'll try to tone it down. Apologies. Nymr83 Mar 13 2009 04:27 PM ="metirish"]"Wagner has re-dedicated himself this season to the task at hand"... he should have dedicated himself fully the moment he signed a multi-million dollar contract to do a job. themetfairy Mar 13 2009 04:33 PM Wagner may not have been a favorite of mine, but I've never doubted his work ethic. G-Fafif Mar 13 2009 04:50 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3ia9onl8]Very haterly of me, but I never warmed to Wagner even a little. He can go screw an alpaca for all I care.[/quote:3ia9onl8] I'm also at least open to the possibility that Wagner is a decent guy who is working really hard for money he could easily sit back and collect. I'm also at least open to the possibility that Wagner might enjoy that thing with the alpaca. Benjamin Grimm Mar 13 2009 05:12 PM Well, don't forget that Wagner is going to be a free agent again after the 2009 season. He'll get more money if he gets a chance to demonstrate his health in September than he would otherwise. Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 05:18 PM ="Nymr83"]="metirish"]"Wagner has re-dedicated himself this season to the task at hand"... he should have dedicated himself fully the moment he signed a multi-million dollar contract to do a job. Don't you think that it's a large stretch to draw the inference from the quote that the writer is arguing that there's any indication that Wagner was ever under-dedicated? G-Fafif Mar 13 2009 05:48 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":20chkz02]Well, don't forget that Wagner is going to be a free agent again after the 2009 season. He'll get more money if he gets a chance to demonstrate his health in September than he would otherwise.[/quote:20chkz02] True enough, though with what Billy pulled in (and that thriving alpaca business), theoretically he could let it heal slowly and move on. But I've yet to see a pitcher do that. Without knowing their individual finances, Billy, Pedro and Glavine could all do that, but they're competitors by nature (though one could cite one particular Sunday where I might not have included one of them as possessing loads of fire in the belly). There's a fun chapter in Tim Kurkjian's book about how ballplayers, especially the great ones, compete at every stupid, little game in the clubhouse and absolutely have to win. Cal Ripken had to defeat his wife when it came to trampoline-jumping. John Smoltz must prevail at H-O-R-S-E. So maybe there's no way a Wagner would sit back and collect on his contract. But he might screw that alpaca. It's just something I heard somewhere. metsguyinmichigan Mar 13 2009 05:59 PM ="G-Fafif" But he might screw that alpaca. It's just something I heard somewhere. As long as there is dinner and a movie included, I guess that's OK. It's gotta be a chick flick, though. You can't take an aplaca to Saw 4 or something then hit a Taco Bell drive-thru and expect that kind of treatment. Nothing is more pathetic than seeing a guy standing alone at a stable yelling "But baby, I bought you a gordita!" to a closed door. MFS62 Mar 13 2009 06:39 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 14 2009 06:03 AM If you go on alpaca.com, it has a link for "alpacas for hire" (not joking) Maybe you CAN hire one for a night of fun. (sluts) EDIT: Insert your own non regional-specific comment about where they fuck wooly animals here. Later Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 07:20 PM Oh, right, that anti-Southern bigotry just keeps giving. Fman99 Mar 13 2009 07:44 PM Wags was one of the 10-12 best goatfuckers ever to come out of that bullpen. Gwreck Mar 13 2009 08:35 PM Let me just say that Billy Wagner as our 7th inning guy (or lefty specialist, if you want) would be a thing of beauty. He can take all the time he needs, so long as he's ready for September 15th when the Mets have a 15 game lead and he can start tuning up for the playoffs. MFS62 Mar 13 2009 09:10 PM ="Edgy DC":36pyynka]Oh, right, that anti-Southern bigotry just keeps giving.[/quote:36pyynka] So does defending alpaca fuckers. Later Edgy DC Mar 13 2009 09:21 PM What does that mean? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 13 2009 11:54 PM ="Gwreck"]Let me just say that Billy Wagner as our 7th inning guy (or lefty specialist, if you want) would be a thing of beauty. He can take all the time he needs, so long as he's ready for September 15th when the Mets have a 15 game lead and he can start tuning up for the playoffs. Dude... if we have a fifteen-game lead in September, I'm campaigning for Wags-as-beanball-specialist for those last two weeks. Bruised asses heal a lot of psychic scars. MFS62 Mar 14 2009 06:01 AM ="Edgy DC":3qmphvjc]What does that mean?[/quote:3qmphvjc] It was meant to be funny, just like all the other posts in this thread referring to alpaca fucking. Its ok, I understand. I'll go back and edit my original post. Later LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 16 2009 09:16 PM Yanqui go home: Sojo just plugged in K-Rod in the 8th inning for the second game in a row. Edgy DC Mar 16 2009 09:50 PM Twenty pitches. No big whoop. Feliciano threw for the losers also. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 16 2009 10:34 PM 4 outings, 70-plus pitches in 6 days, for a max-effort thrower? I'm mildly annoyed.

'Dick-Rod'

It definitely was a fun game to watch. I was rootin' for the Nederlanders but was torn every time Jose came up to bat.