Delgado coming back -- officially

As The 'Ropolitans reported way back on Oct. 2, Carlos Delgado will be the first baseman in 2009.

Today, it was made official.

Delgado could still be traded, but he does have a full no-trade clause. I highly doubt it will happen, but you never know. Unless Mike Carp busts out big time within the next few months, Delgado will be a the bag for the next year.

Who will stick in the bullpen?

The Mets 2009 bullpen will look radically different.

According to David Lennon, an overhaul is most likely in the works to fix the Mets Achilles heel over the past few seasons. From today's Daily News:

Other than Joe Smith, Brian Stokes and Pedro Feliciano, the bullpen should look drastically different in '09.
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Mets COO Jeff Wilpon has spoken about addition by subtraction, meaning Aaron Heilman (two years from free agency), Scott Schoeneweis (one year, $3.6 million remaining) and Luis Castillo (three years, $18 million) all potentially are goners. Since the Mets would have to eat so much of Castillo's contract, or trade for an equally bad contract, they may be stuck with him.

Stokes really came out of nowhere at the end and surprised the team with an above-average fastball and ability to go multiple innings.

Smith and Feliciano are the opposites of each other, which means they are delegated mostly to a specific batter, either LH hitter or RH hitters. The Mets are going to need a lot more versatility out of the bullpen, and they're going to have to sign, trade and promote to fill out the pen.

Eddie Kunz, Bobby Parnell, Jon Niese and Jason Vargas are all players who may find themselves either starting or in the bullpen in '09. Players available via trade include perennial-rumor name Huston Street, J.J. Putz and George Sherrill.

One big name who filed for free agency on Thursday is Chad Cordero. Cordero is working back from an injury and surgery of a torn labrum, and it's said he'll be ready by spring training. The Mets have been linked to Cordero for a while, so I'd expect some interest from Omar Minaya. We all saw Cordero before he went under the knife, and his fastball was flat and slow. If those problems are solved, and he's the Cordero of old, I'd be more than happy to have him on the Mets.

Any way you look at it, it's going to be a busy off-season for Minaya, and the bullpen is a major point of concern, especially if the young guys cannot perform up to snuff.

Perez, Easley and Wise file for FA

Oliver Perez, Damion Easley and Matt Wise (remember him?) all filed for free agency on Thursday. The Mets have 15 days to negotiate with these players, and any other players who file from the 2008 team.

Do not expect Perez to sign any time soon. His agent is Scott Boras, which means they're going to play the field and wait for the highest possible bidder. The Mets will make a play for him, but it will be a very drawn out process.

Other pitchers that could fill the two voids: Jon Garland, Derek Lowe or Randy Wolf.

Easley is a tough one. He was great off the bench and filled in at second base when Luis Castillo went down with an injury. Anderson Hernandez also saw time at 2B, but his light hitting gave Easley an opening. He's getting up there in age, but he's a tough veteran, who has been with the team for a few years. He might be cursed though, as he still hasn't played in a postseason game.

I can see the team bringing him back, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's not a Met when Citi Field opens.

And then there's Wise. He only appeared in eight games last season after signing a $1.2 million contract. Don't expect him back. You might see him on a milk carton sometime soon, though.

Fernando Tatis re-signed by Mets

The Sporting News' NL Comeback Player-of-the-Year will come back for another year with the Mets.

Fernando Tatis agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Mets, worth $1.7 million.

Tatis hit .297 in 92 games last year, with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs.

Tatis, who injured his shoulder near the end of the season, will not require surgery and will be ready for spring training.

He filled in both LF and RF when Moises Alou and Ryan Church were out for an extended period of time. In 2009, he will most likely fill a much smaller role.

I like this move. Helps solidify the bench, as he can play a few positions and pinch hit. Good signing.

Ex-Mets: So long, Mike Jacobs

The ex-Met low-ball power hitter is out of the NL East.

The Florida Marlins have traded Mike Jacobs to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Leo Nunez.

The Marlins may be trading a good bulk of their core players, so look for more trades from them. Looks like they're going into rebuilding mode again.

Last night, I was disgusted

I respect the heck out of the Phillies for winning the World Series. It was a tough pill to swallow, but they deserved it and congrats to them. Still, Phillies fans felt the need to boo.

Come on now, Philly. You just won the World Series, your first title in over two decades. Celebrate, cheer, be happy!

But when they announced commissioner Bud Selig, the owner of their own team, and the Tampa Bay Rays, they were all resoundingly booed by the crowd. Selig, maybe I can understand. Probably dealing with the weather and all that baggage. The Rays, too, I can be OK with. You did just beat them in five games, and it was a good, fun and competitive series.

But the owner?! Your team, his team, just won the World Series. You're the best team in the league, mostly due to his money and decisions. Yes, the GM does a lot, but who do you think puts him in his position?

Come on, Philly fans. At least cheer for your own team, own organization, and maybe give a hand to the other team.

Ambiorix Burgos released from jail

He's still in a huge amount of hot water, but now he'll be free to suffer on the outside.

Ambiorix Burgos has been released from a Dominican jail after paying $57,000 and now he must appear at court every two weeks. He is prohibited from leaving the country.

Burgos is slated to pitch in winter ball with the Azucareros del Este in the Dominican league, but who knows if he'll ever be a Met within the next few days.

Just release him, Omar. He's more trouble than he's worth.

Congrats, Phillies

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies on winning the 2008 World Series...

See you in 2009, Champs Chumps!

The closing bell

Billy Wagner is out. Francisco Rodriguez is expensive. Brian Fuentes is the quiet guy. J.J. Putz and Huston Street may be among the new targets.

These guys will not come cheap. Among them are George Sherrill, Joakim Soria, and Kevin Gregg.

My favorite of the bunch: Soria. He's young, he's good, and he has a great nickname. "The Mexicutioner" on the Mets? Yes, please.

Soria has pitched for two years in the majors, and is only 24-years-old. In 2007, he threw in 62 games, notched a 2.48 ERA, and picked up 17 saves. Last season was even better. Sixty-three games, 1.60 ERA, and a 1.60 ERA. Can't ask for much more than that out of a closer.

Mexicutioner will cost a lot. As you can tell, he's a great pitcher, and is a staple of the Royals team and one of their only bright spots. Don't expect him.

The best option out there won't be picked up via a trade, according to Ken Davidoff. He believes that Jeremy Affeldt might be the best option for a closer.

Lefty Jeremy Affeldt, 29, put together a decent season with Cincinnati, striking out 80 batters in 78 1/3 innings. Interestingly, he held righty hitters to a .335 on-base percentage and .391 slugging percentage; lefties got on base worse (.301 OBP) but slugged better (.444 SLG). For his career, he has performed slightly better against lefties (.335 OBP, .410 SLG) than righties (.348 OBP, .414 SLG).

The Mets have been linked to him for a few years, so it wouldn't be surprising if they can pick him up. He's had some up and down years, and he's coming off one of his best. Interesting his name would come up for a closer for the Mets, but I like Davidoff's thinking.

Will this World Series end already so we can embark on some real rumors and grumblings.

How about Garret Anderson?

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim recently picked up team options on John Lackey and Vladmir Guerrero. They declined to pick up the option on the longest tenured Angel, Garret Anderson, who could be an option for the New York Mets.

Anderson has played the last four seasons split between left field and designated hitter, so stamina could be an issue. The Mets would look for him to play 140 games or so at his position, probably using Endy Chavez as a late-game defensive replacement and occasional starter.

In the game since 1994, Anderson has put together a pretty good career. He has a career .296 batting average, and he hasn't strayed far from that the last few years. In 142 games in '05, he hit .283 and in 141 games in '06, he hit .280. After only playing in 108 games in '07, he hit .297. Last season he hit .293 in 145 games.

Yes, he's old, but of the other options (Juan Rivera, among others), I think Anderson would be a better bet. Due to his age and career, he should be expensive. A two-year contract would be nice, and it would keep hot-shot Fernando Martinez in the minor leagues so he can grow.

I know the Mets should get younger, but LF is a big, open hole, and Anderson could be a serviceable option.

The Pedro quandry

Should the Mets re-sign Pedro Martinez? It's a tough one.

In short, I don't think they should. He can't stay healthy, can't get through six innings, and is going to want more than one season in his contract.

But, and there is always a but with me, he might be able to give you some quality innings. Nothing spectacular, but decent fifth starter type starts, allowing three runs over 5 2-3 innings or something to that degree. Would you take that out of Pedro Martinez?

With a one-year contract, worth a couple million, I wouldn't be against it. It would give security heading into spring training, if guys like Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell aren't as ripe as we all hope. He could also serve as a mentor to the young guns as they prepare to embark on their MLB career.

I don't think it would hurt to sign him again, for something short and something cheap, because he won't be breaking the Mets bank. He seems to enjoy pitching and being a part of New York City, so I figure he'd be willing to stay, maybe even for a bargain.

It truly depends if he even returns at all. He's in the twilight of his career, and with his father's passing this year, his heart may just not be in the game anymore.

I'd like to see him back, but won't be heartbroken if he retires or ends up elsewhere.

My attempt at a jinx

Good luck winning now, Phillies!

Mets corners are loaded

Giving a new meaning to the "hot corner."

The NY Post is reporting that both David Wright and Carlos Delgado have been given permits to have guns in their respective homes. Delgado filed to carry a handgun, but was denied.

It should be noted that Wright has probably been around guns for most of his life, as his father is a police chief in his home state of Virgina.

Reader photos

Since I posted my "favorite photo from Shea," I've gotten a few e-mails from readers and friends with their own pictures.

Here is an album from commenter Buzz from the last game and ceremony at Shea Stadium.

And here are three photos from my good friend Kay. The first is her favorite picture from the old stadium, also dealing with the seats. The other two show her tattoo on her ankle, and her dog, both of which you can see on Brooklyn Met Fan.

If you ever have anything you want to submit, feel free to send an e-mail to TheRopolitans@gmail.com.

Not taking a Holliday

Matt Holliday is rumored to be available (again), so do the Mets take a look at this power-hitting left fielder? I say no.

My main reason to say "No" to Holliday is his home / away splits. He's lucky enough to play in Coors Field in Colorado, a place where the ball takes off, no matter what Major League Baseball does to try and counteract the thin air.

This took me all of 14 seconds to look up, and I hope Omar Minaya does the same before he considers trading for Holliday, who is entering the last year of his contract.

	Games	AB	Hits	Runs	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Home	359	1,353	483	285	106	84	307	129	230	.357	.423	.645	1.068
Away	339	1,303	365	194	82	44	176	122	275	.280	.348	.455	.803

Too much disparity there for me.

He's playing in a stadium that greatly favors the hitter, and it shows. In only 20 less games away from Coors, he has nearly half as many home runs. His RBI's are almost in half as well.

His average drops nearly 80 points, as does his on-base percentage. Slugging is a completely different story, as it drops nearly 200 points.

Still, I'll return to my old mainstay: If you can get him for cheap, then go get him. If not, just walk away.

Oh, happy day

Great news. Simply great news.

From Bob Raissman:

Could the 19-year "Sunday Night Baseball" broadcasting partnership of ESPN's Jon Miller and Joe Morgan be coming to an end? And will their ESPN Radio call of the Rays-Phillies World Series be the final chapter?

Well-embedded baseball moles contend the answer is "yes" to both questions. Both Morgan and Miller have two years left on their ESPN contracts, but that would not prevent a change.

Sources said Morgan could be shifted to the network's midweek baseball telecast, where he would work with a new play-by-play partner.

Next team to take down: Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.

Mets aiming Lowe?

He's old(er), but he's consistent. Derek Lowe seems to be the Mets current target.

According to Joel Sherman, the Mets will look to Lowe and Brian Fuentes during this offseason.

The Mets New York plan on targeting Derek Lowe and Brian Fuentes in the free agent market, an NL executive who has talked to team officials told the Post.

The Mets are promising to be creative and explore many avenues. But Lowe (a dependable innings eater) and Fuentes (a proven closer) fit the Mets' top two needs, and are going to be pursued by the organization this offseason.

Lowe is 35-years-old, but he's been consistent and healthy. A long contract won't be the best option, but something in the 3-year range, with a team option would please me.

Fuentes is another guy I wouldn't sign for very long, but would love to have. He will be a lot cheaper then Francisco Rodriguez, so that is a plus.

Not totally infatuated with either of them, but they will be welcome additions to the club, if the Mets can land one, or both of them.

Oct. 25, 1986: Game 6 of the World Series

Twenty-two years ago today...well...we all know what happened.

Link: Q&A with Fernando Tatis

Big League Stew talked to Fernando Tatis, after winning the MLBPA Comeback Player of the Year.

Some excerpts:

Q: When you got to the Mets organization, they already had David Wright, who plays the same position as you, third base. Did you worry that it would keep you out of the majors even longer?

FT: You know, David Wright is one of the greatest players in the big leagues. I was not worried about it because I put it in my mind that if I didn't make it with the Mets, I'm going to make it to the other teams. I was not really worried about, too, because there were other positions that I could play. I was so happy that they gave me the opportunity to play first base and right field and left field. That was great for me.

---

Q: How does your shoulder feel?

FT: My shoulder feels a lot better. I feel pretty good. It's becoming stronger. I'm going to start playing ball in the Dominican Republic. I played three practice games already, practice games, and it's coming along really good so far.

Q: Do you expect to be 100 percent for spring training?

FT: Yes, that's my goal. That, and to become a better teammate.

I'm liking this guy more and more every day.

My favorite photo from Shea Stadium

I took this at the last game I attended at Shea Stadium. Aug. 11, 2008, when the Mets took on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I just love this photo. It's one of my favorites from my "portfolio."

Click for full size.

Too expensive?

The Mets may have money to spend, but it looks like they're not going to spend it all in one place. Smart move.

(Ed. note: This might be the 942,398th article I've written about this, and don't expect it to stop. Things are generally speculation, but speculation leads to discussion, and discussion is always fun.)

According to Ken Davidoff, the Mets realize that both Manny Ramirez and Francisco Rodriguez may be too expensive.

The Mets have convinced themeslves that Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez just isn't worth the money he wants to close.
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The Mets, moreover, have no intention of pursuing Manny Ramirez at this point. Too old, too expensive, too potentially disruptive.

We're all going to have to wait until after the World Series until real news starts pouring in, but this seems about right to me. The Mets have too many holes to fill to go out and spend the majority of they money on one player (especially one who only pitches one inning a game, if at all.)

I'd much rather see them pick up a bunch of good players, instead of one "great" player. Makes more sense in the situation they're in, even if it really hasn't been the style lately.

Help out a Phillies fan

Stay with me. I know you never though you'd see those words on this blog, but she's a good fan, and she deserved it.

Over on PhilliesNation.com, they're running a contest for a pair of tickets to the World Series. I'm throwing my support behind Maria. Believe me, she deserved it.

Head over to Phillies Nation and vote for whomever you want, but I highly suggest Maria!

Still, go Rays!

Coaching staff rounding out

As noted yesterday, Jerry Manuel will retain Dan Warthen, Howard Johnson, and Sandy Alomar Sr. Today, two more coaches were announced.

Randy Niemann and Razor Shines (great name) have been added to the 2009 Mets staff. Niemann will take over the bullpen coaching duties, and Shines will man the third base coaching box.

Guy Conti, the teams previous bullpen coach, Ken Oberkfell, and Luis Aguayo will all stay with the organization. Oberkfell will likely return to managing the AAA affiliate.

Niemann will start his third stint as the Mets bullpen coach, as he was with the team from 2000-2002 and 1997-midway through 1999. This will be his 22nd year with the Mets.

Shines, used to coach with the White Sox organization, which is most likely why he's joining Manuel's staff (Manuel coached the Sox from 98-03).

I'm going to find as many reasons to write about Razor Shines as possible. I like all of these moves, all of these coaches. Well done.

And oh thank heavens, Luis Aguayo will no longer be in the dugout.

Fernando Tatis named NL Comeback Player of the Year

Good for him. He truly deserved it.

Here's what they had to say about Tatis in the press release (via David Lennon):

After not playing professionally in 2004 and 2005, Tatis was motivated to attempt a big league comeback by his desire to earn enough money to build a church in his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. The road back was a bumpy one as he played in just 28 games with Baltimore in 2006, and found himself in Triple-A New Orleans for all of 2007. Not to be deterred, he excelled in New Orleans, and finished the season with 21 homers, 137 hits and 90 runs scored in 131 games.

His 2007 performance was good enough to earn him a trip to spring training with the New York Mets, but he fell just short of making the big league roster out of camp, winding up back in the Big Easy. However, after just 37 games in New Orleans, he was summoned to the Big Apple in May, and helped the Mets contend for the NL East title by hitting .297, with 11 homers, 47 RBI and 33 runs scored in 92 games.

I was dead-set against bringing in Tatis, giving him any time in spring training, and especially when they called him up. He proved me, and all of his detractors very, very wrong.

I'd like to see Tatis back purely as a bench player. He excelled in that role, and was pretty good as a forced starter. I have a feeling he's penciled in on the bench, as long as they can come to terms on a contract.

Mets to go after K-Rod

If you thought people complained about Billy Wagner, just wait until the Mets have Francisco Rodriguez on the mound (if they land him, of course).

ESPN1050 reported on Monday that "an executive with knowledge of the Mets thinking" thinks the Mets will pursue the season saves leader, but will not bid on CC Sabathia.

First of all, that term "executive with knowledge of the [teams name] thinking" really irks me. It seems to vague and misleading. Might as well quote a psychic.

Anyway, the Mets are going to have to pay through the nose, but locking up a decent closer for a long time might be the best way to spend the money. The team has roughly $30 million to spend to stay in line with last years payroll. The better be willing to fork over a good chunk of that for a man that will get three outs in one inning of work.

Outside of the closer, the Mets need to spend money on bridging the gap from starter to closer. Oh, and don't forget they need two starters too.

Sure, I'd love to see the Mets land Rodriguez. I love his stuff, his fire, and the ability. I think he might be a bit overhyped, as he did let a lot of men reach base, but still was able to work out of jams. I'm prepared for heart attacks in the ninth inning for years to come.

This is going to be one crazy off-season.

Link: Q&A with Ted Berg

Check out a good friends blog, Mets Fans Forever, for an interview of SNY.tv's Ted Berg.

Jason Bartlett is my MVP

There was a bit of a hubbub when Jason Bartlett was named the MVP of the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, it is undeniable he is the hero. Free tacos for everyone!

Thanks to Bartlett's stolen base in the fifth inning, everyone in America will be able to stop by Taco Bell on Oct. 28, between 2 - 6 p.m. for one free taco.

Genius move on Taco Bell's part. No way, no how, is someone going to go to Taco Bell and only have one measly taco. They're bound to buy something else, especially a drink if you're as sensitive to spicy food as I am. (I can't even eat Chex Mix. And I mean the normal, completely normal Chex Mix. I'm a wuss, I know.)

Anyway, I'll be heading out next Tuesday to pick up my free taco, and if you join me, you must thank Jason Bartlett.

Big League Stew grabbed a screen cap of the wonderful graphic.

Eight years ago today: Bat-gate, the Piazza / Clemens bat toss

Now doesn't that make you feel old?

Eight years ago, Oct. 22, 2000, was that fateful meeting between Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza in the World Series.

The at-bat was highly anticipated, thanks to Clemens beaning Piazza in the head in July of that year, and it did not pass without incident. I'm sure you all remember the bat shattering, Clemens retrieving a shard of that bat, and flinging it in Piazza's direction.

Clemens still maintains he was "just tossing" the bat away, but no one in their right mind couldn't see the intent from The Rocket.

I'll never forget that moment. It was one of the games I actually stayed awake for (I was 11).

Frozen in time, Clemens rearing back to deliver the piece of bat in the direction of Piazza:Does that look like "just a toss" to you?? Yeah, right!

We still miss you, Mike. Maybe he can be the next third base coach?

Johnson and Warthen are coming back, maybe Alomar too

Good. Even better that there is no mention of Luis Aguayo returning.

Marty Noble has a new article up on MLB.com where he says, "The club has all but decided to retain the respective pitching and hitting coaches, and it is inclined to bring back another incumbent, Sandy Alomar Sr., who served as Manuel's bench coach."

Dan Warthen will continue to do what he does best: fix young pitchers (Pelfrey and Maine) and keep his hands off of the big guy (Johan).

HoJo has no need to go anywhere. Yes, you could complain about the lack of timely hitting and how quiet the bats went during the last week of the season, but there is only so much a coach can do. He did his job, the players just failed to pull through at the plate. I also liked to hear from Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling how broken up HoJo was after the last game of the season. I like that kind of emotion in the game.

Alomar Sr., I really have no problem with. He seems to be a close friend of Jose Reyes, and anything that makes Jose happy, makes me happy too.

Aguayo needs to go. Give me Wally Backman.

World Series predicition time

Everyone know I've been pulling for the Rays (even if I didn't pick them to make it through the ALCS). Everyone also knows how much I despise the Phillies. Still, here is my completely unbiased World Series prediction.

Rays in seven.

For one, I think the six day layoff is going to hurt the Phillies. They were running on some great momentum from the end of the regular season, then against the Brewers and the Dodgers. This near-week break period will not be beneficial.

Also, I don't think the Phillies have great pitching. Yes, they have Cole Hamels, and he's the main reason the Phillies are going to string this out to seven games, but Brett Myers and Joe Blanton are bound to get beat up, and the Rays have the offense to make that happen.

The bullpen will be the main problem for the Rays. They need their young rotation to go deep into games, and hope their offense comes along for the ride, too. The "bullpen by committee" thing can only work so many times (we all saw it not work in Game 5).

I think the Rays will lose Game One, win the next two, lose the fourth and fifth, and then win two in a row to take it. That will be an exciting series, eh?

So, once more: Go Rays!

(I must say, I absolutely love the 2008 World Series logo. It's awesome.)

Shea Stadium is naked

No more seats. The field is a mess. Slowly but surely, Old Shea is disappearing.

WCBS 880 AM (via River Avenue Blues) has a spectacular gallery of Shea Stadium.

Here's the photo that was on RAB:
One of the comments on that Yankees blog really makes me happy. Steve says:

I drive by Shea every day on my way to work and I noticed the seats gone a few weeks ago. Didn’t notice the outer facade being taken down, though.

BTW-The new Citi Field is absolutely gorgeous.

Citi Field, here we come. A new season, a new stadium, and maybe a new direction for the franchise.

Playing for Peanuts [ep. #1]

You may have caught some of this show on SNY before, and it's truly a wonderful documentary. If you don't know about it, the director explains it as follows: "Playing for Peanuts" is a new TV show about minor league baseball. The show uses reality TV and documentary techniques to follow the South Georgia Peanuts in their inaugural season. The Peanuts are made up of a mix of rookies and veterans, all hoping to get back into affiliated minor league baseball. The Peanuts are managed by former Major League second baseman Wally Backman.

Here is the first episode, broken up into four separate videos. Please visit PlayingForPeanuts.com for more information.

Ep. 1.1

PRODUCER COMMENTARY

Download this segment for your iPod/iPhone for 99 cents - CLICK HERE

Download this entire episode (20+ minutes) for your iPod/iPhone for only $3.99 - CLICK HERE

VIEW MORE EPISODES

VISIT PLAYING FOR PEANUTS - WEBSITE and BLOG


Ep. 1.2

PRODUCER COMMENTARY

Download this segment for your iPod/iPhone for 99 cents - CLICK HERE

Download this entire episode (20+ minutes) for your iPod/iPhone for only $3.99 - CLICK HERE

VIEW MORE EPISODES

VISIT PLAYING FOR PEANUTS - WEBSITE and BLOG


Ep. 1.3

PRODUCER COMMENTARY

Download this segment for your iPod/iPhone for 99 cents - CLICK HERE

Download this entire episode (20+ minutes) for your iPod/iPhone for only $3.99 - CLICK HERE

VIEW MORE EPISODES

VISIT PLAYING FOR PEANUTS - WEBSITE and BLOG


Ep. 1.4

PRODUCER COMMENTARY

Download this segment for your iPod/iPhone for 99 cents - CLICK HERE

Download this entire episode (20+ minutes) for your iPod/iPhone for only $3.99 - CLICK HERE

VIEW MORE EPISODES

VISIT PLAYING FOR PEANUTS - WEBSITE and BLOG


Enjoy.

What is 92.3 HD3?

As you may have heard, the Mets have re-upped with WFAN to broadcast their games in 2009, and beyond. Part of the deal will have the Mets pre- and post-game segments, along with the full game, simulcast on 92.3 HD3.

Now you're probably asking: What the heck is that??

Here's the gist: WXRX, or as you probably know it, 92.3 K-Rock, has been through a lot of changes over the past few years. I grew up knowing it as an alternative rock station, with Howard Stern on in the morning.

A few years ago, they tried to go a new direction, and switched their name and programming to 92.3 WFNY, Free FM, a completely talk radio station. That failed, and they brought back K-Rock.

As part of the programming change, and as technology changed, they added HD Stations. A HD-FM station can only be recieved on a HD-FM capable reciever.

What happens is that you tune to the particular channel, in this case 92.3 FM, but there are also substations to that frequency. K-Rock would be on HD1, the Mets will be on HD3. HD3 was primarily used to simulcast all WFAN.com broadcasting, meaning the Mets games were left out.

They say the broadcast is CD quality, so that will be a definite upgrade from an AM channel, even if there is up to a minute delay between HD3 and 660 WFAN.

If you're lucky enough to have an HD radio in your car, you'll be able to listen to a much better quality broadcast of the Mets in 2009.

Awkward ad placement

I was browsing Rays Index late last night, and two of their little AdSense boxes caught my eye. I know they're automatically generated by keywords on the page, but still, this is just a tiny bit awkward.

Click for full size.

Go Rays.

Mets officially stick with WFAN, going FM too

Somebody was listening! The Mets are sticking with WFAN, and will also broadcast on an FM station!

From the press release (via David Lennon):

WFAN will produce exclusive Mets programming with players and coaches, daily highlights packages, and pre-game and post-game reports both on-air on WFAN-AM 660 and on the station’s online audio stream at www.wfan.com. For the first time, all of the station’s Mets content, including game broadcasts, will be available on FM radio at 92.3 HD3.

The agreement keeps the Mets on WFAN (and HD3) for 2009 "and beyond."

Well how about that! First of all, I'm excited for Feb. 2009 because baseball will be starting again, but now I can listen on 92.3 for non-whining and screeching broadcast of the team. Thank goodness.

Update from commenter Adam:
You can only listen on 92.3 if you have a HD radio- that's what the HD3 means - they'll be on an HD substation. You won't get any Mets on your "regular" FM radio

Well, shucks. There goes that.

Happy birthday, Keith Hernandez (with rare poster photo)

A salute to the 'stache. The immortal Keith Hernandez turns 55 years young today.

I thought this would be a good time to unveil to the internet world a poster that has been hanging in my room for as long as I remember. This is a poster that was hanging in a video store to promote the release of the World Series championship VHS, "1986 Mets A Year To Remember."

My dad asked the store owner if he could have it when the promotion was over, and he obliged. He had it framed, and hung it in my room to begin me on the path to Mets-fandom when I was born in 1988.So there it is in all it's glory. Keith, with Mookie Wilson, Darryl Strawberry, Gary Carter and some of the 1986 team.

Happy birthday, Keith. The fans loved you on the field, on Seinfeld, and now in the booth on SNY.

Come on, you won the MVP in '79. You can do anything.

Off Topic: Go Rays; The end of a dynasty

A terrific Game 7. Close game throughout, sprinkled with opportunities and clutch performances in key spots. Can't ask for much more than that.

I had a rooting interest, and it actually panned out. I was pulling for the Tampa Bay Rays. I said in a previous post that I miss "Uncle" Cliff Floyd, and I was very happy to see him on the top of the pile as David Price notched his four-out save to propel the Rays into the World Series.

This team is chock-full of great stories, and I couldn't be happier for them. From Floyd (at least for me), to Rocco Baldelli, to Scott Kazmir, and even Price, the Rays played great baseball all year, and were strong enough to take down the defending World Series champs, and live to play another day.

As if I didn't want them to win before, now I'm 110 percent in the Rays camp. I would love to see them beat the snot out of the Philadelphia Phillies. I think the layoff between the NLCS and WS is going to hurt the Phills, but I'm sure they'll be able to put up a fight.

Go Tampa Go!

And on to point number two: Last night, we watched the mighty fall. They did not go down easy, but they did bow out eventually. Could the Boston sports dynasty be coming to an end?

I used to respect Boston. The long-suffering fans and the classy, hard-nosed teams were always one of my favorites to watch and secretly pull for. Anything to anger a Yankee fan, really. But over the past few months, my mini-allegiance from Boston has eroded, and a new disgust has nestled in it's place.

It all started with the 2007 World Series.

Watching the Red Sox win the WS really had no effect on me. I was still reeling from the collapse of the Mets. Anyway, when the Sox won, a person who will remain nameless, who is a big Sox fan was running around screaming "It's been three long years!"

Three long years?? Give me a break. Try never seeing a championship in your lifetime. Try only being able to see your team win on VHS or SNY re-runs. Try watching your team come within outs of the '06 WS. Try watching your team fall flat on it's face and miss the '07 playoffs. And from there, I knew that Boston fans were starting to get spoiled.

Don't get me wrong. I know not every single Boston fan is as boisterous or as greedy as this one, but after experiencing life around more and more Sox/Pats/Celts fans, I think this is the greater majority.

It didn't end there. Cue up Super Bowl 42.

My New York Football Giants taking on the perfect New England Patriots. We all know how that turned out.

It has taken up until yesterday night for me to hear one Patriots fan say to me, "The Giants just played a better game. They deserved to win." I was floored. To this point in time, all I had heard was that the Giants "got lucky" or were the benefactors of "BS calls."

Even when the Giants play now, all they do is "get lucky," according to some fans.

But last night, was some sweet revenge, even if it was a dish best served by the Rays. With the Red Sox losing on Sunday night, and the Patriots poised to take on a mediocre Denver Broncos team, could this be the beginning of the end for Boston sports? Sure, the Celtics look to be amazing again, but watch out for those New York Knicks.

Yeah, right.

Go Rays.

He-Lowe again, Derek?

Another 180-degree turn in the Derek Lowe sweepstakes.

On Wednesday, I linked to a Ken Rosenthal column saying that free-agent-to-be, Derek Lowe, was against playing on the East Coast.

Rosenthal rebuked his own statement today.

In a recent item, I started that the Yankees shouldn't be confident of landing right-hander Derek Lowe in free agency, saying that some rival clubs believe that Lowe wants to stay on the west coast. Lowe told me that my information was wrong, that he actually wanted to go east. He backed up that remark by telling the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo that the Red Sox were his first choice.

So, there is still hope for the Mets too, I guess.

It all depends if the Mets want to re-sign Oliver Perez, or let him go and seek an outside source.

Game 7 against the Red Sox

The Tampa Bay Rays dropped another game to the Boston Red Sox last night, and the teams will head to Game 7 of the ALCS to decide who gets to play the Phillies in the World Series.

That got me thinking, and thanks to the wonders of the internet, I found what I was looking for. Oct. 27, 1986. The Boston Red Sox at the New York Mets. Game 7 of the World Series.

Here's the box score and play-by-play of that game.

Now, I was not alive for this, as I was born two years later, but I thought I knew as much about the series as I could. I was wrong.

I had no idea Jesse Orosco had an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Orosco came in for the bottom of the eighth after Roger McDowell allowed two runs to score. Orosco stranded a runner on second while recording three consecutive outs.

He had to hit in the bottom of the eigth to stay in for the ninth inning, as his spot in the order came up fifth. He singled to center field, driving in Ray Knight.

Interesting. Learn something new every day.

(Go Rays.)

Jake Peavy may be coming to the NL East

Seems like the Braves are the early leaders in the Jake Peavy trade talks.

According to MLB.com, the Braves are preparing a package of players to pitch to the Padres in return for the 2007 Cy Young winner. Peavy has a no-trade clause, but is said to be open to waiving it to play in Atlanta. Peavy is from Alabama.

A bunch of minor league prospect have been rumored, along with players like Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar.

The Braves seem poised for a good year, as they have a bevy of prospects who are just about major league ready. Watch out for them next season.

I really hope they don't land Peavy. I'd be much happier to see the Yankees trade for the 27-year-old. Obviously, I'd prefer the Mets, but I don't think they have the minor league talent to pull that off.

FJM takes on Jerry Manuel

Aww shucks. So far the Mets have been left relatively untouched by the critical mind of Fire Joe Morgan. Until now.

FJM pretty much rips apart some of the latest Jerry Manuel comments about "clarity" and "statistical numbers."

Either way, they do present some good ideas for batting practice. Four and five are the best.

4. Kidnap Carlos Delgado's kids and hold them at gunpoint while Carlos takes BP. "You like pressure, Carlos? This is what the playoffs feel like." Then, after Carlos strokes a home run, shoot one of the kids. Just in the leg, though. Remember, it's just a game.

5. Strap Luis Castillo to a speeding train. "Unless you hit in the clutch, Castillo becomes the meat in a train sandwich." Everyone comes through, and you reveal that you basically just wanted Castillo gone anyway.

So true about Castillo. So true.

Happy birthday, Joe McEwing

Today, Oct. 17, it Super Joe McEwing's birthday.

McEwing had his best season with the Mets in 2001, when he hit .283, posted an OBP of .342, and slugged .449 while driving in 30 runs and scoring 41 times in 116 games.

That season he appeared as (get ready):
Assorted OF position (62 games)
CF (2)
LF (48)
RF (25)
3B (25)
SS (12)
2B (5)
1B (3)
DH (1)

Talk about a utility guy.

Happy Birthday, Super Joe! You'll always be a fan favorite.

Giving up hope

I treat every game like the playoffs. Be it the third game of the season, or the end of September. That's why I was disgusted to see Boston fans, the self-proclaimed "greatest fans in the world," walking out after only a few innings of the ALCS.

The Rays jumped out to a big lead, and were up 7-0 at one point. Fans were standing up and heading to the exits. Come on people!!!

• It's the ALCS. You probably paid through the nose for these tickets. Get the most out of them.
• It was a nice night out. What else are you going to do? Beat traffic in the fifth inning?
• What happened to believing in your team?!?!?!?!?!?!?

So frustrating.

Just be happy your team made the playoffs, made it through the division series, and they're still alive in the championship series.

I found the Mets bullpen

Rough loss for Tampa Bay last night.

See? Other teams have major bullpen issues too.

Scott Kazmir may have been traded, but he was an honorary Met last night. 6 IP, 2 hits, 0 runs, 3 BB, 7 K. And then the Rays lost 8-7.

Sound familiar?

Randolph to the Nationals? Acta to the Mets?

Seems like Willie Randolph is a hot commodity in the baseball world. As is Manny Acta.

Even though Randolph will be paid by the Mets to sit at home and do nothing, Ken Davidoff says he's itching to get back to managing. Some teams that are interested are the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and even the Washington Nationals, who already have a manager in Manny Acta.

Acta, you most likely remember, was with the Mets as a third base coach for some time, and seemed in line for the next managerial job with them before he signed with the Nationals.

From Davidoff:

Acta has huge supporters in the Mets front office, including COO Jeff Wilpon, general manager Omar Minaya and vice president of development Tony Bernazard. Many executives in the industry interpreted the Mets' tepid, two-year, $2-million contract to Jerry Manuel as a sign that, should the Mets falter in 2009 and Acta become available, the Mets could easily replace Manuel with Acta.

An update on Bernazard: He was not selected as one of the finalists for the Seattle GM job.

These seems like a confusing game of managerial musical chairs. I think Manuel will stick, barring a terrible start or half season with the Mets.

I never really loved Acta, but he was only a third base coach, something the Mets seem to have a hard time finding a decent one these days.

AFL update from Eddie Kunz

He likes Daniel Murphy at 2B. Did you expect him to say different?

Eddie Kunz is blogging his time in the AFL, and he posted his second update last night. Here's what he had to say:

I have pitched 4 innings so far and felt really great! All my pitches are working for me and I am doing alot better with my control as well. I have closed out all 4 games and got 2 saves out of 2 tries.

Now with the question of what do I think of Murphy at 2B? I like him there he has great arm and reacts really well! I have confidence in him all the way.

He loves the exclamation point!

Good to see him throwing and feeling fresh. I think he has a definite shot to be the set-up man next year. I think the Mets will spring for a proven closer, but the bullpen and it's roles are wide open for the taking.

And to Murphy at second: I'm glad Kunz likes him and trusts him (or so he says). I'd love to see him there next season, too. Don't think it will happen, though. The Mets have to move Luis Castillo first. That will be the toughest task.

Mr. Met loses his head

During last nights coverage of the Presidential Debate, Mr. Met was seen shaking hands and making friends. Unfortunately, FOX News caught some behind the scenes images akin to finding out Santa Claus isn't real.

Not for the weak of heart...


Major h/t to Deadspin.

Off Topic: Obama to push back World Series start time

Leave your politics at the door.

According to ESPN.com, presidential hopeful Barack Obama will get the start time of Game 6 of the World Series pushed back.

Sen. Obama has apparently purchased a 30-minute time slot on the Fox Network on Oct. 29. If the World Series happens to go six games, the start time would be bumped back from 8:20 pm to 8:35 pm.

From ESPN:

"We are pleased that Major League Baseball has agreed to delay the first pitch of World Series Game 6 for a few minutes in order for Fox to carry his program on Oct. 29. If requested, the network would be willing to make similar time available to Senator McCain's campaign."

Pretty interesting, but I'd much rather watch baseball over politics any day of the week.

Brace yourselves for Hurricane Omar

Idea from Andrew over at Scott Proctor's Arm.

The world has flipped on its axis

This stinks.

Six years for Manny? Pass

My limit was three years, maybe with a team option for a fourth, based on good behavior. No way, now how would I be willing to put up with Manny for six years.

Joel Sherman is reporting, after a long conversation with Manny Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, that he is seeking a six-year deal.

Too steep. Way too steep.

Manny is undoubtedly one of the best hitters in the game, and he continues to show that every game he plays, but he complained his way out of Boston, a town that loved him, and is only on his best behavior as he plays for a contract. I understand chasing the money, and more power to him, but I think I'd go nuts if I had to watch him lollygag for six years.

Two, maybe three years for Man-Ram. Team options for anything beyond that. Otherwise, you'd be overpaying and setting up for a whining Manny.

Off Topic: FrankTV needs to go away

My team isn't even in the playoffs, and I cannot stand these incessant commercials.

I could link you a video, but I won't because you know the commercials, they're awful, and I don't want them anywhere near my blog.

Nick Friedell, over at Big League Stew, had a conversation with one of the head honcho's from TBS. The man is obviously deranged, as he had this to say:

"I think we feel that as long as we have a variety of spots, and that the spots are all different, and that you get a wink and a nod every time a FrankTV spot comes on that, there will not be that wear-out factor," Gregor said. "I could make a point that there are quite a few commercials that run on television that run repeatedly and yet they still cut through."

Now that is funnier than any FrankTV ad I've ever seen.

This man honestly believes those crappy impressions that come at us every three minutes are funny and entertaining, and that we want to see them?!?!? Ugh.

Everyone out there in internet land: Boycott FrankTV. Do not watch even a second of it. Therefore, they'll be forced to cancel the show, and we won't have to sit through his shenanigans anymore.

No he-Lowe for Derek in NY?

I was all for Derek Lowe in a Mets uniform. Might have to overpay to ever see it come to pass.

According to Ken Rosenthal, Lowe isn't an East Coast kind of guy.

The Yankees shouldn't be confident of landing right-hander Derek Lowe. Lowe, like any dutiful free agent, will entertain bids from both New York teams, but teammates say he has little interest in playing for the Mets or Yankees. Some rival clubs believe that Lowe wants to stay on the west coast. The Braves remain interested.

Just wait until he sees the money offered. I'm sure that will give him a change of heart.

Both the Mets and the Yankees have at least one spot to fill in their rotation, so there is going to be a bidding war for any capable starter between these two teams.

Paying top dollar for items from Shea

Some things have already been taken home, others will go down into the pile of rubble.

The Journal News updates us on some of the items that have gone home with those with the money to pay for it.

One of the last things to come out, from the upper deck, was the piece of concrete, which now looks like a memorial stone - the front painted and marked with Tommie Agee's name and No. 20, and the date April 5, 1969, when he hit the longest home run in stadium history.

That's something that should head to the museum at Citi Field. Something that iconic should either be given to Agee's family, or stay with the Mets franchise.

Seems the Mets listened to me about the foul poles.

The foul poles didn't sell, so they will be cut into one-foot pieces and sold like that.

I'm so smart. On Aug. 25, I wrote, in "What I would like to own from Shea Stadium": "Pieces of the foul pole. Something they could cut up and sell in small pieces, like 1x1 foot sections. Everyone could have a piece."

Also, the group stripping down Shea made some awesome discoveries. In the bathroom of the locker room used by the Jets, they found tile behind a wall inscribed with J-E-T-S. The Journal News relays it crumbled as the workers tried to take them down.

They also found a pallet of wood that was actually part of the original outfield wall, complete with green paint and "338" written on it.

Pretty awesome. What I would give for one last walk-through.

How to follow & participate

It's been slow around these parts, and most likely will be until the World Series is over, but I've done my best to try and get at least two posts up about the Mets to keep the discussion going.

I'm taking a little time out to update you with some things with the site, like how to follow, and jump into the discussion, and stay in tune with all things Mets on The 'Ropolitans.

Commenting:
So far, so good with this new system. It's called IntenseDebate, and I really love it. It allows you, the reader, to comment on anything in the article, with just the use of your name and e-mail. To really get the whole package of using IntenseDebate, I encourage you to sign up for an account.

Also, ID has a great reply feature. So instead of making a general comment, you can reply directly to one of the posts that's already been made. Or, if you want to make your own point, you can obviously still do that.

Following:
The best way, is to just keep coming back to theropolitans.com to see what's new. But not everyone has tons of time on their hands, so there are some good shortcuts to see what's new.

RSS: If you don't know what RSS is, then you're really missing out! Think of RSS as e-mail for your favorite websites. Everytime that website publishes something, it'll go right to your RSS reader, and you'll be able to read it, and then head to the site to make your comment. I use Google Reader, but there are many more out there.

E-mail: You can use FeedBlitz to have the articles posted on theropolitans.com e-mailed to you.

Twitter: Follow me, and my baseball related chatter, at twitter.com/theropolitans.

Helping out:
A writer is always looking to boost his readership, so there are a few tools at my disposal, and if you like what you read, help me out a bit!

Ballhype, Yardbarker, and more:
See those buttons at the end of each post? They link my stories to websites called YardBarker and BallHype. These sites are hubs of sports info, and if you click them, you can vote the story up (or down) for more people to read.

There will be a few more buttons added soon, so keep an eye out.

That's all I can think of for now. I'd just like to thank everyone who has read and visited my site. It's been fun, and there are no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Let's go Mets!

Poll: Focus on the bullpen

Not much of a shocker.

In the last poll, I asked what was the biggest off-season concern?

Here are the results:
Bullpen -- 90%
Hitting -- 4%
Starting pitching -- 4%
Defense -- 0%

I can't argue with that.

I agree the Mets need to focus on the bullpen, but it won't be as expensive as everyone thinks. The Mets have a lot of money to spend, and they may need to go for at least two starters. Hitting should come second, even though I want Manny Ramirez like a fat kid wants cake.

Next up: To Manny or not to Manny? That is the question.

Say hello to Derek Lowe?

Is Derek Lowe on the Mets mind? Seems it.

From John Harper in the Daily News:

Even so, for a long time it felt like their night, after Derek Lowe had given them a gutsy five innings on three days' rest, surrendering two runs and no doubt making him even more appealing as a free agent to both the Mets and Yankees.

In fact, one person familiar with the thinking of the Met decision-makers said yesterday Lowe is "very much on their radar."

Gutsy veteran, with good numbers? I like it.

Since 2002, Lowe has thrown at least 182 innings, with a high of 222 in 2005. The last four years, his ERA has been sub-4. Since '05, he's walked a high of 59 in a season, and struck out 146, 123, 147 and 147 in those four seasons.

Where do I sign? I'll take him.

I am so baffled by this article I don't know where to begin

Confusing and pointless. I've read this article three times and have found nothing which makes sense.

An article about Shea Stadium, written by Denis Hamill (who?).

It begins with the his own lament, one of a "fan" who went to the final game at Shea Stadium. From there, he complains about how much it stunk that the ceremony was held after the game. He's only a few weeks late, no worries.

Then he seems to make up two characters, affectionately called "Dumb" and "Dumber." He claims that he sat near these guys on the final day, but also references to other days too? He seems to have made up this fictitious people to make some sort of point, but it really makes no sense.

The article continues with more whining about Wall Street, some silly "How do you spell 'dot com?'" joke, and oh, look, more economy humor. Hilarious.

Then we get to the point in the "story" when the closing ceremony began, and Hamill has to come out and say one of the more ridiculous things I've ever heard:

But then a painful moment came when Willie Mays, one of the top five baseball players to ever wear any uniform, was introduced to tepid applause. Soon followed by Mike Piazza, a pretty good catcher, but say, hey, not even in the same sport with Willie Mays, and the place went nuts.

Let's take a look at this, Mr. Hamill.

• Yes, Mays is far and away a better player then Piazza. Undeniable fact. But to Mets fans, most of who aren't old enough to have seen him play in his heyday, he doesn't mean much in the history of the franchise.
• Mays played all of 135 games for the Mets, in the very dim twilight of his career.
• Sure he could have gotten a better hand, but as I stated before: as a Met, he wasn't that much.
• Piazza, on the other hand, is a player who crafted his Hall of Fame-to be career with the Mets over nearly eight years and 972 games.
• Piazza hit one of the most emotional home runs in Shea Stadium, and New York City history on Sept. 21, 2001.
• There are so many other things I should be listing here, but if you're any sort of Mets fan, you already know the contributions that Piazza put forth during his time with the Mets. Mays, though an amazing player, did not do that sort of stuff with the Mets, and it was surprising he was even at the ceremony at all.

Guess what this awful article ends with? More economy jokes!

Thank you, Mr. Hamill. I think we all know who the "Dumbest" one is now.

Want to move Wright to first? Maybe next year

The Mets may have found a replacement third baseman, and he's been right under their nose.

Shawn Bowman, a 23-year-old third baseman has been absolutely raking so far in the Arizona Fall League.

Through five games, none of which the Peoria Saguaros have lost, Bowman is hitting .545, with two doubles, two home runs, and five RBI's. He's slugging 1.273 and OPS'ing 1.888. Due to those insane numbers, he's earned the AFL Player of the Week.

I've heard rumors about people wanting to move David Wright to first base due to his often shoddy throws across the diamond. I wouldn't want to lose Wright's glove at third, but Bowman has a pretty steady glove of his own.

In his first pro season, back in 2004, Bowman committed 24 errors in 244 attempts. The next year, he was charged with 19 in 186 chances. Since then, over the next three injury-riddled years, he's committed 13 errors in 172 chances. Not great, but not bad.

Trade bait? Possibly. Especially because Wright seems to have the hot corner all to himself for a long, long time.

Jake Peavy being shopped?

I've always been a fan of Jake Peavy. Wouldn't mind seeing him behind Johan Santana.

According to the Union-Tribue out of San Deigo, Padres GM Kevin Towers is already in talks with some teams.

From U-T:

Towers said he has heard from clubs interested in trading for ace pitcher Jake Peavy. “We're having talks,” he said.

The GM said he wouldn't be surprised if the Peavy talks heat up next month.

Obviously, the Mets don't have much to trade out of the minor league system. Maybe a package of Luis Castillo, Aaron Heilman and Nick Evans can swing it (obviously joking).

Still, he won't cost as much as CC Sabathia, but the Mets already have an ace on their staff. I just can't see them adding another front-line starter while the bullpen is still a mess. But hey, you never know.

Manny is already on the Phillies $#!% list

Just another reason to have him sign on the dotted line.

In Game 2 of the NLCS, Manny Ramirez was at the plate when Brett Meyers decided to uncork one. The ball buzzed past the back of Manny's head, but no harm was done.

Game 3 was a completely different story. Russel Martin gets pegged in his first AB. Then he gets a bit of chin music on his second appearance at the plate. Retaliation is coming, of course, and Shane Victorino was the nearly unlucky batter.

Hiroki Kuroda spun one right past the back of Victorino's head, before Victorino grounded out to first. As the inning ended, the benches cleared. Who was the angriest member of the Dodgers? Manny Ramirez.

Don't tell me this is all part of his "plan." Don't tell me he's "playing for a contract." That's a gamer right there. And that's something, somone, the Mets need.

The Final Score (jeez, I'm linking to them a lot lately) has a picture up of Manny getting heated. I dig it.

But back to the Phillies $#!% list.

Via Tyler Kepner, in the New York Times:

“He knows the cameras are on him,” reliever Chad Durbin.

Well, obviously.

The Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez, who had a Brett Myers fastball whip behind his back in Game 2, made the biggest fuss in the fracas. He charged in from left field, and coaches restrained him from going after … somebody. The Phillies weren’t really sure, though Ryan Howard did say he told Ramirez during the game that Myers had not been trying to hit him.

Still, the heat of the moment takes over.

If the Phillies hate him, please Mets, sign him. Just another great reason for Manny to patrol left field in Citi Field.

Want your blood to boil?

Just read this:
Mets are legends in their own minds by Wallace Matthews.

It makes a few seemingly unfounded arguments and exploits them to make his "point." Enjoy.

Dear Lupica: Do your research

Sometimes, it helps to do a bit of Google-ing around.

Latest Mike Lupica article, published Oct. 12:

But you go for Manny Ramirez now, even after the way he has produced for the Dodgers, and you pay a lot more than $100 million, or whatever he and Boras are going to be looking for after the .400 finish Ramirez gave the Dodgers, after he dragged THEM across the finish line all by himself.

Article from Oct. 6 in the Rocky Mountain News:

Agent Scott Boras has let it be known through his media outlets that the expectation is for at least five years and $85 million in a deal for Ramirez.

That took me all of one minute.

Count Manny out for the Mets

My heart and dreams were shattered at the same moment.

Ben Shpigel of the New York Times is out covering the NLCS in LA, and he had the opportunity to chat with Manny Ramirez. Talk shifted to the Mets, and Pedro Martinez.

Via Shpigel:

When reminded that the Mets could use a right-handed slugger, Ramirez must have mentioned at least three times that he didn’t think the ball carried well at Shea Stadium. Reminded that the Mets are moving into a new stadium next season, Ramirez hardly seemed to notice.

Great. He won't be a Met because he doesn't like the way the ball carries at Shea.

Time to look elsewhere.

I miss Uncle Cliff

Cliff Floyd was easily one of my favorite Mets. I don't know of anyone who didn't like him. He looks like a big ol' teddy bear.

That's why I want the Rays to win.

Yes, they have Scott Kazmir, and it stings to watch him pitch and prosper with the Rays and not the Mets, but I want Uncle Cliff to win.

I'll never forget that game against the Angels, in the bottom of the 11th inning, with Cliff Floyd at the plate. Tie game, and he rips a ball to right field, but it hooks just foul. The very next pitch: crushed over the right field wall to win the game.

Truly a great moment. I was sad to see Floyd go, especially with all the injuries. But Floyd has really helped the young Rays, and acted as a leader through the season.

Go Rays, but more importantly, go Uncle Cliff.

Commenting on the stupidest trade proposal ever

Honestly, who concocts these miserable trade ideas?

The latest "rumor" out on the web has the Mets trading away Carlos Beltran to the Yankees in return for Robinson Cano, Brian Bruney or Jose Veras, Ian Kennedy, and another prospect or two and some cash.

No to Cano.
No to Bruney.
No to Veras.
No to Kennedy.
No to anyone else they want to throw in (unless it's A-Rod.)

This "rumor" shouldn't even get any press, but it keeps popping up and I feel like I have to comment on it.

The Mets are not going to trade Beltran, unless they're going to get someone worth $119 million. None of those players combined could equal what Beltran does for the Mets.

A lot of people hate Beltran, and I'm not sure why. Sure, he had a stinker of a first season with the Mets, but look at his stats over his Mets career.

2005: .266 BA, .330 OBP, .414 SLG, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 83 runs.
2006: .275 BA, .388 OBP, .594 SLG, 41 HR, 116 RBI, 127 runs.
2007: .276 BA, .353 OBP, .525 SLG, 33 HR, 112 RBI, 93 runs.
2008: .284 BA, .376 OBP, .500 SLG, 27 HR, 112 RBI, 116 runs.

Not to mention three All-Star Game appearances, most likely three straight Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers awards.

What else do I have to say? He's good at the plate, and great in the field. He's a cornerstone of the team, and without him, expect many more balls to fall in for hits.

No way, no how is this trade even considered by Omar Minaya.

Gary Carter and Darryl Strawberry nearly come to blows on team bus (in 1986)

Back in July, I had a post entitled "Jose Reyes and Keith Hernandez nearly come to blows on team plane."

Via The Final Score, we now know that Gary "Camera" Carter and Darryl Strawberry almost tussled on the bus in St. Louis, and if it wasn't for Ray Knight standing up and calming them down, who knows what would have happened.

Knight:

"So anyway, we were sitting there, oh, it couldn’t have been more than two or three minutes waiting for Gary. Straw yells out of the bus, 'Let’s go Camera Carter. You're holding everything up! Get the blank on the bus!

"And so when Gary got on the bus he started heading to the back of the bus for Straw. They' exchanged words. I stood up between them and they calmed down. There were things like that that happened all the time. The next night if Darryl hit a big home run, or Gary did, they would be high-fiving, hugging, like it never happened."

Ah, chemistry.

This is something I wish the Mets had more of. More attitude, more brash, more character.

Will you put up with Manny's antics?

Let's assume the Mets somehow land Manny Ramirez for a respectable contract, and he is the starting left fielder in Citi Field. Will you tolerate his antics of Manny being Manny?

I will.

The guy is a character, we all know it. Yes, he's on his best behavior in Los Angeles because he's playing for a contract. But his years in Boston, he was loved until the very end. If it wasn't for Jason Bay's play, Red Sox Nation would be very angry at losing him.

If Manny can make a catch, high five a fan in Citi Field, turn, and double off a runner, I don't care if he needs a few days off with a "knee injury." Heck, I'd rather keep him happy and playing 140 games, than cranky and playing 160.

Yes, I'm getting way ahead of myself. But hypothetically if the Mets can land Manny, would you be willing to put up with the guy?

Happy Yom Kippur

Shawn Green says...
Happy Yom Kippur to all those who are of the Jewish faith.

Go directly to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $200

Ambiorix Burgos better get used to being behind bars.

Burgos will spend three months in jail, as he awaits his trial for the hit-and-run in the Dominican Republic.

The AP relays a quote:

"I am going to come out of this fine because my conscience is clear, and I'm not worried this will affect my career because I haven't done anything."

Good luck with that one.

I'm surprised the Mets haven't come out and said anything yet. Surprised he's still in the system, too.

Also, here's a photo of him being escorted away:
Seriously, buddy? No Mets hat? Maybe the Mets are better off. Sorry White Sox.

Should they stay or should they go? [Coaches]

Last week, I took a peek at the hitters and pitchers from the 2008 Mets to see who should stay and who should go.

Now, we'll take a look at the coaching staff.

Jerry Manuel - Stay. Obviously, he's coming back. He just signed a two-year deal, and hopefully he can make it through both years. Gangsta.

Sandy Alomar Sr. - Stay. He's old, he's cranky, and thankfully he did not get punched in the head this season. I'm not sure how much he truly contributes, but it seems like he's loved by all. Jose Reyes and him have a close relationship, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that. He's capable when he took over for Manuel a few times, so I don't mind bringing him back, but the clock is ticking.

Howard Johnson - Stay. 751 RBI, 799 runs, .266 AVG, .340 OBP, .420 SLG. Mets were top five in the league in every category outside of slugging. HoJo stays. One could argue the Mets weren't "clutch" enough, but that does not fall on Johnson. He's done enough to hone the hitters to what they are, it's up to them when it comes down to it. No reason to give him the boot.

Dan Warthen - Stay. He brought back Oliver Perez. He helped Mike Pelfrey. Both good things. The bullpen was a different story. When you talk about pitching coaches, the emphasis is on the starters and rarely do you hear about the coach working with the bullpen. Yes, there is a "Bullpen Coach," but the pitching coach is his "superior." This pen is not a product of poor coaching, but rather from overuse and it's just poorly constructed. An overhaul is needed, but Warthen is not the problem.

Guy Conti - Go. If the bullpen coach is the issue, then change the bullpen coach. Rick Peterson? (Joke.)

Ken Oberkfell - Stay. How hard can a first base coaches job be? Could also take over is Manuel and Alomar are given the boot in a game. Groomed to be the next manager, or is that HoJo's spot?

Luis Aguayo - Go. Go. Go. I'm giving him the windmill to go home, fully knowing that the catcher already has the ball in his glove and is just waiting for Aguayo to apply the tag. Sound familiar? He takes way too many chances, most of which do not pay off and run the team out of big innings. Wally Backman, anyone?

Tony Bernazrd: Seattle's next GM?

According to AZCentral.com, the Mariners will begin interviewing some candidates for their vacant GM job. On the short list is the Mets vice president of player development, Tony Bernazard.

When Omar Minaya's job was in jeopardy mid-season, it was rumored that Bernazard would be the one taking over. Since Minaya is locked up at least until 2012, Bernazard may look elsewhere for the coveted GM position.

I know I've read around the blog-o-sphere about how much Bernazard may be harming this team, so it seems Mets fans won't be sad to see him go.

Either way, I don't think I would take the Seattle job for any amount of money. That team needs serious help.

Ambiorix Burgos surrenders

The Domincan Republic's Most Wanted.

After supposedly killing two people in a hit-and-run accident in the DR, Ambiorix Burgos has surrendered to authorities.

From the AP:

Ambiorix Burgos turned himself in on Tuesday, a week after police say he was involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed two women.

Authorities were interviewing him, prosecutor Raul Quiroz told The Associated Press.

The news comes after the mother of one of the two victims accused Burgos of intentionally running her daughter over because she refused to go out with him.

That is an awful way to get someone to go out with you. Not that I would know from experience.

Cut him, Omar.

Gamble

One of each, please. Thanks!

Omar Minaya is going to have a few pricey free agents to choose from this offseason, and the Mets will probably make a run at at least one of them.

As I've chronicled many times, I'm a big fan of Manny Ramirez, and so is Minaya. The latest numbers have Manny asking for a five-year deal, worth $85 million. That seems a little steep to me, but maybe the Mets can snag the "New York" guy (born in Dominican Republic, grew up in NYC) on the cheap.

It looks like Mark Teixeira won't be an option, as they're hinting at bringing back Carlos Delgado. But there's always the chance they trade Delgado and move for Tex. He shined with the bat and the glove all season, and made a run to the World Series with the Angels before it was cut short by the Red Sox. Doubt it will happen though.

Francisco Rodriguez will be very, very expensive. Can't see the Mets shelling out that kind of cash for a one-inning pitcher. I think they'll get Brian Fuentes to close, or promote from within.

CC Sabathia presents an interesting issue: Can the Mets afford two "aces" on the same staff? I don't think so, but Minaya needs to make a big, bold move this offseason as the Mets head into Citi Field. Sure, he landed the biggest fish in the barrel with Johan Santana last off-season, but Santana & CC together? I'm salivating.

Orlando Hudson would be welcomed with open arms. Luis Castillo will be shopped to every team for every price. Won't be surprised when (not if) Minaya dumps him elsewhere, eats most of the contract, and watches him prosper into an injury-free, slap hitter extrodinare. Hudson needs to shake the injury bug, but when he's good to go, he's a great player. I'd like to see that Reyes-Hudson-Delgado (Teixeira?) double play.

Will Omar land one of these guys? Maybe two? We'll have to wait and find out, but don't be shocked to see a landmark move by the GM.

My updated playoff predictions

Here is an updated version of my playoff predictions, complete with the results from my first round of picks. Leave yours if so inclined.

MIL vs. PHI
I had: Philly in three.
What really happened: Philly in four.
Close, but no cigar.

LAD vs. CHC
I had: Cubs in five.
What really happened: Dodgers in three.
I don't think I could have been more wrong. Perfect case of a team getting hot at the right time.

BOS vs. LAA
I had: Angels in four.
What really happened: Red Sox in four.
And with that, my world series prediction is out the window. (I had the Angels beating the Cubs.)

CHW vs. TB
I had: Tampa in four.
What really happened: Tampa in four.
I nailed it!

NLCS: PHI vs. LAD
ALCS: BOS vs. TB

PHI vs. LAD
I'm going to take the Dodgers in six.
Yes, the Phillies starting pitching is good, but their bullpen will soon falter. I'm waiting for Brad Lidge to implode. Dodgers just look too good right now, and with everyone hitting in that offense, it's truly a force to be reckoned with.

BOS vs. TB
Sorry, Tampa. Red Sox in five.
I love the Rays, but they lack the "experience." The Red Sox are a postseason team, they simply find ways to win when it matters most. A better start from Josh Beckett this time around will help considerably. Still, Tampa Bay will put up a fight.

My World Series: LAD vs. BOS, a Yankee fan's worst nightmare.

Daniel Murphy should play first base

And it looks like the Arizona Fall League roster feels the same way.

Click to see full size.

Daniel Murphy will be participating in the Arizona Fall League, and rumor has it he will be taking reps at second base. Seems like the Mets are trying to make fans forget about Luis Castillo.

I still can't imagine Murphy at second. He's a big guy (6' 3", 210 lbs.) and he doesn't really fit the second baseman mold. To me, he strikes he as a perfect first baseman.

Again, he's tall, big, with a great reach. He's got the bat to back him up too. He hits for average, but can also hit for power. He was touted as the best hitter in the Mets minor leagues, and showed his prowess at the plate in his first major league season. (Unfortunately for Murphy, he passed the "rookie" at-bat limit by one, so he is no longer a "rookie" and cannot be up for ROY next season.)

Still, I'd like to see Murphy at first after this season, or maybe even before this season if they can move Carlos Delgado.