Lonestar Mets Has Moved, Change your Bookmarks Now!

This is Dan, Signing Off

2006-05-30T14:50:00.000-04:00

Our baby boy is all growsed up…

Lonestar Met is Moving. Yes, Lonestar Mets is moving to its very own site. I am now writing with New York Sports Day. Same content, same Mets coverage, same smart assed remarks. Please take the time to change your bookmarks and if you have linked me to your site please make those changes as well.

It’s been fun here at Blogspot. I hope those of you who regularly read drop in and look around, maybe stay awhile- not too long, I hate overstaying houseguests.

And now, it's off to Lonestar Mets

Something for Nothing

2006-05-26T20:24:00.000-04:00

In a spare transaction today the Mets and Brewers swapped righties.
Jeremi Gonzalez, after yesterday’s no decision against the Phillies, was DFA after the game and sent to the land of beer and bratwurst.

Jeremi, we hardly knew ye...

Mike Adams, the Mets new acquisition, is a Native Texan that hails from Corpus Christi.

The 27 year old righty has pitched in 68 2/3 innings in the bigs and was once a highly touted prospect some in the club thought would be the future closer.

With Gonzalez out of options, it seems curious that he Brewers would be willing to give up anything for a guy just DFA’d and out of minor league options. I can't imagine many teams were lining up to pick Gonzalez off the waiver wire.

Not a sexy blockbuster trade; but it is a great trade as if Professor Rick and the Mets farm can turn this guy around he may turn out to be a useful diamond in the rough. A small risk for a guy the Mets were done with as a starter.

Remind me never to buy a used car from Omar Minaya…

Mets 3 Phillies 5

2006-05-25T23:54:00.000-04:00

Due to my need for gainful employment, I did not listen to today’s loss to Philadelphia. I did hear the 6th through 9th in my truck via XM radio.

First off, I live in Texas and while I know who Mike and the Mad Dog are, I don’t listen on a daily basis. I would like to ask a question of readers who do;

“Do these guys even like the Mets?”

I only listen to FAN when the games are on via XM. Why, even for charity are these guys even allowed on the Mets flagship. I could hear in their tones and voices that they were hoping for a loss.

In the DFW area we have 1310 The Ticket. The self proclaimed “keepers of the great game” The Hardline (3:00-7:00 Monday – Friday) are the most baseball intense hosts in a football market. They cover 50% sports and 50% everything else entertaining. The point I am laboring to make while simultaneously boring my audience is if you let those two, Greggo and Rhines, broadcast a Ranger game, you would admittedly get 9 innings of shameless cheerleading.

My second question to any NY-NJ-CT area resident is; “What gives? Why on FAN?”

Oh, and how can a professional radio broadcaster be addressed as “Dog?”

Metstradamus also weighs in on Mike and the Mad Dog broadcast and has an interesting LoDuca theory.

On to the game, Jose Reyes is hot. He missed the cycle by only a triple. I had really been impressed with his new found patience at the plate. I hope he does not alter his approach due to his new found “power stroke.” The homerun Tuesday night was shoe high at best; not that I am complaining. He still is one of the most exciting athletes to watch in sports.

As, I walked back from my lunch break, I found myself thinking, “What, no extra innings?”

I hate weekday day games.

Well off to Miami, to play a depleted Marlins team in dead last place. This should be a much less dramatic series with:

Pedro Friday
Glavine Saturday
And El Duque Sunday

I can make a prediction before we head to Miami:

Mike Jacobs will hurt us.

There, mark me down on record saying that.

Lets go Fishing

See you tomorrow.

Enter El Duque

2006-05-24T21:30:00.000-04:00

Julio for El Duque

For those of you who don’t speak Spanish, that means… The Duque.

Actually it means The Duke, stealing it from Paul LoDuca whom I affectionately call The Duke.

Julio for El Duque, seems like a trade of two mediocre pitchers who were once respected hurlers. I give Omar credit for getting that much. Of course this will tax the pen only slightly as the Mets have been seemingly using Julio to get his numbers respectable. It’s no secret that Lonestar Met never really want him here and never trusted him near the mound.

Can Professor Rick turn this guy into a solid number 3 starter? I can’t even speculate and I hope Rick (for his sake) didn’t make some sort of time sensitive proclamation as to how soon he could repair any mechanical flaws.

So the Legacy of Mr. Ex-Anna Benson is one further player removed. Traded for a marginally talented prospect and a washed up reliever who was dealt for a-has been ex Yankee Cuban defector. Sounds about right.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not against the move. The more starting arms the better and any port in a storm and another unimaginative cliché.

Here is his split Left .376 Right .200

Hmmm

No Post Today

2006-05-24T19:30:00.000-04:00

No Posts today, sorry folks, access to the computer is limited today as, “there are more important things than the Mets!” – Whatever the hell that means.

Tie up the computer for 5 hours and 22 minutes and some people get all upset-geez!

Anyway, I promise some extra content in the days to come and will be able to at least watch the games.

Soler vs. a short rested Lieber tonight. I am very interested to see what he’s got in his bag.

Hey, I'll tell you what. You can take a good look at a butcher's ass by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?

No, I mean, you can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking your head up a butcher's ass, but then..no. It's gotta be your bull.

No wait it would have to be your cow...

Whatever, here’s a puff piece.

Mets 9 Phils 8 (16 innings)

2006-05-24T02:42:00.000-04:00

Wow, great (if not long) game. Reyes ties it up, saves it with a grab in the hole and Beltran wins it in a little over 5 and a half hours. I have to hand it to Oliver though, I didn't think he would hold them scoreless that long.

I'm too tired to write a real post, check back tomorrow

Lonestar Met: You caught a good game for 14 innings.
Sal Fasano: I have other interests. I'm a magician.

Nancy says good night, Mets fans!

The Road not Travelled

2006-05-23T19:30:00.000-04:00

Great series this weekend. I would have loved the sweep, but 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

I caught myself wondering about the road not traveled this off-season. As I don’t usually care what happens in the American League, much less Canada, I don’t know the events surrounding the 21.1 innings that these numbers occurred in. However by road not traveled, I speak of course of B.J. Ryan.

To be upfront, when looking at available closers I had the same mindset of Omar Minaya: Sign Wagner, whatever it takes, no exceptions, no substitutions. Some may have considered Ryan, but I was a Wagner guy. In fact, my favorite gift this year was my Wagner pinstripe home jersey.

None the less:

Billy Wagner:
20 games, 21.1 innings pitched, 12 save opportunities, 9 saves, 17 hits, 8 earned runs, 3 HR’s, 11 walks and 30 K’s- 3.38 ERA
4 years $43 Million and an option for $8 in year 5

B.J. Ryan
19 games, 21.0 innings pitched, 10 save opportunities, 10 saves, 9 hits, 8 earned runs, 0 HR’s, 5 walks and 22 K’s- 0.43 ERA
5 years $47 Million

I don’t usually play the coulda, woulda, shoulda game but it makes you think, eh?
Sorry, last bad Canadian reference.

Is Ryan’s early success a fluke? Maybe, we will see. I don’t think Omar made a mistake and I would still go with Wagner over Ryan. Maybe that will change in 07, 08, or 09 but for now I think Wagner is in his own league as a premier closer.

And no I don’t think the malnourished cross town closer is as good or better.

I don’t know if you can say Wagner has pitched poorly but as far as expectations thus far he has fallen short of them.

All that said, is there some kind of curse surrounding Mets closers? If Sanchez was promoted to closer, would he get lit up? What about if it were Ryan instead of Wagner? Did Franco’s alleged mob ties give him some sort of old world curse that was passed to Shea stadium?

I offer no proof or explanation to back up my answers to any of those questions, but all four answers are yes.

Maybe I am knee-jerking but the Phillies and Braves are getting pretty big in the rearview mirror and not going away anytime soon.

What’s my solution? I would like to start a collection to pay the tuition for the class: Managing your bullpen 101.

If this pen, for all the accolades thrown to it, becomes vulnerable, (or gulp, injury ridden) the Mets have the wrong man to try and counterbalance any relief shortcomings. Ever since he came to town, or cross town I should say, Willie has been making strange and illogical decisions with his lineup, particularly the man on the mound. I know it’s not the American League and requires a little more strategy to get the most out of the 9 slot in the order, but come on- this is the Majors. It seems that he does not know his players strengths and weaknesses. From everything I have read on Filthy, he is a rubber arm that is at his best with regular innings. Wagner and the Mets may lead us to believe the injury fairy came and cured Wagner’s finger.

Make model airplanes says the fairy, well I’m not buyin it. Pretty soon there’s money missing and your daughters knocked up. I’ve seen it a hundred times…

The use of Wagner in the ninth was a judgment call and not indefensible but the latest in a long line of suspect decisions. I know Wagner should be able to get 3 outs every night but have to pitch him in every 9th inning lead situation.

I wonder how much it would take before we se this man in the dugout at Shea.

Take solace in one thing Mets fans; the nowhere on the bullpen roster does it read Mike Stanton or Ricky Bottalico. That alone makes this pen better than recent Mets teams.

Speaking of Omar’s decisions, Soler is scheduled to make his MLB debut Wednesday. Again, I think Pelfrey should get all the time he needs in the minors. Soler had velocity troubles in spring training and I don’t know how ready he is for minor league pitching or if he will be anything but a back of the rotation guy but he is older, he has played for the Cuban team and his name isn’t Jose Lima. As always expect the worst and hope for the best.

The very last reason is probably warrants a start the most.

On a final note, I utilized my day off from Mets baseball to spend time wisely. I was watching an old re-run of Married with Children. It was an episode from the 94 season and contained cameos from players as themselves working in everyday jobs as they had no baseball to play. The Cameo’s included Bret Saberhagen, Dave Winfield, Frank Thomas, and Mike Piazza. Piazza played a camera operator that was supposed to be filming an interview with Al Bundy as he had just taken led NO’MAAM group in jumping the fence at Wrigley to play baseball. Mike instead chose to divert the camera's attention to Kelly while Al was speaking. Kinda funny.

I love that show, I should right a blog about it.

But I probably won’t.

Anywho, tonight Steve Trachsel leads the Mets at Shea as they attempt to put some distance between themselves and the Phillies.

My lovely wife has agreed to give up her time with the Laptop so that Nancy the Mets Dog Blogger and I can enjoy the game on MLB TV.

Let’s go Mets!

A Quick Note

2006-05-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

Greetings all Mets fans, I wasn’t planning to post this afternoon, but this caught my attention on ESPN.com.

Warning- clicking the following link may lead to uncontrollable fits of anger, spouts of profanity and anal leakage. Read at your own risk.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Nonsensical elitist condescending drivel

To Mr. Heylar:
You know nothing, you get nothing, you lose, good day sir!

Mets 4 Yankees 5 (11 innings)

2006-05-20T20:54:00.000-04:00

That was certainly depressing. What a waste of a brilliant start. The opposite feeling from last night.

For the life of me I can’t figure bringing in your closer to protect a 4 run lead when he pitched 18 hours prior, especially with his finger in questionable shape. Wagner gets paid to get the last 3 outs and should be able to close out the game in that situation, no doubt but with Filthy Sanchez cruising through the 8th, his spot not up in the bottom half, why pull him? Not to mention both pitchers were used today giving neither a day off if needed for Sunday's game.

Sanchez is a pitcher that thrives on work; Wagner is a different story. These are the things that make me worry if Willie can handle the pen during a crucial late season run when the arms are tired.

On a personal note, I accept a portion of the blame for the blown lead. Although Wagner’s insertion into the game puzzled me, I dutifully put on my Wagner jersey to hope he closed out the game. Every time I’ve done that Wagner has either blown a save or a lead- the first series against Washington started this ugly trend. Sorry Mets fans, my bad. I immediately took my Wagner jersey to the dry cleaners and hopefully the stain of this game will be washed out of said jersey.

Sign of a real fan: When you wash your dress close in the laundry machine but you take your Mets stuff to the dry cleaners.

Before i get started on my rant, Way to go Cliffy, hope you hit many more.

I was happy to be able to view the Mets-Yankee game on the Fox station in Texas, but a few things got under my skin:

On a fly out to Floyd, they made sure to mention that Floyd had made an error in a prior inning and then that by catching the ball he took the ball from a Yankee fan.

The nerve of a left fielder making a play and not deferring to the Yankee fan. Floyd should be suspended.

But, make sure to point out the guy with the paper in the stands, nice snarky comment too- Thanks fellas!

Oh, I guess every one has been saying the 47 year olds name for the past 3 decades. Sorry about that, Julio Fronco.

While the Mets were winning, every chance to mention that the Yankees were missing Matsui, Posada and Sheffield was utilized.

“its one thing to be injured and banged up…”

Yeah, we got it; the Yankees have a few guys on the DL. They are the only ones I guess; I can’t wait to see Bannister, Zambrano, and Maine’s next starts. Maybe Padilla will get to set up the closer.

Boy, I just couldn’t choose if I liked Johnny Damon better with long hair or short, he’s so dreamy. I voted twice.

What was that nonsense one of the Fox guys was carrying on about “the best team money can buy?” He droned on for half an inning at the mystery of the Mets not being labeled as a team that purchases free agents. His partner finally mentioned that they Yankees have a payroll that is near double of what the Mets spend. What kind of Jackass can criticize Minaya for the way the club is put together?

Fox came back from commercial and made a point to show Wagner run in from right to “Enter Sandman.” {I believe it was} Judas McCarver said, “Isn’t that baseball’s form of plagiarism?” as Wagner ran in to warm up for the 9th. I don’t care about the whole Wagner-Riveria warm up song “controversy” but did they show that replay just so they could throw the extra slam at the Mets. Until that point the Mets seemed primed to win that game handily and the Fox guys just seemed like sore losers.

Finally, when Wagner was removed a batter too late, the comment was made that, “Even if the Mets win, the damage has been done. It may take Wagner 2 weeks to recover.” Did Riveria need 2 weeks after the first game? It was a bad outing where Wagner didn’t have his control. If anything I chalk it up to a day appearance following a night appearance.

Not a game that I will always remember, and a hell of a way to waste Pedro’s great performance but its only one game. To disrespectfully disagree with the Fox broadcast booth, (I say disrespectfully as that’s what Fox gave the Mets fans today; nothing but disrespect) win tomorrow and it will be smooth sailing. I would love another sweep of the Yanks but it is a long season and you can’t win them all.

If anything, the Yankee "fans" are nervous.

Tommy is up tomorrow for what should be a national game. Make sure to tune in Mets fans. You don’t want to miss ESPN's Jeter worship in Hi-Def. Maybe Tommy can finish what Pedro started.

Shut em out, shut em up.

Lets Go Mets!

Here we go...

2006-05-19T19:30:00.000-04:00

So it's that time again, is it? Mets-Yanks for braggin rights.

Before I get into that the rotation status is horrendous. Bannister is not coming back anytime soon. The wait and see game is over. A move needs to be made and soon. The East is very winnable for the Mets and a move needs to be made.

A trade of a a minor prospect for a serviceable starter that has potential? We are in the race and what are the odds our cant miss prospect misses? Make the trade, damn the future, right?

That is what we all thought near the trading deadline way back when in 2004. Kazmir for Zambrano? Done deal.

I don’t know the answer, but I issue the warning: be careful what you wish for.

Don’t get me wrong; Jose Lima has no place on the big league rotation. I know he was stashed in the minors for just this situation; in case disaster strikes. But we are looking at a lot more 3-6 stretches if all stays the same.

I have not seen Soler pitch but I only hope he proves better than Lima Time. It seems to me that the Mets never had much faith in Soler and he has never really been penciled in to future plans. It almost like the team took a flyer on a relatively unknown Cuban defector. If my suspicions are true, fine. Is he really worse than Lima? I can’t see how he could be. My guess would be that if he is not being propped up for trade bait than give him a start. He is not a young guy by prospect standards, time to see what he has in his bag.

*Note: I will never again use the phrase Lima Time from this moment forward.

That said, the absence of a Soler call up leads me to think that the Mets brass is scheming from an undisclosed location as we speak. Cerrone reports that Pelfrey is not near Major League ready, and the nearest possible call up date is the end of July. Who will it be? I haven’t the slightest, and a move at this time of year means that the Mets overpay for what they get. Cerrone also relays a story via the Star-Tribune that Kyle Lohse is now on the radar. Seems like it would be worth a shot if cost effective, but I don’t figure it will be a vast improvement over what we have.

I hate to seem like a knee-jerk reactionist and a hate going on record with this. If a deal is there to bolster the staff in exchange for highly touted, unproven prospects, pull the trigger. I am sure I willget bashed for this, but I say:

In for a penny, in for a pound.

Pedro, Tommy, Cliffy and Wagner aren’t getting any younger. If a run is to be made, it needs to be now. I know it would be nice for all the prospects to be home grown superstars, but would you trade a playoff run or dare I say series for Greg Jeffries, D.J. Dozier, Bill Pulsipher. you just have to live with the morbid hope that Pelfrey of Milledge don't live up to expectations.

I submit to you that answer is yes.

On to tonight’s game.

Lonestar Met will partake of the subway series opener at a public venue at the risk of sharing space with Yankee fans. I can say that the Mavericks try to close out their playoff series with the Spurs so the supposed Yankee fans that inhabit Texas probably have no clue that the Yankees are even playing, much less opening inner-league with the Mets.

I hope I get Kate the rally waitress, therefore insuring a win.

Johnson against Gonzales. Johnson may be done at the ripe old age of 42 and Gonzales figures to be a wild card. He may pitch well or get clobbered.

Paging Dave Mlicki, Mr. Mlicki, white courtesy phone please.

Who knows about any of these games, but at least Pedro and Glavine get their shots against the Yankees.

I know that a lot of my contemporaries disdain interleague play and Met-Yankee weekend, but I love it. It seems larger than a regular season game and it adds a playoff like feel that is rarely seen on May 19, 2006.

Tonight I will patronize a local drinking establishment that features a satellite dish, ignore the Mavericks fans, try to forget pitching woes, and enjoy top notch competition in May. It has no significance to the NL East but an important game to me none the less.

Kate the rally waitress, another round please…

Well I wouldn't Say I've been Missing it Bob...

2006-05-17T19:49:00.000-04:00

Looks like that 24 hour Hiatus stretched a few days longer than I anticipated. Sorry folks, but I have been busy with a non-related Mets event, whatever that is. If any loyal readers would never like to experience such a gap again, visit my sponsors. Until then I have to make a living somehow you cheap bastards. Anyway, I will try to get back on my 4:30 EST and Post game wrap up schedule.

Before I get started, Make sure you read of an account of what Yankee homers Mike and the Mad Dog would sound like in the booth for May 25th’s game with the Phillies in the event a no-hitter is thrown.

On that same tip, also read Mets Guy in Michigan as Dave again points out the Yankee bias that we all know exists as it relates to the Delmon Young imbolio:

Seems to me that Delmon is getting penalized for A) having better aim, and B) not being a Yankee.

It’s the typical Yankee double standard! Heck, I’m surprised Reliford, the umpire, didn’t get suspended! How dare he call Bernie out on strikes. If Bernie didn’t swing at it, it was a ball, darn it! Doesn’t he know about the 26 championships? Gehrig? Mantle? Yankee pride?

Seriously, are Dave and I the only ones bothered by the double standard? To all you Yankee fans out there as well as you Yankee apologists (you know who you are) this weekend should be a focal point of the sporting world, (for those that don’t find horse racing captivating) and should show who the best team is in the Big Apple. Have your excuses ready, Yankee Fans.

I can predict that if the Mets win the subway series, it will be nothing more than three box scores. If Jeter makes a routine play look near impossible, he is hailed as a hero for young and old to admire and the game will be elevated to mythical proportions. A record number of infants will be named Jeter.

And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be like a marginal middle infielder with a pretty boy mystique?

But first recent events. So what did I miss? Well, the series loss to the Brewers, Floyd goes 2-4 against the Cards, Pujols looking like a mortal human being, rain not causing a loss…

Enough said, as others have already said it better than I could have anyway. Don’t believe me? Pick a site on the right. Not yet, wait until you read the whole thing first.

Back to the present as there are still 2 games left with St. Louis.

Tonight’s game would seem to be in favor of the cards, with the southpaw Mark Mulder, 4-1 4.27 ERA on the mound for the birds. Since Lefties are hitting .182 off of him, Cliffy and Delgado figure to have relatively quiet nights. Is it me or do the Mets always have a somewhat “easy” time beating St. Louis as opposed to a team like say Atlanta?

1985 aside, the Mets better win tonight as tomorrow afternoon is Lima Time Again?
Thursday: Mets (RHP Jose Lima, 0-2, 9.31 ERA) at Cardinals (RHP Jason Marquis, 4-4, 5.33 ERA

Fortunately it looks to be Lima Time one last time as Bannister is going to make a rehab start.

I think the Mets have what it takes to compete against the Cards, though I would be lying if I said the front of the lineup with Eckstien, Pujols, Rolen, Encarnacion and Edmonds didn’t scare the hell out of me. I don’t think there is a tougher out in pressure situations than David Eckstien. The Mets have a great offense but any Met offense of recent years seemed to go through hot and cold streaks. I wouldn’t call the recent play cold but Delgado seems to be the only one that is a consistent hitter, thus far.

I must admit LoDuca is starting to win me over. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Iron Mike P. but LoDuca’s attitude and the way he carries himself is something that seemed to be lacking from Mikey. Again just an observation, no disrespect to Mike; just different than LoDuca.

In the mean time here is a useless story about how overrated Tony LaRussa is. Or it may be about left-handed platoons against Glavine, I can’t tell. It's probably both.

24 Hour Leave

2006-05-14T08:08:00.000-04:00

Today is Mothers Day, and to all you mothers out there I’d like to say: Happy Birthday!

I will be out of pocket today and unable to watch the Mets-Brewers rubber match as today is Mother’s day.

I will be spending the day with the same woman who made me go to bed during game 7 of the 86 World Series and the last game of the NLCS (I listened to HOJO’s last at bat on the radio.)

She doesn’t want to go to the sports bar to watch the Mets, I’ve already tried.

See you for the 4:30 post Monday.

Let’s Go Mets!

Mets 9 Brewers 8

2006-05-14T00:42:00.000-04:00

What a strange game. Sanchez gets lit up and Valentin has 4 RBI counting the homerun? Unbelievable.

I guess sometimes the sun shines even on a dog's ass.

Gonzalez looked mediocre, which is about all I expected.

Filthy getting tossed was unbelievable. I think my buddy Dave, from Mets Guy in Michigan, would agree that if Filthy was a Yankee, he stays in the game.

The most baffling thing was Gonzalez hitting for himself. 2 runners on and he hits for himself in the 6th, then he faces one batter in the bottom half?

Game ball to Duke, who soloed in the 9th.

I was one of the guys that hated the Piazza trade because of Hundley. I took me a while to accept Piazza. Duke is getting there pretty quick. I love the way he argued for Filthy Sanchez after the bogus ejection.

Willie was even tossed again- I am even starting to like Willie.

Duke bailed you out Willie; you owe him a free 6 inch cold cut combo.

Ugly win, Petey up tomorrow.

Lets go Mets!

Lazy Saturday Post

2006-05-13T20:16:00.000-04:00

It’s Game 2 tonight with the long awaited arrival of Jeremi Gonzales against the Brewer’s Dana Eveland; both making their Major League debut.

I don’t have a clue what Eveland’s history is and its Saturday so I am not in the mood for research. At least I post on Saturday, especially with Antonio Alfonseca apparently making veiled threats and menacing gestures toward yours truly.

What I am sure about is the 2 game lead looks mighty small with the Phillies staying hot again last night. After Sunday’s game it’s the Cardinals and Yankees. I would love to take these last two.

A few things:

Is Rosenthal mocking us?

Missing Anna
The reality for the Mets is that they don't need Willis or A's left-hander Barry Zito; given that Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine are a combined 10-2 with a 2.50 ERA, a middle-of-the-rotation innings-eater would suffice.
The Mets had such a pitcher — right-hander Kris Benson — but traded him to the Orioles for reliever Jorge Julio. Nationals right-hander Livan Hernandez would be a logical fit. Other possibilities: the Royals' Scott Elarton, Mariners' Gil Meche and Orioles' Rodrigo Lopez — and maybe Indians right-hander Paul Byrd, if the Tribe falls out of contention.

I don’t know about you, but none of those guys seem very attractive.

On that note, Brian Bannister is scheduled for a simulated game today.

In Tides news, Ahern went 2-4 in last nights game against the Columbus Clippers. Ahern was driven in by Lonestar Met favorite and Willie Randolph whipping boy Jeff Keppinger, and the win was picked up by sideburn enthusiast and fellow Lonestar Met favorite, Royce Ring.

I have no baseball point, just wanted to give those two props.

That’s all for today; tune in and hope for the best.

Two games up, for now

Lets go Mets!

Brewers 9 Mets 6- Is Lima Time! over yet?

2006-05-13T02:28:00.000-04:00

Why am I not suprised? I think I'm gonna have a heart attack and die of not suprise

I can't totally blame the game on Lima, but he didn't help.

I had to watch tonight’s game on FSN North tonight. I miss SNY.

On to this mess.

Lima on the hill, bases loaded 5th, 3-1 count to Geoff Jenkins, did you even have to watch what came next?

After that Oliver on the hill, again, no surprise.

7-3 Brewers. Floyd on and Endy gets a gift. Time to get back in the game, right? Nope. The Jose Valenitn Experience is sent to the plate. Sure, a useful force out scored a run, but it was the second out and a rally killer. When will this end? Can we get a real lefty bench guy?

Heath Bell was disappointing. I hope he finds his stuff.

Why Wagner in the 9th? Must have needed to throw after a few days off. He looked good.

Too little, too late in the 9th just an ugly game. Told ya the would need 10 runs tonight.

I miss SNY and the car commercial with the hottie in the yellow. I can't remember the company; advertising the wrong thing I guess.

Good night, Mets fans. See you tomorrow.

Schlemiel, schlimazel, hasenpfeffer incorporated!

2006-05-12T19:30:00.000-04:00

Lonestar Met: So, do you come to Milwaukee often?

Willie Randolph: Well, I'm a regular visitor here, but Milwaukee has certainly had its share of visitors. The French missionaries and explorers began visiting here in the late 16th century.

David Wright: Hey, isn't "Milwaukee" an Indian name?

Willie Randolph: Yes, David, it is. In fact, it's pronounced "mill-e-wah-que" which is Algonquin for "the good land."

Lonestar Met: I was not aware of that.

So on to the land of beer and brats for a 3-game stand against the recently cooled off Brewers. Some say the Mets have cooled down but I maintain we would have won that game if not for Rain.

Since we are in the town of Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney-Meaney this weekend, here is a related baseball fact. David L. Lander, better known as Andrew 'Squiggy' Squiggmann, holds the position of Associate Scout for the Seattle Mariners.

Back to the Mets, I like the move of Floyd to the two hole. I have been harping on Willie’s static lineup since spring training started. I am glad to see he can actually try new things. Maybe tonight he can try leaving Valentin on the bench ALL game.

Over at Metropolitans is a piece providing a good argument to Platoon Floyd and Chavez. Metropolitans points out that he is hitting .100 against Lefties, while Endy’s numbers are .276/.312/.384.

It all makes sense numbers wise and don’t get me wrong, I love Endy, but I have to believe Floyd will get out that god awful slump he’s in soon; it’s only a matter of time and luck. Besides, he is hitting .204 against righties and I get the feeling that when Cliffy finds the groove it will be a long season for National League pitching.

Remember “MVP, MVP, MVP?”

Metstradamus Weighs in on Rowand’s catch and injury last night:

"Can you imagine if Derek Jeter made a catch like that? (And just so we're clear, the first Yankee fan that tells me that Jeter's catch in '04 was better than this one is getting a bat to the head.)"

Indeed, I still have to hear about that stupid catch and subsequent jump into the stands. Then of course his chin band-aid for the Mets series. Drama queen.

If it only started raining sooner, it would not be Lima Time! tonight. Maybe the Bats can come up with the 10 runs to best Lima’s ERA. I really have to believe that if Lima stinks up the place tonight Omar makes a tough decision with the starting five. From various reports I have read, it would seem that Solay is the logical choice over Pelfrey with age and experience on the former’s side.

Well, well my dear readers, it seems you’re in my timezone now.

Take some extra BP tonight boys; it looks to be a barnburner.

And we’ll do it our way, yes our way.

Make all our dreams come true,

For me and you.

What a Rip-Off

2006-05-11T22:54:00.000-04:00

I always hated the rain delay rule. I really thought the Mets would get in that game. That 4th was agonizing to watch. The Phillies snuck out of this series with a series win.

I would like to mention my two newest Mets links:

Eddie Kranepool Society- He is an old school guy. Check it out for what usually is a complete opposite of my view, but any fan of Heath Bell is a friend of mine

Mets Walkoffs probably needs no introduction. The guy is a walking encyclopdia of Mets knowlegde.

Be sure to check out their sites often.

Sorry I don't have more, but I blame Millie Vanilli, and they insist that I blame it on the rain. What ever that means.

See you tomorrow at 4:30

Mets-Light, Slow Mets News Thursday, Post (sorry)

2006-05-11T19:30:00.000-04:00

Joe at Yes Joe Its Toasted had the genius idea to use Glavine off the bench to be a lefty bat. I’m sold. Joe writes:

My idea of Glavine as a lefty bat off the bench instead of Jose Valentin is becoming less and less crazy by the day. He's hitting .500 people. .500!

If you haven't visited Joe's site yet, be sure to make it a daily read. Very funny site.

In a house keeping note, the Worst Fan Poll to your rights final selection is Whoever is Winning Fans. To clarify, that means the guys who are always riping you for being a good fan during the bad times while always seeming to root for that years team. They are last years White Sox fans who you could swear a year before were self proclaimed “die hard” Red Sox fans. I realize this fan may find safety in Yankee fandom and the occurrence might be rare, but it happens quite a bit in Texas. Guess who I voted for.

Not much regarding Mets news today. Rubber game tonight with Trachsel V Gavin Floyd. Should be a fun game to watch. Sorry for the non baseball point but:

I hate reality TV and I hate Game shows. Jim Rome once said, “If you watch reality television you are not very smart and you are probably not a very good person.” I dislike Rome but love the quote. Rack me. I also loathe American Idol; not so much the show itself as I simply don’t watch it. I hate having to listen to people make conversation about it. Simon, Paula, blah, blah, blah. What is worse is having to listen to morning DJ’s give their opinion about the nights events. Before you point out that I do the same thing only I talk about the Mets. I say to that, “David Wright would beat the tar out of Clay Aiken.”

Never the less I got to thinking that American Idol, and other reality style wastes of shows get great ratings, meaning they generate ratings from their useless shows. So my friends, I came to the conclusion that:

A. The Networks have useless shows that make a large revenue

B. The Mets have their own network and the most useless guy ever in Jose “the plunger” Valentin.

How could the Mets use the two in order to:

C. Generate revenue to sign big name free agents in the off season.

Well the answer is SNY reality programming

Jose Valentin hosts:
Strike out or No Base Hit- The Premise is that contestants watch Jose step into the batters box moments before an at bat and guess “strike out or No Base Hit.” If you guess strike out you win Jose’s salary for that game. If you guess No Base Hit you can choose to double that amount on wagering if it will be a ground out or Pop out.

Jose Valentin hosts:
Who wants to Marry my Mustache; I don’t know the premise but I never got the premise of “Who Wants to Marry My Dad” either.

Of course some made for SNY TV movies such as:
Don’t Tell Willie Jose’s Bat is Dead
Throw Jose from the Train
Drugs are Bad; Jose Hit Something (for the kids)

Maybe a buddy flick staring Chris Woodward (he never gets to play anyway) and Jose Valentin called “Mustached Utility Men Can’t Hit”

Sorry for the silly post but it’s a slow Mets news day. See you tonight after the game for some actual Mets content.

Mets 13 Phils 4 Thoughts on the game

2006-05-10T23:43:00.000-04:00

Great game tonight, Happy 280 Tommy!

Wright’s grab off the bag should make a highlight reel or two.

Glad to see Heath Bell get some work in, although Id hoped it would have gone better. At least Julio didn’t fair much better. I hope he gets more than a cup of coffee.

As a former catcher I winced when LoDuca took a foul off his inner thigh. He should be ok, just sore tomorrow.

Way to go Woody shows what can happen if you actually get an at bat every month or so.

As a side note did anyone catch a glimpse of the guy in the circa 1992 road jersey? Ugly jersey but props to whomever you are. It takes a lot of therapy to be able to unblock those awful memories of those awful, awful years.

Great, stress free game tonight!

Nancy the Mets fan dog blogger says

I agree Nancy, Lets go for the series win; Trax is up tomorrow. Just win 2 of 3 on the road. Repeat

Sorry for the short post. See you tomorrow around 4. This is a fun season.

And J. Mark, I would have loved to been in Philly

All things being equal, I'd rather be in Philly

2006-05-10T16:30:00.001-04:00

I have taken down the “Waste of Space” poll as I think we all agree that there is no bigger waste of space that Jose Valentin. Thank you for your participation.

According to the reports from Miracle Mets there is plenty o venom in the city of brotherly love. Wow. I guess it really is more than hype from sports writers. Anyway, it got me pondering the question to your left. Take a second to vote.

There is not much on the news front today regarding the most pressing of issues the Mets face, the starting rotation. Here’s what’s new:

The Los Angeles Times has reported what I had speculated to be the case days ago. The Dodgers are trying to sell us Odalis Perez to the Mets. With several sources reporting that the Mets are actively shopping Kaz Matsui, I maintain that the only possible trade that may occur is Perez for Kaz even up. We will see what unfolds.

In the meantime the club has announced the call up of Jeremi Gonzalez to start Friday’s game against the Milwaukee:

Gonzalez, 31, had pitched well enough for Norfolk. He had 1-2 record and 3.03 ERA in six starts with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate, allowing 34 base runners -- three walks and one home run -- and striking out 20. He will have to be added to the 40-man roster on Friday.

I don’t have much confidence in Gonzalez to pitch lights out against the Brewers. The design of the team set up for the starters to get a close game to the pen after 6 innings. The team had more faith in Lima than Gonzalez and we all saw how that worked out. Granted that Lima is a veteran and Gonzalez a rook, I don’t expect two much from either pitcher. This has to be a move to buy some time to acquire someone else via trade. As usual Mets fans hope a poor trade happens rather than a horrendous one involving Millegde. Say it with me Mets fans: “expect the worst and hope for the best”

I know there have been some suspect officiating lately; express your frustration but, please fellow Mets, fans lets not become the whiney fans blaming our troubles on the umpires. I get enough of that from Mark Cuban as I live in Dallas. It gets old fast.
Prediction: The blow one that goes our way sometime in the next 129 games. When that happens don’t feel guilty, just remember these games. That’s how baseball goes.

On the humor front this is really funny in a twisted way. The MP thing was uncalled for.

Tonight Tommy Glavine looks for win 280 and more importantly, to gain a game against the Cory Lidle and the red-hot Phils.

That’s the Breaks

2006-05-09T22:43:00.000-04:00

Note to readers. I just wanted to share my posting schedule for the season. Look for my posts twice a day. I will usually post at around 4:40 PM EST and then shortly after the game is over. So check Lonestar Met right before you leave work and again when the Mets game is over.

Pedro looked in control save for one inning. Too bad to waste a pretty good outing without a W.

I am not going to go on about Heilman in the 9th. Errors happen, its just bad luck when it happens in a key situation.

Cerrone has Willie's post game comments on SNY regarding tonights loss. Not much that was shocking. One point I found interesting regarding Wagner vs. Heilman in the 9th:

“No. Aaron is just as effective against left-handers, and I don’t usually like to bring my closer in during tie games on the road, unless I have to.”…

I actually agree with Willie Randolph. There was no reason to bring your closer in to a tie game on the road.

Great game in what really felt like a playoff atmosphere. This is going to be an exciting year win or lose.

The gripe I have is with Randolph’s static lineup. I won’t go into what proposed lineups as I have time and time again. I really think that a few lineup shakeups would jumpstart this offense al a Bobby V. We should really club more teams to death with explosive hitters like Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Floyd, Nady, and even LoDuca. Just a thought.

Finally, I love to see guys get fired up and tossed. Not really a great strategy for late inning pitcher-hitter matchups but I love the passion. I’d love to see at least one brawl.

Maybe I’ve been watching too much of my 86 highlight tapes.

Anyway, tough loss in a great game. That’s the breaks.

And remember check Cerrone, Greg, Mike, Metstradamus, Metropolitans, Dave, Joe, and all the Mets guys and don't forget to bookmark your pal Dan in Texas.
To all the new readers from outside the U.S. shoot me an email and let me know what you think of my site.

Pregame: 05/09/06

2006-05-09T16:24:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Lonestar Met favorite Heath Bell for his Promotion to the big club. Looks like Bell will finally be given a shot by the Mets Brass.

Good luck, Heath! Make us proud.

I can’t tell if this whole Wagner vs. Philly thing is for real or an attempt to hype the series into a bad blood rivalry. I never “hated” the Phils but I have never been to Philly so who knows. Hot Foot has some fan quotes. Check it out.

On the extended Hot Stove front, I have read several different views online. I won’t post any links. Just pick a Mets blog. Everyone that posts frequently has something. I really think that Omar stands pat here and hope a viable option materializes in house. I don’t think Milledge is going anywhere and I seriously doubt Clemens signs with the Mets. On paper it could happen. Realistically, it doesn’t have a chance.

If things go badly enough, I don’t know what could happen. My faith in Omar supersedes my pessimism. Omar stood pat at the deadline last year, didn’t move Milledge in the off-season, I don’t see him losing it now.

Pedro is up tonight at 6:05 for those of us in Texas. Today is the first day of the rest of the season.

Lets go Mets!

Ghost of Kazmir Past

2006-05-08T17:49:00.000-04:00

I am going to submit a question to “Ask the Booth” on the SNY broadcast. I figure it will go something like this:

"Keith,
Is there a worse hitter in the league than Jose Valentin? Does he suffer from some physical or mental impairment?
Thanks for snubbing me when I was in New York, all I wanted was an autograph,
Dan in Texas"

Keith:"Well, Dan I’m not the type of guy who thinks a mustached Puerto Rican utility man hitting .179’s place is working at 7-11 but…"

SNY IS EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES- PLEASE STAND BY

The Braves series was great. I had planned to write all about it. I found myself unable to write a word after I learned the extent of Zambrano’s injury.

Before the 2006 season started the majority of baseball minded people is the Mets vulnerability was in their starting pitching. Almost every preseason preview/ prediction included the caveat “if the starting pitching remained healthy”

The Bad news: A starting pitcher will miss the remainder of the season.

The Good news: His name isn’t Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine or Steve Trachsel.

I still believe the season hinges on Pedro and Tommy G’s durability. That said the Mets now need to find a temporary starter and a starter for the rest of the season. Omar has a decision to make. He can go in house and pull a pitcher out of the pen or bring up a minor leaguer, or look for a trading partner that is willing to part with a starter. The former being the cheaper, the latter is a little trickier.

I am in the camp of not touching the bullpen. Omar’s design with the team seems to be built around the pen. Since our starting pitchers are not spring chickens it is a reasonable plan to ask your starters for 6 inings and let the pen go the rest of the way. This explains the presence of an 8 man pen.

Heilman- I don’t think the Mets can afford to move Heilman. I still believe that a team on its second or third trip through will hit him very hard if he is pressed into starting duty. That said a bullpen will be needed to bail him out and that pen would then feature one less quality reliever. I think if Heilman is moved into the rotation and then fails he will never be the same stud he is in the Mets Pen. Be careful what you wish for Aaron.

Darren Oliver- I think Oliver has pitched at the top of his ability this year. He can help from the pen. That’s it. I endured this guy’s run through Texas and it’s no picnic. When I look at him now I still see him in the old red Ranger uniform (those were great by the way) standing their after giving up 4 home runs in the first inning. It seems like he started every game giving up 4 homeruns. Trust me on this, it’s not pretty.

Mike Pelfrey- I am really excited about Mike Pelfrey. I think he will be a cornerstone of the Mets; just not this year. Don’t get me wrong, if he dominates for another month or two he shouldn’t be denied a promotion solely based on age. (That seems to happen a lot around the Mets organization these days.) Other than Pelfrey pitching like the second coming of Doc circa 1985, then Pelfrey will do nothing for the Mets this year except build anticipation.

Alay Soler I don’t know enough about the guy outside of his passport problems. I have never seen him pitch. He looks promising on paper. I will have to defer to the organization on that. Your call Rick, choose wisely.

Now, where things can get interesting- the trading block. I find this issue fascinating and one of my favorite out of game topic. However I feel like the Mets will get screwed. Make one bad trade, the one that got us in this mess to begin with, and everybody comes looking to fleece you.

Barry Zito- Long time readers of my site know that Zito is the guy I want. You can get him for a price. Billy Beene knows the Mets are desperate and will be able get what few chips the Mets have left meaning Milledge or Pelfrey. Let me clarify my postions for you new readers:I love Barry Zito.
I want Zito to be a Met.
Do I think he will be a Met in 2007? Yes
Do I think Omar can get him via free agency in November? Yes
Do I want him sooner rather than later? Yes
Do I want him sooner bad enough to give up Milledge or Pelfrey? Absolutely not!
That said if Omar can get Zito for some combination of Julio, Maine, Keppinger, Matsui* (more on that in a minute) or Diaz I say go for it. He is a true ace any more but I thing Professor Rick can return him to greatness.

Note to Peterson- I don’t care if you are alone in the shower, don’t ever say you can fix him and for god sake don’t put a time frame on it.

Anyway, if Zito is attainable for anyone other than Milledge or Pelfrey, he is the best option. The trade looks more attractive if Beene can resign Zito before the trade. It still make me uneasy to send Milledge now. Patience, patience, patience. We have waited for Milledge and every indication is that he will be something special. If Milledge for a resigned Zito were to occur it made sense 5 months ago, not now. Hang on the rooks Omar, you are gonna need ‘em.

Clemens- Good Lord no! Shame on any Met fan for even thinking of it. I hate Roger. He is a great pitcher and a first ballot hall of famer. That said, I don’t want this guy anywhere near the organization. I don’t want fatty on our planet. The thought of that overweight dung pile in a Mets hat makes me sick to my stomach. I literally get sick to my stomach, yuck. Omar, if you read this PLEASE DON’T DO IT!

Odalis Perez- This guy is a big risk at 19 million. If this anyway stops the Mets from perusing Zito in the off season I say no. I have seen this guy pitch and he is very underwhelming. At 19 million over the next two years I would try to dump him too. I would think the only trade that makes sense is Matsui (more in a minute, I will get there, ) for Perez. If those of you who have had enough of Kaz and his 8 million dollar salary may want to jump all over this. Ahern is on his way back and can fill the slot. Maybe, it would make room for an Ahern Keppinger platoon. If Keppinger ever gets a fair shake I will be surprised. If a Kaz for Odalis trade does happen it would only cost the Mets 11 million for two years, which is a reasonable amount for Perez. Personally I would really like to see Kaz succeed with the Mets, but this is an urgent need that needs to be filled pretty soon. Kaz for Perez straight up? Done.

Other than that, the pickins are a-mighty slim out there. I think the Mets need to weather this storm until Bannister can come back. Throw someone out there that can pitch for two months and keep a rotation spot until Pelfrey is ready. I would also ask that the Mets start him in a day game on the road. What I think will most likely happen is the Mets move Kaz for Odalis Perez straight up and give Oliver the next Zambrano start or two until Bannister is ready. The pen stays as is with the exception Oliver. It's not sexy but with that blueprint, the big bats need to pull their weight.

That was my two sense

On to Kaz, I know everybody in the New York media have written preachy condescending columns taking Met fans to task on the Matsui and Zambrano situations. Write all you want, it doesn’t change a damn thing. In New York the fans are hypercritical; especially when it comes to non-home grown, high paid, over hyped players. That’s the fact, Jack. Don’t like it? Move to Kansas City, Atlanta or maybe Arlington*. They don’t take it so seriously, there. Lonestar Met does not look down on passionate fans that want to win because he is one of them.

I know, you don’t have to email me. I am not condescending but sometimes speak in the third person, cut me some slack- its not like you are paying for this site. By the way, visit a sponsor -come on.

Enough of that.

I am glad to see Kaz do well. He doesn’t play with that look of a newly born foal anymore. He looks confident, comfortable right now. If this is just an aberration then trade him away for what ever you can get. I like Kaz as a person. He does seem to care and does want to succeed in New York. Or he just wants to stop being booed. Whatever. The point is, if his psyche is so delicate that boos put him on a two year slump maybe it would be better for everyone if he went somewhere else. Personally I never gave that “booing just makes it worse” argument. I don’t think a professional athlete can be rattled by what the fans do.

It reminds me of the Simpson’s softball episode where Bart is calling out “DAAARRRYYYLLLL DAAAARRRRYYYYLLL to Strawberry. Bart explains to Marge that they are professional athletes while Straw cries in the outfield.

Finally, Is there not one left handed bat that can be obtained that can hit better than .179? Is Olerud available? Maybe Ventura? They are both retired but I think they could hit at least .220.

(*More on that on another post- I was in attendance for the last two games of Ranger-Yankees and had some fun at Yankee fan’s expense. I have pictures look for it in the near future).

What a win

2006-05-06T02:43:00.000-04:00

What a game. 14 innings. Keith and Gary wearing Rally caps. That was an epic battle for the ages. What a battle. A year ago the Mets would have folded in the 7th. Two comebacks and a walk off ground rule double- unbelievable.

I don’t know who gets the gameball here. Reyes and his night? Cliffy and his clutch homerun? David Wright and the game winner? Filthy Sanchez and his filth?

Lonestar Met awards the game ball to Kaz Matsui. Solid work in the field and the sac bunts to move the runners were all great. But I think every Met fan that had a hope of redemption for Kaz had to smile when he tied the game. The look on his face was priceless.

The game was not without its ups and downs. It is a tad disturbing that a leadoff triple cant be scored by the heart of the order, but lets face it; they didn’t win the division 14 times in a row by rolling over.

Who said Delgado was a defensive liability? In this early stage of the season Delgado has saved many a wayward throw with his, soon to be patented slap tag of the runner.

Sure a lot of first basemen can do it, but none with the label of "poor fielder."

What a night for Jose Reyes. Reyes may have turned a corner as a leadoff hitter- stay tuned.

I think we all agree that Julio has had some much improved success on the hill. I think we all can agree that no one is confident with him on the hill in a close game. Not even Rick Peterson. When Larry Jones got on Peterson was immediately on the phone to the pen. Julio did a good job of getting out of the inning, but honestly; we all thought the same thing.

Did anyone else find Wagner’s two inning appearance puzzling? I understand that a pitcher needs to gain his confidence back but Billy seems to beat himself up over things like that. It almost seems like he is being coddled. I think the way to get him on track again is to give him the ball in the ninth with a run lead and not bat an eye. He came here to close, let him close.

Finally, Cliffy looked to be righting the ship. I would like to offer one possibility:

Reyes
Beltran
Floyd
Delgado
Wright
Lo Duca
Nady
KazMat
Pitcher

Yeah, yeah, I know, easy to say from my shoes but it is a good idea to ponder. Beltran seems to be where we expected him to be a year ago and logically would improve back in the two hole. Cliffy between Tran and Delgado couldn’t hurt. Not like there is a chance in Hell Willie will do it but fun to comprehend. Logic, no not on Willie’s Mets.

With Zambrano and his big bag against Hudson tomorrow it’s worth a shot.

And get a good night sleep Kaz, you deserve it buddy.

Thanks to Kate the hottie waitress and Fox and the Hound for the hospitality.

A Few Things...

2006-05-05T00:11:00.000-04:00

I think this is Joe, formerly of Nobody Cares about Joe. Anyway check him out, very funny.

I posted the Jose Valentin Experience earlier. In that style here is Willie's World and a Zambrano blog. I love this style of humor.

Great game tonight. I listened on the radio as I didn't have access to the SNY broadcast. Great game by Wright, I hope this is a hot streak. Glavine was fantastic. I can't believe I was so worried about the staff this offseason. If they stay health the future looks bright.

Sorry for the short post, but I will be providing in depth coverage this weekend as I am taking the time to watch Friday and Saturday's games in their entirety.

Sunday I will be at the Ballpark in Arlington to watched my adopted team take on the hated Evil Empire. I will be at batting practice to heckle Jeter and Arod. Sundays account of my experience and/or arrest on the Ranger Blog I co-write.

Be sure to keep checking back Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Have a great weekend.

Just a Quick Note

2006-05-03T17:36:00.000-04:00

I found this site via The Metropolitans. As my regular readers know I loathe Jose Valentin. With that in mind check out The Jose Valentin experience. It is too funny. What’s almost as funny are the comments from people who think it is really Jose’s blog. Go check it out for a laugh.

Then get ready for Pedro

It’s About Time

2006-05-03T00:21:00.000-04:00

It took only took Willie 188 games but he finally got Tossed. Welcome to the party Willie.

I have always thought that a more vocal Willie could better lead this team as well as help shed the image of the quiet, reserved manager that seems to be stoic, moving only to cast a disapproving scowl toward players who have made ill-advised plays. Willie may seem to skipper the team as such, but the players seem to have respect for him that would indicate animation that eluded such narcoleptic leaders such as Art Howe.

(188 games is from memory, I didn’t research- double check me)

I don’t have much to say about tonight’s game. As I stated before, I hate these 2 game series. I would love to get one more shot against the Nationals.

I know Oliver is only one of two left-handed relievers not named Wagner but this man cannot be allowed to keep taking the hill. He is a walking pitching machine. The organization has no faith in Heath Bell or Royce Ring but will let Oliver, no spring chicken, give up the long ball in middle innings on a nightly basis.

Jorge Julio seems to have gained some confidence and control but I cannot be comfortable with him until Oliver has given up a few runs and the outlook already looks bleak. It would make more sense to reverse their order of appearance regardless of the lefty-righty advantage that must be the lure of Oliver pitching in a game that is within reach.

At least Beltran looks somewhat healthy.

No Valentin tonght? What was he being rested for tomorrow’s game so he can take his three swings and sit down?

If, you haven't read Dave's latest piece regarding the Delmon Young imbroglio over at Mets Guy in Michigan, it is a great piece and a must read:

"...the fawning Yankee apologists in the media lauding Clemens’ “intensity” and implying that Piazza was a wuss for not charging the mound.

I assume that Piazza realized he was the best hitter on the team and getting tossed out during the first inning of a World Series game would hurt the Mets. That makes him smart."

It is a must read- check it out.

It's Pittsburgh at Shea tomorrow for another always exciting two game series as Petey goes for win number 6.

Dear God, cut Cliffy a break…please...

Let’s Go Mets!

(Oh, and if you are going to comment, please pick a screen name- post as anonymous if you must, but anyone offering a hot sports opinion should get the credit or defend themselves- whatever the case.)

A Nod to the Gods

2006-05-02T01:12:00.000-04:00

Not a pretty win tonight but it does the trick. Remember when the Mets lost those games? This year does feel very different. Maybe we suffered through enough of those awful errors and the Baseball Gods have dropped what ever grudge they were holding.

On to the game.

Wagner looked the best he ever has in a Mets uniform. I take him at his word that he starts slow. If that is what Wagner brings to the mound every night then he was worth every penny. The slider was nasty and the heaters came in at a Wagner-esque velocity.

Run harder next time Jose. Enough said.

I am really happy for Kaz; better late than never.

Delgado went deep again tonight when it mattered. Wow, that was a great trade. The fire sale Marlins aside, that was a burglary.

Zambrano wasn’t great and probably good enough to keep his spot one more start.

It was a tough night to be a hitter but I will take the W. I hate these two game series. We go for the 2 game sweep tomorrow.

Jose Valentin spares everyone to death again. Noble says Woody is Willie’s favorite and is “saving” him for a more important moment. He likes him so much that Willie never puts him in the game. I think we should cut Valentin and just play with 24. Valentin is a waste of a uniform.

I really don’t see Milledge coming up for anything but a catastrophe. Save that (knock on Woodward), I really hope Omar is glued to the waiver wire. Maybe a solid player out of options could be snatched from a careless team. This bench is way too barren to compete with the elite teams of the National League. Omar must have something up his sleeve.

If Jose Valentin was the answer, the question must have been “How can we come up short when it really counts?”

Righthander John Maine has been called up from Triple A Norfolk to start in the injured Brian Bannister's place. I can’t wait to see what Maine has to offer. His 2.63 ERA over four starts seem promising. I guess we find out if he was worth Mr. Anna Benson- we know Jorge Julio wasn’t.

Two Out of Three Aint Bad

2006-05-01T16:32:00.000-04:00

Wow, they are very beatable. Sure I would have loved to dance with a broom over my head but 2 out of 3 at Turner Field is nothing to sneeze at. They are not going to roll over but there is a chink in the armor of the unbeatable Braves.

The Braves have started out slow as usual and I am not foolish enough to think that the NL East race is over by any stretch of the imagination. It is much better to put some distance between us and the hated NL Tribe before they go on a tear rather than the last two seasons that saw us hang around with contention on the horizon only to see them take off like the Roadrunner as we implode.

A couple quick hits on this weeks series:

I hate to say I told you so about Darren Oliver but if inherited men on base are the proverbial fire consider Oliver the gasoline.

I watched Saturday night’s game broadcast on TBS. I don’t have SNY in Texas as it is available for around 90 bucks a month.

(If any Dish guys are reading this, a free set up with all the channels entitles you to an endless amount of free plugs- this is a free site not ESPN the mag.)

It was funny to listen to Sutton and Carey talk about the Mets with respect and fear in their voice. They both marveled at the team’s speed and kept saying, “these are not your father’s Mets.”-what ever that means. It was great to know those guys have to acknowledge that the East comes through us. Times have changed.

Is Valentin being played to up his trading value? I don’t think Beene is willing to swap Zito for Valentin no matter what kind of April/ May turnaround he may have. I know he got a hit in a key situation but I would have rather seen Woody or X-man in that situation.

Great throw on to second to get the Langerhans. That was a perfect throw. It’s great to have two catchers who could start on almost any team.

I am confident that those sharp liners and hard hit balls will fall for Cliffy once his luck changes. A little bit of a nod from the Baseball Gods and this guy will be on a tear.

Out of Atlanta feeling good for a change and back home to Shea to take on the Nats and Pit. Then maybe that elusive sweep on the Braves.

Let’s Go Mets!

Yes, my enthusiasm will fade at approximately 6:10 CST this evening as an Zambrano takes the mound.

Error-pants says I Love You

2006-04-26T23:12:00.000-04:00

I love David Wright, but this is unacceptable. I am so sick of the Mets refusing to “encourage” players to go on the DL. If David Wright is hurt the best thing to do is take a day off and if he needs more time of on the DL. I appreciate the enthusiasm and commitment to the team but he should go talk to Beltran and ask him how that strategy worked out last year.

The sudden propensity for errors at key times in games is disturbing. Every athlete can make an error and I expect David Wright to make more than his share of them. If today’s error is due to injury Wright is hurting his team’s chances to win.

Since when is Armando Benitez clutch this side of the new millennium?

Armando Benitez got out of a bases loaded jam.

Yeah, it feels funny to type it too.

The most unsettling part of today’s game was obviously Bannister going down on the base pads. I watched it a couple of times on MLB.com and it is impossible to determine how bad the injury is. Bannister is vital with to the already fragile rotation but with the youngster a definite part of the future rotation a trip to the 15 day disabled list is prudent if not necessary for the long-term health of the hurler’s career.

I think it is still too early to bring up Pelfrey no matter what success he has had thus far. I don’t think Heilman should be brought out of the pen to fill the starter’s role. If I had to speculate, my best guess would be that my old nemesis Darren Oliver will get the call if Bannister has to miss time.

I think that Lonestar Met favorite Royce Ring or Heath Bell should be brought up to bolster the pen if and when Beltran, Bannister, and Wright go on the DL.

With the apparent roster moves ahead maybe Jose Valentin will be handed his unconditional release.

Jose, take your .095 average and tell your story walkin.

If the Mets want to exercise reasonable caution keeping Milledge in the minors to tune his skills that is fine by me. I really don’t see why Jeff Keppenger can’t be called up. His .273 average is not exactly burning up the league, but anything is better than Valentin and his big bag of nothing.

So that no one accuses me of not offering solutions, here is my recap.
Beltran-DL
Bannister-DL
Wright- a day or two off
Valentin-bus ticket
Keppinger-Call up
Bell or Ring (you choose)- Call up
Diaz-.167 is not exactly Mini Manny-esque but he can fill a roster spot until Beltran is ready
Chavez-pray for health

I think Woody can handle third so Wright's aches and pains can subside.

This makes the Health of Pedro, Glavine and Trachsel vital to the 06 Mets chances this season. Despite the apparent melt down, Error-pants’ throw has not been reported in most reacaps, the bullpen looks to be one of the strong suits of this club. As long as Professor Rick can piece together a fairly competent rotation and those front line pitchers can get through six the Mets chances still look fairly good. I doubt that the “rotation tweak" may go by the wayside.

Using the past as an indicator of the future Zambrano’s next start should be redeeming, and probably good enough to keep him around another few starts.

Ugly win today, but at least we came back from the west coast with 2 series wins.

Nancy, the canine Mets fan would like to give her two cents regarding today's game:

Thanks Nancy.

Day off tomorrow for Wright to “heal” and it’s toe to toe with Atlanta. Chipper is healthy and to the looks of it well rested after today’s loss the Brewers. I hope Pedro and co. and knock that smug little look off his face.

I Don't Know What to Say...

2006-04-25T02:59:00.000-04:00

Wow, that was depressing. I hate California baseball. I am too tired and disappointed to analyze tonight’s game.

Instead I will let Nancy (named after Nancy Seaver of course), Lonestar Met’s guest commentator and the biggest canine Mets fan in Texas give you an overall analysis of her thoughts on tonight's game:

Thanks Nancy, I couldn’t have said it better.

Sorry for the short post; my lifeforce has been drained, Good night.

Man, I hate California.

Lonestar Met in the Big City

2006-04-22T19:23:00.000-04:00

Well good readers I have made my pilgrimage to the baseball Mecca know as New York City. I have to say that after a 21 year absence from the big Shea it seemed like a new experience.

First off, shame on everyone, especially those who sent me scathing emails regarding my fondness for Shea stadium, who has labeled Shea a dilapidated hole that was not worthy of baseball.

Shea Stadium is a marvelous place. Shea Stadium is not in as bad shape as some would have you believe. The orange seats facing odd directions are not as uncomfortable as some would have you believe, nor is the plumbing in sad shape.

Shea Stadium is a wonderful stadium and although few will admit, will be missed in 2009.

The biggest complaint I have about Shea is that god awful Our Team, Our Time song. It hurts my ears and is obnoxious. I hope the team ditches the song and let an existing song be naturally adopted ala L.A. Woman.

I liked The Teamwork to Make the Dream Work song from 86. But my opinion of sports rap songs is the same as my opinion of Tom Cruise;

It was really cool in 1986 but now a huge embarrassment that no one can relate to.

The Diamond club has two of the greatest things I have ever seen

And also one of the most puzzling:

If anyone has any idea why this is next to the World Series trophies please feel free to pipe up in the comment section.

There was also a bust of my hero:

Thanks to my better half for the Tickets to Gotham, and thanks to my brother, Mikey, my brother for the passes to the Diamond Club.

The best thing about Shea Stadium is the atmosphere. Not only is everyone knowledgable; everyone is passionate. One of the best baseball experiences in my life was Pedro’s 200th win. The pinacle of the game was Metallica cranking up and Wagner pitching the 9th. Shea is a fantastic place for baseball and I will be visiting again soon.

Thanks for the memories New York, the Big Apple is baseball at its finest.

I think I'm Going Crazy...

2006-04-21T23:44:00.000-04:00

I took my temperature and pulse. I seem to be ok physically but I know something is wrong with me. I went to see an MD and the good doctor said I wasn’t suffering from dementia or schizophrenia. I tried to have myself committed but they wouldn’t hold me. I seem to be fine physically and mentally according to today modern medicine. I have no degree in psychology or medicine but I know something was wrong with me. I know I am going crazy.

How do I know, you ask?

Because up is down, left is right. Ice is hot and fire is cold.

I know this because I can't find anything wrong with Willie Randolph's managerial performance.

I actually agree with Willie Randolph’s game management.

I actually agree with Willie's use of the bullpen.

Loyal readers to this site will agree that I have gone mad.

Seriously, the suicide squeeze Willie pulled last night was a ballsy yet brilliant move. I haven’t seen that in a while but Willie took a calculated risk and it paid off. That was something a smart, tactically savvy major league manager does, not Willie Randolph- but it was Willie. I think it was a good idea to put in Julio with a big lead like that to get some confidence. As a matter of fact, I think, as a whole, Willie has handled the bullpen superbly.

The only gripe I can muster is the 3-4 order in the lineup with out Beltran. Would it kill him to try Wright in the 3 hole? Of course, that is nit-picking, mostly insignificant and at most, a minor annoyance. So the very worst I can say Willie has done wrong- he slightly annoyed me.

I can live with that.

What is frustrating is player development.

Keppinger is still in triple A.

I love Ahearn and wish him a speedy recovery.

I love Woody.

I like Kaz and wish him luck, but last night’s inside-the- parker doesn’t have me convinced he will change his old ways.

Kepp needs to get some MLB experience in case Kaz gets his usual hamstring-back-whatever injury- we are going to need him.

I like Endy Chavez as a bench guy but not as an everyday centerfielder. I know many will say I need patience, but can we not spare a cup of coffee for Milledge while on the west coast? I am not saying he needs to be an everyday outfielder, but let the kid at least see what it’s like in the bigs- just a peek. For God's sake it won't even be in New York. It is still early and there is no presure of a pennant race. Has he not earned it? I cant watch Valentin and Chavez for how ever long Cliffy and Beltran are on the MASH unit.

I apologize for my absence this week, but I have been out of town on important Lonestar Mets business with some very good people in a very good city.

Those of you that read this, and I’m talking to all four of you, I have been planning my trip to the baseball Mecca to see the Amazins. I am preparing an outsider’s look in at what it is like to watch the Mets live from their own friendly, and on Tuesday night’s occasion unfriendly, confines. I have some cool pictures, observations and points of view that native inhabitants might find interesting- and some puzzling questions some in the know may solve for me. Check back tomorrow for the Braves – Mets piece.

In the mean time, I will enjoy tonight’s game against San Diego and marvel at this Willie Randolph Renaissance, wonder about the meaning of life or the sound of one hand clapping, or tree’s falling in a vacant forest.

Anything but try to figure out the reasoning for the first.

Or maybe I should get a second opinion.

Bloodletting

2006-04-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

It is time to send Julio to Hell, or Norfolk, or the unemployment office. Unconditional release sounds about right. I know the organization wants to maintain Kris Benson was traded for a reason not named Anna, but can we pretend the trade was for Maine? I guess we were out of the game when Julio came in but can we make at least an effort? The guy doesn’t belong on a MLB roster, much less a contender. He does have a live arm but wouldn’t the team be better served having Heath Bell or Royce Ring with the club to pitch non-essential innings?

Random thought: If the guy from Husltle and Flow were to state, "John Maine is my main man I met in Maine." would he then say, "John Maine is my Maine Maine I met in Maine?"

Oliver has been surprisingly effective so far in not getting completely decimated. I experienced Oliver in his three stints as a Ranger first hand and witnessed his painful outings. He may be a positive addition to this year’s team, but I’m watching him. The .180 era may seem nice but I have seen all too well the Homeruns this guy can give up. Be ready for more Oliver educed homers in the future as I project this to me the first of many.

I know we can’t win all 162 and we have to lose sometime. I hope today’s game was just a natural event in the season and not a sign of Trachsel and the pen’s future performances. Win tomorrow and I will stop worrying until I find another thing to worry about.

Funny, that I am depressed about ending a 7 game win streak. Expectations are high and nothing short of the division seems acceptable this year. Lets start another 7 game streak Sunday.

This will be my last post for a few days as I am traveling to the Big Apple to see our beloved ballclub. For those of you who don’t know:

Delta and the union provided no details in disclosing the agreement yesterday. The union's top council still must decide whether to send it to Delta's 5,930 pilots for a vote, the Air Line Pilots Association said. The contract is subject to bankruptcy court approval.
The accord kept a strike from disrupting travel next week after the Easter holiday.
The agreement will allow Mets fans from Texas will be able to fly to LaGuardia for their first game in 21 years.

Thanks to Greg for the report

Trivia question: Who was the last National League Pitcher to win 30 or more games in a season?

Answer in comments and the winner receives a 52-inch Plasma TV- or a congratulations from Lonestar Met.

The first test of the season is Monday for the Amazins and Lonestar Met will be there to give you a first hand account of every run, hit, error, and illogical blunder by Randolph. I am bittersweet about Chipper not playing; I know what he is capable of in Shea but also have some choice pleasantries to hurl at the metro-sexual third baseman. I am sure 34% of my readers agree.

So, good readers, I am taking a much deserved leave of absence from my everyday comings and goings in Texas to explore Gotham City.

I'm Not Sure How To Feel...

2006-04-13T02:44:00.000-04:00

I am not sure how to feel.

6-1?

Who could ask for anything more, right? Something feels wrong as I can’t even criticize Willie Randolph. I know as Mets fans we feel it’s our duty to criticize our manager’s breakfast selection:

Cheerios over Fruit Loops? Come on, Willie. You always go with Fruit Loops over Cheerios, unless there’s fruit. Geez, this guy doesn’t even belong at the breakfast table.

Great effort today. Pedro has made me ready to stop worrying about the toe. A three hit gem with a great bases loaded no out jam. David Wright is still great .444; a double and triple. Reyes looks to be becoming the premier leadoff man in the league we always knew he could be; hitting .333 and Beltran seems to have found his form.

So what’s my problem? When are things going to go wrong?

I’m sorry but the team looks solid thus far and Omar’s plan seems to be coming together. The Zambrano start may be ugly, but with Bannister showing promise it couldn’t be too bad.

I should just shut up and enjoy the great start, right?

I am a Mets fan; I can’t.
When will the good go bad?
This can’t last, I know it.

Almost as much as I knew Greg Jefferies was a cant miss hall of famer. As much as I knew that Generation K would be the next Seaver, Koosman and Ryan. I knew Bret Saberhagen would get us back to the playoffs. Kevin McReynolds would be better than Straw, who we didn’t need anyway. The Dodgers will never beat us in the playoffs. How good could Cone really be? I mean he sure as hell won’t throw a perfect game.

I know this team will tank eventually. They are not as good as they look.

It is in my blood. I am a Mets fan. Discounting the 99 and 00 years where we were always an outside shot anyway, the last 17 years have brought nothing but mistrust, disillusionment and disappointment. How can I not be skeptical?

With that disclaimer stated, things at least feel different then before, we may be the team to beat. I guess we will know if this thing is for real April 17th.

I’m not sure why but the feeling of impending doom seems to be at our doorstep.

I hope I am wrong as usual.

Off Days Suck

2006-04-10T21:46:00.000-04:00

It’s an off day for out boys in Queens as we travel to D.C. to take on the newly hated Nats. I don’t know how my fellow fans feel but I love a heated beanball series. Maybe it’s a distraction but man is it fun to watch.

By this time next week I will (unless the Delta pilot strike thwarts my efforts) make my triumphant return to Shea Stadium. I know some have portrayed her to a baseball sewer but I am excited to return to the home of our beloved Mets.

Look for me on TV. I am taller but I should be easy to spot as I will be the guy in the Mets Hat

By the way if you get a second check out a cool new site at Brooklyn Met Fan. He has some new ideas, great art and Mets pics. Take a look around. I love the Yankee Hate Corner. I wish I would have thought of it first. Great stuff.

That’s all for today, look forward to see the events of tomorrow’s battle.

First Place, Baby!

2006-04-09T18:49:00.000-04:00

Wow, fantastic. I had to listen on the radio today, but an exciting game none the less. I am stoked about the '06 season. I know I should slow down on the enthusiasm as my good friend Greg pointed out over at Faith and Fear. I know its only the Fish and Nats.

You never knocked me down, Ray.

The only unpleasantness so far was the blow save/ Julio implosion. That guy does seem like the second coming for Armando Benitez. Well, at least he is not a closer and we will need a guy for mop up time. Other than that we haven’t been really beaten by teams we should have beat.

I know every great analysis of David Wright has already been written but he is so clutch. If he is not a starting All-Star this season the Major League Baseball fans should be ashamed of themselves. I just found David Wright's Blog. Have a look and see what you think.

Beltran came up with another hit today. I hate to give credit when credit is not due but I am confident that he will deliver what he was signed to do a year ago. Cut him some slack and let him find his form, Mets fans. Beltran’s a gamer.

You have got to love how Tommy G has taken on the role of Ace thus far. I am reassured by Pedro’s first outing and maybe the toe is fine. In the mean time Glavine seems to be handling the role of big game pitcher. I may be old school but I love a pitchers duel.

Ahearn showed some adeptness with the wood today going 2-3 on the day and both potentially big hits. Why are we carrying Valentin? Seems bench players should be able to bunt a runner over. At any rate, I think Ahearn will be a contributor to this year's team.

The bullpen seems to be in better condition than I originally assessed. Sanchez appears to be shaping up into a solid set-up man. Wagner seemed solid if we are to believe his “I always start the season slow” disclaimer. I think he will be his old 98 mph self by May.

I don’t know about the scouting report on Delgado. Before the season I read everywhere that Delgado’s first base defensive capabilities rival Mike Piazza’s. Los will be just fine.

On a personal note, I am supposed to be at Shea for the series with the braves next week. I hear Delta may have a pilot strike the day of my flight. Great. If any pilot union officials read my site, delay the strike until I get back. I have great seats. If I am in attendance, I will witness, in my opinion, the real test of the 06 Mets.

Check the poll to you right, Chipper is man most hated by Lonestar Met Readers. The most intelligent readers in baseball.

I know we, as Mets fans expect the worst and hope for the best. Will all apologies to Faith and Fear and throwing historical history to the wind. Lonestar Met will bask in the glory of first place.

At least for this Sunday afternoon anyway.

Lets Go Mets

'Tran and Julio down in the Dugout

2006-04-07T01:44:00.000-04:00

I would like to take back the negative things I have printed here regarding Julio Franco. Thank God for Julio Franco. I was wrong; worth the 2 mil.

That said- Is Beltran out of his ever lovin mind?

When they give you the curtain call, you take the effin' curtain call.

Does this guy want to be booed? Come on, man. I feel uncomfortable when this guy comes to the plate. I am not going to go off on a tangent either way on the "boo not to boo" issue. I want to like the guy. When the fans turn, it gets really ugly. Ask Alomar, Bonilla, Cedeno... I wonder if I could go from A to Z?

He'd rather sulk than accept curtain call at shea? Geez, is Rey Ordonez his PR guy? Maybe he should pretend to not speak English. Maybe piss off Pearlman.

You're on the Big Stage Carlos- We want to like you.

I hate to see this turn ugly. Thank God for Franco. (did i already say that?)

Does Carlos want to be regarded as this guy?

The young fella on the left is your favorite Mets writer and the man on the right is the Mighty Kong.

Otherwise entertaining game and congrats Tran. The first one’s easy. We expect 30 more - you're not in Houston anymore. Make us proud.

(sorry to dwell on that but I really want to see him become a Star in Gotham)

By the way, could Shea have any worse music during the game? Yuck! Please throw away the best of 90's fad music along with the stupid batting helmets.

You gotta love the way David Wright handled the retaliation knockdowns, just get on. The guy should have an outstanding season. He just keeps getting better with every game.

Lo Duca doesnt seem to be handling the 2 hole very well. I love the guy's attitude but maybe Xman could handle the role better for now. More analysis on that to come.

Anyway, Pedro looked well enough to give us a season. I'm not sure the beanball war was smart but at least we got out with the W.

Now, if Pedro only had an entrance song...

Hey win our series and we'll go to the playoffs.

Bring on the fish.

Sorry for the short post but more to come soon.

(There will be a story regarding the Mighty Kong in the near future.)

Undone!

2006-04-06T00:06:00.000-04:00

Fire one up and you toss one down
Everybody knows you been downtown
Been downtown late last night
Busted your head in a barroom fight
Fightin’ with your brother fightin’ with your wife
Seems you been fightin’ every day of your life
Can’t stand still, still can’t run
You put it all together but it came undone
Robert Earl Keen

Honestly I don’t know what to say. It went so good until it went so bad.

But it’s only 2 of 162. Bannister looked great for his first outing. Ahearn looks pretty solid with the leather; the bat should come around. The trade for Nady doesn't seem so bad any more does it? Blown saves happen to the best of them, even Wagner. Long way to go till it’s all over.

Anyone else glad it was Lo Duca at the plate with the game on the line? If it was Beltran it could have gotten really ugly.

I’m not going to get bogged down or judge the season on one game. I will say Jorge Julio’s first outing in the blue and orange didn’t instill much confidence. Anybody can have a bad outing but the scouting reports started creeping into the back of my mind.

Flat slider, straight fastball, emotional head case on the mound.

Just hope it's an anomaly. Other wise he can get in the boat and go fishing with Fredo Corleone and Braden Looper in Mets fans eyes.

Damn you, Anna Benson.

I can't even blame this on Willie to comfort myself.

But Pedro is up tomorrow and that should be a telling tale of the next 160. Win every series and we should wind up in the playoffs.

Let go Mets

Jive Talkin

2006-04-04T01:18:00.000-04:00

I am proud to say that I used a vacation day to watch opening day at the big Shea. Not much firepower for what everyone expected. It’s only one game but Delgado and Beltran 0-fer? Not the way to start the season off with a bang.

I figure everybody and their dog will be reviewing the game so I will bring to you, fair reader, some random thoughts:

How the Hell did Lo Duca’s glove come off on that stolen base?

Looks like Soriano didn’t have much trouble at Shea.

Ahearn seems undisciplined at the plate but solid at second.

Is Tommy G going to be our big hit guy this season?

Put the load on Wright’s back- he can handle it.

Who else is tired of Clemens and his big bag? Sign or retire- get on with it man.

Who else feels better with Wagner on the mound in the 9th? Not like Pittsburg last year. ( I would post a link but honestly- it’s still to painful)

And finally, I had to watch the game with no sound as Bobby V’s put the sound on the Rangers broadcast. Although I had no call of the action, during the play from Floyd to Reyes to Lo Duca, did any one else think:

"Now their gonna wave Rice in, Mookies got a chance to get him, to Carter, he is…out at the plate." - Vin Scully

Quick note

2006-04-01T23:45:00.000-05:00

I know I said I would not post again until opening day, but I just got back from the Ballpark in Arlington (or what ever it's called now) for the Marlins @ Rangers pre-season game. I got to speak to Mike Jacobs.

I wished him good luck and asked, "You're gonna make us pay this year aren't you?"
He just grinned and gave a nod.

Kind of cool- thought you would want to know.

More on Monday.

Last Post Before the Season Starts

2006-04-01T00:10:00.000-05:00

We will be underway Monday against WASH. I chose to use a vacation day to watch the game from the sports bar. I think Opening Day should be a national holiday. The only people allowed to work should be Bartenders, waitresses, and baseball essential personnel.

I heard a Doug Stanhope routine about the Yankees. Stanhope said that unless you are betting on the game you should be ashamed to root for the Yankees. If you have that much lack of character that you cant take a risk, you might as well go to a casino, stand behind the dealer and yell: “Yeah @$$hole, how’d you like how the dealer busted you on that hand, jerk off?”

Funny stuff yet equally hateful towards the evil empire

Anna and Kris Benson divorced?
Wow they seem like such normal people. Not much to say there except why couldn’t this happen 5 months ago. It’s hard to say what would have happened because my opinion of Kris has changed so much since then but it should have made Benson easier to trade and get someone decent for him. To be honest I never liked Anna and quite frankly- she’s not that hot.
Looking at the matter in a non-Mets related way, I think that this will be the best thing that ever happened to Kris and the end of Anna’s “career.” Without her nonsense Kris may turn into the pitcher everyone thought he was going to be. For Anna she will be always be the third rate celebrity, annoying personality, whore we all knew she would be. With out the "Baseball's hottest wife" tag she won't be much of a story anymore.

Lastly, I got my 86 anniversary DVD set I’ve been waiting for and it is fantastic. From what I can tell this was filmed sometime ago as I’ve seen some of the interviews on other baseball highlight films. However, the interviews with Keith, Knight, and Dykstra were pretty enlightening regarding the mindset of the players. Mookie and Carter essentially repeated earlier interviews. The “home movie” style footage from the clubhouse provides the experience that simulates what it was like to win a series. there is a series highlight portion with a narrarator and music that will bring a tear to any real Mets fans eye. For those of us that have it burned into our memories the game footage has no real surprises. It is fun to watch game footage in its entirety. No score or count at the corner of the screen. No morons with cell phones waving to the camera. One of the best surprises was footage of Piazza asking Mookie if he would have beat Buckner to the bag. Neither one seemed to know the camera was on them so the exchange is genuine and unrehearsed.

Great DVD set and hightime something that highlights the Mets success and gritty determination rather than the “curse of the Red Sox” explanation. The curse thing is tired and worn out anyway. A great testament to the Powerhouse 1986 world champion Mets.
I am glad the organization is finally ready to embrace the 86 team and honor what was.

I just hope 20 years later we can do it again. Here we go - LETS GO METS!

Little roller up along first, behind the bag, it gets through buckner, here comes Knight and the Mets win it!- Vin Scully October 25, 1986

Be Bold, Be Bland

2006-03-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

As I and others have speculated, Aaron Hielman has been moved back to the pen. He was quoted as saying:

Said Heilman: "I don't think there's anything more really I can do to plead my case. I would certainly be disappointed. I feel like I've done everything I can do."
Heilman pledged not to be disruptive if he pitches in relief. "I feel more comfortable when I'm in a routine and I have a schedule," Heilman said. "Is it to say that I'm not going to be a reliever at some point in my career? No. But I'd like to give starting a wholehearted try before I'm in the bullpen. I went to the bullpen last year not because I pitched badly. It was because they needed me there. Was I happy about it? No. Am I going to go down there and do my job? Yeah. It doesn't behoove anybody to go down there and pitch poorly."

Anyone else find this a bit disconcerting? That’s not the quote I want to hear out of Heilman. Don’t misunderstand me; I know the man is disappointed after putting on a great performance this spring. But, this whole "I want to be a starter" routine to the media has always sat funny with me. I originally thought this was cooked up by his agent. Aparently not.

Readers of this blog know that I am no fan of Willie Randolph but should that where Heilman should address his thoughts. Adam Rubin, Marty Noble and Bob Klapisch don’t make the decisions on the Mets. Some say they do but ultimately the 3 last names that call the shots are Randolph, Minaya, and Wilpon. Aaron your welcome to call me and complain but it won’t change a thing and you won’t find a sympathetic ear.

Again don’t understand me; Heilman has done an excellent job and probably deserves a shot but if he is sulking around the clubhouse it could cause feelings of content around the team. I mean we traded Benson to get rid of such dangers. We need Hielman in the pen. He should recognize his absence in tight situations when the change is most effective is key to a successful season. Would you rather be a reliever in New York or a starter in Kansas City. I just hope I'm knitpicking and that he feels bad today and better tomorrow.

According to my friend at Mets Planet Royce Ring has been sent to AAA. It’s still a cool name to say.

Trachsel is boring, maybe he wouldn’t mind changing his name to Royce Ring.

Then there is this from Sports blog from John Rocker:

You’re old teammate Tom Glavine is a Met. Doesn’t that make you root for them on the days he pitches?
That’s a reason I wouldn’t want to play for the Mets. Tom’s a jackass. You can quote me on that.
What’s that all about?
With the Braves, Tom always had a chip on his shoulder. He acted like he was better than everyone else. He wasn’t passionate about anything — just a very vanilla personality.

I’m not shocked at what Rocker said. Nothing that guy says could surprise me. But why he is still being interviewed is a mystery to me. The guy hasn’t been relevant since 2000. I heard he was on some reality show which also comes as no surprise. This guy is the Tonya Harding of Baseball. Maybe celebrity boxing is next.

I was asked recently who I disliked on the team and for the first time in a long while I couldn’t think of anyone on this roster I don’t care for. No Williams, no Offerman, no Cairo or Stanton. Thank you Omar If anyone does have a current Met please post a comment just to satisfy my curiosity. I would like to exclude Randolph as I think that by being Mets fans that goes without saying.

Opening Day is less than a week away.

LETS GO METS

Omar, You Magnificent Bastard- I Read Your Book

2006-03-27T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well the news today eased my worries over The 2006 Mets.

I dont have the time to post links today. Look them up yourself. Its the usual New York Papers.

If most reports are accurate the rotation will be:
Petey
Galvine
Trachsel
Zambrano
Bannister
Heilman may have made a successful starter but it really isn’t whats best for the team. If Glavine hangs em up after this season maybe Aaron can try again. Hielman will most likey be dealt in trade for someone, Zito maybe, at the deadline unless the starters stay healthy. If Zito can be acquired for a draft pick in late November I can wait if it means hanging on to Hielman. The one draw back I see here is Heath Bell will most likely be demoted. I like Bell and would like to see him have a fair shot. I hope Royce Ring makes it out of camp with the team.

I have been waiting to see the guy in the pen for a few years now. Plus Royce Ring is fun to say. Try it.

Ahearn looks to be the starting second baseman. Good for Ahearn, but I really would have like to see Jeff Keppinger get a fair shake at second.

Sorry Jeff, we don’t mind signing a 47 year old to a two year deal, but we wont take a shot at a young guy in a position we were weak at to begin with because, well that would just make too much sense and Willie ball by definition doesn’t make sense. Now shave those sideburns.

Pedro reportedly looked good during a 35 pitch appearance allowing no runs, allowing one hit, striking out two and walking one. The appearance makes me think that Pedro will be Pedro and find a way to get it done. If a health Pedro is ready on Saturday April 8th (Gary Carter’s Birthday) the Mets will find themselves in good position to dethrone the hated Braves.

Dave in Michigan has an amusing analogy regarding varmints and the Braves. Very funny.

Also this is a good site that is getting started and honestly needs the hits- Tell your friends.

Oh, and Joe is back. Joe doesn’t really care about baseball but since no body cares about Joe I guess that’s fair. Go read his site. If you have a warped sense of humor like mine it will make you laugh out loud. I don’t know Joe since there is no way to contact him. Joe if you stop by buddy, shoot me an email.

Quick Hits

2006-03-23T18:30:00.000-05:00

In an obvious and quite frankly pathetic move to curry favor with Lonestar Met, USA Today Sports Weakly has placed David Wright on the cover and placed a Pedro tease in the margin. Seems they fear the power of this blog. Well to little to late USA today, the vast readership of Lonestar Met is not fooled at your transparent move to break our boycott.

In a related story it seems Randolph too has heeded the advise of yours truly by uncharitaristicly contemplating his Lineup.

Listen to me Willie and we will clinch the east in August.

Looking at the injury report it almost seems easier to name who isn’t hurt, sick or hobbled.
Pedro- toe
Delgado- elbow
Wagner- Finger
Lo Duca – Hand
Padilla – reconstructive surgery
Matsui (like it matters) Knee
Beltran – Flu
One hell of a MASH unit. Just hope we get over them now rather than September.

Shari has a review of The Last Nine Innings over at The Number 7 Train.

Lonestar Met is planning to review this book if they can manage to get it to me. I’m not sure who to blame here because nothing ever gets shipped to me on time. I think the Mail man is out to get me.

I actually got to 4,000 hits.

Sorry for the short post but that’s all for now. Check back later.

Stadium Talk

2006-03-23T17:10:00.000-05:00

****************ADDED NOTE**************
I'm not sure what the new stadium is going to be called. According to the Readership here at Lonestar Met, 38% of the readers think the Mets new stadium should be called "Derek Jeter Sucks Stadium." I can't say I Disagree with that sentiment but the second most popular "Gil Hodges Stadium" came in with 17% and (I assume) that would placate the Dodger fans while not angering me by naming it after someone who never worked or played for the Mets.

********************************************

Before you start composing your hate Email let me issue a Disclaimer:

I am well aware that the Mets wear Giant orange and Dodger blue for the respective teams.

I am well aware that the Dodgers and Giants once played in New York

I have been to Shea stadium, I am from New Jersey

I have read all the books and I know how the team was formed.
Its Ridiculous, kay? Stop saying that I don't know Mets History Don’t email with those topics. This is not aimed at people of any certain age.

End of disclaimer

There is alot of talk around about the new staduim and I just wanted to weigh in one more time.

Why? I don't know I like hate email I guess

Wait dont hit the compose button yet!

READ VERY CAREFULLY

I am not saying, nor have I ever said, nor will I ever say that the Mets shouldn't build a new stadium. Not against a new park. I also never said now or previously a replica should be built of Shea Stadium.

I'll wait while you read that again......

Moving on.

From the Daily News:
According to a plan submitted to the Empire State Development Corp., the exterior will be reddish-brown brick and limestone, with concrete arches and exposed steel included to resemble bridges. The stadium would open to provide a view of the northern end of Willets Point.
A restaurant in left field, enclosed with glass, will be available for season-ticket holders, while a second restaurant will be located in the upper level behind home plate. Plans also call for the three-deck stadium to include suites behind home plate, below the main concourse.
Among the other features touted by the Mets:

Wider seats angled toward the infield, and more leg room.

A main concourse that encircles the stadium.

A rotunda at the entrance reminiscent of Ebbets Field, the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

All sounds great. except one thing.

A rotunda at the entrance reminiscent of Ebbets Field, the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

I am a young piss head and have posted my objections regarding an "Ode to the Dodgers" I have received hate email from your old farts griping that I should respect NY baseball.

We already pay tribute to the Dodgers and Giants. Wearing orange and Blue is tribute enough.

There is great history at Shea and I can’t figure out why you old fogies are not proud of it. I too saw my first game at Shea and think it a tragedy if we have nothing to remind us of it.

Yay new park.

Just thought an oversized apple might be nice. Maybe something to do with oh I don't know... the team that plays 81 games a season there. Maybe something to do with 86 and 69.

I hate the Dodgers.

There I said it.

Hate 'em good. Hate 'em Long. Hate 'em Hard.

Any of you senile old bastards remember 1988? Still hurts a little dosen't it?

Anybody else take a while to not hate Bulldog in 1999? Let go of the Brooklyn Dodgers- they live in LA now; they left, they are not coming back and they don't love you anymore.

and do you know what else?

We play them 7 times this season.

Should we lose all 7 games to acknowledge history?

Maybe the Dodgers will build a ballpark to remind us of Shea.

I look forward to reading your emails.

By the way, I am in Gotham for the Braves in April. See ya there!

My Pal Al

2006-03-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

I wasn’t going to write anything about the retirement of Leiter’s retirement. I usually have a rule not to “Eulogize” anyone until they have been gone for a year. My collegues have been pretty hard on Al. Both Greg and Metstradamus have are great reads as always. Metstradamus never disappoints in his rants.

“Mets network. If I want to be lied to, I'll subpoena Rafael Palmeiro.”

Great line. I wish I would have thought of that first.

Back to my pal Al. Yeah Al’s act got a little old at the end. Yeah Al seemed to have a role as Player/GM. Yeah Al finished as a Yankee. And yeah, he may have lobbied to keep Delgado out of New York last year. As Greg put it:

“…we liked Al, really liked Al even if we (or least I) never quite loved him”

But what about October of 1999 when all pitched a gem to send us on to Arizona? Not that he was Seaver or Kooseman. I think a lot of us are a little annoyed by Al’s antics toward the end but he is one of the great Met pitchers of the late 90’s.

Lonestar Met would like to say. “So long Al and thanks for the memories”

Moving on, I was horrified to read this.

Great Wagner is broken too? The Noble does include:
Wagner said that he had never experienced the problem, but he did have similar symptoms with the Phillies in 2004, when he missed relatively little time.
"I'm sure if this were the regular season, they could create some kind of concoction to let me throw."
Not catastrophic but the one guy without a question mark in the pen with problems in his throwing appendage is never comforting.

Cerrone has all kinds of rumors floating around about trading for Soriano. I don’t think I’m going too far out on a limb to say that this would be horrendous. I’ve never been a Soriano fan but neither Nady, Diaz or Heilman do not match value for a deranged second baseman with inflated numbers and a hole in his glove.

I did have an idea for a trade that may be fair and not enrage Mets fans.

Offer Matsui for Soriano even up.

We should get to screw someone via trade every once in a while.

Besides, I'm sure Kaz will try leftfield...

Threadbare Life Advise and Public Grandstanding

2006-03-16T08:23:00.000-05:00

I would not have found this article if Jason over at Faith and Fear did not mention it. It appeared in the Kansas City Star entitled Royals fan, hope is a good thing. The article is in response to a young Royals fan that wrote in detailing his love of his team and the mockery he endures from peers who choose to root for the Yankees, Red Sox, and Etc. Joe Posnanski writes a lovely piece in respect to youth and the wonders of being a young fan:

Yes, it is hard being a Royals fan in these troubled times. But, take comfort in this: You are doing the right thing. Yes, as you say, some of your Kansas City friends take the easy route and choose the Yankees or Red Sox or Cardinals as their favorite teams. My dear friend, you will run into these kinds of people all your life. They will cut you off on highways. They will go through the 12-items-and-under supermarket lane with enough food to feed the Three Tenors. They will push their airline seats all the way back into your pelvis on overseas flights.
You are different. You write, “I will love the Royals, no matter what.” You are worth so much more than the kid who ran out to pick up a Chicago White Sox hat last year.

And in conclusion:

When you get older you might lose some of your hope. It happens. There is something about the years that is hard to explain to a 10-year-old. You start complaining that the owner doesn’t spend enough money and the general manager is dumb and the star player doesn’t care. You might even grow so discouraged that you stop caring at all.
I wish this for you: That you will never lose your hope. You’re right. Angel Berroa might win the Gold Glove this year. Runelvys Hernandez might win 20 games. Emil Brown could hit 30 home runs. The Royals are going to win the American League Central this year. Hold on to that. We have no shortage of cynical fans in this world. And if you don’t know what the word “cynical” means, I would ask you not to look it up. You don’t need to know yet.

While I usually distain the open letter form of communication as it is usually a vehicle for threadbare life advice and public grandstanding, I take a deviation from my policy as Joe McCheese’s story did not delve into the potential extent of cynical the young fan should brace for. If I may, I would like to expand on Jason's thought's regarding a common bond with this young royal fan. Jason is a better writer that I am and does not right an open letter. I do. Jason goes back to the late 70's. I won't go back quite as far...

Oh, and to rip off Jason a little more, I will add a disclaimer:
I too admire the young fan and agree with the assessment and advice offered.
End of disclaimer
But, I have some more bittersweet news for the youngster:

Son, let me tell you something. Someday your Royals will put together a season for the ages. Your beloved Royals will be a force to be reckoned with in the AL. They will achieve a postseason birth and possibly a World Title. It’s then that you will truly know the meaning of the word “cynical.” You won’t notice at first as you will be engulfed in a euphoria we all dream of in March but rarely see in September. You will be wrapped in the game and the pennant race.
But you will slowly start to notice them. You will see another baseball enthusiast dressed in your team’s garb. He will look familiar but you won’t be able to put your finger on where you know him from. You will examine him closer:

He will be wearing a Royals hat.

It will be much cleaner than yours. The bill will be flat.

It will look brand new.

It will appear that way because it IS brand new.

It will hit you that you indeed know that man. He will be the same Yankee/Cardinal/Red Sox fan that chided you years past. You will think, “Is this a joke, did he lose a bet?” When you demand an explanation he will say, “I’ve always been a Royals, fan. I’ve liked them since they had George Brett.” You will have this experience dozens, neigh hundreds, neigh thousands of times and you realize the parasites that occupy Yankee/Cardinal/Red Sox hats have contaminated your beloved team. They will all be Royal fans. They will sit in the seats you usually sit in. You will sit in a third deck/ obstructed view/ outfield seat and remember what Bill Veeck said:

“I have discovered in 20 years of moving around a ballpark, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats.”

You will have to tolerate this charade and it will be bearable as your Royals are on their way to being World Champs. It will be an exciting series, maybe seven games.

Then things start to go into a decline. Your team will mismanage its talent. For instance, your Series MVP will go to another team the next year. It will be revealed that your staff ace has a substance abuse problem. They will make another run at a Title and fall short. The management will release your favorite catcher and the team will make a puzzling trade that will send your favorite outfielder and a reliable reliever for a second basemen who will be assigned to the outfield. Your team will slowly dive in to mediocrity and plummet to rock bottom. The team will expand its payroll to stop the bleeding. They will bring in quick fix free agents in an ineffective attempt to halt the decline.
It won’t help.
It will probably hurt.
You will feel cold, frustrated, and very, very alone.

Coincidently you will be alone.

What about all those “new fans” you’ve met and grudgingly accepted as brethren?

They’ve moved on to another team once maybe twice by now.

How do I know this?

It happened to me, son I was there! I got scars, kid.

What solace can you take that will ease you through that awful transition? The cycle will start all over and the same events (or some similar, say your GM fires one of the best managers of all time after he turned the team into a contender) will occur afain.

The names will all be different and the details will change with the result the same.

Next time around all you can say to the johnny-come-lately bandwagon hoppers on the way up is:

“Some of us never left.”

How’s that for a definition of the word “cynical?”

I Was Robbed!

2006-03-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

Well the Times, Daily News and the New York Post have all taken a cue from me and started wrote Bannister stories. At least give me credit guys. None source the secret audio.

I wonder why?

Any way The Daily News did quote Willie as saying:

“Bannister still needs to make this club, so I'm not going to get ahead of myself with all that," Willie Randolph said. "I have liked what I've seen from (Bannister) all spring. If he continues to pitch well, obviously he has a chance."

Just wondering, Willie, is it a real chance or a Jeff Keppinger chance? I can't wait to buy my Keppinger Texas Ranger jersey.

I still maintain that the best move for this club would be Heilman to the Pen and let Bannister take the 5th starter spot. I said it yesterday(of course no one read it except of course the Daily, News, Times, and Post.)

Just goes to show you fair reader, don't pay for the paper when Lonestar Met reports it first-for free!

Do your own work guys!

Sorry for the short post- more to come later.

Bullpen Woes

2006-03-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

First Im not the first person to ever write this but Gooden Arrested…again and I probably wont be the last either so Lonestar Met would like to issue the following advise to Dwight “Doc” Gooden:

STOP BREAKING THE LAW!

Doc you will be surprised how much less time you spend in jail when you obey it. Sorry, just though you would figure it out by now.

Now that it is clear that Juan Padilla will be out with Tommy John Surgery, the Mets bullpen situation looks even shakier than it did last week. Jorge Julio’s absence from Met camp will prevent Professor Rick from tinkering with his mechanics. I doubt he will return to 2002 form: 1.99 ERA. The Duaner’s ERA to Righties doesn’t help the Mets problems. I’m not sure what the Mets will do.

We here at Lonestar Met have bugged Willie’s office to see if we could find out what the Mets were planning to do about the Bullpen. The following was transcribed from recording equipment placed in the Mets clubhouse. Willie Randolph, Omar Minaya, and Rick Peterson are in the room:

Omar: “If only there was a pitcher on staff that could get lefties out.” Picks up the roster, “Hmmm…how about Heath Bell?”

Willie: “To young, and I don’t like his face. Now keep it down I’m trying to color”

Prof Rick: “No Bell won’t work. .312 AVG vs. left-handed hitters”

Omar: “Well Maybe Bradford …”

Rick: “Nope . 410 against lefties”

Willie: “.410? Who signed that guy?”

Omar: “Don’t you have some coloring to do?” Looking back to Rick, “How bout’ Schmoll?”

Willie: “Ha Ha, Schmoll’s a funny name”

Rick: ignoring Willie, “He’s .303 against lefties”

Omar “Is there anybody on this staff that has success against Lefties”

Rick: looking through his data offers, “Wagner 128 left .173 right split”

Willie: “Yeah, my gut tells me anytime we need a stop I can use Wagner in middle relief… my gut also tells me the green crayons taste good”

Omar: “Rick, what did I tell you about giving him ideas like that? It’s not funny.”

Rick: “Sorry, Omar... Wait, Here’s something, ERA .208 Righty .236 Lefty? Not Gibson-like but not bad.”

Omar: “I’m listening”

Rick: “Says here his Name is Aaron Michael Heilman…says he wants to be a starter.”

Willie: “Hey look guys, I found a microphone under the couch”

Omar: “What the Hell”

~Static~ click

Seriously I have been giving this a lot of thought and I think the best move right now is to move Heilman to the bullpen and give Bannister a shot at the 5 slot. We only have a small shot of Bannister in spring:
2005 AAA: 8 starts 4-1 45.1 IP 48 Ks
spring so far: 9 IP, three hits, 0.00 ERA, and six strike outs.
At the risk of putting pressure on him early in his career, I think the Mets will be taking a calculated risk. I don't think a look see early in the season would do much harm after 3 years in college and 3 in the minors. It beats finding out during the stretch. More importantly the Mets can have a reliable guy out there with the ability to pitch to lefties in Heilman. I have heard rumors and speculation that there are some in the Mets organization that are behind this movement. A lot of opinion I have heard is that someone will come out of the mix to get the job, a la Roberto Hernandez. My advise to those who hail from that school of thought:

“Expect the unexpected, but don’t depend on it”

Bannister did not return to the minors on cut down day providing those fires added fuel. If any readers think this is a bad idea please feel free to comment.

The outfield battle seems to be intensifying while the second base battle defies Logic.

Sorry we didn't tell you, Kepp. We have an age thing here.

Here are links to the stories if you want to read them but trust me, it just makes you mad. Keppinger .316 spring average; Matsui .143, 3 errors.

Yeah Willie, you really keep an open mind.

You know what? Read it. Read it and get mad and then think about the angry emails you sent me accusing me of unfairly slamming Willie.

At least the battle for right is getting interesting. I honestly don’t have a favorite and I like them both. I think that a platoon situation will ultimately prevail here with Nady facing the Lefties. At least until Milledge gets to Queens and one becomes trade bait. I am glad Omar stood pat keeping the budding star a Met.

I’d also like to announce that I will be co-authoring a Texas Rangers blog with my longtime friend Tom in Ohio. Please stop by and look around time to time.

Tom Glavine’s Metamorphosis

2006-03-13T15:36:00.000-05:00

For 3 years I hated Tom Glavine.

I remember when Tom came, I watched him pitch and all I saw was a Brave in a Mets uniform. “Imposter”, I thought, “Go back to Atlanta where you belong.” I felt no sympathy upon hearing the reports that his family was not treated well at Shea. I remember the first outing against his former team when tom got shelled. “Figures,” I thought, “we have to put up with this guy and he can’t beat the Braves.” As the years moved on I was a Glavine hater. I saw him as a Brave cast off and a salary albatross around the club’s neck. Even Last year despite his great performances in the second half Tom was still a Brave in my mind, trying to collect a paycheck and pad his stats for the Hall; just playing out this remaining contract until he could run home to Atlanta. I think in the back of my subconscious mind I may have been hoping he didn’t pitch his inning minimum for his option.

It’s not like I didn’t like the guy as a person. It was just that he had such a friendly standing and great respect for a team that has been tormenting the boys in queens for over a decade. My stance was, “I hate the Braves, I hate every Ex-Brave, I hate every Brave fan, and I hate you Tom Glavine.”

And then today I read this:

“Glavine was clearly irritated by what he considered "inappropriate" storytelling by Braves general manager John Schuerholz in his new book "Built To Win."

“Glavine noted Schuerholz never speaks publicly about negotiations and said, "My situation was private and should have remained private."
“Glavine was quoted in Newsday on that Saturday as saying "What have I done?" when he awoke on Friday.”
“Glavine's face stiffened as he responded to questions concerning revelations in the book. Schuerholz wrote that between the time Glavine accepted the Mets' offer -- three years for $35 miillon -- and the time the then-free agent pitcher signed the contract, he not only expressed misgivings to Braves manager Bobby Cox, but also agreed to re-sign with the Braves.
The Braves went so far as to alert TBS about a "major announcement," the book says. It also suggests Glavine's agent, Gregg Clifton, and the players union, of which Glavine was an active and influential member, convinced the pitcher to the keep his word with the Mets.
Glavine had little quarrel with the book's account, but he said Schuerholz "always was tight-lipped about any negotiations -- except mine," noting that the Braves staged a news conference about Glavine's ultimate decision. He couldn't say what effect the revelations would have on his returning to the Braves after this season. The Mets and Clifton have had preliminary discussions.”

And This:

This winter, Glavine said he'd like to continue his pursuit of 300 wins after this season, and that his only two choices would be the Mets or Atlanta. But after Schuerholz's comments in the book, the Braves don't seem a likely destination.As for supposedly telling Cox he made a mistake, and making plans to stay with the Braves, Glavine had no interest in looking back. "I was making sure I was making the right decision," Glavine said."And standing here today, I made the right decision."
My first reaction was anger, “I hate the Braves and now they are trying to alienate our guy”

Wait? Our Guy?

That’s right; starting today Tom is our guy. Not some pitcher we hold shared custody of along with our main division rivalry. He’s finally been crapped on by the Braves like the rest of us.

Tommy’s finally a Met. That’s right Tom, let that resentment grow. Wear it on your sleeve.

Make them your sworn enemy like everybody else. It’s about time.

Congrats, Titan Tom, you’re finally a Met.

Welcome home.

pic dump

2006-03-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

Boycott USA Today Sports Weakly

2006-03-10T20:57:00.000-05:00

What does NASCAR have to do with baseball and are there any NASCAR/Baseball/Football fans? I don’t doubt that there are some who have a passing interest in all 3. Maybe I’ve reached my twilight years at 28 but didn’t USA Today Sports Weekly used to be USA Today Baseball Weekly cover just baseball at one time? Sorry North Carolina but NASCAR sucks and I resent decrease baseball coverage to cover your sport. I mean shoddy baseball coverage: The same story about Kirby Puckett every one else wrote, a list of Clemens most infamous knockdowns. Some poorly written feature about how Padilla got a scholarship in 1994 Mets News: Martinez still bothered by bum big toe. Wagner withdraws, Boone retires, and the Wright contract thing. Fascinating. I want my $1.75 back. What a poor excuse for a magazine. I call all Lonestar Met readers to boycott this anal leakage.

I, like the rest of the Mets faithful became eager to go out a purchase my copy of ESPN news for the month of March.
I don't often read the publication but when I heard the news that our own David Wright was on the cover I kept stopping at the stores to see if the new issue came out. When it did I found it to have some Mariner on the cover and not Wright. (I know should have gone to the trouble of finding out his name but the overwhelming rush of apathy and resentment temporarily sapped my ability to care.) I live in Texas. Al West ties maybe?I scanned the magazine and found a one page story on Wright. That sucks.

And, yeah I ended my last paragraph with sucks. If USA Today Sports Weekly is a respected national magazine what bar should I have to clear?

There is so much Mets news this week. None of it’s interesting. Even Cerrone has slowed down to 10 posts a day. At least its Friday. I hope this isn’t a forcast of what this season will bring with injuries. What a weird spring training. Maybe it’s the season hype overshadowing spring.

I’m expecting an advance comp. copy of The Last Nine Innings by Charles Euchner from my good friends at Sourcebooks Inc. I will give it a read and let you know but it seems interesting. Last time I did a book report was over Judy Bloom. I miss college.

Boy, does this WBC have any legs or will we make it to the end of the tournament? It is about as exciting as the VH1 fashion awards, with slightly more hype. 17-0 over South Africa, wow. Real baseball powerhouse there. I can’t wait to see if the Harlem Globe trotters will beat the Generals...

Sorry this came late but since no one reads this anyway no harm no foul right?

Have a good weekend.

Cuban for Comish

2006-03-08T08:42:00.000-05:00

Well what I warned of seems to be coming to fruition. Guess what? Glavine the number one, Trachsel number two Hielman three, Zambrano four, Kaz Ishii clone five. I’ve been taking about this since I started this blog. Omar should have forced Beane to the table on a Zito deal, shoulda made a play for Weaver instead of screwing around with the Redsox and Manny and now it’s too late. Yuck! I love our GM but his eccentricity for “his guy” may become a burden. Well Hindsight is 20/20 and all that. It’s time to start looking forward.

Putting on orange and blue tinted glasses

I am not at camp so I don’t really have any insight into what’s going on there, only what I read. A-Hern sounds like he has really stepped it up not counting today. Kaz sounds like the same old Kaz. I really do feel bad for the guy. I was hoping he could turn it around and contribute this year.

Who is Henry Owens? Should I get excited or does he look good because every one is hurt or at the WBC. It looks like the tournament will not be much of an event (surprise!).

But Owens sounds like an interesting player and Bannister might be ready. We might be able to put out a decent rotation before 4/03. This makes me confident in managements change in attitude.

I really think Nady wants the job. I dont care, I like Diaz but if Nady is the guy then so be it- whoever he is he may be holding Lastings spot until late July. I couldn't put it better than Metsradamus:

"Here is what I learned so far this spring:Many Met fans have seen Lastings Milledge play at one point or another. Today was my first opportunity to see him. I saw two balls hit hard, and I saw a hustling diving catch in the ninth inning of a meaningless game.Needless to say, I was impressed.If Milledge is wearing a Red Sox uniform in April (or any other uniform other than a Mets organization uni), I'll find a way to blame Selig for that too. After all, he does have to sign off on the deal, no?"

I know most Mets fans live in the New York, New Jersey or Connecticut area and can give a rats ass about what I’m about to talk about. Ya know what really ticks me off? MLB Extra Innings. What a scam. I purchased it 2 years ago because the commercials make it sound like you get every game- my ass. I don’t know why Major League Baseball somehow benefits from preventing to sell me its product at a premium price. XM radio at least will get you the radio broadcast of all 162 and during playoff time they give you the home and away broadcast. They have a channel that discusses baseball 24/7. No offense to XM Radio, they got me through the off-season, but the NBA can guarantee me every game. The NFL can guarantee me every game. NH freakin’ L can guarantee me every game. Major League baseball can guarantee me televised games on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday games- sometimes- for only 170 bucks.

I listened to an interview on XM Radio on the Opie and Anthony Show with Mark Cuban. God, I wish that man would buy a team or run the League. I know most of the country thinks he is some loudmouth billionaire referee-baiting, Supercuts-training headed lunatic, but the guy understands something that seems to elude Selig and the other owners. WHEN PEOPLE WILL PAY A PREMIUM FOR YOUR PRODUCT, YOU SELL IT TO THEM, DUMMY. I know baseball owners have not been quick to embrace the quandaries of modern marketing, but come on. Any c+ high school economics student could tell you that.

You know what the problem is? They think it is 1955. They think Baseball is the only sport that has a national following. They are wrong. No wonder baseball is losing the popularity of the great national pastime to football.

“Baseball is still America’s national pastime, but football is America’s passion.”- Howie Long.

There are less and less rabid fans out there, not counting my self and my colleagues in the right column of this page. I submit to you that baseball is a far superior sport and the reason the NFL has overtaken it is that Paul Tagliabue understands supply and demand. When there is an unlimited supply of something, (meaning unlimited people can watch any game that they want to watch) utilize that fact and sell it to everyone that wants it. You are taping it anyway.
I will say that baseball should follow Jerry Jones footsteps (I hate the Cowboys by the way so this is a compliment). Jerry has set up through Comcast the cable provider Cowboys on Demand. The Cowboys have there own premium channel that runs 24/7, 7 a week, 52 weeks a year.
So my message to MLB and the Mets in particular is that it is the year 2006. I have Money. Sell me your product. I will pay a premium. Sell me the Mets channel. I will pay whatever. I want to watch spring training games, I want to watch practice. I want a television shows that can inform and entertain me with regard to the Mets 24/7. Most importantly

“SELL ME 162 GAMES.”

Opening Day Game Watching Party

2006-03-07T15:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't had the chance to post recently. I did want to offer an idea to any readers/ Mets fans in the DFW area. If there is enough interest I would like to organize a game watching party for 4/03 opener. I will try No Frills Grill and Bobby V’s in Arlington. If you would like to participate please email me at Danjziegler@yahoo.com so I can get a head count and see if they will offer any specials. Thanks and I will try to post later today.

Picture dump

2006-03-01T22:07:00.000-05:00

Watcha gonna do?

2006-02-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

The return to baseball reminds me of the bloom of winter into spring.
No, no, wait…
The return to baseball reminds me of hope and promise.
That’s not it either…
The return to baseball reminds me of life’s struggle…
Wrong…wait, I got it
The return to baseball reminds me of a re-run COPS

Yes that’s right baseball reminds me of the show COPS.

Think about it...

The start of the season is like a great romance. Everything is new again. Every prospect has got amazing stuff. Veterans thought of as washed up turn back to form. Every manager says the same thing. The Mets have a legitimate claim to the East, Hell the National league. We are gonna clinch in August.

Seems like I’ve been here before…

My Team is perfect every April 1st. We have some rough spots in the early go. We limp into the All-star break. We stick around and they make us feel like they are moments away from turning the corner. How many times were we waiting for that hot streak, that 7 games in a row turning point that never came. Then they completly fall apart on us.

Every august I’ve got a bloody nose and a black-eye standing in my drive way demanding,
“LOCK THEIR ASSES UP!”
Starts to cry, “I’m never gonna put up with this again” sniff “I’m leaving for good this time, you bastards.”

Cut to next spring

Sitting with my newly purchased Jersey for the season. (This year its Wagner #13) and swearing to myself and anyone who will listen:
“They said they would change. They’re a good team. They didn’t mean to hurt me. Really it’s my fault. I made them hurt me. Sure they’ve had their problems but they worked them out. Things are gonna be different from now on, they promised…”

Who knows maybe the portion of me with battered wife syndrome from every episode of COPS is right.
Maybe Willie has learned the lessons and gained the game situation mentality he seemed to lack. Maybe he can effectively manage a bullpen. Maybe he has realigned his thinking and doesn’t label people into roles. Maybe Willie will try Wright in the 3 hole and 5 hole. Maybe Beltran will see the 2 hole from time to time.

Maybe Kaz has worked like a man on a mission to become the player we all wanted to be when he came to Shea.

Maybe Rickey Henderson doesn’t have a personal vendetta against me and will teach Jose a thing or two about leading off. (I mean, really, did I piss that guy off?)

What if Brian Bannister comes in to be a dominant starter during the season to make an impact?

Maybe Pedro’s got a full tank. Maybe Sanchez, Julio, and Maine are the missing link and will keep the pressure off the rotation.

Pennant? Maybe. It’s fun to think about easy to picture

…and yet strangely familiar.

Don’t take the COPS off the speed dial yet.

Yep, just like a rerun of COPS.

Ah, spring!

"132 and Bush, I’ve got him at gun point"

I Love the Swedes

2006-02-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

I’d like to welcome my new visitors. Thanks for taking the time to read my little scribblings. I am having some technical difficulties with my comments section lately. I am trying to make it easier for readers to comment and take part in any ideas or notions that I put forth. I would really like people to state their point of view and make Lonestar Met a place for Mets fans to exchange thoughts and opinons. Please keep reading and commenting.

Props to Cerrone and Greg. The two best in the business.

There will be a long post later today. Sorry for the delay.

Last Night I caught MLB late edition, Channel 175 on XM Radio. Joe called in from Port Saint Lucie and reported the following:

Kaz Matsui hit a homerun off Billy Wagner. Joe noted Wagner is not 100%
Jeez, I hope not. Kaz took Billy Bad Ass deep? Gives me chills. I know it’s still early

Rick Peterson is raving about Bannister’s stuff.
Great, get ready quick Brian, but not Humber quick…

Joe also told the story of a strange occurance when attempting to speak to Pedro one on one.

Apparently Horowitz is physically shielding Pedro from individual reporters. It was also stated the only PR rep in baseball that Gammons publically rips is Horowitz. Referring to Jay as “She.”

As far as Saint. Gammons goes, I don’t think he is the patron saint of baseball as I have heard most make him out to be. I read the guy occasionally and he has some valid points. He has been around awhile and maybe his staying power is what is admired. I think it’s pretty obvious he is a true red dyed in the wool Red Sox homer. When ever I see him on TV talking about any Met, Mets related subjects, or a division the Mets are in, I see a angry old man still experiencing sour grapes over 86.

As Far as Horowitz’s actions, this gives pretty good circumstantial evidence that the toe isn't as bad as previously made out to be. Jay Omar and the Wilpon's may be confident that Pedro will quote the company line but in a private setting he might slip if his competitiveness is challenged. I think this is the organization’s way of backing out of the WBC in a way that:

Most importantly, protects Pedro from losing face. Pedro is a winner and a guy who has never hesitated to speak his mind. I think they sat down with the staff ace and convinced him that the Mets playoff hopes depend on him.

Keeps up the facade that this tournament is important to every one.

No one really cares about the WBC. Ive thought this from the beginning. Overhyped, overblown. Underwhelming. Yes, it’s a shot at the IOC for not keeping baseball an event but honestly how could it compete with the Majors? The Olympics are to boring for baseball. Sure baseball won’t be played in the Summer Olympics but guess what? No one’s watching anyway. (Except foriegners, no offense Linda, I love you!)

If my assumptions are true, then this signals a shift in Organization thinking.
Are they finally not making moves that hinder the teams future?
I’m not ready to declare this team the dynasty of the late ‘oughts but I think the 06 season will be remembered long after the novelty of the WBC wears off.
That is if we can just get rid of Wille…

More to come
(Please wait to blast me about Willie, etc when I get my comments section in order)

Going to the Chapel

2006-02-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

The consensus reports suggest the Mets Lineup to be the following.
1. Reyes S
2. Lo Duca R
3. Beltran S
4. Delgado L
5. Floyd L
6. Wright R
7. Diaz/ Nady/ Chaves
8. Matsui/ Anderson/ whoever

I think Willie made his decision before spring training started.

Wait, one last formality:

Father Mazzilli: "Ladies and Gentlemen: We gather here today to witness the uniting of players to the Line-up. As you all know Willie is a devout JoeTorrean so this ceremony is binding for the complete season, with out exception. Let us begin."
"Do you, Willie Randolph, take this shortstop, to be your leadoff hitter, despite on base percentage as long as you manage the Mets?"

Willie: "I do"

Father Maz: "Do you, Willie, take this catcher to be your number 2 hitter, in slumps and streaks, despite all logic as both as you both shall be Mets?"

Willie: "I do"

Father Maz: "Do you Willie take this Centerfielder, to be your third hitter regardless of past performance in the 2 no matter how much he struggles in the 3 hole?"

Willie: "I do"

Father Maz: "Did you not watch the 2004 playoffs?"
Willie: "I did and I do"

Ok cleanup is a gimmie...

Father Maz: "Do you Willie take this Leftfielder to be your number 5 Hitter?"

Willie: "I do"

Father Maz: "Do you take this third baseman phenom, budding superstar to be your 6th hitter despite being the best hitter on the team, offering him no protection, single handedly guaranteeing him see bad pitches?"

Willie:" I Do"

(Skipping ahead as the concept is wearing thin)

Father Maz: "Do you Willie Randolph take this lineup to be your sole lineup, in injury and in health, through All-Star Break and trading deadline, for winning and for losing, never wavering from it as long as you manage the Mets?"

Willie: "I do"

Father Maz: "Now by the power invested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you Willie Randolph, Married to this lineup. As you have vowed here today by the religious laws of JoeTorreism you must never consider altering this lineup as long as you manage the Mets. You have now married your lineup"

Sniff, beautiful ceremony, don’t you just love weddings?

Marrying your lineup before training camp. Vintage Willie. I can speculate the honeymoon will be short and sweet before all the good will is gone.
Beltran in the 3 hole again, huh? The only thing I can think of besides JoeTorrean philosophy is that Willie’s “gut” tells him that the Beltran-Delgado relationship will strengthen both players. First of all lets, I think Willie “going with his gut” means “I don’t understand the numbers or even the logic of my line up and with this answer you can’t prove it”

For the sake of argument let’s stipulate that Willie’s gut is correct and Beltran returns to that player we saw in the 2004 NLCS. Delgado hits a little better than last year.

That being said, the lineup is still flawed. Every team in the league except the Mets have a LOOGy (Lefty one out guy). If we had a LOOGy Willie would use him incorrectly at the wrong time. A Delgado, Floyd, Wright lineup is an invitation to the other manager to use his LOOGy in the key situation of a close or tied game. Consider this:

Tie game, start of the eighth.

Righty long relief pitcher in the game.

Lo Duca pops out to start the inning

One out

Beltran singles to left.

One out, one on.

Dusty Baker, Tony Larusa, Bobby Cox, whoever (just a manger that has a clue how to manage a bullpen) looks at the potential of his righty facing Delgado and Floyd OR his LOOGy facing two guys who's number against Lefties: OBP SLG AVG

Delgado .308/.461/.234
Floyd .284/.427/.224

With this lineup

1. Reyes

2. LoDuca

3. Beltran

4. Delgado

5. Wright

6. Floyd

7. Right field

8. Punching Judy 2B

If Wright had the 5 hole the LOOGY would not be brought in or brought in to face Delgado as David Wright against Lefties is .415/.602/.336

Between two lefties power hitters is a supurb place for Wright to power this offense.

That's right POWER the offense. He can and deserves the oportunity. I don't think Floyd would have a problem with 6th behind Wright.

I know Willie does.

Why?

Maybe Floyd is a veteran and afforded more responsibility in Willie’s eyes.

Didn’t David Wright report to camp months early to get ready for the season? Yeah Willie,

the guy obviously handle the reponsibilty

I don’t care if Floyd is a 13 year veteran; seniority dictating strategy is not what wins championships.

Maybe Floyd in Willie’s mind is a “5 hole Guy.”

I don’t know what that means.

I don’t think this will ever change with Willie. “Willie’s way” is the only way to explain it.

Imagine what Bobby Valentine could do with this team. I remember the 99 Mets. I can’t recite their lineup because it was always changing. Valentine had a lesser team and found a way to beat the other guys. Bobby exploited mismatches rather that creating mismatches in the other guys favor. Willie may be a good “clubhouse guy” and created an attitude of winning in the Locker room. I believe he did a good job motivating guys to want to win (if they needed motivation in the first place, I don’t think anybody had to motivate Wright.)

It is time to show Willie the door. He will never learn. The sooner the better. For the Mets to win this season they will have to do so in spite of Willie's actions rather than because of them.

Keep Shea Mets-ified

2006-02-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

If this new Ebbets Field is going to be the Mets new home I would rather just keep Shea. Where is the Ebbits field pressure coming from? What is the obsession with Ebbets field and the new Shea? They tore it down. Deal with it. If the Dodgers are so important to New York the Dodgers should build a new stadium and play there. I don't live in the same city as my team. I moved away. Why don't they model the stadium after my apartment. Let's just change the Mets' name to the Dodgers. Would that make you happy? How about we call it Dodger Stadium? Jackie Robinson never played for the Mets. Why would we name a stadium after him? Where does it end?
I thought I would come up with a radio ad to market our new stadium and game experience in the stadiumduim. As spoken by Vin Scully:
"Come out to Jackie Robinson Stadium in New York City where the Dodgers and Giants used to play and the Yankees still do.
Wear any National League West hat and get in half off a seat in our new outfield box section, Campanella's corner.
Be sure to stop by the newly designed concession stands featuring:
Bomber Beer or Lasorda Lemonade in Martin Mantle and Ruth sizes
Derek Dogs Hotdogs (the hotdogs people think are much better than they really are).
Make sure you visit Memorial Park in center.
Get your picture made next to the statues of Kirk Gibson and Barry Bonds.
In the New York Baseball Leaning center learn about the great Dodger career of Darryl Strawberry and Giant great Gary Carter and the legends from other teams that don'y play in this team's stadium.
Register to win tickets to the June 2nd-4th and September 7th-9th series for Dodger/ Giant Appreciation Night.
That's right come on out to the New Jackie Robinson Stadium, where the rich history isn't ours!"

I don't know. Major League Baseball has never mastered the mysteries of modern marketing so I guess I should expect them to try and appeal to, I don't know...Mets Fans. I am proud to be a Mets fan and I consider any other team inferior and substantially less signifigant. I don't care about Dodger history because I am a Met Fan. I Like giant top hats and large apples. I live in Texas and watch games on TV but Shea feels like home even on TV. Knight hoping on home and Jessie tossing his glove are burned in my mind. In 1999 you could feel the electricity all the way in the Lonestar state when my heart stoped as Dunston made it to second in the 15th;. it started again when Pratt walked. I feel like I was at Shea when Ace hit the best single ever. I'm going to miss Shea when its gone and I think I will be joined by a lot more fans when the novelty of Dodger Memorial Stadium fades away.

Where’d Ya Get Those Shoes?

2006-02-14T20:46:00.000-05:00

. According to the Los Angeles Daily News the Angels have placed a deadline on a one year offer to Weaver with a second year team option. Supposedly the deadline for the offer is Wednesday. I don’t know if Weaver is worth the 9 mil the offer is rumored to be. I say he’s worth 7-9 million to us and here’s why:

Kris Benson
Over the Last 2 seasons: Games Started: 39- Innings Pitched: 242
Jeff Weaver
Over the Last 2 seasons: Games Started: 68-Innings Pitched: 444

I am not one of the stats guys so I don’t want to debate their VORP or RIBSY or whatever. I’m looking at durability. We can all agree that Benson is not the diamond in the Pittsburgh we all thought he was when Duke dealt for him. He was mediocre to decent. But besides a crazy wife the guy had problems down the stretch or weak armed, Weaver is capable of giving 220 innings. With the shaky make-up of this staff 7 million for a guy that can chew innings like that is a bargain. Look, I’m not saying that this guy is an ace but for what we were paying Benson it’s not outrageous. What makes you less uneasy?
A 1. Pedro
2 Glavine
3. Trachsel
4. Zambrano
5. Hielman
OR

B 1. Pedro
2. Glavine
3. Weaver
4. Trachsel
5. Zambrano/ Hielman
A or B? Now many people I talk to dismiss the claims that Hielman may get lit up his 3 time though the order and think that he can easily transition. I’m not one of those people. But let’s say he is serviceable. What happens, and I hate to write this, if Pedro gets hurt. I’m not predicting anything but we all know it’s in the realm of possibility. Now pick one
A
1. Glavine
2. Trachsel
3. Zambrano
4. Hielman
5. Iriki?
Or
B
1. Glavine
2. Weaver
3. Trachsel
4. Zambrano
5. Hielman
If the answer is A then you obviously don’t remember Kaz Ishii to fill Trachsel slot. Hey, Maybe Lima will have a comeback year! And maybe Danny Graves would make us not want to sign Billy Wagner the second the World Series was over. Offer the guy 7 with performance based options to be worth 9.5; if he meets them, maybe a second year option. Without a solid and legitimate back-up plan the season may hinge on a shoe. With out a solid staff there might not be a lead in the 9th- and I like Enter Sandman. Omar, send the offer now - or wait for the deadline to pass and you might get him cheaper. Boras owes us one (if not many).

Last of the Met-hicans

2006-02-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

In case you haven’t read, and according to my counter you haven’t, I pondered the Mets rotation and my hopes of getting Zito. No Zito deal coming and what you see is what you get. This CAN’T be true. I guess I should start clinging to a move of less magnitude. I can’t take another year of watching a Mets team that is almost good and then sit helplessly as Willie “your not helping” Randolph makes the wrong move over and over again. At least Gerald Williams and Jose Offerman won’t be around for Willie to shoe horn in the game every night. I guess I have to start thinking about the possibility that our rotation will be Zito-less. Sigh! If Omar doesn’t have a plan and there is no other trades coming not only are we in for another mediocre season but its time to start worrying about who’s driving the bus. I really hope Omar is the genius we think he is and not making moves like the Benson trade just to make them. I’m not a big Benson fan but I was comfortable enough with him in the 3 spot. Is anyone else skeptical if Hielman can make a flawless transition to the rotation? That is a big if.

Marty Noble addresses the Mets Lineup today on www.MLB.com http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060211&content_id=1310004&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym
Marty speculates that Reyes and Delgado are set in the 1 and 4 hole respectively and all others are up for grabs. I would love to see the Mets put Beltran in the 2 Wright in the 3, and Floyd in the 5 despite the possibility of putting the lefties back to back allowing the LOOGY to face them both. I speculate that Beltran anywhere else beside the 3 hole would be like asking Puff Daddy to stop singing songs about Notorious BIG.
And what kind of Jackass does something over and over again refusing to look at his mistakes refusing to change because somebody is a 3 hole guy. Incredible. Hey Omar, fire this guy already! Yeah I know, nice guy, good for morale, atmosphere, blah, blah, blah. Daniel Day Lewis is a nice guy but it doesn’t mean I want him running my baseball team. Of course it could be funny.
Last of the Met-hicans:

Lewis, dressed in American Indian garb that has cursive Mets written in war paint across the chest, grabs Reyes by the jersey pulls him close and demands, “Get on base, no matter what occurs. I will move you over, I will bring you home!”
(not sure how many will get a Last of the Mohicans reference but no one really reads this site what the hell)

So while Gary Carter is being groomed for an MLB gig (hopefully Willie’s job) I think we have to live with Beltran in the 3. That being said I would be intrigued to give Kaz one more shot at the 2 hole. He seemed to be improving toward the final months of the season and if he finally comes around to the player the Mets thought he was in 2004 that could be a formidable lineup. Now, I’m not saying Kaz will be a .350 Olerud-esque hitter with speed but I think he may be the second part of the “table setters” we thought he was when we signed him. The guy was touted as a defensive wiz with a cannon arm, lightning speed and power to the gaps and so far the only thing he brought from Japan was his speed. With Kaz's work ethic and desire to be a sucess I think he can improve defensively and improve his plate discipline and pitch recognition. And if Beltran does not make the bounce back (I think he will regain Stros form) they will need speed for Beltran's grounders to second on an inning ending double play. I may be the only Met fan that thinks Kaz can be a contributing factor but I can’t help pulling for him. Better late than never.

By the way, Brokeback Mountain has been a huge hit at the box office. I haven’t seen the movie and probably won’t as it doesn't appeal to me. But it got me thinking and I think I have a come up with a can't miss blockbuster.
The film tells the story of two young men who meet in the summer of 2004, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys, and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. Both young men seem certain of their set places in the heartland – obtaining steady work, marrying, and handling the pressure of the spotlight– and yet hunger for something beyond what they can articulate. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez make their film debut in Spike Lee's:

Brokeback Infield

"Brokeback Infield is a groundbreaking film because It's a deeply felt, emotional love story that deals with the uncharted, mysterious ways of the human heart just as so many mainstream films have before it. The two lovers here just happen to be Yankee infielders." – LA Post

“When Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez wrestle their way into the sack together for the first time in Spike Lee's Brokeback Infield, they are ripping away at much more than their dirt-caked uniforms. With one tumultuous lovemaking scene - it's more like love-attacking, actually - the two intrepid young infielders manage to bust up several mythologies at once.
The most obvious is the myth of the New York Yankees greats. The two strangers are, conventionally speaking, made for each other. Jeter is personable, playful, a talker. A-Rod is stoic and repressed, parceling out the gift of speech mostly to express how tired he is of playing on the Rangers” - New York Sun Shopper Tribune

Come on- it’s more believable than cowboys

Pic Dump

2006-02-12T00:20:00.000-05:00

picture dump

2006-02-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

Shea Then and Now

2006-02-08T16:14:00.000-05:00

Baseball news has been slow lately. Pitchers and catchers will report soon so it’s about to get a lot more interesting. I have just found Delta is offering a $200 fair for DFW airport to LaGuardia and promptly purchase passage aboard said airline to attend the April 17th-19th series against the Braves. I have not secured lodging or Game tickets yet and still have some planning to do but it’s enough to fire me up.

I have a different aspect of Mets Baseball as I live in Texas. I do not have regular access to the Mets or Shea. Hell, I can’t even watch 162 games on television. Catch all of the big league, hard hitting action with MLB EXTRA INNINGS my ass. Although I’ve been to Shea only once and The Ballpark in Arlington more times than I can count, I still feel like Shea is my home Stadium. I’ve been to Shea once in 1985, saw a Mets win, got a free Batting helmet, took one picture (pictures are coming soon), saw one Carter homerun and I’ve couldn’t wait to get back ever since.

The times I’ve seen the Mets I’ve been in enemy territory. The Rangers fans didn’t seem to care I was there to support the Visiting team. I spent many days and nights at the Old Stadium the Rangers played in, which was a minor league park converted for the Rangers. I saw a triple play there, met Bobby V. several times there, once saw Dave Valle go after Valentine there, waited out a rain delay to see Nolan Ryan and many other countless experiences in the old park. I have some great memories there but honestly the place was a leaky hole that was poorly lit and had no unique feel to it.

The Ballpark in Arlington (Ameriquest Field just doesn’t seem right) is a beautiful place. The food is unbelievable. I saw the 2nd game ever played there. The Mets visited to take on the Rangers in a 2 game exhibition before opening day. I saw the 1999 Mets play an exhibition before opening day and met Captain Franco and Dennis Cook and took, my then fiancé, Della to her first big league game as the Mets came for inter-league. I went for the whole series and say Reyes’s first game in the Bigs.

I first felt the hatred from the Houston fans when I was 10 and visited the astrodome 2 years after they were knocked out by the 86 Mets. Those people loathe us. People were actually swearing at a 10 year old who just wanted to see Cone pitch. But hey, if you can’t beat them, berate them.

They have a new stadium now and guess what? Nothing changed. Last year my fiancé (at the time) and I left at 5 in the morning from Arlington to get down to Houston for the last game of a 4 game road trip The Mets were in danger of suffering a sweep as Ishii would take on Oswalt for the Sunday day game. I was now 27 and I actually used to being a Mets fan surrounded by the other team’s fans. Della (My then fiancé) and I entered the building and surveyed our surroundings. Again beautiful ballpark. Della, new to the game and sick of hearing my drone on about 1986, 1988 and 1999, leans over and says, “I can’t believe people actually wear Clemens jerseys.” I remember thinking, “If my mission was to vilify Roger Clemens in her mind, consider that mission accomplished.” Unfortunately the Astros don’t have Sunday batting practice so we watched various pitchers stretch. I saw Benson bristle as someone yelled out a question regarding the whereabouts of Anna and missed out on a Braden Looper autograph. After that let down of an experience that was in no way worth waking up that early for we proceeded to our seats. The Astros have the worst ticket sales scheme I have ever heard of. You can’t call on the phone and talk to a live person. You can call and enter in how much you want to spend. No matter what price you enter you are told by an automated voice, “there is nothing available in this price range.” Under no circumstances can you choose what section you will sit in. Some random formula puts you in some random section with no logical reason. So as we walk up to our god awful seats we got jeers from every Astros fan in the joint. The Astros took an early lead and diligently booed Beltran during every at bat and defensive play he was involved with. The Mets broke through later in the game and with the Tying and go-ahead aboard Beltran stepped to the plate to a thunderous booing. When he promptly drove in the runners Minute Maid Park became silent until Lonestar Met stood up and bellowed, “HOW DO YOU LIKE HIM NOW?” I was met with some of the deadliest looks I have ever seen. A woman grabbed Della’s arm and instructed her, “You better tell him to watch it!” The Mets salvaged the last game of the series. I walked out of the stadium high-fiveing any and all Mets fans I passed on the way to the exit and visited the sports bar across the street to drink in the conquered foes bar.

As fun as that was, I am about to revisit the home land in April. I can’t wait to experience the friendly confines of Shea accompanied by a majority of Mets fans. I am curious to see what that feels like as well as see what Shea has to offer. I have secured passage and am currently trying to find affordable lodging and I am planning to use the subway to see the city. If anyone who reads this site has any suggestions, travel tips, don’t miss or must avoid places in New York please feel free to comment or email me at Danjziegler@yahoo.com Pitchers and Catchers hurry up and report already- I can’t wait!

15 questions for Joe Castellano

2006-02-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

Apparently there are some technichal difficuties with my Blog. Appologies to the tens of you that have not been able to check my site, anywho...
For anyone, like me, who has been completely unaware that there is another sport in America, I heard a rumor about a big game this weekend, XM Radio has been a fantastic way to get through the off-season. The best show by far is Joe Castellano’s MLB Late Edition. He is impartial but also a Mets Fan. He is very well informed on any Mets topic. For anyone who listens to Joe’s show Dan in Arlington, Texas is yours truly. Joe C. was kind enough to give an interview with Lonestar Met. I asked Joe the Following:

I try not to show too much that I grew up as a Mets fan…Trying to be impartial…to answer your questions.

Lonestar Mets: Joe Castellano is credited in The Natural. Were you in the Movie?
Joe C: No, that is a different Joe C.
Lonestar Mets: Do you think baseball’s popularity is at an all time? If so what do you attribute it to?
Joe C:Yes…people are more into sports than ever and baseball is the best sport
LM: What is the most important issue Major League Baseball has to face today?
Joe C:...The salary structure…some teams can’t afford to compete anymore…also the average fan is getting price out…they can’t afford to buy bleacher seats anymore.
LM: Now that the Steroid issue has had national attention, do you think that there is another potential scandal that will come to the forefront in the foreseeable future?
Joe C: I’m sure there will be…wouldn’t be surprised if a gambling situation happens again.
LM: Do you think a team will ever be "contacted"?
Joe C:do you mean like the 1919 White Sox…I think so.
Lonestar Mets: Will Major League Baseball ever have a commissioner with absolute power?
Joe C:No..the owners will not allow it.
LM: With Latin America producing great prospects and players where do you think the next prospect "hotspot?" will come from?
Joe C:Asia…we’ve already seen Japan…Maybe China is next. LM: Follow-up: Is the World Baseball Classic intended to find it? Joe C: Not really, it’s just a way to show off the game and make money.

Enough about baseball, Lets talk the Mets

LM:I know you are a Mets fan. What made you a fan and why do you still pull for them?
Joe C: My first game in 1969 as a 7 year old was at Shea…I was hooked…I don’t pull for them that hard anymore since I have to follow all teams and living in SF has made me lean more towards the Giants.
LM: Do you see the NL east as the Mets Division to Lose?
Joe C: No…It’s Mets and Braves neck and neck.
LM: What do you see as the Mets major weakness in the Lineup?
Joe C: Possibly Nady and of course Matsui.
LM: Do you see another major move by the organization? If so who?
Joe C: A 2nd baseman …but hopefully Bret Boone has a comeback yr.
LM: With Gary Carter seemingly being groomed as the future Mets manager, how long of a leash does Willie Randolph have this season if the Mets stumble out of the gate?
Joe C: I think he will be there no matter what…UNLESS it is a disaster start.
LM: Did the Mets Overpay for Billy Wagner?
Joe C: No…he is the most intimidating closer in baseball.
LM: Is there any possibility that Barry Zito is a met by opening day?
Joe C: No…the A’s have Series aspirations and they need Zito
LM: Should Dan from Arlington Texas stop calling you with Barry Zito trade speculations?
Joe C: Let’s talk about it again if the A’s get off to another 15-30 start.

Thanks to Joe Castellano of MLB late eddition.

The Pitching rotation

2006-02-02T13:11:00.000-05:00

I preface this with I have been a HUGE Omar fan. Hang on to Millege, get Beltran, get Wagner, get Delgado, get LaDuca. The guy is golden. I didn’t panic when the Benson trade happened like most of the other Mets fans I hear on MLB radio. I wore a smirk when people would ask me what I thought about the Benson deal and gave a knowing nod and answered with "just wait… you’re not gonna believe what Omar has planned next." That all changed today as I returned from the weekend and spent the better part of my free time combing the blogs for the wonderful "sources inside the organization report the Zito trade is expected to be announced later today/this week" story. I found nothing. Not even the unreliable blogs even touched the idea. For the first time the possibility dawned on me that Zito may not be coming. Say it ain’t so! I turn to you and ask with desperation, "Will the Mets make us a top notch contender by bringing in another top notch starter (Zito) or will they go with the Pedro, Glavine, Trax, Zambrano, Heilman rotation? Is there a blockbuster trade around the corner?" How is New York dealing with this situation? Does Omar really think that there will be no injuries and that the Braves are going to lay down while we win the East in a Padres fashion? Please tell me Omar is not a Phillips\Duke clone that will go into a season as ill prepared as this. Instead of the papers with headlines asking the ridiculous question "Is Omar a racist?" can we see the reasonable "Has Omar a lost his mind?" Tell me he knows what he is doing and I won’t have to sit through July with Pedro and Glavine on the DL, one of them out for the season. Tell me we won’t start the second half of the season with Trax as our number one and Ishii clones in the 4 and 5 spot that guarantees me reading "the Mets limp into the All-Star break after getting swept by PIT and FLA at home by a combined score of 84 to 36."
Look, I live in Arlington, Texas- 3 minutes from The Ball Park in Arlington, so I have seen it first hand year after year after year. You can’t expect to compete for the pennant with a bunch of bashers and no pitching. Having Batting champions, MVPs and homerun leaders is exciting and all but with no pitching it means last place. Ask any Ranger fan. (By the way a Ranger fan is someone who is passing time waiting for Cowboys training camp to start)
Think Cowboys are to Red Sox as Rangers are to Patriots.
They get all excited if the Rangers have a good season, but nobody really cares if they don’t. I wear my Mets colors to the park, even when the Mets came for inter-league play (Reyes’ first start), and the only people who seemed to even notice were other Met fans. Apathy is the worst thing fans can have. Living here is probably like being a Brave fan with out all the NL East titles. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all of Texas. Houston is a great baseball city. A fan wearing Mets colors to Minute Maid Park/ the Astrodome has never been safe. That’s another story. Anywho…
…back to the Mets. Tell me the contingency plan for injuries is not to call up Pelfry a season too early and ruin his promising future in a David Clyde-esque-Gregg Jeffries manner? (sorry for the Clyde reference but I couldn’t think of a Met pitcher that was as promising and brought up to early- excluding Gen K. as they were overworked- and hey, I do live in Arlington, Texas) Will I see Zito in spring training; will I see the rotation of a contender? Was that light at the end of turnaround tunnel of 05 really the return of Mets baseball or was it the headlight of the fright train that ran me over in 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 02, 03, and 04? Is the move of Heilman to starter as doomed as Juan Samuel to center? Will I be able to come to work without being taunted by my Braves loving boss? Ya know, I ignored football and basketball the day they announced the Wagner deal as I couldn’t get the image of Wagner, Delgado, Beltran, Jose, Wright, Pedro, Benson, Glavine and Seo and Co. smiling as they rode down Canyon of Heroes. "Hell, even Randolph cant F-this up" I thought. I was actually worrying that I wouldn’t have enough vacation time to enjoy the playoffs. (I work funny hours). Then the world champs of my November imagination trade a reliable starter and a promising one for… who? Wait, wait Omar will make a deal by Wednesday …OK Friday…well maybe they want to wait until after the weekend for the Monday news cycle. Here I am to day and Gulp. No way can the current rotation win the East or even the wild card. Is Omar a sadist? Did I upset the baseball gods? Did I just wake up and have the feeling of misplaced trust in Omar like the feeling of learning you left the kids with an pyromaniac axe-murdering babysitter for the weekend?.
He made the Benson trade to be in a position to trade for Zito…right? Omar and Beane have a gentlemen’s agreement already in place…right? I mean Beane is probably negotiating an extension with Zito as a condition of the trade…right? Everybody knows it but nobody is reporting it…right? Julio, Heilman, Maine, and Bannister for Zito,done deal…right? Omar has a better plan for the rotation then Petey, Glav, Trax, Zam and Heil… right? Tell me its so. Please! So I can get on with the rest of my life!

Pic Dump

2006-02-01T01:18:00.000-05:00

2006-01-01T14:38:00.000-05:00