So a huge topic of conversation in the world of Major League Baseball is the Philadelphia Phillies. They have worked hard on tightening up their pitching rotation. They even grabbed up Cliff Lee from the Yankees. Reporters would have you convinced that the Phillies are going to win a fifth consecutive division title.
Well I can't speak for the rest of the NL East, but New York isn't scared of you Philly. Do you see us trembling? Are we running away? Did we say forget the season and go home. No way. The New York Mets are coming at you in 2011 with all that we got and more. Wright, Beltran, Reyes, and the whole team are going to be scoring runs all over your big bad scary pitching rotation. So enjoy your stop at the top of the mountain. You won't be there for much longer. The Mets will be moving in real soon. Mr. Met is even planning to put in a handball court. As for the rest of the teams in the MLB, this message goes for you as well. Bring it.
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Sunday, December 19, 2010
Mets coaching staff in place for 2011
The NY Mets officially announced on December 13th the names of Terry Collins' 2011 coaching staff. Already on staff are Dan Warthen, the incumbent pitching coach, and Chip Hale, the third-base coach. Joining them will be Ken Oberkfell as bench coach, Dave Hudgens as the hitting coach, Jon Debus as the bullpen coach, and Mookie Wilson as the first-base coach.
Howard Johnson and Randy Niemann who are being replaced will be offered new positions in the organization.
It seems like a promising coaching staff. They all are very optimistic about working with each other and the players. I hope they can handle the task of turning the Mets around.
Howard Johnson and Randy Niemann who are being replaced will be offered new positions in the organization.
It seems like a promising coaching staff. They all are very optimistic about working with each other and the players. I hope they can handle the task of turning the Mets around.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Bargain Basement Deals Found in Florida
With the fifth highest payroll in Major League Baseball, the New York Mets are used to chasing after high-end players at the annual Winter Meetings. This was not the case this year. Sandy Alderson was forced to be a little thrifty due to having $111million allotted to eight players next season. So when teams were buzzing around top prospects Carl Crawford, Cliff Lee, and Jason Werth, the Mets were getting a cup of coffee.
Just because the Mets showed up to Florida with little dough in their pocket, doesn't mean they left empty handed. The Mets signed right-handed reliever D.J. Carrasco to a two-year deal, catcher Ronny Paulino to a one-year deal, and right handed reliever Boof Bonser (great name) to a Minor League contract. Through Rule 5, the Mets grabbed up infielder Brad Emaus from Toronto and right-handed reliever Pedro Beato from the Orioles. None of these guys are going to be superstars or help catapult the Mets to the playoffs. But Alderson is doing his best to fill in the holes of the roster.
Just because the Mets showed up to Florida with little dough in their pocket, doesn't mean they left empty handed. The Mets signed right-handed reliever D.J. Carrasco to a two-year deal, catcher Ronny Paulino to a one-year deal, and right handed reliever Boof Bonser (great name) to a Minor League contract. Through Rule 5, the Mets grabbed up infielder Brad Emaus from Toronto and right-handed reliever Pedro Beato from the Orioles. None of these guys are going to be superstars or help catapult the Mets to the playoffs. But Alderson is doing his best to fill in the holes of the roster.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Historic Mets Superstars: Mike Piazza
There are many great baseball players who have donned a NY Mets uniform over the years. One of the greatest was Mike Piazza. He was nicknamed The Monster after coach John Stearns was caught on tape during the 2000 NLCS after a Piazza hit saying, "The Monster is out of the Cage."
Mike Piazza is considered to be the best-hitting catcher of all time and holds the record for home runs hit by a catcher with 396, with a career total of 427. For eight consecutive seasons (1995-2002), he has hit more than 30 home runs. A 12-time All-Star, Piazza has the second-longest RBI streak ever with at least one RBI in 15 consecutive games for the Mets in 2000. On July 18, 2000, Mike Piazza hit his third grand slam of the season, tying a club record. Only three other Mets have pulled off this feat, John Milner in 1976, Robin Ventura in 1999 and Carlos Beltran in 2006.
On September 21, 2001, the Mets faced the Atlanta Braves in the first professional sporting event hosted in New York City since 9/11. The Mets were down 2-1 and had one man on in the bottom of the eighth inning. The atmosphere in the stadium was unfocused and reserved. Mike Piazza came up to bat and hit a two-run homer off reliever Steve Karsay, that put the Mets ahead 3-2 securing the victory. Shea Stadium went wild with emotional frenzy. It is considered the most significant home-run in Mike Piazza's career and one of the greatest moments in baseball history.
Even after leaving the Mets for the San Diego padres, Mets fans welcomed him with standing ovations. The moment was equal to Tom Seaver's return to pitch at Shea in 1977. Even when Mike hit a home run off of Pedro Martinez, fans received a curtain call by fans.
Mike Piazza was just freakin' amazing. The man oozed baseball, and everybody loved him. Mike Piazza loved playing for New York and told reporters that if he got into the Hall of Fame, he would like to be inducted as a Met. The Mets haven't retired his number 31, and has not issued the number since Piazza left.
There aren't many players who can have such an affect on a team and fans like Mike Piazza. The dude was clutch and there may never be anyone like him again.
Mike Piazza is considered to be the best-hitting catcher of all time and holds the record for home runs hit by a catcher with 396, with a career total of 427. For eight consecutive seasons (1995-2002), he has hit more than 30 home runs. A 12-time All-Star, Piazza has the second-longest RBI streak ever with at least one RBI in 15 consecutive games for the Mets in 2000. On July 18, 2000, Mike Piazza hit his third grand slam of the season, tying a club record. Only three other Mets have pulled off this feat, John Milner in 1976, Robin Ventura in 1999 and Carlos Beltran in 2006.
On September 21, 2001, the Mets faced the Atlanta Braves in the first professional sporting event hosted in New York City since 9/11. The Mets were down 2-1 and had one man on in the bottom of the eighth inning. The atmosphere in the stadium was unfocused and reserved. Mike Piazza came up to bat and hit a two-run homer off reliever Steve Karsay, that put the Mets ahead 3-2 securing the victory. Shea Stadium went wild with emotional frenzy. It is considered the most significant home-run in Mike Piazza's career and one of the greatest moments in baseball history.
Even after leaving the Mets for the San Diego padres, Mets fans welcomed him with standing ovations. The moment was equal to Tom Seaver's return to pitch at Shea in 1977. Even when Mike hit a home run off of Pedro Martinez, fans received a curtain call by fans.
Mike Piazza was just freakin' amazing. The man oozed baseball, and everybody loved him. Mike Piazza loved playing for New York and told reporters that if he got into the Hall of Fame, he would like to be inducted as a Met. The Mets haven't retired his number 31, and has not issued the number since Piazza left.
There aren't many players who can have such an affect on a team and fans like Mike Piazza. The dude was clutch and there may never be anyone like him again.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Who's Sticking Around (and who's not)
During the winter months, MLB teams make the moves they need to build the best team they can. So here is a summary of the moves being made in the New York Mets franchise.
We are going to be seeing a lot of new faces in the Mets bullpen next year. Hisanori Takahashi just signed a two year deal with the Angels. Pedro Feliciano has denied the Mets arbitration offer, hoping to receive a multi year contract in the open market. So the chances of Feliciano wearing a Mets uniform in 2011 is slim. The Mets decided to give John Maine the boot. After three seasons with injuries and some drama from from his last game of 2010, keeping Maine around apparently was not an option. Right-handed reliever Sean Green is also out, because it just not worth the cost of keeping him around.
Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez will be returning next year as the Mets closer. He dodged a two-year prison sentence with a plea deal. With that and being all healed up from his thumb injury, Sandy Alderson said he's all ready to play in 2011. I heard next year he might take on his ex-girlfriend's grandmother.
Good news is that three arbitration eligible players will be returning next year. R.A. Dickey, Angel Pagan, and Mike Pelfrey. Outfielder Chris Carter has been cut though. Even though Carter hit .328 as a pinch-hitter last season, The Mets felt it was best to let him go.
So there you have it folks. Currently the Mets have a new GM, a new manager, and a nearly empty bullpen. Stay tuned to find out what happens next.
We are going to be seeing a lot of new faces in the Mets bullpen next year. Hisanori Takahashi just signed a two year deal with the Angels. Pedro Feliciano has denied the Mets arbitration offer, hoping to receive a multi year contract in the open market. So the chances of Feliciano wearing a Mets uniform in 2011 is slim. The Mets decided to give John Maine the boot. After three seasons with injuries and some drama from from his last game of 2010, keeping Maine around apparently was not an option. Right-handed reliever Sean Green is also out, because it just not worth the cost of keeping him around.
Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez will be returning next year as the Mets closer. He dodged a two-year prison sentence with a plea deal. With that and being all healed up from his thumb injury, Sandy Alderson said he's all ready to play in 2011. I heard next year he might take on his ex-girlfriend's grandmother.
Good news is that three arbitration eligible players will be returning next year. R.A. Dickey, Angel Pagan, and Mike Pelfrey. Outfielder Chris Carter has been cut though. Even though Carter hit .328 as a pinch-hitter last season, The Mets felt it was best to let him go.
So there you have it folks. Currently the Mets have a new GM, a new manager, and a nearly empty bullpen. Stay tuned to find out what happens next.
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