DEFINING MOMENTS

With every championship team there is a game, series, or moment that becomes a statement. A declaration that says they are as good or better than any of the competition.

In the early part of the 1969 season it was evident that The Mets were a much improved team.Tom Seaver was coming into his own, and was widely regarded as a great pitcher. Jerry Koosman was coming off a 19 win rookie season, and the rest of the staff was composed of capable veterans and young studs. the hitting was not great (let"s face it; Agee led the team with a paltry 26); but it was situational and timely. There was little question the team would improve on their 1968 showing.

But it was the July series against the first place Chicago Cubs (highlighted by Seaver"s near perfect game) that made the rest of league take notice. More importantly it was the moment that the team began to believe in themselves. Championship team exude confidence and swagger.

The 2010 Mets need to find that moment. But in order to do that they have to be able to recognize it, grab it, and run with it. I believe that moment must come on the road. We know they can win at home. They know they can win at home. What nobody is sure of is their ability to play on the road.

The Mets hit the road this weekend. I believe we will find out alot about this team"s character and resolve. I think they are capable of winning big this year. This weekend we will find out how much THEY believe it.

The Imperfect Game

By now I'm sure you are aware of the horribly inept umpiring call by Jim Joyce that cost Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game. It would have been only the 21st pitching gem in baseball history.
 Shocking?...yes.  Appalling?...definitely.  Wrong?.....no brainer.   Reversible?....NO!...nor should it be.

This is a well worn argument but I'm going to make it anyway. Baseball is not a game of neatly configured minutes, quarters, and (until recently), inches recorded on video tape to be used as evidence. Baseball is a game of beauty and grace for the simple reason that it is played and officiated by human beings who are by definition; imperfect.
We have become a society that is too easily enamored with statistcs and standardized behavior. We want everything neat, explainable, and air tight. Was it fair? Of course not. But since when is anything fair? And while we're at it; if we are going to argue about fairness, what about managerial decisions that cost a pitcher a shut out? Should the manager's judgment be overruled because it was wrong?

Baseball is a game that has always spoken to a more human and forgiving society. It might not be considered cool to say all of this; but through experience I have learned that Mets fans are a pretty bright and open minded bunch of people. I hope this gets you thinking about our game and what it means to us.

Well, that's it for now.


Camille Uliano (MetManiac) 

7TH INNING STRETCH

Ok summer is upon us, and even diehard Mets fans take a break and open 
a book. From time to time I will be recommending books. In particular, 
works that delve into Mets history, and not just on the Glory Years. The fans born after the '70's, know little about what came before.

My first recommendation has to be Amazin' by Peter Golenbock. It 
covers the team from its inception....the politcal haggling involved 
in bringing National League baseball back to New York, the colorful 
characters on the early Mets, and anecdotal remarks and recollections 
from the players. Memories that capture the spirit of METventure!

Camille Uliano

A season of mixed feelings.......

I like the players on this team. Bay and Francouer are old school blue collar, and they hustle all the time. Tashi is a Great pick up ... And the Mets may have a legitimate home grown phenom in Ike...

So what am I feeling conflicted about?

Every time they don't perform up to their potential is a reminder that this team should be playing better. They should not be hovering at 500. And that has to be laid at the feet of Jerry Manuel and his ugly high socks. The relief pitchers need relief , They cant go out there everyday...No reason why Santana and Pelph can't go 9... Batting Jose third for most of the season..Come on... What was that about?

Is it really that important for Jerry's ego that he constantly needs to show that

A) He has IDEAS ! (wow!)

B) That he's "IN CHARGE"! (whoaa...Scary!)..., And

C)He's "GANGSTA" ... (Man , Hes tuff...He ran Ryan Church out of dodge)....lol

What he really needs is to get over himself and let his players play. And if and when he can do that (sorry) This team will not compete in September...Sorry

Thats it for now . Hope you have a great METventure today.

Camille Uliano