MLB: Meet the Mets

2008-11-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know about bailing out Citibank while they're going ahead with the stadium naming deal. Seems like if you're insolvent, you can't really afford to put your name on a stadium. Maybe it's just me? Article here.

2008-10-30T11:30:00.001-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Met fans!

2008-10-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Johan over Wright for MVP? The debate rages on! Seriously though, this is a really good article with some valid points.

Nervous Niese

2008-09-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

Poor Jon Niese looked like he was about to puke from nerves last night, on his big debut. He started out a bit rough but pulled through in the end. Imagine the pressure if you’re first big day in front of your boss and co-workers was also in front of millions of TV viewers. Yikes.

The good news is that it seemed like everyone had butterfingers in the game, on both teams. So no one mistake was too noticeable. And, most importantly of course, we won! Welcome to the big leagues, Niese.

While I'm At It...

2008-06-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here's the clip of Jon Stewart actually throwing that pitch. It's about 1:20 into the clip. Hilarious. :)

Farewell, Willie!

2008-06-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

I'll be the first to admit that the Mets have had some rough times over the years, and I know teams have to make tough decisions about who they hire, keep, and fire. But really, couldn't there have been a better time and place to let Willie Randolph know his time was up?

As usual, I heard the news on the Daily Show (sad but true...it's often the best news source out there). I was looking for the clip about it online but came across this one instead. Here it is, a tiny tribute to Willie.

Goodbye to the NY Mets Sign Man

2008-02-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

Dana Brand's book "Mets Fan," available from Amazon, is a poignant collection of anecdotes and thoughts from a true Mets fan. I read an excerpt on MikesMets.com about the Sign Man, and it really touched me to see just how much of an effect a fan can have on the team they follow. Head over to check it out!

Now THAT's a fan

2007-07-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I thought I was a Mets fan, but Kevin James apparently puts me to shame:

'The King of Queens is such a diehard Mets fan that he named his second daughter after the Mets longtime home, Shea Stadium. "I honestly...honestly did. I have been a Mets fan my whole life and have such good memories of going to Shea Stadium," he told Chris Yandek of TheSportsInterview.com "Her middle name is Joelle after my dad Joe who passed away. I brought it in because he used to take me to Shea all the time. I can't believe this got by my wife. She ended up liking the name just for the name itself."

James jokes that his daughter's name will have to change when the stadium name changes. "I am excited and a little upset I am going to have to change it to Citi Park, her name, when they change the stadium over."'

Who's the team to beat?

2007-06-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Lol... too funny. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins says his team's the one to beat this year. Remember that, before spring camp this year? Considering that they finished 12 games behind the Mets in 2006, that's a whole lotta talk. He heard an earful from the New York fans back when he stepped up in April of this year, and I have a feeling he'll be hearing more later...

Mets MANIA!

2007-03-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sit down! NO STAND UP NEW YORK METS FANS AND START SCREAMING! I can't stand to lose but this winning streak is almost too much. The Indians better run for their tepees - is that how you spell it?. Well that won't help anyway. The Mets are playing major league hard ball!

2007-01-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

The New York Mets are paying $1.25 million for Jorge Sosa???

Reyes Sitting TIght at Home

2006-12-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

The New York Mets have told shortstop Jose Reyes that he is not allowed to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic for the Cibao Gigantes. The Mets want to make sure that Reyes is healthy and not risk injury so he will be ready for the 2007 season. Reyes had a huge season this past year winning the Silver Slugger award which is given to the best offensive performer at each position.

Mets Staying Put, Or Close By

2006-11-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

Saw the announcement that the New York Mets will be leaving Shea Stadium. However, it won't be to wander off to another town like so many sports franchises seem to be doing. In fact, I think the new Citi Field, due to be ready for Opening Day 2009, is pretty good insurance that our Mets will stay here where we want them for the foreseeable future. Or the 20 years of the deal with Citigroup, whichever comes first.

They say the facility will be "state of the art." Can't wait to find out what that means.

Almost Afraid to Get Tickets

2006-11-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

With MLB baseball between seasons and no New York Mets fun to follow, I've been checking out some other sports. Something I don't know much about is horse racing. Maybe I don't want to know.

I was checking out the Breeders' Cup, which was at Belmont last year and will be at Oceanside, New Jersey next year. It was at Churchill Downs this past Saturday. Lots of it was cool to watch, and a bunch of long-shots upset the favorites, so a few of the people who only watch to bet were probably very happy.

The thing that I didn't expect was when a horse named Pine Island made one wrong step, like Barbaro did in the Preakness. Only this was even worse, because Barbaro is getting better. Pine Island had to be put to sleep right away. Does this kind of thing happen all the time? It's horrible.

It does remind me why the leisurely pace of baseball is part of its charm for me.

Too early for 2007 predictions?

2006-10-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

Lyle Spencer, writing for MLB.com, didn't think so. His choice for next year's MLB World Series champs: the New York Mets. One thing Spencer points out is the interesting fact that the crown has gone to a different team each year of this new century (after the Yankees racked up a 3-year streak to wrap up the previous one: starting in 2001 it has been the Arizona Diamondbacks, Anaheim Angels, Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and now the St. Louis Cardinals. So let's say they've had their turn and set them aside (like it's that easy!)

Some of Spencer's more serious reasons: 200 home runs, 146 stolen bases, a superb bullpen. To those I would add a very devoted fanbase. And I don't think it's too early at all!

The Strength To Be There

2006-10-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

The game didn't end as we had hoped, but the Mets -- and their rain-drenched fans -- hung on to the end before losing the National League pennant to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 on Yadier Molina's 9th inning home run.

But even soaked to the skin and brokenhearted, anybody who had tickets to Shea Stadium last night will have something to tell their grandkids about: Endy Chavez's miraculous leaping catch that turned an earlier Cardinals home run into a double play! As Cards' manager Tony LaRussa said, "That will be replayed forever."

And when you're watching it, notice what's painted on the wall behind Endy. In huge white letters it says "The Strength To Be There." The Mets took the NLCS to seven games and their fans were with them all the way. I think that sign was about them.

How 'Bout Them Mets?

2006-10-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Clean slate in the National League Championship Series. How about that 6th inning -- bam! Yes, I appreciate the subtleties of a pitchers' duel...but there is something very satisfying about a slew of home runs! (when the New York Mets are the ones hitting them) Mets 12, Cards 5. I think we're on a roll now!

big future

2006-10-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, with how well the Mets are doing this season I'm wondering if we aren't seeing the beginning of a new streak of wins. Or at least I can hope. For now I suppose I should just hold my breath and see if they can manage to pull off the big win. But how great would it be if they did?

Mets Meet Dodgers in Postseason

2006-10-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

The New York Mets successfully finished their sensational season with a sweep of the Washington Nationals and Divisional Series matchup with the red hot Los Angeles Dodgers. The matchup that I'm most interested in watching is Game 2 with Tom Glavine of the Mets squaring off against his former teammate Greg Maddux of the Dodgers. With the way these two teams are playing right now this could be the series to watch as the postseason begins.

Pedro Martinez Isn’t Sure About Future

2006-05-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Pedro Martinez signed with the New York Mets last year and his contract is up after the 2008 season, but he told ESPN this week that he doesn’t know what his plans are for the rest of his career. Martinez is having a great season and I really hope he renews his contract with the Mets. He’s seems to be enjoying his time here and is at the top of his game, it makes sense that he would stick with us.

Mets Will Have a Dominating Bullpen

2006-05-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Gonzalez could make things happen for the New York Mets this week in his debut against the Milwaukee Brewers. Gonzalez, who hasn’t pitched in the majors in five years, was a hot prospect in the Cubs pitching rotation before having two major surgeries. If he can maintain his 4.84 career ERA, the Mets might be able to rely on him to get some wins and combined with ace pitcher Jose Lima, we’ll have a dominating bullpen.

How the Mets beat the Brewers revisited.

2006-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

The New York Mets are 21 and 10 which I believe puts us at third place in the league. I go to a lot of Mets games because I just can’t sit on my couch when my team needs me there making “Hey batta” noises when they’re on defense. I am buying tickets for the Mets versus Milwaukee Brewers this weekend. We already took one series against the Brewers and I know this one will be even more exciting.

Can you see the stars? They seem so close from here.

2006-04-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

The New York Mets have won four series in a row now and this last game against the Milwaukee Brewers was among the more exciting victories. We ended the game with 9 runs, six of which belonged three and three to Xavier Nandy and Carlos Delgado. With only one loss thus far I am seeing playoffs in this team’s future already. Sorry, I had to say it.

I love New York in June, how about them Mets!

2006-03-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

Living in New York entitles you to an endless stream of entertainment. Some of it you pay for, like Wicked tickets and Rangers tickets at Madison Square Garden. Some of it is free, like street performers who work the subway stations and mimes in the park. No matter if you are shelling out dough or not, this is the number one most action packed, amusing city no matter where you go. I love New York!

What do you love most about our fine city?

Can Mike Piazza be an All-Star Again?

2006-02-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

I was reading some New York Mets news around the internet and I came across an article posing the question: “Can Mike Piazza can still be an effective player now that he is with the San Diego Padres?” Most Mets fans think it was time for him to retire and I agree.

Don’t Hate A-Rod for Being American First

2006-01-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

I don’t understand why New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is supporting those who are criticizing A-Rod for choosing to play for the American team in the World Baseball Classic. He was born in the United States after all.

Piazza and Others On the Market

2005-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Since 1998 one name has been synonymous with the Mets, and that’s catcher Mike Piazza. But it looks like 2005 was his last season in New York, and people seem to think he’ll be switching over to the American League where he can become a designated hitter. A catcher only really has a short life span before the position starts reeking havoc on his body and that has certainly happened to Piazza. Along with Piazza, there are 11 other free agents that the Mets need to make a decision on, including first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, second baseman Miguel Cairo, and closer Braden Looper. It’s going to be a busy off-season for the Mets.

Another One Bites the Dust

2005-10-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

Reliever Felix Heredia has been suspended for the first ten games of next season for testing positive for steroids. This really isn’t that big of a hit to the Mets since he only pitched 2 and 2/3 innings this last season before having to have surgery on his left shoulder. But I must ask the question, what kind of punishment is this? You knock out Vladimir Guerrero of the Los Angeles Angels, and the effect will be felt by the whole team, but you suspend a relief pitcher for 10 games, who cares? It’s not like was going to play all of those 10 games, and it’s not like the Mets were counting on him to carry them through. So go ahead and take your 10 games off, it won’t matter.

Something To Look Forward To

2005-10-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

With the end of the season here, the Mets have something to look forward to. Ending the season 4 games over .500, not residing at the bottom of the National League East, and with such a young team, the Mets really have an opportunity to improve year after year. “We needed to believe we could go out there and compete with anyone in the division,” Mets manager Willie Randolph said. “I think it caught on after a while. Players began to believe that regardless of injuries or misfortune, we could still [compete].” This is Randolph’s first season at the helm of the Mets, and he has totally overhauled the club making them think they have a chance. Why does the off-season have to be so long?

Martinez vs. Willis

2005-09-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Thursday night will be a clash of two big time pitchers. Even though this game doesn’t have any post season implications, it will definitely be one to watch. Pedro Martinez will be facing off against Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins. Willis is looking for his 22^nd win of the season, while Martinez is looking for his 16^th. Willis is looking for redemption because in his last start the Marlins squandered a 2 run lead in the ninth against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 17. And ever since that loss the Marlins have almost played themselves out of playoff contention. The Mets can help with the Marlins’ woes Thursday night by sweeping them. This game will be fun to watch.

There’s Always Next Year

2005-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

During times like this in the season what do you say? The Mets are out, going to be spending October at home. On Wednesday they played their second game of a three game series against the Washington Nationals, and lost their second in a row. The Mets have lost 12 of their last 14 games, and just have fallen completely off the map. A very disappointing ending to this season one I don’t care to remember anytime soon. The Mets have driven themselves right out of playoff contention in just a few games; well they have a long off-season to think about next year.

Need Some Help

2005-06-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

What else can you say when a pitcher gets a no decision? In the case of New York Mets right- handed-pitcher Victor Zambrano it is not as bad, simply because Zambrano would have been given the loss.

In 7 2/3 innings that he pitched last night, Zambrano was able to hold the Oakland Athletics to 2 runs. Zambrano did his job just fine and probable found a permanent spot in the starting rotation. Zambrano just needs some offensive out put from his fellow team mates.

Beltran's Back

2005-06-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

It feels really good to have Carlos Beltran back in the line-up. Beltran is just returning from a quad strain that he suffered recently. The injury didn’t seem to faze Beltran who doubled and walked against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a 2-1 victory. The double that Beltran hit could have easily been a triple but manager Willie Randolph told Beltran to take it easy.

Coming Around

2005-05-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

In his most recent outing, Tom Glavine gave up 8 hits but only allowed one run against the Marlins. Glavine seems to really be coming around this month, with the exception of his last week's preformance against the Braves… so we won’t talk about that. Still, in his last four games his ERA remains a comfortable 2.45.

Giving Chances

2005-05-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

You got to have faith, and the Mets clubhouse believes in right-handed- pitcher Victor Zambrano. Zambrano is in the rotation as of right now but has had a bad start and is looking to redeem himself. The main reason why the Mets are still holding on to him is because he had 35-27 with Tampa Bay.

Tom Coming Around

2005-05-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Tom Glavine won a second consecutive start by yielding two runs in six innings against the Reds today. The Reds had nine hits, but Glavine was able to minimize the damage. It's the first time since Apr. 27 and May 2 of last year that he has earned wins in back-to-back outings.

Two

2005-05-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Jose Reyes walked in two successive plate appearances over two games after not walking in his first 119 plate appearances. Reyes' on-base percentage has been a concern to the Mets. In the leadoff spot, it was just .271 through the first week of May.

A Helpful Return

2005-05-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

The return of RF Mike Cameron gives the team great depth in the outfield, to the point that Victor Diaz started a game last week over LF Cliff Floyd, despite Floyd owning a 20-game hitting streak. Although Floyd and Cameron will get most of the corner-outfield starts, Diaz's presence will allow them to stay fresh throughout the season. The rookie Diaz also will gain valuable experience.

More than Likely

2005-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

RF Mike Cameron (wrist) soon will be fully recovered and will be eager to reclaim his place in the outfield and batting order. What will become of Victor Diaz, the most pleasant surprise of the first three weeks of the season? Manager Willie Randolph initially maintained Diaz would return to the minor leagues to play every day. But Randolph has softened, saying Diaz could play in an outfield rotation with Cameron and LF Cliff Floyd. Considering the way Diaz hit in the first 18 games, that scenario is likely.

Setting the Rotation

2005-04-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

With RHP Aaron Heilman replacing RHP Kris Benson (chest) in the rotation, the thin bullpen will be under greater stress. Heilman was sent to Class AAA after he struggled in spring training; now, he might make as many as four starts while Benson is out. Two other starters, LHP Kazuhisa Ishii and RHP Victor Zambrano, are prone to short outings, making a seven-man bullpen essential even if it reduces the depth of the bench. . . .

Opening Day Results

2005-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

In Pedro Martinez’s debut as a Met he became the fourth pitcher in MLB history to accumulate 100 double-digit strikeout games. Pedro threw 12 strikeouts; in fact he struck out 12 of his last 14 batters. The only other guys to achieve 100+ double digits strikeouts in game are Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Roger Clemens. Pretty elite club if you ask me.

And in Carlos Beltran’s debut for the Mets he had a two run homer off of Cincinnati’s Paul Wilson (Any one remember Paul Wilson) and went 3-for-5 with 3 RBI’s.

But the show belonged to Adam Dunn. He hit two home runs in the game, one in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game. Dunn had 5 RBI on the day and spoiled the debut for the NEW New York Mets, as the Mets dropped their season opener to the Reds 7-6.

Martinez pain Free

2005-03-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

By Marty Noble / Special to MLB.com

A pitching coach's work is never done, but on this uplifting day in Mets camp, Rick Peterson could make two significant deletions from his to-do list. Pedro Martinez threw with neither pain nor incident Tuesday: check. Victor Zambrano threw with control and command: check.

And Peterson smiled without concern and with a sense of satisfaction.

The Mets camp exhaled after Martinez did his final in-game preparation for Opening Day and put aside worries about his 33-year, 2,300-inning-old back. He emerged from five innings -- 83 pitches, 28 in his final inning -- against Mets minor league hitters and pronounced himself fit. "Just where I want to be," in his words.

Zambrano put an end to weeks of squirming about his inability to throw strikes. He threw 65 of them in a 100-pitch, seven-inning start in the same gerrymandered intrasquad game.

Either concern could return before the Mets and Reds get serious Monday afternoon in Cincinnati. Indeed, chances are good Zambrano won't turn into a control freak anytime soon. But for one day at least, Peterson was relatively worry free. As Tuesday passed, it seemed the Mets would remove more than one day from their March calendar.

Martinez hadn't made his previous scheduled start Friday because of stiffness and soreness, setting off silent alarms in the mostly muted world of Willie Randolph. And Zambrano had been all about March wildness, regularly throwing 20 or more pitches to achieve three outs.

Then in one oddly-staged game in which only the catchers and pitchers left their positions and Martinez and Zambrano faced the same batting order, each pitcher, in Peterson's words "exceeded our expectations." Martinez surrendered a run, three hits and a walk. He had five strikeouts, two coming on swing-and-miss breaking balls to his former Red Sox teammate Brian Daubach.

"He looked great to me," Daubach said. "I'd never faced him before, not in Spring Training or BP. His cutter looked real good. I'm sure he's still one of the best in the game. When I played with him, he could dominate with 95 [mph] stuff. He's a little different now. But he can still dominate at 90, 91."

Martinez, who is to throw again Thursday, felt normal after holding back a bit for two innings. "I couldn't go crazy," he said. "I was trying to be good, but at the same time, I'm not a young kid. I'm coming off an injury. I wanted to be careful and smart, and not gas it up."

Wednesday morning will be an important time for him. "I hope I get up on the right side of the bed."

Zambrano pitched seven innings and produced some untidy numbers: five runs and 12 hits. Daubach, his first batter, pulled a home run to right. The No. 4 starter didn't allow another run until the fifth.

But most importantly, he walked none after allowing 13 walks in 13 innings of exhibition action. He also struck out four and three of the runs he allowed came in his final two innings when his energy was low and his pitches were high.

"Nobody got on base without swinging the bat," Peterson said. "And that is huge."

An early Start

2005-02-24T17:32:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Pedro Martinez stunned the Mets by arriving nine days earlier than the scheduled report date for pitchers and catchers. He spent that week working out and throwing with rookies and minor leaguers, which validates management's claims that he will be a positive influence in the clubhouse. Martinez is in the best shape he's been in for several years and has looked sharp during his early bullpen sessions. . . .

Cuban pitcher Alay Soler will arrive late to camp because of visa problems. Though he established residency in the Dominican Republic, he's been having issues with immigration officials and his agent about paperwork needed to gain entry into the United States. . . .

Though last year's top draft pick Phil Humber is in camp, don't expect him to stay. He'll get a taste of what camp is like before being sent back to the minor league side once cut downs begin next month.

Mets' infield in Mient Condition

2005-02-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

from MLB.com, By Kevin T. Czerwinski

The Mets moved quickly after learning that Carlos Delgado would not be coming to Queens, completing a trade for 2001 Gold Glove winner Doug Mientkiewicz on Wednesday afternoon.

"I'm excited," Mientkiewicz said. "I understand they were in the running for Delgado and I'm honored that I was the second or third option. That says a lot. Carlos is a heck of a player, but there are a lot of things I bring to the table that he doesn't."

The Mets gave up first-base prospect Ian Bladergroen to land Mientkiewicz. Bladergroen was a South Atlantic League All-Star last season, hitting .342 with 13 homers and 74 RBIs in 72 games for Class A Capital City before going down with a season-ending wrist injury in July.

Somebody's getting Married

2005-02-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

Mike Piazza (36) was married this past Saturday evening in Miami at St. Jude’s Catholic Church to former “Baywatch” star Alicia Rickter (32). Among the guest were John Franco, Ivan Rodriguez, and Tommy Lasorda.

The honeymoon will come up soon of course… but that information is disclosed as of now.

Way to go Mike!!!

Killer B in the Big Apple

2005-01-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

Mets fans it is time to get rowdy. The man who helped the Astros get to one game away from their first World Series appearance is coming to the big Apple to play for the Mets and not the Yankees. Now that is sweet. Addition after addition, we took one of the killer B's from Houston, and his name is Carlos Beltran.
"I feel comfortable with those guys that we'll be taken care of in New York, and I feel New York is moving into a different direction than three or four years ago. I think Omar will go out and improve the team. I believe that."Beltran told the New York Post. "I got to this point and looked for this moment to have a chance to be in a place for a long time and not worry about being traded."
Nothing has been finalized yet, but the is going announcement to be sometime today or Tuesday.

Mets introduce Pedro to New York

2004-12-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

The credibility, the swagger and the excitement all returned to Shea Stadium on Thursday as Pedro Martinez strutted into Diamond Club, donned a Mets jersey and immediately went to work.

Though Martinez won't pick up a baseball until February, it was clear after just a few moments on the podium why general manager Omar Minaya wanted the hard-throwing right-hander in Queens. Martinez was charismatic and bombastic, thanking the Mets and sparring with the media, while defending himself and his $53 million right shoulder. He alternately praised the city from which he came and the teammates he left behind, while also criticizing the organization that chose to let him go.

Though Martinez said repeatedly that he doesn't want to be the sole face of the organization, that's what he clearly is after signing a four-year deal that both he and Minaya hope will be the beginning of the Mets' ascent in the National League. Minaya was looking to gain some credibility with this move and he did just that, proving to the rest of baseball that New York is no longer going to fall short in its efforts to build a winning club.

"We got a guy, who, in our opinion, transcends wins and losses," Minaya said. "We are trying to build a championship team here. We today made a statement in the marketplace. Major League players have called me since the signing and said, 'I want to be a Met. I want to be a Met.' Major League superstar players that are free agents have called.

"Today is also about the kid we don't know about yet, that Pedro Martinez that you don't know about and that I don't know about that might be in the marketplace down in the Dominican Republic or in Venezuela. That kid knows what he wants to be today. He wants to be a Met. That's the value of Pedro Martinez. In my opinion, no other free agent in the marketplace has that value, not only in pitching, but transcending what he means to us, five years from now, 10 years from now. Someday, there will be a young pitcher pitching for the Mets who will say he wanted to pitch for the Mets because of this signing."

Minaya's obvious and honest passion about the signing is one of the biggest reasons Martinez is now a Met. The Red Sox offered a three-year deal worth $40 million but they didn't do so with respect, according to Martinez. Had they been as passionate and direct as Minaya, the pitcher said he would have signed with them a week ago.

"I had mixed feelings about leaving Boston, because I never thought I was going to leave there," Martinez said. "I gave Boston every opportunity to sign me for three years before this. I tried to get them to keep me for the rest of my career but they wouldn't pull the trigger.

"Why did they wait until the last minute? Do I have to sit and wait for someone else to decide what my future should be? Would you? If they made the aggressive commitment, I would have stayed. But they either made a mistake, or know exactly what they're doing."

Martinez continually lauded Minaya for his honesty and integrity. Minaya went to the Dominican Republic on Thanksgiving and Met with Martinez face-to-face. It was at that meeting that Minaya declared his intentions on signing Martinez and the pitcher gobbled up the attention, knowing full well that he wasn't getting the same kind of response from his other potential suitors -- Boston, Anaheim and St. Louis.

"Once Omar came to talk to me, I saw that commitment," Martinez said. "It's all about commitment and keeping your word, and Omar is a man of his word. I'm really happy that I looked him in the face and made the same commitment he did. He said he was going to be aggressive in bringing me here and he was.

"Omar showed me a lot of respect. Not only that, he didn't show up with a lot of people. He showed up by himself in the Dominican saying, 'Hey, I'm working to get you. If I go get you, will you play for me?' I told him that I'm trying to work out my thing with Boston, but if I don't, I'll be more than happy to play for you. And that's the reason I'm here. He understands what it means to give your word."

So now the Mets have a pitcher who is the active ERA leader (2.71) in the Major Leagues, the active pitcher with the highest lifetime winning percentage (.705) and the pitcher who has the lowest batting average against (.209) than any other hurler in the game today. Martinez went 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA last season, and quickly dispelled the notion that his shoulder is a potential problem.

Martinez passed his physical without any complications, taking a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) despite reports that he wasn't interested in including that as part of the physical. The Mets called those reports "erroneous," while Martinez touted his physical regimen as one of the most demanding in the game.

And now, Martinez brings his work ethic and his quirks and what the Mets hope is a still-electric arm and all the excitement that goes along with it. He and Minaya formed a bond, and it was that bond that led to Thursday's festive announcement.

"We looked at each other and in the big picture, I told him, we're the Mets, we're not supposed to win," Minaya said. "But I told him why not think of ourselves as Davids going out to fight some Goliaths. We've been Davids all our lives, me and him, going back to our connection with Montreal. It all goes back to the David concept."

With Martinez in the fold and some other free agents possible on the way, the swagger is back at Shea Stadium. And maybe there's just a little bit of Goliath there as well.

Pedro announces he'll be a Met

2004-12-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

Pedro Martinez, by all accounts, should officially be a Met by the end of the week.

One of those accounts came from Martinez himself, who told a television station in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday that he has agreed on a deal with New York, ending his seven-year stay in Boston.

"I only hope to honor my contract and to fulfill the expectations," Martinez said of his agreement with the Mets. "We got what we wanted. The team and I are happy with everything."

Apparently, all that stands in the way of his completing a four-year deal with New York, a pact that will pay him in the neighborhood of $52 million, is Martinez passing a physical sometime this week and the two sides figuring out how his salary will be paid out. The Mets, however, remained mum into Tuesday evening about Martinez, saying they had nothing to announce, while his agent, Fern Cuza, didn't have much to say either.

"When we get past a couple of hurdles, we'll be able to talk," Cuza said. "But until then, we really have no comment."

Boston team officials, who spent much of Monday issuing statements indicating Martinez was about to become a Met, continued to wish the three-time Cy Young winner well on Tuesday. John Henry, the principal owner of the Red Sox, was gracious about Martinez in an e-mail to MLB.com.

"We wish Pedro nothing but the best going forward, both on the field and off the field," Henry said. "He pitched with every ounce of his being for the Red Sox over the course of 216 games. Some of those performances were among the most memorable in Red Sox history.

"Who will ever forget the 1999 All-Star Game? He has earned everything that he has accomplished, including his World Series ring and his reputation as one of the greatest who ever lived."

There were reports late Monday evening and into Tuesday morning, though, that Martinez's camp was balking at the idea of including a magnetic resonance image (MRI) as part of the physical. He's had a history of shoulder woes in recent years and it would appear that he is reluctant to disclose just how problematic his shoulder may be. But until the Mets or Martinez himself come forth and addresses the issue specifically, it's all speculation.

Martinez didn't miss a start in 2004 and threw 217 innings, the first time since 2000 that he topped the 200-inning plateau. Though he was 16-9, which would have made him the top winner on the Mets, his 3.90 ERA was his worst in nearly a decade and the highest of his career.

If there were any doubts about how his shoulder would hold up over the long haul, though, his last start of the season, in Game 3 of the World Series, could be telling. Martinez pitched seven shutout innings, retiring the final 14 batters he faced. That's the pitcher Minaya and the Mets feel they would be getting.

"If he's healthy over four years, that's an outstanding signing," Mets infielder Joe McEwing said. "Hopefully he's healthy and can help us win a championship. Any time you can sign a guy like Pedro, his presence is a plus. Do I have concerns about his health? No. I feel we've done all the research and he's healthy."

Teammate Vance Wilson also shot down any concerns about Martinez's shoulder, saying that the workload in the National League will be lighter and thus keep him fresh.

"I'm not concerned about his health," Wilson said. "Now he'll get to throw fewer pitches and get further into games and not have to face nine legitimate hitters like most American League pitchers."

Martinez, who has a career mark of 182-76 with a 2.71 ERA, would represent the biggest acquisition by the Mets since they traded for Mike Piazza in 1997. While Martinez appears set to return to the National League, he says his love for the team and the city to which he helped bring a championship will always be strong.

"My heart will always be with the Boston fans," Martinez said on Dominican television. "I hope that everyone who truly loves me will still support me now that I won't be with the Red Sox."

Now, however, he says he's ready to come to New York and be the ace.

"The bigger the contract, the bigger the responsibility," Martinez said.

Valentine May be in Mets' Picture

2004-10-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Bobby Valentine does not appear to be a serious candidate for the Mets managerial opening at the moment, though general manager Omar Minaya said that he will leave that option open after meeting Friday evening with the former New York skipper.

Minaya confirmed that he and Valentine had gotten together and had a nice conversation, though he stressed it was strictly personal, nothing professional that would infringe on Valentine's contract with Chiba Lotte of the Japanese League.

"It was a friendly thing with Bobby because he's going back to Japan this week," Minaya said. "We haven't talked since he went to Japan and I just wanted to get caught up and see how things went for him this year. We're very sensitive to the fact that he's under contract and we have a lot of respect for that organization. If it ever gets official, we'll have to ask for permission."

Valentine just completed the first year of a three-year deal, falling just short of leading the Marines to the playoffs. He has an out clause in his contract if he is offered a managerial job in the Major Leagues.

Minaya could interview Yankees bench coach Willie Randolph as early as Monday if the Bombers complete their sweep of the Red Sox on Sunday night in the American League Championship Series. Otherwise, the interview likely won't take place until later in the week or after the World Series. Terry Collins is slated to come in on Tuesday.

"I meet with my staff every day," Minaya said. "We throw everything out there and that's how we got Terry Collins' name. If we see a name we were not thinking about early in the process then let's bring him in."

Zeile Goes Out in Style

2004-10-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- It wasn't exactly Ted Williams closing out his Hall of Fame career with a home run in his final at-bat and adding to his legend as he ran right to the clubhouse at Fenway Park.

Rather, there was something heartwarming about Todd Zeile smacking a three-run homer in the final plate appearance of his career on Sunday afternoon at Shea Stadium. The blast, which had no impact on the final outcome of New York's season-ending 8-1 victory over Montreal, capped a Zeile-heavy day at Shea Stadium.

The nomadic infielder, who played for 11 teams in a career that began in 1989, was honored prior to the game for a long and popular career. He was presented with gifts from Mets fans and his teammates, and he gave an emotional speech following an equally emotional video tribute to his career put together by the club.

So when he blasted his ninth homer of the season, the 253rd of his career, Zeile received a long, warm standing ovation before ducking into the dugout. And unlike the Splendid Splinter's farewell to the Red Sox Nation so many years ago, Zeile reciprocated, coming out of the dugout and pumping his fist one more time to thank the crowd.

"I'm glad things went this way," said Zeile, who had several video highlights of moments from his career played in between innings. "I'm glad someone didn't tell me to take the uniform off -- that it was my decision. And to get a curtain call today, I haven't had one of those in a long time.

Notes: Franco Nearing Crossroads

2004-09-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- John Franco knows that his playing career with the Mets could come to an end when New York and Montreal leave the field Sunday afternoon at Shea Stadium. Manager Art Howe is aware of that fact as well, so he said he's going to make a point of getting the captain into a game this weekend, even if it's only for a batter or two.

Franco, who turned 44 earlier this month, hasn't pitched since Sept. 4 and has seen action in only six games since Aug. 5. Though he was hampered by a shoulder problem earlier this month, he says he has felt better for a little more than a week but understands why Howe hasn't used him lately.

"They have to see these young guys and evaluate them and see what they are made of," said Franco, whose 1,087 career appearances places him second on the all-time list. "They have to see if they have a chance to make the team next year. I don't think it [not using him] was done on purpose. And [pitching coach] Rick [Peterson] said they would try to get me into a game.

"But you look around and the guys are doing well. [Mike] Stanton and [Pedro] Feliciano from the left side. Tyler [Yates] and [Bartolome] Fortunato have been doing well, too. I would like to pitch, but it doesn't bother me. It is what it is."

Franco said he still isn't sure what he'll do next season. He said he could decide a week after the season ends, in a month or in January. He did say that he would continue to work out as he does every offseason, primarily for health purposes, but also to stay in pitching shape, adding that proximity would likely play some role in where he would pitch in 2005.

"I don't have any dates circled or anything," Franco said. "There's nothing etched in stone. If I decide I'm not going to pitch anymore, I can start my second career as a coach, and hopefully one day I can manage. But I'm sure I could pitch another year if I had to."

He added that regardless of what he does next season, he'd like to stay with the Mets because he has been in the organization since 1990.

Zeile reaches 2,000-hit milestone

2004-09-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

By George Von Benko / Special to MLB.com

PITTSBURGH -- Todd Zeile collected his 2,000th career hit in the ninth inning of the Mets' 1-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a doubleheader on Sunday at PNC Park.

Zeile, a 14-year veteran, had drawn two walks and flied out to center in his previous plate appearances. He hit an infield single off the body of Pittsburgh reliever Jose Mesa with two outs and nobody on base.

"I guess it's a relief, to some degree," Zeile said. "Especially when we've had conversations the past couple weeks, my sentiment was that I was hoping to get enough at-bats and get swings and [manager, Howe] Art's had me in there. And I've been able to feel better at the plate as a result and get some hits over this past week to close the gap.

"It's a bit of a relief, but I guess it will sink in some other time when I start to think about it a little bit. It doesn't seem like something that's unattainable, because I've been playing for so long it seems like this progression, by virtue of the fact that I've been plugging away for so many years, I finally just caught up to it."

Zeile, who started behind the plate Saturday for the first time since 1990, nearly reached the milestone a day earlier. Jason Bay robbed Zeile of a homer and his 2,000th hit with a leaping catch in Saturday's Mets victory.

"That would have been a nice little capper, but you know that's the game," Zeile said on Saturday. "That's sort of indicative of the rest of my career. I've not really done things in a blaze of glory. I'll have to work for it, and I'll probably ground one up the middle one of these days."

And that's precisely how it was done. "I guess it's sort of fitting," said Zeile, who began his career in 1989 with the Cardinals and has played for 11 teams. "My first base hit was a hard ground ball up the middle. It didn't get a piece of the pitcher."

Zeile said getting the hit off veteran Jose Mesa was special.

"In some ways I glad it was today against Jose," Zeile said. "I've known Jose forever, and he's got such a great history of accomplishments in the game. He was actually a batterymate of mine in 1987, in the Dominican. So we go back a long way."

Zeile enters Sunday's nightcap with a .265 career average with 252 homers and 1105 RBIs in 2146 games.

Mets Snap 11 Game Losing Streak

2004-09-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

It had been at least two weeks since Kris Benson(11-11) has pitched for his new team. Benson had been out with a muscle strain under his armpit, but today Benson came to play. Benson pitched 6 scoreless innings and gave 5 hits. Benson was a big part in today's win over a very competitive team, the Marlins.

From MLB.com

"Missing a start did wonders for me, getting my shoulder some rest. I didn't force anything today, everything had life and my arm felt great. One start off did wonders for me."

In this outing Benson was able to lead the team to break their 11 game losing streak. And able to stop a sweep from the wild card chasing Marlins.

Go Mets!

Mets shut out in Florida

2004-09-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Marlins shut out the the Mets 5-0 last night at Shea. It's now the ninth loss in ten games. At this point, it's a matter of politics. Whereas we were just as afflicted with injuries last season, we're likely to be more interested in cultivating younger talent now. When exactly do you prioritize building for next season, and let the hopes for this season go? Tough call.

Tom Glavine will be taking the mound tonight, looking for his tenth victory with the Mets. He's 9-10 now, coming off a strong performance against the Dodgers. Let's look for a win from Glavine tonight!

GO METS!!!

Mets return to Shea

2004-08-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Aaron Heilman makes his return to the Major Leagues on Monday night when the Mets take on the Padres in the first of a four-game set at Shea Stadium. It will mark Heilman's first big league appearance since Sept. 26, 2003, at Florida.
The former first-round pick (18th overall in 2001) went 2-7 last year in 14 outings (13 starts) with New York, posting a 6.75 ERA. Precious few of those outings, however, were effective as Heilman battled control and confidence problems.

One of his better efforts actually came against the Padres. Heilman went six innings and allowed only two hits and one run at Qualcomm Park on Aug. 20. But he lost his bid to stay in the starting rotation this spring. Heilman started the season slowly at Triple-A Norfolk but has come on recently and has a 6-9 mark with a 4.20 ERA.

"I'm anxious to see how he's developed," Mets manager Art Howe said. "He's still one of our hopefuls. I think he's using his changeup more effectively and he's getting more tilt on his slider. He needs to do that to be successful at the Major League level.

"He's got a big league fastball and it has movement. He has to have command of his pitches, though. He just didn't have command of his pitches. And I've always liked his mental makeup."

Glavine in traffic accident

2004-08-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Matt Ginter gets an unexpected crack at the starting rotation and the Houston Astros as the New York Mets play the second game of a three-game series Wednesday night at Shea Stadium.
The Mets' original plan was to send Tom Glavine to the hill for Wednesday's start against Roy Oswalt and the Astros, but Glavine was involved in a traffic accident Tuesday afternoon that diverted the left-hander's destination from Shea to New York University Medical Center in Manhattan.

While Glavine, who needed stitches in his lower lip and lost two teeth, was released late Tuesday night and was said to be resting comfortably at his Connecticut home, the Mets needed an option to fill the start against the Astros.

That soon fell into the hands of Ginter, who was 1-2 with a 4.80 ERA in 11 starts this year for the Mets but had more recently been pitching out of the bullpen.

Ginter last started for New York on July 8 at Philadelphia, an outing in which he allowed three runs in five innings. His night ended with a demotion to Triple-A Norfolk when the club activated since-traded outfielder Karim Garcia from the disabled list.

Mets sweep Brewers

2004-08-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Mets swept the Brewers in three games this week, and will head to St. Louis for the weekend to try and add a fourth, fifth, sixth win to that streak. Tom Glavine appears to be the man for the job tonight - he'll face Matt Morris of the Cards. Let's hope he does better tonight than he's done lately. Mike Piazza has had pretty good luck against Morris in the past, so look for him to be swinging tonight.

GO METS!!!

Leiter to take mound vs. Brewers

2004-08-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Al Leiter will look to regain the Major League ERA lead Tuesday evening, when he takes the mound at Miller Park. The New York southpaw has a 2.18 ERA but is two-thirds of an inning shy of qualifying.
Leiter has held the Majors' ERA lead on several occasions over the past month, but because he missed some time this season to injury, he hasn't pitched enough innings to consistently qualify. He regained the lead with a brilliant game his last time out in Montreal, but when the Mets played their 104th game Sunday in Atlanta, Leiter fell below the requisite number of innings pitched.

A prolonged outing against the Brewers should serve Leiter well, allowing him to jump back into contention for the ERA crown and staying there barring any further setbacks.

vs. the Expos

2004-07-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Jae Seo has pitched very well in July, yet has only a loss and three no-decisions to show for his efforts. He will be seeking his first win of the month, his first since June 29 and his first in his career against Montreal when he takes the mound Wednesday night at Olympic Stadium.
Once a question mark in the back of the rotation, Seo has solidified his standing, pitching to a 3.65 ERA in 24 2/3 July innings. Though he's still struggling to go deeper into games, he's been very effective in the six or seven innings he does give the Mets.
Montreal starter Tony Armas has a 1.50 ERA in his last three starts.

There's the scoop on tonight's game - 2 games left in a 1-1 series, so we can really capitalize if we play well, enough to almost catch up w/ Florida for the #3 spot in NL East.

GOOD LUCK METS!!!

Mets look to fend off sweep vs. Marlins

2004-07-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, it really came together for the Marlins last night - quite a come back to be sure. What we'll have to think about now is their confidence level coming into tonight's game.

On the plus side, the Marlins are starting Nate Bump in his first career start, so he may throw a shaky few innings. Steve Trachsel will start for the Mets, and he's had a pretty good run at home this season. Look for a good game tonight - many factors will enter into play.

GO METS!!!

1-2 series in Florida

2004-07-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

We'll need the rest this week during the All-Star break - a 1-2 series against the Marlins, if we're to fight the Philies this weekend. We're up for a 4-gamer at home, so hopefully some of you will get a chance to head out to the park :-)

Let's not forget our boys representing us in Houston tonight! Mike Piazza and Tom Glavine will wear Mets jerseys tonight as they play with other National Leaguers. Congratulations and good luck!

Hook the Marlins!

2004-07-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

If there's anything I hate, it's losing to a team like the Phillies. I know they're pretty good, but so are we. Our boys are cuter, too ;-). We better do some damage down in Florida this weekend. I hear they're a good team, too, but not as good as the the Phillies. I don't mind a close game (actually it's really exciting) as long as we win, so give us your best shot, Marlins!!! We'll be ready.

GOOD LUCK BOYS!!!

METS FAN FROM CONNECTICUT

2004-07-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hey kids!!

I'm starting a new blog here dedicated to the best baseball team ever, the New York Mets!!! I'm a diehard fan living in New Haven, CT, and I've been watching this season since day one. I might not know lots about numbers and stats, but the important thing is I LOVE the Mets!

I hope you enjoy my site! GO METS!!!