Most of us Mets fans vaguely remember him. “Mags” played with the Amazins’ from 1986 until 1993. He was never a great player, but was decent enough to finish 22nd in the MVP voting in 1990, hitting .328 with 6 homers, 72 RBI’s and playing a solid first base. Anyway, his name got me thinking. Everyone remembers the big hitters like Straw and flamethrowers like Doc Gooden, but where’s the love for the scrappy guys who were for a lack of a better term, “a flash in the pan”?

I decided it would be fun to put together a list of former Mets that I would call “The All Under-Appreciated Team”. For space’s sake I’ll name the first three, just to get things started. Feel free to help fill in the rest of the lineup.

LF – Kevin McReynolds: The original “Big Mac” hit 122 dingers for the Mets in 5 ½ seasons in Queens, while stealing a then record 21 consecutive bases in 1988. He also played a pretty decent leftfield before being shipped out in the infamous “Saberhagen” deal. He retired after the 1994 strike season. 

C – Charlie O’Brien: Not really known for his bat, but after coming over from the Brewers in 1990, he provided solid defense while sharing duty with the enigmatic Mackey Sasser. (As much as Sasser drove me nuts with his double pump throws back to the mound he was always a favorite of mine too.)

SP – Sid Fernandez: “El Sid” won a respectable 98 games for the Mets over 10 seasons. His best season was 1986 when he went 16-6 with a 3.52 ERA and finished tied for 7th with Doc Gooden for the N.L. Cy Young Award.

Who should fill out the rest of the Mets All Under-Appreciated Team?

1B –
2B -
SS –
3B –
CA – Charlie O’Brien
LF – Kevin McReynolds
CF - 
RF –
UT –
SP - Sid Fernandez
SP –
RP –  

Give us your choices and a short reason why, and we will add your responses and fill out the rest of our roster. 

Good evening MetsMerizers! I woke up this morning feeling pretty good and the first thing I see on SI.com is an article about how Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya are at odds over Duaner Sanchez being released.

Granted, the article was taken from the NY post so I’m sure it’s a bit exaggerated. The Mets got tired of his arm to come around and it just didn’t happen. I’m sure he’ll latch on somewhere. Omar did him a favor in that respect, not releasing him on April 1st. I really hope this garbage doesn’t escalate. The last thing the Mets need to overcome is inter-organizational drama. Maybe this stuff is just coming from journalists who are out of A-Rod PED/Madonna/ hip injury stories.

Just a side note about Alex Rodriguez. No matter what doctors are saying, I don’t think he will be able to come back and perform like he did before this surgery. Which means Hank Aaro..uh…I mean Barry Bonds home run record will probably remain safe.

I’m pretty sure about most things, for instance David Wright will be an All-Star this season, Jose Reyes will steal AT LEAST 50 bases and the Mets will be the National League East champs in 2009… Then again I’m also pretty sure that Joe D. is not a robot sent from the future to blog about the Mets.

What I am certain of is how much of a pain it must be for MLB players to stay in shape to play at such a high level. I spent 2 hours shagging flies in church league practice last night and I can barely move today! It makes me happy I can just stay home and critique performance while they sweat it out on the field.

I’m still a little concerned about the whole Johan elbow drama. Only a year into his contract and crap like this is coming up? I believe he will be fine though…hopefully for the next 6 years. After that he can feel free to fall apart. THEN the Yankees can feel free to swipe him up…

I know this blog is a little random, but it’s a slow news day. Once the season starts I hope to bring back the “Monday Morning Metsy Award”, given to that weeks most outstanding player. That’s all I got today folks, so have a great Wednesday and I’ll see you on the flip flop!

“There is a strange charm in the hope of a good legacy that wonderfully reduces the sorrow people otherwise may feel for the death of their relatives and friends” - Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Legacy. Each one of us will leave one behind when we leave this world, whether it be good or bad. For some it may be philanthropy or achievement in sports, politics or journalism. For a great many people their most important legacy will be their children.

When I sat down to research the subject of this blog, Fred Wilpon, I wanted to look beyond the man that many refer to as “Freddy Coupon”. How can his legacy be measured? Is it defined simply by the Mets’ on field success?

If that were the case, his legacy is well documented in the two pennants and one World Series championship the Mets have captured since he became part owner of the team in 1980. I think a man’s legacy is deeper than that. What kind of man was he behind the scenes? What drove him to be who he was in his heart of hearts?

Frankly, I’m a little surprised with how little personal information I could find about him other than the usual. Many owners are more visible and vocal, ala George Steinbrenner, and are not happy unless they are the center of attention. Fred Wilpon seems to be the anti- Steinbrenner.

These are your basic Fred Wilpon facts: Born in 1936. Was a teammate of Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax during their days at Lafayette High School in Brooklyn. Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1958.  Chairman of Sterling Equities etc…

Since he purchased the remaining 50% of the Mets from Nelson Doubleday in 2002 there hasn’t been great success for the franchise. Many of us will probably remember Fred Wilpon as one of the guys who was swindled by Bernie Madoff and his Ponzi scheme.

I suppose we could say that as of now Fred Wilpon was a man who always tried to mold the Mets into a contender year after year. I know it’s easy for us to sit at our computers and critique, but during the seasons things didn’t turn out so well we might never know if he took it like a knife to the chest as many of us fans do. I think if he didn’t we would never have seen the likes of Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran or Johan Santana in orange and blue. I certainly couldn’t imagine spending millions of dollars on something I didn’t care deeply about.

He could have just been another owner content with mediocrity and gladly bathed in the ocean of revenue the Mets generate. For me, to have an owner who is so emotionally invested that the radio call of Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” to beat the Dodgers in 1951 startled him so much that he sliced off a little piece of his pinkie finger while he was making a sandwich, is encouraging.

I believe that Fred Wilpon’s legacy isn’t cemented just yet and he will hoist yet another Commissioners’ Trophy in the near future.

For 44 years our beloved Mets called Shea Stadium home. It doesn’t really seem like a long time when you think about it. I know to those of us who have been Mets fans for the better part of our lives it seems like yesterday. Whether that conjures up images of Tom Seaver and Buddy Harrelson or Darryl Strawberry and “El Sid”, the images remain as fresh as if they happened yesterday.

The last time I walked into Shea on August 9th, 2008 I can honestly say it was the same as the first time I stepped foot in there 14 years before. It was as if she was ageless…a big blue and orange time machine of sorts. For me, Shea was home to moments of wonder, excitement and even romance. I’m thankful that during the Mets time there we were treated to competitive teams more often than not, and can boast of 4 pennants and 2 World Championships.  Personally, it may take me some time to get used to Shea not being there and referring to Citi Field as home. Just as the great Garth Algar once noted when he was asked his opinion of the new “Wayne’s World” set: 

“It’s like a new pair of underwear. At first it’s constrictive, but after a while it becomes a part of you.”

I think Citi Field will be the same way. Sure it isn’t what we’re used to, but we’ll make ourselves at home soon enough. …

Former Mets pitcher Neil Allen will serve as pitching coach for the Montgomery Biscuits franchise here in Alabama, a Tampa Bay Rays Double A affiliate. His most notable career accomplishment as a Met was being traded to the Cardinals for Keith Hernandez. I wonder who got the better end of that deal?

I hope everyone has that “We’re the team to beat” crap out of their systems and concentrates on playing ball now. Verbal urinating contests have become boring. I believe one Sports Illustrated Fan Nation reader said it would be more interesting if Cole Hamels got beaned and Jose Reyes came in from short to do the merengue around his head. Sounds mean, but I don’t think I could look away…

Heres to a great 2009! Let’s Go Mets!

Now before anybody gets their undies in a bunch, I know that it is just a guy in a suit pretending to be Captain America. Thankfully, the line between fantasy and reality is not blurred for me.

I think that’s a good thing, having that child-like attitude that is. Others may think you’re a little delusional, but who cares? Despite the recent happenings with Alex Rodriguez and others, I still trust that the majority of the players who take the field are clean. That may be a little ignorant of me to believe that, but I need to believe in the basic good of these people, almost as much as I believe that every Spring Training, the Mets are destined to be champions. What would be the point of following the team? Or even writing blogs about them  be?

I’m going to remain optimistic this season. I know there will be negativity that will come around, but not for long.  My Pastor had this to say about negative thoughts.

“You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can keep him from nesting on it.”

So until the numbers say otherwise, “Let’s Go Mets!”

For me, baseball, and especially the Mets are a matter of the heart. Manny Ramirez seems to be the hot topic here lately, and it seems that as the winter drags along, Manny has managed to dredge up quite a bit of support from Mets fans. I’ve said it before, give him the same offer the Dodgers have on the table, throw in a tinfoil lined hat that will help him “Keep his thoughts in”, and he might take the deal. 

Recently, our colleague Rob wrote a wonderful piece about my favorite player of all time, Darryl Strawberry. I once had the opportunity to meet him and I was taken back by the kind of guy he was. It may be because he had just come back to baseball with the Giants, but I found him to be engaging and polite, nothing like his history would have suggested. It was July 23, 1994, there was impending labor strife on the horizon and Matt Williams of the Giants and Tony Gwynn of the Padres were both chasing single season records in homeruns and average. I was given an opportunity to tour Shea stadium and go on the field for batting practice to meet some of the players.

I was originally slated to meet Doc Gooden, but he got suspended, then Kevin McReynolds then he got hurt, but I met my share of legends that day. Buddy Harrelson, Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy were three of the kindest and humble people I have had the pleasure of meeting. Barry and Bobby Bonds were also very gracious too, even letting us interrupt their discussion at the batting cage to give us an autograph. Bobby Bonilla, still looked at as “The Man” at the time, was great. Jeromy Burnitz and Ryan Thompson were very cool too.

Fernando Vina was in a bit of a mood due to people hollering some unkind things from the stands, but he gave us an autograph anyway.. I still have the picture of him with a sour puss face on handing the ball back. None of them held a candle to meeting “The Straw That Stirred the Mets Drink” though. Even seeing Dallas Green standing at second base with a look that gave the impression he had better things to do couldn’t ruin this day. Darryl Strawberry knew my name and I was on Cloud 9.

Although the game itself  didn’t turn out like I wanted it to, the Giants ended up beating the Mets 4-2 after resuming the game after a MLB record 3 ½ hour rain delay, it was a day that I’ll never forget. Sadly, the season ended with a strike less than a month later and we were left holding our foam fingers asking ,”Why?”

I couldn’t believe there was no World Series that year. It was almost like the 1994 season never happened. Here’s to hoping that never happens again. Chances are, there will be no more Mark McGwire/ Sammy Sosa to bring baseball back again. Although, that’s a whole other “can of worms” for another day.

Case in point, 1988 NLCS. Mets vs. Dodgers. The two teams traded punches back and forth until Game 7 when the Orel Hershiser led Dodgers shutout the Mets 6-0 and ended the Mets season. I can remember waking up for school the next day, listening to WSUL and the DJ dedicating Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” to distraught Mets fans.

I can honestly say that today, I’m not as depressed as I was that cold October morning. Though 20+ years later I find myself in a similar spot. Our beloved Mets have had two straight seasons that have ended “badly” to say the least. I can honestly say that I’ve moved on from that and I’m ready for pitchers and catchers to report. I think as a baseball fan in general, moving on prepares us for the hope each Spring Training brings. After all, everyone is undefeated in February.

This winter has been a long one. I miss the smell of fresh cut grass and BBQ hot dogs and burgers and the sound of bats cracking and leather poppin’. The sound of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer” haunting and teasing me at the same time while it blares from the radio…

“…a voice inside my head said don’t look back, you can never look back.”

How true. The past is just that, PAST.

I’m ready to look toward the future. Spring will soon be here and it will be time for new memories…and new music.

So Pedro, this “Metsy” is for you! Sure he isn’t “Staff Ace” Pedro anymore, but anytime he takes the mound he is sure to put on a show. Whether that show has anything to do with pitching is beside the point. It’s a show nonetheless!

But alas, not all is well in Flushing these days. Speculation about Willies’ job status has run so rampant that it must be ultra awkward for he and Omar to have any conversation. Kind of like talking to your girlfriend or boyfriend when you both know that you are at a dead end, and the only thing that will bring that sweet release is a break-up. I can’t even imagine what it would be like for them to be in the same room with the Wilpons to talk business. That conversation would go over like a turd in the punch bowl I believe. I suppose there’s no use harping about it, Omar and the Wilpons are going to do what they gotta do anyway.

It was nice to see Trot Nixon in a Mets uniform. Now if we could just pry Millar from Baltimore and Manny from the Sox, it would be a 2004 Red Sox reunion! I certainly wouldn’t mind that if it got results, but Manny would never play at Shea due to not being able to urinate between pitching changes behind the outfield wall. Of course he could just be like Moises and pee on his hands in the clubhouse to help his grip on the bat. It’s all about self control Manny…

Okay, enough of that potty talk! I hope everyone has a great day and “Lets Go Mets!”

Maybe there was a fear deep underneath the confident front the Mets exhibited in the spring. Like a child boldly proclaiming mastery over the darkness only to lie under his covers, shivering and afraid to move when the lights go out. No matter what Carlos Beltran or anyone else said, maybe they just did not believe it in their hearts. They certainly have the talent to win it, and most people predicted they could. Sadly, you can’t see the psychological scars that a collapse of that magnitude can leave on paper. I still believe anything is possible, and by no means am I conceding defeat in the third month of the season. All I’m saying is that things are looking worse everyday as the losses mount. The Phillies, for all of their apparent weaknesses have shown that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with, whether we like it or not. Even the Braves have added to the humiliation with their patchwork rotation, proudly sitting above the Mets.

I’m no G.M or anything close to that. I don’t know how to fix what’s wrong or even where to start. I have a sneaking suspicion that if things continue like this management will be held accountable at some point. I don’t know if that means Willie Randolph, Omar Minaya or both will be joining the millions of other Americans looking for a job.

If the Mets do decide to blow the team up, save Wright, Reyes and Santana, maybe there is value to be had in return that will help in the near future. I haven’t been to Shea Stadium since 2005 and was so excited about the team that I would see when I came back for the last time in August. I had hoped that the sadness of being in Shea one last time would be overshadowed by the Mets competitive performance and thoughts of raising a championship banner in our new home in 2009. I still believe of course, since it is always darkest before the dawn. Let’s just hope that the Mets see the light and play like they are capable of.

Like all of us here on this site, I have a passion for all things Mets. So much so, that even the littlest things can trigger memories and other thoughts about them. One of the things that I have always loved about being a Mets fan is the underdog status they hold in New York. To some people the Mets will always remain in the shadow cast by our neighbors in the Bronx. Even if the Mets were to win 30 straight World Series titles, some will always consider Yankee tradition superior. Another example is the battle for headlines in the city papers. For instance, Johnny Damon’s excitement over a prize in his box of Crackerjacks would make bigger headlines than a Mets 10 game win streak.

On my way home from church last night the song “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger came over the radio, and the title struck me (naturally) with thoughts of the Mets. (You can hear it here if you aren’t familiar with it.)

It made me think about the Mets and their continued struggle to wrestle the spotlight from the Yankees. I’m not sure if I would want it any other way the more I thought about it. When something isn’t easily achieved it makes success that much sweeter. The Mets may not have a history of juggernauts that won championships, but behind every Mets title therein lies the hearts of true champions. From the improbable Miracle Mets in ’69, the Amazin’ 1986 club and the 2000 N.L.Champs, the Mets fought tooth and nail for what they accomplished. That’s not to say the Yankees didn’t work hard, but in all honesty they were expected to win more often than not.

The Mets have almost always been dismissed as second class citizens with no chance. This season is no different. Even with the acquisition of Johan there are many doubters, citing the effect of the collapse of 2007 and Jose’s fragile psyche. For the Mets to win the N.L. East and beyond they are going to have to channel some of the same magic that made Al Weis and Mookie Wilson heroes that rocked Shea Stadium on those chilly October nights in a way the Beatles could only dream of.

“…Against the wind. I’m still runnin’ against the wind. I’m older now and still runnin’ against the wind…”

Keep running Mets, we’re right behind you. Let’s make this final season at Shea the stuff legends are made of!

What can be said about this team that hasn’t been said already? Everywhere you look from ESPN to Sports Illustrated to many fan threads, are taking stabs at what the Mets problem could be. Some say its age, while others suggest management issues or even the possibility they were never a good team to begin with. I can’t say for sure what the problem is, and any move made by the Mets to rectify the problem is only a shot in the dark. They could resurrect Gil Hodges and find the fountain of youth for Tom Seaver and I’m still not convinced it would make that much of a difference.

Maybe the problem is me. Not me by myself, but Mets fans collectively. Have we become so ingrained with a culture of finishing second that no matter how jazzed we are about a team in the preseason, thoughts of imminent failure come with the first losing streak?

If so, have those same worries and expectations found their way into the very fabric of the franchise? Could this be why we mercilessly boo at the drop of a hat? Maybe we have just accepted the possibility that the Mets will always be a second class citizen in NYC next to the Yankees and their seemingly insurmountable 26 World Championships.

I for one refuse to buy into the Chicago Cubs,”Wait ‘till next year!” mentality. I am a fan of the New York Metropolitans baseball club, and proud of it. While I am disheartened at the current state of things, I will remain loyal and “true to the orange and blue”. Looking deep inside myself I know things could never be any other way. I’m just not myself without the Mets. They are simply part of who I am…

I’m certain that many of you readers feel the same. I refuse to buy into the Yankee mystique, Philly pride or that moronic tomahawk chop in Atlanta. The past is the past, and while I respect it, take pride in it and sometimes loathe it, it is still the past. The future is now. Anything less than a championship is a failure. Time to play like it fellas. I’m not calling it a season just yet… Let’s Go Mets!

In keeping with my promise from last week’s blog, I want YOU, our loyal Mets Merized readers, to vote for who you think should win this weeks “Metsy”.

Will it be John Maine, who came within 2 outs of a complete game? Ryan Church, who continues to be solid? Maybe Carlos Beltran who reminded us why he is one of the best all around players in the game? Or finally, will it be Ollie Perez… nevermind, I’m still stinging from his last stinker… nice game yesterday though Ollie!

Just leave a comment on who your choice is and why. I’m interested in reading the diverse opinions because diversity is what makes Mets fans great… that and tons of patience. Especially when it comes to rising hot dog and knish prices…

Satish Ram, a frequent Mets Chatter contributor weighed in with his pick for "Monday’s Metsy"…

Carlos Beltran – Within the past 2 days, Carlos had knocked in 8 runs off 5 hits, and also drawn 2 more walks. Three of those hits were extra base hits (Double,Triple,Homerun) He’s reflecting the Beltran that hit .280 and hit 41 HRS for the Mets in 2006. If he keeps it up, he’ll probably approach his 30+HR/100 RBI plateau. But recently, he’s shown a stroke unmatched by the other Mets. Beltran’s career stats show he bats .227 in May through July. So it’s worth noting that this may just be a short streak, or Beltran may just be on the road to a great year.

With yesterdays win the Mets are now 3 games behind the “Fishies” for first place in the N.L.East, tied with the Phillies. I’m starting to wonder if Florida is for real, or will they finally sputter out as predicted? Make no mistake, with Jimmy Rollins back at short and supposedly healthy, the Mets are gonna have their hands full. One thing is for certain… the season’s just getting warmed up and there’s lots of baseball left to be played! Oops, wait a second… that AND Roger Clemens is a meatball with legs, so that makes TWO things for certain. Sorry, had to get my daily Clemens dig in there.

By the way, today’s blog is dedicated to three very special female Mets fans who also happen to be wonderful mothers… my friends Priscilla and Patty who recently converted, and lastly, my mother Denise who passed away in 2001. I know she’s rooting for her Amazin’s from glory! I hope everyone has a great day and I’ll see y’all on the flip flop!

On to the “Monday Metsy Award”!

This week I gotta go with Ryan Church who has been playing as well as anyone and was referred to as the Mets MVP so far this season by my esteemed colleague Jessica DeMattia. I can hardly disagree with her given his .318 batting average, 4 homers and 22 Ribbies while playing a very good rightfield. So congratulations Ryan Church, this “Metsy’s for you! No thanks needed…you earned it.

Also, while on the subject of the “Metsy”, it was suggested to me to change it up a bit. So next week, I’m inviting YOU, our loyal readers to decide who should win. Next week, just leave a comment on my Monday blog about who you think should win and why. Let’s see who gets the most votes…

Just a side note before I close. Does anyone else enjoy watching Roger Clemens look worse as this whole McNamee/HGH/Steroids mess goes on? Now he’s apparently hooked up with Mindy McReady, John Daly’s ex, and a bartender. He’s like Wilt Chamberlain Lite….

Anyway, I hope you all have a great night.

I’ll leave you with a video from Ryan Parker, who comes up with yet another song about Roidger.

Enjoy! Later folks!

This makes two weekends in a row that I was able to lay my head down at night peacefully, knowing the Mets had won. What makes this victory even sweeter is the fact it came at the expense of John Smoltz and the hated Braves. I always cringe when I know a series against the Braves is coming because if the Mets don’t win I’m going to hear it from all of the Braves fans who have been on the bandwagon since 1991. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Mets.

Much has already been made about Carlos Delgado not obliging the fans for a curtain call after his second homer yesterday. He claims it was because he didn’t feel it was worthy of a curtain call, but in my humble opinion I think he was making a statement. Not that it really mattered to me, but two homeruns don’t outweigh the inconsistency he has shown thus far. He only did what Carlos Delgado is supposed to do. I realize one of the hardest things to do in the world is hit a baseball, but when you make $16 million doing it I think a little consistency isn’t too much to ask. Hopefully, in addition to the immediate dividends it paid today, he can build on his success. That being said, he can hit 30 more homers and pout in the dugout all year if it means a World Series title.

Because I’m grateful to Carlos for helping to take 2 out of 3 from the Bravos, I would like to honor him with this weeks “Monday Morning Metsy” award. So here’s to you Carlos Delgado, slugger extraordinaire… Be prepared for more booing if you don’t keep improving.

Just a quick personal note today… This past week, the American Cancer Society held it’s annual “Relay for Life “ celebrations to raise money for cancer research, honor survivors and remember those who were lost. I just wanted to throw out a reminder to everyone to get themselves checked, depending on your gender you know what types of cancer. If you have other illnesses that could increase your chances of getting cancer like genetic pre-disposition or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), please take the time to stay current on your health. Your life is not something to fool around with. Visit www.cancer.org for more info! Thank you guys for your attention today and try not to work too hard!

Everything has started to fall perfectly into place as if the Mets were a jigsaw puzzle. Mike Pelfrey opened the series and for his second consecutive outing showed guts, and lots of them, something Mets fans have never witnessed. His ball had zip and hard sinking action, about 80 percent of his outs came via the ground ball. John Maine didn’t have his best stuff in game two, he struggled with command at many points, but he bared down and never allowed the game to fall away. As for last night, I myself cannot figure out Nelson Figueroa, and I’m just watching him from a far, good luck to the guys who have to actually step up to the plate against him. He wont blow a hitter away with any kind of intimidating fast ball, he doesn’t have a defined “out” pitch in his repertoire, but he somehow goes out their and is averaging almost a strikeout per inning. Do we add another no name to the list of players Omar Minaya has picked up for nothing and has gone on to pay enormous dividends?

Jose Reyes is once again playing baseball in case you haven’t noticed. Carlos Beltran rescued him from hiding and promptly returned him to Shea. All kidding aside, as Reyes goes so too goes the Mets offense. When Reyes is on base and driving the ball to the gaps, the team wins, when he hits fly balls and gets long ball giddy, they lose. It was quite evident Reyes was not himself, his Colgate smile; club rocking dance moves, his once electric presence had been lacking electricity. After an enlightening awakening by Beltran over the weekend, Reyes has returned to form, he’s happy, likewise the Met fan is happy.

Then there’s goggles. Duaner Sanchez was activated and returned to the big club Tuesday night after a 21 month hiatus following shoulder surgery in the summer of 2006. The addition is a godsend to the otherwise shaky bullpen. Sanchez makes it whole; it adds vital depth to one of the most worked pens in all the game. Aaron Heilman now may settle in to being the dependable pitcher we have grown accustomed to seeing, knowing he does not have to carry the entire relief core on his shoulders.

Now, we shall see if those same gorgeous blue skies will follow the squad down the turnpike to Philadelphia for a 3 game hook-up with the much hated Phillies. Johan Santana was brought to Flushing to pitch in big games, Friday night is his first opportunity to send a message to the team’s chief rival, that 2007 is in the past, and 2008 is the year they will take back their thrown once again. This may be the perfect time to head into Philly, just as the Mets are firing on all cylinders.

It has been a rough week for our beloved Mets, which in turn makes it a worse week for fans. Hopefully starting Tuesday night against the “Gnats”, things will finally turn around. It’s a good thing for the Mets that the rest of the NL East is playing like garbage, they have a good chance at getting back in first place where they belong.

At least the Mets aren’t getting another dose of Ben Sheets tomorrow, but rather Odalis Perez who brings a 4.91 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched to the mound. I think what the Mets need (myself included) would be a nice offensive explosion to get things fired up again.

Many people are already wondering if Willie Randolph’s head will roll should the Mets remain stagnant. My personal opinion is that no matter what, Willie deserves to finish out the season. Then and only then should the Mets pass judgement. A full year at the helm gives him plenty of opportunity to right the ship from last year. Hopefully he does and we can all move on and 2007 will be just a bad memory.

Perusing through the internet, I found this little gem by Ryan Parker. It’s a song that celebrates the history and the future hope of the New York Mets. Nothing like a little nostalgia to help you feel better. I hope everyone likes it, and have a great night!

Winning teams throughout the history of sports more often than not are found to be models of consistency. The timely base hit, homerun or RBI, even clutch play from a quarterback as time expires to lead their teams to victory, snatching it from the jaws of defeat. I myself have always like things in my life to remain consistent. For example, if I could wake up every morning with that special someone, enjoy a nice bowl of Cocoa Pebbles with ice cold milk before leaving for my job as a gopher for Omar Minaya, my life would be CONSISTENTLY GREAT. As it stands, today is Monday, most people’s least favorite day of the week, especially mine. None of the above things mentioned have happened for me today and on top of no Cocoa Pebbles… the Mets lost.

On the bright side though, Johan Santana continues to be a model of consistency for our beloved Amazins’, pitching 7 decent innings, only giving up 1 run before our consistent, game blowing reliever Aaron Heilman came in and handed the game to Atlanta. Not that I’m conceding anything to the Braves or anyone else, but if this is a sign of how the summer is gonna go then we are in for a lot of Pepto Bismol and Tylenol laden nights.

Enough whining, here’s a few thoughts on some related happenings from the wide world of MLB…

13 year old girl Alexa Rodriguez was treated and released from a local hospital after being attacked by a red-tail hawk during a school tour of Fenway Park. No word on whether or not Jason Varitek and Curt Schilling will seek a refund from the animals’ trainer.

Speaking of A-Rod, former Rangers teammate and resident big mouth Jose Canseco is still making his book signing rounds in which he writes that A-Rod had asked him where to get steroids. To top it off, Jose has also accused A-Rod of sleeping with his then wife Jessica. This is turning out to be one huge, unfunny soap opera. Wake me up when Canseco goes away.

Maybe this Monday doesn’t have to be so bad in spite of things. I think I’ll go get me some Cocoa Pebbles and watch this great parody of “Alien”, used in a promo for “Family Guy”. It always makes me crack up! Enjoy!

Hope you all have a great day! (That’s y’all to the folks down south and here in Alabama!)

First up, the Mets 13-0 thrashing of the “Fishies” the other night in Florida was awesome.  I cannot explain how good it felt to see Ollie pitch like that and the Mets bring runs across like they were going out of style. Ryan Church even hit a homerun off of a lefty! I’m hoping that is a sign of things to come and not a freak occurrence.

I’m proud of the way the Mets are going about business, even in the face of losing Pedro once again. David Wright said this about it,

"As players, we don’t have the luxury of sitting around watching and wondering what if," he said. "We’ve got to go out and get the job done, regardless of who isn’t there. While Pedro is down, teams are coming after us. We’ve got to be ready."

You gotta love this guy. He is shooting up the ladder on my list of favorite Mets.. I think Johan Santana has a lot to do with the confidence in that clubhouse.

The only blemish on the night was Carlos Beltran narrowly missing a homerun after it was overruled by umpires furthest away from the ball. Carlos suggested that he would be for replay in situations like that. I’m not totally sold on that idea. What do you guys think and how might you go about it?

Speaking of the Great Santana, SI.com baseball writer, Tom Verducci has picked him to be the National League Cy Young Award winner for 2008. This is what he had to say,” New York. Big park, National League, good team, good offense, durable pitcher … it’s just too easy a pick to pass up.

I personally couldn’t agree more. For a complete list of his predictions here is the link.

Found a funny website called shutuptimmccarver.com that cracked me up. I know there are a lot of people that can’t stand the guy so if that’s you then this site is for you. This is the current quote from McCarver posted on the site,

"If you leadoff and you play every day, you’re guaranteed to bat with the bases empty at least 162 times." – July 8th, 2006

I can’t believe someone who makes what he does broadcasting ballgames would say something so idiotic. Pure stupidity, just sad.

Lastly, for laughs here is a You Tube link of the Reds Bronson Arroyo doing a car commercial. I’m pretty sure that what he said was not in the script. (Warning: Expletive relating to fecal matter used!) Enter if you dare.

That’s all from me today folks. Have a great day and I hope to see ya around. Let’s Go Mets!

I find it at best to be boring and headache inducing, not to mention listening to divisive politicians who rarely have the best interests of the people at heart. So when I mention it, I try to be as light hearted as possible considering the sensitive nature of the subject.

That being said, I thought I would mix up this 3 horse race (Obama, Clinton & McCain) with my own candidate…Mr. David Wright.

If ever there was a candidate that always said the right thing and was less divisive, I have never heard of him. Just think of the possibilities!

Here is a short list of several changes I think President-elect Wright should make if voted in:

• Tom Seavers’ birthday would be made a national holiday.
• Mr. Met would be named Secretary of Defense and the new strategy in Iraq would be to fire as many Phillies and Yankees t-shirts at insurgents as possible, making them sick to their stomachs and causing an immediate cease fire.
• Citifield would become the Wright administrations “Camp David”.
• The White House would immediately become “The Wright House” and be redecorated in orange and blue décor…including the rose garden to the same colors.

Anyway, as you can see the possibilities are endless! Now if D-Wright was 10 years older and the Mets didn’t need him so much this could be a reality. Who knows?

All kidding aside, things are looking pretty good for the Mets as they head to Miami to open the season against the “Fishies”. I know there are some worries such as who will complement Church in RF, who our 5^th starter will be and if Delgado will return to form, but I am confident that Omar can and will do what he can to fix problems that may arise. Sure we could get into all the different names but then it would feel like Hot Stove season all over again where speculation runs rampant from cabin fever, but I’ll pass on that.

I can’t speak for everyone obviously, but I can’t wait for the Mets season to start. We have to feel pretty good about our chances to win this thing but it’s gonna be a battle!

We may not know exactly what the Mets record will be, but it is completely obvious that this is going to be an exciting season for many reasons. Here are just a few:

The final season at Shea is going to be one filled with nostalgia, pride and hope. Nostalgic looking back at the way things were, pride in past glories and hope for a bright future as Citi Field continues to raise in the shadow of Shea. Most of us Mets fans won’t be able to stop ourselves from being emotional knowing we are walking away for the last time.

The arrival of Johan Santana will be incredible. I know many of us are disappointed he didn’t come out and blow away hitters in the spring, but forget that isn’t why they train. Johan will be going full steam ahead once the season starts and I think it would not be a stretch to expect 20+ wins from him. He will be a joy to watch.

It will also be fun to see how the Mets respond to the adversity from last season, if they can finally take that next step and put themselves head and shoulders above the pack. I believe they will and the Shea faithful will be happy with the results.

Lastly, I would just like to put my 2 cents in on some stuff going on in the league…

Now that Ryan Church is a new father does that mean he will have a statistically comparable season to Carlos Delgados’ “New Dad” season?

The whole farce with Coco Crisp being traded for Angel Pagan was a nightmare when I first heard it. What good would he have done the Mets? It isn’t like he would be starting the whole season which is why he wants out of Boston to begin with! I’m glad we don’t have a $4 million dollar malcontent benchwarmer. Our benchwarmers are plenty happy!

The Braves say that Mike Hampton had “electric” stuff going in his start the other day…forgive me while I just go ahead and hand them the NL East title. Mike Hampton is a lot like El Duque, you can pretty much bet that he will be ailing at some point this season. They would be better off letting him play the field everyday, at least he can hit.

Oh yeah, watch out Mets because Brad Lidge threw batting practice and his knee feels…well, how DOES it feel Brad? “Right now, [my right knee] feels pretty darn good."

Pretty darn good? Well, good luck with that Brad. Make sure you have that neck collar at Citizens Bank Park…you’ll need it with all of the whiplash you will get from watching homers launch.

Hope everyone has a great day! Don’t work TOO hard!