Author: Jim Mancari

From Left Field: Marlins Home Run Celebration Is Very Distracting

There’s been a lot of talk about the Miami Marlins all offseason, so I’ll keep the trend going. Let me start off by saying, I downright love the “Home Run Apple.” Whether it’s the old one outside Citi Field or the new one inside the stadium, the Home Run Apple is a Mets and baseball icon. In addition to bringing multiple high-profile free agents including Jose Reyes, the Marlins have made...

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From Left Field: The Ethics Of Steroids

In the wake of the Ryan Braun steroid decision, performance-enhancing drugs have been a hot topic of late. Whether you agree or disagree with the decision, we can all agree that the steroid problem goes way beyond the development of tolerance. I sat down with former Major Leaguer Frank Tepedino to discuss the topic. Tepedino’s career spanned parts of eight seasons from 1967-1975. He played for...

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From Left Field: This Team Better Honor The ’62 Mets

Recently, I was able to speak to several members of original 1962 Mets: Ed Kranepool, Frank Thomas, Jay Hook, Craig Anderson and Gil Hodges’ wife, Joan. They reminisced about the early days of the franchise, which I will chronicle in a series in early March. However, in talking to Anderson, I was made aware that the team’s finances was preclude them from bringing back members of the 1962...

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From Left Field: The 5th Bench Spot

Though the Mets did not make any huge splashes this offseason, the final 25-man roster has pretty much taken shape already based on the team’s acquisitions. Barring any injuries in spring training, the starting lineup looks set: Davis, Murphy, Tejada, Wright, Thole, Bay, Torres and Duda. Even the starting pitching staff won’t look too different than Santana, Dickey, Pelfrey, Niese and Gee (with...

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Notable Mets Dates For The 2012 Season

The days are ticking away until pitchers and catchers report for spring training followed by the rest of the team. Let’s take a look at some of the notable dates to circle on your calendar in anticipation of the 2012 Mets season. April 5- Mets Opening Day The team will begin the season at home against the Atlanta Braves. Most likely, Johan Santana will not be pitching this game, and the nod may...

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