Mets Merized Online

The reason why I don’t get into the off-season that much or even Spring Training is because there’s so much more to what goes on behind the scenes than we ever know. I like to just pay attention, whatever happens, happens and I get ready for Opening Day and good times. However, this Mike Jacobs things has be going crazy.

The Mets are in a unique situation this year. The team that “has no minor league system,” has guys opening the eyes of many to the true talent that lies within the farm system. It’s exciting of course, but I don’t get caught up in prospects until I see what they can do on a major league field. There’s just so much that can change, and a great minor leaguer or a great spring training performer sometimes can be only that. 

The debate of Daniel Murphy v. Mike Jacobs v. Ike Davis is interesting to me. I’m a guy who believes Murphy deserves a chance to start at 1B after the work he put into the off-season with Keith Hernandez and Howard Johnson. He’s only coming off of his 1^st full season in the big leagues, and I don’t think it’s fair to write him off. 

I’m not saying he’s a superstar, but I am saying if you compare his full rookie season to a lot of players, you’ll see he wasn’t as awful as you may think. The problem with him is there’s one side of Mets fans that now hate him, and another that still crown him with greatness. If we meet in the middle and realize not every player needs to be a 40 HR 1B for a team to be successful, maybe a guy like Murphy can grow. 

I bought a Murphy shirt in August of 2008. The reason I did was I loved his passion and his work ethic that was shown right off the bat. My view of Murphy is he needs to get back to being the patient hitter we saw at the end of 2008. A tough out. To compare him to another 1B, I’d like to see him be a Nick Johnson, without the injuries. He showed great plate discipline and if you look at his numbers, he saw fewer pitches per at bat last year, and he was trying to do too much. You also have to remember, this is a guy who was at times as sadly as this is, was expected to be the 1^st or 2^nd best hitter in the lineup due to other injuries. 

Ike Davis to me, he’s not going anywhere, so I see no reason to have him be with the big club in April. So assuming he won’t be, that brings us to Jacobs. 

I can’t stand Mike Jacobs supporters. I think a Mike Jacobs supporter is lacking an overall understanding of a hitter’s role in a lineup. If you want to tell me that Mike Jacobs in 2010 is going to be Mike Jacobs from 2008, fine, lets talk about it. 

If that is the best we can hope for, then I still prefer Murphy. I’m sorry but a hitters job #1 is to get on base. Whether that means rounding the bases with 1 swing, or getting on with a hit or a walk, his job is to get safely on base. 

When a hitter can only do that in his BEST season 29% of the time, that is awful. You want to know how awful? Well let’s just focus on the National League for statistical comparison. 

Of the 76 hitters who had a minimum of 500 plate appearances in the NL during the 2009 seasons, three of them had a worse OBP than Jacobs did in Jacobs’ so called “best season.” Those players were Jimmy Rollins (.296), Clint Barmes (.294), and Bengie Molina (.265.) 

Now you can try to tell me that OBP doesn’t matter, you’d be wrong but you could tell me that. A hitters job isn’t to just hit a HR 30 times, and strike out 150. It’s to have productive at bats across the board, not be 1 dimensional. 

If Mike Jacobs was to be in this lineup every day, where would he hit? He’s not a 1-2-3 hitter, he’s not an 8 hitter, and you can’t tell me it makes sense to bat him 6-7 because then he’s no different than Murphy. 

So the only way Jacobs makes sense is if he’s our #4 or #5 hitter. So you’re telling me you (a random supporter of Jacobs) value his 32 plate appearances in which he hits a home run (assuming he comes back to old form) over the fact he strikes out 100+ times, and doesn’t get on base more than KAZ MATSUI! So basically the Mike Jacobs supporters who want Wright-Jacobs-Bay to be our 3-4-5 right now, basically you want the Mets to have the least productive cleanup hitter in the sport. 

When a guy strikes out 22% of the time, and hits a homerun 6% of the time, what do you think that does to Wright or Bay hitting around him? You think Wright is going to get anything to swing at? You think Bay will get any RBI opportunities after Jacobs strikes out to end the inning over and over again? 

It’s a joke, it really is. Jacobs is almost 5 years older than Murphy, and the only thing he brings to the table is the possibility of hitting a homerun 6% of the time he steps to the plate? 

The folks who mention Jacobs’ 30 games in 2005 at age 24 need to get real. I’m sorry but that is just pure desperation coming through my computer monitor. 

I am not saying Murphy deserves something he doesn’t earn, but there’s nothing about Jacobs’ spring at the plate that tells me he is any more deserving than Murphy. In face, I’d rather a 25 year old struggle in the spring, than a 29 year old with everything to prove. 

If Jacobs was having an Ike Davis like spring, it’d be a different conversation. To me, 20 AB and 4 hits, with 2 of them being a HR doesn’t win you a job you were not the favorite for. Everybody has a bad spring here or there, but guys who are #2 in the race for the spot don’t win jobs by hitting like that.

If Mike Jacobs plays 1B and hits 4th in the Mets order, it will be a bigger mistake than the Baha Men version of ”Who let the Mets Out” in 2000.

It’s been a while since I posted here. One reason was my computer crashed and I couldn’t remember my login info, but the main reason was, I’m tired. You know, this past season more than any other I’ve learned to just throw my hands in the air and commit to watching 162 games a year, and hope to see October baseball. 

This year, more than any, I’ve paid close attention to the Hot Stove market, but not once did I get angry, or happy at an addition or lack there of. 

I’m trying to figure out the reasons why. Perhaps it’s because I take a look around at examples of teams who have had success or failure, regardless of their hot stove season? Perhaps it’s because there are more important things in your life other than the New York Mets trying to acquire a free agent pitcher. Maybe, and most likely, last year just proved to me that nothing you, myself or experts think about the roster on Opening Day matters. 

I’ll probably get angry at some point, I do that you know. I’ll write a really heated blog, but you know what? It’ll be when something is actually happening. It’s January. Pennants, and baseball games are not won in January.

Anything can happen. For all you know, Roy Halladay gets injured this year and the Phillies are forced to use food stamps to fill the cupboard. For all you know, Johan Santana could get injured again, and then everything changes once again. Again, for all you or I know, maybe Oliver Perez has grown up. I mean, he does have a beard now. That’s a big deal. 

There were how many free agents signed by new teams this year? At least 75 right? It seems to me that after every free agent signs with a team, my phone blows up. “Way to go Omar,” or “See ya Sheets.” I mean, for almost every free agent that was on the Mets or the Mets fans radar this year that ended up going elsewhere, I could make a very good case as to why the contract is either bad, or the player is a risk. Yet each one of the people who blame the Mets for not signing every player to ever put on the uniform, are the same ones who get mad that we have no farm system. 

Before the 2009 season, most fans thought the Mets had a roster that would at the very least put them into contention to be a Top 5 National League team. Unless I am forgetting somebody, I can’t think of 1 team that dramatically improved their ballclub from last year more than the Mets by signing free agents. If I’m wrong tell me. Lackey to Boston, okay good move but this is also a team that has lost some key pieces to their previous team, and have a DH who might not be able to hack it anymore. Is Boston really good? Absolutely. However, they were really good before Lackey. 

Who else? Tell me what team filled a hole this year with a free agent, and made themselves a much better team. The reason you haven’t answered yet (besides the fact you’re only reading this,) is because the only team that can say that is the New York Mets. I am not even a huge Jason Bay fan (yet), but you can’t sit there and tell me that of all the competitive teams that needed to make a big splash to improve their team via free agency that anybody other than the Mets did a better job. 

There was absolutely some great signings this year, but there isn’t a team in the league that is “going for it” that made a bigger impact than the Mets did, just by signing one player. 

You can debate the possible talents of certain players, but the bottom line is, if you listed every team that was trying to win it all, and then you listed their #1 need. The Mets would a) be at the top for the team with the biggest need out of all of them, and then b) would be the ones that filled that need with the best available player. The Mets needed a power hitting left fielder to compete in the National League. They accomplished that. You don’t need two aces in the NL to win. You may think you do, but in 2008 who was the Phillies #2 starter? What about the Dodgers pitching staff last year? Do they need another pitcher? Probably. Do they need another ace? No. 

You can’t have everything. If you did, you’d be a Yankees fan. The market is still very slow, and there is a reason some guys are still unsigned. We need to stop thinking that every unsigned free agent is just waiting to be scooped up by the Mets. 

The Mets won 70 games last year without guys like Reyes, Santana, Beltran for big chunks of the year. The Mets feel that the prospect of Pelfrey, Maine, Perez turning it around and being healthy is a better investment than Ben Sheets at $10m guaranteed. I don’t blame them. Sheets was signed with revenue sharing money. It was a coupon deal for the A’s.

The 2010 Mets have enough question marks to deal with in terms of health and performance. If a free agent is available now, it’s likely because they aren’t worth the money they are asking, or they had injury concerns. Two things the Mets have enough of. 

Also, let’s not forget that not every team dreams of playing for the NY Mets. The Beltran surgery situation was bad press, even though I don’t think it was as big of a deal as it was made to be. The Mets should win some sort of PR award for the worst PR year ever. That’s not a very attractive thing to come join you know. The only way the Mets can shake that reputation is to win with the talent they have invested over $100m on. 

I’m not the kind of fan who sees things through rose colored glasses. I’m the type that says, nobody knew that our 2009 season would have gone the way it did. The only way to find out is to sit down, relax, and enjoy the game. Then, when half of our lineup gets injured, call Francesa to complain, because my phone will be off the hook!

Dear Often Angry Mets Fan, 

I don’t know if the 2009 Mets season made me a tougher fan, or if writing for this blog site did, but man you need to quit crying. Let’s talk about reality for a second. 

The New York Mets cannot get every player in the MLBPA. It just can’t happen. John Lackey is reportedly getting a five year deal worth what, over 82 million dollars? 

Look, that is a LOT of money to pay a #2 starter. It just is, and you need to get over it. I am a huge Lackey fan, I like watching the Angels play and I have watched him closely for a while. He has had arm problems, and it seems that everybody who is crying about Omar Minaya letting Lackey sign with the Red Sox just happen to be the same people who would protest all the way to Citi Field if Lackey got hurt after year 2. “Why did they give him a 5 year deal!” would be the rallying cry. 

Lackey is a good pitcher, but I am a gambling man, and I’d gamble that by year #3 starts the Red Sox are looking to deal Lackey or regret that contract. The Mets are not in a position to throw years away in a contract. The Mets do not need 1 or 2 great years out of Lackey, they need 3 or 4. What’s your plan when he turns 33 and his health problems get worse? 

Look, I get it, he’s a very good pitcher and probably would fit the Mets very nicely, but I believe the Red Sox overpaid. I do, and if the Mets signed him for that deal I’d say “wow, they overpaid.” 

The double whammy was of course Roy Halladay being traded to the Phillies. If the Lackey signing didn’t send you into a hissy fit, this trade did the trick apparently. Man, I am sick of it! The Blue Jays wanted Jose Reyes involved in a deal for Halladay. Are you telling me you’re interested in trading a SS in his prime for a 33 year old pitcher? Get real. 

The Phillies LOST that trade in my opinion. I don’t know all of the details yet, and frankly I do not need to. Sources say either Drabek or Happ left in this deal. That means the Phillies now have a gap in their rotation for 2010. I know that the Phillies traded away a lefty former Cy Young winner who was their ONLY hope in the 2009 playoffs for a 33 year old right handed pitcher who has never pitched a big game in his life. Look, Halladay to me is the best pitcher in the game, right now. However, if you’re asking me which pitcher I want in 2013, it’s Cliff Lee. 

Let’s not forget, Lee is hitting the open market next year. That’s why the Phillies made this deal. The Marines are gambling, but it’s a low cost gamble to them. I’d rather bid on Cliff Lee next year. 

You need to get over the fact that you think you are smarter than Omar Minaya, and that you think you have any idea what goes on inside the Wilpon’s office. Minaya is going nowhere until the 2010 season is done. The Wilpon’s are going nowhere, period. Let them build a team for the 2010 season, and then judge them.

You have no other choice. I’m tired of the constant complaining whenever ANYBODY signs a contract with another team. The Mets only have 25 active slots, and they don’t have room or money for everybody. You love this team because they are NOT the Yankees. Quit trying to make them the Yankees and demanding they buy every player. 

This team was predicted to go to the World Series last year and then had what Bobby Cox said the most devastating year in terms of injuries that he has ever seen. Why in the world are you acting as though they won less than 81 games with a healthy Reyes, Beltran, Delgado, Wright in the lineup? 

Lastly, everybody mocking the small moves the Mets are making, you have a right to do that. However, THOSE are the moves that make or break a General Manager. Anybody can sign John Lackey, it takes a good GM to find talent where nobody is looking. For those calling WFAN or writing here saying they are not purchasing tickets, good, more for us and less for you. I don’t boo the team I root for, and I certainly don’t cry in the off-season, especially when it’s DECEMBER! It’s not even April yet, and you are acting like the Mets season is done. 

So pick yourself up off the floor, wipe away those tears, and let’s start being realistic and enjoy the GAME. 

Of course, that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong. 

Best Regards,

Realistic Mets Fan.

For most, this is your second favorite time of the year. There’s opening day, and then there’s the hot stove. I guess I’m in the minority; I’m usually very quiet during the off-season because frankly, I can’t stand the constant speculation. Fans don’t know what is going on behind closed doors, and reporters create news to keep their job. It’s kind of like the NFL Draft. Is Mel Kiper Jr. ever right about the NFL Draft? Yet people listen to him week in and week out as he speculates a player’s value or a team’s interest. 

Here’s my take on the Mets right now. Wait and see before you judge. Omar Minaya and the Wilpon’s will be in office on Opening Day. So, there is absolutely no sense in bickering or complaining that they haven’t done anything yet. You want to complain the Mets didn’t sign Randy Wolf? Talk to me in two years and tell me you still want Wolf. 

I’m all for the ideas that this off-season is make or break for Minaya’s career in New York. He knows, and we know it. So let’s just take a deep breath and wait to see what happens. 

Now that I got that off my chest, I had a thought. It’s not a well thought out plan, and really in most part I have almost nothing backing me up on the thought. 

Yesterday, Mike Lowell was sent to the Texas Rangers for basically a catcher we’ll likely never hear from. 

I keep reading that the Rangers plan on using Lowell as a designated hitter or at first base. I don’t buy it. I just sense that something is going on in Texas. 

Remember last year, Michael Young was furious over the fact he was being moved to 3B for Elvis Andrus that he demanded a trade? Of course, he settled down, but now at age 33 after being moved to a position you didn’t want to play, your team acquires a veteran that just so happens to play that same position? Granted, Lowell is not a gold glover, but he can still field the position. 

Also, why would Texas move Lowell to 1B? First of all, Lowell has never played 1B. How many 35 year olds feel like learning a new position? Second, if he was a DH, what does that mean for Hank Blalock, and Julio Borbon? 

The Rangers have Chris Davis at 1B, a 23 year old kid that at least in my opinion will be a household name in the American League soon. They’ve played him at 1B regularly with Hank Blalock backing him up. So if Lowell is “healthy,” he isn’t going to accept a backup role for Chris Davis at a position he’s never played before. Certainly, they aren’t going to tell Davis to hit the pine until Lowell retires. 

If you talk about the Designated Hitter, you have a better argument but it’s still flawed to me. The Rangers have a full OF, which means Julio Borbon who tore it up from August to October will have to take a seat. Is that where Texas wants to go with their team? Sitting young guys who are just about to hit their full stride? I really don’t think so. I’m not saying Borbon is a stud, or deserves anything more than a chance. However, he, like Davis is 23 and has a huge upside. An upside that if he hits the bench for a 35 year old player could fall if they are reduced to coming off the bench. 

The biggest “hmm,” moment will be if Texas decides to offer Marlon Byrd a multi-year deal. He declined arbitration because he knows he can do better, and they know it to. If he does sign with them, then I have no doubt something is going on with Michael Young. 

So what does this have to do with the Mets? Well, Michael Young is of course 33 years old, and he has played 2B in his career. At his age, a role at 2B within a highly skilled offense would not compare to the slap in the face the Rangers gave him last year. 

I hope somebody in the Mets front office is quick enough to think “let me call Daniels and see what’s up with Young?” because early signs are pointing to the fact that they are preparing for Young to leave Texas.

Yesterday, a heated yet spirited debate occurred on the MMO Chat between myself and two readers. The key points in the “debate,” were the fact that they believed two things to be true, 

#1 David Wright had a bad season
#2 People who use stats do not know baseball. 

Now, I’ve heard both points from various people, so this shouldn’t be seen as a reply to them, so much as it’s a reply to these outlandish opinions that a small group of fans have. 

Let’s start with the second statement actually. Since the book Moneyball came out (which wasn’t written by Billy Beane, even though people who haven’t read it like to say that.) there has been a war between baseball fans. That war has pit Statistical Analysis versus Gut Instinct. 

Here is where the gut instinct FAN is totally wrong in their arguments. First, they rely on this notion that because somebody uses stats to back up their point of view, that means they do not know the sports. Second, the reason stats are a vital part of baseball evaluating is because if you use the correct ones, they do not lie. 

An everyday fan remembers select at bats, or select moments and that is how they evaluate a player. There is not a General Manager in the sport that does that. You show me a GM that refers to specific games when deciding if he wants a player based on talent, and I’ll show you a GM that can’t get a job in Pittsburgh. 

Statistical Analysis has changed the entire game of baseball, like it or not. According to a recent Buster Olney article, almost all teams are relying on hired statistical analysts to evaluate talent, especially within the free agent market. 

When the great debaters try to tell somebody that stats don’t matter, what they do not understand is they themselves are using stats to justify their argument. Stats matter because they tell the ENTIRE story of a player, not just a chapter. What fans need to do is learn how to read stats. Learn that OPS is not a silly stat, and it’s no coincidence the players who just were named MVP’s were #1/#2 in OPS. That’s not an accident. 

There was a quote in Joe Torre’s book that I will likely mis-quote because I don’t have it in front of me. However, when it referred to the new age of statistical analysts, it said. When you are planning to invest money into the stock market, would you rather go with the guy who has a gut feeling about a stock; or would you rather go with the guy who shows you statistics. Those statistics show your previous years performance or lack thereof. Who are you going to invest your $ with? 

This brings me to David Wright. The statement was said that David Wright had a “crappy season.” Also, that David Wright is not clutch. Now, first of all, who was that guy who plays in New York who for years people said he wasn’t clutch? Oh right, it was Alex Rodriguez. Remind me again how he did this post-season? 

The term “clutch,” really only applies to a select number of players in the sport. A winning player plays in 162 games before he can play in the post-season. What David Wright is awful at lately is hitting with runners in scoring position and 2 outs. That is a perfectly legitimate argument. Granted, the only way to prove it is to use stats, but hey we’ll let that slide. 

To say David Wright had a bad 2009 season is more evidence of a negative fan base than a statement of his season. David Wright had a better 2009 season than almost every 3B in the National League. You can get on him because he didn’t hit “homeruns”, but he still performed at a higher level than most others at his position. Let’s not forget, David Wright was hitting in front of and behind AAA talent in most cases. 

You can’t argue with this stat if you’re being fair. Only two 3B’s in the entire sport got on base more than David Wright. Wright was on base 39% of the time. Those other two were Alex Rodriguez, and Chone Figgins. Then, of those three, Wright out slugged Figgins, and hit for a better average. 

David Wright didn’t have a good season because all you remember is a 2 out at bat with a runner on third in which he failed. You the fan, casually forget about the over .300 average when runners are in scoring position. 

There is no doubt, absolutely no doubt that David Wright needs to improve on his ability to produce runs when he has two strikes against him, or when he has runners in scoring position and two outs. I’m not denying that. What I am saying is, that isn’t the entire season. There are 20+ teams in the sport that would gladly take David Wright’s 2009 season over their third baseman’s 2009 season. 

Currently, in the sport, there are only two third basemen that I would rather have playing the hot corner over David Wright based on talent. Those would be Alex Rodriguez, and Evan Longoria. After that, you can toss Michael Young, and Ryan Zimmerman in a hat with David Wright, and you’d get roughly the same performance. (Pablo Sandoval had an amazing season, but let me just see how he does in his second full year first.) 

The final point to make is that David Wright is turning 27 years old in a month. He plays one of the most important defensive positions in the entire game, and he’s near the head of the class at that position. The guy has about a three year window before you can seriously tell me he is a flawed player, or he is not “clutch.” He’s just entering the prime of his career by age standards, and what he’s done already far surpasses what most players his age can and have done. He’s not going anywhere, so you might as well start liking him and get off his back, or pick another team.

As we all wonder who’s dining room table Omar Minaya will attempt to sit at on Thursday as he makes his plea for that player to come to Citi Field, let’s take a look back at the woeful 2009 season.

If you remember, back in early September we compiled a list of awards that we plan on handing out after every Mets season. Personally, I think it’s a lot easier to give out awards when a team wins 90-something games, so the fact we got as many votes as we did this year is a great first step!

The nominees were based on votes from the MMO staff, and then you the readers selected the winners per category!

Thank you to all who voted, and now let’s get to the winners!!!

I’ll reveal them in order of the biggest blow outs to the closest race!

Mike Piazza Award (Best moment of the season) – The 9/21 home run still remains one of the best Mets moments in recent memory. Voters were asked which moment was the best of the year. By an overwhelming margin, the winner is…

1. Omir Santos’ HR vs. Papelbon (84%)
2. Opening Day at Citi Field (8%)
3. Sheffield’s 500^th HR (8%)

My thoughts: In all honesty, I thought Citi Field would have won this award. I’m more shocked at the margin of victory for Santos. I wonder if the Mets won their opener would Citi Field have gained more votes? David Wright’s HR that night could have been the winner had the Mets won the game.

Steve Phillips Award (Worst off the field move) – Voters were given the time frame of the end of 2008 regular season to the last pitch of the 2009 season, which off the field move was the worst. I’m surprised by the answer, once again!

1. Re-signing Oliver Perez (78%)
2. Shirtless VP/Adam Rubin incident (17%)
3. Acquiring J.J. Putz (5%)

My thoughts: I don’t think I ever realized just how much Mets fans despise Perez. Look, I get it, but signing Oliver Perez didn’t get us on CNN or any other non sports related news program. The Rubin/Tony B incident did. Signing Perez isn’t a black eye on the franchise, the Tony B stuff was.

Keith Hernandez Award (Worth the price of admission) – Readers were asked to vote on the player they felt was worth the price of admission.

1. Johan Santana (69%)
2. Carlos Beltran (17%)
3. David Wright (14%)

My thoughts: I think this result was dead-on. How many times do you look at the schedule ahead of time before the game you’re attending, just to see who the starting pitchers will be? I was in San Diego when the Mets were out there and we had not planned on going to the Sunday afternoon game, but because earlier in the rotation everybody got pushed back a start, we went to Sunday’s game. Just to see Santana pitch.

Kenny Rogers Award (Worst moment of the season) – This award goes to the absolute worst moment of the season on the field.

1. Luis Castillo’s drop against NYY (68%)
2. Phillies turn a Triple Play (17%)
3. Wright hit in the head by Matt Cain (15%)

My thoughts: Each play really in their own way put a bow on the 2009 season for the fans. I mean the Triple Play we were all jacked up thinking we were about to stick it to the Phillies, and then poof. The Wright beaning was just so symbolic of how the season has gone for the Mets. The Castillo drop though, it was just something that shouldn’t happen, and if it’s going to happen, you want it to occur against the Pirates or the Nationals.

Bob Murphy Award (Best Announcer) – The writers selected our 3 nominees, and it was pretty clear by the votes that the writers listen to the radio a whole lot more than our readers do!

1. Gary Cohen (67%)
2. Ron Darling (27%)
3. Howie Rose (6%)

My thoughts: The only surprise here was the lack of votes for Rose. I can’t really argue with the results though. Cohen does what few play-by-play announcers can do. He’s a fan, but he’s objective and passionate at the same time. He’s absolutely a homer, but he can tell it like it is which is hard to find in a homer PBP guy.

Bobby Ojeda Award (Biggest need in 2010) – In November of 1985, Frank Cashen acquired Bob Ojeda as the missing piece to the Mets rotation. No award is more relevant to “right now,” as this one. So readers were asked, what do the Mets need most?

1. #2 Starting Pitcher (67%)
2. Cleanup hitter at 1B or LF (33%)
3. Setup man (0%)

My thoughts: From this poll, it seems clear to me that Mets fans want a legitimate #2 pitcher behind Santana before anybody else is acquired. I have to agree with the votes. I think the offense can score runs as is, now granted I do not think the lineup should stay the way it is by any means. However, I feel like the stadium was built to win games on the mound. This team isn’t built to out slug teams like Philadelphia or Los Angeles, they need to be built to out pitch them.

Field of Dreams Award - It may take the Mets two years, but we hope they can get Citi Field right in 2010! Readers were asked which item would you like to see fixed prior to opening day in 2010.

1. More Mets theme (65%)
2. Bring in the Walls/Lower the Fences (35%)

My thoughts: If it doesn’t feel like home, then it never will be. Citi Field needs to look like our stadium, and not everybody else’s. I frankly hope the walls are never brought in, and I don’t want to see the fences lowered. Teams are built to play in their home park. It’s an advantage to the Mets if they can build a team that can play to that stadium’s dimensions and be successful at it. Hey, what about the urinals? Does anybody else hate the urinals being an open bowl with no barriers between them?

Frank Cashen Award (Best off the field move) – Not every move Minaya makes is one that leads you to rant for 48 hours straight. Even if he doesn’t get credit, he has made some good moves. Readers were asked to vote on which was the best move.

1. Jeff Francoeur for Ryan Church (61%)
2. Signing Frankie Rodriguez (31%)
3. Signing Gary Sheffield (8%)

My thoughts: I was surprised so many people voted for Frenchy here. When that trade occurred, there was a group of fans that were unhappy with him. I thought it was a great trade, just by age of the players involved alone. I think K-Rod gets more votes if Minaya was in a bidding war, but it seemed clear K-Rod was coming here from the start.

Len Dykstra Award (Player who shows the most hustle) – You were asked to vote on the player that no matter the score, standings, or the situation more time than others they left it all on the field.

1. Jeff Francoeur (60%)
2. David Wright (30%)
3. Daniel Murphy (10%)

My thoughts: I’m blown away by this one. It says a lot about the 2009 Mets that a guy who was on the roster for less than half the season was our pick for the player with the most hustle. If I voted, I would have voted for Murphy because he’s less talented than Frenchy and Wright, but I think he puts it all out on the field no matter what. I was surprised Fernando Tatis was not nominated by the way.

Rey Ordonez Award (The Mets Gold Glove) – No, this award doesn’t go to the worst hitter on the team. It goes to the best defensive player.

1. Carlos Beltran (60%)
2. David Wright (30%)
3. Jeff Francoeur (10%)

My thoughts: There are few players in the sport that can field the position as well as Beltran can. With his bat and his offensive ability, I still think he’s the best overall CF in the game today. If David Wright is our 2^nd best defensive player (which I agree with,) then why do some people want to move him to 1B? You don’t move a gold glove caliber 3B to 1B at his age.

Aaron Heilman Award (Oh no not him) – What is the over/under on Heilman getting traded before he ends up in the minors? For a guy who wants to be a starting pitcher, he sure is being handed around the league a lot. Anyway, this award goes to the guy that when Manuel comes out of the dugout and signals to the bullpen, you think, “Oh no… not him.”

1. Sean Green (59%)
2. Tim Redding (28%)
3. Ken Takahashi (13%)

My thoughts: I have no idea how our writers didn’t nominate Bobby Parnell, or Elmer Dessens. Ken Takahashi inherited 23 runners, and allowed only 5 to score. That’s not bad. I mean, don’t get me wrong he isn’t somebody I want to rely on, but he wasn’t awful. Sean Green is the new Aaron Heilman though. Whether it’s fair or not, he’s going to be that guy for the Mets fans until he proves he’s better than the comparison. Green came into the game with 34 men on base, and allowed 14 of them to score.

Gary Carter Award (Team MVP) – Pretty simple stuff here, who was the Mets MVP in 2009?

1. David Wright (54%)
2. Johan Santana (25%)
3. Carlos Beltran (21%)

My thoughts: It’s almost by default that Wright gets this award in 2009. He was in a way the last man standing for this battered and bruised team. He had it the toughest though because everybody was dropping around him, and he was out there everyday until fate had it’s way with his helmet.

Tom Seaver Award (Best Pitcher) – Which Mets pitcher (starter or reliever) was the best in 2009?

1. Johan Santana (53%)
2. Pedro Feliciano (37%)
3. Frankie Rodriguez (10%)

My thoughts: During the voting, I actually thought Feliciano was going to win. There was a point in which he and Santana were neck and neck, and then Johan pulled off a string of consecutive votes and pulled away with the award. It says a lot about Feliciano’s season that he garnered this much attention for this award.

Gregg Jefferies Award (Next big thing) – There is so much going on this off-season regarding the youth of this franchise. Do we trade them? Are they ready to step in? This award goes to the player the readers feel is the next big thing in 2010.

1. Josh Thole (52%)
2. Jon Niese (31%)
3. Fernando Martinez (17%)

My thoughts: I think in a way Mets fans fell in love with just the idea of Josh Thole. I’m not even certain he’s on the Opening Day roster in 2010, so the fact he won this award does surprise me. I think he and Ike Davis are the most protected young players on the Mets, and coincidentally play C/1B (two holes for the Mets.) I think if the Mets make a trade for a solid veteran pitcher, Niese will be involved in that deal.

It’s Not Shea! (The best that Citi Field has to offer) – Alright, so they need more Mets stuff right? That doesn’t mean they got it all wrong. Readers were asked to select the feature that they enjoy MOST about Citi Field.

1. Walking the concourse and seeing from everywhere (46%)
2. The Food (41%)
3. The Rotunda (13%)

My thoughts: Something tells me that the Mets Hall of Fame will win this award next year. However, I would have voted for the food honestly. I have a friend who is a Chef and he happens to be a Yankees fan. He told me that the food options for the public at Citi Field blow the competition away. I have to agree. It’s awesome that you can see the game from anywhere, but to me that was going to be a given. The fact it will take me 10 years to try every food item offered is just amazing!

Roger McDowell Award (Best personality) – This award goes to the player who has the best personality on the team. An interesting result…

1. Johan Santana (44%)
2. Frankie Rodriguez (31%)
3. Jose Reyes (25%)

My thoughts: So what is the difference between Santana’s personality and Reyes’? Answer, one is all about winning, the other is all about the fun. It seems clear to me now that Mets fans want their players to be focused on winning, and worry about fun later. I think Reyes gets this award 3 years ago, but the fact he hasn’t backed it up pushes him down the list. (It also doesn’t help he barely played in 2009.) If the Mets win, nobody worries about Reyes’ antics so long as winning is the reason for celebration.

Ray Knight Award (Least like to get in a fist fight with) – Somebody told me I shouldn’t have this award. C’mon, have a little fun! This award goes to the player who you’d least like to get in a fight with. On the flip-side you can think of it as the guy you want running out of the dugout first to protect David Wright!

1. Gary Sheffield (44%)
2. Mike Pelfrey (28%)
3. Frankie Rodriguez (28%)

My thoughts: One guy needed a mystery cream to get over 200 pounds, the other is 6-7, 230 pounds on his own. I’ll take the guy built like a tree over the 41 year old, sorry Sheff.

Jose Lima Award (Most overhyped pitcher) – The last award goes to the player that was the most over-hyped, and performed the worst in 2009.

1. Oliver Perez (44%)
2. Mike Pelfrey (28%)
3. J.J. Putz (28%)

My thoughts: I think this goes back to a strong dislike for Oliver Perez. I don’t think he was hyped at all to be honest. I think Mets fans knew what to expect, and the bar was set low. For Pelfrey, he was pegged as a #2 starter. How he didn’t get this award is beyond me. Last year the Mets said Pelfrey was our #2, now they are looking at guys like John Lackey to be their #2. Why do you think that is?

Well, there are the first ever MMO Awards! Hopefully next year we’ll be voting on off-season moves that put a twinkle in our eyes around the holidays, and on the field performances that woke up the fan base, rather than put us all to sleep!

Thank you to all who voted!

Everybody loves the winter baseball season. It’s the time when we all become experts. We all get to spend X amount of imaginary dollars, and if some of our moves happen, we get to call into AM radio and say “I said all along the Mets should get _____.” (By the way if they sign Nick Johnson, I’m re-posting my blog about that!) 

It’s never too early to start writing your Christmas Wish List right? This year the Winter Meetings are in Indianapolis, so unlike years when it was in Vegas or Orlando, there’s actually not much to do except talk Baseball this year. I’m expecting an active session this year.

I’m not one to get into speculation as much. It seems like every day you hear about a “rumor” or a trade possibility just days after the World Series. I’m the kind of guy that writes up my wish list, and then when I get nothing I want, I try and look at the bright side of getting a pair of socks. 

I’ve gotten into a debate on one of my other articles regarding Luis Castillo versus Brandon Phillips. Here’s my basic statement regarding that kind of move. I don’t like teams getting players just to get them. We saw how Citi Field played last year. That’s not going to change. So we as fans need to stop wanting things that our team and our stadium are not built for. 

Here is what we should be building around. 

We have an explosive SS who can hit leadoff, and if given the chance by his #2 hitter, many singles and walks can turn into doubles and eventual runs. 

We have a guy who has won a Gold Glove at 3B, he’s still young, and while he didn’t hit for power last year, he has the potential to do so. Until he does, he’s a very capable #3 hitter. 

We have one of the best CF’s in the entire sport who also can hit for power in the middle of the lineup. 

We have a top 5 starting pitcher in Johan Santana who when healthy can go toe to toe with any starter in the sport. 

We have a top 5 closer who struggles at times, but almost every team would prefer to have him on their roster over their current closer. 

Now let’s go build a team. 

Let’s ignore the bullpen for now. The bullpen is such an unpredictable aspect of the sport, and if you have your closer, you have figured out the hard part. 

You know that Francoeur is in RF, so plug him in. You also know whether you like it or not that Oliver Perez will be in the starting rotation in 2010. Then, you know either Mike Pelfrey or John Maine will have a spot as well (possibly both.)

It’s sad, but those are their certainties in terms of our starting 8, and their staff. 

So without even looking at possibilities you have Reyes hitting #1, which means you don’t need a leadoff hitter. You have Beltran/Wright in an interchangeable 3/4 slot, and you have Francoeur capable to be a #5 hitter, but probably ideally a #6. You have Perez occupying your 4/5 slot, and Pelfrey or Maine being your #3. 

This means the Mets need to fill LF, 2B, 1B, C and ideally get a 2, 5, 7, 8 hitter out of them. Then for the staff you know you need a #2 arm, plus a #5 who is capable of being a #4 if Oliver is well…Oliver. 

#2: I’m going to concede getting rid of Castillo. I do not think it’s fair to be so against him after the 2009 season he had. However, I’m no fool and I recognize the need to dump that contract and sell high before it’s too late. You as the avid Mets fan need to remember we play in the National League. We’re not the Yankees; we shouldn’t be trying to get 20+ Homeruns out of our #2 hitter. What we should be asking for is a hitter who has quality bat control and being able to either get on base more frequently than an average hitter, or if they aren’t going to get on base, have the baseball knowledge to hit the ball behind the base runner to avoid a double play. What we don’t want is a guy hitting behind Reyes who will either strike out a lot, or fly out a lot. We certainly do not want a guy who is only as successful as his power numbers are high. 

Therefore, to me the logical move is to sign Chone Figgins to play second base. 

The biggest knock I’ve heard on Figgins lately is his post-season numbers. Look, the day I want to worry about potential players’ post-season numbers is the day after Game 1 of the LDS. You have to get there first. You need to play 162 games before you can even think about the final 19 (max.) 

What Figgins does well is what the Mets need behind Reyes. He has a great knowledge for the strike zone, taking 101 walks in 2009. While he does strike out more than I’d like, he brings a great ability to put the ball in play, get on base, and if Reyes doesn’t get on ahead of him, you have a 2nd leadoff hitter trying to get things started. 

So now we have 1. Reyes (SS) 2. Figgins (2B) 3. Wright (3B) 4. Beltran (CF)  5.______    6. Francouer (RF) 7. _______  8. __________ 

#5 This is where it gets tricky and the Mets need to be both good and lucky in their pursuits. I am cynical when it comes to both Matt Holliday and Jason Bay. I think Bay is a very poor defensive LF, and he just never has excited me as a player. Holliday is the type of player you love to root for, but there’s just something about those 93 games in Oakland this year that worry me. However, the lack of options and the need for a legitimate 5 hitter behind Beltran force me to say, the Mets have to get Holliday. 

Matt Holliday has big game experience, and he has already proven he can drop a fly ball, so we know he’ll fit right in. I don’t really care about his power so much as I care about his ability to put the bat on the ball. Jason Bay had a contact percentage of around 70% last year, when Matt Holliday was in the low 80’s. That may sound small to you, but that’s a big deal when you are hitting behind Carlos Beltran. With 2 out, the opposing pitcher needs to be worried about what he’s going to do if he lets Beltran get on base, not “let me walk Beltran and take my chances on striking the next guy out.” So let’s go shopping and sign the 29 year old left fielder to a deal he has earned.

So now we have 1. Reyes (SS) 2. Figgins (2B) 3. Wright (3B) 4. Beltran (CF)  5. Holliday (LF) 6. Francouer (RF) 7. _______  8. __________ 

We need a catcher and a 1B. If you’ve read my stuff you know I love Nick Johnson. I know he’s injured and yada yada, but he would be a good guy to have while letting Murphy mature. However, in this scheme, he doesn’t work. You’re not going to sign Johnson to bat 7^th or 8^th, and you certainly can’t move Wright/Beltran/Holliday down a slot each. 

So while I want Johnson, I’m going to say 1B is where the Mets stay put. I’m a Murphy supporter, I think he had entirely way too much pressure on him to perform in what was in reality his 1^st full season as a big leaguer. He’s not a guy you build a lineup around, yet with all of the injuries last year we needed him to be something he’s not. With Ike Davis in the minors, and possibly making his way up within a year or so, I think you can’t get crazy at 1B if you want to hang on to Davis. You also have to remember, there are some limitations to the moves you make. Compare Murphy’s rookie season (not by ROY standards) to other Rookies. The fact he plays in New York, and was essentially a major media story for a better half of a season is why we are all so eager to replace him. If the future is Ike Davis at 1B, then the present is Daniel Murphy. 

I’m plugging Murphy into the 7 spot whether I like it or not. 

So now we have 1. Reyes (SS) 2. Figgins (2B) 3. Wright (3B) 4. Beltran (CF)  5. Holliday (LF) 6. Francouer (RF) 7. Murphy (1B) 8. __________ 

Okay we need an 8^th hitter, and we need a catcher. The catcher position is becoming a spot where you seem to either have a great one in the MLB, or you don’t have one. Everybody loves the last name Molina. Frankly, Bengie and Jose are not Yadier. Look at their caught stealing numbers and then look at their offensive production. We also know Torrealba is not coming here, I’m pretty sure he’s still suing the Mets. I’m all for a defensive catcher, but I also want a guy who can at least do something at the plate. I don’t need MVP numbers, but I need a big league hitter. That is why I am hoping the Mets go and get Ramon Hernandez to be their starting catcher in 2010. 

Hernandez is coming off knee surgery in July, so his price tag won’t be as high as you’d expect for a starting player. The Reds look like they will decline his 8.5 million dollar option because they know he’s not worth that money. Compare Hernandez to Bengie Molina for a second.

Molina has the last name, but in 2009 he threw out just 23% of attempted base stealers. In 2008, Brian Schneider threw out 33% for the Mets by the way. Anyway, in comparison Hernandez threw out 20% in 2008’s full season. So between them you’re not making up much ground defensively with Molina. In fact both, whether you like it or not are downgrades defensively from Schneider. 

Offensively, Bengie and Hernandez are pretty close and if we’re looking for an 8 hitter, we want somebody cheap obviously, but we also want somebody who can get on base and clear out that pitcher’s spot. Hernandez is the better option in that sense. Neither of them are impressive, but Hernandez works a pitcher more during at-bats, he can draw a walk and overall gets on base. I don’t need a homerun hitter batting 8^th, I need a guy who can keep a seat warm for Josh Thole until/unless we find out if Thole is for real. I like Hernandez for that spot. 

So there is my lineup
1. SS Reyes
2. 2B Figgins
3. 3B Wright
4. CF Beltran
5. LF Holliday
6. RF Francoeur
7. 1B Murphy
8. C. Hernandez/Santos 

Now we have to find a home for Luis Castillo. I like the idea of trading him to Los Angeles for Juan Pierre but man that’s a big contract for a backup outfielder. Unless they can get a better 1B or C option out of the deal or a bullpen arm or two, I can’t see the Mets dealing Castillo for anything more than a mid-level shot in the dark prospect or some utility fielder that we’ll only notice if the Mets have a replay of the 2009 injury plagued season. 

Now it’s time for Omar Minaya to be bold. It’s a risky move but the Mets have to make a play for Roy Halladay. Halladay is a free agent after this year and obviously will be looking for the big pay day that he deserves. The Mets need to look at getting Halladay in a sense that they are getting two #1 starters, and pay Halladay what he deserves after the trade, just as they did with Santana. If they don’t then they have to sign John Lackey, which is fine, but Lackey isn’t Halladay and likely will demand just as much $ on an open market. 

I’m actually not a huge Halladay guy, I mean obviously he’s great but he has pitched in a small market his whole career, so there’s always that “New York media,” issue. For Roy Halladay, the Mets need to unload. They need to send Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese, Mike Pelfrey or John Maine and Nick Evans and hope it’s enough. Toronto has a talented roster but they know they won’t keep Halladay, so they need to maintain some sort of possibility of a successful year by dealing Halladay. The problem is here is will new GM Alex Anthopoulous be willing to make his 1^st move be the one that sends Halladay out of town. Plus, how long will it take? He’s likely going to be gun shy, so if in the meantime Lackey signs elsewhere, the Mets are in quite the pickle.

So that gives us the rotation of Santana, Halladay, Maine, _____, Perez. I kept Maine over Pelfrey because while I like Pelfrey a lot, he’s more valuable than Maine in that deal for Toronto. 

The last pickup I’d make would be Jason Marquis. The thing I like most about him is his ability to stay in games past the 6^th, and the fact he’s a groundball pitcher. He doesn’t strike a lot of guys out, but at the 4/5 slot you don’t need that kind of guy, especially if you have Santana and Halladay 1/2. Marquis is the kind of low budget/low profile type pitcher that would fit in nicely with this team and this stadium. 

So I finish out my rotation with Santana, Halladay, Maine, Marquis, Perez. 

Finally, the guys we all talk about, and the reasons I don’t like them: 

Orlando Hudson – To me, the only reason Mets fans want him is because we didn’t have him last year. All he is to me is a turn back the clock on Luis Castillo. He’s nothing special except his glove, and he has never impressed me at the plate. 

Brandon Phillips – I guess it’s an unpopular opinion, but I don’t want this guy on the Mets. You can’t tell me that after 3 years of misery, the best thing we can do is bring in a guy who was called out by his own manager as having a poor attitude and work ethic. I’m sorry but we don’t need more problems, we need solutions. Phillips doesn’t fit with the core of this team, and I have no interest in finding out if Dusty Baker was right. 

Aubrey Huff – It’s not that I’d flip out if the Mets acquired him. I just don’t see how he’s really any better than Murphy to be honest. Everybody loves talking about Huff because it’s like it makes us sound smart that we even know who he is. He’s coming off a pretty bad year, so is Murphy. So why pay 1 guy millions to rebound from it? 

Randy Wolf – Another one of those “sign him because we didn’t last year,” moves. I just don’t like making moves to try and make up for not doing the same thing last year. If Marquis was unavailable I’d say maybe let’s go for Wolf. I just feel as though Wolf is going to want that 2/3 slot, which he is not good enough for. Plus, he never really has impressed me. When he was with Philadelphia, I was never like “oh crap, Wolf is pitching.” 

Erik Bedard – Didn’t everybody see what happens when you treat Bedard like he’s anything more than a #5 starter? He probably still thinks he’s worthy of being a front line guy, and I want no part of that.

Joel Piniero – I like him, but I also think he’s a step below Marquis. I think Piniero benefits from the Duncan system more than any pitcher on that staff. I’m afraid of what happens when he comes to NY and is expected to pitch with the big boys. I think he’ll stay in St. Louis actually because he knows it’s where he belongs. 

Well there you have it. You know, everybody likes to have their wish list down on paper. We all have no clue what Omar has to spend, and what the trade market is. My goal was to spend big money on 1 free agent, above average on Chone and just hope to get lucky with the rest of the moves.

The lineup and staff I present is not the New York Yankees, but it fits the New York Mets core and the stadium they play in. It fits National League standards and if that was the team on Opening Day I think you’d see the Mets odds in Vegas are in the top 5 yet again.

I logged on today to find an article by a fellow blogger about how the Mets should focus on Brandon Phillips for 2010. I immediately slipped into a state of shock, which lead to an unconscious state, and now here I am.

Following 2008, everybody was down on Luis Castillo. Castillo had his worst offensive season in his career in 2008 following the signing of a long-term deal in 2007. After his unbelievably bad 2008, Castillo went to work in the off-season, and he lost weight and he came back to Spring Training with something to prove. Castillo in 2009 had a season that could be compared to the 1999 Luis Castillo. For some reason, it’s not good enough for Mets fans though?

Somehow our fan base still wants to go after Orlando Hudson, which somehow makes up for not signing him prior to the 2009 season? Just in case you missed it, Castillo hit for a better average and was on base more than Hudson in 2009, he also stole more bases than Hudson. However, Castillo dropped a pop-up, so he has to go?

We don’t NEED a 2B. Sure, it’s a nice position to upgrade, but there are far more important things to do this off-season than to replace a 2B that you just don’t like. The only reason to want to get rid of Castillo is you either don’t like him or his contract length. The problem is, anybody you go after is probably going to have the same type of contract. I guess the fact Castillo was 4^th in the NL among 2B’s in Batting Average, and 2^nd in OBP and 3^rd in SB’s means nothing though?

People, we want performance do we not? The names I keep hearing are Orlando Hudson and Brandon Phillips. (I find it strange nobody talks about Felipe Lopez.)

Brandon Phillips: 7^th in Average, 8^th in OBP
Orlando Hudson: 5^th in Average, 6^th in OBP

If you want to tell me defense is the reason, that’s fine. Castillo made 2 more errors than Phillips and 3 more than Hudson. However, if that’s your reason, remember that when Phillips and Hudson can’t get on base and strike out, while Castillo is getting on base.

The Mets need to focus on OF, SP, 1B, C, RP. Isn’t that enough to worry about? Look, I’m all for upgrading 2B with a younger guy if we can. However, I’m not down for getting a guy like Phillips who was called out for his poor work ethic and attitude this season, or a guy like Orlando Hudson who wasn’t even good enough to start in the post-season over RONNIE BELLIARD!!! Come on!

You think Joe Torre is an idiot? Let me put it more clearly to the Orlando Hudson fans. When the Dodgers needed the best lineup possible to beat the Philadelphia Phillies, (who are our division rival by the way) Joe Torre felt he had a better chance to win if he played Ronnie Belliard at 2B, a guy who had been on the Dodgers for just 24 games, not an entire season like Hudson. Doesn’t that tell you something about Hudson? If that doesn’t, maybe the fact Hudson fell asleep at the plate in September and October does?

As for Phillips, some Mets fans have an unhealthy obsession with power. In regards to Phillips, some have this goofy claim that Phillips is a power hitter. When did 4 years of 17-30-21-20 while playing in a launching pad of a home stadium prove you are a power hitter? So if he averages 20 homeruns per season while playing in a Top 5 ballpark for homerun hitters, what’s he going to do in Citi Field? He’ll give you a few more homeruns than Castillo, but he’ll strike out almost twice as much, thus getting on base less.

The Mets don’t need a guy with a poor attitude, isn’t that why so many people are down on the Mets in the past few years? The Mets need players who shut up, and show up.

I’ve got an idea, let’s trade Castillo to the Cubs for Milton Bradley. Then, let’s trade a bag of balls for Brandon Phillips and let’s see if we can have a flashback to the days of Bobby Bonilla and Vince Coleman. If we’re going to acquire everybody else’s problems, let’s have a little fun.

The fact some Mets fans are targeting 2B as a necessary upgrade for 2010 is ridiculous. You can’t overhaul an entire team, it’s not going to work. Castillo was one of the few guys who actually went out there almost every day for the Mets and played his heart out, and for that we want to run him out of town? I’m not a fan of his contract, I’m not a fan of him dropping the ball against the Yankees, but I’m a fan of performance. He did his job in 2009, give him a break.

I don’t care if it’s the unpopular thing to say. Upgrading 2B should be near the bottom of the Mets “to do list.” If you try to tell me you’d rather have Phillips or Hudson instead of a solid LF, 1B, C, or SP then you just hate Luis Castillo and there’s nothing I can do about that. If you tell me Luis Castillo has to go in order to upgrade one of our real needs, that’s fine. I’m all for selling a player when his value is high.

However, if you tell me he needs to go in order to acquire Hudson or Phillips, well that doesn’t work for me.

This year marked the end of my rivalry with “true” Yankees fans. Personally, I know there are many Mets fans that simply cannot accept another Yankees World Series Championship, but I can. This year, the NY Yankees defeated the NY Mets division rival in the World Series, yet so many Mets fans were found trying to come up with logical reasons to root for the Phillies. Let me be clear, I hate the Yankees. If I know 100 Yankees fans I’d say 65 of them are watching a game on May 23^rd (random date,) and the rest just hang on and wait for the playoffs or a Red Sox series. 

I said it once and I’ll say it again. You don’t root for division rivals. Not only do you not root for rivals, you don’t root for Philadelphia. It’s a crime against New York. It’s a crime against the Mets. Tell me the last time a Yankees player called the Mets chokers on the NY radio? Tell me the last time a Yankees outfielder tried to elbow our infielder in the chest while turning a double play? The only, and I mean this, the only reason to root for the Phillies over the Yankees was pure jealousy. I won’t stand for it, and I won’t accept it. Here are the two most popular arguments made: 

#1 The Yankees buy championships: 

This is easily the most popular argument and to me proves how jealous we really are as fans. The NY Mets had a payroll of over 130 million this year, more than almost every team in the entire league, yet somehow we aren’t trying to buy a title but they are? Not only do we have a high payroll, but tell me again what EVERY Mets fans wish is for this off-season? 

Oh right, it’s to spend more money. If you look at archives on this site or any Mets site really, you’ll find articles upon articles of concerned Mets fans thinking the Mets will not be willing to spend money in this off-season, and how distraught they are over that “decision.” So while “we” hate the Yankees for spending money, we get angry at our owners for not spending whatever it takes to win? Something doesn’t add up there. There are several of us that hope the Mets sign Lackey AND Holliday (which they won’t,) but how is that any different? Are you honestly going to sit there and tell me that if the Wilpon’s had $200m to spend and it put the Mets in the World Series that you wouldn’t be happy because we “bought it?” 

#2 The Yankees/Mets Rivalry: 

I’m going to tell you fellow Mets something that may be tough to read. There is no rivalry. I can’t speak for generations before me, but I can tell you from 1980-1995 the Yankees were never on my radar. I was never concerned with how they ran their team, who they played and how they did. When they won in 1996, I thought it was pretty awesome. How could you not? I mean, any true baseball fan who can’t appreciate that 1996 team is just a fool. 

After 1996 is when the Yankees got a little greedy, and started to enjoy the taste of winning a little too much and would spend whatever it takes to get there again.

The problem to me is, we don’t have to like the Yankees, but let’s not call them our rivals. The Yankees are only our rivals because Fox and ESPN tell you they are. They play one another 6 times in a regular season, and for some reason people think a series win versus the Yankees is more important than the Phillies-Braves-Marlins. 

When the Mets build their team for 2010, they aren’t building it to beat the Yankees. They are building to beat everybody in the division, and anybody who would stand in their way heading to the World Series. 

If you take 100 Yankees fans and asked them Red Sox/Mets who are they rooting for, there’s no way more than 10 would say Red Sox. Absolutely, no way. Yankees fans don’t hate Mets fans, they pity us. Why? Because for the last 10 years we’ve tried to make claims that we belong in the same conversation with them, and we simply have not proven it. 

I can understand disliking them and enjoying the moments in which they fail due to their payroll, but to cheer for a division rival that has thrown our miseries in our face over the last 3 years is ridiculous. 

#3 Steroids 

I’ll be brief here. Anybody who uses steroids as a reason to root against a single team is just ignoring the truth about the issue. Alex Rodriguez was 1 of over 100 players on a list. If you honestly think it’s impossible anybody on your team whether it be the Mets or whoever is not or could not be on that list, then you just have a selective thought process. They all either did it or knew about it. Get over it. 

So let’s take a page out of the Yankees book. The franchise has the money, let’s spend it. We’ve got our core guys, now let’s go sign the missing pieces so that this time next year we’re talking about the Mets parading down Broadway in New York City. Let’s focus on the National League, and the NL East, and start realizing the Yankees only matter to us if it comes down to a 7 game series, until then, let’s keep our eyes on the prize.

Finally, the 2009 season is over and it ended with the Philadelphia Phillies former ace pitcher practically quitting on his team, their closer imploding, and their star 1B not showing up in the series except to strikeout. Celebrate that. Celebrate the fact that if we want to win the NL East next year, the team likely standing in our way just had a small meltdown. It’s Hot Stove season, and if we can’t win the 09 World Series, let’s go out and win the 2010 Hot Stove Title and get ready for April!

To those of you who for some reason seem to think that hearing the Yankees fans chirp is more annoying than our division rival winning their 2^nd World Series title in a row, I say to you the following: 

I would root for Apollo Creed to not get up in Rocky IV after being physically manhandled by Ivan Drago. After Ivan Drago says, “If he dies, he dies” I’d say, Yeah!” before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for Alex Forrest played by Glenn Close to be with her one true love, Mr. Daniel Gallagher played by Michael Douglas in Fatal Attraction before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for the show Seinfeld to be taken off the air without ever having a final season before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for Ross Perot to be the President of the United States before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for Michael Kay & Steve Phillips to partner up for a morning talk show on WFAN before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for a MySpace account to be a job requirement before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for Veronica’s Closet to be brought back to NBC before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for Joanie NOT to love Chachi before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for Mike Francesa to take over for Gary Cohen before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for baseball to diminish it’s steroid abuse policy, and the NFL to diminish it’s personal conduct policy before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for Mike Tyson after he bit Holyfield’s ear off before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for the team from Remember the Titans to sit out the entire season due to integration before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies.

I would root for Global Warming before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for the unemployment rate to go up before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I would root for the Hunter in Bambi before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies.

I would root for all Dog’s NOT to go to Heaven before I eeeeeeeeever root for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

The bottom line is this. The Yankees fans will always have the upper hand when it comes to the supposed Mets/Yankees rivalry which really only exists to sell tickets to 6 games. The one thing that is not a certainty is whether the Phillies fan will have the upper hand on us Mets fans. We can’t take away their championship last year, and we can’t deny it’s value. However, we certainly can unite as New Yorkers and say, “Philadelphia is not better than New York.” 

To root for the Phillies is rooting for their fan base to have experienced 1 more World Series title than our fan base. The Phillies players are constantly disrespecting the team we love, and our fan base. Whether it be Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, or Shane Victorino. When was the last time Derek Jeter said anything negative about the Mets and their fans? So what you have to hear “27,” a few times a day. What’s the big deal? How is that any different than the rest of your life? It’s not as though we can deduct championships from the Yankees, therefore it will never end. Acting as though if they don’t win this year you won’t have to hear it from the guy in the cubicle next to you is ridiculous.

On the other hand, watching as the team that has caused you pain and anguish for almost your entire sports life do the same to the team in your division you loath the most, well that my friends is priceless. 

If in the same shoes and the Mets were playing the Red Sox, 9 out of 10 Yankees fans would root for the Mets. How about if the Jets played the Eagles in the Super Bowl, would Giants fans root for their division rival? You don’t cheer on division rivals. This ain’t the pesky little Marlins of 03 where it’s just funny to watch them beat the Yankees. This is the team and the city that represents all of which we despise. 

If you as a Mets fan are wearing red or cheering on Victorino as he tries to elbow Jeter at SS, or slapping hands as Jayson Werth hits another dirty HR, you can forget about being respected as a Mets fan by those Yankees fans you encounter every day. You can hang up your Mets jersey and turn your playbook in to coach, because you’re done. Tonight, and for the rest of the series, be a New Yorker.

Finally, I would root for the New York Yankees before I ever root for the Philadelphia Phillies.