Mets Merized Online

One of the best westerns of all-time is ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.’ In one scene, Tuco, played by Eli Wallach, is getting the hell beat out of him by a soldier who is nearly three times his size. Beaten, injured and demoralized the bloody Tuco looks up at his assailant and speaks the words, “I like big men like you. When you fall you make more noise.” This reminds me of the 2010 Mets. We have nowhere to go but up and wont it be that much sweeter when the Phillies fall?

The one thing we fans have learned is that rooting for the Mets is never easy. It’s always an uphill battle, a struggle. But isn’t that what endears this team to us? Unlike that other NY team we always find ourselves as the underdog and that is usually when the best things happen.

After running down the favored Cubs in 1969 the Mets faced the hitting heavy Atlanta Braves in the first ever LCS. The big question was could our young arms silence the big bats of Atlanta who were lead by Hank Aaron. The answer was a resounding ‘No.’ Atlanta pummeled the Mets staff, but what no one expected was that the light hitting Mets would erupt for 27 runs to sweep the Braves. The underdogs had prevailed.

Despite upsetting Atlanta there was no way we’d defeat the Orioles and their 3 future Hall of Famers. Baltimore had 3 players with over 25 HR’s that season (an unheard amount for that day), the best fielding 3Bman in history and one of the winningest managers of all-time. But yet the Mets won 4 straight after losing the opener. The young upstart Mets had gone 7-1 in the post-season against 2 supposedly superior teams. Good things happen when expectations are low.

Even in 86 we found ourselves having to battle, to struggle. The last 2 games of the LCS took 28 innings before we were able to put away the determined Astros. It was now onto the World Series where we found ourselves in an unusual spot. We were heavily favored over the clearly inferior Red Sox. But before we knew what happened, we were down 0-2 and heading to Fenway for 3 games. Trailing in Game 6 by 2 runs with 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th, the Mets mounted the greatest comeback in World Series history. And in Game 7, we found ourselves trailing 3-0 in the middle innings. Once again, we proved that we play better when our backs are to the wall, when all hope seems lost.

On the other hand, when we are favored things don’t work out for us. In 1988, there was no way–NO WAY–we could lose to the Dodgers in the LCS, but that is exactly what happened. Catcher Mike Scioscia sealed the Mets fate with a devastating HR. In 2006, everything seemed to be going our way. It was ‘our year.’ But yet, a funny thing happened on the way to the championship we felt we deserved. It was yet again another catcher who sent us home early.

We head into 2010 with very low expectations. And I’m glad. We’ve got stars coming back from injuries. We have an uncertain situation at 1B and behind the plate. We’ve got Johan followed by 4 question marks. Our front office in utter chaos. Our owner is not well liked and we still have mixed feelings about our new stadium. We have a manager who is in the crosshairs and a General Manager who has been the subject of more discussion then Health Care. And to all of this I say, Good. I hate to use clichés but it is always darkest before dawn.

David Wright has expressed some willingness to finally take over the role of team leader. Jose Reyes seems healthy and eager to start tearing up the base paths again. A few days ago our ace was asked, ‘With Roy Halladay now on the Phillies, who do you think is the best pitcher in the division?’ Without hesitation Johan claimed, ’Santana.’

What our guys need to do this season is one simple thing: Go out and have fun. Like those of us sitting here reading this article, they too dreamed of playing in the majors. They have accomplished their dream. Now go out and enjoy it. Stranger things have happened…

Our main rivals, the Phillies, have been to the post-season 3 straight seasons and the Fall Classic 2 straight seasons. That is something we have never done. Our cross-town rivals have appeared in just as many World Series since 2000 as we have since 1962. Good.

Much like Tuco, the Mets head into a new season beaten, injured, demoralized and bloodied. To the Phillies and Yankees I say, I like big teams like you. When you fall, you make more noise.

Although Tom Petty wrote his classic song, ‘The Waiting (is the hardest part)’ over 20 years ago, this songs rings true today. Am I the only one tired of waiting for John Maine to develop into what we all expected?

He came onto the scene in 2006 and showed promise, potential and a bright future. Now 3 years removed from his debut he is still labeled as one who has promise, potential and a bright future. Will this ever be reached?

Very few pitchers burst onto the scene and have an impact their rookie year. Our own Doc Gooden was an exception. Others that come to mind are Fernando Valenzuela in 81 and Mark ‘The Bird’ Fidrych in 76. But most pitchers, even the great ones, take a few seasons to develop. Tom Seaver was spectacular in his rookie year but only became better, winning the Cy Young Award in his 3rd season. Others like Curt Schilling take even longer. Schilling spent his 20’s struggling with mediocrity. It was not until his 30’s when he ‘learned’ how to pitch and became one of the best big game pitchers in the majors. His post-season winning percentage of .846 (11-2) is the highest in history of any pitcher with at least 10 decisions.

It takes time to learn the game and learn the hitters. One has to become a ‘pitcher’ and not a ‘thrower.’ However, John Maine has shown none of this. And he needs to!

His debut with us came on May 2, 2006 against Washington where he allowed 4 ER on 6 hits in 5 1/3 IP. Four days later he was placed on the DL with inflammation in his right middle finger.

Overall, 2006 was a great year for John. He went on to establish the Mets rookie record of 26 scoreless innings. He made 15 starts and compiled a strong 3.60 ERA, averaging 7.1 K’s for every 9 innings. He also was our surprise starter in Game One of the LDS vs. the Dodgers. He displayed that potential and promise. Mets fan saw him as a legitimate #2. However, over time, John has not really improved. He is still a thrower, not a pitcher. He has not grown at all in 4 seasons and is no more of a force now then he was as a rookie, maybe even less. Not only have his numbers not improved but they have actually gotten worse.

His ERA has risen each year from 3.60 to 3.91 to 4.18 to 4.43. His K/9 has decreased from 7.1 in 06 to 6.1 in 09. He is walking more batters now then he used to, going from 3.3 in his rookie season to 4.2 last year. He also needs to learn how to conserve pitches. One of his big shortcomings has been his inability to pitch deep into games. Lets face it. We all know that when he starts a game our bullpen will get a lot of work that day. Last year, he pitched into the 7th inning only twice. In 08, just 5 times. And even in 2007, where he made a career high 32 starts, only 12 times he made it to the 7th inning.

In all fairness to John, he has been injured. But this also only serves to question his true value to our team. He’s been on the DL 3 times in less then a season and a half. He has averaged only 125 IP, a pitiful number for someone supposedly a legitimate starter. He has recorded just 36 wins in that time for an average of just 9 per year. Is that acceptable for someone who we expect (and more importantly NEED) to have out there every 5th day?

As we head into the 2010 season, our Mets are filled with more questions then ever before. And the biggest question is our pitching. We all know what a healthy Johan is capable of. With Mike Pelfrey we hope he will bounce back from the disappointing 09 campaign. Oliver Perez? What can we say about him? But John Maine is a dark horse. He will be turning 29 this year and he needs to become a force in our rotation, a solid starter to follow Johan. We don’t expect him to compete for a Cy Young award but just put up good, solid numbers. Is 200 innings with 18 wins and even a 4.00 too much to ask? With respectable stats like that we do have the ability to surprise some people this season. But if Maine continues to flounder yet again, to not reach back for something extra, I see us spending a long summer counting down between Johan’s starts.

David, Jose and Carlos will be coming back from injuries. And we all know what they can do when healthy. John Maine, however, we really don’t know. After all this time, we still are not really sure what he is capable of. Can he get better? Or is this the best he‘s got? I do hope he can get better. It’s imperative for him to step up and reach that potential he supposedly has. More then ever we need him.

When one thinks back to the Mets of the 1960’s and 70’s, certain images come to mind: Casey, Tom Seaver, Tug pounding his glove on his leg, black cats, Miracles, fans ripping up the field and so forth.

Off the field, however, there were others who were just as much a part of Shea Stadium folklore. One such Mets icon was organist Jane Jarvis. Miss Jarvis died a few days ago in Englewood, NJ. 

Just as the performing of The National Anthem or singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ is a deep seeded Baseball tradition, so was Jane playing ‘Meet The Mets’ on her organ for us Mets fans. As those first few notes filled the air in Flushing and the Mets took the field we all knew it was time to ‘Play Ball.’

At just 5 years old Jane was considered a piano prodigy. Her family relocated to Gary, Indiana and at 12 she was playing the piano at radio station WKJS. However, just one year later, she was orphaned when both her parents were killed when their car was struck by a train.

In 1954 Jane was given her own TV show in Milwaukee entitled ‘Jivin’ With Jarvis’ where she was allowed to create and pursue her first love: Jazz Music. It was at this time when the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee. They were looking for an organist and hired Jane. She was reluctant to take the position due to the fact that she knew absolutely nothing about sports, especially Baseball. During her interview she asked the Braves executive, ‘When do I get to play?’ The Braves employee replied, ‘Whenever a team gets three outs.’ Jane looked at the man with a quizzical expression and asked, ‘When is that?’

She stayed with the Braves for 8 years before moving to New York in 1962 where she took a position with the MUZAK corporation as staff composer and arranger. She would quickly ascend the corporate ladder and become Vice President.

As the Mets prepared to debut their new home in 1964, they decided to draw on yet another tradition of NY’s baseball past. The Dodgers organist, Gladys Gooding, developed a fan following and became a huge part of Ebbets Field history. The Mets wanted to do the same and brought Jane on board. Although she remained working at MUZAK until 1978 during her stint as Mets organist, she became an integral and unforgettable part of our club. She was as much a part of the Shea Experience as The Sign Man Karl Ehrhardt and Mr. Met himself. She worked for us almost as long as our original broadcast team of Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Kiner.

On June 13th, 1977, during the 6th inning of a game against the Cubs, the city was besieged by a massive blackout. Shea was suddenly thrust into darkness. Total blackness stretched as far as one could see in all directions. However, as strange as it was, Jane’s Thomas’ Organ was not affected. Sitting in total darkness, blinded by blackness, Jane began playing upbeat tunes in a attempt to calm the nerves of frightened fans.

Jane came full circle with the Mets. In 1964, we were in last place. She was there for the Miracle in 69 and the pennant in 73. But by 1979 the Mets were once again in the cellar. Nelson Doubleday bought the Mets in 1980 and GM Frank Cashen was determined to make serious changes to the team. One such change was to start playing pre-recorded music rather than sticking with the traditional organ playing. After 16 seasons Jane was uneventfully let go. Organ music would never again be heard at Shea.

She remained in the city performing Jazz at various nightclubs. She is credited with having written or co-written over 300 compositions as well as recording several albums. Her final jazz album was entitled ‘Atlantic/Pacific’ which was released in 2000. She was 85 years old at the time.

In 2003, now living in Cocoa Beach, FL, she was given a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the Space Coast Jazz Society. But she missed the culture and excitement of The Big Apple. She decided to forego the warm Florida weather and moved back. In 2008, however, Jane was forced to vacate her home on E 50th St when a construction crane collapsed and damaged her apt. She spent the last months of her life residing at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, NJ. She passed away on January 25th,  2010 at 94 years old. She leaves behind 1 son, 1 daughter, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. And also memories to millions of fans who can still hearken back to the days of their youth and hear Miss Jarvis playing ‘Meet The Mets.’

“I cant even bear to think about it,” stated Jane in 2008 as sadness came over her. Her voice cracked. Her eyes watered up. Her beloved Shea would soon be torn down. She hoped that perhaps the Wilpons would welcome her back to Shea for one final visit. Mets management spent much of that season bringing back historical figures from our past. But the phone call never came. However, she harbored no hard feelings towards the Wilpons since she never really worked for them. “I’m 93 years old,” she stated and then added with a smile, “And no matter what, I’ve had an amazin’ life.”

Rest in Peace, Jane. And Thanks for the Memories

We all share great memories of 1986. One that stands out for me was actually the pre-game show prior to Game 7. Red Sox 2nd basemen Marty Barrett was being interviewed. The reporter asked him if he felt confident the Sox could overcome the Mets miraculous comeback in Game 6. Barrett answered eloquently, in a politically correct way as athletes often do. Then at the end of the interview he added the comment, ‘We should win.’ However, there was confidence lacking in his voice. He looked at the reporter seeking agreement, reassurance. It wasn’t so much a defiant statement but rather almost a question. We should win. (Shouldn’t we?)

It was at that point I knew we would win Game 7. There was no doubt about it. Even when we trailed 3-0 in the middle innings, we all knew we’d prevail.

I’ve seen the Mets new slogan for 2010: We Believe in Comebacks. I saw the commercial with David and Johan and John Maine and Manuel. One by one they all take turns stating ‘We Believe in Comebacks.’ It makes me wonder. Do they? Do we? Or is this just another catch phrase by the Mets organization to dull our senses for another disappointing season?

Just a few years ago our slogan was ‘The Future is Now.’ Today we believe in comebacks. We went straight from talking about the future to talking about the past. The only thing missing was the present. “We believe in comebacks” is supposed to conjure up memories of recent past glory. But what recent glory have we had? 2008 when we lost on the last day of the season? 2007 when…oh yea, we lost on the last day of the season? Or 2006 when we lost in 7 games to an inferior Cardinals team?

How far have we fallen? Just take a look at what occurred on January 19th. Bengie Molina, who we had our sights on all winter, re-signed with the Giants. Many Mets fans, myself included, were fine with not acquiring him. But take a step back and look at the big picture. A 35 year-old catcher decided not to come play for us and stay in San Francisco for less money and a one year contract. When a 35 year old catcher accepts less money NOT to play here, what does that tell you?

We turned our focus to Ben Sheets. This is the same Ben Sheets who averaged only 148 IP from 06-08 before missing all of 09 with an elbow injury. Should we have handed over $10 million to Sheets? Maybe, but probably not. On the other hand look at it from his point of view. If you were coming back from an elbow injury would YOU trust your livelihood to this Mets organization? We don’t exactly have stellar success lately handling injured players.

We were promised that our pitching would be improved this winter. It hasn’t happened. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, John Lackey, Javy Vazquez, Joel Pineiro and Randy Wolf are all with new teams in 2010. And what have we done? Now we are going after 42 year-old ex-Brave John Smoltz?

We did just sign Gary Matthews JR, however. I would like to point out that’s Gary Matthews JUNIOR, not SENIOR. (With the Mets you never know.) This Gary Matthews is 35 years old and after wearing out his welcome with the Angels, he comes to New York with his .248 BA.

Just a few short years ago the Mets were the class of the NL, favored to win the pennant. The normally quiet Carlos Beltran proclaimed to the Phillies and the rest of the league that ‘We are the team to beat.’ Sadly, we have been beaten.

Several days ago on this very website, Joe D wrote a very interesting article debating who would be a better signing for us: Tatis or Ryan Garko. While it was a great article and garnered many valid points and comments, it displayed yet again how far this team, this club, this organization, has fallen. And really, how low our expectations are as Mets fans. Our main rivals, the Phillies, won the NL pennant but still found a way to add Roy Halladay and Placido Polanco. Our cross-town rivals won the World Series and found a way to add Curtis Granderson and Javier Vazquez. And here we are debating the pros and cons of Fernando Tatis, supposed to be enthused with the signing of a 35 year old outfielder and licking our chops at obtaining a 42 year old pitcher.

It seems like other teams, both in our division and in our city build winners. We simply look to fill holes and eat up innings.

Over a period of a few short years we seemed to be building a dynasty, acquiring some of the best players in the game. We signed 5 tool superstar Carlos Beltran, future Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez and Billy Wagner, RBI machine Carlos Delgado, the best LHP in the game in Johan Santana. When Wagner got injured we obtained Frankie Rodriguez following his historic season of 62 saves. Sure, many of these players came here for the money. But also they wanted to play for a winner, for a team that was heading in the right direction. Ask yourself this: Would these guys sign with us today? Would they do it again if they had to?

But it’s okay, though. We do believe in comebacks. After all, David and company say so. Perhaps we can add some Marty Barrett influence into the commercials also. We Believe in Comebacks. (Don’t We?)

Safe to say none of us were really shocked when Mark McGwire admitted using steroids. The court of public opinion had already found him guilty and on Monday Big Mac admitted what we all suspected and knew in our hearts for years. It does, however, give us reason to look at the long term effects on the game cause by PED’s. In my opinion, the impact and destructive nature of Steroids is one that will tarnish our game for years, perhaps decades. Maybe forever.

Historians point to the Black Sox Scandal as the worst thing to ever happen to Baseball. Although it was tragic and unthinkable that gamblers could bribe players to throw the World Series, fixing games was not as rare as we think. Players accepted money from gamblers long before 1919 and continued well after. Some of the greatest players such as Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker and Smokey Joe Wood had been implicated in fixing games. But it was never proven. What made The Black Sox situation so grand was that involved so many players at one time and was committed in the Holy Land itself, The World Series. But lets be honest. Do any of us see that ever happening again? Players make way too much money to even be tempted.

Collusion in the 1980’s was another black eye for Baseball. When talented free agents do not get offered contracts it is quite obvious that somethin’ aint right. Like the Black Sox Scandal, the effects of collusion were short lived. Steroids, however, is a different ballgame completely.

Ask a hundred fans what they love about the game and you’ll get a hundred different responses. One theme that is constant, however, is the statistic. No game, no sport in the history of man, pays more attention to detail. Everything that happens on the field is recorded, kept track of for all eternity. With the exception of a minor tweak here and there the game has remained unchanged for well over a century. This simple fact is what allows us to compare today’s All-Stars with the greats of yesterday. The numbers signify a level of achievement, of greatness. 200 strikeouts is 200 strikeouts no matter if the pitchers name is Lincecum, Seaver or Hubbell. A 300 hitter means something, be it Horsnby, Rose or Ichiro. A Stolen Base by Rickey Henderson carries the same impact as one by Jose Reyes. But nothing, NOTHING, is more majestic than the Home Run. There is no event  that can simultaneously cause a crowd of 50,000 fans to rise to their collective feet in unison as the sound of a batter connecting and seeing an outfielder turn and race back to the wall.

I was only 7 years old when I learned the game. As I read about and studied photographs of Ruth, Mathewson, Gehrig and other larger then life mythical Baseball Gods, I also memorized their stats. At 7 years old if someone asked me, “Who holds the record for most career Home Runs?,” I could proudly cry out, ’Babe Ruth, 714!” Had someone asked me, “Who holds the record for most HR’s in a season?” I could reply confidently, “Roger Maris. 61!” I am a lot older now and I’d like to think I’m wiser. However, ask me that same question today and I’m not sure how to answer.

I find it sad that for many years a dark cloud has been hovering over our game and there’s no end in sight. The old theory was that 500 HR’s meant you were a lock for Cooperstown. Not any more. Hell, 700 HR’s no longer means you’re a lock for Cooperstown.

As we watched it all unfold we knew something was amiss in our game. We turned a blind eye. We tried to pretend it was smaller parks, depleted pitching, weight training. But in our heart we knew something was not right. Players were suddenly doing things on the field that had never been done before. Performing at levels never seen before. It cant all be due to reluctance to pitch inside. But yet, we loved it, didn’t we?  It’s not just ‘chicks who dig the long ball.’

Babe Ruth’s unbreakable record of 60 HR’s stood for 34 years, from 1927 to 1961. Roger Maris’ mark of 61 stood from 1961 to 1998. However, after holding that record for 37 years, Maris’ mark of 61 was surpassed 6 times in just 4 years! In the long illustrious history of baseball, the mark of 50 HR’s in a single season has been reached 41 times: 24 of those times, it was reached between 1990 and 2007.

We are a cynical society and we have more doubt in these uncertain times we live then ever before. The negative effect of steroids make us wonder, second guess. It opens up more questions then it answers. The most feared hitter in the game today is Albert Pujols. There have never been any rumors of him doing anything illegal and I am in no way implying that. But the fact that he is putting up such incredible numbers since he first walked onto a field is an attention getter. Is he truly that gifted? Probably. Lets all hope so, but still don’t we all wonder about it? Lets say a ‘clean cut’ guy like our own David Wright rebounds in 2010 and hits 62 Home Runs (Don’t we all wish?) Is that the new record? Will people wonder?

In Mark McGwire’s first 4 years he averaged 38 HR’s, including 49 in his rookie year. But still, 49 to 70 is quite a stretch. Or take someone different for example: This must be proof of Performance Enhancing Drugs. In his first 7 years in the majors this particular player hit 7,10, 9, 7, 10, 18 and 5 HR’s for an average of just over 9 HR’s. Then suddenly he walloped 43 in one season!!! Almost a 500% increase??? It’s gotta be steroids, right? Well, this was back in 1973 and this player is 2nd basemen and former Mets manager, Davey Johnson.

I am not condemning Mark McGwire. Nor am I condoning his actions. He is one of many. It’s easy for us to throw stones but he does at least deserve credit for having the courage to come clean. Even in our personal lives, none of us like to admit when we are wrong. But sometimes we do, to a loved one, friend or family member. But at least we don’t have to go on national TV and confess our sins to Bob Costas. Big Mac at least deserves credit for doing that.

I was 13 when my dad took me to the Hall of Fame for the first time. The memorabilia, the artifacts left a mark on me. Seeing Babe Ruth’s uniform, Ty Cobb’s shoes and Honus Wagner’s glove were something I will never forget.  But the highlight for me that day was walking into the actual Hall itself, the hallowed ground where the best of all-time had their names, their stats and their accomplishments displayed on a plaque for us mere mortals to gaze upon. I was thrilled to actually see the plaques of guys I only read about: Cy Young, Nap Lajoie, Christy Mathewson, etc…But the most moving moment for me was looking up at my father as he also relished the moment. I listened to personal stories he shared about players that he actually saw play with his own eyes! Many of the stories were related to his boyhood team, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and his idols like Snider, Campanella, Robinson. But now I wonder how this will be played out years from now. Kids not even born yet will go to the Hall of Fame with their fathers or grandfathers and the greatest hitters of an entire generation are nowhere to be found.

There once was a ballplayer. He ended the regular season without getting a hit in the final 9 games of the year. In spite of this, his team made it to the World Series. His hitting woes continued in the Fall Classic when he went hitless in every game, going 0-21, one of the worst Series performances ever. As a result, his team lost in 7 games. Perhaps one simple base hit would have garnered a Championship. It would have been easy to target this player and blame him and him alone for the Series loss. But that didn’t happen. Instead, Gil Hodges remained perhaps the most loved of all the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Now imagine if this had been 50+ years later and this was the Mets. Safe to say, Mets “fans” would have run this ‘bum’ out of town.

I am upset with why Mets fans must always pick out one single player to be our ‘whipping boy.’ It seems like each year we choose someone different to point a finger at and blame for everything that is wrong with this club. This is ridiculous. And somewhat embarrassing to real fans.

We collapsed in 2007 and immediately Willie Randolph had a bulls-eye on his back. It was clear that Willie and only Willie was to blame for all of our issues. Once we get rid of him, everything would surely turn around and we’d become winners. So, we fired Willie. We sent him packing, him and his 544 winning percentage (2nd highest in Mets history) and replaced him with Jerry Manuel. Surely now we would win. But wait. That didn’t happen. We collapsed yet again in September. I guess Willie was not the problem after all.

Next on our hit list was Aaron Heilman. It was clear that he and he alone was the root cause for our failed bullpen. The fact that Manuel overworked the pen was irrelevant. Yes, Heilman’s ERA was an awful 5.21. But Pedro Martinez had an ERA of 5.61. Yet, no one pointed a finger at Pedro. It was all the fault of Heilman and Heilman alone. Surely, once we get rid of him things will improve and we can become winners. So, with Heilman gone, the 2009 Mets went on to have the 12th worst ERA in the NL, 14th in strikeouts and 15th in walks allowed. Oh yes. And this was in Citi Field, a supposed pitchers park. I guess Heilman was not the problem after all.

Then, it became Omar’s turn. Yes, he has made some moves we disagree with but the positives far outweigh the negatives. This team is a lot stronger now then it was before he took over the GM role. With the exception of Frank Cashen, I can not think of a better GM in our history. I’m sure when the day comes when he is forced to leave, things will immediately improve, just like they did after we got rid of Randolph and Heilman.

And Luis Castillo? Luis Castillo??? You’ve got to be kidding. Do people–and supposed ‘fans’- really believe that Luis Castillo is what’s wrong with this team? We’ve had better. We’ve had worse. An upgrade at 2nd would be nice. But when I look at this team, I see many more pressing issues then getting rid of Luis Castillo. We have a huge hole at 1b. We don’t have any solid catching. Our bullpen needs some work and lets face facts:  After Johan, our pitching stinks. Does anyone really believe that Mike (he has potential) Pelfrey, John ( 5 1/3 IP) Maine and Ollie (which Ollie will show up today) Perez really instill fear in Rollins, Utley and the rest of the National League Champions?

But yes, it’s all Luis Castillo’s fault. The fact that Castillo was 2nd on the team in Batting Average and Steals and 3rd on the team in OBP doesn’t mean a damn thing. It’s all his fault. Of course, he gets crucified for his defense. His fielding percentage was 982 and he made 11 errors. By comparison, our beloved David Wright had a fielding percentage of 950 and made 18 errors. Oh, there’s an idea. Maybe if we don’t win next year, we can put David Wright in the crosshairs. But that won’t happen. Once we get rid of Castillo, I’m sure everything will improve.

One thing that we seem to forget and that frequently gets overlooked is this: There are other teams out there. There are 29 other teams who want the same thing we do. Maybe we are not doing something wrong but rather they are doing something right. Maybe, just maybe, they are better then us and it’s no one’s fault.

There once was a ballplayer. Although fans loved him, he never truly mastered the strike zone. In his first 4 years, he walked only 96 times but whiffed 354 times–almost 4 strikeouts for every walk. He had a measly 308 OBP. These stats definitely leave something to be desired–Especially when you take into account that this guy was a lead-off hitter!!! Unacceptable. Imagine how different history would have been had ’fans’ run this guy out of town, too. He never would have been there in the 10th inning to hit that groundball to Buckner.

This week the Yankees captured yet another World Series. Combined with our beloved Mets, the two New York teams have now combined for 29 Championships. In the tradition of Donn Clendenon and Ray Knight, Hideki Matsui was named Series MVP. The Yankees got a memorable HR from A-Rod, much like Al Weis in 69. Johnny Damon stole a game with a brilliant play on the basepaths, similar to J C Martin against the Orioles. The final out was recorded with Yankees closer Mariano Rivera on the mound. We had our closer on the mound for the final out in 86, too. A team from New York, playing its first season in a new stadium, brought home their 44th combined pennant followed days later by a World Series flag…

OK, come on people. I’m trying. Work with me…

I found it ironic that both League Championships were decided just before Halloween. For Mets fans is there anything more frightening and horrifying then a World Series between the Yankees and Phillies? The two teams we hate, despise and loathe the most battling it out on national TV while we Mets fans sat and stared in disbelief. With apologies to Charles Dickens, ‘twas the worst of times, ‘twas the worst of times.

We debated the lesser of two evils, trying to decide which enemy we would rather see lose. If there was ever a time where Bud Selig should have cancelled the World Series, this was as good a time as any. The choice was not easy. It was like someone asking, “Would you rather be poked in the right eye with a sharp object or poked in the left eye with a sharp object?” Either way the end result is going to be painful.

For me I chose to “root” for the Yankees, keeping in mind I have hated that team since childhood. The first words I ever spoke were ‘Momma,’ ‘Dadda’ and ‘Yankees suck.’ Although I’ve disliked the Yankees longer, I despise the Phillies more. When all is said and done, what the Yankees do really has no effect on us. They are our rivals only in the sports pages. The Phillies, however, are our rivals on the field. For me the choice was somewhat simple: Do I have more loyalty to New York or to a bunch of clubs in a group called ‘The National League?’ And lets be honest. We all KNOW that had the Phillies been victorious, we’d be subjected to Jimmy Rollins boasting about how his club beat yet another team from New York.

To the casual fan or outsider, it’s a very simple connection: The team with the biggest payroll won. This is a nightmare for the likes of Bud Selig and small market teams from coast to coast. However, the Yankees showed us a valuable lesson. It’s not how much you spend but how you spend. We all shook our heads in disgust when The Evil Empire handed over a quarter of a billion dollars for Sabathia and Burnett. Of the 11 post-season wins needed to win it all, those 2 pitchers accounted for 4. However, it was the veteran big game pitcher Andy Pettitte who accounted for 4 more all on his own. Without Pettitte the Yankees don’t win. And without Sabathia and Burnett, they also don’t win.

I think that is something we need to keep in mind as we head into a crucial winter. It seems like the long term future of our team will be decided over the next few months. We have plenty of issues that need to be addressed. In addition to Reyes’ hamstring, we have to replace Delgado’s big bat at 1B. We are concerned with the fact that David Wright hit only 234 after returning from his concussion. We have to do something drastic about the big drop off from Johan to the rest of the staff.

As much as it pains me to say this, perhaps we can learn something from that other team. The key to winning is not just signing the biggest names to the biggest contracts. Instead it’s using the money wisely. The idea is not to build a team of big names, but to build a winner. We have the money. We have the revenue. We have the fan support. We have our own ‘Core Four.’ What we don’t have is a winner. Hopefully, this winter Omar can change that.

So, to the Yankees, I say ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for shutting up Jimmy Rollins. Thank you for bringing the hated Phillies down a bit. Thank you for bringing a championship back to the greatest city in America. However pitchers and catchers report in a little over 3 months. That’s when we can start hating the Yankees again.

Throughout our history, we’ve had our fair share of great pitchers. The names Seaver, Gooden and Santana quickly come to mind. However, if there was one game that your life depended on, if you needed a big win, Jerry Koosman should be listed first.

The best lefty in team history, Koosman was always capable of shining in the national spotlight. By comparison, Seaver compiled a 1-2 record with a 2.70 ERA in his World Series appearances. Gooden, in 86, posted a disappointing record of 0-2. Jerry Koosman, however, was dominant.  Facing the Hall of Fame bats of the Orioles in 69 and the dynasty of the A‘s in 73, he was 3-0 with a microscopic 2.39 ERA. Although he would spend his career overshadowed, constantly being second in awards and in recognition, in the Fall Classic, Koosman was unmatched.

Born in Appleton, MN on 12-23-42, Jerome Martin Koosman took an unusual route to the majors. While stationed at Fort Bliss, TX, an army buddy saw him pitch and thought he was pretty good. The friend wrote a letter to his father who happened to work as an usher at Shea. The letter made its way through the Mets back offices and ultimately, Koosman was signed on 4/27/64. En route to Spring Training in 1966, however, Koosman’s car broke down. He was stranded on the side of the highway, flat broke. He contacted his new team. The Mets wired him money so he could get to Florida. This instantly put a bad taste in the mouth of the frugal Mets due to shelling out cash to a nobody. They intended to cut him as soon as he arrived. However, assistant GM, Joe McDonald, pointed out that they should at least keep Koosman on the payroll until he gets his first paycheck. Then, they could dock him and at least get back the money they wired him.

Thankfully, Koosman had a good spring and management decided to keep him around–at least for little while. On April 14, 1967, he  made his ML debut against the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. He pitched 2 2/3 innings in relief of Mets starter Jack Fisher, allowing 0 hits and striking out 2.

1968 was Koosman’s first full season and he immediately showed command of a wicked arsenal of pitches. He would go on to post a 19-12 record, a 2.08 ERA and whiff 178 batters while walking just 69. He made his first of 2 All-Star Game appearances but in spite of posting incredible numbers, he finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting. That award went to a catcher from Cincinnati named Johnny Bench.

In 1969, Koosman seemed to be suffering ‘The Sophomore Jinx.’ On August 12, the Astros shelled Koosman for 6 ER in 6 1/3 IP. He fell to 9-8 and the Mets fell 9 games behind the Cubs. However, ‘The Miracle’ was about to take shape. “Kooz” would go 8-1 in his last 9 decisions and help lead the Mets to the promised land. He would finish the season 17-9, a 2.28 ERA with 180 strikeouts and only 68 walks.

Game 2 of the World Series took place in Baltimore and on national TV #36 dominated. He was masterful and handled the big bats of Baltimore with ease. He conjured up images of Don Larsen’s Prefect Game as he took a no-hitter into the 7th before allowing a single to Paul Blair. The Mets won the game 2-1 and it was Jerry Koosman who gave the Mets their very first World Series win in franchise history. Tied 1 game each, the World Series now shifted to New York. Koosman would pitch again in game 5.

The date was October 16, 1969, a day that will live in infamy for Mets fans. Baltimore jumped out to an early 3-0 lead thanks to a solo HR by Frank Robinson and a 2 run HR by Orioles starter Dave McNally. However, Koosman remained tough and didn’t falter. With the exception of struggling in the 3rd inning, once again the Mets lefty shut down the Birds. The Mets won the game 5-3 to claim their first championship. Koosman pitched a complete game, allowing just 5 hits and 3 ER. It was his 2nd World Series “W” in 4 days.

Whereas the game is today dominated by the long ball, in the 70’s pitching was the name of the game. And there was arguably no better 1-2 punch than the right handed Tom Seaver and the left handed Jerry Koosman. They were dubbed ‘Tom and Jerry” in accordance with a popular cartoon at the time. As great as Koosman was, he would always be overshadowed by his teammate. Gehrig had Ruth. Drysdale had Koufax. Koosman had Seaver. On any other team, Jerry would have been the ace of the staff. But he always would be second best as long as # 41 was around. But he was fine with that. He and Seaver were good friends on and off the field. Koosman was not an ego maniac. He never demanded more money or more incentives. He fully accepted his role as #2 on our team knowing full well he could make more money and obtain more headlines elsewhere.

After struggling with injuries in 71 and 72, he returned to form in 73. Even though he posted a losing record (14-15), his ERA was 2.84, his lowest since 69. It was Koosman who was on the mound for game 3 in the NLCS against the Reds. Although he shut down the Reds en route to a 9-2 win, the game was better remembered for the on field brawl started by Pete Rose. After outlasting the Reds in 5 games, the Mets faced the defending World Champion A’s. Just as they’ve done in every World Series in our history, the Mets lost game 1. Koosman took the mound in game 2. However, he could not silence the big bats of Oakland. He was chased early, allowing 6 hits, 3 ER and 3 walks in just 2 1/3 innings. But the Mets battled back and also had their way with A’s lefty Vida Blue. The Mets won 10-7 in 12 innings, thanks in large part to closer Tug McGraw pitching 6 innings in relief.

Jerry would take the mound in game 5 and returned to his traditional World Series form. He allowed 0 ER and just 3 hits through 6 1/3, picked up the win and put the Mets up 3 games to 2, just one win away from another ‘miracle.’ It was the last World Series game we’d win for 13 years.

Throughout the 70’s, Tom and Jerry continued to dominate the NL. Koosman’s best season came in 1976. He became a 20 game winner, going 21-10 and finally reaching 200 K’s. He ended the season with an impressive 2.69 ERA and seemed to have a lock on the Cy Young Award. However, Koosman was once again in the shadows, finishing 2nd in the voting to Randy Jones of San Diego.

As the late 70’s approached, the Mets were sinking into the abyss. One by one, our stars were being traded and/or outright discarded. On June 15, 1977, the Mets sent Tom Seaver to the Reds. By default, Koosman now ascended into the #1 spot. He did not do well.

Perhaps it was his age. Perhaps it was his workload catching up with him. Or perhaps he was just tired. As he looked around, his teammates and friends from the glory days of 69 and 73 were all gone;  Seaver, McGraw, Cleon, Harrelson, Garrett.  After winning 21 games the previous year, Koosman became a 20 game loser in 77. Things did not improve the following season. It was not his fault. The Mets were next to last in the majors in team BA and dead last in runs scored. For 77 and 78, Koosman fanned 365 while walking only 165. His ERA was 3.63. Yet, his won-loss record was an embarrassing 11-35.

After the Mets lost 96 games in 78 and with no sign of things improving, Koosman raised the ire of some Mets fans by demanding to be traded. He wanted to go home. The Mets obliged his request and sent him to the Twins for pitchers Greg Field and Jesse Orosco.  Kooz returned to form in Minnesota and showed that even at age 36 he was still a force to be reckoned with. He would go on to win 20 games in 79 and 16 the year after. In 1980, he recorded 15 K’s in one game. Jerry would go on to pitch until 1985 for the White Sox and Phillies. Perhaps his most notorious feat outside of New York was giving up Pete Rose’s 4000th hit. Jerry’s career spanned 19 years and over that time he compiled 222 wins and 2556 strikeouts. He frequently jokes about the fact that his Topps Rookie Card is worth ‘a fortune.’ Of course, also appearing on the card was another young Mets pitcher, Nolan Ryan.

Although Koosman did not have the natural gifts of Tom Seaver, he was a true workhorse and quite possibly the best #2 pitcher in his day. He was an intelligent pitcher. Crafty. Whereas most hitters hated batting at Shea cause of the airplanes, Koosman used it to his advantage. Only a few years ago, long after his retirement, he admitted that he tried to coordinate his delivery with the planes screaming overhead. He led the Mets in wins 3 times, strikeouts, complete games and shutouts twice and ERA once. He was 3-0 in The Fall Classic and the Mets never lost a World Series game in which Koosman started.

With Nelson Figueroa’s shutout over Houston on Sunday, the Mets sealed the lid on yet another decade without a Championship. These last 10 years were filled with extreme highs and bottomless lows. But overall, how will the first decade of the 21st century be remembered? In my opinion, this was the worst decade in our history.

Each 10 year period conjures up certain memories and images. The Mets of the 60s’ are black and white snapshots. We think of Casey Stengel, Marvelous Marv and being laughable, but lovable losers. But the decade ended with the highest of highs. The Mets compiled a pitiful .382 winning percentage but one World Championship.

The Mets of the 70s? Pitching and defense. Seaver, Koosman and Matlack. Even though the last few years was a dark period in our history, we compiled a .473 winning percentage. We won 1 NL pennant and from 70-76, we were at least always in a pennant race.

The 80s started on a low. But there was new ownership and promise of a brighter future. Although it took until the middle years for us to become competitive, the Mets of the 80’s will be remembered for Doc and Darryl, Keith and Gary. And of course, Mookie and Buckner. We captured 1 Championship and 1 NLE crown and compiled a record of 816-749 for a .521 winning percentage. Statistically and historically, it was the best of times.

How are the 1990’s remembered? Probably what came to be known as ‘the worst team(s) money could buy.’ Big names and big contracts equated to big failures. Generation K never materialized. Isringhausen, Pulsipher and Wilson never did turn into the reincarnation of Seaver, Kooz and Matlack. But by the end of the decade, there was hope and promise. Every year from 95 to 99, our win total increased and culminated in capturing the NL wildcard before losing to Atlanta in a heartbreaking 6 game series. The decade ended for the Mets with a walk-off walk. We finished the 1990’s with a .494 winning percentage.

That brings us into the 21st century. Bobby Valentine led the Mets to their first NL pennant in almost 15 years and NY had our 1st Subway Series in over 4 decades. However, within 18 months of winning the pennant we found ourselves rebuilding. The 5 game Series against the Yankees quickly became a distant memory. But once again, by the middle years, we had promise and hope. ‘The Future is Now’ we were told. The Mets seemed destined to not only be competitive but many felt that a dynasty was beginning. The torch of New York Baseball was being passed to Queens. Youngsters Wright and Reyes were to be the foundation our empire was built upon. Add to the mix the likes of Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and Billy Wagner and surely a new day was dawning. But as we look back now, 2006 was not the start of something great. It was the end.

So why do things look so bleak? Why does the future not look promising? On paper, the period 2000-2009 looks good. It was only the 2nd decade in our history that we finished above .500 (815-803) and we did appear in the post-season twice, also matching the 80’s. But I cant help wonder how it will look in the history books. I feel that these last 10 years will be remembered for ‘Lost Opportunity.’ Clubs that never developed, that never lived up to their potential and sadly, two historic chokes.

Never has a decade ended with so much pessimism, bitterness and uncertainty. The Mets spent the 60’s as a joke, but the decade ended with a miracle and a clear indication that brighter days are coming. The 70’s ended with the Mets losing 99 games but rumors of new ownership that promised to rebuild a decimated farm system and make much needed changes to Shea gave us hope. By the time the 80’s ended, heroes from 86, such as Keith and Gary and Mookie were gone. But still, the future looked bright. Doc and Darryl were still young. Gregg Jefferies showed unlimited promise and our pitching staff was lead by Doc, along with Frank Viola and a young stud pitcher named David Cone. Although none of this mattered, we at least entered the 1990’s feeling optimistic. When the 90’s ended, we once again had hope. We captured the NL wildcard and returned to the post-season for the 1st time in over a decade.

But as this decade ends, I see no hope. In all fairness, we got hit with injuries of almost biblical proportions. Mets players spent 1480 days on the DL this season. Our 95 HR’s was the worst in the majors. But still the facts remain. Our 70 wins is the 2nd lowest of the decade and the 4th lowest win total in the last quarter century.

 I’ve tried to remain optimistic and look for bright spots. I’ve tried to view the glass as being half full. Never has a decade ended with so many question marks. The health of Jose Reyes is a big concern. David Wright’s power has dropped substantially and he has appeared confused at the plate since his concussion. Our manager, our GM, our owner and even our new stadium are not popular with fans. Once again our farm system has been decimated and once again in our wake we have left a trail of big contracts that failed to produce. It’s a sad day when the only thing we fans talk positively about anymore is our broadcast team and the food at Citi Field.

Our drop off from 89 wins last season to 70 is the 2nd biggest in our history, behind only 1976 to 1977, the year we traded Tom Seaver. Hopefully, the results wont be the same. I hope we are not about to embark on another tailspin into the abyss and a prolonged period of last place finishes and long summers.