“IT’S OUTTA HERE, A Grand Slam from Valdespin to win the ballgame”, call courtesy of Gary Cohen.

The more and more I watch Jordany Valdespin play, the more I like him.  Yeah I know, he isn’t in the plans and he is not liked.  What is not to like, I mean, he has speed, yes that has been noted, he can play the outfield, yes that has also been noted, and he has a flair for the dramatic, well he proved that last night. I don’t know what it is but he reminds me so much of Jose Reyes and I know I am not alone when I say that. I know that has been written about on previous posts, but maybe, just maybe Valdespin can help people to just forget that Reyes isn’t on the Mets any longer.  Maybe, just maybe, if he continues to play at this level and perform, maybe we can now just focus on him and what he can continue to do for the Mets. Yes we are very early in the season, but if he just gets a chance to play every day, I think he can continue to be the spark the Mets need. I like Tejada, but I really like Valdespin leading off.  Can he do what he did in the game last night again, well we won’t know unless he gets the chance.

The arguments have been that he hasn’t played enough lately. In the last five games, prior to last night’s win in extra innings, he was hitless in 10 at bats and only started in 2 of the 5 games, but last night he put a very good swing on a meat ball pitch and drove it over the wall for a Grand Slam to help the Mets win the game and send everyone home happy.  If he had started last night would he even be in the game in the extra innings.  Maybe or maybe not, but there are many what ifs that can be discussed, but the main thing I feel is that, start this kid, put him out there, give him the opportunity to lose a spot.  Is he an everyday player, well I guess the answer to that question is still out there, but I just love what he brings to the team, his flair and his enthusiasm, which some may hate, but if he continues to produce, who will it really bother.  And I think he just may be misunderstood, he is young, he is a bit cocky, but after that blast last night, I think he can be a bit cocky.

Valdespin will get it; he will understand what it takes to be a player that lasts more than just a season.  But no one can deny the talent that he has and the opportunity to make games exciting.  I think a lot of players were misunderstood in the beginning of their Mets years, but when it counted most they produced and maybe, just maybe Valdespin will continue to do the same.

Howie Rose

Yesterday, WFAN’s Mike Francesa discussed how Mets broadcasters Howie Rose and Gary Cohen were “out of line” during this past weekend’s Subway Series.

Francesa said that it’s great that the Mets have fans as announcers, but that they sometimes take it too far in rooting for their team, especially against the Yankees.

Frankly, I love that Rose and Cohen are as die-hard of Mets fans as I am. Yes, I agree that there should be unbiased announcing if the opposing team wins or hits a home run. However, I love the excitement when we hear “It’s Outta Here!” from Cohen or “Put It in the Books” from Rose.

Is it so bad for a fan of the team to be an announcer?

I could see how a Yankees fan would be upset after listening to the Mets broadcast from the weekend. Rose talked about Nick Swisher’s antics after the back-to-back-to-back home runs, and Cohen was not shy about saying that Russell Martin’s first home run was a cheap Yankee Stadium homer.

Gary Cohen and Kevin Burkhardt

But here’s the thing: If Yankee fans are upset about it, go listen to John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on 880. That’s their radio broadcast anyway. Rather than complain about the Mets broadcasters, Yankees fans should have enough to complain about with that interesting duo.

The whole point of radio is to attract an audience. Die-hard Mets fans enjoy Rose and

Cohen because they believe that the announcers are in the same boat. When a Met gets a clutch hit, it’s made that much more special when Rose or Cohen presents the call.Along the same lines, when the Mets blow a save or suffer a heartbreaking defeat—not too uncommon in our team’s history—Rose and Cohen are right their with the fanbase suffering.It’s not like they show up to work, call the game and say goodbye. These guys genuinely care about what they do, and it shows in their passion for the team.

While other teams or fanbases may have a problem with what Rose and Cohen are doing in the booth, they should simply be worried about what Mets fans think. Everyone I know loves them, and I’m sure the vast majority of Mets fans would agree.

However, there are a number of reasons why fans should continue to keep up with the Mets into September.

1) September Call-Ups

The New York Mets September call-ups will feature a number of players that could play a big role for the team in 2011. This could be your first chance to see pitchers who could be a part of the rotation or a player who could take over a spot in the outfield next year.

One of the more exciting players that the Mets will likely call up is Jordany Valdespin. He has been having a great year in the minors and should be in the running for the Mets second base position next year.

2) This Could Be the Last Time Jose Reyes Wears a Mets Uniform

Jose Reyes is obviously a fan favorite at Citi Field. Luckily for Mets fans the team did not trade Reyes at the trade deadline. However, that does not mean that he will still be a Met next season.

Reyes is a free agent after the year and there is no guarantee that the Mets will be able to bring him back. He is one of the most exciting players in the MLB and Reyes will draw a lot of attention once he hits free agency.

3) A Possible Johan Santana Sighting

It is very evident that the New York Mets felt the loss of Johan Santana this season. Their rotation had no clear ace and the pitching staff struggled throughout the year.

There is a chance, the key word here is chance, that Santana makes it back to the majors this year. Although the timetable is tight, the Mets have not yet ruled out Santana for the rest of the year. He could make one start for the team in late September.

4) Watch the Development of Young Players

The New York Mets have a number of young players on their roster who are still developing. While there is only a month left in the season, this time could be important as ending the season on a good note will  help with a player’s confidence.

Pedro Beato could be used in some more high pressure situations to see if he can handle it. Lucas Duda, Nick Evans and Ruben Tejada will all be able to add to the progress that they made this season in September.

5) Gary, Keith and Ron

Even if the Mets performance on the field is not entertaining, you can be certain that the comments from the Mets broadcast booth will be. Gary, Keith and Ron make up one of the best booths in baseball.

The group not only adds fantastic insight and commentary to the game, but they also tell great stories. Keith and Ron have some hilarious stories from their playing days that fans love to hear when there is a lull in the action.

According to Michael Baron over at MetsBlog.com,  Sandy Alderson spoke at CitiField today with reporters and according to SNY producer Matt Dunn, he said he reached out to the agents of Jose Reyes recently, but were told he will not negotiate a new contract until after the season. 

I find this interesting considering the story of Reyes having spoken to Scott Boras in some capacity was brought to mention by the mainstream press.  Whether anything can or should be made of Sandy Alderson having recently spoken to Reyes agent is entirely up to you the reader. 

If there ever was a player primed and prepared to massively capitalize on free agency – it’s without question Jose Reyes. First off, you have to be living under a rock not realize that Reyes has finally entered the apex of his prime.

He’s on pace to become the Mets all time single season leader in hits and perhaps the team’s first ever league MVP. Arguably, his presence alone has kept the Mets in the hunt for the Wild Card if not the National League Eastern division.

Timing they say is everything. Personally, I admit it annoys me when players seem to magically find their career years in their walk years but it is what it is. Finally and completely injury free, Reyes is able to showcase his incredible talents at a time where the focus clearly is on him, especially with the losses of David Wright and Ike Davis to injuries.

As important as it is to have guys like Wright, Beltran and Davis in the lineup, having a healthy Reyes completely changes the dynamic of the game – period. And in a contract year you can guarantee that Reyes’ agent will be sure to point that out to Sandy Alderson and ownership.

I remember watching a game on SNY and Gary Cohen mentioned that the Mets have a staggering record of something like 110 wins to barely 20 losses when Jose Reyes scores at least 2 runs in a game. Forgive me for not recalling the exact figure but it was almost comical in it’s accuracy.

It illustrates the impact of having Reyes in the lineup, however it also belies the fact that you need someone to drive Reyes in once he gets on base. Either way you look at it, the Mets have shown over the last few years, when they lose Reyes to injury, they lose…period.

The general idea is that Reyes will command a Carl Crawford type contract – something in the neighborhood of 7 years and $140 million. The Mets would be paying Reyes well over $20 million in his mid-thirties, a definite risk considering that Reyes relies on his speed as his main weapon. But with every long term deal comes some risk. If ownership’s goal is to be risk averse, then perhaps it’s time to reassess why they are owners in the first place.

I posed a question on Twitter the other day asking would you prefer if the Mets offered Reyes more money ($25 mil.) for fewer years or something similar to Crawford? I, like Joe D believe that acting like a small market will only hurt the Mets in the long term. However I’m seeing this more as a chess game then ever before.

When your owner does an interview and makes a few disparaging comments about one of his franchise players health and how he won’t get Crawford type of money, a few eyebrows tend to raise as to what their intent is long term. Now with Reyes strategically floating the idea of switching agents and joining the dark side that is Scott Boras, makes me see this situation in its entirety for what it is – a stage play.

So far the Mets made their move stating that Crawford type money isn’t where they’re going to begin negotiating and Reyes pretty much countered with the Boras card, who is notorious for securing back loaded deals for his clients. So in the end what do we want? More money with fewer years or less money over a longer term and back loaded to the gills?

Either way as fans if you do the math, we have only have 38 more games until the July 31st trade deadline, or as it may become in Mets history, the day we yet again lost our Franchise player.

Tonight’s game against the Detroit Tigers will feature legendary comedian and lifelong Mets fan, Jerry Seinfeld, joining Keith Hernandez and Gary Cohen in the broadcast booth for at least three innings (and maybe more).

SNY’s vice president of production, Curt Gowdy, Jr. said the following regarding Seinfeld’s appearance on the telecast: “Jerry is scheduled for the top of the third inning, for at least three innings, and more if he wants to do more…There’s no set script.”

In addition, SNY also plans to air clips from the classic Seinfeld episode, “The Boyfriend”, in which Keith Hernandez played himself in a prominent role.   Keith and Jerry will also be discussing their experiences working together on the episode.

As a Seinfeld fan, I was ecstatic to hear about the “reunion” of Jerry Seinfeld and Keith Hernandez and wondered what it would be like to have other Seinfeld cast members appearing on Mets telecasts.   Then I thought of all the potential disasters that could cause (especially with the hipster doofus himself, Kramer) and instead came up with a Top Ten list of why Jerry Seinfeld should be the only cast member to appear in the broadcast booth.  Enjoy!

TOP TEN REASONS WHY NO OTHER SEINFELD CAST MEMBER SHOULD EVER DO PLAY-BY-PLAY FOR THE METS

10. When the camera pans into the booth, there is a chance it could catch Elaine dancing.

9. Newman would run off with Keith Hernandez’s Tootsie Pops.

8. Upon entering the booth, Kramer would trip and take down the entire set.

7. George would mistakenly refer to the Mets as the Moops.

6. Fear that a bad call by an umpire would elicit a “No Soup For You” comment from the booth.

5. Kramer and Newman would spend the telecast plotting their revenge against Roger McDowell for his magic loogie.  (Well, Newman would…)

4. Frank Costanza would repeatedly interrupt Gary Cohen to extol the virtues of Festivus.

3. Elaine would spend too much air time trying to determine if David Wright is spongeworthy.

2. No backup plan for when Newman spends three innings standing in line at Shake Shack instead of doing play-by-play.

…and the number one reason why no other Seinfeld cast member should ever do play-by-play for the Mets is:

1. Too much discussion on whether Keith Hernandez was ever master of his domain.

Be sure to tune in tonight to see the Mets play the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field.  Of course, you were probably going to tune in anyway to see our beloved Mets as they continue to make a push towards the top of the National League East standings.   But now you have another reason to watch.

Jerry Seinfeld and Keith Hernandez made a great team back in the ’90s on a classic episode of Seinfeld.  Now they’ll be together again when they share the spotlight with Gary Cohen during Wednesday night’s telecast.  It should be a true SNY Mets classic…not that there’s anything wrong with that.

The Mets continued their road woes last night with a 3-2 loss to the Braves, and are now 5-13 away from home, and 14-8 at Citi Field.  Last year, they were 41-40 at home and 29-52 on the road, so it’s a pattern that has continued.  Back in the ’80′s, it was easy to blame the partying players of that era on not sleeping enough and not being focused on the road, but that is certainly not so with this nice mix of vets and youngsters.  So why they can’t get it done on the road with any consistency is a bit baffling.

Meanwhile, we sit here on May 19 at 19-21, 6 games back of the Phillies, and in dead last in the NL East.  I think we knew this was possible, especially with such atrocious starting pitching, but the fact that the Nationals have a .500 record right now and are ahead of the Mets in the standings is extremely disturbing.  Hopefully we can right that ship the next two games in DC.  But surely, Omar and Jerry have to feel like their seats are heating up after such a great stretch when April turned into May.

Finally, I’d like to bring your attention to a piece I wrote last weekend for The Scores Report.  Joe suggested I share it with you all, because as I was pontificating on Sports Illustrated’s list of the 20 greatest sports broadcasters, I couldn’t help but be the homer and prop up the trio of my childhood–Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Kiner, as well as the awesomeness and professionalism that is Gary Cohen.  Check out the list and my comments and let me know what you think.

That’s it, now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Raissman, who always does a stellar job covering the network, reveals that there are some rumblings going around that Keith Hernandez may not be back in the booth next season. This speculation is fueled by comments made by the former All-Star first baseman following Sunday’s game win against the Houston Astros.

Following the game as Gary Cohen was addressing Mets fans one last time before the off-season, Hernandez stated that:

“I’ve enjoyed the four years and, hopefully, I’m in the middle of negotiating my new contract, hopefully I’ll be back. If not, it’s been a great four years.”

To me that sounds more like a final farewell then just a simple goodbye for a few months.

The news, according to Raissman, also seemed to take his broadcast colleagues by surprise, especially Ron Darling, who was dumbfounded that Keith would publicly discuss his contract situation on-air.

When approached by Raissman, SNY executives stated that they it is corporate policy “not to comment on contract status or negotiations”. It seems to indicate to me that the door is being left open for the possibility that Hernandez will not be back in 2010.

He did, however uncover that Darling has multiple years remaining on his contract and that Gary Cohen “ain’t going nowhere”.

The often quirky, Hernandez is no stranger to notable on-air moments. In 2006, he drew the ire of then-San Diego Padres manager, Bruce Bochy, for stating that women do not belong in the dugout. It was later revealed that the woman he was referring to was actually one of the team’s trainers.

Still though he comprises one third of arguably one of the best MLB broadcast teams in the game today. He brings a great sense of humor, but at the same time outstanding knowledge of the game, which cannot be said for many announcers in the game today.

This is certainly something to watch over the next few months or so. It would be hard to imagine SNY not making a great effort to retain Hernandez, who is quiet the most popular broadcaster not only in the booth, but on the network as a whole.

Raissman theorizes that the negotiations over the contract maybe over the number of games called for next season, but acknowledges that in the end it all comes down to money.

The network couldn’t have been too thrilled that Keith took his grievances to the airwaves Sunday afternoon. In the end though, I doubt that will have an effect on whether or not the beloved, Keith Hernandez, will be back.

There’s one reason why I’m tuning in.  It’s all because of my new favorite comedians, the blue (and orange) collar comedy team of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling.

Just as Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner and Lindsey Nelson were the favorite Mets broadcasters of yesteryear, Gary, Keith and Ron are becoming the voice of this generation.  However, other than Ralph Kiner’s malapropisms, the only thing funny about the original trio was Lindsey Nelson’s wardrobe.  Gary, Keith and Ron are not only informative (as they should be), but they keep things interesting when the play on the field is not.

From the recent discussions on Gary Cohen’s long hair as a youth to Keith talking about losing weight so he can drink beer over the holidays to Ronnie’s impeccable timing after one of his partner’s quips, I never want to change the channel when I watch a game, regardless of what the score is.  Also, I’ll never get tired of Keith’s non-sequiturs and Gary calling him out on them.  They make embarrassing losses more tolerable, if such a thing is possible.

There are impromptu “What’s Keith Eating?” segments (see photo above) for us to enjoy as well as Gary and Ronnie giving the traffic and weather reports so that Keith can plan his quick escape from the stadium.  Also, you can’t watch a game now without an obligatory Seinfeld reference.  Sometimes the games being played in the booth are more entertaining than the game being played on the field.

Of course, if they didn’t have perfect chemistry, fans would unleash their venom on them, similar to the way I do for the ESPN team of Jon Miller, Joe “I created the second base position” Morgan and Steve Phillips.  Gary, Keith and Ron make it easy to believe that in addition to being colleagues, they’re also great friends.  Every chuckle they share in the booth is natural and unforced, making it easy for us to laugh along with them.

Losses to teams out of contention such as the Nationals can make a Mets fan question why he or she continues to tune in.  At least Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling (and don’t forget roving reporter and food sampler Kevin Burkhardt) give us a reason to watch.  I’ll miss not being able to laugh with them for another six months.  Somehow I don’t think Mandeep and Sharvarish (the owners of the NY NY Sports Sports store in the SNY commercials) will be able to fill the void left by our broadcasting trio over the winter.

Even though there is no cover charge and no drink minimum, the broadcast team of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling is all I need to keep coming back to the SNY comedy club night after night.  Too bad it’s just a limited engagement.