Author: Jim Mancari

Tough Series For Larry Vanover, More Replay Needed?

Through the first six games, the umpiring in the games the Mets have played has been rather suspect. But we really saw it take a turn for the worse this series against the Nationals. Larry Vanover, a 21-year MLB veteran umpire, made a few key questionable calls in this series. The first actually benefitted the Mets when Adam LaRoche was called out at second base in the first game of the series...

Read More

From Left Field: Mets Dominate Opening Day Historically

Based on the Mets 50-year history of mostly losing records, trends would normally dictate that the team would have a losing record on Opening Day. However, it’s the complete opposite. The Mets have a 30-20 record in the season’s first game—a .600 winning percentage. Maybe there’s just something about Opening Day that gets the team amped. But actually, the Mets lost their first six Opening Days...

Read More

From Left Field: Mets Picked To Finish 4th?

As most readers of this site know, I’m the eternal optimist. Until the Mets are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, I still have hope—no matter how bad the team is playing. But even I have to admit that this year, it will be tough for the Mets to finish higher than fifth place in the NL East. That’s based though more on the other teams in the division on paper than on the Mets....

Read More

Depth Is Not The Mets Strength

Ever since losing the NLCS to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006 when they were destined to win, it seems the Mets have been a snake-bitten franchise. The collapses of 2007-08, the injury plagued years from 2009-11 and of course the Madoff ponzi scheme have marred the past few years for this franchise. The combination of injuries and the lack of spending power have meant that the organization...

Read More

From Left Field: Don’t Sleep On Lucas May

Ever since Mike Piazza’s departure, the catcher position for the Mets has been in a state of flux. Paul LoDuca, Brian Schneider, Rod Barajas, Henry Blanco and Ronny Paulino are just some of the catchers to suit up behind the dish. Last season, the Mets handed the mask to young Josh Thole, and he seems to be the No. 1 guy again for this season, though Terry Collins has made it a point to Thole...

Read More