Get A-Rod, But Don't Move Wright

I love this hot stove talk. Mets fans across the blogosphere are talking about whether or not the Mets should pursue Alex Rodriguez, and if they do where do you move David Wright.

But I ask why move David Wright?

Sure Wright is a nice guy and even said last year that he'd play the outfield if it meant the Mets could sign A-Rod. Wright is not the greatest defensive 3rd baseman on the planet, and some think he'll eventually be playing first base, but I say leave David Wright where he is.

Move Jose Reyes.

What? Why move a potential gold glove shortstop? Why? Because A-Rod is a natural shortstop. He was a gold glove shortstop until he move to 3rd base to accommodate the Yankees. Put A-Rod at third and move Reyes over to 2nd.

I know the Reyes at 2nd base experiment didn't go over well when Kaz Matsui was here, but that's more Matsui's fault than Reyes'. Reyes will be a great defensive second baseman, and in another year when Delgado is a free agent and if the Mets want to test Wright at 1st, then Reyes can move to SS if A-Rod is willing to play 3B.

This move also frees up money because we won't have to sign a new second baseman (although I do love the thought of Luis Castillo returning to the Mets), which means more money for A-Rod.

Now this is all hypothetical and is contingent on the Mets wanting A-Rod and A-Rod wanting the Mets, but just think of this top 4 of the batting order: Reyes, Beltran, Wright, A-Rod.

Ooh, I just got chills.

Let the Hot Stove Begin

Finally the World Series is over! I think I watched a total of 1 hour of the World Series. I just couldn't get into it. Add that to the fact that every other person has become a Red Sox fan and I really had no interest in watching.

But now it's over. A-Rod has opted it out of his contract. Scott Boras is doing cartwheels. So it's officially time for the Hot Stove to be revved up.

I'm looking forward to an exciting off season. I hope I hear the name Johan Santana mentioned in combo with the Mets more than I've ever heard the words "Tom Glavine." I do not want to hear about trades for anyone on the White Sox pitching staff. I'm curious to see how many times Lastings Milledge is thrown into trade rumors. And I am anxious to see what becomes of Paul Lo Duca.

The priorities for free agent signings should be:
1) Marquee starting pitching (no Livan Hernandez, please)
2) Bullpen help (duh)
3) Catcher (if we don't sign Lo Duca)

This Halloween season I want all treats, no tricks, for the Mets. Go get 'em Omar.

Mathematically Alive

I received the following in an email this morning about a documentary that highlights a Mets fans journey through the 2006 season and playoffs called Mathematically Alive. It looks kind of interesting but then I thought it's a good thing they didn't do a documentary of fans through the 2007 season that would be called A New York Choke-job Massacre.

Here's the info if you're interested:

www.mathematicallyalive.com

Mathematically Alive - A Story of Fandom

Joseph Coburn & Katherine Foronjy

This engaging documentary is for all New York Mets fans and for anyone who is a devoted fan of a sports team. Directors Coburn and Foronjy reveal the stories of a spectrum of Mets devotees and take us on their roller coaster ride of emotion through the 2006 playoffs.

Mathematically Alive explores why Sports are such an integral part of American culture. What the affects are of following a team and, more importantly, why fans continue to invest so much emotion, time, and money into their team. They are the stories of any fan in America. For some it's an escape from reality, for others it forms their identity. Their fanaticism, not too far off from your own or someone you know, makes for a fascinating window into an often unexamined part of everyday life - Sport fandom.

Who Would You Trade?

No one is untradeable. Ok, Derek Jeter and David Wright are untradeable. But then again the Mets traded Tom Seaver who was the face of this franchise in those horrid early years.

This offseason I am confident the trade rumors will be buzzing like an angry wasps' nest. Names will be dropped like your Dick Vitale at the Final Four. But of all the Mets I believe three names will be mentioned the most this offseason: Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez, and Lasting Milledge.

Why? Two words: "youth" & "upside." At this point none of them have really proven what kind of big league talent they will become. Martinez is the equivalent of an 8th grader scouting college basketball scholarships. If he turns out to be good, you got him for a prayer. If he doesn't no sleep lost. Gomez has shown signs of brilliance amidst a streak of immaturity. And Milledge? Well, is he a young Gary Sheffield or a future Bernard Gilkey?

No one has a crystal ball so the real question is who are you willing to trade at this point?

My first inkling is to trade Martinez. The kid's got talent for sure, but he's a good 2-3 years away from even being a regular at the major league level. If a team is willing to give up good, young talent that is already big league tested for a potential wonder boy, that's fine with me. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

That brings me to Carlos Gomez, whom I am enamored with. The way he tracks down fly balls reminds me of Andruw Jones when he feels like playing. The question is if he's just a pinch runner and hired glove, or will he be able to consistently hit some day. Again he's very young, but I don't think we can judge Gomez accurately just yet. He was thrown into the lineup this year straight from Double A last year. His build shows he has the potential for some pop and that kind of speed and glove are a wonderful thing to have in your back pocket.

And then there was Milledge. The often coveted blue chip prospect has now shown baseball what he can do at least for half a season. The kid was our best hitter with runners in scoring position for 3 months and seemed to get on base at just the right time. And I don't know about you but I was surprised at how well he played in the field this year. Milledge made some impressive plays at clutch moments. The kid has potential and unless there's a package for a top pitching prospect like Johann Santana or Josh Beckett, I'd hold onto Milledge.

So there you have it. This novice wants to hold on Milledge & Gomez, and gamble with Martinez. Although none of these guys are untradeable. Starting pitching is a luxury in this league. Just ask Tom Glavine.

Hilarious Mets T-Shirt

I saw a guy in the mall this weekend wearing a t-shirt that I had never seen before. I stopped him and asked him where he got it. His reply? EBay. Where else?

Here's an image of the shirt to the right and click here to order it for yourself from eBay. This might be the funniest Mets shirt I have ever seen. Classic.

ESPN's 50 greatest moments in LCS history

If you get a chance, check out ESPN's 50 greatest moments in LCS history. These lists are always subjective but nonetheless, entertaining.

Some Mets highlights include Gary Carter's game-winning single (#48) in Game 5 against Houston in '86. Endy's catch comes in at #34. Dykstra's walk off in Game 3 in '86 is listed at #31. Robin Ventura's Grand Single came in high at #9 while Game 6 against the Astros was the highest-ranked Mets moment at #6, which is a game many consider to be the greatest ever played. Amazing when you think about that NLCS; there are 3 moments in this list from that one series alone.

Some low lights include Scocia's home run (#27) off Gooden in Game 4, 1988, against the Dodgers...which of course led to Gibson's extra inning blast of McDowell in that same game (#26). It was 11 years before the Mets finally made it back to the post season. And of course, who could forget Kenny Rogers and the infamous series ending, bases loaded walk to Atlanta in '99? (#18).

One surprising omission was Yadier Molina's home run off Heilman last year. Not that I mind...

Don't Sell Out Jose Reyes Quite Yet

Man, we're tough in New York. A guy wins a couple World Series, makes the playoffs every year, now he's going to be fired. That's the place we live, and now Mets fans are ready to turn on Jose Reyes.

We've even talked about here in this blog, but we've come to realize the error of our ways and I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't sell out Jose Reyes quite yet.

Let's flashback to April of 2007. Jose Reyes was the talk of baseball. An MVP year was expected. Derek Jeter called him the most exciting player in baseball. Joe Morgan christened him as possibly one of the best players we'll ever see play the game. And you know what? He looked like it the first 3 months of the season.

In May any team in baseball would have given their first-born child to get Jose Reyes. But now Mets fans are looking like they are done with him.

Did Jose Reyes utterly collapse the second half of the season? Yes. Did he look lost at the plate? Absolutely. Did he appear to be complacent at times by not running out ground balls and making some foolish decision in the field? Unquestionably true. Is he 24 years old? Yes, he is.

Reyes is still very much a young kid when it comes to baseball years. Sure he's been playing a few seasons already, but he has not yet matured into the baseball leader I'm confident he will be. He's come so far these past two seasons from that leadoff batter who struck out every other time up and was a sucker for any pitch down and in. He led the majors in stolen bases this year, and that's without getting on base for much of September.

I am confident Reyes will bounce back, but I do think Rickey Henderson needs to go. I don't want him molding Reyes in his image. We need a guy with a good head on his shoulders who can tutor Reyes. I'm sorry Omar, but Henderson is not that guy.

I've heard people talk about trading Reyes for anyone from Johann Santana to A-Rod to Vladimir Guerrero. I'd take Reyes over those guys even though their numbers are superior to Reyes' stats. Why? Because I believe this kid is still the MVP caliber talent that everyone hoped he'd be. We've seen how good this team can be when he is running on all cylinders. When Jose Reyes gets on base, the Mets score runs and win ball games. That's a hard commodity to find and when you do find it, you hold onto it.

Plus he's 24. 24 years old. And we have the potential to have the best shortstop and third baseman in the game for the next 10 years in Reyes and Wright. They're our Bat Man and Robbin' (get it? it's a play on words. Wright is the "bat" man and Reyes is "robbin'" bases! Nevermind.)

So let's all take a breath, my fellow Mets fans, before we sell Reyes down the river for the latest and greatest trade rumor. Jose Reyes will return to form. And that's something we won't want to miss.

Mets Lifer's Most Wanted

The offseason and hot stove are right around the corner. And I've got a list of things I want for 2008. Namely a few personnel improvements. Here's my wish list:

1. Johann Santana - No explanation needed. He'll be the dominant starting pitcher the Mets have missed since the age of Doc Gooden. Anytime Pedro Martinez becomes you're #2 starter, you're in a good place.

2. Luis Castillo - I like his grit, his hustle, and his ability to be the best #2 hitter in the National League. Add that with his defense and we have the best up the middle infield in all of baseball.

3. Paul Lo Duca - In the middle of the season I was ready to say farewell to Paully Walnuts, but I've looked at the available catchers and I'm not sure there's really an upgrade out there to be had. Jorge Posada? If you think the Yanks will let the Mets steal him, you're crazy. Castro is an option but his durability is questionable. Lo Duca is a New Yorker at heart and I like the fire he brings. Plus his ability to situational hit is a plus at the catcher's position.

4. Bullpen, bullpen, bullpen - no comment necessary

5. Rickey Henderson fired - I don't think he brings anything positive to this ballclub that another person can't do just as well. His me-first attitude is not something that makes a person a good coach. You need a teacher, a mentor, to be a good coach. Someone who cares about players more than themselves. Someone who is willing to give of themselves for the benefit of others. Does that sound like Rickey Henderson? Plus Reyes' decline started the day Henderson joined the club. I don't think that's a coincidence.

Karma

This post is dedicated to all of those Mets fans who have endured relentless abuse from Yankees fans over the years.

The Yankees are the most over rated team in sports and it’s about time everyone starts to acknowledge that fact. Many will argue they’ve been the model for consistency citing their 14 year playoff run. But the only thing they’ve been consistent at is blowing cheese in the playoffs. Rather than drafting a blueprint for success, this grossly overpaid franchise has written a script for failure since 2000, proving that money may buy you the regular season, but it can’t buy you a championship.

With all the abuse Mets fans take from Yankees fans, you would think they win the World Series every year. News flash: It’s been seven years since the Yanks last won the World Series. In that time, and more than $1.5 billion dollars later, the over hyped Yankees have been knocked out of the first round 4 times, lost to two expansion teams in the World Series, and endured the single greatest collapse in post season history – in all of sports – to their arch rival! Yet, their fans, their announcers (John “Blind as a Bat” Sterling, Susan “Roger Clemens is in the Boss’ Box” Waldman), and Fat Faced Francessa talk about the Yankees as if they are a gift to the entire sports universe and that we should all worship their existence.

PA-lease…it’s over Yankees fans; time to realize that your team has become the Atlanta Braves of this early century. Sure, you will predictably talk about your 26 championships, your recent post season run, but this can only go so far. It will only lay credence to the fact your team has accomplished nothing the last seven years. Even with all of that money thrown at every single available free agent, the Yankees still can’t win.

Mussina, Giambi, Sheffield, Damon, Pavano, Matsui, Randy Johnson, Abreu, A-Rod, Igewa, Farnsworth, Pettite, and Clemens, who looked more like Eyore last night, than Thor. $28 million dollars for that turd! It’s absolutely comical; all of these All Stars and nothing to show for it. Absolutely nothing! And how about that A-Rod? He continues to freeze up in the playoffs; so clueless out there. Maybe he’s thinking about all that money the Yanks are going to waste on him. (Forget my post earlier this week, I said I was delusional) the same way they did with Eyore.

If you want to continue ripping on Mets fans, rubbing it in our faces, calling radio shows and mocking us, that’s fine. If you want to say your team is better than ours, then ok. We can’t argue that. You’ve certainly won more. But the irony here is that the standard isn’t so high anymore. Suddenly, it’s not about the World Series titles, but rather, whose record is better than whose, and how many times in a row you’ve made it to the playoffs. I’m not so sure plunking down $230 million (before luxury tax) on a payroll was executed so they could be the best team in New York. That insanity can be attributed to a nauseating greed that blows any form of reason and logic out the window.

Yet with all of that money, they still couldn’t afford quality bug repellant. Everyone was complaining about the bugs, about how the umpires had a conspiracy against the Yankees by not delaying the game, about how the Indians should have told the Yankees how to deal with them since they were used to it. Funny…how no one complained about Jeffrey Maher in ’96. Incidentally, the Yankees will be wearing new uniforms next year. (up top).

So it is time Yankees fans, to take your lesson in humility and pipe down. Cease the arrogance that is so identified with your fan base. Karma has finally caught up with you. Your team is just not that good anymore. They’re the most over rated team in sports.

Feel free to share this link (http://metslifers.blogspot.com/2007/10/karma.html) with any of those fans who called you or emailed you to mock you after the Mets choked down the stretch this year.

Phillies Phinished!

I must admit, I nearly shed a tear when the Phillies got swept last night by the Colorado Rockies. After going down quietly in their first post season appearance in 14 years, the Phillies reminded me of the golden opportunity the Mets missed out on. It was also proof that the Mets were their own worst enemy as they choked on the pressure down the stretch rather than the Phillies being the better team to take the NL East. Granted, there’s not much I can say to rip the Phillies, they downright embarrassed our club, but their quick exit in the first round has got to be disappointing for them and their fans. Aw...too bad.

But hey, at least they had that Town Hall celebration last Monday. That was kind of cute…yeah, like the first time your child poops in the potty for the first time cute.

Glavine Turns Down Option

Tom Glavine made it official that he no longer wants to be a Met. He's salivating at the thought of returning to Atlanta and telling close friends that he has no idea what he has been doing the last 5 years.

He has been heard to say that it was a nasty case of amnesia and he woke up this morning with a bunch of stuff commemorating his 300th win, but he's not sure how he got since he wasn't pitching for the Braves.

In all seriousness, so long, farewell, Mr. Glavine. Can't wait for you to pitch at Shea next year.

Click here for details on Glavine's options.

Mets That Leave And Get Better And Vice Versa

Kaz Matsui pounded a grand slam against the Phillies last night to help the Rockies put Philly in a 2-0 hole in its best of 5 series.

This is just another instance of a player who was horrible with the Mets, gets traded, and then all of a sudden comes through in the clutch for his new team. Add Kaz Matsui to the list of Jeff Kent, Carl Everet, Jason Isringhausen, and others who did nothing for us while they were here but now produce for their new teams.

Then of course there's the opposite scenario. Players who were good and then come to the Mets and are awful. Actually this is a really long list which includes the likes of Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar, Frank Viola, Brett Saberhagen, Vince Coleman, Bobby Bonilla, Jeromy Burnitz, Cliff Floyd, Scott Schoenweiss, and of course TOM GLAVINE.

Now there are plenty more people that could be added to this list, but this is just off the top of my head. Please feel free to reminisce about other players in the comments.

Mets Lifer in Cleveland

Those of you who are becoming familiar with this site know that we like to extend an occasional shout out to Mets Lifers everywhere. Tonight, my shout out goes to the big Mets fan in Cleveland who was in attendance during the Yanks, Indians game. Sporting the classic blue t shirt with orange Mets lettering across his chest, this Mets Lifer was doing all he could to express his passion for his favorite team while the legendary "Drum Guy" was being interviewed during the telecast. Great job!

Time To Heal, Literally

Looks like Carlos Beltran's knees, John Maine's hip and Jason Vargas' elbow are all being tended to in this report from the New York Times.

All are expected to recover before spring training. Whew, what would we do if Jason Vargas wasn't at 100%.

We Are Not Alone

I wanted to thank all those Mets Lifers out there who have emailed me, posted comments and even approached me this past week with words of encouragement. This is possibly the worst baseball week of our lives, but it is definitely good to know that there are others out there going through the same thing, having the same feelings, and having to deal with annoying Phillies and Yankees fans who keep rubbing it in our faces.

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I know that's absolutely true for Mets Lifers. We're battle tested in disappointment. We're forever the underdog. We're second fiddle to baseball's preeminent dynasty. But we're ok with it. We live and die with our team. We're not the Adam Sommers of this world.

I'm planning on watching the playoffs via SportsCenter. I can't deal with an entire game, but I like to know who won, who lost and what went down. I'm focusing on fantasy football and the upcoming college basketball season to keep me entertained until those glorious words are uttered, "pitchers and catchers report today."

Ah, yes. In the spring there is renewed hope in what lies ahead. Prediction are made. Dreams are formed, and promises have the chance of never being broken. It's symbolic that as our favorite team collapsed we would be on the doorstep of a season aptly named for the Mets season, fall.

But I'm already feeling better than I was on Monday, and it's mainly because of Mets Lifers like you. The outlook on 2008 is yet to be seen, but regardless of the roster, the manager, and what morons on talk radio say, one thing is certain. We'll be behind our team for 162 games.

The Worst Mets Fan Ever

Adam Sommers of the Daily News is the most shameful Mets fan I have ever seen (see picture to the right). He disgusts me and should disgust you too. Actually, he should disgust any fan who gives their allegiance to any team and has cheered for that team through thick and thin.

He's the definition of a fair weather fan. He could also be called a flat leaver. An idiot. A jerk. And a traitor.

In this morning's Daily News, Adam Sommers writes an article about how he's done cheering for the Mets, a team he claims to have been a fan of for his whole life. Who's he leaving the Mets for? The Yankees of course. He wants to jump on a bandwagon.

Good. They can have him. But I bet not even a true Yankees fan would want this guy on his side. By way of Metsblog.com, here's a link to the Sommer's article in the Daily News.

But if you really want to let Adam Sommers know how you feel, send him an email. He openly publishes it in his articles so I'm sure he'd love to hear from his readers. Adam Sommers email is asommers@nydailynews.com.

Just looking at that picture infuriates me. Don't let this guy come within 10 miles of Shea Stadium.

My List of Demands to Willie Randolph

Ok, Willie. Now you can go take a vacation since Omar has announced that you're not going to be fired (yet). But don't think that you can go manage this team the same way you did this year.

Nope. Some changes need to be made. There's no negotiating these points. It's my way or the highway. So read them carefully. Memorize them. Tattoo them on your body if that's what it takes. I want these points to roll off your tongue as if you were naming your children.

Here are my demands:

1. Bunt more - You have possibly the fastest team in baseball next year if Reyes, Gomez, & Chavez are all back on the team. And them with Wright, Beltran and possibly Gotay and you have 6 guys who can steal 20 bases. Don't be afraid to bunt, especially if Chavez/Gomez/Reyes are on 3rd base and there's only 1 out. You'll add more runs and avoid more double plays. You'll thank me for this later when you win manager of the year.

2. Erase Guillermo Mota from your memory - Guillermo who? That's right. Never heard of him. Is he a hot shot second baseman? No? Then I'm not interested.

3. Demand bullpen help from Omar - Omar preaches pitching but come the trading deadline we got Jeff Conine. You've got to let Omar what you need to win. Sometimes he gets his own ideas. Speak up, be heard.

4. Bring back Luis Castillo - The guy's legs are going to fall off at any second, but he'd still bat .300 for this team. He's the kind of no nonsense, get the job done while sacrificing yourself type of player that New York loves, and needs. Think Mark Bavaro at second base. He's the only guy who consistently came through down the stretch outside of Wright & Beltran.

5. Defend your guys - Willie you're always quick to say that Mota's "your guy" or these are "my guys" and I'm sticking with them. Well show them some support from time to time on the field. Marlon Anderson & Paul Lo Duca are getting hosed by the umpires and you lally gag out on the field and don't even put up an argument. Get tossed from a game once in a while. The fans will love you for it. I know this against every fiber of your being, but we need to see your passion in more than words in a post game interview.

6. Bring back Marlon Anderson - This guy is our modern day Rusty Staub. He doesn't have to start a game the whole year and he'd come through in the clutch for us. Must have.

7. Have faith in your young studs - Milledge can play. Gomez has got talent. Gotay has got skills. Don't be afraid to let them play. Milledge was leading the team in batting with runners in scoring position and you buried him in the 8th spot or made him platoon with Damion Easley in right. If they show they can play, let them. I want you to protect them and not force them into the spotlight too early, but please let them help us win ball games. We don't want any more Julio Franco's or Jeff Conine's, old veterans who are supposed to add help but end up just hurting. Youth movement my friend. Remember these youths turn into pretty good veterans.

8. Tell Mike and the Mad Dog No More Interviews - Tell WFAN you'll do all your interviews with Steve Sommers or Joe Baningo. Until Mike and the Mad Dog become decent radio personalities again, you're cutting them off. They want to hate the Mets, let them. But you don't have to feed their fury.

Those are my demands, Mr. Randolph. You've got all offseason to work on them.

Report Links Mets’ Schoeneweis to Steroids

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Oh wait, they're serious? Have they seen him pitch? Ok, it dates back to 2003 & 2004. Back when he was good. No wonder. First Mota now Schoeneweis.

They should have shared some with Glavine for Sunday's big game.

To see the article from the New York Times, click here.

Blockbuster Proposal & A Deal with the Devil

This off season is going to be one of the greatest challenges in Omar Minaya's career. It was only a few months ago Minaya was universally viewed - by fans, analysts and journalists alike - as the organization's savior. He bcame a sensation, and most of all, was beloved by all Mets fans. Now, within the span of 18 cold hard days, he has been reduced to nothing more than one of many faces of failure on this team. How quickly things turn.

So this winter, Omar has a lot of work to do, not too mention, he has to answer to all of the Mets Lifers out there who undoubtedly expect, and rightly so, some form of payback for the collasal embarrasment we have to endure now and for many years to come. We've pledged our allegiance, now it's time for Omar and company to do the same. If Omar and the Wilpons (who by the way, in my eyes, have lost all rights to criticize anyone ever since they endorsed the Kazmir for Zambrano deal) really want to make up for this humilation, I put before you, a Blockbuster proposal that will rock this city to its core and make the NY Mets (for whatever this is worth given recent events) the favorites for '08.

Trade Reyes for Santanna and sign A-Rod.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I, ladies and gentlemen, am very desperate. In fact, I so want to win a championship that if the Devil himself were buying souls today, I just might sell him mine. That's how badly I want to win. Sure, I hate A-Rod but you can't deny his skills. And of course I'd hate to see Reyes go, but I do know this, ARod and Santanna sure could cure some of this anguish.

And think about it: Is this proposal really that far fethced? I don't think so. The Twins would take Reyes for Santanna straight up - he's cheap and he has years left on his contract. Plus, in spite of his troubles in the second half, he's still a superstar; one the Twins would love. And Im not so sure any other team would be willing to give up that kind of major-league-ready talent. So that is a realistic option. Then, you take A-Rod....Obscene amounts of money will get him here. I heard Peter Gammons say that Boras is looking for a David Beckham type deal. Well, who better than the Mets to jump in; we're the laughing stock of baseball once again folks. And the Mets owe it to us now more than ever to open up the check book. This bold move would put us right back on the map and how great would it be to tweak the Yankees? Who wouldn't enjoy that? It's time for the Wilpons to play hard ball.

Look, I feel guilty for even exploring the notion in my own head - trading Reyes, signing A-Rod - blasphemy! But like I said, I'm desperate. I want to WIN!

And so I am off...off to talk to the Devil about that offer.

(disclaimer: I could be dillusional right now so bare with me on this one)

Mets Close Door on 2007

Take a look at this depressing feature from ESPN, but notice Easley's comment and what the female commentator says about Alou's final comment. Now compare that to anything Tom Glavine has to say and you'll see who the true Mets are.

This Week's Sign the Apocalypse Is Upon Us

Kaz Matsui just made the playoffs last night. Is there nothing left that is good and right in this world?

Next thing you know Rey Ordonez will bat .300 for the Braves next year.

Metsradamus Delivers Manifesto on Historical Meltdown

Do yourself a favor and check out The Manifesto, from the brilliant blog, The Musings and Prophecies of Metstradamus.

Magic Eight Ball Look Into 2008

Let's give the Magic 8 Ball a shake and see what's ahead for the Mets in 2008.

Q: Will Paul Lo Duca return to the Mets?
A: Outcome not favorable.
As much as I love Paulie Walnuts and his flare, I don't see the Mets resigning a catcher who's entering the last years of his career. Look for the Mets to run at Posada, but have him stay with the Yankees. I salivate at the thought of Saltilimacchia, but probably won't happen.

Q: Will Tom Glavine finally retire?
A: Ask again later
Tom, Tom, Tom. I don't care if you retire you just have to get out of New York. You, Terry Pendleton, Mike Soscia, and Yadier Molina have ruined my recent Mets hopes and aspirations.

Q: Will Willie Randolph be fired?
A: Not likely
As much as I second guess Willie Randolph and absolutely abhor some of the moves he made this year, he wasn't the reason the Mets lost. Sure he needed to show some more urgency and perhaps a little more fire in his belly, but this team collapsed in spite of Randolph. Expect him to finish out his contract.

Q: Will Jose Reyes return to his normal self?
A: Outcome looks good
I'm betting we'll hear something in the coming weeks about Jose Reyes that will shed some light on what his problem was these last two months. I wonder if he's going through some trouble at home that's effecting his mindset and ability to focus. That's what his problem was. He lost focus. I expect him to rebound next year.

Q: Will the Mets make some major offseason moves?
A: Absolutely
Expect Omar Minaya to be a man on a mission this offseason. You'll hear rumors about Johann Santana, Jorge Posada, maybe even Mark Texiera. But expect Omar to go hard after pitching. He always says that's what's most important. Hmmm, than why didn't we get bullpen help at the trading deadline? Regardless, Minaya won't let this season become a ritual. Should be a very, very hot Hot Stove this winter.

Q: Will this feeling of disappointment in the Mets go away?
A: Ask again
It seems like this will go on forever, but we got over 1987, 1988, 1998, last year. Didn't we? Ok, maybe not. But that's why we're Mets Lifers. As much as it is a badge of honor, it can also be a life sentence.

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger (And More Angry)

I've been talking with fellow Mets Lifers all day. We're sharing battle scars and condolences. Even non-Mets fans are expressing their concern for me, offering a shoulder to cry on or a simple hug.

But then there are those who you just want to punch in the face. The annoying Yankee fan who comes in and says, "You were talking about the Mets all year and now look what happened. Mets stink." Now this is from a person who hasn't watched a full Yankees game all year except for games they went to. This is also a person who wanted them to lose earlier in the year just to spite A-Rod. This is also a person whom I hardly discuss baseball with so it's not like I've been rubbing in their face that the Mets were having a good year.

Then there's the annoying Phillies' fan who emails me "Why are you disappointed? Just keep watching those Mets in October . . . ohhhhhhhhhh, wait. oh, sorry 'bout that." I can't even reply to that.

I'm sure we'll all face more of this in the coming days/weeks/months/years. Just know that there are millions of others out there going through the same torture.

This is Tom Glavine

Here's a quote from Tom Glavine after yesterday's game:

“I’m not devastated. I’m disappointed, but devastation is for much greater things in life. I’m disappointed, obviously, in the way I wanted to pitch. I can’t say there is much more I would have done differently.”

Breakout the pitchforks, I'm gathering a hunting party and we won't stop until we find Glavine.

Can you believe this? Even if this is what you think, you don't say that to the New York media after you single-handedly ruined the lives of every Mets fan on the planet.

Bryan and I have talked repeatedly about how Glavine was a guy you never truly accepted as a true Met. But this year he had me fooled. I started thinking this guy was coming around. Nope.

He wanted to go to Atlanta after last year, but they didn't want him. He came to the Mets for the money, but always wished he stayed with the Braves.

But guess what will be more memorable for Mets fans, Glavine winning his 300th game as a Met or what he did on Sunday? I don't even have to answer that.

Black Monday

This is Black Monday. Here's why. As Mets fans we have to go into work today and deal with the Yankees fans. Sure they made the playoffs and we committed the biggest choke job in sports history, but you'd think Yankees' fans would have some decency and let us wallow in our misery. But no.

Also every major sports outlet today is talking about the collapse. We'll here about what games they should have won, but didn't. Who need to go. What needs to be added. We won't be able to suffer in peace.

But the worst part is if your a Mets Lifer is that postseason baseball is on, and you won't be watching because you know our beloved Mets should be playing. I have to go on a business trip where people will want to go out and watch the games after meetings, but I don't think I want anything to do with postseason baseball this year.

You see I'm already thinking about 2008. It's sad, I know. But it's how I deal.

One thing that makes me happy is the fact that Tom Glavine might be pitching for the Braves next year. Oh baby. Can you say revenge?