10 Years Later Still Remembering 9/11

Every year I plan on writing a post about 9/11 and how baseball was one of the binding elements in the New York area after the horrible events on that September morning. But each year, I go back and read a post from Brad at Bugs and Cranks and realize I don't need to say anything else because this post is almost a mirror of my point of view.

Last year I was fortunate enough to get an autographed photo of that famed Mike Piazza home run swing during that first game after 9/11. It's in my office and is a constant reminder of how huge that moment was not just for a Mets fan or a baseball fan but for New York as a whole.

So as we all reflect on what this day has come to mean, I hope you will take a look at Brad's post.

Mets Need to Avoid Pitfalls

Brad Bortone at Bugs and Cranks wrote a post this morning highlighting some things the Mets need to avoid now that things appear to be on the right track.

It's a great post and all of his points are things that potentially Mets management would consider which is also scary. The biggest point I think that Brad makes is his last one about staying too loyal to certain names. Specifically, Maine and Perez.

Yes, Maine had a good start yesterday. Yes, Perez' ERA looks really, really good. But if you've watched any of the games in which they've pitched you realize it was a stressful exercise that as Brad points out proves that the Mets bullpen is rock solid.

I'm still of the mindset that the Mets need another starting pitcher. I'm willing to believe that Pelfrey has turned the corner. Niese is young enough that he's going to have his ups and downs and that's to be expected. But I'm not willing to lay my confidence in Maine and Perez for the rest of the season. If there's a better option to be had, the Mets should explore it.

Click here to read the post on Bugs and Cranks.

A Bid for Bobby V

Brad Bortone over at Bugs and Cranks has put together a very compelling list of reasons why Bobby Valentine should return to the New York Mets.

Besides it being the right move, the list contains enough bargaining chips to make Scott Boras blush.

Reason #4 is my fave as it involves Jerry Manuel, a not often played 20-year old, and a tire iron.

Check out the list for yourself over at Bugs and Cranks.

Remembering 9/11 Again

The following is a post I wrote about a year ago after reading a post by Brad Bortone at Bugs and Cranks. I was pleased this morning to see that Brad has reposted that same article he wrote on this 8th anniversary of that horrific day that is now known as 9/11. I hope you find this post an honorable reflection of that day.

I was going to write a post on how still 8 years later I remember the impact that baseball, and specifically the New York Mets, had after the attacks of September 11th, but Brad over at Bugs & Cranks has done the work for me.

I remember reading this write up last year at about this time and even as I read it again today I think it's one of the best commentaries on that emotional game the Mets played on September 21, 2001.

Brad's closing statement sums it up the best when he writes, "September 11 was all too real. I finally realized this. But for the first time in two weeks, I also realized that it was okay to smile. It was okay to cheer. It was perfectly okay to start living again."

It's definitely worth a read, and even if you've read it before, you should read it again and never forget those feelings we all experienced just 7 (now 8) years ago.

Click here to read the full article on Bugs & Cranks.

Welcome Back Nick Evans

Man was it good to see Nick Evans back in a Mets uniform yesterday.

The forgotten kid had all been left for dead until the Mets called him up yesterday from the dead to fill in for Gary Sheffield who (surprise!) is out with an injury for a few games. Last month Brad Bortone at Bugs & Cranks wrote a great post about Nick Evans and the raw deal he's gotten from the Mets, but yesterday Evans let his play do the talking.

In his season debut, Evans went 2 for 3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. Evans turned on a high first-pitch fastball in the 4th inning yesterday that was scorched into the left field seats. If you watch the replay of Evans swing, you'll notice that he swung so hard that he almost fell over after he made contact. The kid was swinging from his heels and probably putting all his frustration about being stuck in obscurity and jubilation for being back in the majors into that one swing.

I don't think I've felt happier for a Mets player this season than I was for Nick Evans last night. I'm not here to crown Evans the savior of the Mets lineup or that he's going to become the next Ted Williams. I'm just glad the kid is getting a chance to play in the majors so we can see what he can do.

Welcome back Nick Evans. Hope you're here for a while.

Carlos Delgado and the Hip Specialist

That's either the title of a baby boomer version of a Berenstain Bears book or the sad commentary that is the Mets situation at first base.

Any time "hip specialist" is used in a sentence that doesn't include the words "grandma" or "grandpa" you've got a world of trouble on your hands.

Let's get to the point: Carlos Delgado is done for the season.

Sure he might be back at some point, but for the majority of 2009 the Mets will have no Carlos Delado in the lineup. That's about 25 less home runs and 90+ fewer RBIs. Brad Bortone over at Bugs and Cranks put together a good post on all the people the Mets can't sign because of their indiscretions in the past and highlights the rif-raf that is obtainable on the trade/free agent market.

Talk radio will be bursting with commentary about who the Mets should trade and who the Mets should get to help at first base, but I think we can live without Delgado if (big if here) we can get another starting pitcher.

Forget about first base. Go get a #2 starter to support Johan Santana in this rotation. Do we have the pieces to do something like that? Maybe not, but that should be the focus instead of replacing Delgado.

If we've learned anything these last two seasons, it's that pitching is the key. We've improved our bullpen. We've got the #1 starter on the planet. We now need a few supporting pieces to pull it all together.

Names like Oswalt and Peavey will be jockeyed around come July, but who knows if they will be available or if we have the players to get them. But the point is that's the position we need help with.

Do we want Niese starting a game the final week of the season like last year? Do we trust Livan Hernandez to win key games against the Phillies or Braves?

A platoon at first base of Tatis/Reed/Murphy/Elmo is going to struggle some games and pull through for you in others. We survived when Alou was injured the last two seasons from on offensive standpoint, but it was the pitching that hurt us in the end.

Pitching, pitching, pitching. Focus Omar. Focus. If I see Richie Sexson or Nick Johnson within 20 miles of Citi Field, I may pull a Jack Bauer and go rogue.

Link: Time for Tim McCarver to Go

I can't stand Tim McCarver. Even in elementary school, I remember hating this guy and wondering why on earth he was an announcer for the Mets. He's the nails on the chalkboard of baseball commentating.

If Tim McCarver and Joe Morgan are ever in a booth together, I might throw my TV out the window.

Brad over at Bugs and Cranks has taken my distaste for Tim McCarver to a new level. He argues that it's time for Tim McCarver to go, and I can't agree with him more.

By the way, kudos to Brad for sitting through the Sox/Yanks game on Saturday. You're a better man than I.

Click here for Brad's post.

Link: An Ode to Kiner

Brad Bortone over at Bugs and Cranks, who is as witty a blogger as you'll find online, has put together a fantastic post highlighting the genius of Ralph Kiner and what we've come to know as "Kinerisms."

Pretty much every Met fan that has grown up watching the Mets has listened to Kiner call a game at one time or another. He's been old for the last 30 years, but there's something endearing about the guy. I remember as a kid asking my dad who on earth this crazy guy was calling games with that other really obnoxious guy (a.k.a. Tim McCarver).

It wasn't until I knew more about baseball that I realized that this is one of the games greatest players who had the unfortunate luck of being stuck on some of the worst teams in history.

In any case, you have to read Brad's post over on Bugs and Cranks and I guarantee you it will take you back to some of those Kiner classic moments.

Link: Bugs and Cranks 2.0

One of our favorite baseball blogs, Bugs & Cranks, has gotten a makeover. Ok, maybe it's more like an extreme makeover, but the good kind.  Think Ty Pennington, not Joan Rivers.

Bugs and Cranks has a whole new design and structure to their blog posts, but they haven't lost the witty banter and sarcasm that bleeds from every post which makes it a highly entertaining and well written site.

Check it out when you get the chance at BugsandCranks.com.

Romero Is Nothing Without Steroids

There is justice in this world, sometimes it just takes a really long time before we finally get some.

David Chalk over at Bugs & Cranks wrote a fantastic post about one of our favorite Phillies pitchers, J.C. Romero, and how his performance this week is possibly the most enjoyable thing to come out of the World Baseball Classic.

Chalk also provides the very same views that we've had about J.C. Romero who inexplicably is allowed to pitch in the WBC even though he's suspended for the first 50 games of the season for testing positive twice (yes, twice) for performance enhancing drugs last season. Oh, but it was ok for him to pitch in the World Series too.

I'm glad Chalk is talking about this too. Check out his post here.

An Absurd Mets Nation

As only our friend at Bugs & Cranks, Brad Bortone, can do he's compiled some of the best comments from Mets nation on the recent news that the Mets lost Derek Lowe to the Braves and provided some additional sarcastic insight that will show you the absurd, neurotic side that is Mets nation.

I was planning on commenting on the post, but really you just have to go and read it for yourself and enjoy the humor and absurdity.

Click here for the full post.

The Phillies As Characters from Rocky

Our friends over at Bugs and Cranks have outdone themselves this time. In honor of the Phillies making the World Series, Rays writer, Dave, put together his list of Phillies that best fit various characters from the Rocky movies. Pat Burrell as Thunderlips is my personal favorite, although Cole Hamels as Mrs. Drago is pretty hilarious.

And I never realized just how much Shane Victorino and Rocky (from Rocky & Bullwinkle) look alike. It's actually quite creepy.

Head over to Bugs and Cranks to check out the full list or just click here.

Remembering 9/11

I was going to write a post on how still 8 years later I remember the impact that baseball, and specifically the New York Mets, had after the attacks of September 11th, but Brad over at Bugs & Cranks has done the work for me.

I remember reading this write up last year at about this time and even as I read it again today I think it's one of the best commentaries on that emotional game the Mets played on September 21, 2001.

Brad's closing statement sums it up the best when he writes, "September 11 was all too real. I finally realized this. But for the first time in two weeks, I also realized that it was okay to smile. It was okay to cheer. It was perfectly okay to start living again."

It's definitely worth a read, and even if you've read it before, you should read it again and never forget those feelings we all experienced just 7 years ago.


Click here to read the full article on Bugs & Cranks.

Youth Movement

Brad over at Bugs & Cranks has just put together a very intriguing post about the current Mets situation, and is asking Omar Minaya to Roll the Dice with the young stars the Mets have protected over the recent trading deadline.

It's something a lot of Mets fans will argue is dumb to do in the heat of a pennant race, but I think it's because we're fooling ourselves into thinking this team is better than it is.

With injuries galore and lackluster clutch hitting, what makes you think this team will magically put it all together for a run deep into October? On the other hand how rejuvenating would it be to see these young players come up and be given a shot to play for a team in contention?

What's that? You'd rather see Marlon Anderson and Robinson Cancel get more playing time? Or would you rather Omar go out and get some great waiver wire pickups like Freddy Garcia or Rich Aurillia because they would really turn the tide for this team?

I find myself falling into the same trap. I just hope that this team will find their groove and take off. I'm starting to think that's not going to happen. Why not take a shot at Dan Murphy, Jon Niese and Eddie Kunz getting some regular roles? Why not see what FMart has in store for us in the future?

What's the worst that could happen? We lose the pennant? We're already in position to do that now.

Pardon the Interpretation

Good afternoon, everybody. I’m Michael Wilbon.

Thanks for tuning in for this very special Mets roundtable edition of PTI. Today, we are joined by Bryan and Dave, who are here from Mets Lifer, as well as Brad from Bugs & Cranks, who is phoning in from a trip to an apparently monochrome zoo. We will also be joined later by a guy who claims he’s been doing internet posts about the Mets since the team’s inception, a good 35 years before the concept of blogging even existed.

Thanks for joining us, guys. How are you all doing?

Bryan: Doing great, Mike. How’s the ticker?

Wilbon: Ummm, not bad.

Dave: Where’s Woody Paige?

Wilbon: Wrong show. Brad, are you there?

Brad: [static] I’m standing next to a camel. It smells like a retirement home during a blackout. But, you should see the size of –

Wilbon: –moving right along, I thank you all for coming to this special Mets edition of PTI. Since the beginning of the season, the New York Mets have taken fans on a roller coaster ride, hovering around .500 most of the first half, firing the beleaguered Willie Randolph in a strange fashion and making a turnaround that some are calling the biggest surprise of the 2008 season.

Brad: Dude, this thing just spit on my Dippin’ Dots!

Wilbon: Let’s start with the resurgence of much-maligned first baseman Carlos Delgado. What’s your take on the comeback, and his importance for the Mets now, and in the future?

Bryan: Last month, I would have personally piggy-backed this guy to Puerto Rico if it meant not seeing him in a Mets uniform ever again. Today, I want to pick him up and HUG the graying bastard. It is no coincidence that the Mets are hot during Delgado’s hitting spree. Tatis has been a flat out super hero, but you’d have to be a backalley crack addict to think he’ll sustain this level of play.

Wilbon: Nice visual. Dave, 30 seconds - go.

Dave: For much of the spring, Carlos Delgado was my personal piñata. He was the easy target and I thought he was headed to his next career in Just for Men commercials. I still think it’s sad that a former pitcher, Rick Ankiel, has better power numbers (22 homers, .547 SLG) than anyone in the Mets lineup, but without Delgado’s recent production the Mets would be still be floating in the .500 sea of mediocrity.

Brad: The Lifers are spot on. I’ve been as guilty as anyone of trashing Delgado this year, even going so far as to say they should release him and take a run at Richie Sexson — and yes, I drink a lot. Do I think he’ll keep it up all summer? No. But his newfound ability to take pitches the other way is making a lot of teams reconsider the shift.

Wilbon: Okay, let’s discuss the upcoming trade deadline. With so many prospects being shipped off to Minnesota for Johan Santana, what are the Mets’ chances of making an impact move come the deadline?

Dave: I have some great moves for the Mets to make, but the only catch is that other teams have to agree to them.

Wilbon: That’s usually how it works, Dave.

Dave: I suppose. Honestly, I’m not sold on Matt Holliday. The fact that we were talking about how great it would have been to get Xavier Nady is just mind boggling given the fact that we had him two seasons ago and nobody really cared. I actually wouldn’t mind a deal for Ken Griffey, Jr. if it didn’t involve top prospects. He’s struggling and aging, but I think a pennant race could revitalize his swing.

Bryan: No question, the Mets need to take care of their needs in the corner outfield positions. If Church remains a non-factor, then they have to get someone – Ibanez, Bay, (Holliday is a stoner’s dream). I would not trade F-Mart for either, so Omar will have to be creative. One outfielder I’d like them to target is Randy Winn. He’s a solid fielder, hits .300 with RISP and would be a perfect #2 hitter – which could be just as valuable as a power bat. Not sure what he would cost – could be a salary dump for the Giants so maybe two mid-level prospects?

Brad: Give me a break, guys! We’ve donated enough talent for player rentals in the past. Everyone keeps saying that they can’t win with Tatis and Easley, but no one gave those guys the memo. Whoa — some kid just threw a bagel at this giant penguin. And it’s ticked.

Wilbon: That’s exciting, Brad. Last week, the Mets’ bullpen got a scare with Billy Wagner’s arm, and subsequently gave up six runs in a disasterous ninth against the Phillies. Who picks up the slack in the bullpen, if Wagner is out?

Dave: Any closer the Mets put out there is destined to hurt us. It’s a curse. I think we’d have to go with a platoon. I like Duaner Sanchez, but I feel like he’s one notch below a reliable stopper. I can’t even believe I’m saying this, but Aaron Heilman might be our next best option. He’s been throwing some serious gas lately and when you mix that with his changeup that’s a nasty combination to adjust to in the ninth inning.
Just because it’s totally outrageous and is guaranteed to never happen, how hilarious would it be to trot out El Duque in the 9th inning. Nothing like a high leg kick and an eephus pitch to mess with opponent bats for 3 outs.

Wilbon: That’s positively insane.

Dave: Thank you.

Bryan: D-U-A-N-E-R! Very simple. Problem here is that you weaken the middle relief. Heilman scares the bejeezus out of me so while Sanchez can fit right in, this could be a problem for us, in spite of Wagner’s perfect replications of the works of John Franco and Armando Benitez.

There is some word that the Mets are interested in Huston Street, whom I would like to have, but we all know he will come with a hefty price tag. Having said that, he would be perfect to take the closer role from Wagner after he vomits from the pressure in September.

Brad: Wagner is fine. The bullpen issues run a little deeper than closer, no? Feliciano, Sanchez and Muniz show more personalities than a late night chat with Herschel Walker and Margot Kidder. I think Heilman is the heir apparent to the closer job, but he takes his lumps too.

Wilbon: Interesting. Anything to report at the zoo?

Brad: No, why do you ask?

Wilbon: Alrighty then. We’re still waiting for that long time Mets fan to chime in. In the meantime, following an offseason where the Mets committed a large sum of cash to often injured second baseman, Luis Castillo, the replacements have come in and seemingly tripled the production out of that position. Who gets the job when Castillo returns?

Bryan: All my talk about acquiring a #2 hitter should tip you off that I have zero faith in Luis “Get the Gimp” Castillo. Does anyone really care if this guy returns or not? Nope. Damion Easley has been doing a fine job, and he’s a consummate professional. Easley could be a nice #2 hitter. He’s patient, he’s seasoned, doesn’t get rattled in big spots, and he mashes lefties. In fact, I’d bat him second now, and push Chavez to 7th.

Dave: Luis Castillo is still on the Mets? I thought we sent him away with Willie Randolph. Man, am I glad we have him locked up for another 3 seasons. So-o-o-o-o worth it. I’d platoon A. Reyes and Easley unless someone can name one thing special Luis Castillo brings to this team. I know you can’t.

Brad: Damion Easley, no question. Of course, the other Reyes is making a nice name for himself. But compared to Castillo, anyone looks good. Easley wins, and the Mets shop this offseason.

Wilbon: Getting back to prospects. All Mets trade talk begins and ends with F-Mart. Is Fernando Martinez the real deal, or is he worth dealing now for more proven talent?

Brad: I think a seagull just disemboweled on my hoodie. Someone hold my pretzel…
Wilbon: Brad, please watch the language, this is a family show.

Brad: Yeah, well my family just got treated like a park statue by one of those flying rats. I need a minute. Bryan, you go…

Bryan: I’d only trade F-Mart in a deal for Holliday. I’d be tempted to do this straight up for Bay, but not sure. Bay is a good player and would immediately upgrade this lineup. With him, the Mets would be (dare I say), NL East favorites. And I think he has another year on his contract so he’s not just a rental.

Dave: Um, does the name Scott Kazmir ring a bell? How’d that work out for us? I think trading F-Mart is too much of a risk for the Mets. I think Bryan has a bit of a man crush on Holliday, but I think Jason Bay returning to the Mets organization would be the second coming of Jeromy Burnitz. You can mark my words on that.

Brad: Okay, I’m back. Sorry ’bout the outburst. The Mets should not only keep F-Mart, but promote him the instant we get a concrete verdict on Church’s health. He’s a legit hitter, and even if he’s not the stud everyone predicts, he’s going to be productive.

Wilbon: One month later: Where did Willie go wrong?

Dave: Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If that is not the ultimate definition of Willie Randolph’s managing, I don’t know what is. He was hoping — praying even — that something would turn this club around. He messed with the lineup every chance he could. Young talented players were forced to take a backseat to struggling veterans. Randolph went to the same well too many times and ended up drowning in it. I was a huge fan of Randolph coming to the Mets, and I was an even huger fan of seeing him leave.

Brad: “Huger” isn’t a word.

Dave: Look it up, monkey boy.

Brad: Can we please stay focused? Willie went wrong the instant he handed over control of his team to a weak cast of bench coaches. By the end, he had zero credibility in the clubhouse, and even less with upper management. Perception trumps reality, and even if I’m 100% wrong about Willie’s management abilities, the internal and external perception of Willie’s weakness more than justified his termination.

Bryan: It wasn’t the botched double switch in his second game as manager, nor was it his love affair with Guillermo Mota. Randolph went wrong in 2005, when he yanked Mike Piazza after the 7th inning in his last game as a Met. He was due to hit in the 8th. Fans didn’t even realize Mike was out of the game b/c he pulled him between innings.

Wilbon: Guys, we’re wrapping this up soon. Who on the Mets is the team MVP thus far?

Dave: This is tough. You look at the team and you want to say David Wright. His numbers are great, but I just don’t get the feeling that he’s the MVP yet. I’m going with Jose Reyes. He’s gone from batting in the .240’s to an average over .300. His OBP and OPS are higher than they’ve ever been in his career, and there’s no denying when he gets on base, the Mets win games. All that and the guy is the first in MLB history to have 10 homers, 10 triples, 20 doubles and 30 stolen bases before the All Star break.

Bryan: I agree. Any time someone does something that no one has ever done in the history of the game – as Reyes had at the All Star break – he has to be team MVP. His fielding has been a concern for sure, but let’s face it, Reyes is an offensive animal. Love him (and I do!) or hate him (fat head and the mad puppy) or fight him (Keith Hernandez), this guy is the catalyst. Bottom line: If he doesn’t produce, the Mets can’t win.

Brad: My MVP is Johan Santana. His mediocre record is irrelevant, since he was robbed of no less than 8 wins by a weak bullpen and no run support. He almost always leaves you with a chance to win, something that can’t be said about any of his colleagues in the rotation. I still expect him to have 17-19 wins by the time this whole shebang is over.

Wilbon: Okay guys. Looks like our mystery caller missed the show, but he did send a text message to our producers — “U GTA BLVE” — Hopefully we’ll get to talk to him next time. I’d like to thank our panelists, Bryan and Dave from Mets Lifer, as well as Brad from Bugs & Cranks.

Bryan: Thanks, guys.

Dave: Always a pleasure, Mike.

Brad: Thanks Mike. Are you related to Fred Wilpon?

Wilbon: Join us next week, when we’ll be discussing the state of the Yankees with George Steinbrenner, his nurse, and his sock puppet. Take care everybody!

Link: The Rebirth of Carlos Delgado

It's a mystery wrapped in an enigma. That is Carlos Delgado.

Our friend, Brad, over at Bugs and Cranks knows the real reasons why Carlos Delgado is turning his season around. He's gone from villain to despot to pivotal bat in the lineup. And of course Brad's got the inside scoop and relays it in his cunning and witty ways.

Check it out here.

Congrats to a new Mets Lifer

Our friend Brad over at Bugs and Cranks just became a proud father and posted his first Mets conversation with his brand new daughter. It's laugh out loud funny.

Congrats Brad and welcome back.

Check out his post here.

Intro Music Rundown

Our friends over at Bugs & Cranks, gave Mets Lifers a little shout out regarding our post about Brian Schneider's intro music, but took it a step further.

They put together a list of what intro songs best represent the season that some players are having so far this year. Love the Luis Castillo choice: “On Bended Knee” - Boyz II Men.

Very witty post and worth checking out. Click here to visit Bugs & Cranks.

Notes on Opening Day

Brad over at Bugs & Cranks put together some notes on the final Opening Day at Shea Stadium. Besides having a National Lampoon's European Vacation reference the post is full of some hilarious insights.

My favorite anecdote is "Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to have Bill Buckner throw out the first pitch at Shea?" Why didn't Wilpon think of that. That would have been a scene for the ages. Mookie could have played catcher!

Check it out at Bugs & Cranks. And the Jamie Moyer dating Mary Magdalene reference had me rolling.

Bugs and Cranks Indoor Four Contest '08

The well written, Bugs & Cranks, has returned this season with a brand new round of their "Indour Four Contest."

I'd never seen this before last year, but it's a very unique contest where basically you pick a player that you think is going to hit an inside the park home run every month and you get points for triples. At the end of every month you tally up your points based on your players performance and there's a chance to win Best Buy gift cards.

The grand prize is a $300 Best Buy gift card. Can you see a Blu-Ray DVD player in your future?

I'd go with Carl Crawford or Carlos Gomez. But of course the guy who hits an inside the park home run will probably someone totally absurd like Jorge Posada just to mess with us.

Anyway, check it out at Bugs & Cranks and stick around to check out some great posts covering all of your favorite MLB teams.