Well Mets fans, I say it's going to be the number of posts. Because there is no way the Amazins are going to win more than 162 games.

Also, I just got my pocket schedule for 2004 with the ticket values added. Anyone want to go see some of those early April $5 ticket games against the Expos? Yeah I'm cheap... I admit it.

Any news on the Mets getting a replacement stadium for that toilet called Shea Stadium?

Well now with my post you are 1/25 of the way there. 72 more posts and I think it's safe to say you'll be there! wink

No plans for a replacement for Shea. You only ever hear about a new Yankee Stadium and a football stadium on Manhattan's West Side.

Shea is too cold in June, let alone April! It may be a toilet, but it's my toilet and I'm comfortable sitting there. According to Wilpon the Mets are as far along as those other teams in actually getting something built. They should be fun to watch this year.

The Mets have plans for a new stadium, to be built in the current parking lot behind the outfield. They even have a three-dimensional mock up! The facade is supposed to resemble Ebbets Field, although I never saw the original and so I have no idea how well it does. I believe the plans were stalled after 9/11 because the city couldn't provide any funds and Mr. Wilpon wasn't willing to foot the entire bill himself. However, I'd guess that the Mets are a lot more likely to get their new stadium than the Yankees are to get one on the West side.

And, as much as I love the Mets, I have no doubt that the thread will get more posts than the team get wins!

Okay no Mets bashing now that I'm in on this thread.

In the news, Art Howe has advised Tom Glavine he will be the starter on Opening Day in Atlanta. To me this will be a huge challenge for the psyche of Glavine coming off a rough year including some god-awful performances versus his former team.

As far as the new stadium goes, I think some Outsporters here know where I stand on this. Instead of housing their minor league Cyclones, it should be the Mets themselves playing at that ballpark out there in Brooklyn. Expand it. Extend it. And put the Mets out there. Please!!!! I can't take Shea anymore. Brooklyn is a hot area now that the Nets plan to move there.

OK i should post here too just to increase the number of posts.
Of course (as I do every year), think the Mets will have a good season.

They are muched improved defensively and in the bullpen.

I think if we can get off to a good start, that will help things---even like a 20-13 start or something close to that can be a positive sign for the season.

As for Shea--I'm a traditionalist at times so I'm for keeping it. I couldn't see driving to Brooklyn for a game.

Josh

With characteristic pessimism on the Metsies' "big" acquisitions: Mike Cameron has a bone spur in his big toe ...*groan* ... "Minor" is what they're calling it.

The Mets had the oldest pitching rotation last year, and it's not much younger now.

Re-signing Franco was dumb; he's through. And Joe McEwing back in utility? He looked lost nearly all last year.

Shea is home to me, despite the noise and wind. There are plans for that new stadium, and I think they're staying on the drawing board for at least ten years. The city sure as hell shouldn't pay for it (OR one for the Yanks).

BPT, I got tix for an April Expos game just before your post appeared. I'd be up for a "Value" game sometime if you guys pick one.

Please don't let Mets bashers goad you into posting for no reason. We don't want this thread to be as repetitive and empty as the Yankee fans.'

[ February 27, 2004, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: Bill W ]

I'd have to change my name.

SheaBoy, ha!

On the excellent Ballparks.com site, they have a jpeg of the model:



Looks nice. The page (I can't link directly to it) has this, last updated 4/00: Shea is a circle. That's THE worst design for a football stadium.

My 2 experiences at Shea in the early 70's make me comfortable in calling it a "toilet". I can't even imagine what it's like now, 30 years later.

Some of us Outsporters visited Shea last July. It was my first visit to Shea. I said then that it was worse than the Vet, so that should tell you something. wink

I was listening to FAN today briefly while driving back from my parents' in CT- said that Mets were very seriously pursuing Soriano to be their right fielder. They said Mets top pitching prospect(forget his name) and another decent prospect would be sent to Texas- maybe Roger, too. Sounds good to me!

The Mets top prospect is Scott Kazmir. That's whose name is being thrown about in the Soriano trade.

I was against trading Jose Reyes for Soriano, but I wouldn't be against trading Kazmir and putting Soriano in right. Cedeno is just awful and we need a real right fielder.

Josh

I've lost track: is Mo "Tub of Goo" Vaughn retired or not?

i love this toilet!

How appropriate that Shea Stadium is in Flushing.

No, NO, NO to Soriano!!! At 28 and with bad plate discipline -- especially in a pitchers' park like Shea -- he is a "win now" player. They need to keep Kazmir.

Jim, Shea has new bathrooms and underwent several light remodelings; they haven't left it untouched in the last 30 years. i.e., stick to the many things you know something about. wink

He's not technically retired. (If he were, he'd be forfeiting a ton of cash.) But there are no plans to play him this year.

Mets.com says: "The big first baseman's career is all but over. He will miss the entire season with a severely arthritic knee before the Mets exercise their option and buy out his contract for 2005. He won't be attending Spring Training."

Hmmmm....taking Joe in Philly's word for it or Bill W.'s word for it.....hmmmmmmm.......

SheaBoy, thanks for the info; I thought that was the case.

[ March 01, 2004, 06:13 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]

The seat I sat in at Shea was made of slabs of wood that hadn't been painted recently, though to be fair I didn't get splinters. And it is possible that the bathroom I used was renovated recently. However, it was hard to tell underneath all the filth. Hope that helps. wink

If the Mets can get Soriano they should. He's NY tested and only in his third season. A player who can hit 30+ and steal 30+ (or perhaps 40+ for both)doesn't come along that often, especially for the Mets. Kazmir is two years off if things go well- if he goes the typical route for Met pitching phenoms we won't ever see him. This team has suffered for years thinking it can win by using its best draft picks for pitchers that appear to be quality pitchers as late teenagers. Developing position talent and using it to get pitchers later seems the better way to go.

Seeing as how the Mets two best starters (Glavine/Leiter) are in their late 30's... I would be very, very surprised if they trade a stud pitching prospect... i.e. Kazmir!

Jim Duquette says Kazmir is "not going anywhere."

I tell you, Soriano would most certainly become Juan Samuel Redux if the Mets acquired him. "New York-tested" is, except for rare cases like Ed Whitson, a bunch of baloney.

I heard on the radio today that Soriano has no interest in playing the outfield.

Supposedly he told texas that, and the Mets got that message as well.

If that is the case, then the rumors about this should subside quickly.

Josh

NY Times story on Piazza's \"yogi,\" Anderson Burrell who "is living with Piazza at his house during spring training. He is working as his yoga instructor, nutritionist, herbalist, masseur, healer and guru. Piazza, truly a superstar for the new age, calls Bourell "my yogi."

Great pic in the Times of Piazza looking at Burrell, but not online. alas.

Funny ad on Craig's List:

Looking for a solid right fielder, good arm, decent speed, and excellent power. Work is mostly in Queens, but half your time will be spent on the road (however, three business trips require just a short commute to the Bronx). This is contract work, and training begins immediately in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The job most likely ends in early October, but depending on your skill-level, it may extend into November.

You will get to see all the major cities of the country and will even spend some time in Puerto Rico.

Knowledge of Spanish and Japanese a plus.

For more information about your potential coworkers, visit http://www.mets.com today.

Given Piazza's early stiffness (no pun) and age, I still think it makes the most sense to ship him in the best available deal by August.

Aaron Gleeman has a nice blog entry (March 3) on the ESPN telecast of the Mets-Dodgers spring opener, including Jeff Brantley's mindless defense of Washed-Up Johnny Franco's re-signing being interrupted by Johnny throwin' a gopher ball...

If someone needs a couple of seats for the home opener (Braves at Shea, Monday, 12 April, 1:10 pm), let me know. They're cheap seats, in both senses (upper section 39, row V, $16 face).

It looks like Reyes and Kaz may be set for Opening Day, which will cover up the foolish re-signing of Joe McEwing awhile longer.

I am not gonna do all the posting in the Mets thread, whasswrongwityouguys? I was away for 9 days and didn't miss a post. :confused:

I was starting to wonder if us non-sabermetrics types drove you away. Glad to see you're back.

An "ad" that appeared on Letterman last night went something like: "Yesterday as part of a drill, a phony disaster was staged at Shea Stadium. Now, if you want to see a REAL disaster, come out and see the 2004 Mets..."

Yeah, some nights Letterman sucks ass as much as Leno. I'm sure that had all the corn-fed, wide-bodied red-state tourists in the studio in stitches.

[ March 16, 2004, 10:47 AM: Message edited by: Bill W ]

Yeah, that was an easy one. I scan summaries and stories on their web site, but no big news of late- besides, colege basketball is fun at this time of year. I'm not too excited about who their fifth starter will be. Hopefully the new pitching coach is as good as some think and will help someone to step up and not win it by default.

Now, of course, it looks like Reyes may not be ready for April 6, so the Mets are supposedly shopping for a utility guy, possibly Frank Menenchino. (I have no memory of Marco Scutaro having been claimed by the A's, but he was.)

Nice Mets preview over at the new Hardball Times site... Yep, .500 and a strong fourth wouldn't be a disaster.

Bill, Do you agree with their assessment of José: "...at this point Reyes has the brightest future of any young middle infielder in baseball." I love watching the kid play--and it will bite if he's not there on the 12th--but I didn't realize his numbers were so good.

I'm no scout, but that's what most analysts I read have been saying for 2 years, and Reyes sure looked "all that" in his stint last summer. Let's hope the leg problems are a youthful fluke... frown

Well, Reyes "tweaked" the hammy again and looks DL-bound, dammit. And no one seems to want that #5 rotation spot (I'm not crazy about Baldwin or even Hottie Erickson taking it)... and Jae Seo is not looking too good so far either.

Mike Piazza's 351st homer in the sixth Tuesday night tied Carlton Fisk for the most home runs by a heterosexual catcher and brought on some Bronx cheers at Dodger Stadium.

Most home runs by a heterosexual catcher...heh heh heh...

Will Reyes ever come back? He's been on the DL since mid March. I was listening to the radio today and a comment was made that something else must be wrong with him because "20 year olds should bounce back quickly" from a hamstring injury. Anyone else think that Reyes is too "damaged" to play in the bigs for a while?

The Times reports this morning that Reyes pulled himself out of a rehab game yesterday. "Duquette said the Mets still did not plan to send Reyes to a hamstring specialist, although that could become a possibility in the future."

We're not getting the entire Reyes story.

Unrelated, while I was suffering through the Fox Southern California version of the game last night (Vin Scully never shuts up!), a factoid was thrown out that the Mets starting rotation has the lowest ERA in the majors. Which got me to thinking about how truly awful the bullpen is.

Also unrelated--why is Art Howe taking Piazza out of games after three at-bats? I hadn't heard anything about Piazza being injured. Is he just "resting" him regularly?

How can a New Yorker complain about somebody who "never shuts up"? Anyway, on Piazza, he was taken out of the game after an embarrassing strikeout to the horrible Jeff Weaver. I wondered if that had something to do with it? Maybe he went back to the dugout with an attitude problem?

Another one who never shuts up is Tom Seaver. Enough already about how it was when he was pitching. This guy is incredibly full of himself. Still one of my all time favorite Mets, but as a broadcaster, he's just awful. How I long for the days of Lindsey Nelson and those sports-coats.

As far as Reyes goes, they're now saying he may be out another month - at least. I'm starting to wonder whether this kid will ever play. Maybe the Mets should have traded him for Soriano when they had the chance.

This Friday (May 7) is a value day at Shea. $5 upper deck tickets for the game vs. Milwaukee. Anyone interested in meeting up for the game?

I dunno -- five bucks to see the Brew Crew -- seems a bit steep!

DCBucky -- OUCH! eek! I know $5 does seem steep, but you can always move down to a seat in the lower, more expensive sections too. Maybe behind home plate to oggle the greatest "heterosexual" catcher in baseball. wink

Maybe we should start a new thread for Reyes's hamstrings. The Times has an article this morning about a physical therapist who is apparently lobbying to work on those much-discussed strings: A Muscle Kneader to the Stars is Ready for Reyes.
"I have followed his case and formulated a plan in my mind," Chew, who believes he needs two sessions a week with Reyes for three weeks, said. "I am confident that I can fix him. I really want to work with José Reyes and the Mets."

Maybe it will work. Or maybe this guy just wants to get his hands on Mike Piazza.