Where I Stand

Recently, a good buddy of mine asked me in an email what the Mets’ chances are this year.  I thought I would share it with you because it pretty much sums up where I’m at with the boys in blue and orange.

Forgive any grammatical errors you may find as I copied my reply verbatim:

Yeah, 2012 is going to be rough. Even worse than the fact the Wilpons are strapped financially because of Madoff, is the fact that they seem resolved to do everything within their power to hold onto the team.  I don’t necessarily blame them, it just sucks for fans because we have to wait for this mess to play itself out.

I think they will be close to the same record as last year.  Ike Davis is for real so he’ll add some pop to the lineup if he doesn’t have another mysterious ankle injury on a pop up to the pitcher.  Lucas Duda is also intriguing and could be a dark horse for a breakout year from my glass is half full perspective.

The reality is they need David Wright,  Jason Bay, and more importantly Johan Santana to somehow perform as they did in their prime to be better than 75 wins.  If any of them do, I think they should trade them as soon as possible.  This would get some huge contracts off the books, allow the front office to invest it more wisely to prepare for 2013 or 2014 when they are anticipating some good young arms to mature for the rotation.  I know you can’t depend on guys in the minors to reach potential, but what other option do they have?  They don’t have the ability to sign high priced free agents, so no use crying over spilled milk in my opinion.

Spring Training

The reality of Spring Training 2012 is there isn’t much up for debate, which makes it relatively boring.  The lineup is set, the bullpen is set, and the rotation is set for the most part.  The only real question is how well will Johan Santana progress and when will he get his first start.  I guess that was two questions, but you get the point.

The good part about this is, there shouldn’t be any legitimate drama to worry about.  The bad thing is, the media will have to look for things to write about to fill their word quotas.  Get ready for:

• 17,345 more stories that cover how the Madoff mess has or will impact the Mets
• 25,467 different stories about Jason Bay’s approach at the plate this season
• More made up drama like the Ruben Tejada report date silliness
• Stories about players bowling, playing Tiddlywinks, or completing Sudoku puzzles

I really wish someone would take a chance on original reporting and investigate something that matters.  Like why in the hell Mr. Met got passed over for the new season of Dancing With the Stars.

Is he doing the Dougie?

Rest In Peace Kid

I promise this won’t be long.  There are far more eloquent writers out there that will do a better job at paying tribute to Gary Carter.  I just feel like sharing a couple of thoughts.

Gary Carter was one of my first Met favorites.  Maybe it was because we shared the same jersey number (an extremely important detail in the eyes of a 10-year-old), or maybe it was due to the fact that his desire to win was almost palpable.

Whatever the reason, today’s loss hurts.

Here’s how I am going to remember the Kid…

#8

Pure joy.

Maybe “Small Market” Isn’t Such A Bad Thing

This morning, I shared the following thought on our Facebook page,

You don’t have to be “big” or throw money around to make an impression. You just have to do it right. A Midwestern thought that perhaps those that believe money solves all issues should consider. Especially in Metsland.

I decided to do this while basking in the glow of Indianapolis (a town I frequent quite often) throwing the best Super Bowl ever.  And I’m not talking about the game itself.

Think I’m providing a biased toot of the ole’ Midwestern horn?  Fair enough.  What about Forbes Magazine?

It has always rubbed me the wrong way when some of my Mets’ Fan Brethern decide to say things like,

This is New York!  This isn’t a small market!  Moneyball won’t work.  You gotta spend money to win!

Etcetera, etcetera.

I just don’t buy it my friends.  It has always struck me as a lazy way to solve problems.

I’m not saying I want to see the Mets get down to a $39 million payroll.  That’s unrealistic.  I just prefer that they spend money wisely.  Quite possibly a tall order considering the current ownership…