Heilman and the Mets checkmated by Michigan

Photo Credited to Nytimes.com

Michigan 4 11 0
Mets 4 7 0

The Mets took on the Michigan Wolverines in a friendly contest on Tuesday and ended the game tied with the youths. Jason Vargas gave up a run but struck out two in two innings.

His replacement, Arron Heliman, an alumni of rival school Notre Dame, threw an inning that will probably hurt his school pride. He gave up a run to the university squad in the third.

Funny thing is, he made a bet that if he does not get out of the inning without any damage, he would sing their song "the victory" in front of the fans. Unfortunately, he got cold feet and provided excuses that he did not know the words to the song and pushed it off to tomorrow.

I gotta say he should have lived up to his end of the bargain if he was that serious. It would not only be a blow to his ego but to his school. How embarrassing would that be? That has Youtube written all over it. And as a man, he better live up to his words because eventhough he's part of a team that is trying to get back into major league shape, the sight of Heliman singing would be priceless.

Alomars beat Manuels 7-5 With the Return of Sanchez

Photo: Courtesy of NYDailyNews.com

No, that is not a typo, its the first exhibition game of the season. The Mets played...well against the Mets in an intrasquad game.

The main story on the field was relief pitcher Duaner Sanchez, who pitched his first game since July 2006. He was sidelined with a freak cab injury and then faced other health problems. He threw one inning, with a K and a walk. Not a bad return for him. Looks like hes going to do fine this year, bearing any setbacks.

Juan Padilla showed up to pitch after receiving two surgeries and also pitched an inning of lights out ball.

Taking a peek at the bullpen, along with Sanchez back and the returning Aaron Heilman (stinks, but thats my humble opinion) and Feliciano backing up the closer, there should be little to worry about.

I know this game was a intrasquad game and it has no significance what's so ever, but they should have televised the game. I bet so many Met fans are salivating to see their team in action. The least they could do is show the first couple of innings on SNY, give the fans something to look forward to.

Legendary Lefty Visits Port St. Lucie

Photo1: COURTESY OF ENCARTA.MSN.COM

Photo2: COURTESY OF NYDAILYNEWS.COM


One of the best, if not the best lefty to have pitched in the game, Sandy Koufax visited the Mets spring training facility in a rare appearance. The reason he went down was to help closer Billy Wagner to develop a new curveball he has been developing. In an interview with reporters, he said that he wouldn't be here if he wasn't needed.

"If I help them, great. If I don't, I tell them it's an experiment - 'If it doesn't work for you, forget it. For it to work, you have to be comfortable.' I don't have all the answers to anything."

He looks like he meant business by the way he chose his words. This guy is not a spotlight hog in no shape or form.

Maybe there is something he can do for the 36 year old. If met fans can predict a pitcher who still has the ability to throw a fastball that reaches 100 miles per hour with an addition of a devastating curveball, we are in for one fun season from the 'pen.

I thought this little tidbit would be worth mentioning..... Koufax is also idolized by starting pitcher Pedro Martinez, who before arriving in the states, he had never really looked at his stats, but did have the card in his collection.

Case in Favor of Oliver Perez

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARTON SILVERMAN/NEW YORK TIMES


Pitcher Oliver Perez has won his arbitration case against the Mets according to reports on Friday. He will recieve 6.5 million this year. He is the second player to win the case this year next to Ryan Howard. This is also the first arbitration case since 1992, when they went to court against David Cone.

But....lets go to the question on everybody's mind....... Does he deserve it? Well, first things first, he did win 15 games for the team in the 2007 season, a career high for the lefty (btw, his ERA of 3.56 isn't too shabby either!) He struck out more than 170 batters, something he has not accomplished since his days as a pirate.

In this market where a mediocre pitcher like San Francisco Giant Barry Zito can get 100 million dollars and the ace of this ball club Johan Santana can get 150 million for his services, Perez's check suits him as he is not a dominant top notch starter, nor a bottom tier pitcher. He is however, still young and could have a bigger payday if he lives up to the potential other teams saw in him.

If you don't believe that he deserves the money, see for your self
Perez Fans Seven
Perez Fans 10

(courtesy of Mets.com)

Delgado's Numbers Returning from the Grave?

Lets face it ladies and gents, Carlos Delgado of old is not going to come back. Im sorry but those 2007 numbers (.248, 24, 87) were not what baseball fans are used to seeing from him. Ok, I give him the benefit of the doubt that he was hurt at times but still, it was almost as if his superpowers were drained. I believe he's past his prime already. I think its time for the mets to start shopping for a new first baseman right now.

He said in a story featured in the Daily News that he is ready to prove himself on the final year of his contract. The hand has healed and is ready to play some baseball. While i would not bet that his career is done, i would say that I doubt he's going to put up monster numbers.

Last year, I was starting to wonder, because he was creeping up in age, why didnt Wille move him down in the lineup, like fifth? While he did make the switch, he didnt keep him there for no more than a couple of days.

For my final word, I believe that Delgado will put up these numbers....

.275 Avg 28 HRs 95RBIs

While it isnt the 40 homers, I believe the Mets will have a first baseman with some pop left in his bat.

New Name

I felt the name New York Mets Talk was a little bland, so I decided to switch it up....Welcome to the Metiverse, the blog page dedicated to the New York Mets.

"We Are The Team To Beat"

Say What!? I cant believe Carlos Beltran just said that. This is supposed to be a quiet, shy Puerto Rican who is supposed to be earning about 120 million during his stay as a Met. Wait, Now that I think about it.....it's about time! Reason for his sudden boost of confidence? yeah, you guessed it....they have the best pitcher in the game period.

"With [Santana], I have no doubt we're going to win our division. I have no doubt about that"..."So, this year, tell Jimmy Rollins we are the team to beat." (Story)

I guess he's in the spirit of making bold predictions for the seasons, like the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins did last year and guess what...he was right at the end of the season! lets hope lightening strikes twice (PREDICTION WISE......NOT COLLAPSE!) with this in mind. Sorry to my fellow Metropolitans to bring back some painful memories. But think of it this way, use it as motivation for this year.....

The King of the Steroids Era

I have really got to start posting on time. It kinda feels awkward when you wait a day or two after the news is released. Anyway on to business.





Spring training is already in progress for pitchers and catchers as of today. But our two aces, Pedro and Johan (also known to me as Santinez :P) showed up early on Thursday to start lossening up for the season. I was reading the paper yesterday and I saw an interesting quote from the number two pitcher

"I dominated that era and I did it clean. "I can stand by my numbers and I can be proud of them."

"I have a small frame and when I hurt all I could do was take a couple of Aleve or Advil, a cup of coffee and a little mango and an egg -- and let it go!" he said.

Story: Pedro Martinez on Steroids Era: 'I dominated that era and I did it clean'

OK, there is some truth to the "dominating the steroid era" statement. Other than Clemens, he has the most Cy Young awards with three and has registered 300k's twice. But wait....whats considered the steroid era? There is no real way to say that he dominated something that didn't really have a start. But if we had to give it a specific time frame, then I would say the 90s because players like Jose Canseco, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and the infamous Barry Bonds, Eric Gagne and maybe Roger Clemens.

I dont want to make an assumption about Martinez but he's too small of a guy to take any of that crap. I believe that he is drug free because of that. The numbers are that of a hall of famer and speak for them self. The scary part is that lately, most of the players that say that they did not take anything, they have been proven wrong. Think about it...Tejada, Palmiero, Bonds (we can see through that big head) and possibly Clemens?

This is probably going to be my only post (I Hope) related to 'roids and hgh. This type of talk is detracting and takes away from the integrity of the game. Lastly, it is too annoying!

Citi Field of Dreams

Looks like there was nothing going yesterday as i saw three stories about the construction of Citi Field, home of the 2009 Mets. The Times, Post and Daily News all wrote an article on the 800 million dollar project, which may I add looks beautiful. I'm afraid that I might forget about ol' blue . There are lots of memories that go into that stadium and not all of them are baseball.

Its nice to see that they are bringing the Homer Apple along to the new stadium, yet Jeff Wilpon said that there might be a newly designed Apple. As much as i don't like this stingy owner, I have to agree, That old one at Shea is looking kinda rotten from all the dents and scratches it received.

The best news is that the stadium is right on track without any time constraints or extra expenses, unlike the "new" Yankee Stadium. To tell you the truth, i thought they were ahead of the process. Its almost scary to think that in about a year, we will be entering the Jackie Robinson Rotunda for the first time, hopefully bringing even better memories.

Minor Additions

Well, it looks like the Mets have signed two veterans to minor league contracts. Tony Armas Jr., the former Expos and Nationals pitcher was invited to spring training to add some competition between Orlando Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey. He will give them a run for their money because his (much) younger than El Duque, only 30 years old. But the right hander is more experienced than Pelfrey. I think this kid still has potential because of his youth. He never had his ERA under control for a full season but the K's show that he's got some stuff. Let's hope he turns out to be the surprise in Port St. Lucie.



Veteran Olmedo Saenz was signed to a minor league deal. The mets are looking to put him on the main roster. Saenz was a former player of the Dodgers for 4 years. He was never a big time bat, but put up some decent numbers. After seeing his numbers, it doesn't match what he did on the field. When watching him on TV, it seemed as if he were playing like an all-star. But with his age, I dont like the signing. I cant complain though, at least hes not the "human fountain of youth" Julio Franco.

Just for the fun of it, lets see who else is showing up looking for work come spring training....

Familar faces include Jose Valentin (thought was on the main roster), Ricardo Rincon (Reaching baseball retirement age), Fernando Tatis (his bat makes some noise once in a while), Raul Cassanova (I thought you were really retired, but being with the Tampa Bay Rays is close enough) and the Met top prospect Fernando Martinez, who is "destined for greatness".

For those who are not making it to "the show," go play with the kiddies in the minors. For the guys who dont make the big leagues or the minor leagues, better luck next year.

"Sign Man of Shea" dies

PICTURE COURTESY OF Newsday.com

Yesterday was a tragic day for not only for Met fans but for every person in the Metiverse. Karl Ehrhardt aka the "Sign Man of Shea" has passed away. This man was an orignator and a pioneer in terms of creating the right signs for the right moment.

He was one of the first people to bring in signs to the stadium and encouraged his fellow fans to do the same. Talk about an unofficial mascot of the Orange and Blue. During a fifteen year span that lasted from 64'-81', he carried a total of 60 signs to every game. The reason for the creativity was because he was actually a commerical artist. Well, at least he kept his talents in good use.

Even though I have never ever seen him of heard of him in my life, he is a part of met history as Mr. sign guy of the Metropolitans. And for that reason alone, he will be sorely missed. Karl, rest in peace and thank you for the inspriation to present and future met fans to pick up a cardboard and marker and express ourselves.

Billy Joel To Help Say Goodbye to Shea

When I found out that Billy Joel will have the honor of having the last performance ever at Shea Stadium, I was thinking....Who's Billy Joel?

I don't mean in terms of his fame because I have seen a banner dedicated to him at the worlds most famous arena aka MSG. I'm talking about those who are my age who have never even heard of him or are not familiar with his music.

Those tickets for the Last Play at Shea are going to be bought by the folks who can't wait to hear Billy's classics as well as a tribute to the Beatles. Just a thought here, but why not put Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones as another act? it could be 1965 all over again.

Will be an unforgettable performance on July 19th? I wouldn't bet my money against it. But I think I'll focus more on the Mets going against the Reds.

Martinez Involved With Cockfight?

(Before I write, I want to say that I absolutely DO NOT condone the abuse of animals)

So, Pedro Martinez is now in deep trouble for attending, along with MLB Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, a cockfight in the Dominican Republic. Not only did they attend the event, they where honorary releasers of the cocks.

I know this is a sensitive issue but I believe that he should not be persecuted because he was attending the event. He said that it was part of his culture. Unfortunately, since its legal to host cockfights over there, I believe there's no way he can be punished for his actions, unlike Michael Vick.

So what does this mean? Are we supposed to punish Marichal as well? maybe we should take his hall of fame privileges away? Seriously, let it go, move on, it happened two years ago and in a LEGAL place. There are worst things than killing animals.

I believe that Pedro and others like him who are in the public eye have learned his lesson on why you should weigh on the consequences before committing an action that can hurt you in the long run.

If you are interested in watching the footage click on the link below
(Video)(Courtesy of TMZ)

Who is Met Fantasy King?

Well the season is just upon us, with just days away from pitchers and catchers to report to training camp, fantasy owners like myself are scouting for the best players, sleepers and busts of the 2008 season. Mets.com has the top ten projected Met players who will have the most impact this fantasy season:

1. David Wright 3B
2. Jose Reyes SS
3. Johan Santana SP
4. Carlos Beltran OF
5. Billy Wagner RP
6. Carlos Delgado 1B
7. John Maine SP
8. Pedro Martinez SP
9. Oliver Perez SP
10. Luis Castillo 2B

Personally, I agree with the top four. The rest of the gang is very unpredictable. Pedro is coming off a short year and with the addition of Queens favorite Venezuelan (Santana), he should give stellar fantasy numbers. Another dark horse that should be considered is Ryan Church, the outfielder acquired from the Lastings Milledge trade. Last year, he hit 43 doubles, which is an outstanding feat. Met fans, do not sleep on this guy, he could end up posting very solid numbers. I'm going to project that without any setbacks, he has the potential to hit 20 homers.

Catcher Brian Schneider reminds me exactly of Paul Lo Duca except he has a very low batting average. That has to change unless he wants to lose his job to Castro, who seemed to hit a home run in every game he played in (not exactly, but you get the picture). The catcher position in terms of fantasy play, don't even bother looking here as it looks murky.

And Last time I checked, Delgado is going to be 36 later on this year. I don't believe that he is going to perform like his days as a Toronto Blue Jay. Those days are done and there is no value here on your fantasy team.


Just for fun, I want to get your take on who will have the greatest impact this year fantasy wise.

Poll: Who has the most Fantasy Value?

• Pedro Martinez


• David Wright


• Johan Santana


• Jose Reyes


• Other (State in Comment Box)

Status:





Also want to create a poll? Click here

The Santana Era Has Begun

Hi, just to get introductions out of the way, My name is Keith, a college student from Flushing who loves his New York baseball. This is my first blog ever so bare with me.

Well to start things off, the New York Mets have ushered in a new era...The Santana Era. For those who have been living under a rock the last 5-6 years, Johan Santana has been one of the most dominant lefties that I have seen. At the press conference, when he traded in his old Twin Pinstripes for a fresh crisp Met Uni, he looked like he has finally come home.

For the $150+ million contract the Mets had agreed to give him, he has no other option but to bring a World Series to Flushing. The boys from Boston and from the Bronx both congratulated GM Omar Minaya on landing the golden arm. So, now with the latest additon, lets take a look at the 2008 projected rotation:

Johan Santana 15-13 3.33 ERA
Pedro Martinez 3-1 2.57 ERA
John Maine 15-10 3.91 ERA
Oliver Perez 15-103.56 ERA
Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez 9-5 3.72 ERA

With the exception of Pedro being hurt for most of the season, everyone else is capable of getting double digit wins. A note to the National League....BEWARE Because your chances of becoming champions have just diminished.