Daily Archives: February 13, 2009
Here are some pics of the old home run apple being brought into Citi Field today.
It will reportedly be exhibited in the ‘Bullpen Plaza’, which is a public area behind the bullpens. This of course is not taking the place of the brand new apple which lives behind the center field wall, but I am glad this one still has a home.
…hat tip to photographer Marc Levine for the pics…
Tagged Regis Courtemanche |In an article for ESPN, Jayson Stark bids the offseason goodbye in a summary which picks the Mets as the most improved National League team.
Stark also points out that the players traded by the Mets which brought J.J. Putz to Queens were mostly “major league flotsam”, and was the best transaction of the winter, while the Oliver Perez contract was one of the most outrageous.
…the most relevant definition of flotsam is “miscellaneous or unimportant material” apparently, i had to look it up…
…after Derek Lowe signed with the braves, the Mets‘ signing of ollie was imminent, and they got him pretty much at market price…for three years, i won’t call it outrageous since it was a bit of a necessity at the time given the fact that their next best option was the likes of a Randy Wolf, especially if they had knowledge of Ben Sheets‘ condition…
Tagged Oliver Perez, Regis Courtemanche |
I am not looking forward to the day the final piece of Shea Stadium falls to the ground, it’s going to be so weird when the building is stricken from the horizon.
The date keeps changing. Now, people 
involved with the demolition expect the final piece to fall some time next week. Though, I was told the same thing last week, and the week before. So, who knows.
Speaking of Shea, the picture in this post is of the building’s skeleton, from when it was being built.
…thanks to Andrew H and his girlfriend’s father for the photo, which is amazing… i would love to blow this up and frame it…
Tagged Shea Stadium |Kevin K sent in the following e-mail:
“I’m writing because a couple buddies and I are heading to spring training this season for the first time and I was hoping you could give
us some lodging recommendations. For example hotels that are closest, nicest or in walking distance to anything. From what I’ve heard and read Port St. Lucie isn’t the most happening place but figured you might be able to help.”
This season will be only my second trip to spring training, so I am far from an expert.
Last week, Kevin Burkhardt from SNY sent in an e-mail, which you can read here, for fans looking to attend pitchers and catchers.
As for other information, from hotels, restaurants, etc., the best fan guide I have ever seen can be found at MetsGrrl.com, who, while the post is from last season, is a must read for people going to Tradition Field.
Also, read Marty Noble’s guide for MLB.com from last season.
Lastly, check out SpringTrainingMagazine.com, which has solid information about lodging and restaurants as well.
According to SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt, Freddy Garcia told reporters that his shoulder is doing well.
Garcia said he expects to be in the team’s starting rotation, adding, “Otherwise, I’ll pitch some place else.”
…frankly, i think it’s his job to lose at this point… i feel the team is comfortable with using Tim Redding as a long man, knowing he can step in to the rotation from the bullpen… also, i believe, though he can be ready if need be, the Mets would rather let Jon Niese get more work in Triple-A, before committing him to a rotation slot… of course, all of the above remains to be seen, as it will play out during March…
To hear more from Burkhardt, and see clips from the day’s action in St. Lucie, watch SportsNite on SNY every night at 10 pm.
Must Read: In a post to Roto Authority, Tim Dierkes is keeping track of this season’s Spring Training Cliches, including players 
who say they are in the best shape of their career, whose lost weight, who has improved vision and who is working on a new pitch.
To look at last season’s list, click here.
Of course, despite his proclamation, Willis went 0–2 with a 9.38 ERA in just eight games for the Tigers last season.
This is funny, here, courtesy of David Lennon from Newsday.
In a report for the Daily News, Adam Rubin profiles Mets LHP Jon Niese, who is competing with Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia for the team’s fifth starter spot.
To hear more from Niese, listen to Bart Hubbuch’s interview on his blog for the New York Post.
In the Queens Chronicle, Lloyd Carroll explains why Fred Wilpon had the worst week ever.
NY Baseball Digest breaks down the Mets bullpen.
Lastly, in a post to Hot Foot, Jon Cunningham explains why the Mets are in a state of cautious optimism.
Ramon Martinez will return to the Mets as a non-roster invitee, though he has not yet reported to camp.
The 36–year-old Martinez, who bats right-handed, hit .250 in seven games for the Mets last season.
He was the team’s starting second baseman in their final game of the year.
Jerry Manuel arrived to Port St. Lucie earlier today, 
smiling and laughing, telling reporters he will speak with them as a group tomorrow morning at 9 am from Tradition Field, adding, “I’ve got something for you all.”
In a post to his blog for Newsday, David Lennon details locker positions in the clubhouse, as well as other changes, including the addition of flat-screen televisions, of which he writes, “Evidently, manager Jerry Manuel has plans for some kind of video program, which is why he had the TVs added.”
As of 10:30 am, Francisco Rodriguez has still not reported to camp, though pubslihed reports indicate he has been in town since earlier in the week.
Following today’s workout, players will finally move from the minor league camp to the major league clubhouse, where they will be issued team equipment, bags, etc.
Sean Green and J.J. Putz said last night on SNY they are still using their bags with the Mariners logo, which is not uncommon when players arrive early to camp.
SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt sent in a text saying Freddy 
Garcia has arrived in camp, adding, “He looks to be in good shape and is getting loose with Johan Santana and Oliver Perez,” as you can see in the image.
According to Burkhardt, Santana appears to be in a great mood and completely at ease, saying, “I’ve seen no indication that his knee is anything but totally healthy.”
To hear more from Burkhardt, and see clips from the day’s action in St. Lucie, watch SportsNite on SNY every night at 10 pm.
In case you missed it…
To vote in this week’s Fan Confidence Rating, click here.
Tagged Poll |
