Daily Archives: March 30, 2009
Update, 10:01 am:
According to the Daily News, “Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza are expected to team up for the ceremonial first pitch at the new ballpark before the Mets’ home opener on April 13 against the Padres.”
…from what i can gather, the Mets will not confirm or deny that seaver and piazza will be throwing out the first pitch, but, i think it’s pretty clear at this point that such a plan is on the table and being worked on…
Original Post:
Yesterday, the Mets christened Citi Field with a 
baseball game between St. John’s and Georgetown.
For more on the actual game, complete with aluminum bats, check out Matt Gagne’s report in the Daily News.
…no disrespect to gagne, but the real news yesterday was not the two teams on the field, but the fact that fans were able to roam Citi Field, sit in seats, watch a game and experience their new ballpark, in action, for the first time…
According to people who attended the game, coffee was selling for $3, bottled water was $4.75, a 16 oz. beer was $7.50 from a vendor, $6 at a concession stand, and a cheeseburger was $5.75.
…while these prices still seem crazy high, most of them are actually less than they were at Shea Stadium, which is surprising…
Once again, the definitive walking-tour, which is a must read, comes from Mets Grrl, who provides all sorts of commentary, insight and photos.
…great work, as always, Mets Grrl…
The Brooklyn Met Fan says, ‘Thumbs Up,’ while explaining why Citi Field, ‘Kick’s Ass,’ and why, ‘Walking into our new home was a surreal experience.’
Jason from Faith and Fear in Flushing offers up some criticism, such as. “The Danny Meyer area doesn’t have anywhere to stop and eat.”
Kingman, from Loge 13, provides other comments, pointing out Cow-Bell Man was there, and that Sweet Caroline is back.
…ugh, to Sweet Caroline… not Cow-Bell Man… i’m glad he found his way in to the new building, which should be a lot easier for him to roam around…
To check out photographs of the game and ballpark, go to NY Sports Day,
The following video was shot by Geoffrey Sorensen, who also uploaded photographs from his day in Citi Field here:
John Franco throwing out the first-ever pitch in Citi Field, then ripping off his Mets jacket to reveal a St. John’s jersey:
The Seventh-Inning Stretch, complete with Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Lazy Mary, and the T-Shirt Launch, all of which I am thrilled to see making it’s way from Shea Stadium to Citi Field:
The Jackie Robinson Rotunda, prior to the game:
In a post to Mets Fans Forever, Will Sommer posts an exclusive Q&A with Omar Minaya, who says his biggest regret is not protecting Jesus Flores, 
who was selected by the Nationals during the 2006 Rule V Draft.
The 24–year-old Flores hit .256 with 27 extra base hits and a .296 OBP in 90 games for the Nationals last season. He hit .244 in 2007.
To check out old Mets yearbook covers, courtesy of Matthew Carl, go here.
Heath Bell is not a fan of Rick Peterson, according to Newsday.
…as Billy Wagner would say, ‘Shocker.’…
Carlos Delgado is not a fan of spring training statistics, according to Jim Baumbach in Newsday, who writes, “Right now, the Mets think he’ll be the same guy he was in the second half.”
Lastly, Mets beat writer Bart Hubbuch will do a live chat with readers at 1 pm on his blog for the New York Post.
Yesterday, Mets GM Omar Minaya told reporters that he and his staff have essentially settled on an Opening Day roster, with only one spot in the bullpen and one spot on the bench left to be filled.
…in other words, as most fans, reporters and bloggers have been saying, the 25–man roster will likely be as follows:
Starters: Jose Reyes, Luis Castillo, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Ryan Church, Daniel Murphy and Brian Schneider.
Bench Players: Ramon Castro, Marlon Anderson, Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, and Jeremy Reed.
Starting Pitchers: Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine and Oliver Perez.
Bullpen: Francisco Rodriguez, J.J. Putz, Pedro Feliciano, Sean Green, Robert Parnell, and Darren O’Day.
The final two spots will likely be Nick Evans on the bench, and one of Brian Stokes or Elmer Dessens, with Tim Redding on the disabled list.
Then, on April 11, Evans will likely be demoted to make room for Livan Hernandez, who will slot in as the fifth starter.
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