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Live: Text and Video Updates from Citi Field

by Matthew Cerrone on October 2nd, 2009 at 3:35 pm

Today is my last game at Citi Field, and, subsequently, my last day on field, in the dugout, etc., before the game.

To keep an eye on live video updates sent from my phone, click here.

Otherwise, here is what is going on:

Update, 3:35 pm: It’s freezing cold here, and it’s October, but not in that good, special baseball way.

Update, 3:53 pm: Nick Evans has been taking ground balls at first base and working on throws to second – to see video, click the above video page, and to see a picture scroll down.

Update, 4:20 pm: Jerry Manuel told reporters that acquiring Jeff Francoeur may be the best thing to happen to the Mets this season.

Manuel said the Mets must answer several questions about their pitching staff this off season, when building for next year.

Update, 4:30 pm:

Manuel said, even if he loses a step due to this most recent set back, Jose Reyes is still capable of being a tremendous player, noting what he had to deal with this season could help him learn and mature.

He said the team has a good, core group of players, when healthy, who can dominate a game, “even though we have some spots that need to be addressed in the off season.”

The size of Citi Field is not an issue for Manuel, he said, he likes the ballpark, and likes that it is built for speed.

He said it can work to the team’s benefit if they can learn to adjustment to it’s dimensions.

Lastly, he said the emphasis for his pitching staff in spring training will be on throwing first-pitch strikes.

For some some video of Manuel’s press conference, use the video link above.

Update, 4:50 pm: David Wright emerged from the dugout to take batting practice, to which a gaggle of young girls behind home plate let out a loud, “Wooo.”

Jeff Francoeur then said, while walking off the field, making puppy-dog eyes and smiling in Wright’s direction, “Oh, David, my hero!”

Wright has a teenage boy from Make a Wish Foundation acting as his bat boy during BP, which you can see a picture of below, and a video at the link above.

Update, 5:33 pm:
Nick Evans told me he doesn’t know why he has not been playing.