This Site Is Under Cool Construction

In my effort to breathe life into this blog and to make it a whole lot more fun (yes, it's possible) to visit - this site will be going under construction for a few weeks. We will soon have comical daily recaps, onion-related blog posts, REAL (shocker!) news bits, and something for everyone (even, gulp, Yankees fans).

Of course, Eli won't be the only one working (you call this work?) here, so be on the lookout for some fresh new talent (Disclaimer: They may be in their 40's) in the near future.

If you are interested, unemployed, and semi or even quarterly-funny, please e-mail me at EMAIL130@yahoo.com

Not everyone who emails me will get to work here, but the ones who make me smile & think - are instantly in the 2nd round of invisible rounds.

Good luck and Let's Go You-Know-Whos.

3 Reasons Why Jon Niese May Very Well Have A Poor Performance Tonight

1) The Mets tweeted today that "Jonathon Niese was named Mets Sharp Pitcher of the Month for June. He went 4-0 last month. He will be honored pre-game." Niese may very well be complacent knowing he has achieved a milestone; not that "Mets Sharp Pitcher of the Month" is something to brag about, but the fact he's honored pre-game + being a young pitcher = I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't as "Sharp" as he should or could be.

2) It's 100 degrees out there. Yes, Johan not only survived in the heat, but thrived in it, while Niese has gone 4-0 in a warm June, but being the same age as Niese and knowing the heat has gone to my head (heck, why else would I be writing this absurd post?) I can imagine it will go to his.

3) Dan Iassogna, the 2nd base umpire from Monday's Mets/Reds game who called Rolen's "hit-by-pitch," will be tonight's home plate umpire. Perhaps a smaller strike zone will help him leave an even great impression on the Citi faithful...?

...there ya have it... 3 far-fetched-but-slightly-possible reasons Niese may just have a poor performance tonight...

All-Star Showdown: Pelfrey vs Votto

Two players that supposedly got snubbed. Well, tonight told me one of them did.




Joey Votto:

Steal-y More-ti and B-ed Cold-man

Ever notice how Sweeny Murti is on WFAN a whole lot more than Ed Coleman these days? Now, I do know, or so it seems, that the Mets, as a topic, are discussed more on WFAN than the Yankees are, but it did strike me as odd that Murti is on with hosts more often, dishing out clips for 20/20's at night, while Coleman, who is getting older, is sort-of slowing down and, perhaps, not contributing as much as he should or could.

How's that for a run-on sentence?

Either way, it's a thought and now it's yours to keep.

Also, props to Murti for the work, but it still doesn't give him the right to use a tweet from a fan without giving credit.

Murti, who was on the Evan Roberts today, when discussing AJ Burnett, said, 'People should expect Good AJ and Bad AJ, but hope he's better more often.'

That's funny, because I vaguely remember this yesterday:

Using someone else's material without giving credit is becoming ever so popular these days.

...by the way, Murti is turning 40 in August, while Coleman was born in 1949...

Some Quick MLB Clips For Ya

The Nationals are having a wonderful season and with Stephen Strasburg on the way, it's only going to get better. But Saturday, although Washington beat the Reds 5-1, they took a little beating of their own.

Nationals reliever Miguel Batista was ejected after hitting Brandon Phillips, who was involved in an earlier play at the plate when he literally POUNDED Washington Catcher Wil Nieves.

Right before Phillips plated the Reds only run of the day, Washington's Manager, Jim Riggleman, was ejected for arguing a play at third base in the top of the eighth inning. The ump ruled that Nats SS, Ian Desmond, interefered with the runner, Brandon Phillips, and Phillips should be awarded the base. Here's the play, what do you think?

How great does Dontrelle Willis look in this clip? Willis shut out the Rockies over 6 innings in his Diamondbacks debut? D-Train's fastball looked nasty and he even had no problem sliding head-first into home plate.

...well, consider the last 5 minutes of your life useful... by the way, did you see where Jim Joyce was looking when he called Jason Donald safe to break up Lady Galarraga's perfect bid...

Where Do You Stand On Jim Joyce?

I'm not Mike Francesa. I'm not Michael Kay. I'm just a fan of the game; observing, watching... taking it all in.

So I don't know if there is what to harp on here, but I took a look at the 3 "perfect" games so far in 2009 and I did notice a difference between the first 2 games and yesterday's "28-out" Perfect Performance.

Something to take into account: Ironically, all 3 games ended (or should have ended) on plays to first base. (For the record, yesterday's Tigers game also ended on 1st base when Trevor Crowe grounded out to 3rd base and Brandon Inge threw over to first).

Here's a snapshot of the final play of the first 2 games:


Notice how each umpire, whether in the top shot during Halladay's game, or the bottom shot of Braden's, is standing 6-12 feet off the line.

Now, take a look at where Jim Joyce is standing:

Joyce is about 1 foot off the line.

I'm not an umpire and I don't know WHERE a first base umpire is supposed to stand, but wouldn't you think being in the best position to call the out would be the ideal spot for any umpire? If the case, how is it possible that these 3 umpires are all found to be in different positions at the most critical spot of the game? Which one has the best vantage point? Who has the worst?

It's hard to know whether or not Joyce's angle only allowed him to see one aspect (the fielder as opposed to the runner) of the play, but from the looks of this picture, check out where Joyce's eyes are as the ball comes into Galarraga's glove:


Clearly, they're on the glove and not exactly watching Donald's feet hit (or not hit) the bag.

Would have a better angle avoided all of this? Is there a set position first base umpires are supposed to be in such an instance? Who knows...

All I do know is... I've got questions.

Ollie's Final Pitch

So you think the folks at Mets Underground have been on vacation the past few weeks? Guess again.

The crew just got back from big-time work in China.

I kid... we were in Japan.

Oliver Perez, being the wealthy left-handed pitcher that he is, sent us to The Home of Sushi to scout out a certain right-handed ace that Hisanori Takahashi suggested Perez see. Ollie has recently been hanging out with Hisanori in hopes of learning Japanese.

Takahashi told Perez about a "pitching guru," from whom Oliver can learn from, while showing the city of New York, as Perez put it, 'that he is more than just a pile of worthless crap.'

Oliver took a look at the video we shot down (is Japan down?) in Southern Asia (is Japan in South Asia?) and by the looks of Ollie's reaction, we expect big things from the pile of worthless crap.

Here's our scoutage (not a real word):



Perez, attempting to implement this pitch into his 0-pitch arsenal, has since sprained his right wrist and fractured his left elbow. The team has asked he been sent to the DL, but Perez adamantly refused.

This will only get uglier.

Ike Can Do It!

Even though Ike Davis has cooled down here in the past few weeks, it's still safe to say...

Pac-Met

How does Mr. Met stay on the ball during a long season?

Stink Links for 05/09/10

G'morning, folks...

I figured every weekday, and on an occasional Sunday, I'd start your morning out right with a few clicks to catch you up on things you'd probably never see or for that matter - ever care for.

I'd assume it would be mostly baseball related, but I'm always ready to throw the curve. So, without further ado, I give you Sunday's Stink Links!

Stat Wars:
Luke, I am your hitting coach.

Good Yawning To You:

Keith Hernandez did fall asleep during a commercial break in Saturday's Mets win. "I thought I would just get a little cat nap," Hernandez said.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Bombs Away:
The Mets honored the man (and others) who thwarted the Times Square bomb last week by giving them nerdy t-shirts.

Can't spell Faisal without F-A-I-L:
A look inside confessed Times Square car bomber Faisal Shahzad's home revealed he was a Mets fan and had a well-worn Mets cap. So, did the Mets honor the heroes for saving so many lives or did they do it to reveal new results when people type, "Times Square Mets," into their Google search bar? You decide.

...well, until tomorrow, enjoy your stink links...

Stink Links for 05-07-10

G'morning, folks...

I figured every weekday, I'd start your morning out right with a few clicks to catch you up on things you'd probably never see or for that matter - ever care for.

I'd assume it would be mostly baseball related, but I'm always ready to throw the curve. So, without further ado, I give you Friday's Stink Links!

Atlanta Braves:
Ever wonder what happened to 2009 Opening Day Center Fielder Jordan Shafer? Well, ever since an injury ended his 2009 rookie season, he's had a rough road back. Interesting enough, Shafer hit a HR in his first ever major-league at bat. He did it for the Braves in 2009, while Jason Heyward followed suit in 2010.

New York Mets:
These vlogging (video blogging) Mets fans make real Mets fans look bad.

Stupid Video Of The Day:
David Letterman's "Top Ten Signs Your Baseball Team Isn't Ready For The Season" from April 2, 2010. I suggest this video be one of the signs your late-night show sucks.



Photoshop strikes again:
This time the Phillies' Fanatic tases the Mets' Mr. Met. Seriously, and I thought I had too much time on my hands?

Red Sux:
Why am I only seeing this t-shirt now?

That's it for today. Now, get back to work!

Awkward Sign at Phillies' Game

Chase, my boyfriend loves you! ...it's awkward :-(

To Tweet or Not To Tweet?

Today, I had a conversation with a fellow Mets fan who also happens to tweet and blog about the Mets. I was wondering what others thought about this conversation and I asked him if I could put it up in a post and see what others think. He agreed. This conversation took place via direct message and I will not say who is who. Please add your thoughts in the comment box and I'll pay you handsomely in invisible coin.

The Conversation:

What is up with you following me every few weeks?

Nothing personal. I like to read my Twitter-feed with every tweet with thought going into it. Sometimes you send out tweets with a player's name during games & it doesn't really add much and if I'm spending time on this thing, I wanna see intelligence. So why do i refollow (you)? Because I see people retweeting your intelligent tweets. You would pick up a lot more followers than you are. :)

:-p - You're on the wrong platform, buddy.

Wrong platform? Explain.

Twitter is so brief. We're not writing War & Peace on this thing.

I agree, but there is an in-between. People send out really good thoughts and why should I read things which are pointless? I follow a good 100 people who send out really good thoughts and I've narrowed my following-base down to really good tweeps. Besides, I love the fact that people are forced to stuff their one thought into 140 characters so in an art-like way, I enjoy it. I want every type of fans outlook on things and MetsBlog, comment sections or what not is not offering it to me.

So have I (narrowed down tweeps). I just find it funny coming from you. If you don't like me, don't follow. Simple as that.

Since u want me to ask, I'll ask. Find it funny coming from me? Explain. I follow who I want when I want. What does it make a difference?

It's not like you're winning the Pulitzer on here. I don't care, just found it odd when you follow and unfollow once a month, it seems.

True, but people can think for more than a second or 2 before sending out a tweet. 100 pointless tweets read is a lot of time.

I'm just going to keep doing my thing. If you follow, fine. If not, also fine.

If I see a tweet I like, I'll follow that person. I don't see why it is an issue on how odd it may "seem." Puhlease. You are taking this a tad personal. No offense. If I follow, I follow. That's what I felt at the start. I just feel sometimes people can think a second or 2 before tweeting. That's all.

The Mets and Twitter

At about 7:45 PM, Monday night, I noticed a Twitter account by the name of NewYorkMets tweeting (as it was showing up in my "Search: Mets" box).

Now, I have checked in the past and this account was "hogged" by a fan who didn't do much with it. Either that or the Mets took it, but waited a long time to use it.

I quickly followed them - I was their 76th follower.

At that time, they were following 14 people. This number at the end of the night rose to 19. The next morning it dropped to 0.

Here's a shot of the account before it had even 100 followers:


The account now has over 2,000 followers.

Whether the account is run by a nerdy intern with braces and plastic glasses is beyond me, but what I do know is that someone somewhere had a change of mind. It's possible a higher-up told this "nerdy intern" that by following others (such as @MetsPolice and @TheRopolitans who ranked as the 18th and 19th followee, respectively) the Mets are unintentionally promoting the work of bloggers, but who is to know?

Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog.com did mention in week's past that the Mets were a bit afraid to begin using Twitter for whatever reason, but we're approaching the idea slowly. Well, within 2 weeks the Mets we're involved in the Twitterverse.

@MLB is following over 10,000 people, but then again, MLB (although affiliated with the Mets, of course) does not have the same issues as the Mets. The Mets have the right to be afraid. Heck, guys ripping off their shirts and PR mistake after PR mistake would make me think the Mets would never want to voluntarily put themselves out there, but I guess, they felt the need (based on the fans' wants) to conform.

The Mets, who began their website in 1999, were the last Major League Baseball team to begin a website. I am unsure if they were the last team to create a Twitter account, but it's refreshing to see an official Mets account in the Twitterverse, while sharing interesting information and tidbits with its followers.

Now, if we can only get them to interact...

Nerdy Intern, I'm looking at you.

I Like... My Job?

Mets' Ike Davis, who in Spring Training admitted his nickname was, "Rooster," now has a new nickname. He's being called, "The Stimulus."

Well, everyone but Daniel Murphy calls him that.

So, You Think You Can Lick Better Than Me?

Yup, that's exactly what Mike Pelfrey was thinking yesterday in Citi Field during the Mets "Bark in the Park."

When I took this shot, I couldn't help but put this post up. Unfortunately, Pelfrey didn't appreciate when I asked him if he's enjoying, "Balk in the Park" Day.

I changed the subject by telling him that the Mets are bound to win, especially since they'd have last licks at home. I laughed so hard that my dog peed on him.

Victories for all, and no, I don't want to lick like Mike.

The 2010 Federal Census For The South

...in honor of the Mets playing the Atlanta Braves this weekend, I felt it was only necessary to run down south and grab an unopened letter out of a Braves' fan's mailbox...

...this is what I found...

Last name:________________

First name: (Check appropriate box)
(_) Billy-Bob
(_) Billy-Joe
(_) Billy-Ray
(_) Billy-Sue
(_) Billy-Mae
(_) Billy-Jack

What does everyone call you?
(_) Booger
(_) Bubba
(_) Junior
(_) Sissy
(_) Other___________________

Age:____ (if unsure, guess)

Sex:____ M_____ F_____ Not sure

Shoe Size:____ Left____ Right

Occupation: (Check appropriate box)
(_) Farmer
(_) Mechanic
(_) Hair Dresser
(_) Unemployed
(_) Dirty Politician
(_) Preacher

Spouse’s Name:_________________________
2nd Spouse’s Name:______________________
3rd Spouse’s Name:______________________
Lover’s Name:___________________________

Relationship with spouse: (Check appropriate box)
(_) Sister
(_) Brother
(_) Aunt
(_) Uncle
(_) Cousin
(_) Mother
(_) Father
(_) Son
(_) Daughter
(_) Pet

Number of children living in household:_____
Number of children living in shed:______
Number that are yours:______

Mother’s Name:_______________________(If not sure, leave blank)
Father’s Name:_______________________ (If not sure, leave blank)
Education: 1 2 3 4 (Circle highest grade completed)

Do you (_) own or (_) rent your mobile home? (Check appropriate box)

Total number of vehicles you own:___
Number of vehicles that still crank:___
Number of vehicles in front yard:___
Number of vehicles in back yard:___
Number of vehicles on cement blocks:___

Firearms you own and where you keep them:
____ truck
____ bedroom
____ bathroom
____ kitchen
____ shed

Model and year of your pickup: 196_

Do you have a gun rack?
(_) Yes (_) No; If no, please explain:

Newspapers/magazines you subscribe to:
(_) The National Enquirer
(_) The Globe
(_) TV Guide
(_) Soap Opera Digest
(_) Rifle and Shotgun

Number of times you've seen a UFO:_____
Number of times in the last 5 years you've seen Elvis:_____
Number of times you've seen Elvis in a UFO:_____

How often do you bathe:
(_) Weekly
(_) Monthly
(_) Not Applicable

Color of eyes:
Left______ Right_____

Color of hair:
(_) Blond
(_) Black
(_) Red
(_) Brown
(_) White
(_) Clairol

Color of teeth:
(_) Yellow
(_) Brownish-Yellow
(_) Brown
(_) Black
(_) N/A

Brand of chewing tobacco you prefer:
(_)Red-Man

How far is your home from a paved road?
(_) 1 mile
(_) 2 miles
(_) just a whoop-and-a-holler
(_) road?

...want me to keep going?...

Rain Delay? Who Cares? (Video)

Video of FAU & Western Kentucky baseball teams having fun during a rain delay:



Can the Mets just do this? Instead of playing, that is.

(Hat Tip to @NewYorkMetsNews for the find)

Superman Goes To Fordham (Video)

Brian Kownacki, a Fordham baseball player, makes a Superman leap over catcher and lands on home plate:



If only Raul Valdez was capable...

UPDATE: Apparently, it's been done before in a Montclair State vs Rowan game, but I still like the first clip better.

Did You Catch That?

Okay, I'm just gonna say it. I stunk at "Where's Waldo?" as a child. I'd spend hours at a time searching for Waldo on a single page, only to learn it was a Dr. Seuss book. Yeah, it was that bad.

But all that's about to change, because I found something. Something small, but something big.

I'll let you look for it.

Hint: Read the headline again.

Now, go:


Give up? Now, you got a glimpse of my childhood. Found it? I hate you.

Well, after much research and talks with the good folks from Eli's Sport Bureau, we have concluded that the player-icon on the Left Field sign is none other than Endy Chavez!

Granted, he was a little taller than 3", but you can bet a pair of ligaments and cartilage in your knee that that picture is of Endy Chavez in Left Field when he scooped ice-cream for the fans in Game 7.

If the Right Field picture was on the Left Field sign, then, yes, technically, it would be Daniel Murphy.

Edinson Volquez Suspended 50 Games

Yup, it's true.

Volquez's agent just called me to confirm the news. Edinson will sit 50 games after taking a performance enhancing drug.

For more on this, follow @EliFromBrooklyn on Twitter.

Talk about Red in the face...

Astros vs Albert

A big series by the Astros and maybe they can overtake Pujols in RBIs and home runs... Maybe.

If only the Mets would admit it, too...

Chan Ho Make-In-The-Parking-Lot. Yup, that's what I'm going to be calling him.

Simple Things

Simple things that Jerry Manuel can do now to improve.

-Written on Twitter by @Koosman3669 and @Ceetar.

- Stolen by @EliFromBrooklyn.


1. Take advantage of a hot bat, put Frenchy in the 3, 4, or 5 slot until he cools off.

2. Give GMJ a nice seat cushion. He has no business playing CF in the majors. I'd rather see Angel Pagan or Fernando Martinez there or even @EliFromBrooklyn.

3. Don't use Nieve in a 4th game in a row when you're winning 7-2.

4. Let guys make the team that actually looked like they worked for it in the offseason instead of the guys with the higher contracts.

5. I'd keep Johan on schedule no matter what. He's the only one that deserves that consideration.

Any other SIMPLE ideas? Lay it on us.

Predictions, Predictions, Predictions

Everyone's gotta, right?

Keeping it short and sweet, I'll pick my division winners, along with laying out some other little tidbits that happen to be channeling it's way through the crevices of my brain.

AL East: This one's easy... the Yanks. The Red Sox have gotten considerably older (besides for the fact that everyone has grown one year older) and the Rays will hinder the Sox success.

AL Central: How can you not like the Twins? Although look for a stellar year out of J.J. Putz being that he is healthy this year.

AL West: People have been selling the Angels short this year, as will I. I'm going with the Mariners, even with Cliff Lee starting the season hurt.

The AL Wildcard? Gimme the Sox. (White or Red? Red.)

NL East: The Braves will be considerably better, while the Marlins will continue to be that pesky little club. The Nationals begin their ascend from the bottom, while the Mets will look elsewhere for some starting pitching. The Phillies take the division, although their bullpen will be their biggest (and most obvious) weakness.

NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals. Big story this year? Pujols and HGH. Hey, a man can dream, right?

NL West: The weakest division in baseball has the Rockies on top when all is played and done. The Padres end with the worst record in the NL, while the Giants and Dodgers make a run for the Wild Card; a futile run.

The NL Wildcard? The Brewers, Braves, Marlins and Dodgers will be fighting for a spot. A one-game playoff between the Brewers and Dodgers will end with the Brewers snatching the final spot.

Some other random thoughts: Nick Evans is given his unconditional release. Jenrry Mejia legally changes his name so bloggers everywhere don't have to google it every time. Mike Pelfrey puts it together and wins 13+. Ruben Tejada shows some real promise this year, although he will start at 2B on Opening Day 2011. Fernando Tatis has an even worse year than last year. The Mets will not be good, but last year was last year. Look for the team to be a little better than .500, while Jerry Manuel is let go AFTER the season is over. Johan struggles in the first half of the season, but ends with 15 wins. K-Rod has a below-average year. David Wright ends with 23 homeruns. Dan Warthen is fired by the All-Star break. Mike Pelfrey leads the league in licks. Oliver Perez ends the season with 8 wins, but is just god-awful at times. John Maine actually pitches into the 6th inning. Once. Jonathan Niese also ends the season with 8 W's. Carlos Beltran returns from injury and has an MVP-caliber year. Jeff Francoeur? A lot of strikeout's, but has a gold-glove year and is in the running for a spot in the All-Star game. Castillo ends season with .276 BA, but has his season ended in August due to injury. Murphy plays AAA after the break. Pedro Feliciano gets smoked and often. Omar Minaya stays on-board throughout the entire season. The Wilpons still own the team after 2010. I remain a Mets fan.

The Mets New Center Fielder

I didn't think it would have to come down to this.

We, as Mets fans, endure much too much criticism, hardship and injury. Players go down like flies, and as fans, there isn't much we can really do about it. Until now.

After a lengthy talk with @FakeFredWilpon, I decided to put my talent on display at the first ever @JoeAndEvan Twitter Baseball Game this past Sunday.

FakeFred said, "I'll be watching, Eli. Look for the black limo in the parking lot. I'll be in the Jeep Wrangler behind it."

Inspired to do what I was born to do, I, along with some other hopeful Mets fans, represented the team from Queens, as we went up against the Yankee fans in a duel that most would describe as, "Seriously pathetic."

To make a long story longer, we lost 9-6, even with the leadoff hitter going 3-6 with 2 runs, 1RBI, and 2 outfield assists. Me.

Manager/Mascot/LHP Evan Roberts even declared, "Despite our loss I would like to name @EliFromBrooklyn as our team MVP...dude played strong defense in center and was a good lead off hitter." Stop, you're too kind.

I know I'm bragging, but I'm doing so for good reason.

Later that day, I received a call from @FakeFredWilpon telling me that he was quite impressed with my performance that day and I was getting the call up. I, Eli Quincy Sr. FromBrooklyn, will be replacing Angel Pagan on the Mets' Opening Day Roster.

As they did with Jason Bay and all the new big Mets players, I was asked to smile in Citi's Center Field today to help increase Mets Ticket Sales. Rumor has it the team has already sold 3 semi-brown level ticket packages after the word was released early this morning.

And you thought fans were helpless.

ESPN BROOKLYN!

Yes, yes, the long awaited day is finally here.


ESPNBrooklyn.com is yours... free!


We here at ESPNBrooklyn strive to meet your Brooklyn-related sport needs, along with targeting teams within the New York area.


Friday's news? The Mets have acquired a new center fielder. Check back at 1:00 PM for this shocking news which, frankly, ESPNNewYork.com wish they had a clue about...


...but they don't.


Notice: Logo changes and the news that many Twitter-peeps have joined our crew will be announced in the upcoming days... Suck on that, Rubin...

Milledge Caught Mentoring?

In a rare shot, probably never-before-seen in his illustrious career, Lastings Milledge is seen giving advice (I assume on what not to do) to Pirates' OF Andrew McCutchen.


High-fives to Lastings!

Can He Play For The Mets?

Kentucky Violated NCAA Rules While Recruiting Basketball-Playing Dog

Somebody Shave Me!

Jayson Werth has a World Series ring, but he lacks a shaver.

Werth has not shaved, nor has he taken a haircut, since the 2009 World Series.


Geico Caveman, anyone?

Jeff Wilpon Joins YouTube

If you haven't seen this, where have you been?

Mets COO Jeff Wilpon talks to his 'Wilpals' about some of the new additions to the Mets organization for 2010



Here, Jeff discusses the exciting improvements made to the New York Mets' 2010 promotional schedule:



Wilpon talks to his 'Wilpals' about the overhaul of the Mets uniform for 2010:



And Jeff's best, exclusive breaking news:

Players Without Homes (Video)

This video really hits home. In a funny and odd way.



...i've texted $20 already (TODAY!) so Delgado can find a real good caring home...have you?...

Mets-Related Quote of the Week

Old guy sitting on train next to me said:

"The Mets have more questions than Jewish kids at the Passover Seder."

Why I Love The Pedro Martinez Signing

Brian Costa of The Star-Ledger reports,

Six years ago, Jenrry Mejia did not own a glove. He did not have a bat. He had no use for a ball.

The tools of his trade were a brush, a piece of cloth and a container of shoe polish. That was all Mejia needed when he left his house in Santo Domingo each morning and walked 30 minutes to the downtown cafe where he made his living.

On an island where baseball is like a religion, Mejia preferred shining shoes for 300 pesos a day, the equivalent of about $8.

"I didn't like baseball," Mejia said. "I just wanted to make money."

Only after Mejia turned 15 did he begin playing baseball, a decision fueled not by some newfound love of the game but by the same ruthless pragmatism that caused him to eschew it in the first place.

When Pedro Martinez signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Mets in late 2004, Mejia realized what so many other teenagers in the Dominican Republic already knew: For the talented and lucky few, baseball is a way out.

Now, at age 20, Mejia is the Mets' top-rated pitching prospect and one of the most talked about players of this spring training. His cut fastball has baffled hitters and prompted manager Jerry Manuel to campaign for Mejia to be on the Opening Day roster. He has drawn comparisons to Dwight Gooden and Mariano Rivera.

...thanks for coming, pedro...

ESPYS 2009 - Twitter (Video)

Just came across this. Quite the funny.



...better luck next year, Owens...

Spring Training Win Way More Important Than Silly "World Series"

According to awesomely free Philly Metro, a ninth-inning rally by Ex-Met Wilson Valdez exacts "some measure of revenge" for the Yankees beating them at that whole "world championship" thing last fall. I guess one micron counts as "some measure."

Says Star-Pitcher and Recipient of the Game-Ball, Roy Halladay, "It was so exciting that Charlie Manuel almost didn't fall asleep during the rally."

...hat tip to Dashiell Bennett for this article...

Omar Wants The Prince?

According to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, "Mets GM Omar Minaya called Canadian-born Brewers GM Doug Melvin to congratulate him on Canada's gold medal in ice hockey."

+

According to the Internet - a friend of mine knows the Web personally - Fielder's contract expires after the 2010 season, since he signed a 2-year, $18 million extension with the Brewers after the 2008 season. The Brewers do have rights to the Vegatable-Eating 1st Baseman for the 2011 season.

=

Omar acting as Mr. Nice Guy so he can take a pre-trading deadline shot at Cecil's son?

Ack Ack's Valentine Date!

Up-Date:

Well, Ack Ack did it - he's gone on a date.

Want the results? Just watch!



Original Posting in December of 2009:

WFAN, the home of all Mets Radio broadcasts, has a whole slew of 20/20 anchors. One of them being Richard Ackerman.

Well, Rich is a lonely fellow, but not for much longer. Regis and Kelly are looking to set Ack-Ack up AND with a woman nonetheless.

Don't believe me? (Why would I make it up?) Take a look for yourself:



For more on the story, click here.

Castillo: "I'm a Professional Guy"

Luis Castillo said he sometimes couldn’t understand the continued calls for him to be traded this offseason despite hitting .302 in 2009. But, he added, he mostly tuned it out. “I heard in the Dominican, but I’m a professional guy,” he said. “I don’t have any control.”

No control? That we know, Luis.

Santana vs. Halladay? Ask the Catcher!

When asked by reporters to name the top starting pitcher in the NL East, Mets lefthander Johan Santana picked ... himself, according to the New York Daily News.

The self-declared "best pitcher" in the NL East might be regularly throwing to a man by the name of Rod Barajas.

This is where it gets interesting.

Rod Barajas caught Roy Halladay for two seasons in Toronto, and he offered this scouting report on Doc: “He was unbelievable. He was prepared, not just mentally but physically. He went into a game and there was no doubt in your mind that he was ready to go. … Even if he’s pitching, on game day during the regular season, he’s the first one there. He’s getting himself prepared whether it’s videos or the weight room. He’s like no one I have ever seen.”

"He's like no one I have ever seen?"

One should hope that "seen" is limited to those pitchers that Barajas caught, since Johan visited Toronto once or twice (and vice versa) when Santana was with the Twins and Barajas was with the Jays. If not, it will have to be kind of awkward when Johan stares in for the Curveball sign, only to see Barajas drop two fingers, inadvertently numbering where Johan slots in on the "NL East Best Pitchers" list.

Awkward for me, at least, because after all, "the best pitcher in the NL East" couldn't give a darn.

Shea Stadium Cufflinks

Cufflinks.com is selling, "Cufflinks manufactured from actual recycled seats from Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets."

As if I want to remember...?

It continues, "Set in sterling silver and engraved with the ballpark name on the back. Each pair is a number limited edition and includes a certificate of authenticity."

One Cufflink? $75. Oh, you want a pair? $150.

One testimony from a Bill K. reads, "I received these cufflinks after searching far and wide for a pair to wear when I get married. Nothing seemed right, and as a joke with my fiancee I started looking at Mets ones. When I saw the Shea Stadium links, I thought it was a great way to incorporate a great memory (my first baseball game in 1984) without spending $900 on some stadium seats. The cufflinks feel solid, they remind me of Shea and most importantly they were fiancee approved for the wedding!"

Bill K. is rumored to be an alcoholic and divorced.

If you're thinking about getting me a pair, I appreciate it, but I'd rather you give me the $150 cash money, so I can go to a Mets game this year and sit in the upper-deck - alone.

Unless you want to shell out another $150, so I can bring a friend.

...ps: I don't appreciate the fact that similar cufflinks made from authentic Yankee Stadium seats run for $155 a pair...

...pss: be sure to visit www.MetsUnderground.com for other time-wasting articles like this one... and to follow the comic on the Twitter, here...

Video: NY Mets starting pitchers practice fielding in spring training drill

Mets pitchers fielding practice

...i particularly love when they shout, "Thatta boy, Ollie," or "Atta Boy, Mike!"...

Why The Yankees Signed Chan Ho Park

I recently sent this footage to Brian Cashman and Company stating, "How can you say no to this guy?"



They reacted by signing Mr. Park to a 1-year, $1.2 million deal. My plan is working.

What To Look Up To

Fred Wilpon was at Mets' Camp today and explained to the coaching staff that "the team needs to be strong like me. I eat healthy, I jog, I run, and I, sometimes, play tennis on Wii."

Wilpon continued, "It's all about focus and focusing on what to focus."

Fred then went with his son, Jeff, for ice cream around the corner.

This Is Un-Third Of!

I'M APPALLED! I cannot even finish reading the article that is prominently displayed on Mets.com. The words begin "Manager wants Reyes at third." Are you kidding me? It almost makes me want Willie Randolph back! (I said almost). Who in their right mind would put Reyes at third!? He is perfectly fine right where he is! This is insanity. Ludicrous. Appalling!

First of all, it doesn't take a genius to know that Reyes is comfortable playing shortstop so the fact that he is going to have to learn a whole new position in a very short amount of time is mind boggling. Didn't the Mets choose not to have Daniel Murphy play second base because "it wasn't the position he grew up playing"? Why would this strategy not be applied to Jose Reyes? Furthermore, Reyes, in the 6 years he has been with the Mets, has turned dozens beyond dozens of double plays. No other player in the game can snag shots up the middle the way Jose Reyes can. A third baseman is protected by the fact that he has the foul line to his right. Reyes does NOT need that protection. You can leave him at shortstop where he is "vulnerable" on both sides (especially with Castillo on one of them) and he will still make the play. He is known to be, not only a great offensive shortstop, but one of the better defensive shortstops in the league.

There are so many more reasons that this has got to be the dumbest thing that I have ever seen contemplated by a big league manager. Thank the L-rd I did not finish that article or I would've blown another casket just reading about the absolute nonsense that Jerry Manuel spews from day to day. Who would replace Reyes at short? Alex Cora? Anderson Hernandez? They don't come close to the production that the speedy Reyes produces. Will David Wright move over? Will he be content in doing so? Wright received his second gold glove at third base in 2008 so that just adds to the insanity. To be frank, the only time I ever want to see Reyes at third is when he is sliding head first into it as he finishes off one of his oh-so-common triples. If he is wearing any sort of glove (other than a batting glove) then he better be about 25 feet to the left of third base if the Mets don't want another short stop to their post season hopes in 2010.

Posted by Eli @ 2:27 pm

Updated @ 2:33 pm: Aha. Just finished the article on Mets.com. I see. Aha.

Updated @ 2:34 pm: WHAT THE HECK?!? JOSE REYES TO BAT THIRD??? What is Jerry Manuel on!? Reyes is one of the most productive lead off hitters of all time and he wants to give Luis Castillo more opportunities? No! Bat Castillo tenth! I will not have this. When Reyes does go ahead and hit that triple, will it be a mere double because some overweight lead off hitter got held up at third? Will Reyes get 50 less at bats a season because he is now in the number three hole? Apparently, not only did Wilpon lose his money, Manuel, undoubtedly, has lost his mind.

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My Take on the 2010 Mets

It's that time of year again.

The day we have all anticipated - only to realize yet again, that it means nothing

Pitchers and Catchers are reporting, or in the Mets case: Catchers and Catchers.

Understocked in the throwing department, overstocked behind the plate, and with enough Japanese players to have post-game sushi each day, the Mets are ready to roll. (There is a pun on roll & sushi but it is your call if you want to activate it.)

The Mets promised they'd make moves, but I guess they weren't referring to adding or subtracting players. Whether it's the construction of the new Mets' Hall of Fame (Museum), the renovation of Citi Field's bullpen area, the lowering of the Center Field wall, the painting of the stairwells' orange, the proposed Mascot Race during home games - the Wilpons and Company are busy.

Technically, one can deem the bullpen renovation and wall-lowering as on-field moves if he or she is desperate. I choose not to.

"What about the Bay signing?" the critics shout. "Isn't that good for something?"

Well, I guess so, but fans believe, understand and know that the Jason Bay deal was done, and only done, for ticket sales. It is a tad unfair since how can anyone prove that the Wilpons acted mainly with ulterior motive, but the proof is in the food-poisoned pudding. The Mets feature on their website a video starring Jason Bay, with the caption, "The Mets believe they have what it takes this season, so log on to Mets.com for ticket package plans." Translation: We got who you wanted, now can you buy tickets? Geez.

Sitting on the train today, I was lucky enough to be near a Pirates fan and Nationals fan who were both arguing as to who had the better team going into 2010. It began getting a tad awkward, so I improvised. I told them, "I'm a Mets fan, can you please both stop?"

They consoled me until I got off the train.

It's tough these days to root for a team you can't change, put up with incompetent and money-hungry upper management, and watch season after season how the latter mishandles the injuries of the former.

I believe in comebacks. I believe in winning. And most importantly, I believe in change.

Let's Go Mets!

Where's the Real Luis?

Upper Deck, as Mets Police reported, 'has a sense of humor.' The photo on the left is their released 2010 card of Luis Castillo. Look familiar, Yankee fans?

Well, the photo on the right, courtesy of Mike Vooss, has a certain addition which makes it all the more apropos.

If you can't find it, then don't worry, it just means you and Luis have something in common.

Radio Interviewer, Hold On A Minute.

The most classic moment in this year's Super Bowl happened on the day after.

On Monday Saints QB Drew Brees joined Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio and then called back after taking a call from the President.

The nerve.

Result of the Mets Offseason 2

Result of the Mets Offseason

Adding Jason Bay was like putting a pilot into the pictured airship. Good luck with everything, Jerry Manuel. Even this guy is pullin' for ya.

Projected Photo of Mets 2010 Home Opener

"These days, we see projected stats littered all over the Internet like a spider web waiting to capture its prey," one wise Fantasy player writes. He continues, "But where do they come from? And how do you know that the proper methods and calculations are being used to provide you with the most accurate projected stats and rankings possible?"

The answer? From weeks of mind-numbing number crunching, checking hundreds of websites, software tools, and magazines that are out there, one can get a great idea of a player or team's projected stats for the upcoming season.

But I, Eli, have taken it to a whole new level.

I have gone where no man has gone before. I have done what some would deem impossible. I have projected, based on stealing phone call logs into Citi Field, discussing ticket sales with die-hard Mets fans who are almost dead, crunching numbers that were once crunched, eating healthy (which has no connection whatsoever to the task at hand), an image of what Citi Field will look like, from the Pepsi Porch, during the 3rd inning of the Mets 2010 home opener:


Disclaimer: This photo might be off by a fan or two, or even three, but remember it's only a 'projected photo.' And no, the fans are not all wearing camouflage green.

Remembering 2009; then forgetting it

It's February, it's cold and there is no baseball to be seen. Unless you count 2009 Mets Highlights. Yeah, believe it or not, there were actually some.

Clicking on this link will allow you to explore (let it roll by itself) the high's of the 2009 Metropolitan season, even if some of them will make you scratch your head.

The sweep of the Astros to end the season? HUGE!

Mets Make Yet Another Comical Move

In an effort to bolster the entire team, while saving boat-loads of cash, the New York Mets announced today, the acquisitions of 9 new everyday players. After undergoing much scrutiny over the quiet off-season Omar Minaya decided to make a brash and bold move by getting a whole new squad to take the field on opening day. 'How is this possible?' you may ask. How can the entire team be uprooted in just one day? What will happen to the so-called cornerstones of our franchise (David Wright and Jose Reyes)? How can Omar do something so stupid that only Omar is capable of doing?

Well, my esteemed followers, yesterday, Omar Minaya sat down with Frank Caliendo and Frank wanted to play ball. He convinced Omar that he was Albert Puljos, Joe Mauer, Dustin Pedroia, Evan Longoria, Ichiro, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Braun, and Matt Holliday with his impersonations. "You're signed," Omar responded.

And yes, he did not have to take a physical.

Phone'd Down (Gosh, I love punning Mike'd Up)

Every year, Mike (and MadDog in the olden days) give out 5 free trips to the Super Bowl, airfare and hotel-stay included, if contestants answer a series of questions correctly.

Already deemed a top 5 moment in Mike'd Ups' existence, here is the clip (a clearer version can be found here) of Larry from Connecticut, who was on the verge of winning it all when the phones suddenly went:



I love the fact that Mike went from extreme-diarrhea mode to making a face which I absolutely love.


I didn't think he was capable of making a genuine expression like that. I guess he's human after all. For now.

Sate of The Union?

Is the Union going to be satisfied with his speech? CBS thinks so.



I don't know much about politics, but why is he holding his head so high?