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.