A clip of the demolition from Oct 21st
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Mr. Flushing To Return Sept 3rd
Mr. Flushing will be back and better than ever on Sept 3rd. After his vacation and Olympic commitments, he will finish his rehab stint and be raring to go as the Mets play more meaningful and historic baseball this September...
Friday, August 8, 2008
Bizzaro Season in Flushing
Mets Only 2 Games Out Despite Constant Ineptness
Sometimes I sit and wonder why I'm still a Met fan. Rooting for this team is a full time job. All of the things that you expect to go right, go wrong - and vice versa. This is not a normal season and this is not a normal team.
Starting Pitching
This is hard to figure out....Johan Santana has pitched his ass off. Thanks to the bullpen he's only got 9 wins. Mike Pelfrey may have turned the corner in his young career. He has 10 wins. John Maine's arm is tired. The 'finished' Pedro Martinez is starting to look like the old Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez is an absolute enigma - Sandy Koufax one week, Sandy Duncan the next.
Bullpen
The biggest joke in baseball. Blown saves all over the place. Billy Wagner is bad and the rest are worse. Aaron Heilman should be arrested for impersonating a baseball pitcher. Duaner Sanchez used to have one of the game's liveliest arms. Now you can clock his fastball with a sun dial.
Infield
Carlos Delgado, who was almost run out of town earlier this year, is tearing it up like its the 1990's again. Apparently he and ex-manager Willie Randolph did not see eye to eye. In fact they had spoken in over a year. Under new manager, Jerry Manuel, Delgado is revitalized. He's started every game since the All-Star break batting .348 with 6 HRs and 18 RBI.
Second base - the Mets' annual open slot - was supposed to be occupied by Luis Castillo, but he can't stay healthy. So, the Mets are going with journeyman Damion Easley and rookie Argenis Reyes. Isn't this New York? What are we doing with these guys?
Shortstop and Third Base - Jose Reyes and David Wright are doing just what one would have expected. So, why are the Mets still wallowing in mediocrity?
Outfield
Carlos Beltran is underachieving - again. He looks at too many pitches in key hitting situations. What a waste. Fans are fed up with him. Moises Alou did the expected - he got hurt. His career may be over. Ryan Church has not been able to shake the cobwebs from 2 concussions he suffered this season. His career, also, is up in the air. So, the Mets are using all and every live body available. The crazy part: Fernando Tatis - long thought to be dead in baseball terms - is alive and well. He led all MLers in BA for July (.397). The club has also promoted Nick Evans and Dan Murphy - who is impressing the Mets' brass.
Catcher
Brian Schneider was supposed to solve many of the Mets catching woes. But he can't hit, and the Mets need offense. So, the Mets are using Ramon Castro more than they'd like to. He's a decent hitter, but getting him to commit to increased action has been difficult. What?
Summary
With all of the craziness, the Mets are only 2 games behind Philly. Go figure. I have tried to take my eyes off the Mets, but they have made it difficult for me.
Sometimes I sit and wonder why I'm still a Met fan. Rooting for this team is a full time job. All of the things that you expect to go right, go wrong - and vice versa. This is not a normal season and this is not a normal team.
Starting Pitching
This is hard to figure out....Johan Santana has pitched his ass off. Thanks to the bullpen he's only got 9 wins. Mike Pelfrey may have turned the corner in his young career. He has 10 wins. John Maine's arm is tired. The 'finished' Pedro Martinez is starting to look like the old Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez is an absolute enigma - Sandy Koufax one week, Sandy Duncan the next.
Bullpen
The biggest joke in baseball. Blown saves all over the place. Billy Wagner is bad and the rest are worse. Aaron Heilman should be arrested for impersonating a baseball pitcher. Duaner Sanchez used to have one of the game's liveliest arms. Now you can clock his fastball with a sun dial.
Infield
Carlos Delgado, who was almost run out of town earlier this year, is tearing it up like its the 1990's again. Apparently he and ex-manager Willie Randolph did not see eye to eye. In fact they had spoken in over a year. Under new manager, Jerry Manuel, Delgado is revitalized. He's started every game since the All-Star break batting .348 with 6 HRs and 18 RBI.
Second base - the Mets' annual open slot - was supposed to be occupied by Luis Castillo, but he can't stay healthy. So, the Mets are going with journeyman Damion Easley and rookie Argenis Reyes. Isn't this New York? What are we doing with these guys?
Shortstop and Third Base - Jose Reyes and David Wright are doing just what one would have expected. So, why are the Mets still wallowing in mediocrity?
Outfield
Carlos Beltran is underachieving - again. He looks at too many pitches in key hitting situations. What a waste. Fans are fed up with him. Moises Alou did the expected - he got hurt. His career may be over. Ryan Church has not been able to shake the cobwebs from 2 concussions he suffered this season. His career, also, is up in the air. So, the Mets are using all and every live body available. The crazy part: Fernando Tatis - long thought to be dead in baseball terms - is alive and well. He led all MLers in BA for July (.397). The club has also promoted Nick Evans and Dan Murphy - who is impressing the Mets' brass.
Catcher
Brian Schneider was supposed to solve many of the Mets catching woes. But he can't hit, and the Mets need offense. So, the Mets are using Ramon Castro more than they'd like to. He's a decent hitter, but getting him to commit to increased action has been difficult. What?
Summary
With all of the craziness, the Mets are only 2 games behind Philly. Go figure. I have tried to take my eyes off the Mets, but they have made it difficult for me.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Mr. Flushing Is On Vacation
To our loyal readers....
Mr. Flushing is currently vacationing. When he returns next week, this blog will no longer be a daily - but a bi-weekly, and even that is questionable - depending on how the club is doing.
At this point in time Mr. Flushing is not encouraged by the Mets' actions on and off the field.
The decision to promote players from within the organization during a pennant race instead of seeking outside, veteran help is a sign that the Mets aer unwilling to increase payroll.
Ticket sales for the new CitiField are still undetermined. The club is concerned that many current season ticket holders will not renew their accounts at the new facility. Even though the Mets' payroll will be approximately $45 million less after this season, it is apparently not a valid enough reason for the club to take on additional financial commitments. In this climate of economic uncertainty, the New York Mets have chosen not to compete in the elite sphere of the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers. They have decided to conduct business like a small-market franchise.
There is nothing wrong with showing financial restraint. The issue I have is that while the team tightens its belt, it is asking the fans to loosen theirs. The axiom "the customer comes first" is not upheld in the business of Major League Baseball.
I will be writing a scathing article on how the Shea dynamic will not be transferred to CitiField. A totally new, transient fan base will be occupying seats in locations where diehards once existed. The new fan dynamic will be based on economics.
I understand the team did not want to mortgage the future - a philosophy that has failed this organization in the past - but there has to be concessions made to the loyal customers who have stood by this team during some extremely disappointing times.
Mr. Flushing is currently vacationing. When he returns next week, this blog will no longer be a daily - but a bi-weekly, and even that is questionable - depending on how the club is doing.
At this point in time Mr. Flushing is not encouraged by the Mets' actions on and off the field.
The decision to promote players from within the organization during a pennant race instead of seeking outside, veteran help is a sign that the Mets aer unwilling to increase payroll.
Ticket sales for the new CitiField are still undetermined. The club is concerned that many current season ticket holders will not renew their accounts at the new facility. Even though the Mets' payroll will be approximately $45 million less after this season, it is apparently not a valid enough reason for the club to take on additional financial commitments. In this climate of economic uncertainty, the New York Mets have chosen not to compete in the elite sphere of the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers. They have decided to conduct business like a small-market franchise.
There is nothing wrong with showing financial restraint. The issue I have is that while the team tightens its belt, it is asking the fans to loosen theirs. The axiom "the customer comes first" is not upheld in the business of Major League Baseball.
I will be writing a scathing article on how the Shea dynamic will not be transferred to CitiField. A totally new, transient fan base will be occupying seats in locations where diehards once existed. The new fan dynamic will be based on economics.
I understand the team did not want to mortgage the future - a philosophy that has failed this organization in the past - but there has to be concessions made to the loyal customers who have stood by this team during some extremely disappointing times.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Maine Has Mild Roto Strain
Righty Isn't Doubting Manager Now
John Maine was visibly pissed when he was removed from Monday's game in the 5th inning by manager Jerry Manuel. Maine protested to Manuel that he was ok to continue, but Manuel and Mets pitching coach would have none of it.
Maine was back in NY for an MRI today where it was revealed that he had a mild rotator cuff strain and he will most likely be forced to miss a turn. He will rejoin the Mets in Houston for the weekend series.
Braves Trade Teixeira to Angels
The Braves traded Mark Teixeira to the LA Angels today for 1B Casey Kotchman nad a minor leaguer. Earlier this week, the Braves placed both Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson on the DL....who's left down there?
Win Gives Mets Some Breathing Room
The Mets 4-1 win behind Oliver Perez tonite in Miami gave them a 2-game cushion on Florida, but the Phillies beat the Nationals in Washington to remain only a half-game behind the Mets
John Maine was visibly pissed when he was removed from Monday's game in the 5th inning by manager Jerry Manuel. Maine protested to Manuel that he was ok to continue, but Manuel and Mets pitching coach would have none of it.
Maine was back in NY for an MRI today where it was revealed that he had a mild rotator cuff strain and he will most likely be forced to miss a turn. He will rejoin the Mets in Houston for the weekend series.
Braves Trade Teixeira to Angels
The Braves traded Mark Teixeira to the LA Angels today for 1B Casey Kotchman nad a minor leaguer. Earlier this week, the Braves placed both Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson on the DL....who's left down there?
Win Gives Mets Some Breathing Room
The Mets 4-1 win behind Oliver Perez tonite in Miami gave them a 2-game cushion on Florida, but the Phillies beat the Nationals in Washington to remain only a half-game behind the Mets
Marlins Tighten Up The Race
Maine Leaves Game With Stiff Shoulder; Mets Fall, 7-3
VIDEO
We've been trying to figure out how these Florida Marlins have stayed competitive in the NL East this year. They play horrendous defense and don't seem to have a whole lot of depth.
That notwithstanding, they do play with heart and do not give in. On Monday night in Miami, they took full advantage of John Maine's early departure and went on th flog the Mets' rested bullpen in a very telling 7-3 victory.
Their win over the sloppy, first-place Mets moved them to within a game of first place in the NL East. The idle Phillies are just a 1/2 game ahead of them.
The Mets had leads of 2-0 and 2-1 until the Marlins tied it in the sixth and then burst for 5 more in the 8th to seal the win.
Main was reluctantly removed by manager Jerry Manuel in the top of the fifth with what we found out later was a stiff shoulder.
“I didn’t like what I saw, so to be on the safe side, I got him out,” Manuel said.
Maine, who had only thrown 75 pitches to that point said he had felt pain in the back of his shoulder since his last start.
“It was sore, but I told them I could go out there and pitch,” he said.
YaHoo!Notes
RHP Pedro Martinez will throw a bullpen session Tuesday afternoon and, barring complications, start Friday night at Houston. Manager Jerry Manuel said Martinez would face hitters during Tuesday’s workout and be held to 80 pitches against the Astros. Martinez has not pitched since he left his July 12 start with tightness in his right shoulder caused by altering his delivery because of a strained right groin.
• RF Ryan Church shagged flyballs and jogged Monday and will take batting practice Tuesday. “It is in the distance, but it is there,” Church said, when asked if he could see the end of the tunnel. Church is on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome.
• LF Fernando Tatis will remain in the lineup when OF Ryan Church returns. Manager Jerry Manuel said Tatis will stay in left field, and OF Endy Chavez will be used for late-inning defense. “I’m surprised to hear that,” Tatis said. “I am very happy with the way I am playing right now.”
• CF Carlos Beltran will not move up to the second spot in the batting order, said manager Jerry Manuel. When he got the job, Manuel said he liked to use the second spot to shake players from slumps, but without OF Ryan Church, he won’t tinker with Beltran because he would shorten the order and he didn’t want to disrupt the winning combination the team has had.
• LHP Oliver Perez (6-6, 4.15 ERA) will make his 22nd start of the season Tuesday at Florida. He is 4-3 with a 4.93 ERA lifetime against the Marlins, including beating them 13-0 on April 2.
• RHP John Maine left Monday night’s game after 4 1/3 innings with stiffness in his right shoulder. Maine gave up one run and struck out six while throwing 75 pitches. The Mets list him day-to-day. Maine will go to New York Tuesday for an MRI.
By The Numbers: 53—Projected stolen bases for shortstop Jose Reyes. If that happens, it would snap a string of three straight seasons of over 60 steals for Reyes.
Quote To Note: “I know what my job is. I want to give us a chance to win every time, to be consistent. I think I have been. Could it be better? Maybe. But today I wanted to give us a chance to win and give the bullpen a chance to rest. I’m very happy I did that.”—Left-hander Johan Santana on pitching a complete game Sunday in a 9-1 victory over St. Louis.
VIDEO
We've been trying to figure out how these Florida Marlins have stayed competitive in the NL East this year. They play horrendous defense and don't seem to have a whole lot of depth.
That notwithstanding, they do play with heart and do not give in. On Monday night in Miami, they took full advantage of John Maine's early departure and went on th flog the Mets' rested bullpen in a very telling 7-3 victory.
Their win over the sloppy, first-place Mets moved them to within a game of first place in the NL East. The idle Phillies are just a 1/2 game ahead of them.
The Mets had leads of 2-0 and 2-1 until the Marlins tied it in the sixth and then burst for 5 more in the 8th to seal the win.
Main was reluctantly removed by manager Jerry Manuel in the top of the fifth with what we found out later was a stiff shoulder.
“I didn’t like what I saw, so to be on the safe side, I got him out,” Manuel said.
Maine, who had only thrown 75 pitches to that point said he had felt pain in the back of his shoulder since his last start.
“It was sore, but I told them I could go out there and pitch,” he said.
YaHoo!Notes
RHP Pedro Martinez will throw a bullpen session Tuesday afternoon and, barring complications, start Friday night at Houston. Manager Jerry Manuel said Martinez would face hitters during Tuesday’s workout and be held to 80 pitches against the Astros. Martinez has not pitched since he left his July 12 start with tightness in his right shoulder caused by altering his delivery because of a strained right groin.
• RF Ryan Church shagged flyballs and jogged Monday and will take batting practice Tuesday. “It is in the distance, but it is there,” Church said, when asked if he could see the end of the tunnel. Church is on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome.
• LF Fernando Tatis will remain in the lineup when OF Ryan Church returns. Manager Jerry Manuel said Tatis will stay in left field, and OF Endy Chavez will be used for late-inning defense. “I’m surprised to hear that,” Tatis said. “I am very happy with the way I am playing right now.”
• CF Carlos Beltran will not move up to the second spot in the batting order, said manager Jerry Manuel. When he got the job, Manuel said he liked to use the second spot to shake players from slumps, but without OF Ryan Church, he won’t tinker with Beltran because he would shorten the order and he didn’t want to disrupt the winning combination the team has had.
• LHP Oliver Perez (6-6, 4.15 ERA) will make his 22nd start of the season Tuesday at Florida. He is 4-3 with a 4.93 ERA lifetime against the Marlins, including beating them 13-0 on April 2.
• RHP John Maine left Monday night’s game after 4 1/3 innings with stiffness in his right shoulder. Maine gave up one run and struck out six while throwing 75 pitches. The Mets list him day-to-day. Maine will go to New York Tuesday for an MRI.
By The Numbers: 53—Projected stolen bases for shortstop Jose Reyes. If that happens, it would snap a string of three straight seasons of over 60 steals for Reyes.
Quote To Note: “I know what my job is. I want to give us a chance to win every time, to be consistent. I think I have been. Could it be better? Maybe. But today I wanted to give us a chance to win and give the bullpen a chance to rest. I’m very happy I did that.”—Left-hander Johan Santana on pitching a complete game Sunday in a 9-1 victory over St. Louis.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Johhhhannn...Johhhannn!
Mets Ace Living Up To Billing
Jo-han!...clunk, clunk! Jo-han!...clunk, clunk!
That was what was heard here at Shea in the 9th inning. Johan Santana mowing down St. Louis Cardinal batters to the rhythm of the fans' chants augmented by the hollow beat of the ever-present Cow-Bell-Man.
Santana pitched the Mets first complete game in nearly two years, and his teammates knocked Cards' starter Kyle Lohse out of the box with a 5-run fifth inning as the Mets continued their torrid July with a dominating 9-1 victory.
For the first time this season we got to see the Johan Santana the Flushing faithful had been promised. He was masterful. His performance, combined with the 17-hit offensive output (including 2 by Santana himself)was enough to put any casual onlooker on alert: the Mets are back, and they are a force to be reckoned with...
The Mets will now go to Florida for three very important games.
Jo-han!...clunk, clunk! Jo-han!...clunk, clunk!
That was what was heard here at Shea in the 9th inning. Johan Santana mowing down St. Louis Cardinal batters to the rhythm of the fans' chants augmented by the hollow beat of the ever-present Cow-Bell-Man.
Santana pitched the Mets first complete game in nearly two years, and his teammates knocked Cards' starter Kyle Lohse out of the box with a 5-run fifth inning as the Mets continued their torrid July with a dominating 9-1 victory.
For the first time this season we got to see the Johan Santana the Flushing faithful had been promised. He was masterful. His performance, combined with the 17-hit offensive output (including 2 by Santana himself)was enough to put any casual onlooker on alert: the Mets are back, and they are a force to be reckoned with...
The Mets will now go to Florida for three very important games.
Sunday Morning Roundtable
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mets Make Quick Work Of Phils
Win Rubber Game, 3-1, in Just 2:18
Carlos Delgado smacked a two-run double in the bottom of the 8th off Philadelphia reliever JC Romero to put the Mets in front, 3-1. Billy Wagner then closed it out in the 9th.
Oliver Perez went 7 2/3, allowing 3 hits while striking out 12 and walking only one. He was relieved by Aaron Heilman in the 8th after he plunked Ryan Howard.
The Mets are now 1 full game ahead of the Phillies in the NL East after being written off after their meltdown on Tuesday night. What a difference 2 days make.
Carlos Delgado smacked a two-run double in the bottom of the 8th off Philadelphia reliever JC Romero to put the Mets in front, 3-1. Billy Wagner then closed it out in the 9th.
Oliver Perez went 7 2/3, allowing 3 hits while striking out 12 and walking only one. He was relieved by Aaron Heilman in the 8th after he plunked Ryan Howard.
The Mets are now 1 full game ahead of the Phillies in the NL East after being written off after their meltdown on Tuesday night. What a difference 2 days make.
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