The Mets Police

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #17)

2009-11-22T11:00:00.001-05:00

Next up in the Five Questions series is William, who answered in complete sentences.

1. I first started following the Mets in 1979. My father took me to my first game ever at Shea when I was 5 years old and Lee Mazzilli hit a HR to win the game. I honestly don't remember who it was against but all I know was from that point on I was hooked.

2.My favorite Mets Memory was sitting in the upper deck with my dad for Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. I will never forget the way that Shea sounded when the ball went between Bill Buckner's legs. There were people hugging, screaming, and crying, I was only 12 years old but I remember that day like it was yesterday.

3.My worst Mets memory would have to be losing to the Yankee's in the 2000 World Series. There were many lean years between 1988 and 1999 but I was really proud to be a Mets fan for those 2 years and to lose the World Series to the Yankees almost tarnishes that teams place in Mets history. Had I been old enough to remember it the trading of Tom Seaver..the Franchise... would have made it here. That was the worst move in Mets history.

4.The one off the field thing I would change about the Mets is the front office. I truly believe that everyone there wants to win and is doing their best but for whatever reason it is not working. This includes the "Coupons" Fred and Jeff as well as Omar Minaya. I can't fault Omar for everything because I for one do not believe he has full autonomylike he claims. I believe that his hands have been tied on a number of occasions and was not able to bring in players he wanted and then he has to take the fall when something goes wrong and I think that this has finally got to him. Just look at that whole spectacle with him accusing Adam Rubin of angling for a job when he had absolutely no reason to say this or proof that it was true. I believe that we have run our course with Omar and the "Coupons".

5.The first I would change is the minor league scouting system. We have as much if not more resources than any team in baseball and yet our minor league system is in the lower third in baseball. That is unacceptable. Adding the big free agent is great but you cannot build a championship team without first having a strong farm system.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

My Reaction To The New Items At Citi Field

2009-11-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

I'm actually writing this on Saturday about five minutes after learning about the changes at Citi Field and I have to tell you I'm ecstatic...but I wanted the news to stay at the top of the blog through Saturday so I've held my comments until now.

I'm happy for the fans. We win one. They finally listened to us.

I'm happy for the organization. The franchise will be better for it.

I'm thankful that maybe in some small way the community we've built here at Mets Police may have contributed in some small way to the changes. It's more than just one loudmouth popping off, it's the comments and guest posts that you send. It's the answers to the 5 Questions that I've been posting and will continue to post (notice how many of the responses talk about franchise history). That's you being heard by Flushing, not just one annoying blogger. For that, I thank you for your participation and thank the bigger sites (Metsblog and Amazin' Avenue to name two) for sending people over here, especially in the early days.

I'm happy to see someone like Howie Rose on the committee. Even though he figured out a way to work with the Mets, he's a fan. You hear it in his voice. What a long way we've come from the Mets putting a half hour Todd Kalas buffer between the game and Howie....Howie ruffled a few feathers when he hosted Mets Extra.

I'm even happy with David Howard today. I've made him my villain since I've started, and not for no reason - that plexiglass is stlll there - but this quote suggests someone who is paying attention to customers:

"These additions amplify our commitment to better recognize our team's heritage and honor the players and memories our fans cherish," said Howard. "Ownership is acting upon our fans' desire to see more Mets around the ballpark. We hear our fans loud and clear and these additions continue the process that started last season."

Maybe it is possible to have influence from the basement. Here's an article from June suggesting the Mets add player baners (albeit inside). Another from July asking for a prominent Hall of Fame and sharing what Atlanta did with theirs. Mets Police is far from the only place these ideas were floated but when you spend every day writing about how a team should embrace history...it's hard not to be excited.

Now maybe Old-Timer's Day returns. Banner Day. Maybe a #17 goes up on that fence. Mets Police will be here continuing to push for those.

The goal of this site continues to be to to encourage the Mets to win the World Series, with honor, while nicely dressed. We'll learn more about that (at least the attire part) by the end of the month.

Thanks to everyone who has been part of this community. It's nice to have one less thing to complain about.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Wally Backman With Steve Serby In The Post

2009-11-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

This is a great read Mets fans....here's a small taste, then go read the rest.

Q: What was so great about playing in New York?

A: I’ve seen George Foster get five hits one game and strike out to end the game, and 55,000 people boo him. Believe it or not, I like that (bleep), ’cause it kept you on your toes all the time.

The rest is here. Wally talks about his favorite childhood memory (you'll never guess) and Gooden's awesome curve which is something you younger Mets fans will never quite understand.. It was amazin'

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Most Popular Articles On Mets Police (November 22)

2009-11-22T07:38:00.003-05:00

I'm so so excited about the press release that came up yesterday which details the new Mets-related items coming to Citi Field in 2010...and that's really the top story of the week. I've written some comments about that and those will go live at 10am.

Before we dive into the recap of this week's most popular articles, a word about blogging. I'm increasingly seeing the mainstream media digging at blogs. So let me explain this particular site. I claim no expertise. I do not claim anything on here to be news. It's a fan-site. I'm a Mets fan like you. Some days I'm happy, some days sad, some days mad. I don't have Jerry's cellphone number, I'm not in the locker room every day, I don't have access to scouting reports. Just a fan. A fan that sits in the upper deck and knows that I can't see the left fielder. A fan who thinks blue letters on a black shirt don't look good. That's all. This is entertainment, and I hope some folks enjoy it. So if later today I write the Mets should trade Johan Santana for Jim Fregosi and someone in a newspaper wants to say I'm dumb and uniformed...go for it.

On the flip-side, on a day like today I feel like a dopey blogger like myself actually does make a difference. Maybe I don't know too much about John Lackey's injury potential....but complaining about a lack of player banners does matter.

Now that my rant is done, some good stuff is coming up this week. The three-part Mets Turkeys series kicks off tomorrow, and Tuesday there's a great guest article with some fan-created uniform ideas. Along the way I will continue to past more fan responses to the Five Questions For Average Mets fans which was the lead story this week. Here's this week's recap:

Wally Backman is back. Here's the press release and here's a video Wally made.

Dan's photos of the 1986 Tickertape parade.

Here's a new Buffalo Bisons commercial.   The Bisons organization still has not given me the courtesy of even writing back to decline the request for a credential. At least write back guys.

The 2010 Mets ticket prices broken down by gold, silver, admantium, and lego.

The Daily News had a great Gooden article.

Good job by Beltran visiting veterans.

Most of us agree the Twins did a great job with their new uniforms. The Royals have new alt-caps. Should the Mets wear blue? Metsblog says we'll see the new uniforms very soon.  Worst ever are the Mercury Mets.

The Jets seem desperate to sell seats.  The Giants are a bit itchy too.

I'd lose it if the Mets did what the Nets did.

It was a great week for the off-season, welcome to all the new folks who have discovered the site! Thanks everyone!

Always popular:

The compilation post of pictures of our Citi Field walkaround
The midseason update to Citi Field pictures can be found here.
Tour of The Mets Team Store
Yankee Stadium being demolished
The Uncensored Unofficial Guide To Citi Field
Inside the Acela Club
Inside the Caesar's Club
Has the novelty worn off Citi Field?
Citi Field in McCartney mode.
Photo Tour of Jackie Robinson Rotunda
Tour of the '47 Shop
Uniform Unanimity...and commenting.
Look at this picture I took in the Yankees store and how it disses Mets fans.
Mets Uniform Survey Part one and part two.

Mets Police guide to being cheap about parking near Citi
Suggestions for new traditions at Citi
Shopping at the team store (10 part photo series)
1969 jerseys
Yankee Stadium guides and parking tips.
An updated compilation of obstructed views at Citi Field

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #16)

2009-11-22T07:04:00.000-05:00

If you are new to the Mets Police, we're in the middle of a series called "Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan." I will continue to sprinkle in 4 or so of these each day until I post everyone's answers. I'm not commenting in the posts by design so that other fans can get their voice heard by the folks in Flushing without my color commentary.

The breakfast spot this morning goes to Mike..

1. When did you start following the Mets?

I've been a Mets fan my whole life. My dad was a Dodgers fan, born and raised in Brooklyn, then took on the Mets as his hometown favorite. The family was with him 100%. I've been attending games since the late 70s, though my first memories are from '84-'86.

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

Game 6, baby. Watching with my high school buddies in my basement. Though my dad couldn't get us tickets, he did wrangle some Shea dogs from the Diamond Club caterer, who he supplied seafood to at the time.

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

Tim Teufel's' pinch hit grand slam. I was still a teenager, and I was a die-hard Backman fan.

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what would it be?

Trading Dykstra and McDowell for Juan Samuel. That was the worst trade ever. They gave away their heart and soul for a guy who didn't seem to want to be there.

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing you would change?

Communication between players,coaches, medical staff and mgt about injuries and health issues. It's time to stop running players into the ground and then telling half-truths to the fans about it.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

More Mets History Announced For Citi Field!!!

2009-11-21T16:03:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited that I almost typed "Shea." "Shea Bridge!" Howie in on the decisions! Seaver Entrance!

FLUSHING, N.Y. -- The New York Mets today announced plans to expand the presence of club history at Citi Field next season in a variety of ways including renaming areas of the ballpark after Casey Stengel, Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver and William A. Shea.

The Mets also have re-formed the Mets Hall of Fame Committee, and will increase the number of visuals commemorating great players and moments both inside and outside the ballpark. The Mets previously announced a 2010 opening of the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum at Citi Field.

RENAMING OF AREAS IN BALLPARK The Mets will rename and visually theme Citi Field's VIP entrances and outfield bridge after individuals who made an indelible mark on the club. First Base VIP will be named after Hodges to honor the manager who led the Mets to their first World Championship in 1969. Third Base VIP will honor Seaver, the Hall of Fame pitcher and Mets leader in wins, earned run average and strikeouts. Left Field VIP will be named after Stengel, the first manager in Mets history. The outfield bridge will be dedicated as Shea Bridge, honoring the legacy of the man who was the driving force to bring National League baseball back to New York after the departure of the Dodgers and Giants.

METS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE The centerpiece for Mets memorabilia will be the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum, located adjacent to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and accessible from both inside and outside the ballpark. A re-formed Mets Hall of Fame Committee will evaluate potential inductees, and is comprised of a combination of media members with a long-standing connection to the club and Mets front office staff.

Media members on the committee are: Marty Noble, the Mets.com beat writer who is entering his fifth decade covering the team; Gary Cohen, the New York native and voice of the Mets on SNY who has been a Mets broadcaster for 21 years; and Howie Rose, a Queens native and radio voice of the Mets on WFAN who has covered the team for 21 years on radio and television.

The Mets committee members are: Dave Howard, executive vice president, business operations who has been with the organization for 18 years; Jay Horwitz, vice president, media relations who just completed his 30th season with the team; Tina Mannix, senior director, marketing who has been with the Mets for nine years; and former Mets pitcher Al Jackson, a pitching consultant who is entering his sixth decade with the Mets. Chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon serves as ex-officio.

"The re-formation of the Mets Hall of Fame Committee is central to our concerted efforts to better connect our present and future to our past," said Wilpon. "It reinforces the organization's and our fans' shared desire to recognize our greatest players. With our 2010 opening of the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum at Citi Field, now was the time to bring this group together."

Candidates will be evaluated on their impact on the field while in a Mets uniform, how they represented and affected the organization and their place in Mets history.

The Mets Hall of Fame was established in 1981 with an inaugural class of Joan Payson, the first Mets owner, and Casey Stengel, the first Mets manager. The Mets Hall of Fame has 21 members including former players, managers, front-office executives and broadcasters. Tommie Agee was the last person inducted in 2002.

The following is the list of Hall of Fame members in order of the year they were inducted:

Joan Payson (1981); Casey Stengel (1981); Gil Hodges (1982); George M. Weiss (1982); William A. Shea (1983); Johnny Murphy (1983); Ralph Kiner (1984); Bob Murphy (1984); Lindsey Nelson (1984); Bud Harrelson (1986); Rusty Staub (1986); Tom Seaver (1988); Jerry Koosman (1989); Ed Kranepool (1990); Cleon Jones (1991); Jerry Grote (1992); Tug McGraw (1993); Mookie Wilson (1996); Keith Hernandez (1997); Gary Carter (2001); and Tommie Agee (2002).

The Mets will announce further details about the Mets Hall of Fame &Museum in the coming weeks.

IMAGERY & TEAM COLORS Next season, fans will be greeted by Mets colors as they approach Citi Field with full-color banners of Mets players on Mets Plaza in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Mets logos will be added on entry points to the parking areas and on the light poles in the parking lots. The addition of team colors will continue inside the ballpark with staircases painted with blue and orange and more Mets logos throughout the ballpark. Flowers in the gardens at Mets Plaza in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda will also be blue and orange.

"These additions amplify our commitment to better recognize our team's heritage and honor the players and memories our fans cherish," said Howard. "Ownership is acting upon our fans' desire to see more Mets around the ballpark. We hear our fans loud and clear and these additions continue the process that started last season."

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #15)

2009-11-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

Next up here's Ben. I like some of his suggestions ;)

1. When did you start following the Mets?

Baseball since 1966 (Orioles Fan, yes, I know), Mets from 1973 on. But did go to Mets games prior to 73.

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

Going from the devastating, extreme low with 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th in Game 6, to the euphoric, unbelievable high 3 runs later. (what an emotional swing).

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

A tie... Mike Scioscia 2 run homer in the top of the 9th against Gooden in the 88 playoffs to tie the score. Mets eventually would lose the game. If they win this game they go up 3-1 and will close out Dodgers in 5 at Shea. And of course the other is losing to the evil empire in 2000.

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what would it be?

Make Shannon and myself co-owners.

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing you would change?

Shake Omar and Jerry hands send them on their way. Shannon and I would sit down with Charlie Samuel

and lay down the uniform law.

A little shameless self promotion.....metsiesandothermusings.blogspot.com

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Here are early projections on where top free agents will land

2009-11-21T11:24:00.001-05:00

Here are early projections on where top free agents will land

I think that story slug is self-explnatory. A longer than usual read, and a good one.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #14)

2009-11-21T11:00:00.001-05:00

Next up for the Five Questions....Stuart. By the way, I am not commenting on purpose. I'd like this to be about other fans...I get to share my thoughts plenty.

When did you start following the Mets?

My first game was in 1966 at the age of 8. The Mets won 3-2 vs. Cincinnati in 11 innings. That same summer I went to my first night game. Trailing 7-1 in the 4^th inning the Mets rallied lead by Hawk
Taylor’s pinch hit grand slam home run (the first in team history). They went on to win the game 8-7. After that I was hooked.

2.      What is your favorite Mets memory?

Without a doubt, Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. I was away on a business trip and travelled with a few business associates from Valley Forge, PA to Atlantic City where we watched the game. Oh did I mention that the other three guys were from BOSTON!!! Two nights later I fulfilled every baseball fan’s dream and went to the game to see my team win Game 7 of the World Series at home.

3.      What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

I gotta give you two here:

As a fan the worst memory was June 15, 1977 when they traded Tom Seaver. My friend and I used to go to nearly every home game he pitched for several years. My friend moved to Chicago after high school and we met up in California to travel the state.   We were together when we got the terrible news. It was as if a close friend just died. In those days there was no free agency, etc. so players usually stuck around with a team for a long time. For a couple of naïve teenagers it was devastating news. Baseball has never been the same for us since.

As far as an experience goes it would have to be the game I went to on September 11, 1987. The Terry Pendleton home run. If you’re not familiar with it I found this link to another blogger’s memory of the game. I didn’t just watch it on TV, I was there. Like getting your heart ripped out.

http://faithandfear.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2007/9/14/3228263.html

I wasn’t too crazy about Sciosia’s home run vs. Doc in 1988, Beltran’s called third strike, the recent collapses, etc. but at least I didn’t witness those in person.

4.      If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what would it be?

The way they accept being a second class citizen to the Yankees. From what I’ve read and what I’ve heard from my father and others the Brooklyn Dodgers, while not having the success of the Yankees, never acted as if they were inferior. We hear only about the great fans of Brooklyn and the great memories of Ebbets Field. Building a stadium to look like Ebbets Field is not the same thing as building a franchise that is true to that tradition.

5.      If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing you would change?

I would change the attitude of the franchise and make myself much more visible and accountable to the fans then current ownership is. I have no doubt that the Wilpons badly want to win but something about them (and previous owners for that matter) give me the impression that there is a connection missing between the fans and ownership.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

The Nets 10 Is Enough Campaign

2009-11-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

I meant to bring this up during the week. Can you imagine if a certain baseball team lost 10 in a row, did a "10 is enough" marketing campaign and the CEO tried to explain it all away with injuries? Some bloggers would have a field day....

“Your team has played very hard this season, but with an unprecedented amount of injuries we just haven’t been able to attain a victory,” said NETS CEO Brett Yormark. “But even with the injuries, the entire team believes that ‘10 is Enough.’ That’s why we are asking you, our loyal fans, to rally around your team like never before at Tuesday night’s game. So bring your enthusiasm, show your support, and let’s get our first win.”

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Bobby Valentine 1980 Topps Baseball Card

2009-11-21T09:11:00.000-05:00

Another Saturday visit to this cool 1980 Topps site. This player is a man named Bobby Valentine, the master of finishing second. Bobby's unique talent for finishing second did not translate back when he was a player, as there was no force on earth that could help the 1978 Mets.

You can read more about this fine card here.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #13)

2009-11-21T08:44:00.000-05:00

Continuing the Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan Series...same drill, I'll mix in some more responses with some other items throughout the day. First up is Christopher.

1. When did you start following the Mets?

1969

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

I was in the standing room only in right field at Shea game 4 1969 World Series the Ron Swoboda catch

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience? I had a season tickets package 1980, quite possibly the worse Met team in history

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what
would it be?

GM’s

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing
you would change?

Bring in Bobby Valentine

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Tom Seaver In Action Baseball Card

2009-11-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

Here's another card site to check out, which details this cool Tom Seaver card.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #12)

2009-11-20T15:40:00.002-05:00

One more set of Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan for this Friday. Here's Benjamin, and we'll have more all weekend and Monday.

1. When did you start following the Mets?

1987 (year I was born), but not really until 1992-93

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

Game 6 of the 2006 NLCS - I was sitting in the upper deck
Todd Pratt's walkoff against Arizona - I was in the loge

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

september 2007

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what
would it be?

remind the wilpons that they have the money to keep this team competitive every year

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing
you would change?

uniforms - ditch the black

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

BBC Article About Naming Rights

2009-11-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

I thought the opening to this BBC article about stadium naming rights had an interesting opening...

When the New York Yankees built their new baseball stadium in 2007, chief operating officer Lonn Trost was asked if he would be selling off the naming rights for the new build.

His response? "You wouldn't rename the White House, you wouldn't rename Grant's Tomb and you wouldn't rename the Grand Canyon. This is Yankee Stadium, and this will always be Yankee Stadium."

As a fan do you feel the $20 million from Citi has helped the team? I mean they are investing it in players, right? Right?

Interesting read.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

More PSL Desperation, This Time From The New York Giants

2009-11-20T13:53:00.000-05:00

Hey football teams.. Y'all got greedy and wiped out your season ticket waiting lists. Reap what you sow.

This went out today as an email from the PSL Giants.

The excitement for the new stadium is growing. The first event will take place on April 10th, when six NCAA lacrosse teams will play a triple-header tournament known as the "Big City Classic", Bon Jovi's "Kickoff Concerts" are scheduled from May 26-29, just six months away, and U2 returns July 19th. Just nine months separate us from the historic start of the Giants' 2010 inaugural season at the new Giants stadium.

Just after Thanksgiving, a major milestone in our transition to the new stadium will occur; PSL holders will receive their seat assignments and agreements. The PSL sales process is now in its final stages, and we are only about 500 new accounts away from selling out.

While our records show you have not yet purchased PSLs, we remain hopeful that you will consider joining us in the new Giants stadium. With over 75,000 seats committed to over 20,800 accounts, the response from the Giants community has been overwhelmingly positive. As you know, all non-Club seating areas in the new Giants stadium are soldout. At the present time, less than 2,000 Club Seats remain available for purchase. In fact, less than 400 Coach's Club seats and 200 Mezzanine Club C PSLs remain available. If you purchase, you will have access to the best seats, the best parking, and the best food and drink options available anywhere. Here are your options:

Don't forget folks, " the response from the Giants community has been overwhelmingly positive." Yep, my buddy that wrote a $20,000 check was thrilled.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #11)

2009-11-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Next up for the Five Questions....Nik from Kiner's Korner Blog.

1. When did you start following the Mets?

1982; the summer the Yankees let Reggie Jackson go.

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

At Shea during game 6. It was the best sports moment I'll ever be a witness to and the best moment I've ever had with my father.

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

Tie: The end of 2001; Armando's meltdown after the team fought so hard and seeing Dwight, Darryl and Coney wearing Yankee uniforms.

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what would it be?

I'd like ownership to stop making the team Jeff's special project and let baseball people run it. As much as it's their right to make money off the product, the brand really belongs to the hearts of everyone who's been following them for years. It's not right that one guy gets to cut his teeth on something so valuable to so many.

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing you would change?

It's more a concept than a thing. I would introduce tradition to the franchise. One single classic uniform with the 86 uniforms on Sundays, banner day, old timer’s day and a commitment to winning.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Good Take On Matsui

2009-11-20T11:24:00.000-05:00

Last winter I mentioned how A-Rod is so much more to the Yankees than his numbers. He's a TV show, he is merchandise, he's the backpage. Mike Silva has a great take on Matsui in NY Baseball Digest. Among other things, if Matsui brings with him $10 million in ads and some international marketing advantages, he's a lot "cheaper" than a comparative player. That being said, NL teams in Flushing should be wary of those knees.

Read here.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #10)

2009-11-20T09:35:00.001-05:00

Our next fan to answer the Five Questions is Carmine from Atlanta.

1. When did you start following the Mets?

Around 1983 or 1984 when I was 6 or 7. Grew up on WWOR.

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

Matt Franco's game winning single off Mariano Rivera in 1999.

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

I live in Atlanta, and the way the Mets play here I can't quite single out one bad experience... so I'll just say Turner Field as a whole. We are awful there.

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what
would it be?

Our training staff and medical personnel/practices.

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing
you would change?

By default, it would already be changed, and that would be an ownership that does not interfere with the daily operations. I would simply allow those in the positions of control to make decisions on their own, to do their job and trust them to do so professionally and correctly. If there was something I'd actually do first, that would be to tell Bud Selig to take his slotting theories and stick 'em where the sun don't shine. We are supposed to be a big market team with big market money, it's about time we started using that advantage in the draft.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

New KC Royals Caps

2009-11-20T09:04:00.000-05:00

Discuss.

Big League Stew doesn't like it.
Royals Blog does.
I do.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Next Week: Top Mets Turkeys Of All Time

2009-11-20T07:05:00.002-05:00

Next week I had planned to rerun the Top Mets Turkeys Of All Time feature...but seeing how 2009 went I thought it might need an update. Send your idea to shannon@metspolice.com if you have a good one (and like the Five Questions I'd like to stay away from just busting on Omar and Jeff).

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Five Questions For An Average Mets Fan (Fan #9)

2009-11-20T06:31:00.000-05:00

As we continue to go through the Five Questions For Average Mets Fans....today's leadoff hitter is Adam. As I have been doing I'll sprinkle in a few throughout the day.

1. When did you start following the Mets?

1985

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

Todd Pratt's walk-off home run off Matt Mantei. Was in a computer room in college in Boston. I got a little excited and had about 20 people staring at me. I did not care.

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

1999 NLCS Game 6, Kenny Rogers. My father is a Braves fan eeven though he grew up in Brooklyn. I didn't feel good about the night, but when Piazza tied the game with that home run, I thought the Mets might win. That was a bad night.

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what
would it be?

10,000 more seats in the park.

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing
you would change?

Hire a new scouting system. Focus on developing players that actually have fundamental skills

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Tom Seaver RC Cola Collectors Can

2009-11-19T22:06:00.001-05:00

Saw this on Craigslist, and as I have mentioned...it's a long off-season.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Mets Yearbook 1984

2009-11-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

Typing as I watch Mets Yearbook 1984 on SNY. 1984 was my favorite Mets season of them all since I had never known anything but 5th or 6th place.

So good to hear Bob Murphy
This rookie Darling looks promising.
The blue uniforms look so much better than the black...even the v-necks and racing stripes look good.
First place tie at the end of April! You don't know how exciting that was.

Strawberry Sunday. One of the great promotions of all time, unless you were an ice cream vendor. We all got free ice cream.

Interesting to me that as I look at the crowd, even in 1984 I don't see much blue. Sure you see some blue hats and no black (since it didn't exist yet) but the crowd is wearing anything. I guess we've never had Uniform Unanimity.

I miss the old blue jackets with the names on the back (unless the name is Madoff).

The uniforms 16, 17 and 18 are worn by the correct players. Stop giving these out to anybody who shows up to be a 6th outfielder. Well, to me, 16 belongs to Mazzilli but they can share.

Once again the Mets had something called "Banner Day." What a nice way to build a community with your fans.

They are predicting great things for this kid Gooden. Murphy says he will be "the little child who leads the Mets" in years to come.

Darling was best when wearing #44. Never should've switched Ronnie.

Apparently Bruce Berenyi will do well for us in 1985, says Bob. He says the same about Sid Fernandez.

Tom Gorman...yeah there's a name.

I love when Bob talks about how fans came out in droves...and the video shows the mezz and uppers empty.

We had a 4.5 lead over the Cubs. Sniff.

Keith looks so effortless at first.

I find I have no warm feelings about George Foster.

Cubs took us 7 of 8 in the summer. Yuck. That whole Cubsbusters thing (not mentioned here) was so much fun.

Bob predicts big things for 1985 and mentions Rafael Santana, Kelvin Chapman and Ron Gardenhire as reasons why (oops) but also includes Knight and Hojo. With Knight and Hojo I wonder if they could move Hubie Brooks for a catcher in the off-season?

Bob is also correct that Calvin Schiraldi will help the Mets win a championship...but not for the reasons he thinks!

Nice to see the real Apple young and its prime, not this new phony apple.

At the end they really pre-sold Carter. 27 HRs and 106 RBIs from a catcher in 1984...thats a great pickup.

Weird to see Pete Rose in an Expos uniform.

Strawberry is so so so so thin. No steroids in that body.

And the big laugh is right at the end...the Mets were named BASEBALL'S BEST ORGANIZATION for the second year in a row. I have to go laugh my fanny off now. Another fun film....the quality of the film itself is poor with dark and washed out colors...and I'd like to make a Lucasfilm-style "special edition" using some archives teh Cubs might have (the Mets-Cubs thing was big) but SNY should keep these coming!

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

Hey Marty Noble, Why The Dig?

2009-11-19T20:08:00.000-05:00

This kinda bugged me all day....from Marty Noble on MLB.com. Why the dig at blogs?

So now the talk-show callers and out-of-loop bloggers can watch. The Mets may not sign any of the players that the public has deemed "must-haves." But they will continue to do what they have done since Minaya took charge in late 2004: seek the players who fit their needs and pay handsomely for them. Two years ago, the Mets identified their greatest need as a No. 1 starting pitcher, and they imported Johan Santana for more than they had planned -- $137.5 million. Last year, with their bullpen in need of a closer, they obligated themselves to pay $36 million for Frankie Rodriguez.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com