I had lunch Monday with a unnamed Mets executive.  It was NOT Omar Minaya.  Our Coup D'Omar was unsuccessful as Steve did not get his resume in time to Mr. Wilpon.

Anyway, I followed up on a question from one of Steve's IT colleague per their local Microsoft meeting on Thursday, November 20.  Steve mentioned it during our most recent podcast.  Yes, the new Citi Field will open on time in April 2009. 

The Mets executive asked me about Citibank's recent financial issues.  I explained credit default swaps, the TARP, and other current economic and financial issues.  It would be foolish for Citi to withdraw their sponsorship of Citi Field.

I reassured him that the Sigma Alpha Theta brothers and I have the current financial crisis under control, touch wood.  I might not have been elected President earlier this month but it's time to pitch in and troubleshoot our country's issues.  In the words of fellow "Tank"...

"'How hard can it be?'" SAT brother Jeffrey "'Tank'" Worthen asked. "'Last year we discovered cold fusion in order to keep Geezer from getting kicked out of his grad program. And just last semester we launched a space shuttle in order to win back our girls from the creeps at ZBT.'"

Posted by The Tank reporting live on the road back to US economic recovery.  Keep the Faith! 

K-Rod’s agent provided the Mets with medical information and is waiting for an offer. The Mets are clearly interested and it is a buyers market, so don’t expect this to happen soon. That said, it is in the Mets best interest to sign their closer before the GM Winter Meeting in early December so they can start the process for trading and signing a brand new bullpen as well as a starter.

Speaking of which, do the Mets bring back Pedro and Perez? If I were the Mets I would try to get Pedro at a bargain basement rate with a pay for performance plan. They can negotiate based on that Pedro owes the Mets nearly two full seasons from all his time on the DL in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Oliver Perez? Well he and his agent may have him overpriced right now. I would take the chance and let him shop himself around and make an offer after Perez has some exposure to the market. Then the Mets should throw some money at Lowe or Burnett. Imagine this rotation:

• Johan Santana
• Lowe or Burnett
• Mike Pelfrey
• John Maine
• Pedro or Perez

Not to bad, but also not that likely. The Mets will probably have to trade for a young 24 year old arm and then concentrate in the bullpen.

As for the outfield, Murphy and Pagan are most likely to platoon in left as the payroll dollars will be focused on the bullpen and starting rotation.

Posted by Steve in New York

Steve and I noted many times during the season that the Mets really let Johan Santana and themselves down with anemic run support.  It cost the Mets a chance at the playoffs and Johan a better chance at the Cy Young.  Johan lost out to Tim Lincecum of the Giants who had a 18-5 record and 265 strikeouts. 

Lincecum had less to work with than the Mets.  He played on the fourth place Giants and had 25 percent of their 72 wins.  Let's hope Johan gets more run support next season.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Yesterday was a big day for New York baseball fans.  The Yankees moved home plate from the Stadium to the New Stadium.  Mega thanks to Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack for the story idea.  Home Plate is covered but is pictured behind me below.

Across town, former Mets manager Willie Randolph took a job as the Brewers bench coach. 

Good luck to Willie and the Yankees home plate!  May the Yankees score many runs in the New Stadium, God Willing!  Keep the Faith!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Dropped to 7th in the batting order in mid-June, Carlos Delgado was left for dead. But after the 9 RBI day at Yankee Stadium in late June, Delgado put up MVP numbers in the second half of 2009 hitting .308 with 27 homers and 80 RBIs in 84 games from June 27 on. Delgado finished with an average of .271 and 38 hr and 115 RBIs.

Yesterday the Mets picked up his 2009 option, costing them about $12 million.

“Carlos is a key part of our plans for 2009, and we wanted to let him know as quickly as allowed that we wanted him back,” Omar Minaya said. “Yesterday—the day following the conclusion of the World Series—was the first day that we could pick up the option per the contract. It was our full intent to promptly close our deal with Carlos, and that’s what we did.”

This leaves First Base taken care of, unless the 36+ year old Delgado drops off production next year. The Mets still need to address the situation at second base (dump and eat Luis Castillo contract is the likely action), the bullpen (most likely trade Heliman and Schoenwis), get a closer (please sign K-Rod!) and get a starter or two to fill in the back of the rotation behind Santana, Pelfrey, and Maine. They need to also sign someone who wants to win, a leader for the team.

Posted by Steve in New York

It was hard to tell what was more historic Wednesday evening.  Senator Obama's purchase of 30 minute of prime time TV ad time just before the game, the uniqueness of continuing a rain delayed game, or the dramatic finish?

First, congratulations to the Phillies for beating the Rays in the fifth game, 4-3.  I was unfortunately wrong in my prediction of the Rays winning in six games.

Bottom Line: The Mets and Yankees have lots of work to do as the World Series teams are teams in their division.  It is a miracle that the Mets contended as Lidge saved 51 consecutive games going back to his time with the Astros at the end of 2007 while the Mets had no bullpen to speak of.  The Mets must get K-Rod or a similar talented closer.  The Phillies clearly have the better bullpen, manager, chemistry, etc.

The Yankees have their work cut out for them too.  Mike Mussina will announce in a few days if he will return or not.  That will affect the degree of desperation that the Yankees go after CC Sabbathia or other premier starting pitching free agents. 

Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.

ESPN 1050 reported that Mariano Rivera thankfully had successful shoulder surgery earlier today.  He can't pitch for three months but will hopefully be ready by the beginning of the season, God Willing. 

The Yankees should play it safe by keeping Joba as a reliever.  He should be Mariano's successor a few years down the line anyway.  The biggest factors will be Andy and/or Moose return, what happens with Hughes/Kennedy/etc, and who the Yankees are able to get in free agency.

Across town, the Mets MUST break the bank to get K-Rod or someone of comparable talent.  The good news for the Mets is that K-Rod is done pitching for the season as the Angels lost to the Red Sox in four games.  If Omar doesn't sign K-Rod, Steve must replace him ASAP.  It will be time for Coup d'Omar.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

The NY Mets today resigned Omar Minaya for a four year extension to stay on as GM. Omar showed smarts by signing Pedro Martinez in 2004 to lure Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, and eventually Johan Santana to the Mets. He also showed smarts by locking in David Wright and Jose Reyes early to long term contracts.

Omar has more failures than successes. He gave a huge contract to Mota *after* admission of performance drug use. El Duque, Louis Castillo, Moises Alou, and the lack of any moves for the bullpen after last year’s collapse. Omar has showed time and time again that he will make bad moves.

What would Steve do if he were announced the GM today?

Sign a free agent pitcher and closer. Get some bullpen help. Let Pedro and Perez go. Let Delgado go. Trade “home run” Heilman. Trade some decent players away for minor league depth. Here is my opening day lineup:

C Brian Schneider

1B Daniel Murphy

2B Argenis Reyes

SS Jose Reyes

3B David Wright

LF Endy Chavez/Angel Pagan

CF Carlos Beltran

RF Ryan Church

Then go sign CC and K-Rod and some middle relief.

Posted by Steve, who forgot to get his resume in to the Wilpons in time.

That is what the Daily News said the Mets need to be open to doing. They said if the right blockbuster deal came their way, the Mets should trade Wright and Reyes.

Steve and the Tank disagree. While the Mets need to fill more than a few holes (in priority order: a closer, a starter, an outfielder, a middle relief, and a second baseman) if they traded Wright or Reyes they would have even more holes to fill since they most likely would get an older player.

Part of me wants the Mets to unload some salary and trade for some minor league depth and not add anything major for next year except a free agent starter and closer. They can move Murphy to first base to back up Delgado (who they should resign), start Evens or Pagan (remember him?) in Left, sign a free agent starter (C.C. anyone?) and closer (K-Rod anyone?). They can trade for some middle relief and roll the dice at second base.

While I don’t think that the Mets will get CC and K-Rod, or either, there are some other free agents out on the market. The Mets can’t afford another Johan style trade since the minors are hurting right now.

We’ll see how things shake out after the World Series and start our hot stove then. Right now both Steve and the Tank are still recovering from the missed playoff chances.

Posted by Steve in New York

ESPN 1050 AM reported a few moments ago that Yankees GM Brian Cashman received a three year contract.  Terms are not yet announced. 

Given the job he has done rebuilding the Yankees farm system, I think Cashman deserved a new contract.  You can't blame Cashman for this year's injuries.  I have agreed with most of Cashman's decisions except for dealing with Bernie Williams which emotionally scarred me.

I do think Brian has lots of work to do.  He has to get committments ASAP from Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte if they are returning next year.  I think Mussina is 50-50 and Andy is probable.  Joba's role has to clarified.  Is he a starter or a setup man (and eventual successor) to Mariano? 

Will the Yankees go after and get AJ Burnett and/or C.C. Sabbathia and/or another big free agent pitcher?

Will Cashman trade Robinson Cano (maybe), Phil Hughes (probably not), and Ian Kennedy (if anyone wants him)?  Maybe Kei Igawa can pitch for my 12 year old nephew's Little League team.   

How quickly will Carl Pavano clean out his locker?  Will fans be refunded for him quitting and not playing most of his four year contract?

Will the Yankees get another catcher to backup Jorge Posada? 

Will Jason Giambi be re-signed?  I think the Yankees should go after Texeira. 

Will Hideki Matsui be re-signed?  It depends upon his surgery and rehab.  Arn Tellum is a good agent and very professional.  He's much easier to deal with than Scott Boras or Drew Rosenhaus. 

This off-season will be longer than usual.  Cashman has lots of work to do.  Good luck Brian! 

I'll trouble-shoot the Mets soon.  The Mets need to be shook up.  I don't think Omar should have gotten a four year extension, especially to be leaked before the end of the season.  Given Wagner's injury and the theoretical lack of bullpen, the Mets must get K-Rod and sign my friend Nina.  Heilman and Schoenweis must be deported from the country and possibly planet.  I have to call my NASA friends.       
  
Posted by The Tank in NY.

Due to a prior committment for my Church's annual Circle Line boat cruise, I did not make it to Shea for yesterday's finale.  Steve expressed his pain earlier today but mine may be a little deeper for baseball and personal reasons.

I boarded the boat around 3:30 p.m. as the Mets were losing 2-0 and the Cubs and Brewers were tied at 1. 

My friends Igor and Catherine boarded right after me and we sat near each other to catch up.  Igor and Catherine are a great couple and publicly announced on the boat cruise that they are expecting their first child.  I congratulated them and am really happy for them.  Along with Steve and Kathleen as well as LI/Vermont Bill and his wife Jen, Igor and Catherine give me hope.  If marriage doesn't work for them, then what hope do I have? 

Strike 1: Igor and Catherine asked me when I was going to get married and possibly have kids.  Well, you know the the answer to that question.  You have a better chance of winning the Lottery.

But, wait, it got worse.  While Igor went to get drinks, I asked Catherine about Mira, my ex-girlfriend and Catherine's best friend.  Well, Mira just got engaged to some other guy.  No, not the "21st Street Loser" but some guy in Europe.  I really liked Mira a lot and we are both Montreal Canadiens fans.  She actually met Chris Chelios and Parrick Roy during the 1986 victory parade in Montreal.  How cool is that?!

Mira got busy with work last year, burned out, quit her job, and moved to Europe.  That's where she met her current fiance.  Not The Tank.  That really hurts.   

Strike 2: My fellow parishioners know I am a sports fan and were asking me for updates.  Steve and Linda were giving me updates and I was checking my Blackberry.  

Brewers rally to hit a go-ahead home run to win 3-1.  Darn it!

Strike 3: Mets tie the game at 2 but lose 4-2 on back to back home runs.  Linda questions the existence of the Mets bullpen.  But how can you blame the bullpen if you really don't have one?  Where is Nina?  Her Dad wanted her to come out of the bullpen.  She couldn't have done worse than Schoenweis.

If there is a charity auction to blow up Shea, Steve would win it.  Bill Gates and Warren Buffett and their billions wouldn't stand a chance against Steve. 

Is there somewhere I can hide from the bad news?  I go down to the boarding deck and couples are taking photos on the front of the ship like on the Titanic.  It reminds me of the stupid Celine Dion "My Heart Can't Go On" (AKA Titanic) song.  I'm on a boat and would like to jump off but I can't swim.  Where's my Deep Water Running belt?  At home of course.  So I have to stand and take it.  A three hour tour felt like a three day water torture session.     

Posted by The Tank trying to pick up the pieces of his broken love and sports heart.

You love the place and hate the place at the same time. You hate it since it is built on a swamp, right next to an airport and was the scene of so many bad memories such as the last game of last year and the last game of this year. But is also holds so many good memories, the Grand Slam Single, 1969, and of course Game 6-a moment that will continue to live in all of sports history. My last visit to Shea Stadium was a month ago and I had some quiet emotional time to say goodbye.

The Mets blowing yet another post season chance (more on that later this week) was a fitting end to Shea Stadium. I watched the game with low expectations and was not as down as most Mets fans when the post game “Shea Goodbye” ceremony took place. There were some emotional moments, Dwight Gooden, Mike Piazza, and Jessie Orosco. (Where was Mookie?????) I did feel a small sense of loss, but like most Mets fans April 13th, 2009 can’t come soon enough.

All the old timer Mets lined up and then touched home plate. Watching Willie Mays and Keith Hernandez touch home plate and Buddy Harrilson jump on it got me emotional, but boys don’t cry.

But then the Mets gods did something evil, they closed the day with Tom Seaver pitching a final pitch to Mike Piazza. That should not be allowed.

I held it together even as they pitched. (Tom pitched a one hopper to Mike.) So did most Mets fans. But then they embraced and walked from home plate to center field.

When they got to center field they closed the center field door and the lights went out. Not many dry eyes in the house.

(Photos from the AP)

Posted by Steve in New York, waiting for CitiField..

Say this for the Shea Stadium, in its last regular season game ever, the stadium will host a must-win game for the Mets. The Mets after an ace performance by Johan Santana (and what Mets fan can deny that Johan was worth every cent) yesterday are in a must win game in order to earn a playoff spot. It is this simple, if the Mets win, they are in (either alone or in a 1 day playoff with the Brewers). The fate of their season is in their hands. Open memo to the Mets: don’t make us cry again.

Posted by Steve, too nervous to watch

Brooklyn Brant and I tried to play the role of Mr. G the Weatherman as we tried to determine if the Mets were going to get the game in at Shea tonight.  (BTW, Dr. Dan introduced me to Mr. G last year while I was finishing up the final 10 mile marathon training run in October 2007.)

I lost one of my nine lives on Wednesday as the Mets blew a lead and lost to the Cubs in extra innings.  My roommate invited me to the Sierra Club's showing of the "Battle in Seattle" on Thursday night at the Angelika Film Center.  I missed Charlize Theron by about a week at the premier as I was coming back from Everest Base Camp.  Tough call but The Tank can't be in two places at once.

Anyhoo, Brooklyn Brant and I decided to give it a shot to go out to Shea.

Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack reports that Mariano Rivera may have surgery on his shoulder.  I'm not jumping off any building yet.  I replied that it is better to have the surgery now rather than later like Posada.  Please keep the faith for a fast and full recovery.

The 7 train rumbles along to Shea.  Is this my last time at Shea?  I wanted to go with Jack, Linda, White Fedora Mike, and the rest of the Gang tomorrow (Saturday) but tonight is the Aussie Rules Grand Final until about 4 a.m. with Aussie Rod and hundreds of my closest Aussie friends.  JH unfortunately can't make it but is with us in spirit. 

Let's see if I can stay up to 4 am because of the time zone difference.  (BTW, I hold honorary Aussie, Canadian, Dominican, Kiwi, and Puerto Rican citizenships so I must go to the Grand Final.)

Brooklyn Brant beats me out to Shea.  "A loud cheer just went out," he reports.

I check my Blackberry as the train rolls along.  The Marlins lead 2-0.  Darn it!  Where's Nina?  Her Dad asked her to come out of the bull pen.  Is she still at work?  Is Maria Bartiromo available?  My right shoulder is hanging by a thread.  Time to suck it up and get a pain killer shot.

Random Thought: The Dr. Zizmor Subway ads push the limits of free speech and good taste.  I would welcome discussion but it's TMI.

Pelfrey hit on his pitching hand while I walked in.  Two on.  Mets don't score.  Darn it!

DW flies out to start the bottom of the third.  Delgado and Beltran single but Church grounds out into a double play.  Marlins 2 - Mets 0 at the end of three innings.

I receive an e-mail from former Bill Clinton strategist Dick Morris.  I am disappointed to not be invited to the first presidential debate but baseball comes first. 

Beltran makes a great diving catch to end the Marlins' top of the fourth.

Congratulations to Jose for winning Aerosmith Guitar Hero!  98 percent is awesome! 

Hanley Ramirez hits a leadoff single.  But, Ramirez and Delgado make great catches to end the top of the fifth.

Reyes and Church ground out.  DW gets hit by a pitch.  Delgado grounds out to deep second out.  It's still Marlins 2 - Mets 0 at the end of five innings.  Darn it!

Thank God the Cubs are leading 1-0 in the top of the second.  I'll ask Nikolaj to say some prayers for the Cubs during his breaks from writing his religious dissertation. 

Brant asks me about Eva.  I thought I made it clear in the blog last week.  Brant is supposed to be my future Attorney General when I'm elected President.  He'll be lucky if I put him in charge of the Civil Rights Division.  Our mutual college friend LI/Vermont Bill is still in line for Secretary of Energy, especially powering his home with biodiesel.

Yankees lead 1-0 at Fenway.  Yeah!

After a called questionable ball on 2-2, Willingham hits a solo shot to left field.  Darn it!  Marlins 3 - Mets 0 through the middle of six.

Brewers tie it at 1 in the bottom of the second.  Double darn!

Church walks with one out in the sixth.  Ramon Martinez hits a double to left.  I am going to the rally cap early tonight.  During a meeting at the mound, the "Let's Go Mets" cheer erupts. 

Red Sox 3 - Yankees 1 in the bottom of the first.  Darn!  Washington closes it to 7-4.

As the catcher goes to catch the foul ball, I yell "Drop It!l and he does.  Brooklyn Brant and the man behind us, Frank, are my witnesses.

Schneider grounds to short but Martinez is out at third on the throw.  But Church scores.  Marlins 3 - Mets 1.

Anderson comes in for Pelfrey.  Anderson strikes out on a lame swing.

Church doesn't field a ball too well.  The Marlins score.  Marlins 4 - Mets 1 with no out in the seventh. 

Brant and I go down memory lane with the Mets and Yankees.

Yankees 5 - Red Sox 3 in the top of the third.

Time to eat.

Marlins 5 - Mets 1 at the 7th Inning Stretch.  Forget booze or drugs, please pass the pain killers as Heilman is pitching.  I'm going to Bellevue and/or the cardiologist.

Brant brought up Franco and Benitez which is causing me to throw up and cry openly.  Brant has been demoted to Building Maintenance in a future Tank Administration.

DW gets on two out in the bottom of the seventh.  Delgado grounds out to first. 

Yankees 8 - Red Sox 3 in the top of the fourth.

Stokes is out to pitch.  The Marlins add another run, 6-1,  Schoenweis is out to pitch.  OMG!

At least the Yankees are winning 12-3 in Boston in the fourth. 

Church walks but Ramirez grounds into a double play.  Marlins 6 - Mets 1 at the end of eight innings.  Nothing happened in the ninth.  Marlins 6 - Mets 1.

Posted by The Tank reporting live from Shea Stadium in Flushing, Queens.

Saturday Afternoon Update: Jack and Linda report a three hit Santana gem for a 2-0 Mets victory at Shea.  Cubs are beating the Brewers 2-0 in Milwaukee.  Keep the Faith!  "Don't Stop Believing!" as the Journey song goes.

Sept 16 - Breaking news just in from Group Leader Stephen. The Tank is now. . . BALD. He's a cue ball. Chrome dome. Daddy Warbucks. KOJAK BALD.

Now I suspect that they will say Stephen used his inherent barbering skills (this man did shave a checker board into my head once) to give the Tank his new look. But I suspect it just fell out naturally due to the stress of being on a mountain when the Yankees are facing imminent early season ending elimination for the fist time in 13 years. The Red Sox are now 0.002% behind the Rays and 9 games up on the Yanks. Added to that are the Mets going 5-5 for their last 10 and losing to the last place Nationals again in September when they needed to win. They now lead the Phillies by 0.5 games who have gone 7-3.

As I am in Chicago on business I may just have to pick up a Cubbies hat. If neither NY team is going all the way I'm going root for a team that deserves it.

Update by Steve from Kathmandu

First of all the Tank did not let me shave his head at altitude, fearing a checker board. Second of all, he looks like a badass now:

Wow it's been an exciting few days in sports. PermaGuest Outlaw Jack here. I apologize for not updating the site but work has gotten more hectic than normal and I haven't yet received any updates from the FIGJAM expedition.

 

On to some sports highlights. . .

 

While watching the early NFL games on Sunday, they break in with news and replays showing the Patriots Tom Brady going down with what would become a season ending injury.  I think Kansas City safety Bernard Pollard, who put the hit on Giselle's Boy Toy (another reason to hate Brady) in the first quarter, summed it up the best by saying "He was in a lot of pain. When you hear a scream, you know that,"

 

 

The Jets' new super star QB Brett Farve had a good game. The final score of 20-14 wasn't really indicative of the entire game. Yes recently cut Jet QB Chad Pennington final 3 minute drive into the Red Zone made it a bit of a nail biter, but the Jets pretty much controlled the field from start to finish. Mr. Green’s first TD Pass as a Jet was a 56 yard wobbler to Jerricho Cotchery who reeled it in at the 10 and crossed the line two seconds later. After our kicker Mike Nugent hurt himself on the ensuing kickoff, Coach Mangini had them go for it on 4th and 13 from the 20. Farve under blitz conditions was classic Farve throwing a Hail Mary that seemed like it would only come down when it knew it would hit a jet and it did! Chansi Stuckey anyone? Who is this kid?!  Again due to Nugent's condition Coach had them go for 2, but it was incomplete. Things got interesting then when Jets Punter, Ben Graham had an ugly kick off and they had back up QB Kellen Clemens kicking off a tee into a net on the sidelines. Seems he may have had some experience back in high school a decade ago. . . . oh boy. But with Brady out, I think the Jets have a legit chance at the wild card.

 

Mets Closer, Billy Wagner is done for the season and possibly all of 2009 let alone maybe his career. It was announced on Monday that he would need to go in for Tommy John surgery. With luck and some confidence of what they've done since early August the Mets pen need to hold the line down the stretch to show that they are not the same collapsing team as last year. Though if they did, that may be good for Willie Randolph's legacy as you could say "Look! It wasn't Willie!". Time will tell.

 

 

My Yankees. . . Yeah they bounced back Tuesday night after a crushing 12-1 loss on Monday, riding Rookie Alfredo Aceves, Jr's first Major League start giving up 5 hits and 1 run over 7 strong innings to a 7-1 win. But unless the Rays and the Red Sox start playing .300 ball this will be the first time in 13 seasons we go home after 162 games. Just think, in his entire Major League career to date, Derek Jeter, who passed Babe Ruth on the Yanks' all-time hit list last night, has always played October Ball.

 

Finally 36-year-old Lance Armstrong said he will come out of retirement to go for a record eighth Tour de France win in 2009. Team to be decided.

 

Now I

Yesterday was circled on my calendar for many weeks, the date of Saturday August 23rd, 2008 would be the last time I ever step foot on my most sacred and hallowed ground: Shea Stadium. With my upcoming trip to Mt. Everest taking taking me away for all of September and the playoffs no guarantee (and my crazy travel schedule to Europe in October for work), this would be my last visit to Shea Stadium in my life. I estimate that I have been to Shea almost 1,000 times, my estimates:

1977-1981: (year of the strike): Approximately 5 games a year (including Jets games): 25 visits

1982-1987: (a boy's prime baseball years, I was 10-15 and lived 2.5 miles away from Shea): Approximately 25 games a year: 150 visits

1988-1994: Employee of New York Mets/Harry M. Stevens as a Stadium Vendor: Approximately 80 events a year (games, employee parties, religious ceremonies, concerts, playoffs): 560 visits

1995: No Visits (Boycotting the strike of 1994)

1996-2008: Average of 6 games a year: 78 visits

Ok that is approximately 813 times. But when I was a kid Shea would open up to the public in the winter and you could go sleigh riding and cross country skiing for free. I would often go with my dad or best friend Billy. As an adult I would also run the NY Road Runners "Run to Home Plate" (with the Tank) 5K run. So Let's say 850. I round up, 1,000 sounds better.

My Grandfather took me to my first Mets game on Memorial Day, 1977-May 30th for a double header against the Montreal Expos. The Mets lost both games (game 2 box score). My dad took me to my first Jets game at Shea Nov 23rd, 1980, a 31-28 OT win over the Houston Oilers. (And we sat next to a bunch of Oilers fans and they bought me a Jets hat to shut me up! I was always loud and annoying.)

Yesterday got off to a bad start. Kathleen had no idea where our tickets were! We had to go on StubHub and get tickets last minute. We got to Shea on time only to find out that a water bottle leaked in Kathleen's pocketbook and killed her iPod and such. Not a good omen. I felt a loss in my bones, I have witnessed far more losses (mostly from 1977-1983) than wins as a fan in the early years. (Come on my first visit was a double header loss!)

The Mets lost 8-3 last night. It was an ok game, the game was fast paced and the Mets did not give up, making it interesting in the bottom of the 8th inning. I kept telling stories of vending, going to games in 1986, what sections I worked during the Rolling Stones concerts.

Shea holds many memories for me like watching the Jets with my Dad and watching the Mets with my late Grandfather. It was also the venue of my first job, a job that made me rebel against "normal" jobs and lead to a life of enterpreunship. I witnessed some amazing playoff games in 1986, 1988, 1999, 2000, and 2006. Even saw some great Jet games (some great come from behind games with Richard Todd!). I always go between Game 6 and the 1980 US Hockey game vs USSR as the best sporting event of my life.Game 6 is forever part of my life and Endy's catch in 2006 (the other (bad) Game 6) is something I will tell my grandchildren about.

As a lifelong Mets fan, I have wanted to tear the place down since about 1992, once the new stadiums started going up. I got my dream a few years ago with the agreement to build CitiField.The new place looks great, it will make a great home for the Mets. I can't wait to go to a few games there.

At 9:54 pm, I looked at my cell phone for the time, paused, and then walked over the threshold at Gate C, exiting the stadium for my very last time. Kathleen just rolled her eyes, but a huge chapter of my life just closed.

So long and thanks for the memories. We'll miss you William A. Shea Municipal Stadium.

Posted by Steve (with a tear in my eye) in New York

While the Mets have not put an exact date or timeline on Wagner's return, initial estimates are now 3 more weeks. After Johan Santana pitched a complete game shutout earlier this week, Mike Pelfrey pitched a complete game 3 hitter last night against the Braves.

What should the Mets do? September 1 is not too far away and they can get by with relief pitching until Wagner gets back. But the team will have to count on its starters going 7+ innings. What happens if Wagner can't make it and the Mets make the playoffs? go with a four man rotation and make one of your starters your closer. I nominate Pedro.

Posted by Steve in New York

The Royals and Yankees went to extra innings.  Youth was served when rookie Brett Gardner drove in Robinson Cano for the game-winning run in the 13th.  The Yankees won 3-2.  It helped sooth Friday's heartbreaking loss where Mariano gave up the go-ahead run in the ninth in a non-save situation.  He has given up seven of his nine runs in non-save situations.  He nor anyone else can explain it.  The Yankees have to keep winning while Wang, Joba, Hughes, and I rehab our injuries.

As for the Mets, they continue to roll as they beat the Pirates for their fifth straight win. 

Posted by The Tank barely keeping the faith for a Subway Series to close out Yankee and Shea Stadiums in NY.

After a long week of work, it was great to get out to Shea on a beautiful summer Friday night.  Thanks to Linda for joining me for Mets-Marlins game!

If you ever watched "All in the Family", you'll remember Archie Bunker's wife Edith.  Well, her biological or spiritual daughter sat behind us.  Substitute "Archie" for "Perez" or anything else Mets and your taken back to Queens sometimes in the 1970s. 

"Perez has gotta get 'em out!" she yelled in classic Edith fashion.

DW's hit run two blast put the Mets ahead 2-0 in the first.

Perez had a bases loaded jam in the second.  We almost died laughing as "Edith" cheers Perez on.  Perez being Perez is why I don't have my physical and stress test during the season.  There were some stressful moments but he thankfully got through them, touch wood.

Delgado hits an opposite field solo shot to left in the fourth inning made it 3-0.

"Are you writing a book?" Edith asks.

"No, I'm writing a blog post," I reply.

"I work enough with computers," Edith says.

Perez threw 120 pitches on a two hitter through seven innings.  DW pats him on the shoulder.  Mets 3 - Marlins 0.

Schneider hits a single to right with one out in the bottom of the seventh.  Argenis Reyes strikes out when he pinch hit for Perez.  Jose Reyes singled to right.  The Mets don't add a run and still lead 3-0 going into the eighth.

Is a three run lead enough for the Mets? 

Mets Bull Pen Coping Mechanism: Linda drinks more beer and I take off my glasses for the 8th and 9th innings.  Since I am a laser vision candidate, I am going by Linda's and the crowd's reaction with the occasional squint.  I tell myself I can't see Heilman screw up if I don't wear my glasses.

Beltran makes a great catch to end the game.  Heilman gets the two inning save, touch wood.  The Mets win 3-0.  High fives to Edith, Linda, and everyone all around.

Posted by a grateful Tank reporting live from Shea Stadium in Queens.

The Mets and Yankees were on a roll going into last weekend.  But, the injury bug hit local teams hard like a plague.

The Mets were first victims as John Maine went on the DL.  Billy Wagner had arm pain on Sunday and then went on the DL today.  Aaron "The Human Rain Delay" Heilman is now the closer.  OMG!

The biggest injury could be Joba Chamberlain who had shoulder soreness during last night's loss at Texas.  He will be examined by Dr. James Andrews.  The Yankees may have lost the battle AND war, God forbid.

Steve and I may have to get stress tests during our next annual physicals with Dr. George.  Ugh!

Posted by The Tank hanging on the thread of his bad shoulder in NY.

"Everything Counts In Large Amounts" is a great Depeche Mode lyric.  It unfortunately applied to the Yankees and Mets last night as they lost games they should have won, especially the Yankees.  Mariano let the only run in the ninth and K-Rod came in to preserve the 1-0 victory.  It was a waste of a great performance by Ponson.  Mariano doesn't pitch the same way in non-save situations as he does in save situations.  Most relievers are that way, including the Mets' Billy Wagner.

The Mets lost 7-3 at Houston last night but they need to beat up on the Astros to keep pace with the Phillies. 

"Everything (and Every Game) Counts in Large Amounts."

Posted by a Philosophical Tank in NY.

Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack informed me a moment ago that the Red Sox traded Manny to La-La Land.  Wait, he already resides there in the theatre of his mind.   

Manny wasn't traded to the Packers as he recently joked below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seriously, I waited posting until the dust settled.  The Mets dodged a major bullet as Manny was rumored to go to the Marlins.  I am just glad he is no longer with the Red Sox as he almost always kills the Yankees.  Thank God/G-d/Buddha/Allah/Creator of your choice!

Where is Omar before the Trade Deadline?  Was he asleep at the wheel or being held hostage by other teams for F-Mart and other prospects?  If the Mets don't make the post-season this year, I will personally pay for Steve's cab ride to Citifield to swear him in as the Mets new GM.  Of course, I'll blog about it. 

Posted by a partying Tank in Tradeville. 

Is Manny being Manny again?  OR, is it something deeper?  Manny wants the Red Sox's to pick up his options over the next two years or be traded.  Red Sox brass is not happy with him sitting out Friday's game and had him sent for an MRI which revealed no issues in his knees according to Suzyn Waldman on last night's radio broadcast.  Manny's teammates are also mad at him.  Even Boston fans are fed up with Manny.

I am hope that Omar makes the deal to get Manny out of Boston.  The Mets need a corner outfielder.  Yes, Manny is a defensive liability but a great offensive player.  I don't think the Red Sox will make the deal before Thursday's deadline but will probably wait till the off-season. 

Manny getting out of Boston and into a Met uniform benefits the Mets and Yankees. 

Posted by a hopeful Tank in Tradeville. 

Today Johan Santana showed what he is made of. After a 5 hour 14 inning marathon last night, Johan comes in and pitches a complete game, scattering six hits (and one Pujols Home Run). Johan even got a hit and his first RBI as a Met.

While Johan has pitched awesome this year with a 2.93 ERA, the Mets have given him no run support and he has lost games 2-1, and 3-2. Today the Mets showed what they are capable of and supported their ace with 17 hits and 9 runs. Johan will probably finish the season with 15 wins and a 3.00 ERA, but the real money is worth it if the Mets make the playoffs.

Posted by Steve in New York

The Mets beat St. Louis 7-2 and the Yankees beat the Red Sox 1-0 on Friday to continue to win.

The Yankees made a roster move and had a trade with the Pirates landing former Mets outfields Xavier Nady and left hander Damaso Marte for four minor leaguers. The Yankees made a steal. While these are not super star players, they may be enough the Yankees need to make some noise.

After taking 2 out of 3 from the Phillies, the Mets are now alone in first place in the NL East. The question is: Are the Mets for real?

If you would have asked Mets fans on Tuesday night after the Phillies came back and scored 6 runs in the 9th to win, the answer would have been no. But to come back and win the next two games and take sole possession of first place is huge. This shows that the Mets maybe are for real.

There is something different about the Mets the past month. They work the counts, they get to the bullpens, they get clutch hits. But what seems to have changed is that the team is pumped and having fun.

Yesterday was Carlos Delgado's big 2-out 2 RBI off J.C. Romero (who owns Delgado). Not only did the Mets make the Phillies pay for the intentional walk to Wright, but the attitude and excitement was there. When Delgaldo made contact Jose Reyes ran out to the field and jumped up and down with the signal to Wright to come home. When Wright scored, he made a fist pump like the one he made in Game 1 of that NLDS in 2006. Oliver Perez even had a fist pump of his own after striking out Ryan Howard to end the 6th.

All of the fist pumps and celebrations and clutch hits show that the Mets are enjoying themselves. The NL East is ripe for the taking. Yesterday's win and the recent dominance of Philly (5-2 in July, 9-4 on the year) show me that the Phillies are not a championship team, they played well last September to take advantage of the Mets historic fall, but did not follow it up this year with solid play. There are still two full months left and as we saw last year, anything can happen. But as we stand today, the Mets look like they can take the NL East.

David Wright celebrating at home. (Photo AP)

There is one week to the trade deadline.  What does it mean for the Yankees and Mets?

(1) Though the Yankees acquired Sexson last week, will they make a big deal?  I doubt it as CC Sabbathia and Rich Haren are no longer available.  More importantly, Bruney should be back in the next week or so which should really help the bull pen, touch wood.  Kennedy threw seven innings in AAA last week.  Amazing!  Wang is scheduled to be back in September.  Those returning players are as good as a trade.  Expect the Yankees to stand pat unless they get a deal they can't refuse.  For instance, if the Mariners offer Jerrod Washburn for Kei Igawa, expect the Yankees to try to make it work, even if they have to eat some or most of Igawa's big contract.  Washburn is a good #4 or #5 starter for this and/or next year if Ponson or Rasner run into issues. 

ESPN 1050 AM reports that Hank "Honky Tonk" Steinbrenner is considering acquiring Barry "Steroid Boy" Bonds.  I don't think the Yankees should or will.  First, it will take Bonds a while to get in shape.  Furthermore, it will distract the chemistry which is pretty good.  If the Yankees are going to bring anyone out of retirement, it should be Bernie Williams.  A piper dream perhaps, but I wanted to get it out of my system.

Expect the Yankees to try to get help at catcher since Posada won't be catching for the rest of the season.  Molina is good defensively but as good as an out at the plate. 

As for the Mets, they need a bat, especially at corner outfielder, but Billy Wagner's shoulder may force them to get a reliever.  Will Omar give up F-Mart?  If he has to, he will as his job is now on the line after firing Willie Randolph.

(2) We like to look ahead at SATT.  But, it's always nice to look back.  Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack reminded us that it's been 25 years since the infamous pine tar game.  George Brett had too much pine on his bat.  After Billy Martin appealed, home plate umpire McClellan called Brett out.  Brett ran furiously out of the dugout and wanted to get a piece of McClellan.  Brett was thrown out of the game.

MLB reviewed the game.  They ruled that it had to be continued on another day and the Royals unfortunately won 5-4.  White Fedora Mike remembers Ron Guidry catching a ball in center. 

Brett now laughs whenever he and his kids watch the video.  I watched a TV report a while back when Brett said he would rather be known for the Pine Tar Incident than being a spokesman for Preparation-H.  Time heals all wounds, literally and figuratively. 

Posted by a philosophical Tank in Tradeville and Memory Lane.

Johan Santana answered the bell last night and pitched eight great innings against the Phillies at Shea.

The Mets carried a 5-2 lead into the 9th inning.  The bull pen, sans Billy Wagner, imploded and gave up six runs.  It's beyond words and blogging.  Editor-In-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack was at the Yankee game and was in disbelief when I reported the info to him.

The Mets scored one run in the 9th but lost 8-6.  You try not to read too much into one game but this one hurts.  Ouch!

Posted by The Tank in a "Land of Confusion" (title of a great Genesis song).

Mets closer Billy Wagner hurt his shoulder yesterday as the Mets re-tied the Phillies for first place ahead of their big upcoming series at Shea.  He is scheduled to get an MRI today.

In good news, the Yankees swept the As.  The Yankees gained three games on the Red Sox courtesy of the Angels who exacted some revenge for last season's ALDS loss.

Post by The Tank on an emotional rollercoaster.

The Mets have won 10 in a row and are now tied for first place in the NL East. They answered my call to come out of the 3-1 series win in Philly with a 4-2 or better record against San Francisco and Colorado. After last nigh's come from behind win, on the one month date of Willie's ax, the Mets look like they are on fire. But are they for real, the Mets I know and love will now go lose 5 in a row. Will that happen?

That is a question for time to tell. After this series with the Reds, the Mets face Philly at home. So the next six games are critical for the Mets to show us what they are made of. Winning both series will prove that. After the Philly series, the schedules are about the same for both teams, but the Phillies have one West Coast trip that the Mets do not have to make-the Mets made several West Coast trips in the first half.

I am not completely a believer yet, but getting there.

Posted by Steve in New York

The fourth and final All Star Gam