The John Delcos New York Mets Report Featuring Mets' commentary, analysis and news.

A sad note, former Mets organist Jane Jarvis has passed away. She was a constant at Shea Stadium, with songs for just about every situation. For those growing up at Shea Stadium, she represented happy memories.

The organ at a baseball game is an awesome sound. It’s too bad we don’t hear it much these days.

Posted under Mets News, Mets News & Features/2010

Good evening. A lot going on today kept me away from the blog. We have a few items to touch on before we get to Garza vs. Moyer.

-Willie Randolph turned down the Washington Nationals to be a coach. He must have a good feeling about either the Milwaukee or Seattle jobs. He’ll land somewhere.

-The Phillies are feeling a bit miffed because their complete rosters weren’t introduced. They weren’t because MLB and the network, that would be FOX, couldn’t have the time to squeeze that in. Actually, that’s part of the World Series TV experience I enjoy.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

The Rays were here before, against Boston they were down one, but came back. I think they’ll do it again. They are good enough.

Had some tech issues this afternoon, but everything looks OK now. Before I forget, the Mets came down with their coaches today. Howard Johnson stays; Guy Conti will be re-assigned.

I’ll be here all night. If James Shields hangs around, we could be set for a good Series.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Greetings to all my friends on the West Coast. During the season I’ll call this post “Mets after Midnight.” I had this post before and will do my best to keep it going as to get a dialogue going with you guys two and three time zones away.

I have a good feeling about this World Series. Not so much in the winner, but in that it will be a compelling Series. How did the Phillies leave as many guys on base as they did and still win? Oh yeah, the Rays left a bunch, too.

As far as the Mets go, Mets.Com wrote today that HoJo will be back as hitting coach. That’s not the impression a lot of us had after the season when the Mets were whining about their situational hitting.

Willie Randolph will interview with Milwaukee. Doug Melvin, Milwaukee GM, was once in the Yankee farm system. He knows Willie well. Wouldn’t be surprising if he got the job.

If you don’t want to talk about the game or the Mets’ coaching, don’t worry. This is the message board for you night owls and those on the Coast. And, I’ll answer your questions and address your comments in the morning.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Every World Series has its storyline, but when was the last time we had a really compelling Classic? Probably Angels-Giants in 2002. Yankees and D-Backs in 2001, for sure.

This one has that capability as it pits two gritty teams, clubs with resiliency to match their talent. Tampa Bay has that karma thing going for it, but let’s not overlook the Phillies, no matter how much you hate them.

They also can make a destiny argument.

Both teams can mash, but the Phillies have Ryan Howard, capable of controlling a Series. The Rays have a young, talented staff, but Philadelphia probably has the best pitcher in Cole Hamels and the dominant closer in Brad Lidge.

I believe the Rays shook the jitters when they blew Game 5 at Boston and hung on to win. They won’t be rattled. I think they’ll prevail in seven.

And if they don’t? Well, I’m happy if it goes seven.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game 7. The ultimate in sports.

The Rays let the Red Sox back into the ALCS, and now Boston is on the verge of coming back for a third time since 2004 from a 3-to-1 deficit to advance to the World Series.

Whatever happens tonight, history will get made. Hope you join us tonight.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

For all the talk of the thrill of Game 7, let us not forget, the appetizer is Game 6, and history has graced us with a lot of great memories of that game. The Buckner Game and the Marathon in the Dome are two you must surely remember.

Perhaps well have another tonight. How healthy is Beckett? That’s a major storyline for tonight. The reports are he’s lost up to four mph. off his fastball. The Rays handled him earlier in the ALCS.

However, the key to me is scoring early for the Rays. If they let the Red Sox get out to a big lead it will only fuel the momentum they created by stealing Game 5. The Red Sox believe they can come back as they did against the Yankees (2004) and Indians (2007), and the Rays have to quash that belief.

The Rays know they let Game 5 get away. They know this series should be over. But, it isn’t. They lost and must not lament. If they do, they’ll play again tomorrow, and that’s not to their advantage.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Sunday afternoon. I’ve got ribs in the oven. I figure they’ll be done by the start of the third quarter of the first game. Fall-off-the-bone, of course.

Baseball game doesn’t start until 8:30 tonight. No other comment is necessary.

Ran all my errands and shopped this morning. Plan to watch football this afternoon. New York is absolutely the worst place to watch football because of the blackout and the Jets and Giants are always on at different times and they don’t telecast against the home NY team. Good thing the Giants are on Monday night.

We’ve got the Bengals and Jets and Cowboys and Cardinals this afternoon. Oh boy! Come to think about it, I might not watch much after all. But, if there’s something on your mind, feel free to leave a post.

Of course, I’ll see you tonight for Dodgers-Phils.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09