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

Two good football games are on this afternoon: Jets vs. Colts and Vikings vs. Saints.

It’s fashionable to call the Jets a Cinderella, but when you have the No. 1 defense and No. 1 rushing game you’re no fluke. And, as long as they balance the offense enough to keep the Colts’ pass rushers off Mark Sanchez, they should be in decent shape. I’d want to see Sanchez throw more on first down to stay out of third-and-long.

The key, as it was in beating San Diego, is to play virtually error free and hold onto the ball to keep Peyton Manning off the field. But, Manning is so good, and he can score so quickly, that time-of-possession doesn’t always work against him.

As they did against the Chargers, the Jets need to keep this as low scoring a game as possible. The other game, however, I expect to be more wide open with both teams in the high 20s if not the 30s.

I wouldn’t be too quick to downplay Week 15 in this one either. The Colts are miffed at losing, but also teed off at the Jets’ yapping later about wanting “credit” for the win. They were given a gift, they should have kept quiet about it and moved on.

Posted under Blog news/Loose Threads

A friend of this blog, Ray Sadecki, suggested opening a Jets site. A good idea is a good idea, so let’s go Jets. A good idea is a good idea, so if you want to say something about the Jets, let’s go for it.

I’m thrilled the Jets are doing so well. They are kindred spirits with the team they once shared Shea Stadium with, and not just because of the housing link.

They also have a history of being disappointed.

I covered the Jets during the Joe Walton Era, and I’ll never forget on 3-18 Mark Gastineau being called for roughing Bernie Kosar. It kept the drive alive and the Browns eventually won in overtime. That was the year the Jets started out 10-1 and limped into the playoffs.

Well, they are rolling now. I hope you’ll add to the link, and if I get comments asking me about blogging the Jets-Colts game on Sunday I’ll do it.

Posted under Blog news/Loose Threads

I think we might see the Mets do some things this week. Nothing major, of course, but some fill in stuff, like adding a journeyman outfielder to replace Carlos Beltran. Hopefully, perhaps one good enough to keep Fernando Martinez in the minors to tune his game.

John Smoltz is out there and he’s been linked to the Mets.

Also, there could be the long-awaited arrival of Bengie Molina. Please try to contain yourself when that does happen.

These, and any other Mets or baseball topics are on the table for Loose Threads. So are the NFL Playoffs or anything on your minds. I’ll be checking in especially during the Jets game, so if you have any comments during the game, please post away.

Me?

I’m going to hang around the house to watch the playoff games, and later on the season premiere of “24.”

Posted under Blog news/Loose Threads

It’s really quiet this morning. There’s nothing new going on today with the Mets’ pursuit of pitching, so my attention is turning to the NFL playoffs. How about those Jets? At least for one more week, Rex Ryan is right.

I do like Mark Sanchez. Classy thing to see him chase down Marvin Lewis to shake his hand. You don’t see that too often.

If you want to post something about the NFL, go ahead. Have a thought on the Mets or something in MLB? Feel free.

Whatever you do, have a good day. I’ll be back later if there’s breaking news. And, I’ll have more baseball for you tomorrow morning.

Best, JD

Posted under Blog news/Loose Threads

Hi folks …. have shoveled myself out. Went to the post office with mail that needed to be postmarked by Dec. 31. Ran some errands. Ready for tonight to ring in the new year.

It’s slow now, so I’m posting another Loose Threads. Share what’s on your mind, be it your New Year’s resolutions … comment about the Jets game Sunday night … talk of the bowl games … give me a movie review … your plans for the weekend … and, of course, anything about baseball. My plans for the weekend include watching the Jets on Sunday and Ohio State tomorrow.

I’ll put up posts tomorrow and throughout the weekend, and after that, of course, every day.

Posted under Blog news/Loose Threads

Sorry again for not being able to host a Mets Chat Room last night. There’s a lot going on right now personally I must attend to. My plans are to host a Mets Chat Room Wednesday night and a Jets Chat Room Thursday night.

Again, your patience is very much appreciated.

OK …. to respond to some of your questions from last night.

Mike (1): Thanks for the well wishes. Everything will turn out alright, I am sure. Everybody is healthy, so that’s the most important thing. I heard about the Dye rumor, but can’t see it. Why make a trade when there are options in the FA market. Bottom line: Why give up players and money when you can only give up money.

Ray Sadecki (2): Trading Holliday is another sign the Rockies want to work the cheap side of the street. OK, which closer will they keep: Fuentes or Street?

benny (4): The 2009 A’s will be intriguing. I wouldn’t have made the deal unless I could sign Holliday, but perhaps Billy Beane’s thinking is he can unload salary and players he won’t bring back for a player he will dump in July for prospects. If not, do you really think the A’s will go long term for him? Probably not. Mets could be in the Holliday market in July or next winter.

Gravedigger (6): Agreed on the voting.

Harry (8): Agree with you. Why trade when you can sign somebody off the FA list. Dye should cost more than Burrell, for example.-JD

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Greetings friends. This morning I’d like to introduce you to a new venture, a blog on New York football. We’ll be talking Jets and Giants during the games the way we did Mets.

I figure it will be slow at first, so I’m asking your help to bear with me and to spread the word. And, if you have a baseball question or comment, just post it here and I’ll get to it between the football games.

As usual, thanks for your support. Please click here to go to the football post:

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

For the longest time, I looked at the first Sunday after the World Series as the start of the football season. Sure, we’re eight weeks in, but it’s a chance to channel surf without having to worry about missing a pitch.

The Hot Stove Season will really kick with rumors this week. Watched some of the Jets this afternoon and ready for Giants-Cowboys. Giants are defending their title well with the exception of their meltdown in Cleveland.

The win today, and Washington loses tomorrow night against the Steelers – a real possibility – then they would have gone a long way toward locking down their division.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09