Tag Archives: Love

Oct 26

Wishful thinking to think Yankees’ fans chased away Cliff Lee

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It is wishful thinking to think the reported boorish behavior of Yankees fans toward Cliff Lee’s wife during the ALCS will keep the talented left-hander out of the Bronx.

THE LEE FAMILY: NYC could still be home.

It certainly won’t enhance the Mets’ chances.

There are several factors – some still to happen – that will determine where Lee ends up this winter. The Yankees long appeared to be the frontrunners to land Lee, and that still holds true because they have the ability to write the largest checks.

Lee was traded by Cleveland, Philadelphia and Seattle in large part because those teams weren’t going to re-sign Lee. Now, there’s no guarantee Texas will, either, regardless of what happens in the World Series.

“Lee wants to go through the free agent process,” one agent said. “He may very well stay in Texas, but he’s going to test the market.”

Lee has not been quoted as saying he won’t play in New York, for either the Yankees or Mets, so until he does we can’t eliminate the market. Lee will surely not rip New York over this because it will reduce his leverage in the free-agent market.

Because of the tax situation in New York in comparison to Texas, a New York team would have to blow the Rangers out of the water to land him. Reports have been the package would have to be $20 million to $40 million greater in New York to compensate for the tax issue.

Neither the Mets nor Yankees have established their budgets for 2011, but it is a solid assumption the Yankees’ will be far greater.

Small town Mike Mussina was no great fan of New York when he played with the Orioles, but in the end he left for New York and adapted. As much as Lee might be a country boy, if the Yankees’ offer is far superior to that from Texas or another team, he could still end up with the Yankees.

In comparison to the Mets, the Yankees can offer more money and a better chance to immediately win. That speaks volumes. And, the Yankees can offer a lot of financial love to apologize for their boorish, entitled fans.

And, when it comes to free agency, money usually speaks loudest.

Sep 04

NEW CHAT ROOM; Labor Day Edition.

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Game #136-138

I used to love Labor Day as a kid. It meant doubleheaders. So did Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and most Sundays.

Times change.

I hope you’re enjoying the conversation with new friends in the New Mets Chat Room. I am optimistic as it continues to grow and hope you’ll be patient with us.

The Chat Rooms will be open throughout the Holiday weekend, and as you watch the games I hope you’ll continue to post your comments. I will try to get on but don’t know how much computer access I’ll have this weekend.

To access, please click onto the Mets Chat Room icon to the left of this post. It will bring you to another page. At the bottom on the right is where you can click on to register. If you can use your same screen names that would be great. If not, do the best you can.

This is a work in progress. I am greatly optimistic about the future of this type of chat room.

Today and tomorrow, the Mets are in Chicago, and Monday play an afternoon game at Washington.

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend.-JD

Sep 02

Manuel’s status ….

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MANUEL: Clock ticking toward the inevitable.

Jerry Manuel told The New York Post the other day he’d love to know his job status for next season. There was a chance of his return, maybe even had the Mets not made the playoffs, if they continued to play as they did in June when they reached a high-water mark of 11 games over .500. Had they made a real run an argument could be made for him.

But, the collapse in July, followed by a month of .500 ball – give or take a game – has done him in. August was especially brutal because the Mets played with disinterest, without passion, without spark. There were extenuating circumstances – there always is – but the general apathy the team has been in the past month greatly reflects on the manager.

He has lost his team.

Several things within Manuel’s control have done him in, headed by his handling of the bullpen. He burns out relievers and isn’t always clear in dealing with the players on their job descriptions. Communication is not his strong point, as evidenced when he said Ike Davis had been spoken to regarding his emotional displays at the plate. When asked about this, Davis had no clue.

David Wright did not know when he’d get a day off. Manuel did not discuss with Jeff Francoeur his status following Carlos Beltran’s return.

Manuel threw John Maine under the bus when he said maybe the best day to pitch him would be on off days. He insisted on three catchers in the National League game which is absurd. Manuel’s handling of Jose Reyes’ oblique strain prior to All-Star break was foolish. He insisted on Jenrry Mejia in the bullpen to start the season when it clearly was not in the best long-term interests of the club.

The list goes on and on.

That there is not one Met saying for publication that the fault is on the players and not Manuel is telling. Nobody is in his corner. More than a few Mets stood up for Willie Randolph, while at the time Manuel was telling the brass he’d be interested in the job.

Add it all up, and the Mets are 190-198 under Manuel in his two-and-a-half  years. For the fourth straight year the Mets will not make the playoffs, for the second straight year September will be about showcasing players for the following season.

This time, the Mets will be showcasing players Manuel will never get to manage.

Aug 27

Will you watch down the stretch?

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Well, last night wasn’t one of Jon Niese’s better games, the offense sputtered again and Jose Reyes reinjured himself. Anybody out there surprised by that?

Of course not.

The August 31 waiver deal deadline is fast approaching and it will be interesting to see who, or if, the Mets will unload somebody. Since they don’t want him, you know they’ll be shopping Carlos Beltran. I like Beltran, but believe his better days are behind him.

Maybe he’ll show enough in September to elicit a trade or at least give the Mets hope they’ll have a viable player next season. Outside of that there are few reasons to watch anymore.

What are your feelings about September? Will you watch because the Mets are your team and you love them win or lose? Or, have you given up on them and counting the day until spring training?

But, for those who watch, there’s a reason? What will compel you to continue watching this disappointing season?

Aug 16

What do you know, it can get worse.

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Today I posted some of the silver threads in the dark cloud that has become the Mets’ season. It got even worse today with the news Francisco Rodriguez has a torn ligament in his right thumb, sustained, of course, in the altercation the other night.

Rodriguez underwent an MRI at the Hospital for Special Surgery  and surgery has been recommended.

Rodriguez has a $17.5 million option for 2012 which automatically vests if he finishes 55 games in 2011 AND he finishes 100 games between 2010 and 2011. That might not happen now.

More to the point, the Mets might find cause to terminate his contract based on Rodriguez’s actions making him unavailable to pitch. Don’t think for a moment the Mets aren’t examining that possibility. They’d love to unload his contract and this could be the opportunity.