NY Mets 2024 Season

[Another Fan]

@Gugny @SinceThe70s @ExWNYer

 

Happy Belated New Year guys.  The last Mets thread which went on for years on the site gave me some warning the thread was old about revising it.  And you know maybe I thought it was time for a new thread.  

 

I've heard some fans upset that Cohen/Stearns didn't do more this offseason (notably WFAN's Joe Benigno) but I think we saw last year spending money won't automatically by a World Series.  Still the Stearns/Mendoza combination isbn doing much to excite me at the moment.  

 

I think 70s posted this on the old thread

 

https://www.immaculategrid.com

 

 

I enjoy playing it even though if I'm lucky I only score about what the average is on the site.  My favorite answer on that was Joe McEwing or Super Joe when it asked for someone who started at short stop and center field.  Loved that guy when I was younger but he was the player in pro sports to make me realize why some guys are just part time players.  

[SinceThe70s]

1 hour ago, Another Fan said:

@Gugny @SinceThe70s @ExWNYer

 

Happy Belated New Year guys.  The last Mets thread which went on for years on the site gave me some warning the thread was old about revising it.  And you know maybe I thought it was time for a new thread.  

 

I've heard some fans upset that Cohen/Stearns didn't do more this offseason (notably WFAN's Joe Benigno) but I think we saw last year spending money won't automatically by a World Series.  Still the Stearns/Mendoza combination isbn doing much to excite me at the moment.  

 

I think 70s posted this on the old thread

 

https://www.immaculategrid.com

 

 

I enjoy playing it even though if I'm lucky I only score about what the average is on the site.  My favorite answer on that was Joe McEwing or Super Joe when it asked for someone who started at short stop and center field.  Loved that guy when I was younger but he was the player in pro sports to make me realize why some guys are just part time players.  

 

LOL - I put down Super Joe for SS/CF too. Couldn't agree more with the bolded - one of those guys where the more he plays the less you appreciate him.

 

I'm not about to hype up the Mets off season or upcoming year - missing out on the Yamamoto was disappointing and the Mauricio injury was depressing. At the same time beyond hoping for Yamamoto I didn't expect any big moves. I'm looking forward to seeing which of the young guys step up/down - and same with the vets - especially Marte.   

[ExWNYer]

@Gugny @SinceThe70s @Another Fan

 

Welcome to 2024, gents. I hope this finds you all well after the holidays and yet another sickening Bills exit from the playoffs. Between that, the Sabres continued ineptitude, and the Mets looking like 'also rans' this coming year (an all too familiar feeling) along with Pete Alonso's impending free agency at year's end, it seems like this is destined to be yet another lost sports year in the flotsam and jetsam of my fandom. But I digress...

 

I concur with you both on the Joe McEwing point. Loved that dude. He's the kind of versatile 'glue guy' that every good team needs. He was a fantastic utility player.

 

This off-season has been underwhelming and losing out on Yamamoto felt worse than it probably was. I know there will likely never be a hard cap in baseball but the system is broken. I can't stand the fugging Dodgers. That stunt they pulled by signing Ohtani to a record $700M contract and deferring all of it but $2M per year and then inking Yamamoto to a $325M mega deal was complete bs. Although they were within the rules as currently constructed, it was way outside of the 'spirit of the law', IMO. They found a loophole and exploited it (good for them) but MLB needs to shut down that garbage. I don't think it's good for the game. Then again, they don't care what I think as a long time fan of the sport. There is another Japanese phenom named Roki Sasaki who will probably be headed to MLB in a couple of years who is supposedly a better pitcher than Yamamoto. He's only 22 and is the youngest pitcher to ever throw a perfect game in Japan. He would fit into the Mets timeline of wanting to "seriously challenge for a World Series". Remember the name. You heard it here first (or maybe you didn't. lol)

 

Lastly, aside from missing out on Yamamoto, my biggest gripe with the organization is failing to address the DH position. I know they want to see what Vientos can do and determine what they have in him but I'm sick of that position being a continual blackhole. Enough is enough already. They claim that they are going to be competitive this year, if not WS contenders (whatever the hell that means) and Mark Vientos at DH will not accomplish that. Go out and at least sign a one or two year stop gap like Turner, Martinez, or Soler (my choice). Bummed about the Mauricio injury (wanted to see if he was the answer at 3B). I did like signing Ottavino again to a one year deal. Come on Spring Training. Can't wait for pitchers and catchers to report! LGM!

[SinceThe70s]

@Gugny @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

Looking forward to another season of talking baseball and most likely lamenting another lost season for the Mets. 

 

With spring training a few weeks off, thought I'd lamp it up a bit. As you may know my youngest loves playing baseball. He's a good player but a cut below the top players in our area. He missed the cut as a 7th grader and had his heart set on making the middle school team the following year but Covid cancelled the season. Long story short, he's a HS senior now and trying out for the first time since middle school. I've been taking him down to the local field to hit him ground balls and get him some swings in the batting cage. Good times for both of us. There's something special about having a catch with your son.

 

[Gugny]

@SinceThe70s @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

Hey, fellas!

 

I feel (and have felt) like the 2024 Mets season isn’t necessarily a “throw away” season, but still a “do your best with what you’ve got” kind of season. 
 

My expectations are around .500, hopefully above - and I’m okay with that. 
 

I think Cohen will have a better idea of the team’s needs and will be in more of a “nobody will offer more money to any player I want on the team,” mode next offseason. 
 

The lack of attention (again) at DH is primarily what makes me feel this way. 
 

Time to find out if last year’s rookies/newbies are gonna be part of the long-term solution - or if it’s time to move on. 
 

Love to see Ottavino back, personally. 
 

But I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of our young guys and see them separate the men from the boys and the contenders from the pretenders. 
 

#LFGM

 

[SinceThe70s]

3 hours ago, Gugny said:

@SinceThe70s @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

Hey, fellas!

 

I feel (and have felt) like the 2024 Mets season isn’t necessarily a “throw away” season, but still a “do your best with what you’ve got” kind of season. 
 

My expectations are around .500, hopefully above - and I’m okay with that. 
 

I think Cohen will have a better idea of the team’s needs and will be in more of a “nobody will offer more money to any player I want on the team,” mode next offseason. 
 

The lack of attention (again) at DH is primarily what makes me feel this way. 
 

Time to find out if last year’s rookies/newbies are gonna be part of the long-term solution - or if it’s time to move on. 
 

Love to see Ottavino back, personally. 
 

But I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of our young guys and see them separate the men from the boys and the contenders from the pretenders. 
 

#LFGM

 

 

Agree it's not a throw away season, more of a wait and see for me. If they hover around .500 it won't surprise me to see them get aggressive at the trade deadline.

 

Interesting that both you and @ExWNYer keyed in on DH. I gotta give that some more thought as it's not a front and center concern for me. I don't like the idea of devoting a roster spot to a one-dimensional player. I will say that if Alvarez develops into a monster hitter I'd want him to get at bats at DH on off days and double-headers. Along similar lines, I like the idea of using the DH position to give regulars a rest - but one of your bench players better be able to swing the bat.

 

 

 

[ExWNYer]

1 hour ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Agree it's not a throw away season, more of a wait and see for me. If they hover around .500 it won't surprise me to see them get aggressive at the trade deadline.

 

Interesting that both you and @ExWNYer keyed in on DH. I gotta give that some more thought as it's not a front and center concern for me. I don't like the idea of devoting a roster spot to a one-dimensional player. I will say that if Alvarez develops into a monster hitter I'd want him to get at bats at DH on off days and double-headers. Along similar lines, I like the idea of using the DH position to give regulars a rest - but one of your bench players better be able to swing the bat.

 

 

 

 

It doesn't really matter how any of us feel about the DH position because it's obvious that they are going to ride or die with Vientos this year to see whether he will be part of the core going forward or whether they should move on from him. In the micro, I can live with that since this year will be about finding out what they have in the kids. This is not a 'throw away' year to me...more like a let's assess what we have and 'retool' before diving back into the expensive free agent market next year. I can live with that since they seem to be emphasizing doing things the right way. Going in with that acceptance upfront is easier, knowing that not much is expected of them and a Wild Card run would be exciting versus what they presented last year as a supposed WS run with two graybeards anchoring the rotation and disappointing everyone. Unlike in years past when they sucked, there is still plenty of talent on this team and in the organization.

 

Getting back to the DH topic...in the macro, I do expect them to address it properly next year, if Vientos flames out and is not the answer. He hit .205 last year so I'm not holding my breath that simply getting more ABs will be the cure all. I hope I'm wrong because I want to like him. In any event, the position is just as important as any other and has been ignored far too long. 

[SinceThe70s]

1 hour ago, ExWNYer said:

 

It doesn't really matter how any of us feel about the DH position because it's obvious that they are going to ride or die with Vientos this year to see whether he will be part of the core going forward or whether they should move on from him. In the micro, I can live with that since this year will be about finding out what they have in the kids. This is not a 'throw away' year to me...more like a let's assess what we have and 'retool' before diving back into the expensive free agent market next year. I can live with that since they seem to be emphasizing doing things the right way. Going in with that acceptance upfront is easier, knowing that not much is expected of them and a Wild Card run would be exciting versus what they presented last year as a supposed WS run with two graybeards anchoring the rotation and disappointing everyone. Unlike in years past when they sucked, there is still plenty of talent on this team and in the organization.

 

Getting back to the DH topic...in the macro, I do expect them to address it properly next year, if Vientos flames out and is not the answer. He hit .205 last year so I'm not holding my breath that simply getting more ABs will be the cure all. I hope I'm wrong because I want to like him. In any event, the position is just as important as any other and has been ignored far too long. 

 

So what would constitute addressing DH properly? Signing an aging proven vet hitter to a high end contract? If so, presumably it's someone who can hit righties and lefties?  BTW,  not challenging you, just picking your brain.

 

For the record I'm not arguing that the position is unimportant but I disagree that it's been ignored - more like poorly filled with the likes of Ruf and Vogelbach which not only didn't provide a proven vet hitter who could hit righties and lefties but also limited us defensively.

 

 

 

 

[ExWNYer]

30 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

So what would constitute addressing DH properly? Signing an aging proven vet hitter to a high end contract? If so, presumably it's someone who can hit righties and lefties?  BTW,  not challenging you, just picking your brain.

 

For the record I'm not arguing that the position is unimportant but I disagree that it's been ignored - more like poorly filled with the likes of Ruf and Vogelbach which not only didn't provide a proven vet hitter who could hit righties and lefties but also limited us defensively.

 

 

 

 

 

"Signing an aging proven vet hitter to a high end contract" is exactly the opposite of what I meant by properly addressing the position. That is a stop gap, as were Ruf and Vogelbach. There was absolutely no excuse to have those two at DH last year on what was billed as a WS contender. None. That was a travesty and they were negligent in addressing the position. So, yeah, it was ignored. Maybe we don't actually disagree and it's just a matter of semantics, I don't know. Right now, Vientos is just Ruf and Vogelbach with position flexibility. If he turns in another near .205 year, then he is obviously not the solution. If he rakes then great, the problem may be solved. If not, it had better be fixed one way or another in 2025, if that really is the year they plan to "go all in". I said I'm fine with them using him this year, if they are retooling and don't really plan to compete but they've sent mixed messages. They don't want to go all in but they want to be competitive, whatever that means. As currently constituted, they are set up to be no more than the last WC at best if everything breaks their way. Not likely but hopefully the journey turns out to be an entertaining one. I said in my original post that my preference was Soler, a younger guy with power and the capability to hit for some average. At least someone of that ilk who can provide some lineup protection for Alonso. They are still woefully short on power.

[SinceThe70s]

10 minutes ago, ExWNYer said:

 

"Signing an aging proven vet hitter to a high end contract" is exactly the opposite of what I meant by properly addressing the position. That is a stop gap, as were Ruf and Vogelbach. There was absolutely no excuse to have those two at DH last year on what was billed as a WS contender. None. That was a travesty and they were negligent in addressing the position. So, yeah, it was ignored. Maybe we don't actually disagree and it's just a matter of semantics, I don't know. Right now, Vientos is just Ruf and Vogelbach with position flexibility. If he turns in another near .205 year, then he is obviously not the solution. If he rakes then great, the problem may be solved. If not, it had better be fixed one way or another in 2025, if that really is the year they plan to "go all in". I said I'm fine with them using him this year, if they are retooling and don't really plan to compete but they've sent mixed messages. They don't want to go all in but they want to be competitive, whatever that means. As currently constituted, they are set up to be no more than the last WC at best if everything breaks their way. Not likely but hopefully the journey turns out to be an entertaining one. I said in my original post that my preference was Soler, a younger guy with power and the capability to hit for some average. At least someone of that ilk who can provide some lineup protection for Alonso. They are still woefully short on power.

 

Fair enough, you did mention Soler previously, but you also mentioned Turner as a two year stopgap, thus my question to you. I think my problem is I don't see DH as a position that needs a long term solution. And I have no interest in developing Vientos  (or anyone else for that matter) as a DH. Much easier to sign a proven vet that can't field.

 

My preference is to not have a guy that's designated as the designated hitter. Better if we we have enough depth and positional flexibility to decide who the DH is on game day. Only way I change that opinion is for a guy like David Ortiz or Edgar Martinez. I could be wrong, but I think those guys are rare.

[ExWNYer]

2 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Fair enough, you did mention Soler previously, but you also mentioned Turner as a two year stopgap, thus my question to you. I think my problem is I don't see DH as a position that needs a long term solution. And I have no interest in developing Vientos  (or anyone else for that matter) as a DH. Much easier to sign a proven vet that can't field.

 

My preference is to not have a guy that's designated as the designated hitter. Better if we we have enough depth and positional flexibility to decide who the DH is on game day. Only way I change that opinion is for a guy like David Ortiz or Edgar Martinez. I could be wrong, but I think those guys are rare.

 

I actually said, "Go out and at least sign a one or two year stop gap." This year would be the one year. Two would have more than likely been a team or player option to get someone like Turner or Martinez to sign. One year would have been my preference and then reset/reassess for 2025. It's not realistic to think that they will just constantly rotate and decide on game day. Nobody has it every day but it's standard for a guy to more or less hold it down like any other position. They plan on that guy being Vientos this year whether or not we like or agree with it and I'm sure Alvarez will get some ABs there on days he's not catching, as he should.

[SinceThe70s]

6 minutes ago, ExWNYer said:

 

I actually said, "Go out and at least sign a one or two year stop gap." This year would be the one year. Two would have more than likely been a team or player option to get someone like Turner or Martinez to sign. One year would have been my preference and then reset/reassess for 2025. It's not realistic to think that they will just constantly rotate and decide on game day. Nobody has it every day but it's standard for a guy to more or less hold it down like any other position. They plan on that guy being Vientos this year whether or not we like or agree with it and I'm sure Alvarez will get some ABs there on days he's not catching, as he should.

 

JMO but a manager like Bobby Valentine would not only make the bolded realistic but help the team thrive. Hell, he did it without a DH. 

[ExWNYer]

1 minute ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

JMO but a manager like Bobby Valentine would not only make the bolded realistic but help the team thrive. Hell, he did it without a DH. 

 

And he did it over 20 years ago. For better or worse, the game has changed. Rotations and bullpens weren't handled the same as they are now either.

[SinceThe70s]

5 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

 

And he did it over 20 years ago. For better or worse, the game has changed. Rotations and bullpens weren't handled the same as they are now either.

 

Yikes. IMO bullpens these days are pretty much handled the same way he handled them - although obviously bullpens are taxed more these days.  But that aside I was referring to his use of positional players. His use of the rotation and  bullpen was entirely predictable (except for that time he left Leiter in an inning too long), his lineups not so much.  Which is kind of how analytics treat lineups these days - put the best lineup out there each night based on matchups. 

 

Edited February 4 by SinceThe70s

[ExWNYer]

6 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Yikes. IMO bullpens these days are pretty much handled the same way he handled them - although obviously bullpens are taxed more these days.  But that aside I was referring to his use of positional players. His use of the rotation and  bullpen was entirely predictable (except for that time he left Leiter in an inning too long), his lineups not so much.  Which is kind of how analytics treat lineups these days - put the best lineup out there each night based on matchups. 

 

 

I loved Bobby V. I'm not debating his managerial skills.

[SinceThe70s]

54 minutes ago, ExWNYer said:

 

I loved Bobby V. I'm not debating his managerial skills.

 

Didn't think you were. All I've been suggesting is that I think with the right roster you don't necessarily need to use one roster spot solely for DH. I was using Bobby V as an example of a guy who I think could get the most out of the DH position in that scenario.

[ExWNYer]

3 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Didn't think you were. All I've been suggesting is that I think with the right roster you don't necessarily need to use one roster spot solely for DH. I was using Bobby V as an example of a guy who I think could get the most out of the DH position in that scenario.

 

Noted. We disagree on how to handle DH and that's fine.

[Another Fan]

23 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

@Gugny @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

Looking forward to another season of talking baseball and most likely lamenting another lost season for the Mets. 

 

With spring training a few weeks off, thought I'd lamp it up a bit. As you may know my youngest loves playing baseball. He's a good player but a cut below the top players in our area. He missed the cut as a 7th grader and had his heart set on making the middle school team the following year but Covid cancelled the season. Long story short, he's a HS senior now and trying out for the first time since middle school. I've been taking him down to the local field to hit him ground balls and get him some swings in the batting cage. Good times for both of us. There's something special about having a catch with your son.

 

So was anything other than being a Mets fans for your son unacceptable?  Lol.

 

 

 

My Dad certainly played a part in me liking the Mets.  And the Bills for that matter.  He was a big Met fan since the start of the team in 1962 and I have fond memories of watching the games on Channel 9 UPN with him as a kid listening to Ralph Kiner.

 

 

As I'm approaching middle age now the Mets are one of the safe topics if you will my Dad and I touch on.  Hell, in all our conversations over the years the Mets are probably the #1 topic we've touched on.  I'll just stay there's other things going on in the world we might disagree upon but the Mets are always a safe topic if you will.  He's not nearly the fan that he used to be but he's still interested in them for better or worse.  

[ExWNYer]

3 minutes ago, Another Fan said:

So was anything other than being a Mets fans for your son unacceptable?  Lol.

 

 

 

My Dad certainly played a part in me liking the Mets.  And the Bills for that matter.  He was a big Met fan since the start of the team in 1962 and I have fond memories of watching the games on Channel 9 UPN with him as a kid listening to Ralph Kiner.

 

 

As I'm approaching middle age now the Mets are one of the safe topics if you will my Dad and I touch on.  Hell, in all our conversations over the years the Mets are probably the #1 topic we've touched on.  I'll just stay there's other things going on in the world we might disagree upon but the Mets are always a safe topic if you will.  He's not nearly the fan that he used to be but he's still interested in them for better or worse.  

 

Did this change over the years? It was WOR back in the day. My dad was from Dunkirk and I grew up in WNY as a kid. My dad is the reason my brother & I grew up as Bills and Sabres fans. He wasn't really into baseball but became a Mets fan in the '80s because of my brother and me. We were in Virginia by then (his job took us here). That was the infancy of cable and we had WOR for the Mets games and could also see them play the Cubs on WGN and the Braves on TBS. Those games were all televised over cable, if your subscription included those channels. Those were the days. In any event, I always thought it was cool that not only did our dad influence our choice in sports teams but we also influenced his. RIP, Dad.

[SinceThe70s]

1 hour ago, ExWNYer said:

 

Noted. We disagree on how to handle DH and that's fine.

 

TBH, I think both approaches are fine depending on the roster make up and who's available. For this Mets team I like the DH by committee route but that may be in part because I'm scarred by Ruf/Vogie. 

39 minutes ago, Another Fan said:

So was anything other than being a Mets fans for your son unacceptable?  Lol.

 

 

 

My Dad certainly played a part in me liking the Mets.  And the Bills for that matter.  He was a big Met fan since the start of the team in 1962 and I have fond memories of watching the games on Channel 9 UPN with him as a kid listening to Ralph Kiner.

 

 

As I'm approaching middle age now the Mets are one of the safe topics if you will my Dad and I touch on.  Hell, in all our conversations over the years the Mets are probably the #1 topic we've touched on.  I'll just stay there's other things going on in the world we might disagree upon but the Mets are always a safe topic if you will.  He's not nearly the fan that he used to be but he's still interested in them for better or worse.  

 

I never pushed the Bills on my kids, I figured since we are out of market that wasn't fair to them. I'm thrilled that they chose them anyway. But when it comes to baseball the line I used was "You can root for any baseball team you want - as long as it's the Mets".

[Another Fan]

1 hour ago, ExWNYer said:

 

Did this change over the years? It was WOR back in the day. My dad was from Dunkirk and I grew up in WNY as a kid. My dad is the reason my brother & I grew up as Bills and Sabres fans. He wasn't really into baseball but became a Mets fan in the '80s because of my brother and me. We were in Virginia by then (his job took us here). That was the infancy of cable and we had WOR for the Mets games and could also see them play the Cubs on WGN and the Braves on TBS. Those games were all televised over cable, if your subscription included those channels. Those were the days. In any event, I always thought it was cool that not only did our dad influence our choice in sports teams but we also influenced his. RIP, Dad.

The early 90s is when I started watching.  Yeah I recall it was WOR or Channel 9 based out of Secaucus, New Jersey for some games.  The rest of the games were on Sports Channel NY which also had the Nets/Devils on it here in New Jersey.  And similar to you that was a premium channel back then that our household didn't have.  Ironically I learned much about baseball watching the Yankees as MSG was carried in our cable plan.  So most following the Mets back then came from listening to Bob Murphy back then.  

 

I think there was a year or two the Mets were on WB11 for some games.  That was always primarily a Yankees station.  

 

 

It wasn't until 2006 when the Mets premiered the SNY station that came in our household I could watch all the games.  Or at least had the option  

[SinceThe70s]

15 minutes ago, Another Fan said:

The early 90s is when I started watching.  Yeah I recall it was WOR or Channel 9 based out of Secaucus, New Jersey for some games.  The rest of the games were on Sports Channel NY which also had the Nets/Devils on it here in New Jersey.  And similar to you that was a premium channel back then that our household didn't have.  Ironically I learned much about baseball watching the Yankees as MSG was carried in our cable plan.  So most following the Mets back then came from listening to Bob Murphy back then.  

 

I think there was a year or two the Mets were on WB11 for some games.  That was always primarily a Yankees station.  

 

 

It wasn't until 2006 when the Mets premiered the SNY station that came in our household I could watch all the games.  Or at least had the option  

 

For sure Mets were on WOR/9 and Yankees were on WPIX/11 for as long as I can remember. I don't remember when it flipped but these days when the Mets are on broadcast they are on WPIX/11. It's something I've never gotten used to.

 

I grew up with Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner and Lindsey Nelson. Yankees had Phil 'Scooter' Rizzuto and Bill White. My favorite Scooter story is that he would score the games and at some point it came out that one of his notations was WW. When asked he said it stood for Wasn't Watching.

[Another Fan]

20 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

For sure Mets were on WOR/9 and Yankees were on WPIX/11 for as long as I can remember. I don't remember when it flipped but these days when the Mets are on broadcast they are on WPIX/11. It's something I've never gotten used to.

 

I grew up with Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner and Lindsey Nelson. Yankees had Phil 'Scooter' Rizzuto and Bill White. My favorite Scooter story is that he would score the games and at some point it came out that one of his notations was WW. When asked he said it stood for Wasn't Watching.

I know I found out from you as well WFAN doesn't carry the Mets anymore.  I was inquiring why they don't have the weekly manager segment they used to have.  You know Mike and the Dog and then just Mike.  

 

 

I know Tom Seaver did commentary on some Mets game in the 90s  but I want to say he did some Yankees games as well on WB.  I kind of vaguely recall that.  

Edited February 4 by Another Fan

[SinceThe70s]

2 minutes ago, Another Fan said:

I know I found out from you as well WFAN doesn't carry the Mets anymore.  I was inquiring why they don't have the weekly manager segment they used to have.  You know Mike and the Dog and then just Mike.  

 

 

I know Tom Seaver did commentary on some Mets game in the 90s  but I want to say he did some Yankees games as well on WB.  I kind of vaguely recall that.  

 

I think you're right about Seaver, but that synapse isn't firing completely for me so I can't say for sure 

 

Did McCarver also go from the Mets booth to the Yankees? I credit McCarver for teaching me so much about the game. But I grew tired of him. He was like a pit bull on a soup bone. In the 8th inning he'd still be harping on something that happened in the 2nd inning. 

[ExWNYer]

1 hour ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

TBH, I think both approaches are fine depending on the roster make up and who's available. For this Mets team I like the DH by committee route but that may be in part because I'm scarred by Ruf/Vogie. 

 

I never pushed the Bills on my kids, I figured since we are out of market that wasn't fair to them. I'm thrilled that they chose them anyway. But when it comes to baseball the line I used was "You can root for any baseball team you want - as long as it's the Mets".

 

My dad never forced the Buffalo teams on us, we were just born into it like most WNYers. Likewise, I never forced my sons to follow my teams but I am thankful that they chose to cheer for the Bills, Sabres, & Mets. They have never lived a day in WNY...born and bred in VA...but they are forever tethered to WNY and the familial roots on my side of the family. It is great to have something that will always bond us no matter where life takes them. They have been to several Bills games at the stadium and this past season we went to see them at FedEx for the beat down of the Washington FootballCommanderSkins. Last hockey season. my younger son & I went to Raleigh to see the Sabres play the Hurricanes (his idea). This year, we will all take in our first Mets game together at PNC Park in Pittsburgh over the 4th of July when we make our annual pilgrimage to Jamestown to visit my aunt (Dad's sis) & uncle. While I love that we all root for the same teams. I also feel bad/guilty sometimes knowing that they are in for a lifetime of heartache like their old man and late grandpa...then I tell myself that it builds character. 😉

[Another Fan]

32 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

I think you're right about Seaver, but that synapse isn't firing completely for me so I can't say for sure 

 

Did McCarver also go from the Mets booth to the Yankees? I credit McCarver for teaching me so much about the game. But I grew tired of him. He was like a pit bull on a soup bone. In the 8th inning he'd still be harping on something that happened in the 2nd inning. 

I looked it up Tom was a broadcaster for the Yankees from 1989 to 1993

 

 

 

You were right about McCarver he was a broadcaster for them from 1999 to 2001 but I have zero memory of that at all

Edited February 5 by Another Fan

[SinceThe70s]

On 2/4/2024 at 6:33 PM, ExWNYer said:

 

My dad never forced the Buffalo teams on us, we were just born into it like most WNYers. Likewise, I never forced my sons to follow my teams but I am thankful that they chose to cheer for the Bills, Sabres, & Mets. They have never lived a day in WNY...born and bred in VA...but they are forever tethered to WNY and the familial roots on my side of the family. It is great to have something that will always bond us no matter where life takes them. They have been to several Bills games at the stadium and this past season we went to see them at FedEx for the beat down of the Washington FootballCommanderSkins. Last hockey season. my younger son & I went to Raleigh to see the Sabres play the Hurricanes (his idea). This year, we will all take in our first Mets game together at PNC Park in Pittsburgh over the 4th of July when we make our annual pilgrimage to Jamestown to visit my aunt (Dad's sis) & uncle. While I love that we all root for the same teams. I also feel bad/guilty sometimes knowing that they are in for a lifetime of heartache like their old man and late grandpa...then I tell myself that it builds character. 😉

 

Awesome, thanks for sharing! I meant to respond sooner but life intervened.

 

Looking forward to hearing about your day at PNC. That's top-of-list of the many stadiums I've never been to. 

 

As to feeling bad/guilty: another one of my lines after my boys chose to follow my Bills fanhood was that it was a form of child abuse that I'm ashamed of.  They grew up during the drought. But we watched the Dalton/Boyd play together and it was amazing and by and large it's been a fun ride ever since. 

 

 

[SinceThe70s]

@ExWNYer Looks like Mets are  in line with your thinking regarding DH:

 

https://nypost.com/2024/02/06/sports/mets-talking-with-j-d-martinez-as-possible-dh-option/

[ExWNYer]

On 2/7/2024 at 8:41 AM, SinceThe70s said:

@ExWNYer Looks like Mets are  in line with your thinking regarding DH:

 

https://nypost.com/2024/02/06/sports/mets-talking-with-j-d-martinez-as-possible-dh-option/

 

I still think they are just doing their due diligence and nothing will come of it but we'll see. I just think that they need someone like that, if they really want to vie for a WC spot. If they're really willing to punt on the playoffs in 2024 then I'm fine rolling with Vientos, Alvarez (on non-catching days), Marte (if he's ever healthy), & whomever else. I am good with your rotating preference, as well, I just want another stick in the lineup to provide some much needed pop. I apologize, if I was not clear...I was not trying to be argumentative. BTW, look at Martinez' stats for the last couple of years. He is still playing at a very high level, despite an off year a few seasons ago. I would be happy if they signed him but not crestfallen if they didn't. Who knows, if they sign him, he may continue the long legacy of hyped FA acquisitions who don't live up to their billing and turn into a Met 'JAG'. In any event, pitchers and catchers report this coming Monday! LGM!

[SinceThe70s]

29 minutes ago, ExWNYer said:

 

I still think they are just doing their due diligence and nothing will come of it but we'll see. I just think that they need someone like that, if they really want to vie for a WC spot. If they're really willing to punt on the playoffs in 2024 then I'm fine rolling with Vientos, Alvarez (on non-catching days), Marte (if he's ever healthy), & whomever else. I am good with your rotating preference, as well, I just want another stick in the lineup to provide some much needed pop. I apologize, if I was not clear...I was not trying to be argumentative. BTW, look at Martinez' stats for the last couple of years. He is still playing at a very high level, despite an off year a few seasons ago. I would be happy if they signed him but not crestfallen if they didn't. Who knows, if they sign him, he may continue the long legacy of hyped FA acquisitions who don't live up to their billing and turn into a Met 'JAG'. In any event, pitchers and catchers report this coming Monday! LGM!

 

Always appreciate your perspective - didn't come off as argumentative at all. I have no issue with differing opinions, actually just the opposite - love to hear them. Sometimes they change my perspective, sometimes not. 

[ExWNYer]

@Gugny @SinceThe70s @Another Fan

 

First Spring Training game of the year for our Mets! At Port St. Lucie vs. St. Louis 1:10 PM EST.

 

An official NY Mets podcast dropped for the first time today. It's called 'Meet At The Apple'. First episode is hosted by Mets play-by-play man Gary Cohen and he interviews owner Steve Cohen on a number of topics including Pete Alonso. This is a good listen and I would recommend it, fellas. Here are the details of the podcast going forward:

 

"Meet at the Apple with your hosts Vito Calise (@VitoFCalise) and Jonathan Baron (@JMB9191) every Monday and Thursday with exclusive access to the Mets! This is not your everyday baseball podcast; you can get the stats anywhere… Here you’ll get an inside look into the players you love to watch beyond the diamond highlighted by a weekly appearance by Mets manager, Carlos Mendoza!"

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-at-the-apple-new-york-mets-official-podcast/id1732076793

 

LGM!!!

Edited February 24 by ExWNYer

[Another Fan]

23 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

@Gugny @SinceThe70s @Another Fan

 

First Spring Training game of the year for our Mets! At Port St. Lucie vs. St. Louis 1:10 PM EST.

 

An official NY Mets podcast dropped for the first time today. It's called 'Meet At The Apple'. First episode is hosted by Mets play-by-play man Gary Cohen and he interviews owner Steve Cohen on a number of topics including Pete Alonso. This is a good listen and I would recommend it, fellas. Here are the details of the podcast going forward:

 

"Meet at the Apple with your hosts Vito Calise (@VitoFCalise) and Jonathan Baron (@JMB9191) every Monday and Thursday with exclusive access to the Mets! This is not your everyday baseball podcast; you can get the stats anywhere… Here you’ll get an inside look into the players you love to watch beyond the diamond highlighted by a weekly appearance by Mets manager, Carlos Mendoza!"

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-at-the-apple-new-york-mets-official-podcast/id1732076793

 

LGM!!!

For reasons that go way beyond not having high expectations for the team this year I’d consider myself more a casual kind of Mets/baseball fan.

 

That being said I always enjoy the first spring training games.  It’s more a reminder to me Spring is near, the days get longer, and more sunlight.  This winter was rough for me.  I got Covid twice during it.  Even an RN friend wasn’t aware you can get it under 90 days from onsets.  
 

 

So yeah bring on baseball.  LGM!!

[SinceThe70s]

@ExWNYer - you got your DH!

 

[ExWNYer]

On 3/21/2024 at 9:59 PM, SinceThe70s said:

@ExWNYer - you got your DH!

 

 

Good move, IMO. Their goal should be trying for a Wild Card while retooling and they weren't doing it without another bat. He's a professional hitter and had an .893 OPS last season (8th best). One year deal with some of the money deferred was a no brainer and he offers protection for Alonso and lengthens their lineup. It will take him a couple of weeks to be ready but he should be hitting cleanup with Alonso in the three hole. The starting offense doesn't look too bad on paper. It's going to be all about the pitching. Senga is due to start throwing again in a week or so so that is potential good news, too. LGM!

[Another Fan]

@ExWNYer @SinceThe70s  @Gugny

 

 

I watched yesterday's highlights.  On a positive note since the Mets always had a real good opening day record maybe that's good superstition they lost.  lol

 

 

I never cared for Hoskins but it did seem like that was a good clean aggressive play IMO.  Or has baseball evolved where it's not good etiquette anymore to spike someone?

 

 

This came in my Youtube feeds.  Kind of cute

 

 

 

[Gugny]

3 minutes ago, Another Fan said:

@ExWNYer @SinceThe70s  @Gugny

 

 

I watched yesterday's highlights.  On a positive note since the Mets always had a real good opening day record maybe that's good superstition they lost.  lol

 

 

I never cared for Hoskins but it did seem like that was a good clean aggressive play IMO.  Or has baseball evolved where it's not good etiquette anymore to spike someone?

 

 

This came in my Youtube feeds.  Kind of cute

 

 

 

I thought the slide was clean, too. That’s on Squirrel to jump out of the way. 
 

What I didn’t care for is how Hoskins immediately ran away while McNeil was confronting him … then proceeded to turn into a “tough guy” after all of his teammates came onto the field. 
 

Eff him. Wuss.  
 

LFGM!!

[SinceThe70s]

@Gugny @Another Fan 

 

I didn't see the slide but by all accounts it was clean and tbh I heard a quote from the Squirrel about 'safety first' that sounded cringy. But I have no problem with the reliever making a point by throwing behind Hoskins. Much better than the past few years where all we got is the Buck scowl.

 

On the field, I have really high hopes for Alvarez. Looks like a guy with the skills and swagger to be a great one.

 

 

[Gugny]

11 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

@Gugny @Another Fan 

 

I didn't see the slide but by all accounts it was clean and tbh I heard a quote from the Squirrel about 'safety first' that sounded cringy. But I have no problem with the reliever making a point by throwing behind Hoskins. Much better than the past few years where all we got is the Buck scowl.

 

On the field, I have really high hopes for Alvarez. Looks like a guy with the skills and swagger to be a great one.

 

 

And yet again … the team most incapable of retaliation botches … a retaliation attempt.
 

They wait until the 7th inning - after Hoskins has single handed whooped the Mets’ asses - and THEN throw behind him. So Ramirez gets ejected and Hoskins goes unscathed. 
 

Sounds all too familiar. 
 

BUT … the bats came alive. Four HRs. And Edwin Diaz struck out his first batter since 2022. 
 

All in all, a decent day that resulted in a loss. 

[ExWNYer]

I'm already checked out three games into the season. The only things worth watching for me at this point are Alvarez and Diaz. The starting pitching staff is as bad as always. Too many deep counts and baserunners stealing them blind. Rinse & repeat. I'm fully expecting them to be out of it by the trading deadline and dealing Alonso and then attempting to pay Bor-ASS' ransom to re-sign him in the off-season. They've lost 9 of their last 10 to the average to slightly above average Brewers. Good times. LGM?

Edited April 1 by ExWNYer

[SinceThe70s]

On 4/1/2024 at 9:40 AM, ExWNYer said:

I'm already checked out three games into the season. The only things worth watching for me at this point are Alvarez and Diaz. The starting pitching staff is as bad as always. Too many deep counts and baserunners stealing them blind. Rinse & repeat. I'm fully expecting them to be out of it by the trading deadline and dealing Alonso and then attempting to pay Bor-ASS' ransom to re-sign him in the off-season. They've lost 9 of their last 10 to the average to slightly above average Brewers. Good times. LGM?

 

I wouldn't characterize myself as checked out, but I had more optimism than others going into the season (it's what I do) and that quickly flipped to pessimism after 2.5% of the games have been played.

 

I watched post game interviews with Manaea, the manager and Lindor and got really deflated. None of them showed any passion, my son and I were just crushing the formulaic and sometimes dumb stuff they were saying.