Just to show equal opportunity on this site I saw the need for some Met thread
No Jeter loverboy comments are appreciated
I am excited (like I always am though about the start of the season). The Mets got the players they needed to get to at least the fan base excited about the team and to show they are trying to improve with Beltran and Martinez. They still have holes in and question marks but at least it seems they are on the right path to be suuccessful

In the words of the great Jetfan55...Go Mets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

Mets? I was so tempted to lock this. LOL.

I like what Willie is doing with this team. He will bring some order to the franchise. Omar has already supplied some talent.

If the pitching staff stays healthy they can make some noise.

Pedro Martinez is Doo Doo and the Ny Mess Stink.

Pedro Martinez is Doo Doo and the Ny Mess Stink.

SMIZZBERT! The Mets will make noise this year, I have a feeling we will be alive for the playoffs in September...and that is better than in the past 3 years!!!!

LL

Pedro Martinez is Doo Doo and the Ny Mess Stink.

SMIZZBERT! The Mets will make noise this year, I have a feeling we will be alive for the playoffs in September...and that is better than in the past 3 years!!!!

LL When i fart ,I make a noise,but i wouldn't call it music :lol:

The Mets will be the best 3rd place team in Baseball. :wink: :lol:

Go Yankees!

The Mets will be the best 3rd place team in Baseball. :wink: :lol:

Go Yankees!

If by third place you mean third place in the playoff standings, that is fine by me...after all the division winners get in plus a wildcard..that must mean we win the NL East! Thanks man!

LL

Hey faba, you going to Opening Day? We should all meet up at Shea again sometme this year.

Hey faba, you going to Opening Day? We should all meet up at Shea again sometme this year.
T-Mac I doubt I will be able to take off opening day from work but If you want I will try to get some tickets for some game-let me know what works for you and how many

The Mets will be the best 3rd place team in Baseball. :wink: :lol:

Go Yankees!

If by third place you mean third place in the playoff standings, that is fine by me...after all the division winners get in plus a wildcard..that must mean we win the NL East! Thanks man!

LL

I didn't mean that.

Mets will finish 3rd in the NL East.

02/24/2005 10:47 PM ET
Healthy Strickland eyes comeback
Roberts expects a return to Norfolk
By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com


Scott Strickland throws live batting practice during Thursday's workout. (Rick Silva/AP)



• Mets notes: Pain, pain go away


PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The sound of splitting wood echoed through the batting cage Thursday afternoon as Cliff Floyd took his best swing at Scott Strickland's down-and-in fastball.
Floyd sent the ball dribbling into foul territory near the first-base line, his bat turned into a useless reminder of the power Strickland has in his surgically-repaired right arm. Shaking his head, Floyd stepped out of the cage and tossed the bat away. Strickland simply smiled.

"Anytime I can break Cliff's bat," Strickland said, "I want to find that thing, hang it up in my locker. I'm going to run around with that attached to my hip for a while."

That Strickland is back to breaking bats is a good sign. There are only a few spots remaining in New York's bullpen and the need for a dependable bridge to closer Braden Looper is glaring. Mike DeJean provides the only proven arm in the pen, so the battle for the coveted setup spots will be intense. And if Thursday's live batting practice session at the Tradition Field complex is any indication, Strickland may just have taken the early lead in what figures to be a protracted race.

The session was Strickland's first real work against Major League hitters since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2003. He did some rehab work last summer in the Gulf Coast and Florida State Leagues and also against some Mets who were rehabbing in Port St. Lucie. But this was the most intense workout and the biggest test he's had in nearly two years.

Scott Strickland / P
Born: 04/26/76
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs
Bats: R / Throws: R

More info:
Player page
Stats | Splits
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Team Site | Shop



"I felt that I was throwing better against the hitters than I was in the bullpen," Strickland said. "Everything was down. I had movement and the location was there. I was doing jumping jacks in my head. I couldn't be happier. I just have to keep it going."


If Strickland can make it back and pitch well it would really be key to be a set-up guy to get to the closer Looper.

Is there still a need for a first baseman? I know there were a few reports earlier about people like John Olerud, etc. that had been considered as potential acquisitions, but I have not heard lately.
Whats the scoop?

Booooooo The Mess stink

27/2005 2:39 PM ET
Notes: Cameron takes his first cuts
Randolph impressed with outfielder's efforts
By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com


Mike Cameron was encouraged by Sunday's swings and hopes to be ready for Opening Day. (Richard Drew/AP)



• No pain a gain for Reyes, Mets
• '86 Mets at chilly Shea for ticket sale


PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mike Cameron spent about 15 minutes in the batting cage Sunday morning, taking real cuts for the first time at balls thrown underhand by hitting coach Rick Down.
The session marked a significant leap for Cameron, who had only been swinging a bat lightly and hitting balls off a tee. How quickly he progresses to an actual batting practice session is unclear, but a great deal will depend on how his surgically repaired left wrist feels on Monday.

"I was able to go a little longer than I thought I'd be able to," Cameron said. "For the most part, I felt pretty good. I'm using a lighter bat, though, so I don't force anything. Usually I use a top-heavy bat, but not right now. I don't want to risk doing damage or anything to set me back."

Cameron said he doesn't want to put a timetable on when he'll be able to go all out, but Sunday's session certainly was encouraging. Being ready for Opening Day remains his objective.

"He looked real nice, under control, nice and easy," manager Willie Randolph said. "He's been busting it all spring and working out, and he's been right there doing all the drills. We appreciate that and we're happy he's making sure he does everything he can to be ready. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he's back sooner than later.

"The true test will be live hitting. But doing stuff this early is positive. I watched him swing and his hand speed was good, and that's a good sign. The main thing is that he just needs to get his strength back. I'll let him speak to me about how he feels. Sometimes you have to pull back on certain guys, and Cam's like that."




Pedro looks good: Pedro Martinez threw 30 pitches in a simulated game on the covered mound in preparation for his first start of the spring, scheduled for Friday against the Cardinals. He looked sharp, throwing without holding back for the first time since arriving in camp. Martinez seemed happy with his effort, which Randolph said was "almost flawless."

"I can't tell exactly how close I am, but I feel pretty good," said Martinez, who threw 15 pitches from the windup, 15 from the stretch and then three additional fastballs for good measure. "I feel like everything is clicking. My breaking stuff is coming along and I'm starting to feel more comfortable on the mound. But remember, this is only the first time where let go a little bit."

Craig Brazell and Aarom Baldiris stood in the box to face Martinez. Brazell, a left-handed power hitter, was impressed.

"That was a lot of fun, but I'm glad I don't have to face him," Brazell said. "It was something to face a great pitcher and actually see what his ball does and why he's so successful and how sharp his breaking ball was. That's why he's Pedro Martinez. I'm just glad he's on my team."

Looks like there is a chance Cameron will be ready opening day ahead of what originally expected. I Still would like that rumored trade to go down and for the Mets to get Brynes from Oakland in a trade for Cameron though.

I think Rick Down is a great hitting coach. I always liked his style.

Be patient, work the count and get the pitchers throwing lots of pitches.

With MLB being what it is today there are games to be won late because of poor bullpens. His style puts you in a position to win almost everyday.

Delgado was a key ingredient we failed (Mets) to get during the off-season.

I am afraid that if Burnett and Beckett shine the Marlins may run away and hide this year.

Delgado was a key ingredient we failed (Mets) to get during the off-season.

I am afraid that if Burnett and Beckett shine the Marlins may run away and hide this year.

Burnett and Beckett are walking injuries. The torsion their throwing styles create is enough to expect injuries from them both. I think no matter what happens, the Braves are the team to beat.

LL

Overdue congrats to Mike Piazza on getting married to a teammate the other day. I really saw that one coming for years now. Oh wait...it was a Playmate?

never mind

Overdue congrats to Mike Piazza on getting married to a teammate the other day. I really saw that one coming for years now. Oh wait...it was a Playmate?

never mind

Its funny, i dont mind you railing on the yanks since they did choke up 3 games to none. But for you to come here and rail on the Mets...that is just piss poor. All i have to say is....1986. Remember that? No matter what you do, 1986 will always be there, unless the red sox beat the mets in the ws in the future.

By the way, Piazza married a beautiful woman...what did you marry? a goat?

LL

excuse me for livin' LatinLawyer...why am I piss poor for railing on the Mets? I'm just trying to be like everyone else...and what is the significance of 1986? Is that when the Braves started winning the NL East year after year? Has it really been that long?

Dont kill the messenger, LL. When I say the Mets suck and they're going nowhere with or without Beltran, I'm just trying to help you come to terms with it.

I mean, they call it Flushing for a reason

excuse me for livin' LatinLawyer...why am I piss poor for railing on the Mets? I'm just trying to be like everyone else...and what is the significance of 1986? Is that when the Braves started winning the NL East year after year? Has it really been that long?

Dont kill the messenger, LL. When I say the Mets suck and they're going nowhere with or without Beltran, I'm just trying to help you come to terms with it.

I mean, they call it Flushing for a reason

You know its funny, You were a cool cat on Ji.com when you would rail on the Yanks...why? Because they were your natural enemy. Now you rail on the Mets, We arent in the AL, i could understand if you were a braves or philly fan. But you are a Red Sox fan and to be honest the only reason you would attack the mets would be to try and erase 1986 ws from your mind. Ain't happening. Yeah, I am optomistic about my team, they have acquired some talent. But you shouldn't rail on a team that is not even in the AL? If you are a red sox fan you should just concentrate on the Yanks...unless you plan on being a one season wonder. 86 years is a long time to wait for the next WS win.

LL

Randolph said that he's not going to get upset if the team doesn't rack up the wins during Spring Training. But that doesn't mean he wants his club slacking off either.

"I think that it's important that we go out and play sound, fundamental baseball," Randolph said. "There's not a lot of emphasis on winning, but we want to build a winning mentality. So I want them to know that we want to win as a team, even if it is Spring Training. I want to see crisp, solid baseball, and I want the guys to know that anytime they walk on the field we should expect to win."

This Quote from Willie Randolph- I like his professionalism and attitude
You want to go out there to expect to win and be confident and play sound fundamentally.

Randolph said that he's not going to get upset if the team doesn't rack up the wins during Spring Training. But that doesn't mean he wants his club slacking off either.

"I think that it's important that we go out and play sound, fundamental baseball," Randolph said. "There's not a lot of emphasis on winning, but we want to build a winning mentality. So I want them to know that we want to win as a team, even if it is Spring Training. I want to see crisp, solid baseball, and I want the guys to know that anytime they walk on the field we should expect to win."

This Quote from Willie Randolph- I like his professionalism and attitude
You want to go out there to expect to win and be confident and play sound fundamenta
lly.

Well, they are off to a good start. I was at lunch watching the game...2-0 Mets!


LL

Nationals Win......N....A.....T.....S....NATS!! NATS!! NATS!!

:D

excuse me for livin' LatinLawyer...why am I piss poor for railing on the Mets? I'm just trying to be like everyone else...and what is the significance of 1986? Is that when the Braves started winning the NL East year after year? Has it really been that long?

Dont kill the messenger, LL. When I say the Mets suck and they're going nowhere with or without Beltran, I'm just trying to help you come to terms with it.

I mean, they call it Flushing for a reason

You know its funny, You were a cool cat on Ji.com when you would rail on the Yanks...why? Because they were your natural enemy. Now you rail on the Mets, We arent in the AL, i could understand if you were a braves or philly fan. But you are a Red Sox fan and to be honest the only reason you would attack the mets would be to try and erase 1986 ws from your mind. Ain't happening. Yeah, I am optomistic about my team, they have acquired some talent. But you shouldn't rail on a team that is not even in the AL? If you are a red sox fan you should just concentrate on the Yanks...unless you plan on being a one season wonder. 86 years is a long time to wait for the next WS win.

LL



Tomshame running his gums about the Red Sox originally captured my attention. Thats why I have turned my attention to the Met-a-mucils. I swear, the majority of Tom's posts are typed while his head is in some toilet.

And I need more targets other than the Yankees. Beating them is passe at this point. Yankee haters like myself are growing tired of the annual Yankee Elimination parties

i dont see the mess making the playoffs because the wildcard team is either going to be Chicago or St Louis (and the other will win the central) and obviously Atlanta will get the division title

with that said, I could see the Mets being over .500 this year if they dont get the injury bug

Humber ready to pay his dues
Young right-hander thankful for the opportunity
By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com


First-round pick Phil Humber signed with the Mets in January. (Rick Silva/AP)



• Mets roll over Nationals


PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Phil Humber got a taste of the action and then a dose of reality.
The 22-year-old right-hander has been one of the hot topics in camp this spring. He's blistered through bullpen sessions and earned rave reviews for his effort, and on Sunday manager Willie Randolph rewarded him with his first appearance against Washington. Humber responded by throwing two scoreless innings, pitching his way out of a mini-jam in the seventh.

But Humber didn't have too long to bask in the glow of his one-hit, one-strikeout, one-walk performance. Shortly after the Mets sank the Nats, 14-5, Humber was called into Randolph's office and given the news he knew was coming -- he was being reassigned to the minor league camp.

"I got my walking papers," Humber said, still smiling as he walked back to his locker. "They said some very nice things about me, and I thanked them for the opportunity they gave me this spring. I got to see what it was like, and I'll be back soon. It's all up to me."





Humber posted a 35-8 mark with a 2.80 ERA at Rice, but the 2004 first-round pick didn't sign with the Mets until January. He got a $3.7 million deal, was put on the 40-man roster and invited to Major League camp, taking advantage of the opportunity with which he was presented. He's been impressive in camp, working hard, picking the brains of a few vets and generally just remaining in the background as much as possible.

So when Humber got into the game Sunday, it was as much to congratulate him on a job well done as anything. Though Humber allowed a hit to the first batter he faced, he induced a double play on the next batter, issued a walk and then got out of the inning on a grounder. Humber retired the side in order in his second inning, collecting his first strikeout.

"That was unbelievable," Humber said about his debut, before learning it would also be his swan song. "That's something I'll never forget right there. My first time on a Major League mound, I couldn't feel anything. That's why all my pitches were up [in the first inning]. I was trying to get them down, but I couldn't feel anything.

"I was actually kind of mad at myself because everything was thigh high and eventually they were going to get wood on it. I was a little better in the second inning."

Humber proved to be prophetic, saying just before he got the news from Randolph that he knew he wasn't going to be around much longer. It didn't matter.

"I don't belong with the Major League team right now," Humber said. "So I'll go down and pay my dues. I'll climb the ladder and I'll get to New York. I was in big league Spring Training and I know I can do it now."

Randolph said Humber had a big smile on his face when he came into his office despite knowing what the subject matter of the meeting was going to be.

"I said, 'What are you smiling for?'" Randolph said. "I think he was smiling because he knows he did well. It's exciting when you see a young pitcher with the stuff he has getting his feet wet. You start thinking, 'How soon can he come up?' It's pretty exciting.

"I watched him throw a few times and I was like, 'Wow.' He shows a lot of poise. He's going to be a good pitcher."


Humber seems to have his priorities right. Good experience for him to get some action in a game and in the major league camp. I will try following his progress wherever the Mets put him in low Class A ball.