Feb 17
According to Brian Costa with the Star-Ledger: David Wright had the following to say to reporters today: “I hope it’s not the outside underdog role that gets guys fired up. I hope it’s the embarrassment of last year. I hope it’s the not being able to close the last two years before that. That’s enough motivation without having to play that underdog role.”
Thanks to Kevin Burkhardt’s Twitter feed for the heads up.
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172 comments
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-12:58pm at 12:58 pm (UTC -4)
well yeah, but considering Murphy and Castillo were the last men standing …
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-1:03pm at 1:03 pm (UTC -4)
I would think that the embarrassment of last year leads directly to the underdog role of this year, but hey Wright isn’t here for his understanding of motivational directives, he’s here to hit.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-1:12pm at 1:12 pm (UTC -4)
I understand where Wright is going with this but If the embarrassment of 2007 didn’t do much for 2008. I have to believe that if they succeed it won’t be because of how motivated they were because of how embarrassed they were in 2009.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-1:15pm at 1:15 pm (UTC -4)
Excellent point. Obviously I am not a member of the team but it seems to me the embarrassment of 2007 was much greater than the embarrassment of 2009 for the team as a whole.
Now if Wright was strictly speaking about his own personal embarrassment then…
darknova306
2/17/2010-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
That’s exactly the first thing that came to my mind, too. If ’07 doesn’t get them up for a fight, why would ’09?
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/17/2010-1:30pm at 1:30 pm (UTC -4)
Man… you guys are tough…
I interpreted as that the Mets should not view themselves as underdogs
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
You may be right but he did say “that gets guys fired up”.
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
You hit the nail on the head.
And what’s wrong with playing up to the underdog tag anyway?
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
I apologize if what I am about to say is nitpicking but is it really necessary to report that David Wright expects the Mets to win the NL East?
Is there anyone in MetsLand that this is news to?
If this is where we are headed it’s going to be a long Spring Training and the Mets have yet to even start it.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/17/2010-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
Perhaps more bulletin board material on Mets vs Philly board?
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
I hope that was not the intention.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/17/2010-2:00pm at 2:00 pm (UTC -4)
I meant the intention of the media outlets
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
gotcha!
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
People will blow it out of proportion if they haven’t already. That’s what they do.
ceetar
2/17/2010-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
Nothing else to talk about, and the fans should not make a big deal of it just because every reporter brings it up. They _have_ to write a column/post/article tomorrow and it’s the only thing that happened.
This can go one of two ways in my opinion, either the Mets clam up and given nothing answers or PC type answers and go the Jerry Manuel route of trying to ban newspapers in the clubhouse, or they can do what I’ve always said they should do; not let it bother them and play with it.
“Jimmy Rollins is expecting to go back to the World Series, what do you think about that David?”
“I’ll personally send him a ticket, and one for his new wife. I’ll even splurge for Ebbets Club seats.”
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-1:53pm at 1:53 pm (UTC -4)
“Jimmy Rollins is expecting”
Now there is some news!
trs86
2/17/2010-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
You know, if I was there I would be the biggest smart ass out there (go figure). I would say stuff just like what you did as my answer with a big smirk on my face.
“Wright what do you think your chances are of winning the NL East?”
“None we suck and the Phillies are god, so what does it matter? Next question.”
ceetar
2/17/2010-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
“20%. Simple math.”
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
Not being a journalist covering Spring Training you may be right that there is nothing to talk about.
Still reading a post that starts with “David Wright told reporters today he expects the Mets to win the NL East.” is a tough read.
What’s next, Santana expects to have a good year?
ceetar
2/17/2010-1:58pm at 1:58 pm (UTC -4)
Well, yes.
Also, Oliver Perez is in shape.
Maine’s shoulder feels fine.
Reyes can’t wait to play again. (oh, that was yesterday)
Team is working on fundamentals.
Murphy is working on his defense.
Bay and XXX player are getting along great.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
lol
Now that that’s out of the way. Who will win the Cy Young?
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
“Well, I think any of our pitchers, on the day they take the mound, are capable of giving us a Cy Young type performance.”
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:00pm at 2:00 pm (UTC -4)
I suppose I admire the bravado and all that but in this media market and given their recent performance vis a vis the Phillies performance all they do is put more pressure on themselves with the bravado. I’ll leave it to the individual to decide how well or not the Mets perform under pressure.
If it were me I would take the conservative route in this instance. Something along the lines of “Every season I have expectations but I keep them to myself. Like a New Year’s resolution an expectation is hard enough to live up to on it’s own, much harder if everyone and their brother is aware of and constantly reminding you of them.”
trs86
2/17/2010-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
True, but you are our politician. Again, I could not do that with a strait face. I would much rather either do what Wright did or just make a mockery out of such a stupid question.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
Good point. Different individuals will respond to such questions in different ways. Clearly you know my way.
In addition to demonstrating my diplomatic skills here I think I have also demonstrated that I have a sense of humor. As a “ballplayer” I would under different circumstances let that sense of humor show in response to certain questions from reporters. But not this one. Too much recent history for me to let my hair down on this subject.
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
And whatever we think, the Mets should be answering the question in the way that will best be able to handle it. If they want to brash and bold and make predictions, fine, but don’t cave under that pressure.
If they want to pussy-foot it and say well, uhh, we’ll see, gotta play the games..blah blah, then they better not let any media scrutiny or indictment of how they’re playing get them down.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
I see your point but I personally believe more media scrutiny results from the bold proclamation tack than it does from the “blah blah blah” one.
If in July the Mets are 6 games under .500 the media will be more all up their butts if they predict division titles now than if they don’t in my opinion.
trs86
2/17/2010-1:52pm at 1:52 pm (UTC -4)
I like the quote. I think they have something to prove.
I just don’t get what some want him to say?
Nope, I think we will suck and perhaps we could compete if things break right?
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
I like the quote also but that it is being reported is what had me scratching my head.
Next up, Wright says he likes playing 3rd base.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
I think the quote I posted above is news worthy. Now saying something like Wright expects to win NL East? Not so much.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
I agree TRS I was referring to fromwhaticangather.com that lead with “David Wright told reporters today he expects the Mets to win the NL East.â€
trs86
2/17/2010-2:16pm at 2:16 pm (UTC -4)
I completely agree.
But they have also lead with lines like:
Santana is a pitcher.
David Wright is a hitter.
Perez is struggling.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:30pm at 2:30 pm (UTC -4)
Yes they did.
fongy2
2/17/2010-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
Great point above North Jersey, being embarrassed and playing
the underdog card is sorta weak given both ’07&’08.
Also, how exactly can guys feel embarrassed for being hurt
and unable to play? Unless some were doggin’ it?
Also…part2, how can a team w/one of the 5 highest payrolls
be an underdog?
trs86
2/17/2010-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
Right now Fongy like it or not they are the underdog. We got media and even fans picking them 4th and having to work hard to say out of last. I would say that’s underdog.
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
Its of no concern whether I like it or not but
to be real any team with our payroll,playing in NY,doesnt get to play “underdog”.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
As of today according to Cot’s contracts the Phillies 2010 payroll is $16 million higher than the Mets.
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
And???….Seems like they’ve rec’d a nice return for their investment.
No???
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:13pm at 2:13 pm (UTC -4)
No. No team has received any return on their 2010 investment yet. I’m simply pointing out what I consider a flaw in your “payroll/underdog” argument.
You claim the Mets can’t be an underdog because of their payroll yet the Phillies payroll is greater and I find that difficult to reconcile.
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:13pm at 2:13 pm (UTC -4)
The Phillies are pretty much tapped out, and extended a lot of guys. They’ve put all their eggs in one basket and if anything goes wrong it’s back to obscurity.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
Wait a minute since when does where the media rank us matters to you?
You been slamming the media for how they been portraying the Mets all winter so just because they rank us finishing 4th shouldn’t mean we are underdogs.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
Who determines who is the underdogs? The managers and players don’t get together and decide underdogs the media does. It’s their job.
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
Really???
trs86
2/17/2010-2:14pm at 2:14 pm (UTC -4)
Seriously? You think the Mets don’t expect to win? Who is out there saying they can’t? The media and the fans. I am sure there is not or at least should not be one player on the team that feels they can’t.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
I half agree with you Fongy. I don’t see how these guys should be embarrassed as a group about 2009 since so many of them were not able to play last year. Wright, he can be embarrassed in my opinion.
As far as the underdog, payroll or not they’re the underdog by virtue of the Phillies presence.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, fongy will like this one:
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wonders if the Tigers traded Curtis Granderson because they soured on him as a player.
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:09pm at 2:09 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe, kinda sounds like spin to their fan base…..
Hmmm, sorta Omar/Wilpons like??
Suddenly Granderson’s no good’cause AVE is down AND
he’s swinging for the fences too much?….
Again, maybe…BUT The Mets said the same thing about
Lenny D. 20 yrs ago.
All in all though, they picked up some real nice young
players for him and Jackson!
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-2:16pm at 2:16 pm (UTC -4)
or, sorta Theo Epstein like
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
Bingo!
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
An underdog is a team that is not expected to win right?
Are we saying the Mets are not expected to win?
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
“Win”…What???
trs86
2/17/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
According to the media yes.
Again, the media determines the favorites and the underdogs. I for one think we will compete for a championship and at least a wild card.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:13pm at 2:13 pm (UTC -4)
Example.
Tonight my basketball team plays the #1 team in the conference in the conference tournament. We finished tied for 3rd. We are the underdog because no one outside of our locker room expects us to win. We however, expect to win.
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:18pm at 2:18 pm (UTC -4)
Very, very good for you guys!
Listen, as an old player and youth coach,
don’t be a slave to any one defensive you
play.
I just watched in horror over the weekend
as my nephews HS team was knocked out of
the playoffs by a less talented team who got hot from the outside while the coach
refused to jump out of their 2-3 zone.
My brother in law was tough to take the rest of the night!
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
Oh…Hey..GOOD LUCK!!!!….
Never hurts!
trs86
2/17/2010-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
Nah, I am big on defense. We play Man 2 man, 1-3-1, point zone (combination of 1-3-1 and 2-3), 3 different 3/4 court traps as well as throwing in some full court pressure.
I think we have more defenses than offenses. LOL.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:34pm at 2:34 pm (UTC -4)
Your kids are gonna fire you and bring in Mike Antoni (Leave off the “D” in “D’Antoni” because he coaches no D).
trs86
2/17/2010-2:36pm at 2:36 pm (UTC -4)
I am sure after a long season the kids are about ready to.
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:41pm at 2:41 pm (UTC -4)
Just keep preaching…
Good D leads to alot of easy baskets!
trs86
2/17/2010-2:47pm at 2:47 pm (UTC -4)
I agree, because we can’t score otherwise. LOL.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:17pm at 2:17 pm (UTC -4)
But you don’t agree with the media right? Because you are disgusted with all the negativity they have been portraying about the Mets all Winter right?
So when Fongy says the Mets are not an underdog you agree because you also think the Mets are not an underdog right?
trs86
2/17/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
Nope. We are the underdog tonight because no one but us expects us to win.
Mets are the underdog because no one outside of the Mets world expects them to win.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:26pm at 2:26 pm (UTC -4)
You expect the Mets to win right?
So to you they are not an underdog right?
Fongy’s reasoning is because of payroll.
Point is the media have been saying stuff all winter but that doesn’t make it so.
You are going to tell me now after how you tore into the media all winter that because they say it it must be true?
I guess the media then was right that Minaya failed the Mets in not signing Molina and Piniero also.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
Again what is an underdog NJ?
What I expect has nothing to do with if they are the underdog. What does everyone else have to say about them? Especially the ones that are not Mets fans? While I don’t really care what they have to say in judging how I repeat I think they will do that does not change if they are the underdog or not.
I am guessing maybe we have different definition of underdog.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:37pm at 2:37 pm (UTC -4)
Ok TRS it’s just you seem to be contradicting yourself on one hand when the media says things that paints the Mets in a negative light this off season you take issue with them saying things like they are just sharks out for blood and now your saying that because the media says the Mets are underdogs that it must be true.
I just don’t get it.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
I still don’t think you and I agree, lol, on what an underdog is. An underdog has nothing to do with what I think or believe. It is determined by others, especially those outside of the team universe.
Definition of underdog:
1. One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, as in sports or politics.
2. One that is at a disadvantage.
Does that fit the Mets or not?
Does not ask or matter if I think they are expected to lose.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with you on what an underdog is. Again I apologize if I am being vague but what I am talking about is that you specifically said that the Mets are an Underdog because the media says so.
I find it interesting that you take stock in what the media calls an underdog.
Since many things that they have said all off season regarding the Mets you have disagreed with.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:27pm at 3:27 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, this is another one we will disagree on and take up too much room.
To me the people outside the organization decide if the team is an underdog or not.
We are the underdogs because we were the 3rd place team and no one expects us to win. However, each night as we go out of the locker room we tap a sign that says “Expect to Win”.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:36pm at 3:36 pm (UTC -4)
One last line.
I don’t agree the Mets should be a heavy underdog. Of course they are an underdog because they finished behind the Phillies so thus every team in the NL besides the Phillies are technically underdogs.
I think the media is making them into a much larger underdog than they should be and it has even been carried to the point of the Mets will finish 4th or even last.
So while I expect the Mets to win, they are still the underdog.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
You still have yet to address what I am saying. I will spare you any further debate and simply chalk it up as a failure on my part at being either unable to get my point across or failing to understand your.
Whatever fits best.
I will just look forward to future comments made by the media that you agree with.
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-2:17pm at 2:17 pm (UTC -4)
yeah, but who has the higher payroll?
trs86
2/17/2010-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
Looking at my salary? They do.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:21pm at 2:21 pm (UTC -4)
I think using payroll is a flawed argument. My thing is when TRS said like it or not that is what we are because the media says so.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
Again, what is an underdog? How is it determined?
trs86
2/17/2010-2:24pm at 2:24 pm (UTC -4)
“guess it’s a combination of optimism and confidence I have in this team.â€
Wright’s other comment on why. Again, I like the quote. Sounds like Kingman…
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
Well I haven’t read the article yet but I notice on sportspyder the NY Post has a “Wright expects Mets to win World Series” headline. This didn’t take long to explode.
trs86
2/17/2010-2:28pm at 2:28 pm (UTC -4)
Stupidity. Click mongering.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:33pm at 2:33 pm (UTC -4)
Quick make a “David Wright says Mets will conquer known universe” headline.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:38pm at 2:38 pm (UTC -4)
lol
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:44pm at 2:44 pm (UTC -4)
The Post can always be counted on to have the pulse of what is on Mets fans minds.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
NY Post: “Wright expects Mets to win Super Bowl”
“Wright expects Mets to win Olympic Gold”
“Wright expects Mets to cure cancer”
trs86
2/17/2010-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, to this extreme is funny but it goes on all the time.
Reporter: Mulder, how do you know it will be time to retire.
Mulder: I don’t know, I guess when my body will no longer be able to produce the results I expect. Right now that is not the case.
Headline
Mulder thinking about retirement.
Well duh crap he’s thinking about retirement, you just ask him about it. Did you want him to answer with out thinking about it?
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
That was last weeks headlines.
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
oh come on. Then the papers have the nerve of ridiculing the blogs. What a bunch of jokesters.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:31pm at 2:31 pm (UTC -4)
In “actual” news:
alanhahn
1. Nate Robinson trade with #Celtics done, I’m told. Getting details now….. #Knicks #NBA
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-2:38pm at 2:38 pm (UTC -4)
wow!
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:42pm at 2:42 pm (UTC -4)
Wow is right!
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-2:41pm at 2:41 pm (UTC -4)
sweet, who’s next?
fongy2
2/17/2010-2:43pm at 2:43 pm (UTC -4)
Eddy Curry??? Anyone???? Please!!!!
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-3:11pm at 3:11 pm (UTC -4)
maybe Al Harrington
trs86
2/17/2010-2:43pm at 2:43 pm (UTC -4)
Hey guys I just updated the quote with more from Costa. To me it puts it more in context and perspective.
All of us, including me have to be careful with how we word things even with best intentions. To me Burkhardt’s original quote from Wright was much different than the actual quote.
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
blame it on twitter
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:47pm at 2:47 pm (UTC -4)
Blame It On The Rain
trs86
2/17/2010-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, Burkhardt wanted to get the quote out first and thus made it shorter. Most likely because he was texting the damn thing in. LOL. Not really his fault as much as it is the day and age.
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
No need to rush, I bet the other reporters still type via ‘hunt and peck’.
okay, that was mean.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
Fongy for sure takes offense to this comment. He still uses the manual typewriter for his comments.
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
Blame in on the Goose
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore”
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:50pm at 2:50 pm (UTC -4)
It’s funny how many people see that on the Mets scoreboard and have no idea where it comes from. I’m glad to see that you know.
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
Actually, I always forget where it comes from. I’m bad like that. (And it was 6 years before I was born) but I’m a curious enough person that I looked it up once or twice. I also think that bit has gotten a bit old at Citi Field, although scoreboard operators aren’t exactly known for their creativity.
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:57pm at 2:57 pm (UTC -4)
And the “Doing anything for ratings” bit does tie into this post a bit with the way the media runs with quotes like this.
ceetar
2/17/2010-2:57pm at 2:57 pm (UTC -4)
How often does one use the word ‘bit’ in the same sentance with two different meanings? I crack myself up.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:59pm at 2:59 pm (UTC -4)
You did it in two consecutive comments, bravo!
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
The movie “Network.” At Shea and Citi they always cut right before that line you note above so we can all chant “Lets Go Mets” as you know.
Here’s the whole thing courtesy imdb.com:
Howard Beale: [shouting] You’ve got to say, ‘I’m a HUMAN BEING, Goddamnit! My life has VALUE!’ So I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, and yell,
‘I’M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!’ I want you to get up right now, sit up, go to your windows, open them and stick your head out and yell – ‘I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!’ Things have got to change. But first, you’ve gotta get mad!… You’ve got to say, ‘I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!’ Then we’ll figure out what to do about the depression and the inflation and the oil crisis. But first get up out of your chairs, open the window, stick your head out, and yell, and say it: “I’M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!”
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
That’s the ticket. They should pin this up in their lockers. All together now, repeat after me…..
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
I may be hallucinating, but I think, maybe, that they played all, or most, of that clip during one of the playoff games. Might’ve been during a pitching change so they had tiem to kill, but I think they did.
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-2:59pm at 2:59 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t get it….
Who cares if the Mets are considered the Underdog going in? I certainly don’t.
I would think if you’re not the defending NL east champs, you are considered the underdog. The Mets, Fish, Braves and Nats are all looking to topple the NL east champs. Doesn’t that by definition make us the underdog? And to me, by no stretch of the imagination does it mean you can’t get it done, just b/c you might be the underdog going in.
Not to sound sexist but I’m gonna throw this out there….this must be a guy thing I just don’t get.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:02pm at 3:02 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with what you are saying. It does not bother me at all that we are considered the underdog. We use that in basketball to motivate our players all the time.
I think what Wright is saying is that we have enough stuff to motivate us without using the underdog card. That in NY with the results of the last 3 years we got plenty of motivation.
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
O.K. – I can understand that. Things certainly didn’t go the way any of us wanted since 2006.
But it just sounded to me like DWright was taking a real exception to being labeled the underdogs. Like he really hated that tag. That’s what I didn’t quite get.
But hey, no matter – whatever motivation they need to get ‘er done this year – I’m all for it. Well, maybe almost anything. I really don’t want to hear anyone connected with the Mets uttering ‘we’re the team to beat’…..
metsgirl31
2/17/2010-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
Lol…seems pretty clear to me
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
Circle gets the square 4D. Saying the Mets are or are not an Underdog by any Met is the biggest non story of the day.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
More context from Wright’s quote:
I don’t like that underdog role anyway when guys use that. I hope everybody’s expectations are that we go out there and we’re one of the best teams in baseball. I think that’s what our expectations should be, no matter what the outside expectations have for us.
“I don’t think that there’s going to be too many outside expectations that are as high as the expectations we have for ourselves. Maybe it’s a little bit of the spring-training optimism mixed in with the kind of confidence that I have for this team, but I think we have a championship-caliber team. And I think that we have the type of team that’s going to be right up there at the end competing for the National League East.â€
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
Hey, thanks for the rest of the statement. Now it makes a little more sense to me where Wright is coming from…
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:16pm at 3:16 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah but this context is 3 hours too late. We’ve already got “Wright expects Mets to win World Series” from the lack of context. Context ruins all the fun!
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-3:20pm at 3:20 pm (UTC -4)
Quick to the DeLorean!
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
Typical media…
I like Wright’s confidence, hope all on that team feel the same way.
Confidence will go a long way towards finishing on top. Just ask Davey Johnson. If they can just bottle a little of the arrogance of that ’86 team starting out that year, we’ll do very well. The talent is there.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-3:24pm at 3:24 pm (UTC -4)
Willie had a lot of confidence remember? He kept saying the Champagne will taste that much better when we win.
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:27pm at 3:27 pm (UTC -4)
I liked that quote but he got criticized for it, not quite sure why.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:40pm at 3:40 pm (UTC -4)
I can’t recall whether there was criticism at that moment in time or not. Certainly it’s an easy target for criticism after that season and every moment since then. I know I was uncomfortable with and unsatisfied by it at the time it was uttered and I know it makes me cringe every time I hear it.
But to be fair two things should be noted. One, as you probably gather from this thread I’m not the “bravado” type and two, I was never a Willie fan to begin with so I was pre-disposed to dislike whatever he might say or do.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:42pm at 3:42 pm (UTC -4)
fair enough.
I am not sure Willie had ever had to deal with a situation like that. Where a team did not close and much of it was confidence. He was a Yankee product, they made confidence.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:48pm at 3:48 pm (UTC -4)
I think that illuminates the idea that he was not the right man for the job.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
At the time he was. We were a very confident group in 2006 and most of 2007. I don’t think anyone expected him or the Mets to be in that situation in September.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
Exactly. What I’m saying is he showed that he could manage a team that largely was flying high, but if it was not he was unable to do what was required to bring it back up.
I think he’s an excellent manager for a team that largely takes care of itself. But the Mets as 2007 was winding down were unable to do that and he was unable to help. Thus I thought he should’ve been let go immediately following that season because the team wasn’t just going to resume flying high by itself, and history shows it didn’t. Only after he was replaced did the team go on a winning surge, coincidence or not.
ceetar
2/17/2010-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
fair arguments Grave. I’m not sure anyone could’ve saved the Mets from that point in 2007 though. But it was one of my biggest complaints about teh decision to keep Manuel. He just doesn’t bring anything new or creative.
Actually, I’ve heard quotes in relation to Manuel that he was more vocal than Willie, less hands-off. I actuall think we could use a guy like Willie/Torre now that’s a little hands off, I actually thought that was a better replacement than Manuel. Bring a guy in that can keep them together, manage a lineup and bullpen, but led Wright/Reyes/whoever do the rah rah leadership type stuff.
hmm, maybe I need to make a ‘give us a captain’ post?
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
I agree that I’m not sure any other manager could’ve salvaged that 2007 season at that late date, at least no one who was actually available (I imagine Jim Leyland could’ve for example but he was busy).
I hope you will do a “captain” post and if you do I look forward to reading it.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-3:46pm at 3:46 pm (UTC -4)
It wasn’t something that when 1st said was bad if I recall correctly but I believe he used that quote more than once but I may be confusing it with the we got to turn the page quote.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:28pm at 3:28 pm (UTC -4)
I think that quote gets taken out of context too. I believe that Willie thought the Mets just needed a little confidence to get them over the hump and that was his poor attempt.
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-3:31pm at 3:31 pm (UTC -4)
Could be. Or he really thought no matter how much they were struggling that Sep there was no way they were not going to finish in first.
Famous last words……
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:31pm at 3:31 pm (UTC -4)
the only other answer was panic. which isn’t what you want from your manager.
I dunno, Willie had his faults, but after watching Manuel for the last 250 games or so, I miss him.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:32pm at 3:32 pm (UTC -4)
I actually agree. Willie was a scapegoat.
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:42pm at 3:42 pm (UTC -4)
It’s funny, I think Manuel may have gotten the Mets into the playoffs in ’07, but Willie may have in ’08.
would’ve taken Jesus in ’09 though.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:43pm at 3:43 pm (UTC -4)
Too bad we lost him in the rule 5 draft. Damn Omar.
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:44pm at 3:44 pm (UTC -4)
still got J. Feliciano..
I’m trying invision ways that the Mets can be winning, and still need to fire Manuel.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
Thing is we at least turned things around in spite of him in 2008.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-3:21pm at 3:21 pm (UTC -4)
Oh No, Hotfoot headline says Wright is a robot!
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-3:27pm at 3:27 pm (UTC -4)
LOL…
He goes on to say:
‘Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Wright and what he brings to the team on the field, but he’s definitely from the Derek Jeter school of sports cliches.’
Why is it when Jeter spits out the expected platitudes, he’s considered one of the greatest Yankees of all time? When DWright does the same thing, he’s a robot? Hope Wright gets used to it b/c if he’s going to be the face of this modern day franchise for years to come, everything he says is going to be picked apart.
Loved the pic of DWright and Reyes they’ve got up on this article though.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:27pm at 3:27 pm (UTC -4)
A World Series, Super Bowl, Olympic gold winning, cancer curing robot!
But seriously, here’s how to say something that acknowledges past failure and shows future aspiration without providing bulletin board or faux-headline material:
Carrie Muskat tweets – Lou Piniella says his message to #cubs will be: “Let’s get back on top.”
trs86
2/17/2010-3:30pm at 3:30 pm (UTC -4)
Sure but that quote can also lead to the same misstatments.
Lou expects to be back on top of the division in 2010. Lou expects to be back on top of the NL in 2010. Lou expects to be back on top of baseball in 2010. Lou expects to be back on top of Megan Fox in 2010.
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:31pm at 3:31 pm (UTC -4)
“back” on top? Lucky him.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
As I was typing it I started to ask myself, when exactly were the Cubs on top to begin with?
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:34pm at 3:34 pm (UTC -4)
Perhaps.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:37pm at 3:37 pm (UTC -4)
Media really only has one job now. They don’t seem to be held very accountable for reliability or accuracy. More importantly speed and views.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
I’m actually impressed with the recent increase in holding media accountable, even if it has been only by blogs that not many people read
trs86
2/17/2010-3:46pm at 3:46 pm (UTC -4)
True enough. I have been forced (not actually forced but…) to listen to the Scot Van Pelt show at lunch lately, or I think that’s him. He has really been calling out other reporters and especially bloggers lately for some of this junk.
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:29pm at 3:29 pm (UTC -4)
Aww, so sad.
Wright’s still better than Jeter in that regard (My mother’s been calling Jeter a robot for years), and I hope he doesn’t succumb to Jeter’s level.
But the robot comments boil down to wanting something that’s outside Wright’s control, and that’s avoiding the media or not answering questions.
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:58pm at 3:58 pm (UTC -4)
hotfootblog: Anything but the usual cliches that we are already expecting him to say. He just came off robotic, cocky and phony…like Jeter.
This is a cop out though..because he’s answering a question. Chances are he wouldn’t have liked the ‘other’ response either. It’s hard to get anything but robotic/canned responses to broad scope questions like that in mid-february.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-4:07pm at 4:07 pm (UTC -4)
100% right
trs86
2/17/2010-3:38pm at 3:38 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, by not making a move the Mets confidence meter has increased 6 points this week.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:39pm at 3:39 pm (UTC -4)
Conveniently, almost all of the post on the site conducting this survey have been upbeat and positive as of late. Chicken or the egg?
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:43pm at 3:43 pm (UTC -4)
Chegg? Egcken?
In this case, probably the chicken came first as in Chicken Little of the falling sky.
trs86
2/17/2010-3:44pm at 3:44 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, I should have also put in context that it is still only 17 percent.
I seriously wonder if we did something similar if the results would be much different based on who reads our site?
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-4:07pm at 4:07 pm (UTC -4)
Excellent question. I can think of one way to get an answer but I’m sure you’ve already thought of it.
ceetar
2/17/2010-3:43pm at 3:43 pm (UTC -4)
it’s been upbeat since Hudson signed.
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
LOL. I noticed over at NYBD someone made a post about Hudson and Kennedy signing and you had got there very quickly to dispute the author’s notion about what a horrid mistake the Mets had made by passing on both of them thus continuing with Castillo at 2B and I added the comment “I’m just glad they’ve both signed so I can stop hearing about them.”
trs86
2/17/2010-3:53pm at 3:53 pm (UTC -4)
Lopez and Hot Rod next up?
trs86
2/17/2010-3:53pm at 3:53 pm (UTC -4)
Later guys, time to go to my pregame meal. Hmmmm…. Chicken.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
So any predictions on tomorrow’s headlines?
Maybe “Manual say Mets need Ollie to step up if they are to win in 2010.”
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
I can see it now
“Bay has no comment when asked if he expects to win the NL East. Mets say he was misquoted.”
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-4:34pm at 4:34 pm (UTC -4)
Wow looks like Walker McKeough is unhappy with the Mets off season.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/347321-the-new-york-mess-omar-minaya-at-the-helm
Does this qualify him as a nattering naboob of negaticity?
GravediggerHebner
2/17/2010-5:32pm at 5:32 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks for the link Mr. NJ, here’s my opinion.
1. “Omar has made Washington a more desirable place to play than NY.” = Yes Nattering Nabob of Negativity, that’s an absurd overstatement. What did Omar do that made the Nationals a hot destination spot? Whether people want to go there or not has little to nothing to do with Omar Minaya.
2. “Surely players would swarm to play in NY.” = Yes NNoN, why would they swarm? Seems an unfair assumption. Just because you or I love NYC doesn’t mean anyone else should.
3. “I hoped they could get a 2nd or 3rd starter for stability.” = No NNon, that’s reasonable.
4. “We signed an old, star hitter.” Yes NNon, seriously 31 year old Jason Bay is “old?” I don’t know if this writer understands that players don’t become free agents until after 6 years minimum in the league so there are not going to be a ton of free agents under 30.
5. “Pelfrey is a good young pitcher who I expect to rebound.” No NNon, reasonable statement. Makes me wonder why he’s so fair to Pelfrey in the context of this other unfairness (unfairness in my opinion).
6. “Maine is made of glass I expect only 140 innings.” No NNon, while I think “made of glass” is a bit over-the-top the ultimate point about his fragility is a reasonable one.
7. “Perez is garbage and lazy.” Yes NNon, c’mon any fair assessment of Perez doesn’t conclude that he is “garbage and lazy.” I think inconsistent and underwhelming are more fair ways to put it.
8. “Worse offseason than the Nationals.” No NNon, this is a different statement than point number 1 and I think this is a fair statement. They may have overpaid one and the other may never pitch well again, but they did at least sign two pitchers one can safely call “viable starting pitchers” and the Mets signed none.
9. “The Mets bring to 2010 the same SP staff which performed so well the last two seasons.” Yes, NNon due to the sarcasm of “performed so well” which is unfair because 2/5 (Maine and Perez) were injured. If he was to have said “same staff which is a question mark due to coming off injuries” and even include Johan off surgery in that I would agree, but instead he ignores the injury aspect and simply states they performed poorly. Also 2009 included Livan Hernandez and 2008 included Pedro Martinez, neither of whom are back. So really this # 9 is just a gross mis-statement of fact.
10. “This team is built around aging stars who are starting to show this age through injuries.” Yes NNon, who are these “aging stars” exactly, the 32 year old Beltran, the 30 year old Santana or the 26 year old Wright and Reyes? Just untrue. I wonder if this author thought Beltran was an “old, star hitter” when the Mets signed him.
11. “78-84 4th place the team is not better than last year’s and is already hurt.” Yes NNon, how can you say the team is not better than last year’s while predicting it will win 8 more games than last year’s? The 8 defenders who started the most games last year for the Mets were Santos, Murphy, Castillo, Cora, Wright, Sheffield, Beltran and Francoeur so the team in that context replaces Cora with Reyes and Sheffield with Bay, are those not upgrades?
So of 11 key points, I think 7 are just not factually accurate and are in my opinion Nattering Nabob of Negativity points. 4 of the 11 are in my opinion reasonable criticisms and fair points.
The team is flawed. It is open to fair legitimate criticism from many angles and with many facts. When someone goes beyond these angles and facts and lobs unfair unnecessary grenades that in my opinion is what qualifies them as a Nattering Nabob. There is enough there to be criticized reasonably I don’t understand why people feel the need to go beyond it and make things up or paint things inaccurately/unfairly just to make a point they could easily make without doing so.
CaseStreet
2/17/2010-5:35pm at 5:35 pm (UTC -4)
This
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-6:05pm at 6:05 pm (UTC -4)
If I didn’t have to sign up over there, I would be tempted to leave a comment.
That last opinion – where you’ve got it labeled #11 – really kills me. So the team is about the same as last year? O.K., fair point with some minor adjustments. But….no one has any idea where we would have finished last year w/o the injuries. So back up one year to where we went down to the wire. We were in it until the end with almost the same group. Why assume another 4th place finish with 70 game win? I’ll buy that if 4-6 guys go down hurt again for the season. Otherwise, we’re in it to win it this year.
fongy2
2/17/2010-6:13pm at 6:13 pm (UTC -4)
RE: This article….Four words….Thank You,Kudos & Amen!
Like I said yesterday….Shades of ’91….The end of,
Not the beginning or even the middle of a run….
Jerry gone just after Memorial day and Omar likely
not long after that….’91′s record sounds about right!
saltygary
2/17/2010-4:52pm at 4:52 pm (UTC -4)
For those without ESPN Insider accounts, This is “Baseball Prospectus’s” prediction for the NL East”:
Philadelphia Phillies: 88-74 projected 2010 record
Why they might win: Because they are the three-time defending champions of the division and they just leveraged their strong farm system to replace a very good Lee with a potentially better Halladay.
Why they might not win: If Cole Hamels doesn’t bounce back, the rotation is Halladay and a bunch of innings eaters. And — oh goodness — they’re not going to let Brad Lidge close again, are they?
Player who could surprise: After a rough 2009 campaign, PECOTA sees shortstop Jimmy Rollins returning to form with a .281 batting average and the usual power/speed combination. Jose Contreras could turn out to be a great find as a short-stint reliever.
Player who could disappoint: Scouts and PECOTA think J.A. Happ’s 2009 showing was a fluke, and when those two forces agree, rarely are they wrong. A projected ERA of 4.17 is much closer to reality than last year’s 2.93 mark.
Atlanta Braves: 83-79 projected 2010 record
Why they might win: Jason Heyward is the top position player prospect in the game, might be the right fielder on Opening Day and one of those rare talents who could make a big league impact from Day One. Their rotation could be outstanding, as Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens are both good young pitchers who could be even better this year — while the club is convinced Tim Hudson will return to form after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Why they might not win: If Heyward isn’t ready, their corner outfield situation is pretty sad. Also, do you really want to put your faith in a team that has Billy Wagner closing and Troy Glaus at first base? Good for you, because few others do.
Player who could surprise: After slumping a bit in the batting-average department last year, PECOTA projects a nice rebound for Nate McLouth — with 22 home runs, 24 stolen bases and a career-high .361 on-base percentage. That’s nearly All-Star territory.
Player who could disappoint: PECOTA believes that a Glaus/Eric Hinske combination at first base could produce 20-plus home runs, but also a combined slugging percentage that’s still under .400. The Braves have yet to find anything close to a replacement for Mark Teixeira, and after all of the talent they sent to Texas for him, Atlanta fans probably don’t want to be reminded of that.
Florida Marlins: 81-81 projected 2010 record
Why they might win: Because this is still a young team with plenty of players still on the upward trajectory of their career — and let’s face it, the Marlins are pretty much always better than anybody thinks they will be.
Why they might not win: They don’t have a first baseman, unless prospect Logan Morrison can make a big move this spring, while Jorge Cantu and Emilio Bonifacio provide nearly equal weakness at the other corner. The potential roster is loaded with young arms that have yet to live up their potential.
Player who could surprise: Our new pitching metric, SIERA (Skill Interactive ERA), identifies righty Ricky Nolasco as one of the top sleepers in the game this season. On a pure element basis, he was much better than last year’s 5.06 ERA, and PECOTA believes he’ll be nearly as good as Marlins ace Josh Johnson in 2010.
Player who could disappoint: PECOTA projects a major regression for 2009 NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan, with a batting line of .284/.369/.430 — making him an average-at-best left fielder.
New York Mets: 79-83 projected 2010 record
Why they might win: Because there’s no way things could be as bad as they were in 2009. This roster still has plenty of star power. If they’re healthy, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Johan Santana should all have solid campaigns. They also landed Bay, who strengthens a real weak spot in left field.
Why they might not win: Because they’ve found a way to turn the season into a nightmare for three straight years, so why stop now? Bay was a great get, but what this team really needed was a starter behind Santana, and that never materialized.
Player who could surprise: While it’s not the kind of thing any projection system can measure, don’t underestimate how important having other productive players in the lineup will be to David Wright, for whom PECOTA projects a strong rebound: a batting line of .303/.401/.516 with 26 home runs.
Player who could disappoint: While Bay has slugged over .500 in every year of his career other than 2007, PECOTA sees a player who is not aging so gracefully, with a .258/.360/.475 line, not exactly what one expects for $15 million.
Washington Nationals: 76-86 projected 2010 record
Why they might win: They’re not going to win big, but PECOTA sees a team that lost 103 games last year finishing just five games under .500. Stephen Strasburg’s first year as a pro could be very similar to Mark Prior’s 2002 season, when he made nine minor league starts, was in the majors by the end of May, and was immediately the best pitcher on the staff.
Why they might not win: Because they’re still the Nationals and they’re still not very good. This is the team that allowed 874 runs last year, 100 more than 13 of the 15 other teams in the league. Even with Strasburg and the addition of Jason Marquis, the end of the rotation is a nightmare, and the bullpen isn’t much better, with new closer Matt Capps going into the year with a possibility of being the only reliever with a projected ERA below 4.00.
Player who could surprise: While righty Garrett Mock got knocked around for a .308 opponents’ batting average and a 5.62 ERA last year, PECOTA sees a good skill set and solid minor league track record, projecting him as a big-league average starter with a 4.23 ERA.
Player who could disappoint: PECOTA has no faith in the .351 batting average center fielder Nyjer Morgan posted for the Nationals last season after being acquired in a late-June trade; he’s projected for a .283/.348/.385 batting line in 2010. That’s not only a below-average player, but also well off Morgan’s career line.
Kevin Goldstein is an author of Baseball Prospectus who frequently writes about minor league prospects.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/17/2010-5:12pm at 5:12 pm (UTC -4)
Mets win 3 more games than the Nats? I’m not the most optimistic Mets fan here, but that’s crazy
stickguy
2/17/2010-6:02pm at 6:02 pm (UTC -4)
He gets paid to write stuff like this?
“Why they might not win: Because they’ve found a way to turn the season into a nightmare for three straight years, so why stop now? ”
That sounds like something from the comments section at MB, and not from one of the guys that you would invite over to here!
metsfan4decades
2/17/2010-6:09pm at 6:09 pm (UTC -4)
Exactly. Most all other comments were based on some projection. He gets to the Mets and lobs an overused, tired cliche to base his opinion on. Just negates everything else he wrote.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-4:53pm at 4:53 pm (UTC -4)
Kay is saying that Santos is the starting catcher. Kay didn’t get the memo that there was a competition for the position.
The Mets better sing Barajas, he exclaimed.
The media you gotta love it.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-4:55pm at 4:55 pm (UTC -4)
Didn’t Yankees open camp today?
saltygary
2/17/2010-4:57pm at 4:57 pm (UTC -4)
Technically tomorrow but they are all there.
Mr North Jersey
2/17/2010-4:57pm at 4:57 pm (UTC -4)
Kay asked his female host if she had to bet her life that the Mets would win 81 games would she do it? She responded yes. His reply, You would die then.
LoLoL you gotta luv it.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/17/2010-5:14pm at 5:14 pm (UTC -4)
He’s a big time homer. And hates the Mets for what his friend Al went through with the Mets. I’ve listened to his show for couple years now, but I have never heard him say positive thing about the Mets.