(To read past year’s letters, click here)
Letters to the NL East, Part 4 of 5. (part 1, part 2, part 3)
Dear Philadelphia Phillies,
You suck. That’s right, you heard me. You’re the “popular†pick to win the division, much like the Mets were predicted to win the World Series last year. You know what? It doesn’t matter. You get credit in analysts’ eyes for being there in the past, but that doesn’t actually get you any wins in 2010.
You already get one big black mark for letting Cliff Lee leave when you acquired Halladay. Now suddenly your rotational is only marginally better, at best. And you have at least as many question marks at the Mets. Sure, those questions have turned out to be exclamation points in the past, but this is a different year. Maybe Hamels was a one-hit wonder, and will continue to be merely pedestrian. Blanton has never been anything special, and Moyer had a hot spring, but is hardly a reliable product in the rotation. Happ is the one thing to hold on to, in that he had a really good year in his time up last year. There is no guarantee that that will continue, that he won’t get figured out by the league and fail to adjust, that he won’t suffer the sophomore curse.
Pedro Feliz was such a solid feature at third base that I just don’t buy that Polanco is anything more than a lateral move at best. Your bullpen is extremely suspect, and while you do have a potent offense, the Mets did match you in runs scored prior to the injury-plagued 2009. This offseason you lock up a couple of your players to long term contracts, and coupled with letting Lee go, it’s apparent you don’t have the money to fill any holes that arrive this season.
So, while you get many props for winning the division in previous years, the calendar has turned and that buys you nothing in 2010. You’re at the top of the hill but you’re teetering at the edge. All it would take is one misstep, or one good push, for you to go tumbling back to obscurity.
While I’ve enjoyed having a real rival that’s both geographical close and in the same league, I don’t know if you can keep it up for long enough for us to say that Mets-Phillies is better than Yankees-Red Sox and really mean it. The Mets have some minor injuries to start the season, so you should take advantage of it while you still can. If you can’t start getting ahead in the race, the Mets will steamroll right by you when they’re back to full strength.
It’s going to be a fun and combative year. Can you handle it?
Your bitter enemy,
Optimistic Mets Fan
68 comments
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
The best letter yet. I was waiting all week for this.
I’m of the same mindset you are:
- Suspect rotation behind Doc, now with Blanton on the DL and a 47 year old #5.
- Suspect BP with both Lidge and Romero on the DL
- Aging LF who may or may not put up first half ’09 numbers. Don’t bet the ranch on the over.
- I’m not seeing the upgrade to the bench all are claiming.
Right now, they are the team to beat because they won the division.
I just don’t think this NL East is a runaway for the Phils.
metsgirl31
4/2/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
Great letter!
udontmesswthejohan
4/2/2010-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
Ceetar, all I can say on this Good Friday is – “Oy Vey”.
stickguy
4/2/2010-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
minor quibble: Beltran being out for 2 months most likely is way more than a “minor” injury. Murphy and Reyes for 5 days I will call minor.
Other than that, you go girl!
ceetar
4/2/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
yeah, if it really ends up being closer to 2 months. When I wrote it earlier this week it still seemed May 1st was reasonable.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
Right now it may be after Memorial Day. Not good.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
I just don’t understand this. Other players – Lidge I believe? supposedly had the same knee cleanup procedure after Beltran and is going to be back far earlier.
I can’t help thinking this surgery on his knee was more than was reported now.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
Most likely. Could also be the fact he plays CF.
ceetar
4/2/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
CF and running is a little more harsh on the knees. Thought Lidge was a shoulder/elbow thing? no?
This is why I want to know details..what is he cleared for on April 10th? what type of progression are we talking about? will he start jogging and then say 2 weeks later reevalaute to running? and then sliding and pivoting? what’s he doing?
trs86
4/2/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
I think they said he would start running early but lateral movement would come late.
ceetar
4/2/2010-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)
Is lateral movement similar to swinging though? I guess not, as he’s swinging now, and i heard he took real BP the other day (indoor, but full swings and what not)
It just doesn’t seem right that a guy that’s taking BP, no pain, can ride a bike, etc. is going to take two months to return.
I guess the main issue is to reduce continued strain on the muscles and joints (like how he hasn’t been allowed to stand much until recently) and to slowly build muscle to support it. I just want more information, I hate just takign peoples word for it. Especially when it’s Doctors telling Omar telling reporters, telling us. game of telephone..
trs86
4/2/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
No swinging is much different than changing direction full speed.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
I wasn’t sure it was Lidge but I know it was some pitcher I was reading about. I think Lidge had two surgeries though, right?
stickguy
4/2/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
he had elbow and knee work done.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
Ah, thanks for the confirmation.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
Ha! Good for you Philly Phucs!
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
Plus some botox and collagen injections. But they were just minor procedures.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
Uh oh….
We know where this will lead.
ceetar
4/2/2010-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
Hey, what would sports be without trash talking and belittling?
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
Enjoyable?
stickguy
4/2/2010-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
Don’t worry, he will be here soon. I am sure the Phadar is tingling.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
who?
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
wow – MC linked to Kingman’s Limits of Optimism post…
ceetar
4/2/2010-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
*rolls eyes*
ceetar
4/2/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
it’s almost in contrast to a post he linked to/posted yesterday. consistancy please!
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:16am at 11:16 am (UTC -4)
Well, I’ve been saying for awhile now MC is the quintessential bipolar Met fan.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
Hey a lot of Mets fans are becoming Bipolar. Perhaps he is again trying to match the fanbase?
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
You’re right. There are many standing on that ledge. Many who will step back and sit down with a strong Santana win on opening day.
stickguy
4/2/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
and if Santana gets roughed up a bit and they lose 7-1, they will all jump.
WOrks for me. CLear out the weak minds!
trs86
4/2/2010-11:13am at 11:13 am (UTC -4)
Yup, congrats Kingman. If anyone can break the barrier it’s Kingman.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
Ditto, congrats.
We’ve had some fine posts here over the past year. I guess Kingman’s fit his theme for the day.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
Does anyone know why Ryan Freel is still a FA? Is it an injury or just strictly based on his terrible ’09 season?
trs86
4/2/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
He’s just flat out done. Had an OPS under .700 for 3 years now.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
oh…
stickguy
4/2/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
THe beltran thing is weird. Hell, it seems like he should be able to have that procedure today and be back by June.
He got done in January, right? t lest 2 months ago? And it was a scope job/clean up? I really don’t understand 5 months to recover.
Unless this is the Mets swinging so far to the other end of the spectrum after last year, why?
Beltran always seems to get ready quick (back in game form), so if he is able to play in a game, why should it take more thatn 7-10 days?
And frankly, not to be mean, but at some piont he needs to get out there and give the Mets something for their money, even if he isn’t 100% (but not likely to hurt himself again). Considering he would be replacing GMjr., I am fine with letting him play back into game shape in the majors instead of the minors!
And I am firmly in the camp of play out the contract and let him walk (limp?) away, so if he doesn’t come back soon, there won’t be much point!
Anyway, I think there may be an aspect of setting the bar low (talking about the worst case scenerio) so when he comes back earlier, everyone is happy.
Talk about 5/1 and 5/15 is a PR disaster. Talk about 6/1, and 5/15 gives the fans a major buzz.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
I think that’s what Omar and Co are going for. Set the expectation low.
As for his contract situation, I think he’ll still be a fairly decent CF after 2011 season. I’d renew his contract 1-2 years. But then that’s still 2 seasons away from now. Who knows? The Mets might have FMart at CF, Frenchy at RF and Bay at LF.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
My opinion is Beltran would be out there, if he could. I now think he’s not ready to go b/c this wasn’t as simple a surgery that was reported.
dirtysanchez
4/2/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
Spoken like a true Met fan lol
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
I was going to send the following letter to the Phillies, but Ceetar’s works too:
Three important rules for breaking up
Don’t put off breaking up when you know you want to
Prolonging the situation only makes it worse
Tell him honestly, simply, kindly, but firmly
Don’t make a big production
Don’t make up an elaborate story
This will help you avoid a big tear jerking scene
If you wanna date other people say so
Be prepared for the boy to feel hurt and rejected
Even if you’ve gone together for only a short time,
And haven’t been too serious,
There’s still a feeling of rejection
When someone says she prefers the company of others
To your exclusive company,
But if you’re honest, and direct,
And avoid making a flowery emotional speech when you break the news,
The boy will respect you for your frankness,
And honestly he’ll appreciate the kind of straight forward manner
In which you told him your decision
Unless he’s a real jerk or a cry baby you will remain friends
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
Since I have to step out for a while, in case it’s unclear this is a Nada Surf song whose lyrics seemed appropriate considering basically the Phillies and many of their fans have broken up with us because we’re not good enough anymore. They’ve moved on to the Braves and Marlins.
darknova306
4/2/2010-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
Good, they won’t see us coming, then BAM!
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
LOL – good one. And that’s just fine….
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
Popular, right?
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
over/under for the Angels and Twins 83.5.
hmmm…
darknova306
4/2/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
Well played, Ceetar. Don’t forget the ridiculous run of health they’ve had from all their regulars for years. Karma will be a b!tch if that changes.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
Amen
ceetar
4/2/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
it’s already started to change. Look how badly they played when Ibanez went on the DL last year, and that’s just one guy.
Hamels is the key to their season though if I had ot pick one guy. Utley on the offensive side, and he’s shown he can be a little brittle here and there.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
Guess what else. Utley turns the magic number for 2B this season. 32. Watch out…
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
As long as that black cloud leaves our sky, I don’t care what team it settles over next.
trs86
4/2/2010-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
I was looking at Hamels stats a little more closely. It appears as nothing changed much except for the fact that he became very hittable. More hits than innings pitched. Walk and Krate stayed the same. Average innings per start fell all to hell. Had a 5.00 ERA on the road. Really bad 1st half and much better 2nd half. Got to the 6th inning in 23 of his 32 starts and had a terrible 6th inning ERA of 6.33.
Looks like the guy had no stamina and became hittable. Innings 4-6 produced this: .310 .353 .483 .836.
ceetar
4/2/2010-1:29pm at 1:29 pm (UTC -4)
There have been rumblings that he’s a west coast laid back (read: lazy) and not really suited to adversity or Philadelphia.
trs86
4/2/2010-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
Stinks today’s game is at night. Like I am going to spend Friday night watching a ST game. Oh well.
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
is the irony of being a mets fan the total frustration of trying and trying and trying but not being able to achieve what you try to do (like read the stinking “to be a mets fan” article)? If so, well played, sir. well played…
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-12:50pm at 12:50 pm (UTC -4)
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-12:53pm at 12:53 pm (UTC -4)
yeah, unfortunately.
front page shows the first sentence and that’s all.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-12:55pm at 12:55 pm (UTC -4)
DOES THIS HELP? I will only leave it up in here for 10 minutes so read fast.
[removed]
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-1:04pm at 1:04 pm (UTC -4)
That was wonderful.
From the double pump of Sasser, to all the announcers to Juan Samuel… TOO FUNNY! I still remember Juan Samuel’s first AB, which was precursor to come. Long Fly Ball, Deep to Left… And caught on the warning track. Warning Track Power all the way.
Thanks for pasting it here. Made my lunch.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-1:04pm at 1:04 pm (UTC -4)
you are welcome.
ceetar
4/2/2010-1:29pm at 1:29 pm (UTC -4)
IE? I don’t see it either.
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-1:30pm at 1:30 pm (UTC -4)
I keep getting a null void error with my browser, so i can’t read the post or the entire page for that matter. i can get in the backway through older comments.
trs86
4/2/2010-1:36pm at 1:36 pm (UTC -4)
It was most likely copied from word and that plays havoc on wordpress.
ceetar
4/2/2010-1:46pm at 1:46 pm (UTC -4)
Not if you use the ‘copy from word’ wordpress button
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
I wish that would be corrected as it is wacking out the main page for me.
ceetar
4/2/2010-2:39pm at 2:39 pm (UTC -4)
yeah. agreed. and i can’t read the comments/contribute.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
I had no idea it was that big a problem since I see it fine in my firefox browser let me try and see if I can clean it up
ceetar
4/2/2010-2:56pm at 2:56 pm (UTC -4)
definitely locking up the page. and probably for most on IE if that’s the issue.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
try now
khmustache
4/2/2010-5:06pm at 5:06 pm (UTC -4)
brace yourself everybody, this is gonna shock you:
jayson stark picked the fillies to win the world series.
i know, i was astounded when i read that. he NEVER picks the girl horses to win.
oh, wait nevermind. he always picks the mares to win. my bad. it’s not that shocking afterall i guess.