" I hate trolls that masqurade as fans !!!"
To my fellow Mets fans:
Well maybe not all the Mets fans out there just the ones that have written the season off before it has started. I have one thing to say to you – IF YOU DO NOT THINK THIS TEAM WILL DO WELL FOLLOW THE YANKEES !!! I am sick and tired of seeing all this bellyaching, bitching and moaning that our team will finish in last place before a game has yet to be played ! My patience has run thin with the snide remarks and woe is us mentality that I read in the comment sections of other blogs , Twitter or on the radio. If you don’t like the team then don’t support them !
I am surprised by the venom that is being dished out towards both Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins. If anything I believe that Sandy has bent over backwards to please the fans by releasing The 18 million dollar toxic twins names Ollie and Luis. Okay so he didn’t hire Wally Backman as manager – BIG FRIGGIN WOOP !! I love Wally but let’s face it he has no real track record in any league over class AA. Is Terry Collins a risk ? Yes but it’s a calculated risk. Collins is a throwback kind of manager in the mold of a Jim Leyland , Dallas Green and dare I say a Gil Hodges. All three of these men have one thing in common – THEY WON WORLD SERIES RINGS MANAGING !!! Will Collins do the same ? That remains to be seen, but we gave Jerry Manuel a chance to hang himself so why the harsh talk about Collins ?
The next argument is that Sandy didn’t import the best free agent talent out there on the market. Well besides Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford, I am sad to say that this was a rather slim free agent market this year. And surprise surprise neither Lee nor Crawford wanted to come to the Mets – even if the Mets could afford them. I feel Sandy has done a good job importing low risk/high reward players – i.e Chris Young and Chris Capuano as well as some good under the radar signings such as Tim Byrdak as well as Willie Harris. It looks like both Pedro Beato and Brad Eamus will make the team – not bad for Rule 5 draftees. In other words this roster looks deeper than it did last season.
Yes I know Johan Santana’s health is a big question mark , and who knows if he will ever retain his position as one of the leagues best pitcher, but Sandy inherited this problem. It is plain to see that there are budget constraints put in place by the Wilpons whether it is because of Madoff and the Picard claw back lawsuit or because like they maintain they try to avoid being penalized by the luxury tax. But to blame Sandy for this is unfair. Yes he has suggested that payroll may be reduced next season – which I admit bothers me to a extent, but we have had a large payroll for many years and where has it got us ? In the situation we are now !! The key is to spend the money wisely on both free agent signings and by drafting the best amateur players out there – and dare I say paying over slot.
I am on record with my prediction that the Mets will win between 85-88 games and be in contention for the wild card until the last weeks of the season. I feel this team will surprise many. There seems to be a different vibe about this team and yes I am drinking the Kool Aid.
But if you don’t feel the same way I understand – and you have the right to be entitled to your opinion.
But please – before you possibly make yourself look like a fool give the team at the minimum 2 months before you grow tired, wary or negative.
But if you don’t like being a underdog – root for the Yanks or the Phils
Sincerely
Rustyjr
And with that said… HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today include :
Mets middle reliever from the ’93 season, Mickey Weston is 50 (1961) .
Reserve outfielder from the ’94 season, Shawn Hare is 44(1967) .
The Mets primary shortstop from ’94-’96, José Vizcaino is 43 (1968).
The New York Mets sold middle reliever, Buzz Capra to the Atlanta Braves on March 26, 1974.
The New York Mets sold outfielder, Mike Vail to the Cleveland Indians on March 26, 1978. Oh what could have been. In 1975 Mike came out of no where and wowed both the Mets and the fans with his all out hustle, speed and power. He was poised to be the Mets starting outfielder for the foreseeable future, but then he broke his ankle while playing basket ball during that off season and was never the same player ever again.
The New York Mets released future Mets manager, Bobby Valentine on March 26, 1979. Legend has it that Bobby still hasn’t forgiven Joe Torre for being cut.
The New York Mets traded reserve outfielder, Randy Milligan and minor league pitcher, Scott Henion to the Pittsburgh Pirates for catcher Mackey Sasser and pitcher, Tim Drummond on March 26, 1988.
The New York Mets signed free agent outfielder, D. J. Dozier on March 26, 1990.
The New York Mets purchased middle reliever, Joe Crawford from the Boston Red Sox on March 26, 1996.
The New York Mets released utility infielder, Alvaro Espinoza on March 26, 1997.
Third baseman, Howard Johnson announced his retirement on March 26, 1997. Hojo was out of baseball for a few years when he made this comeback attempt, but unfortunately he had very little left in the tank.
The New York Mets released starting pitcher, Hideo Nomo on March 26, 1999. Yes he pitched in the big leagues until ’06, but his best years were far behind him when he joined the Mets in ’98.
And while you sit at home griping about how your March Madness brackets were busted, just remember that there are just 6 Wally Backman Days to go until days the Mets open the 2011 season against the Florida Marlins in Miami, and only 13 days until the Mets 2011 home opener against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
Mo Vaughn just bought a Mini Cooper !!!
36 comments
darknova306
3/26/2011-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
I don’t expect the team to do well, but I will not root for the Yankees. So suck it.
Can we stop telling other fans to ‘go follow another team’ just because they’re not over the optimists? Disagree with the negativity, that’s fine, but let’s stop trying to put a strict definition on what someone’s perspective has to be to be a fan.
78-82 wins, in my opinion. Disagree all you like, but don’t tell me to root for the Yankees because I’m not optimistic enough for you.
Mr North Jersey
3/26/2011-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
What darknova306 said.
I can understand the frustration of reading someone say the Mets will struggle. In some cases some go even overboard by saying the Mets will struggle for the next 5 years. But I think Nova nailed it with what he said.
On MMO I had someone tell me once that maybe i should focus on my fandom and enjoy that than trying to focus on other people’s fandom.
I think that is good advice here.
metsfan4decades
3/26/2011-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
‘I feel this team will surprise many.’
Me too. I’ll take some of that Kool Aid.
Agree with everything here only I don’t get angry at the venom I’m seeing from some Met fans. I’m just laughing. I just wonder if they’ll be the same ones declaring Sandy and the FO geniuses if they have a good season.
Well….I kind of have to disagree with one point. The Phils are going down this year – hahahaha.
tkfj2
3/26/2011-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
Any other year I would be hard pressed to find a reason to be optimistic about this organization, and team. This year should not have been any different, especially with the Wimpons doing their best to alienate the fanbase. But I am done being that constant negative fan, at least for the time being, it does take away from the joy of cheering my favorite team on and having pride in being a Mets fan.
Other teams fans will dump on us, make fun of the team and the fans, so no need to add to those negative feelings. Criticism while still being positive is my new mindset. It is the Mets against the world that is how I will look at it.
Great post Rusty, and LGM.
oleosmirf
3/26/2011-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
I am actually very optimistic about this team. Should everyone play to their potentials or career averages, then this will be one dangerous team.
Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Bay, Davis, Murphy, Thole (yes i except Murphy to eventually get the most AB at 2B in the pre-Havens era) is arguably the best 1-8 lineup when everyone is at full strength and while our rotation lacks the bonafide ace with Santana out, we certainly have a better back-end of the rotation than most teams in the league.
stickguy
3/26/2011-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
agreed. Look at Reyes, and what do you see? A dynamic, star player just hitting his prime years that had a couple of fluke injuries last year, but is healthy now and likely to have some monster years, or a damaged POS dancing fool that will never be what he was a couple of years ago?
kingman 26
3/26/2011-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
Good question on Reyes.
We shall soon see.
stickguy
3/26/2011-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
Well, I am on record too as saying that this is a 85ish win team, +/- 5/6 wins.
basically, they are on paper, right now talent on the field, overall every bit as good as the 2007/2008 squads, that managed to win upper 80s even with some serious holes, and a dipwad managing them (and GMing to).
Yes, guys get hurt or under perform. But, they also over perform on occasion. And that is really what annoys me with the negative nillies. They seem to feel that the team is jinxed, and that every negative eventuality is going to happen, and there is no chance of the good stuff happening instead.
everyone will get hurt, no one will rebound. 2nd year guys will have big sophomore slumps. pitchers will regress. Etc. never seems to be an upside possibilities.
maybe it is just me, but I think “ifs” work both ways, and you need to start at “normal” as realistic, as opposed to starting at worst case scenario.
But, no need to go root for another team if you aren’t feeling optimistic, but Rusty is right, at least have some ST hope and don’t be a whiny, pissy little teenage girl about it!
kingman 26
3/26/2011-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
How can you say they are as good as the 2007/2008 teams on paper?
What kind of paper?
Paper dipped in LSD?
metsfan4decades
3/26/2011-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
‘Ronny Paulino is shut down as after tests found irregularities in his blood work. Follow-up results coming Mon/Tues. Not PED-related.’
Well, dang.
I hadn’t paid much attention to Nickeas this spring. Looks like he’ll be the back up catcher for longer than 9 days.
stickguy
3/26/2011-1:38pm at 1:38 pm (UTC -4)
hope it isn’t what that MiL dude had.
and man, if it is thyroid, what the heck are the odds of having 2 guys in a row with that?
At least for the Mets Paulino is missing the first 8 days regardless, so even a little longer is not that big of a deal.
oleosmirf
3/26/2011-5:49pm at 5:49 pm (UTC -4)
if Paulino needs to miss more than a week or two extra, i would expect Sandy to be looking for someone better. Nickeas really has no business being in the MLB or even on the 40 man roster.
I could see them trading a guy like Luis Hernandez or Nick Evans, that will be waived anyway to try and get a catcher from another team in a similar situation.
rustyjr
3/26/2011-6:08pm at 6:08 pm (UTC -4)
Bengie ?
oleosmirf
3/26/2011-6:22pm at 6:22 pm (UTC -4)
Idk if he’d be happy starting once a week. I was thinking more of a guy that you know has no options left and didnt make the team.
maybe if you get a chance you can ask Sandy or someone once we get more info on Paulino since you’re making moves now…
kingman 26
3/26/2011-3:45pm at 3:45 pm (UTC -4)
Well-written and fine post my friend.
I think this team has a year before it will be ready to contend, I see a very difficult division, and I foresee 75–80 wins; however, I love the team, and all I ask is effort, which appears to have been pretty much universally re-instated with Collins.
The only reason I became a negative Nancy last year is because, in my mind by far the most since the 1993 horror show, the team did not care, did not hustle, and mailed in games. No matter how much this is disputed on here, Keith, Ron, Gary, Darryl, Ojeda, Kiner, etc. said it again and again and again. As did Wright in a candid moment.
Because it was true.
Every other year in Met history–other than 1993 and 2010–I enjoyed the team tremendously–win or lose. And I expect to enjoy 2011 very much, as I did 2007, 2008, and even to an extent 2009. I love baseball and I love the Mets.
As for the manager, I liked Wally, but Collins was most definitely my second choice over Milquetoast Melvin and a coach who helped oversee the Citi Country Club last year.
As for the “snide remarks and woe is us mentality that I read in the comment sections of other blogs, Twitter or on the radio” I just say with all of the respect and admiration I have had for you for years now, that you, my esteemed friend, have only yourself to blame.
I have no idea what the fools, morons, and jackbutts are saying, as I would rather pour hot wax in my ears while gouging my eyes with knitting needles than expose myself to that nonsense.
Why listen to/read/follow it? How does it enhance the Met experience or your life?
It is so far beneath someone like you that the tools have yet to be invented to measure how far beneath you it is.
rustyjr
3/26/2011-6:10pm at 6:10 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks my friend that’s why I listen to more stern these days lol
kingman 26
3/26/2011-6:59pm at 6:59 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
Well, at least he leaves baseball alone!!
Sent you some questions for Terry…..
rustyjr
3/26/2011-7:09pm at 7:09 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks bud
hazmet
3/26/2011-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
I’m finding this team increasingly intriguing. I too don’t get the negativity of the fan base given we haven’t played one game yet. Hell, if you can’t be optimistic in Spring before the season starts well when can you be. I know, I know many will just analyze the roster and say the team is no way even a .500 team. I’ve seen estimates everywhere from 73 wins to 85 wins out there and too each there own. What intrigues me about this team is there’s a mix of young guys with veterans with a walk year guy in Reyes who has an MVP talent level when running on all cylinders. There’s also that mix of unknown commodities such as Emaus and Duda that have some pop that when plugged in can really add to the offense. As for the rotation, I like the mix if the 2 Chris’s can stay healthy and Dickey doesn’t turn back into a pumpkin. I think any of these guys can post 12-15 wins and while not 18-20 that’s not terrible for a “Johanless” staff. I also like Gee in the wings if one of the Chris’s go down or the move is made to put Capuano in the pen for depth and Gee plugged in at somepoint. I also like Harvey in the wings who I think is going to move through the system pretty fast this year and could be a nice late season call up. This should be a really fun year to see how the kids mature and seeing how the new skipper runs the games. Lets get to Friday and get started.
saltygary
3/26/2011-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
Comment…looks like a lot of belly aching by you. I don’t think they will do well and will hold my optimism on the future once the current financial issues have a plan for resolution. Personally I am pisses because I am passionate for this club and what is going on is a bunch of BS. The Mets are my team, not the Yankees so deal with it
kingman 26
3/26/2011-7:24pm at 7:24 pm (UTC -4)
Well Gary, while I am with you, remember that Rusty is cool.
He doesn’t whine when we laugh at beat writers’ nonsense, or cry when we call ridiculous opinions ridiculous.
saltygary
3/26/2011-7:42pm at 7:42 pm (UTC -4)
I hear ya and I’ve been dweling on this while I watct the uconn game and as a fyi I am pulling a ceronne and doing this on my phone.
If your going to listen to fatcessa and read comments at stupid blobs you only have yourself to blame for the angst that you feel. Its like sitting on the beach all day without suntan lotion on and getting pissed that you look like a lobster. No matter how you feel the outcome will be we all have things to be excited for. This is going to be a long season no matter what. If we all can be strong and not listen or read things that will never be good we will all be stronger for it.
Mr North Jersey
3/26/2011-7:51pm at 7:51 pm (UTC -4)
Should I take this comment as being directed to me or am i misreading something here?
rustyjr
3/26/2011-7:35pm at 7:35 pm (UTC -4)
Gary I’m not saying you have a right to have negative feelings – but with that said – can we have real games played before we rush to judgement ? My saying to root for the yanks was pure hyperbole
Mr North Jersey
3/26/2011-8:19pm at 8:19 pm (UTC -4)
Like all things I guess it is how one chooses to interpret a comment.
When you start a post with the following words.
“To my fellow Mets fans:
Well maybe not all the Mets fans out there just the ones that have written the season off before it has started. I have one thing to say to you – IF YOU DO NOT THINK THIS TEAM WILL DO WELL FOLLOW THE YANKEES !!! I am sick and tired of seeing all this bellyaching, bitching and moaning that our team will finish in last place before a game has yet to be played !”
It is bound to get a reaction from 1 or 2 that may feel a bit confused by such a strong statement.
I know you to be a kind and courteous person so when I read something like “IF YOU DO NOT THINK THIS TEAM WILL DO WELL FOLLOW THE YANKEES !!!” I am not sure if this fits me because i don’t think the team will do well but that doesn’t mean i don’t pull for them to win and prove me wrong.
Only because you go on to say more specifically what exactly it is that you are tired of is that in the end i think I do not fit in the group you describe.
But Kingman said it best if you are so mad that you felt the need to write a post with this much anger in it then maybe you should examine if you should continue reading or listening to what it is that makes you feel this way.
I don’t know I may just be missing something here it just seemed like maybe the approach was a bit strong. I don’t know I really don’t.
Having said that I hope that if I feel the Mets “MAY” struggle to finish .500 that is not taken as me then needing to check my loyalties elsewhere.
rustyjr
3/26/2011-8:24pm at 8:24 pm (UTC -4)
It was directed to the Greg Pomes of the world Luis
Mr North Jersey
3/26/2011-8:30pm at 8:30 pm (UTC -4)
That is what i was hoping it was. I will say it again though. If you feel such anger at these people maybe you should examine if you should continue reading or listening to what it is that makes you feel this way.
rustyjr
3/26/2011-8:34pm at 8:34 pm (UTC -4)
lol thats why I joked that I finding myself litening more to Howard Stern than WFAN these days
Mr North Jersey
3/26/2011-8:46pm at 8:46 pm (UTC -4)
You know you should do a list of TOP 10 things Mets fans should avoid during the season.
You can have like anything from Pomes and Mike Francesa, The NY Post etc etc etc. Anything you thiink that fits your criteria of things that your sick and tired of.
Just a thought since you seem really affected by them when you read or see or hear them.
rustyjr
3/26/2011-9:04pm at 9:04 pm (UTC -4)
I know what francesa carton and pomes do is mostly schtick but the fact that the callers fall for their crap is pitiful
Mr North Jersey
3/26/2011-10:48pm at 10:48 pm (UTC -4)
Well Opening Day is almost here. Even though I think what i do regarding the season I am looking forward to enjoying the season.
Like I said previously for me it’s not about the record but more the growth of individual players.
LGM 2011
ajgmets
3/26/2011-10:16pm at 10:16 pm (UTC -4)
Negative – Realistic – Trustworthy
Three simple words used to describe Mets fans and the organization to which they pledge their undying support.
I as one who considers himself a “True” Mets fan, no not one that goes to 50 or 60 games per year or who watches every pitch of every inning, but one who in one way or another, whether it be on radio or the “interwebs”, follows this club as closely as any fan without access to the locker room, clubhouse or press credentials and have like most fans experienced the torturous performances of recent Mets seasons.
From the highs of 1969 through the success of the early seventies into the doldrums that saw mainly utter failures from 1975 until the resurgence of the mid and late 1980’s along the highs and lows that were the Mets through the bulk of the nineties, until a return to decency and relevance as the new millennium brought our team back to the World Series stage and has seen it compete admirably for much of the last decade with numerous missed chances for a return to the feeling of euphoria that engulfs all fans when their team wins, I’ve personally, admittedly been negative, realistic and have at times questioned (more often than not wisely) the honesty, integrity and overall Trustworthiness of the organization and its management.
Through all the deceit, lies, losing and Winning, I have remained staunchly loyal to the players that perform to the best of their abilities and the uniform they wear which represents MY TEAM, THE NEWYORK METS!!
I will never accept ANYONE questioning my loyalty by “telling” me to “root for some other team” or quit voicing my opinion…NEVER…
Honestly the exquisite pain of rooting for this team through its failures and continuing to support this “family” should not be subject to anyone’s comments, suggestions or incendiary remarks, just as the exhilaration and celebration of the teams’ successes should never be reined in or tethered in any manner.
Your comments regarding how we should enjoy “rooting for the underdog” while I’m sure were well intentioned, should be recanted.
Rooting for the NEW YORK METS is not “Rooting for the Underdog” and shouldn’t be looked upon as such, it should be revelled in and seen as rooting for our TEAM come thick or thin, win or lose. Questioning the moves and integrity of the front office has little to do with being a LOYAL MET fan. It is all part of the fabric of being a true, dyed in the wool supporter of this franchise whose epic highs and lows I have witnessed, suffered through, exulted in and supported…ALWAYS.
Calling into question my comments, reactions, realistic attitude and feelings is your prerogative but…
NEVER, EVER Question my LOYALTY to the team I’ve “loved” for over 45 years…The NEW YORK METS Professional Baseball Club….NEVER…
Now LET’S GO METS!!
pfh64
3/26/2011-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
I have no problem waiting to see what happens…I am with you Rusty, I would have no problem seeing Duda & Evans playing the corner outfield positions. Pagan, with Beltran (as currently able) & Bay has to cover the whole outfield himself anyway…and I would rather see kids busting their tucchus’ anyway, then older guys who are just biding their time.
stickguy
3/26/2011-10:43pm at 10:43 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe I need a reality check. I love the mets. Always have. I like to obsess over the players and the roster, watch the games (when I can, hell, I “watch” plenty on gameday), and hang on blog talking about them.
But, I really don’t care about the owners, or even who the FO is (only in the abstract as to how it impacts the players on the field, but not who they are, or even their off the field peccadilloes. Or really, even the payroll.
I also don’t expect them to tell me anything, and don’t think they are lying to me. It’s sports. Of course they don’t divulge their plans, they aren’t supposed to!
All I ask is that they put an interesting team on the field, and that they bust their asses to win as many games as they can.
And I certainly am not going to refuse to watch the team play just because of who the owners are. owners come and go, the uniform lives on.
Mr North Jersey
3/26/2011-10:55pm at 10:55 pm (UTC -4)
Well we know one thing.
Fans come in all kind of different varieties.
Some may not be my cup of tea but hey life is too short to put too much focus on why are some fans the way they are.
Lets enjoy the games with those we like and let those that we don’t enjoy however they deem fit.
If in the end we agree that winning a W.S. is the goal then let’s agree on that and be done with it.
Not sure I got my thoughts as well as I liked down in type but I think i got pretty close.
LGM
stickguy
3/26/2011-11:06pm at 11:06 pm (UTC -4)
I’m old enough at this point to have figured out that the world is full of people that I really don’t understand how their minds work, and many that IMO are just plain morons (no offense to the other morons intended).
and mostly, you really can’t do anything to “fix” them, or change their minds. so it really isn’t worth trying.
people y’am what they am, and that’s all they y’am, so eats yer spinach and live yer life.
Oh, NJ, this is not any way a reference to you, just a thought continuation!