Zack Wheeler threw batting practice yesterday and, as was to be expected, impressed everyone in the vicinity. Most mentioned were his velocity and the late movement on his impressive fastball. He also showed a preview of his breaking stuff with a few curves thrown in. This writer has seen clips of him in the minors and can testify to the fact that his breaking stuff is absolutely nasty. Combining this with an upper-90s fastball with movement makes for one serious prospect.
Of course, it is February, and the Nattering Nabobs of Negativity will chime in about how impressive BP is, Generation K, and other assorted annoying blather, but as anyone who has followed the career of this kid–and especially those who have seen clips of him pitch–can agree with, he has a shot to be a number 1 in the bigs.
Matt Harvey surely was impressive in the minors and even more so in his first MLB season, but Wheeler has a chance to be even better.
Growing up in Georgia and starring in basketball as well as baseball in high school, Wheeler was undefeated in his senior year and named Gatorade High School Pitcher of the Year in his state in 2009. He was then the sixth overall pick of the Giants, who appear to have had a good handle on who is a good pitching prospect in the last decade.
Wheeler has moved relatively quickly through the minors, and while there have been brief struggles at each level, overall he has posted very good numbers everywhere he has been since coming to the Mets. He walks a few too many, but strikes out a batter an inning, allows relatively few hits, and gives up almost no HR.
The book on him personally is that he is a very quiet, unassuming individual, who is quite serious about his work, but is also a very humble, laid back person who has changed little since becoming a wealthy man after receiving $3.3 million from the Giants. Folks say that his only major expense was a souped up, tricked out Dodge Ram 2500 diesel, which, according to Mets.com, he “drives around his hometown of Dallas, Ga., like a parade float.” Yes, there is a hell of a lot to like about this kid.
Of course, the whiners and naysayers will continue to bleat about Generation K, but they always seem to forget a couple of other generations: how about the generation of Seaver/Koosman/McGraw/Ryan/Matlack? Or the generation of Gooden/Darling/Fernandez/Aguilera/Orosco/McDowell?
This writer openly admits his bias towards starting pitching, as the feeling here is that with a group of starters such as the Mets appear to be building, a team can win a lot of games with simply a bunch of solid fundamental players behind them. A rotation which may in two years be led by Wheeler/Harvey/Niese/Syndergaard has the potential to make folks forget about Generation K.
It’s February 21, the spring games begin soon, and really, if one cannot be optimistic and simply enjoy the game at this time of year, one might need a new hobby.
Especially with the group of kids the Mets have in camp this time around.
75 comments
srt
2/21/2013-10:10am at 10:10 am (UTC -4)
‘It’s February 21, the spring games begin soon, and really, if one cannot be optimistic and simply enjoy the game at this time of year, one might need a new hobby.’
Well said, Kingman.
I’m excited for the start of the 2013 season.
Even more so because we’ll have two top prospects debuting in the same year. If we’re not going to contend, this is the next best thing. Gives hope this team is on their way back up.
I read that article about Wheeler and how humble/unassuming he is. There were some comments from his brother on this was drilled into all of them growing up. Sounds like a good family foundation, which is always a plus.
As much as I love Harvey – if Wheeler’s stuff (which has reported to be better than Harvey’s) actually translates to the MLs, we’re going to have some top of the rotation.
greggofboken
2/21/2013-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
What I find interesting about he/Harvey is their diametrically opposed ways of going about their business. Harvey, by all acounts, is the bear — determined and hungry, type-A. While Wheeler, as you noted, is his opposite. His quote about likely starting the year in AAA contained the phrase “That’s just fine” before the hoping to make the choice difficult, etc. etc. — a sentiment difficult to picture coming out of Harvey.
Fun stuff, to be sure.
HobokenMetsFan
2/21/2013-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
I agree, Gregg, they both seem to be well grounded and intelligent individuals. Two traits that are necessary to succeed at the big league level. I’m very much looking forward to getting out to queens a bunch this year to watch the young guys and their development.
Stick
2/21/2013-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
you also get the impression that they are likely to help each other succeed. Both through competing with each other (in a good way!), and helping the other guy. sometimes that can push a player to reach a higher ceiling.
HobokenMetsFan
2/21/2013-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Definitely. Competition, even if its “friendly,” can only be a good thing. Plus they have the benefit of some solid veterans to help them through the learning curve this year.
I really think Buck will be more of an asset than most people give him credit for due to his lackluster bat. Having a competent backstop will be HUGE for our younger guys, and of course aids in the maturation of d’Arnaud.
TX
2/21/2013-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
I’m excited for baseball in general, but getting to see the future of these kids unfold is going to make this a fun season. I know not all these prospects will pan out, but it’s been a long long time since there were this many highly touted prospects in the system and the buzz on Montero as well…
Now don’t screw this up, Freddy or Jeffy.
SaltyGary
2/21/2013-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
When is Generation K going to be ready?
TX
2/21/2013-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
If you can coax Izzy back for a BP spot, I’d say the ready time is now.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Well, let’s call the first two the Seaver Generation and Generation Doc.
I think I am going to coin this one as Generation 2K.
gategem
2/21/2013-7:17pm at 7:17 pm (UTC -4)
When will Craig Swan and Tim Leary be inducted into the HOF?
darknova306
2/21/2013-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
Definitely excited to see what all these young guys can do over the next several years. My optimism will continue to remain cautious, though, simply because of how easy it is for pitching careers to get derailed. Generation Seaver and Generation K are in no way predictors of future outcomes, they simply represent the extreme outcomes that are possible with this new crop of top talent.
We can sit here and speculate on the future all we want. We’re still just strapped into the Mets roller coaster, praying to get more up than down. For the first time in several years I’m excited for baseball season because of the Mets, not just because it’s baseball. And that’s a big step.
Mets the best!
Stick
2/21/2013-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
Ah, a NNN sighting. Good times.
and FWIW, harvey was pretty good in the minors, but not spectacular by any stretch. 3.5 ERA, 1.3 WHIP overall. Not exactly Gooden by the numbers!
interesting thing though? different starting point and sample size, but Wheeler’s overall MiL #s are almost identical. ERA: 3.49/3.48, K/9: 9.8/9.7, WHIP 1.27/1.29.
Only difference really is BB/9: 4.2/3.5.
Anyway, I was jus surprised when I looked to see how close they were “career” wise!
kingman 26
2/21/2013-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
“Matt Harvey surely was impressive in the minors”—does this suggest “spectacular”?
TRS86
2/21/2013-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
“David Wright knew that he would have been a highly coveted free agent if he didn’t sign with the Mets long-term, Weiner said (via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com). “David understood that if he went out to market he’d probably make more money, and perhaps substantially more money,” Weiner said. Wright signed an eight-year, $138MM extension with the Mets in December.”
kingman 26
2/21/2013-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
Utter nonsense.
Other teams can notice that Wright has been a superstar player for three months out of the last four years.
“Substantially more” than what he received? No chance in hell. He’s not in the class of Pujols or Cano; not close.
TRS86
2/21/2013-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Again, you might say it’s non-sense but I happen to believe that he signed at worst at market value and at best for a hometown discount. Keep in mind he barely even got a yearly pay raise.
Stick
2/21/2013-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
look at the pending FA list for next off season. Assuming Cano re-ups, Wright would have certainly been the #1 position FA, right?
TRS86
2/21/2013-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
I would assume so yes. And considering the dearth of 3B I think he could have been looking at 160M contract instead.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
I am not sure what non-sense is, but I know what nonsense is.
Wright will be 31 when 2014 starts.
Have you ever taken a close look at his last four years? Seriously. He was an up-and-coming superstar from 2005–2008 and he has been a good to very good player the last four years, with injury issues, extreme inconsistency, etc., and has not been a 20M a year player by a long shot.
Hometown discount? LOL! He took the deal because he wanted financial security and he knew very well that if 2013 is like what 2011 and half of 2012 were like, he would not get anything NEAR the deal the Mets gave him.
I have always liked Wright a lot, I have always battled the “he’s soft/unclutch” idiots, but this idea that he is some sort of superstar franchise player is as untrue as the idea that he is soft and unclutch.
He’s a very good player; that’s it. He was much better in a lineup with Beltran and Delgado and Reyes, which the last four years have proven conclusively.
Stick
2/21/2013-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
well, IMO, “financial security” (or IOW risk shifting) is all that a hometown discount really is, since normally you only see that term when they sign prior to being a FA
hiro22453
2/21/2013-7:20pm at 7:20 pm (UTC -4)
But Kingman, while your points appear valid and rational they don’t reflect the possible market situation.
It’s the economy, stupid!
No pun intended, obviously. Possibly two or more teams with a need at 3B and money to spend get into a bidding war. I remember Bay’s contract (or Perez’ for that matter) when the Mets were actually bidding against themselves. The above mentioned 160m offer might have been there and while 16% don’t sound very substantial, 22m$ certainly are.
Hazmet
2/21/2013-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
The hometown discount for me was he didn’t let it get to free agency where the Yankee’s could have gone in very large for Wright to take A-Fraud’s place at third in the Bronx as Alex and his failing hips go to the permanent DH position and Derek eases into retirement. If Wright went to Free Agency and the Yankee’s were involved they either would have overpaid to get him away from the Mets or the Mets would have gotten into a bidding war to keep him. Thereby, for me in some way it was a hometown discount.
Hazmet
2/21/2013-7:53pm at 7:53 pm (UTC -4)
Another thought: how many homeruns would David hit if he was a Yankee in that bandbox of a stadium. That’s a scary thought between the short porch in LF and his ability to pull also – I could see 35 to 40, and that with getting a new poster boy for a soon to be retiring Jeter the Yankee’s could have gone very large for St. Dimples Aquinas.
Hazmet
2/21/2013-7:54pm at 7:54 pm (UTC -4)
* porch = RF d’oh.
gategem
2/21/2013-9:15pm at 9:15 pm (UTC -4)
Haz, the Yankees at this point would not have entered a bidding war over “embrève le magnifique.” They are attempting to reduce payroll to avoid next year’s new luxury cap penalty. Additionally they have to resign Cano and he’s a more talented player than “embrève le magnifique.”
BTW A-Rod was the best SS I have ever seen. Drugs or no drugs he just like Barry Bonds was an incredible talent.
greggofboken
2/21/2013-9:45pm at 9:45 pm (UTC -4)
Interestingly, Baseball Reference’s comp players for Cano at age 29 leads off with Wright as his closest match.
(That comparison is based strictly on offensive stats. Cano’s defense ranks higher….and his recent performance for the most part leaves Wright’s behind.)
TRS86
2/21/2013-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
Again, looking at the dearth of 3B talent and considering that most players like Wright get more of a substantial increase in yearly salary I don’t think it far-fetched at all to think he could have gotten more money per year and total from outside the Mets.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Well, we can agree to disagree, but really, his 2013 season would be the major determining factor.
TRS86
2/21/2013-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
I can agree with that.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
We almost always do come around to each other’s general idea.
I’m back to stay Chief. My work is done elsewhere.
Stick
2/21/2013-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
given the current and future finances of MLB, and how desperate some teams are for real players, I would not be at all surprised if he got more money.
most likely not the same years (though 7 is the comparable) but certainly more money on average.
6/125 or 7/145? easily. add that to his 16mill 2013 option, and he very likely would get more.
when Vicky got 3/36 my faith in humanity was lost.
darknova306
2/21/2013-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
“when Vicky got 3/36 my faith in humanity was lost.”
So you’re not a fan of grission? How about grittitude?
Stick
2/21/2013-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
I can live with that, but I abhor punkitude.
srt
2/21/2013-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
hahaha
Some of these off season contracts made me shake my head. Cody Ross – 4 years????
kingman 26
2/21/2013-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
7/145?
No chance in hell.
He shouldn’t have gotten what he DID get.
I think your brain cells are suffering from some sort of hometown discount.
TRS86
2/21/2013-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
Think what you may. There is evidence to say that he could have been in line for more.
Derek Jeter, $189,000,000 (2001-10)
Joe Mauer, $184,000,000 (2011-18)
Mark Teixeira, $180,000,000 (2009-16)
Manny Ramirez, $160,000,000 (2001-08)
Adrian Gonzalez, $154,000,000 (2012-18)
Miguel Cabrera, $152,300,000 (2008-15)
Carl Crawford, $142,000,000 (2011-17)
srt
2/21/2013-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
Yup – based on contracts that were signed this off season, you wouldn’t know this is a down economy.
It’s no longer what they’re worth – it’s all about what the market will produce contract-wise.
wanny
2/21/2013-12:22pm at 12:22 pm (UTC -4)
what evidence?
and the mlbpa is not exactly an uninterested source of commentary.
this is such a non-story.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
With the exception of Crawford–who most agree was vastly overpaid–the idea that Wright is in the class of most of the rest of those players is just plain silliness.
You are comparing Wright to Manny Ramirez? Cabrera? Mauer?
Cabrera got his deal at 27? Mauer at 28 after winning batting titles and Gold Gloves as a catcher? The Manny comparison is beyond ridiculous.
Jeter? Sorry but I do believe in his intangibles as well as his tangibles.
AGonz and Crawford both got insane deals from the same team which was on an insane spending spree. And Teixeira’s deal was crazy, but it was the Yanks, and he was younger and arguably a better all-around player.
Thinnest of ice here.
TRS86
2/21/2013-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
As you said, agree to disagree. I stand by my comment that at worst it’s market value and at best it’s a discount. You can say the discount is for security, I will say it could be because of wanting to stay in NY and we both may be right.
By the way Wanny, I am not saying it is a story. Just said it was interesting to me.
srt
2/21/2013-1:08pm at 1:08 pm (UTC -4)
But if you’re looking at Jeter’s ‘intangibles’, they didn’t really exist when they gave him that first 10 year contract. So if some of that money was for future ‘intangibles’ – then I have to assume some of Wright’s contract money is as well.
Think it was Wilpon who was quoted as saying he wanted Wright as the next ambassador, while noting he’s involved with and has done more charity work than any other Met who ever wore the uniform. Youngest Met to ever have a charity in his name as well. Those might be considered intangibles that already exist.
darknova306
2/21/2013-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
“The Future Intangibles”… that sounds like a band name.
darknova306
2/21/2013-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
Intangibles are just romantic narratives created by whimsical fans to add a “legendary” status to already great players. ‘He’s got intangibles’ is a non-falsifiable statement, so it’s nonsense to use it to evaluate a player.
If there are data proving I’m wrong, please show me.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
Dark, while I generally agree with this, in some cases I vehemently disagree.
Keith Hernandez clearly elevated the level of play in his teammates and helped change a pathetic culture of losing.
Jason Kidd with the Nets did the same thing even more clearly–and most of Kidd’s teammates on those Net teams never played as well before or after their time with Kidd. I think, while I do not follow the Knicks closely, that their surge this year can at least be partly attributed to the professionalism and hustle of Kidd.
darknova306
2/21/2013-1:38pm at 1:38 pm (UTC -4)
The talents of Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, and Dwight Gooden, when added over the course of just one year, are enough to ‘change the culture of losing’ because they were Hall of Fame level players. Talent turned around that team. Any esoteric ‘intangible’ argument is fantasy.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
I can see it both ways, but the idea that there are no players whose personality/style/talent/attitude/work ethic/experience winning/etc. can have an effect on the players around them is most definitely fantasy.
Jason Kidd and the Nets is definitely the best example I have ever seen. Richard Jefferson, Kenyon Martin, and others followed him around like puppy dogs, and others like Kerry Kittles and many backups never played at the same level before or after their time with Kidd.
Did Ray Lewis not help raise the level of play of teammates and help win two Super Bowls?
Of course talent is central to any team winning, but if what you are saying is true, then is the entire aura of managers/coaches like Gil Hodges/Vince Lombardi/etc. a complete myth?
Jerry Manuel would have gotten the same out of the 1969 Mets?
Rich Kotite or Ray Handley would have gotten the same out of any of the Giant Super Bowl Teams?
Any coach would have led the 1972-1973 Dolphins to back-to-back titles?
Is Nick Saban just an incredible recruiter or does he do something special in motivating his players?
Sports is not rocket science or surgery–emotion definitely is involved.
darknova306
2/21/2013-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
Emotion is definitely involved in sports. I think you put too much emphasis on it to explain team and player success. I can’t talk about any of your basketball or football examples, as I’ve never cared about or watched either sport.
Show me a study about how many wins different managers are worth, and I’ll listen to you about them making a massive difference. Would Gangsta Jerry have gotten a largely different result from the 1969 Mets? Maybe different by a couple of wins (largely due to his awful strategies), but it’s impossible to make a serious argument either way without just falling back on anecdotal evidence.
My main argument is really this. When you’re making an intangibles argument for the success of a player/team/manager/etc, step back and look at all of the concurrent things going on that could also explain the same success. Instead of saying “Mex came to the Mets and they started winning because of his intangibles”, step back and look at the rest of the picture with all the ridiculous talent that was being added to the team at the time.
Stick
2/21/2013-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
Knog, without going into the whole intangibles debate, I will say that IMHO that MLB and NBA (basketball in general) it is just a different situation. 1 guy, especially a point guard, will make a whole lot more difference to the performance of the team (the tangible part), and has a boatload more to do with elevating the other players than a 1B can.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-3:21pm at 3:21 pm (UTC -4)
“Mex came to the Mets and they started winning because of his intangibles”–I never said anything like this.
I said that his winning experience, his exuberant and demanding personality, his work ethic, and his tremendous example of great play and hustle rubbed off on his teammates and helped them maximize their abilities.
I really think this is true to a degree. Of course the talent was the main factor, but I think Keith helped players who might not have been stars (Backman, Teufel, pre-roids Dykstra, and others) maybe have a little more confidence, work harder in pre-game drills, focus more, etc.
gategem
2/21/2013-9:03pm at 9:03 pm (UTC -4)
I was going to present a treatise (based upon observations, research and managerial experience) illustrating that what we misname as intangibles is truly tangible but not easily a quantifiable measurement. As an example consider that Mex was the captain of the infield, positioned the other players prior to each pitch and made sure the other players were cognizant of the situation and what actions to take on given plays. But I found it was boring me just writing about it so I’ll just say that even though we cannot quantify all events what we define as intangibles does have an impact on a team.
darknova306
2/21/2013-10:26pm at 10:26 pm (UTC -4)
“Keith Hernandez clearly elevated the level of play in his teammates and helped change a pathetic culture of losing.”
Your words, Kong.
He didn’t elevate the play of his teammates with intangibles. He provided a Hall of Fame talent to the team at a time when other Hall of Fame talent was showing itself on the major league level. Nothing intangible there. Pure talent addition. And adding Hall of Fame talent is the best way to improve a crappy team.
Add a 1983/1984 Mex, Straw, Doc, and Kid to any crappy baseball team right now. That team will be World Series contenders for years. No intangibles involved. Maybe Keith improved the team by a win or two with knowing how to position the infield or whatever. Impossible to quantify, and completely irrelevant compared to the sheer talent increase.
gategem
2/21/2013-7:44pm at 7:44 pm (UTC -4)
Kong, you “wax poetic” over a pitcher that has yet to throw a major league pitch but denigrate the accomplishments of “embrève le magnifique.” Sir, for this transgression you should be horsewhipped.
Stick
2/21/2013-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
‘It’s February 21, the spring games begin soon, and really, if one cannot be optimistic and simply enjoy the game at this time of year, one might need a new hobby.’
Could not agree more. this is supposed to be fun, and certainly not life or death worth giving yourself an ulcer over.
As to the generations of pitching, you can’t look at one and predict the next. IMO though, the key is volume. That is, don’t put all your eggs in just a couple of baskets. And that goes for the farm system overall.
basically, if Wheeler busts/gets hurt, the answer is, have another guy coming up behind to take over. and another. and another. So instead of a generation, create a talent pipeline.
and I may be the only one, and maybe because I considered this a building/transition year all along, but I am excited to see what the OF will do. For a few reasons.
One is I still have the Duda bandwagon in the garage, and my wife wants it out on the road again so she can get her car back in.
I also like to see non-hyped guys finally get a shot. if nothing else, they are going to leave it all on the field I bet. Plus, I hate seeing aging retreads clogging up the works (Byrd is the word there!). At least our current crop features guys with some potential. If even one steps up to be a keeper, it is a good year!
Plus of course, it is fun to see some of the more hysterical “fans” get their panties all in a bunch. Always a fun time.
darknova306
2/21/2013-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
That’s a really good point on the afterthought players getting a chance and playing their hearts out. Guys like Cowdong will be exciting to watch and will have the mentality on the field that endears fans to them.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Kirk and Brown do this year. I always used to like Kirk’s game, and the more I’ve read about Brown the more intrigued I am by him.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
Well, I am glad you and SRT aka MF4D like that line…I sure do…my work is done elsewhere and I am back for good…I have stopped commenting at other silly places and am back in the fold as the stupidity and ignorance and negativity are just not something I need to be exposed to.
Yeah the last four years have been hell, but I have already adjusted my schedule to hopefully see some of Wheeler on Saturday.
I cannot wait to see how he and d’Oorknob are this spring, and I cannot wait to see how Harvey and Niese start the season.
srt
2/21/2013-12:22pm at 12:22 pm (UTC -4)
I’m gonna see Wheeler on Saturday too – on SNY….lol.
d’Oorknob – hahahaha
I’m just calling him TAD as I haven’t wrapped my brain around he spelling yet. TAD or Darno.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
I love TX’s Shingaard for Syndergaard–that’s the best I have heard.
Cannot WAIT to see Wheeler Sat!
darknova306
2/21/2013-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
TAD reminds me of Space Ghost Coast 2 Coast, so I fully approve of this nickname.
One of the funnest parts of having guys with weird, hard to spell, last names is all the funny names folks come up with as shortcuts.
TX
2/21/2013-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
Darno, Draino, d’Oorknob, TDA, DaButcher, DaBaker, DaCandlestick maker… so many choices.
I do miss that there haven’t been many nicknames like “The Kid” or “Sweetness” or “Doctor K”. I mean, He’s probably better known as Doc Gooden than as Dwight.
HobokenMetsFan
2/21/2013-1:27pm at 1:27 pm (UTC -4)
“…my work is done elsewhere and I am back for good…I have stopped commenting at other silly places and am back in the fold as the stupidity and ignorance and negativity are just not something I need to be exposed to.”
Woof, you can say that again…..there’s literally no intelligent baseball discussion to be had at “other’ places.
srt
2/21/2013-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
Amazin Avenue has some very good baseball discussions too. Sometimes though their knowledge of sabermetrics and all kinds of formulas goes right over my head….
HobokenMetsFan
2/21/2013-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
Very true, I do read there but do not comment unfortunately, although I’m sure that’ll change soon.
TX
2/21/2013-1:58pm at 1:58 pm (UTC -4)
I comment on there from time to time, but they seem to take it over the top. Some decent articles too. I do find it hysterical that they slaughter opinion pieces. If you don’t have numbers, don’t bother to post. heh.
greggofboken
2/21/2013-5:10pm at 5:10 pm (UTC -4)
I’d been looking for that “H” logo, sans Path train pole, and hadn’t found it.
gategem
2/21/2013-9:50pm at 9:50 pm (UTC -4)
When posting at AA just remember that most of their authors at one time or another has been subjected to all the pranks listed over here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_school_pranks
And they use the site for reinforcement and revenge.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-1:55pm at 1:55 pm (UTC -4)
I went to the main blog this morning, and one idiot was writing all sorts of ignorant nonsense about Beltran and I think you and others were all mocking him…it’s just ridiculous. While we do not have the volume here, the quality of the comment community is unmatched.
The main Met blog has just become too utterly silly and I admit it brings out the worst in me. I am done there for good, and I hope some others come over here this season.
We are very glad to have you here.
HobokenMetsFan
2/21/2013-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
It really is ridiculous and I have the feeling that most people who post there are either 13 years old or have never played the game themselves. Its just frustrating and disheartening to have to craft my posts in a way that will get the point across but not leave myself open for the “semantics idiots” to start something out of nothing. I feel like I spent more time writing in a specific manner (to avoid the idiots) than I did engaging in meaningful and intelligent discussion.
Very happy to be here.
HobokenMetsFan
2/21/2013-2:18pm at 2:18 pm (UTC -4)
Also, is there a trick to this “gravatar” thing? I set one up with my email I used for this site but nothing is showing up.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
That I am not sure about—I did mine like four years ago—when you see Mr. North Jersey ask him–he is the wizard of all things like that, but some others here like Salty Gary could probably help too.
Stick
2/21/2013-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
I see it changed Boken. Sometimes it just takes a while to replicate, or you might have to close the browser to clear the cache or some such.
HobokenMetsFan
2/21/2013-3:07pm at 3:07 pm (UTC -4)
Stick, yup, you’re right. I just needed to be a little patient!
Hazmet
2/21/2013-7:36pm at 7:36 pm (UTC -4)
You always say that yet you keep going back. I understand the attraction of slowing down to look at an accident but it’s a waste of your valuable time that could be bette spent penning fine articles like this.
kingman 26
2/21/2013-8:12pm at 8:12 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks Haz!
Not going back this time….in the last week just made a few comments Sat and Mon, have not commented since Mon and will NOT again.
My baseball energy will be 100% devoted to this here fine place.
I just hope more of the great folks like Hoboken from there visit us here.
srt
2/22/2013-7:58am at 7:58 am (UTC -4)
I stopped going over to that blog sometime last year – mainly because I found it boring anymore.
The comment section became unreadable for me and I just got tired of every other post having all kinds of mistakes. I use to go there for updates but there’s no point if I can’t be sure the information is accurate.
Stick
2/22/2013-9:53am at 9:53 am (UTC -4)
this is the only time of the year that it is worth going. They do have good access and some interesting pictures. Just don’t read the commentary or comments section.