Column: Let’s check some of that Yankees, Mets fever

Thursday January 15, 2009 3:15 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

The champion Giants have left the scene, joining the colossal folly of the Jets on the NFL postseason sidelines.

So we all see it coming: “Pitchers and catchers.”

The preseason baseball prattle will soon flow from New York fans’ mouths, the speakers intentionally heedless of so many years of waiting till next year.

After an offseason — and fortune — spent addressing last season’s deficiencies, Yankees and Mets players may begin reporting to their spring training grounds in Florida on Feb. 14.

The teams’ additions seem to call for giddy, carnival-barker praise.

“Admire the pinstriped pair of aces, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, as good as 40 games won!”

“Behold sure-gloved slugger Mark Teixeira, the second coming of Don Mattingly at first base!”

“Hearken to Mets bullpen beasts K-Rod and J.J. Putz, ready to seal up a World Series Game 7 victory in six strikeouts!”

Please.Free-agent pickups held effusive news conferences and two new stadiums will glitter on opening day in April, but before the season actually begins, let’s allow ourselves a note of caution.

Roster upgrades don’t forgo the need for another season of surprises and streaks, disappointments and injuries — all far less predictable than a new signee’s pledge that he’s in New York to win a title.

Because for these two teams, problems persist.

The Yankees own 26 World Series titles, but none since 2000, when millions misplaced on sour talent began to crush the franchise underneath its own bloat.

The Mets, fine-tuners of the agonizing September collapse, just watched the archrival Phillies enact the title run they seemingly can't.

A long season on the field will allow us to measure hope against reality.

Bring on the baseball.

Looking back on sports in 2008: More highs than lows

Monday December 29, 2008 3:45 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Michael Strahan shows you who's Super Bowl champion. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

Top that, 2009.

With a field rich in historic achievements from Beijing to Glendale, Ariz., ranking 2008’s best sports stories is difficult. amNewYork gave it a shot and came up with these:

1. PHELPS AND BOLT TAKE BEIJING

The convergence of two of the world’s greatest athletes, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, marked the Games of the XXIX Olympiad for all of history. Phelps won all eight races he entered — seven in world-record time. With 14 gold medals in two Olympics, the Baltimorean swimmer earned eternal consideration as the greatest Olympian. Bolt, the dynamic 6-foot-5 Jamaican sprinter, set records in the 100 and 200 meters with energy to spare in China.

2. GIANTS SHOCK IN SUPER BOWL

The Giants’ 17-14 upset of the perfect Patriots could hold the No. 1 spot, too. With 97.5 million viewers watching the action in Arizona, the Giants topped an 18-0 team that would have otherwise been anointed history’s best. Big Blue’s Super Bowl roll continues. Heading into the playoffs at 12-4, the Giants could repeat as champions on Feb. 1. What’s already being repeated — by other NFL teams — is a Giant-like emphasis on a ferocious pass rush and stout running.

3. SPAIN OWNS WORLD SPORT

Rafael Nadal, of Mallorca, defeated five-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer at the All England Club in the greatest tennis match ever played, but his ascent to No. 1 is just one of his country’s fine athletic achievements this year.

Spain won the quadrennial Euro Cup for its first major soccer title since 1964, overcoming its choker image against powerful Germany. Spanish athletes also claimed a third straight Tour de France (Carlos Sastre), tennis’ Davis Cup and a close-call silver medal behind USA Basketball’s Redeem Team in Beijing.4. METS, YANKEES CLOSE STADIUMS, OPEN WALLETS

The closing of 85-year-old Yankee Stadium assured a nostalgic year even as the team playing there missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

The Bombers acted swiftly, committing a total of $423.5 million to first baseman Mark Teixeira and pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, incensing other teams and making a bid to purchase entry into the World Series in their $1.6 billion new home.

The Mets shuttered Shea Stadium, but not their penchant for late-season collapse. For the second straight year, the Mets squandered a comfortable first-place lead in August. Their acquisition of $137.5 million ace Johan Santana in February — and elite closers Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz this fall — may spare them another collapse in their first season at Citi Field.

5. CELTS RECLAIM THEIR NBA GLORY

In a swift rebound for a proud club mired in mediocrity, the Celtics

united title-hungry All-Stars Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett and blitzed to a league-best 66-16 record. In the playoffs, tireless Boston set a record for games played (27) and, against classic NBA Finals foe Los Angeles, won its 17th title.

6. BRETT’S JETS FLAME OUT

The Jets (9-7) were by turns captivating and embarrassing as they started 8-3, crumbled and now hit the off-season confused and broken. At least they gave it a shot with Brett Favre, an all-time great quarterback who scarcely played like one after emerging from retirement.

Eric Mangini’s firing yesterday is the latest twist in a bewildering saga.

7. TIGER ROARS ALONGSIDE ROCCO

Tiger Woods gutted through a U.S. Open playoff victory before undergoing badly needed reconstructive left knee surgery.

The interplay between the 14-time major champion and his scrappy but deferential journeyman opponent, 45-year-old Rocco Mediate, left the world transfixed by the men’s sportsmanship.

8. PHILLIES LEAVE NO DOUBT

The Phillies walked the walk this season. They surpassed the rival Mets to take first place in the National League East, motored past the Brewers and Dodgers in the playoffs and delivered Philadelphia its first World Series since 1980. Their opponents, the stalwart, worst-to-first Tampa Bay Rays, enjoyed a spirited run of their own.

9. CLEMENS’ DUBIOUS LEGACY

Mentioned as a performance-enhacing drug user in baseball’s Mitchell Report last December, seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens launched an angry and vigorous character defense, swearing his innocence before Congress and suing his accuser for defamation. Legal rulings pend, but public opinion has swung against the 354-game winner.

10. MILESTONES IN AUTO RACING

Clinching his record-tying third straight NASCAR title, Jimmie Johnson left more hyped young stars in his Chevrolet’s exhaust and sparked talk of a Johnson era. In Formula One, Britain’s Lewis Hamilton became the sport’s first black champion and, at 23, its youngest.

Met fans rejoice: You've got K-Rod

Tuesday December 9, 2008 4:01 PM By Pete Catapano

By Pete Catapano

Once he passes his physical K-Rod will be a Met, reports say

After weeks of rumors, the Mets have finally reached a deal with star closer, Francisco Rodriguez, ESPN is reporting. The deal is worth $37 million over three years.

This is a huge win for the Mets for two reasons: They're bullpen was a disaster last year, plus they landed K-Rod for three years rather than the risky five he wanted.

Last season, K-Rod broke the major league record for saves by recording 62. Just 26, Rodriguez has posted at least 40 saves in the last four seasons. He will be taking the place of BIlly Wagner, who's recovering from elbow surgery in the last year of his contract.

This could be the happiest day for Mr. Met since he got to meet former French Culture Minister Jack Lang in 2007.

Report: Mets offer K-Rod three-year deal

Monday December 8, 2008 1:35 PM By Pete Catapano

Although Francisco Rodriguez is looking for a five-year deal, the Mets have offered the coveted closer just a three-year deal, MLB.com reports. The Mets are also still looking as Brian Fuentes as a plan B. The short deal is surprising considering how the Amazin's awful bullpen cost them to miss the playoff last season, plus now they have no closer at all with Billy Wagner recovering from surgery.

Plaxico Burress and Stephon Marbury cloud New York sports optimism

Monday December 8, 2008 8:17 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress is suspended for the rest of the season. (Getty Images)

By Budd Mishkin

Remember the good times in New York sports, when all seemed optimistic and the outlook for the upcoming winter was bright? Remember those halcyon days three weeks ago?

The Giants and Jets were playing beautifully, the Rangers had the best record in the NHL and the Knicks had started to emerge from the abyss of the last seven years.

And then? Plaxico Burress and the Giants. Stephon Marbury and the Knicks. Two completely different situations, but together they've managed to make this a not so jolly time to be a sports fan in New York, with the front and back pages awash in negativity. Some happy holidays.

If you're looking for another dissection of the Plaxico Burress shooting case and all of its implications, look somewhere else. I actually have this ridiculous notion that we should let the justice system play out and render a verdict before columnists do.

That may not be the sexiest opinion to have, especially in this 24-hour sports talk/news world when immediate opinions are required and due process is a legal term best left to others. The Burress case may seem pretty open-and-shut, with even the Mayor chiming in.But we've seen previous cases when we thought we knew all of the details, and the result turned out differently than the public's initial verdict. Do the words Duke lacrosse ring a bell? Entirely different types of cases, but you get the picture. The football field is a place for quick reads and reactions. The legal system isn't.

We can judge right now that the Giants are a lesser team without Plaxico Burress. But our legal judgment of him should wait.

And then there's Steph and the Knicks. So many people in the city have relationship problems. Why should our basketball team be any different?

The divorce was proceeding quietly until the trades to free up cap space to sign You Know Who required more bodies in Knick uniforms. It also precipitated the most parsing of words in recent New York sports history. Did coach Mike D’Antoni "demand" or "request" that Steph play? It's easy to get on Steph, even if his $15 sneakers idea is one of the coolest moves by any modern athlete. The team hasn't won since he's been here, he's never helped himself with his public comments and he makes a boatload of money (his $21 million this season is more than Walt Frazier made in his entire career. Think about that for a second).

But on the first night when Steph refused/politely requested not to play, I found myself siding with him. "We don't want you, we don't want you, we don't need you ... Hey, we need you, can you help us out?" True, the Knicks were still paying him, but Marbury knew they had little use for him in the future. Imagine if Marbury said yes and then went out that night and tore an ACL. Then he's done with the Knicks and any other team that might be interested.

And it does no good to say, "Hey, I can't beg out and still get paid at my job."

In a perfect world, the rules for all employees in all

industries would be the same. Suffice it to say, this ain't that perfect world.

And yet I still can't bring myself to side with Marbury, even if his argument makes sense on some levels. If he'd agreed to play and had played well, it would have been a win-win for Marbury, improving his marketability to other interested NBA teams. But in the end, my feelings aren't really about who said what and the relationship between

Marbury and the Knicks. It's simply a case of too much losing and negativity through the years. We wanted change, we're getting it, even if some toes are getting stepped on in the process. To paraphrase the old story about then-Pirates general manager Branch Rickey when he considered trading slugger Ralph Kiner, "We finished in last place with you Steph, and we can finish in last place without you."

The Burress and Marbury stories haven't exactly had Happy Holidays written all over them. Not to worry. The game's the thing, and if the locals win, the good times will be back. It will be like three weeks ago all over again.

Hot Stove Report: Yankees and Mets pursue pitching

Tuesday November 18, 2008 1:45 PM By Max J. Dickstein

The Yankees have an offer of $140 million on the table for 290-pound CC Sabathia. (Getty Images)

By Kyle Stack

Special to amNewYork

The Mets and the Yankees entered the off-season in search of solutions to the problems that denied them postseason appearances in 2008.

Each team went a respectable 89-73 last season, but injuries, overpriced veterans and depleted farm systems created nightmarish problems for squads with title aspirations.

Both clubs need major roster adjustments to remain contenders next year, and their deep-pocketed owners intend to make most of those upgrades through free agency. Here are some players each team could target:

Mets seek No. 2 starter and closer

Even after the trade for Johan Santana last winter shored up the top of the Mets’ starting rotation, other roster areas sprung leaks, including left field, second base and, yet again, the bullpen.

With Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez hitting free agency, starting pitching depth could be another glaring hole for the Mets.

Fortunately for the Mets, starters such as Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett and even Ben Sheets would serve as outstanding No. 2 or No. 3 pitchers behind Santana. Lowe is the most reliable option among the three, both durable (seven straight seasons of at least 182 innings) and accustomed to high-pressure environments (seven seasons in Boston). Burnett and Sheets are near-dominant when healthy, but both have been wracked with injury concerns throughout their careers.

Perez and Martinez (whose agent has said Martinez wants to play for the Mets next year) are possibilities to return.

Francisco Rodriguez, who saved a record 62 games in 2008, has been the popular choice to become the Mets’ closer now that Billy Wagner is likely out for all next year after elbow surgery.

However, a deal with K-Rod would probably require $10-$12 million per year. More pressing concerns revolve around the Venezuelan’s decreased velocity last season, evidenced by his 10.14 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate in 2008 following a 12.4 K/9 figure from 2004-07.

Another option is Brian Fuentes, whose asking price could be more reasonable. The three-time All-Star posted a career-best 1.10 WHIP last season and posted his third 30-save season in four years.

Left field, second base and bullpen depth are also question marks, although the bullpen probably draws top priority after two disastrous seasons. Jeremy Affeldt already signed with the Giants, but the Mets could target relievers Juan Cruz, David Weather and Brandon Lyon as valuable seventh- and eighth-inning options.

Yankees go all-out for starters, big bat

Much like the Mets, the Yankees are prioritizing starting pitching. Last week, the team offered a six-year, $140 million deal to CC Sabathia, perhaps the biggest free-agent prize on this market.

That signing would give the Yankees a true No. 1 starter, pushing Chien-Ming Wang to the No. 2 role — or possibly lower if the Yanks also sign Lowe or Burnett (the Yankees are reportedly preparing a five-year, $80 million offer for Burnett).

Both starters loom large on the Yanks’ radar, although Lowe seems again to be the safer option given Burnett’s health risk and his questionable temperament in pressure-packed games. San Diego ace Jake Peavy is also a trade option, but the Yanks would need to give up at least two of their few remaining big-time prospects.

Damaso Marte, signed to a three-year, $12 million deal, provides a steady, if unspectacular, left-handed option in the ’pen. If the Yanks do sign two of the Sabathia/Lowe/Burnett triumvirate, they could have enough starting depth to use Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes in the bullpen.

Nick Swisher’s acquisition from the White Sox last week cost little, and his defensive versatility and outstanding ability to reach base are valuable. With Bobby Abreu expected to go unsigned, Swisher can play all three outfield spots and serves as first-base insurance in case superstar free agent Mark Teixeira remains an Angel or signs elsewhere.

The 28-year-old Teixeira is a true No. 3 batter who offers stellar defense and a powerful bat that the Yankees could combine with Alex Rodriguez to form a devastating 3-4 combo. However, Teixeira’s price tag of $150-$200 million may be too high for a team looking to invest so much in starting pitching.

Catcher and center field are other question marks, but Jorge Posada’s healthy return to the backstop and a Brett Gardner/Melky Cabrera center-field duo might have to suffice.

The Yankees, like the Mets, ultimately view upgrading their starting rotation as their best shot at returning to the playoffs.

Piazza to spill beans on Met days

Tuesday November 11, 2008 6:21 PM By Pete Catapano

By Pete Catapano

Former Met Mike Piazza, the face of the team from 1998-05, is penning a still-unnamed autobiography that will give some insight on his days at Shea, Newsday's Jim Baumbach reports.

"He will also talk about the personalities and players from his days with the Mets, including Bobby Valentine, Pedro Martinez, and Rickey Henderson and many others," a news release for the book said.

Bobby V in disguise

Here's some other books by sports athletes that have made headlines in the past:

Jim Bouton – “Ball Four” (1970)

One of the first tell-all baseball books, Bouton was blacklisted after he wrote of drinking and drug use in the sport. It was the first to reveal Mickey Mantle’s alcohol abuse.

Jose Canseco – “Juiced” (2005)

Canseco gave specifics on steroid use in baseball and named names, including Jason Giambi and Mark McGwire.

Wilt Chamberlain “A View From Above” (1991)

The NBA star confessed to having sex with more than 20,000 women.

Sparky Lyle “The Bronx Zoo” (1979)

The Yankees pitcher gives day-to-day detail of the chaos of the team’s 1978 season, including commentary on Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson.

Is history in the Mets' favor?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 3:05 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek, File)

With yesterday's news of Billy Wagner's elbow injuries, the Mets are left without their closer for most (and possibly all of) September, and potentially the playoffs. This forces the Mets to have a "closer by committee" system in the bullpen. If they can overcome Wagner's injury, they would join a small fraternity of teams who got by without a dominant closer. Some others include:

- The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks only got 19 saves out of closer Byung-Hyun Kim. Kim, who sported an ERA approaching 3.00, was also ineffective in the World Series against the Yankees. The D-Backs overcame this bullpen shortcoming, winning in dramatic fashion against Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth in game 7.

- The 2006, the Detroit Tigers got 37 saves from Todd Jones, but he was anything but consistent. Jones recorded 6 losses and had an ERA just under 4.00, but the Tigers were still able to make it to the World Series before falling to the Cardinals.

- In 1993, Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams tallied 7 losses and a 3.34 ERA for the NL Champion Phillies.

While these teams didn't lose their inconsistent closers during the home stretch, Jerry Manuel's crew has the potential to survive a severely flawed NL East, with the potential for Wagner's return in the postseason looming if they can get to that point. There's no underestimating the importance of mental toughness in the postseason, and the next 6 weeks will be test to say the least.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Hapless Mets end 1-5 road trip with a shutout

Sunday August 3, 2008 1:21 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

This lineup is missing a bat. And an arm, or three.

Never was this more evident than today, when the Mets were shut-out and swept by the sub-.500 Houston Astros. New York was 1-10 with runners in scoring position, and left 11 runners on base. They just can't get it done in the clutch.

Perhaps I'm wrong. The Mets survived a sweep against the lowly Padres earlier in the season. Maybe this is just another hiccup.

The problem is, other than their 10-game winning streak, and a subsequent series or two, the Mets have been inconsistent all around. The bats haven't always delivered, the starters have been hot and cold (when healthy), and Billy Wagner and his struggles are symbolic of the way the rest of the bullpen has performed.

This mess is on Omar Minaya. Despite injuries and a new coach, the team started to click, but it was obvious to even the most casual of observer that this team was still in need of some help. And unless Eddie Kunz and a series of other minor leaguers come through in a big way, the Mets will flounder in the middle of the NL East while the Phillies, who were active at the deadline, run away with the division. A lesson learned perhaps.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Reflecting on the trade(less) deadline

Friday August 1, 2008 1:31 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

4 p.m. came and went yesterday, and the Mets roster remained unaltered. No Manny, no Jason Bay, no Raul Ibanez, no bullpen help. There is potential for a waiver-based deal before August 31st, but in all likelihood, the current roster is what the Mets are looking at for the remaining two months of the season.

There's no sugar coating this. Omar Minaya failed. The price might have been great, but short of Fernando Martinez, there really shouldn't have been any untouchable elements in the Mets system. This team isn't getting any younger, with Pedro, Carlos Delgado and a number of other older veterans who won't be on this team in a year or two. They have the THIRD oldest average player age in MLB. It's always risky to mortgage the future, but there's no telling what other years will bring. The Mets are in contention in a close division, and they should strike while the iron is hot.

Making due with their current roster may be difficult. Despite the level of their recent play, the vulnerability of their bullpen may be the most troubling problem heading towards the home stretch. The second that Billy Wagner (who has been far from perfect this year himself) went out for a game, the bullpen fell apart in the ninth inning against the Phillies.

The starting pitching is scary as well. Pedro Martinez is making his first start in three weeks, and there's no telling how he's going to hold up. John Maine is having rotator cuff trouble. Ollie Perez is had a great July, but there's no way of knowing his consitency.

The outfield situation is a patchwork, to be kind. Fernando Tatis and Endy Chavez are not everyday starting Major League outfielders, and Ryan Church is an unknown variable, dealing with post-concussion symptoms.

This team is in a world of hurt.

So where is the help coming from? The team will likely look towards some of their more advanced prospects to contribute, much in the same way that Nick Evans and Argenis Reyes have been used over the past month. Potentially look for Chris Aguila or Jesus Feliciano, OF's from AAA New Orleans, or closer Eddie Kunz or Fernando Martinez (the gem of the Mets system) from AA Binghamton.

This team may need another miracle.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Perez dominant again

Thursday July 24, 2008 10:51 AM By Pete Catapano

Oliver Perez is on fire.

Today, the lefty helped the Mets leapfrog Philadelphia in the NL East by allowing one run in 7 2-3 innings and striking out 12 in the Mets 3-1 win over the Phillies at Shea.

In his last five starts, Perez has allowed just five earned runs over 33 2-3 innings, while striking out 39.

The Mets might want to consider resigning him after all.

— Pete Catapano

The Mets are hurting for corner outfielders

Friday July 18, 2008 1:04 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

The skies are blue, birds are chirping, and everything seems to be clicking for the New York Mets, winners of their last 10 games and now co-leaders of the National League East.

But all is not as well as it appears. Here is what their starting lineup looked like last night in their win against the Cincinnati Reds:

Jose Reyes SS

Endy Chavez RF

David Wright 3B

Carlos Beltran CF

Damion Easley 2B

Carlos Delgado 1B

Fernando Tatis LF

Brian Schneider C

Johan Santana P

This has pretty much been their lineup, with a few exceptions, during the entirety of their win streak. While their pitching has been lights out, their offense certainly hasn't let them down either. Let's compare this lineup, however, to the one they fielded on opening day:

Jose Reyes SS

Luis Castillo 2B

David Wright 3B

Carlos Beltran CF

Carlos Delgado 1B

Angel Pagan LF

Ryan Church RF

Brian Schneider C

Johan Santana P

Luis Castillo is currently rehabbing an injury. Angel Pagan, who was replacing an already injured Moises Alou, is also on the DL and shows no signs of returning soon. Alou has been on and off the disabled list all year; his season and quite possibly his career are over. Ryan Church has suffered from several different injuries, including a serious concussion, and it remains to be seen how much, if anything, he can contribute to this team. Not even Trot Nixon, signed mid-season, is healthy enough to play right now.

While losing Castillo is certainly not a positive thing, Easley (and more recently Argenis Reyes) has filled that gap in nicely. Fernando Tatis and Endy Chavez have both performed well above expectation, but with their recent run to the top of the division, the Mets have a decision to make in regards to their outfield.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

(click below to continue)Option A: Make a trade to sure up the outfield

With the July 31st trade deadline looming, the Mets will likely be looking seriously at several different players who might be on various teams' trading blocks, including:

Matt Holliday, Colorado Rockies: The defending National League champions are hurting in a big way, eight games behind the sub-.500 NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks.

Holliday won't come cheap, as Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd will likely want quite a bit in return for the All-Star outfielder. If the Mets are willing to give up several top-level prospects, they would obviously have to lock Holliday up with a multi-year deal before the trade could go down.

Jason Bay, Pittsburgh Pirates

Bay, who spent a short time in the Mets minor-league system, would be a very solid pick-up for the Mets. The 2004 Rookie of the Year was an All-Star in '05 an '06, before struggling in '07. His '08 numbers have jumped back up; he's currently hitting .287 with 19 HRs and 53 RBIs.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington is notorious for over-valuing his prospects and talents, and asks for too much in return. There is some history, however, as the Mets and Pirates made a deal two years ago that sent Xavier Nady to the Pirates in exchange for Roberto Hernandez and Ollie Perez.

Xavier Nady, Pittsburgh Pirates

The previously mentioned Nady has had quite a bit of success with Pittsburgh since landing there mid-season in '06. He's having a similarly successful season to Bay, with a .321 average, 12 HRs, and 56 RBIs.

As was previously stated with Bay, it might take a hefty sum of players and cash to bring Nady back to the Big Apple

Option B: Bring up Fernando Martinez

The switch-hitting 19-year old is hitting right-handed pitching with authority at AA Binghamton, currently sporting a .331 average against righties. Widely regarded as the top prospect in the Mets system, Martinez could be another element in a platoon at the corner outfield positions.

The only fear is that the Mets don't want to bring Martinez up too early and knock his confidence. His career and future look bright, and the last thing the Mets want to is ruin a player who has the potential to be a cornerstone of the outfield for a decade or more.

Option C: Leave things as is

The Mets have won ten straight games, and adding additional players to the mix might disrupt the chemistry that this team has developed over the past several weeks. Tatis and Chavez are doing a great job holding down these positions, and Ryan Church could be back for the stretch run in right field.

The problem is a seriously lack of depth. Beyond Tatis and Chavez, Marlon Anderson and recent call-up Nick Evans are the only other active outfielders on the Mets' roster. Church and Nixon should be back at some point, but there's no way of knowing what, if anything, they can contribute.

There are 13 days until the trading deadline, and another month after that to make roster moves. Omar Minaya is on the clock, and the season is hanging in the balance, and with so many possiblities, it's tough to say what the right decision will be. Only time will tell.

Bedard could be on block midyear, columnist says

Sunday June 8, 2008 2:59 PM By Pete Catapano

(AP)

This should get the interest of the Yankees... and the Mets... and the Indians... and the Angels ... and the Braves ... and the Dodgers.. and the..

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Seattle lefty Erik Bedard could be available at the trade deadline if the Mariners continue to flounder.

Bedard, whom the Mariners acquired from the Orioles in the off-season, is 4-4 with a 4.27 ERA this season, but's coming off 13-5 season to go along with a sparkling 3.17 ERA.

One things for sure, he won't come cheap.

— Pete Catapano

The Mets Yo-Yo season continues

Wednesday June 4, 2008 7:14 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

After losing 7 of 8 in the middle of May, the Mets have won three straight series', taking two of three from the Marlins, three of four from the Dodgers, and two of three from the Giants.

Pedro Martinez made a very successful return in the second game of the Giants series, going six innings and throwing more than 100 pitches.One of the most promising signs for Pedro is his velocity; he topped out at 92 mph with his fastball, and his breaking stuff had some serious bite.

The Mets head into San Diego for four with the Padres starting tomorrow. They look to beat up on the struggling Pads and keep their momentum rolling, and they're going to need it. After San Diego, the Mets face off with the Diamondbacks (first in the NL West), Josh Hamilton and the Texas Rangers, and the LA Angels (first in the AL West), before two series with the basement dwelling Rockies and Mariners.

The fate of the Mets may very well be tied to two of its more fragile, older players in Martinez and Moises Alou. Martinez has showed promising signs of anchoring down a pitching staff that has been in serious need of one more starter. Alou has suffered from a hernia as well as calf and ankle injuries, and while he may be back in the lineup by the end of the current road trip, his health could go a long way to solidifying the Mets outfield along with Carlos Beltran and the surprising Ryan Church.

The next month will go a long way towards establishing the hierarchy in the NL East. The Marlins have been anything but consistent, losing series' against the Mets and Phillies, and on the verge of losing another to the Braves.

The danger for the Mets is the Phillies pulling away with it. Philadelphia is two games up on the Marlins and four games up on the Mets and Braves. The season is barely one-third of the way done, but these next few weeks could determine if the Mets are a contender or a pretender.

--Tim Fiorvanti

Report: Pedro back June 3

Tuesday May 27, 2008 8:24 PM By Pete Catapano

Pedro Martinez, who will have a rehab start tomorrow, will make his first start with team June 3, ESPN is reporting. Pedro has been out with an injured left hamstring since April 1

— Pete Catapano

Just in case Mets fans aren't quite feeling bad enough...

Tuesday May 27, 2008 5:04 PM By Pete Catapano

Scott Kazmir, who was "destined" to be the Mets ace but was inexplicably traded for the mediocre starter Victor Zambrano in 2004, was dominant again last night in his fifth start since coming off the disabled list. In a 7-3 win over Texas, the lefty allowed one run on three hits, while striking out 10.

This season, the 24-year-old is 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA.

Zambrano, meanwhile, went 10-14 in three years with the Mets, and is currently out of the majors.

So, where would the Mets be if their starting rotation included Johan Santana, John Maine, Scott Kazmir and Pedro Martinez? Answer: a lot closer to first place than last place.

— Pete Catapano

Looking back at the Subway Series

Friday May 16, 2008 6:15 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

Weather permitting, Friday night will kick off the 12th year of the Mets and Yankees facing off in interleague play. Here are ten of the best, worst and strangest moments of the Subway series.

10) David Wright hits a walk-off RBI Single

May 19, 2006: Wright hit the game-winning RBI single off of Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning to score Paul LoDuca, giving the Mets a 7-6 victory over the Yankees.

9) The Yanks score two in the bottom of the ninth off Braden Looper

June 26, 2005: Jason Giambi hits a game winning single to bring home Alex Rodriguez and Tino Martinez, giving the Yankees a 5-4 victory.

8) Armando Benitez walks in the tying run

June 22, 2003: Four walks and a wild pitch from Benitez allow the Yankees to tie the game at 3-3 in the ninth inning. The Yankees would score four times in the eleventh inning, giving them a 7-3 victory.

7) Roger Cedeno steals home

June 29, 2002: Cedeno slid in and avoided the tag of Yankees catcher Alberto Castillo, en route to a blowout Mets victory, 11-2.

6) Baerga wins in a photo finish

June 28, 1998: With Carlos Baerga on third and Brian McRae on first, Yankees rightfielder Paul O'Neill caught a fly ball and then threw to first to try to double off McRae. The umpires ruled that Baerga touched home a fraction of a second before McRae was thrown out, and the Mets won, 2-1.

5) Dave Mlicki shuts out the Yankees in the inaugural Subway series game.

June 6, 1997: Dave Mlicki threw a complete-game shut out to beat the Yankees, 6-0, in the first ever regular season meeting between the Mets and the Yankees.

4) Shawn Estes throws at Roger Clemens, misses.

June 15, 2002: Shawn Estes was put in the awkward position of having to throw at Roger Clemens, whose antics in the 2000 World Series (and regular season) led Mets fans to demand retribution when he came to bat at Shea Stadium. Estes' pitch sailed behind Clemens, but he made amends later, hitting a solo home run off the Yankees starter in an 8-0 Mets win.

3) Robin Ventura acts a fool.

June 11, 2000: As fans waited to see whether or not rain would prevent baseball that day (it did), those remaining in the stands were treated to Robin Ventura, sporting a painted on goatee and a #31 jersey, doing his best impression of Mike Piazza. Ventura ran around the bases, sliding into both second base and home, sending up enormous splashes of water on the tarp-covered, rain-soaked field.

2) Day/Night Multi-Borough Doubleheader

July 8, 2000: In game one of the doubleheader, Dwight Gooden went back to the mound at Shea Stadium, only this time he was wearing a Yankees uniform. Gooden picked up the win, allowing two runs in five innings. Tino Martinez homered and drove in three runs for the Yankees, who won 4-2. Game two, which was at Yankee Stadium, is the more famous of the two games, because of moment number one.

1) Roger Clemens: Professional Headhunter

July 8, 2000: In the first of a series of bizarre events between Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza, Clemens hit Piazza in the head with an 0-1 fastball, likely in retribution for a grand slam that Piazza hit off of Clemens earlier in the year. Piazza had to leave the game, but this wouldn't be the last time that Clemens would throw at him. Next time it would be a bat.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

(Thanks in part to Newsday. Find these moments, and more, in this photo gallery.)

Metropolitan struggles are not as bad as they appear

Wednesday May 7, 2008 4:35 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

It's hard to look at a 16-15 New York Mets team and call them over-achievers. The team with the second (or third, depending on your source) largest payroll in baseball made waves during the off-season by trading for Johan Santana, but the performance of some of their highest-payed players has been suspect at best.

For example, their clean-up hitter:

Carlos Beltran: .219 BA, 2 HR, 13 RBI, .369 OBP, .390 SLG

And their number five hitter:

Carlos Delgado: .216 BA, 4 HR, 16 RBI, .308 OBP, .362 SLG

The Mets have had some solid production despite the lackluster efforts of these two, from both expected and unexpected sources.

David Wright continues to establish himself as one of the top players in the game, on pace for another 30 home run, 125 RBI season at third base.

Santana has been very solid for an uncertain pitching staff, posting a sub-3.00 ERA. He's showing Mets fans exciting flashes of absolute brilliance between periods of very consistent pitching, and also making Omar Minaya look like a genius (between this and not signing Barry Zito a couple of years ago, this has been a very good year for Minaya)

Billy Wagner is still sporting a trim 0.00 ERA in 12 appearances, notching seven saves thus far while striking out 13. One unearned run and three hits are the only blemishes on his impressive start.

Some of the most surprising contributions, however have come from Ryan Church, a player who was seemingly an afterthought in the trade that sent Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals and brought back Brian Schneider (who has also seemingly overacheived, when he's played).

Church's numbers thus far:

.314 BA, 5 HR, 23 RBI, .379 OBP, .508 SLG

Add in the fact that their starting left-fielder, their number two and number five starters, and their starting catcher have all missed significant time this season, and that 16-15 record doesn't look all that bad.

With Brian Schneider (hopefully) healed, Alou finally taking his spot in left field, and Pedro Martinez on the mend, the summer months look promising for the Mets.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

History lesson: 1929 Yankee Stadium stampede

Wednesday April 16, 2008 4:17 PM By Ryan Chatelain

Tragic story from Shea Stadium Tuesday night: A 36-year-old father of two fell from an escalator while leaving the game and died. This sort of thing has happened twice before –- at Shea in 1985 and at Yankee Stadium in 1999.

But in doing our research, we stumbled upon another stadium tragedy that seems to have been overlooked in today’s media reports.

On May 19, 1929, a 17-year-old female Hunter College student and a 60-year-old male truck driver were trampled to death in a Yankee Stadium stampede. Sixty-two others were injured. At a time when more tickets were sold than seats were available, a sudden storm hit the Stadium, sending panicky fans in the right field bleachers to seek shelter.

The International Herald Tribune reports that “ ‘Babe’ Ruth rushed to the open bleacher in an effort the stem the wild rush for shelter. Fighting and pushing his way through the crowd he found the woman crushed beneath the trampling feet. He fought his way back to the field but the woman died in his arms before aid could arrive.” (We, however, couldn’t track down any verification of this part of the story.)

Honoring Jackie

Tuesday April 15, 2008 11:14 PM By Ryan Chatelain

While every team in the majors honored the 61st anniverary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier Tuesday, the Mets took things up a notch by unveiling the Jackie Robinson Rotunda construction at Citi Field. The main entrance to the Mets' new home will contain eight large pictures of Robinson and have an 8-foot statute of his number in Dodger blue. In the above photo, Mets owner Fred Wilpon gives Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, a tour Tuesday.

Mets manager Willie Randolph escorts Rachel Robinson, left, widow of Jackie Robinson, and Robinson's daughter Sharon from the field after a ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson before the Mets' game at Shea Stadium against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.

Photos from the ceremony are here

See a video from the ceremony here

Photos by AP

An interview with Ron Darling

Tuesday April 8, 2008 4:55 PM By Ryan Chatelain

Here’s a transcript from an interview amNewYork did with former Mets All-Star pitcher Ron Darling as part of our coverage of Shea Stadium's final home opener.

Darling, now a Mets television analyst for SNY, played for the Amazin’s from 1983-91.

What were your first impressions of Shea when you first saw it in person?

The first time I saw it, to me, it was heaven. It was the Holy Grail. It was everything you wanted it to be, because I was 22 years old, just called up to the big leagues and Tom Seaver’s in the locker right across from mine. I just thought I’d gone to heaven. What in my right mind do I deserve to be in this big league ballpark with a big league uniform on?

And then my first Opening Day in 1984, I just always thought was an amazing day. From that time forward, 1984 to now, I’ve always considered … Opening Day day 1 on my lunar calendar.

As far as the new stadium, do you think it’s time for something new for the Mets?

“I’ve said the most difficult part is you’re driving a VW Bug and you’ve got a Maserati in the driveway. It’s just really hard to compare both stadiums. I will say this, the Mets and the Wilpon family have done an amazing thing because I think not since Camden Yards has a ballpark tried to capture the old with the new, and new to the lay person means luxury boxes, it means Wi-Fi, it means more bathrooms, it means sexier food. But for baseball fans like myself, for them to try to encapture what it was like in a neighborhood field to have Ebbets Field and that rotunda for Jackie Robinson, I mean, what other team in baseball has ever thought about doing that?

It seems like the Mets are always in the Yankees’ shadow, and especially Shea has always been in Yankee Stadium’s shadow. Do you think the new stadium will help the Mets compete for respect in New York?

“Things go and come around. When I was playing on this Met team in the ’80s, the Yankees were fighting for a dollar. So things can go and come around. That being said, the history and legacy of the Yankees is without peer. Yankee Stadium has a history like no ballpark in America — I don’t care about Wrigley, I don’t care about Fenway Park, both places I love. To put the Mets up against that, I think you’re always going to come up a little short.

But that being said, maybe it’s a nice time, with these new ballparks, that all that gets washed clean. Maybe it’s a new slate. It’ll being interesting to see how both teams go forward because I think both teams are trying to do what they’ve always done, and the Yankees have always been perennial winners and the Mets have always aspired to that. But I would say now both teams are about the same, and I’m not saying one team is better than the other. But both come in every year with a chance to win, and that’s all you can ask of your ballclubs.

I want to ask what your most memorable moment was at Shea Stadium. I’m guessing you’re going to say 1986, maybe Bill Buckner.

I’m not. Two memories of Shea Stadium: One is the most positive, not even close to any other memory …. My memories are of the people who worked there. … To this day the warmest memories I have are when I threw my last warm-up pitch, I would walk through the bowels of the stadium. Everyone from the lady that was in charge of the room where the wives and girlfriends stayed, to the police officers, security officers, you’d make this gauntlet walk between all these people of about a hundred yards, where they would all shout encouragements, slap you on the back, shake your hand before you went out to the arena. I’ll never, ever forget that because that’s real people working real jobs working real hard, a lot of them working two jobs, caring enough to wish you well in this journey to try to win a ballgame. That to me, is always the warmest memory.

As far as baseball is concerned, the warmest memory I’ve had -- and I’ve only told a handful of people this story -- is that in 1987, I had a no-hitter, I think, through five innings against the Cardinals. We were trying to chase them down. Vince Coleman, with one out, bunted, and I caught the ball, tried to get him out, but I broke my thumb at that time. So I got two more outs, then went to the bench. By that time, my thumb had blown up, so I no longer could pitch, need surgery, the whole thing. So as I was walking out after getting it iced and looked at and tweaked, I was walking out to my car, which was parked behind the apple -- I used to always protect it behind the apple because it was convertible. Terry Pendleton, who hit that famous home run in ’87 off Roger McDowell that beat us that night, hit my car and then hit me. I thought it was kind of funny that I not only broke my thumb that night, but that it was a double-whammy that Pendleton’s home run ended our chances and double-hopped and hit me as I was going to the hospital. “

Photo by Getty Images

The Rick Rolling of Shea Stadium

Tuesday April 8, 2008 4:52 PM By Elizabeth Nielsen

April 8th 2008 will forever mark a momentous day, as that day the greatest Internet prank in history was pulled off.

Shea Stadium was Rick Rolled, on OPENING DAY!

Now, for those who aren't familiar with Rick Rolling, it involves sending someone a link disguised as something else, and instead of getting a picture of say, cute animals, you get a video of Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up.'

The Mets started an online contest some weeks back where people could vote for the song that gets played in the 8th inning of Mets home games. Among the choices were Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, and The Monkees. However, some Internet blogs, including awesome Deadspin weekend editor Matt Sussman and Fark, thought it would be a great idea to start a write-in campaign for Astley, as what could be better than some deliciously bad 80s music during the 8th inning.

Lo and behold, Astley received the most votes, but the Mets brass were not pleased with this outcome and stopped short of declaring "Never Gonna Give You Up" the winner. The team plans on playing the top 6 voted songs over the first six home games and will gauge fan participation before naming a winner. Astley's song came blaring out of Shea speakers today during the Mets home opener, and was obviously booed.

It's unlikely we'll hear the vocal stylings of Astley at Shea ever in the future, but seriously, how freakishly awesome is it that a couple of Web sites were able to pull this off.

The other remaining finalists include Bon Jovi’s “Livin on a Prayer,” The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” and The Foundation’s “Build Me Up Buttercup.”

Need a Rick Astley fix? Check out this incredible Rick Roll video.

-Lizzy

An interview with Ron Swoboda

Tuesday April 8, 2008 1:41 AM By Ryan Chatelain

Ron Swoboda played nine seasons in the major leagues, his first six with the Mets (1965-70). His diving, game-saving catch in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series -- which robbed Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson of an extra-base hit with two runners on – still stands as one of the iconic plays in Mets history.

Here is an interview amNewYork did with Swoboda, now a radio announcer for the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans, for our coverage of Shea Stadium’s final home opener. (Check back Tuesday afternoon for an interview with Ron Darling.)

Your rookie season was ’65, Shea’s second season, so it was still brand new. What were your impressions of it then?

I had been in a couple of big league ballparks. I had been in Yankee Stadium as an amateur. I had been in Baltimore Memorial Stadium. I was in the Polo Grounds as an amateur up in New York. Shea was just incredible because it was really higher than all of them. It just seemed so full of expression. They did so many things. The fans there seemed so into the game and happy to see you there, and it didn’t seem as much about winning and losing as it was people were just happy back in ’65 that National League baseball was back in New York and in this beautiful ballpark.

That was the second year of the World’s Fair. The World’s Fair had started in ’64 right across the street from the ballpark. So Shea was there with everything that was happening with a World’s Fair back when World’s Fairs still mattered. So it was pretty electric, the whole scene around Shea Stadium. And we did a lot of visiting of the World’s Fair ground, and because of the World’s Fair, the place was jammed. They drew over three million that year.

It was pretty amazing. And of course, I got to play a little bit in it. And it was difficult if you had been in big league ballparks with big, high backgrounds – their thing was triple level and very high. So if you were in the outfield there, fly balls didn’t often come out of the stands. You had to use the stands as a background. It was difficult to adjust to in the beginning. You could easily lose balls or take bad angles and embarrass the hell out of yourself.

It seems like Shea gets picked on a lot among New Yorkers, especially when comparing it to Yankee Stadium …

I knew Bill Shea pretty well, the guy they named it after. He always liked to tell this story about coming out to the ballpark on the No. 7 train from the city and listening to a couple of people speculating on how the stadium got its name, and one of them said, “I don’t know. It’s named after somebody who died in some war.” He would always tell that story and laugh like hell. That’s kind of an egoless guy. But Bill Shea was extremely important in helping bring National League baseball back to New York. But he was a helluva guy on top of a being a pretty high-octane lawyer.

Knowing the guy they named it for and respecting him and having most of the memories of my little New York Met career were all in Shea Stadium so it holds so much for me. When I go into the place now, you know it doesn’t hold up. Ballparks become economically obsolete before they are architecturally obsolete, and Shea’s probably been economically obsolete for a while now even though it still holds up all right. It was a no-frills kind of a ballpark when they built it.

It seems like Yankee fans are still coming to grips with the fact that their stadium is being torn down. But Mets fans seem to think it’s time for something new. Are you in that group?

I think so. I think it’s so constricted in there. In this day and age, in the economic realities of modern baseball, you really need some place that can help you generate more income. Shea made that a lot more difficult.

Do you still pinch yourself over what the ’69 Mets accomplished?

It surprised me. And everything we clinched that year in ’69, we clinched at Shea Stadium. We clinched the division, we clinched the league, we clinched the World Series at Shea. So that’s another big part of it. We had three pretty interesting champagne celebrations that season in Shea Stadium. You don’t forget that type of stuff. We figured it out, though. We all probably learned something about champagne, which is shoot the New York state, the cheaper stuff, on yourself and drink the good labels.

Your catch in ’69, does it surprise you that all these years later it still stands as one of the great moments in Mets history?

Somebody said, "You spend nine years in the big leagues and play in the World Series, you ought to leave with at least 10 seconds of highlight film." And I think I just made it. I think the total improbability of what was going on with the Mets in ’69 -- and that catch just being one of many things, but it seems to have developed some legs. And for an average player like himself, who wouldn’t have anything like that for a memory if I weren’t lucky enough to be on that ’69 team, it’s pretty cool.

Looking back at the stats, the ’69 Mets didn’t have a great batting average or hit a lot of home runs. Obviously, pitching was a strength. But how do you characterize how this team was able to win a world title?

I think something magical happened. I think it was almost the absolute synergy of a lot of things coming together. Good pitching becoming great pitching after the All-Star break. Donn Clendenon showing up right in the middle of that lineup ready to play and produce some offense. Defense behind great pitching looks a lot better than it is, so we looked like a real good defense and didn’t need to score many runs. And I think we had the advantage that year of kind of coming out of the weeds. I think we snuck up on people. The absolute easiest, most exciting baseball I played in my life was ’69.

There is a difference between letting things happen and trying to make them happen. And letting them happen is a helluva lot easier. And when you don’t have the responsibility or the weight of expectation, we seemed to exist in that sort of nexis of all of that.

How often do you make it back to Shea?

I get back a fair amount. I enjoy going up there and watching them play. I’m a fan. I’m a real fan. And it’s cool now that we (the New Orleans Zephyrs) are the Triple-A affiliates, which is great because I get to see some guys that go to the big leagues and get to give it a try in the show. It’s fun, and it’s neat. I’m a Met fan. I care what happens to them.

What else do you remember about Shea?

The other thing you can’t say too much about is the level of expression they allowed the fans back then. Banner Day was incredible. We were on the field for that. We were out there laughing and looking at the banners and judging them. And then they took all the banners and hung them on the facades. All those decks had that stuff up there. The fans back then had an incredible level of expression that was allowed. You can’t do any of that now, and I think that’s sad. You don’t get to know the fans as well. We felt like we knew the fans, and they knew us in Shea.

We were the biggest babysitters in the city because you could give a kid a few bucks and send him out to Shea. It was a very safe area, and they could get on the train, get off the train, get home and no problems. So we had this tremendous relationship with the fans at Shea Stadium. I can’t imagine it being like that anywhere else.

“You felt like you knew these people. Back then, you weren’t making a whole hell of a lot so you were not on some other socioeconomic plane that exists right now. You weren’t afraid of your fans. It was a good time. We were very, very lucky to have our time at that time.

Never Gonna Give

Sunday April 6, 2008 4:40 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

(Photo Compilation by Tim Fiorvanti)

If more than 8,000 Internet users get their way, Mets fans will be “Rickroll’d” at least 81 times this year.

They’re trying to turn Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” into the eighth-inning sign-along anthem that will be played at all Mets home games. Members of the Web site Digg, whose users drum up support for Web links by voting on them, are pushing the song as a write-in candidate on a Mets.com voting page.

“Rickrolling” happens when a link to a Web video, purportedly of another subject, actually plays Astley’s 1980s pop hit.

Other options for Mets fans include “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi and “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. Voting ends Monday at noon, so if your heart’s been achin’ for some Rick Astley, vote early and often.

The Mets home opener is Tuesday against the Phillies.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Mets get a roaring start

Monday March 31, 2008 8:36 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Johan Santana started earning his $137.5 million yesterday, fooling batters and sprinting for grounders in a three-hit performance during the Mets’ 7-2 win yesterday.

While the new ace stood tall for seven innings, the Mets’ offense was mostly quiet except for a tour-de-force rip through 10 at bats at the top of the fourth.

The opposing pitcher was 6-foot-9 former NBA player Mark Hendrickson.

The Mets' six-run pileup began with a sharply hit ball to left from the bat of Carlos Beltran, who reached second base easily. Carlos Delgado, effective even without a hit in three at bats yesterday, then discriminated through five pitches to earn a base on balls.

Beltran chugged home when Angel Pagan laced a curving liner down the third base line and Delgado scored when Ryan Church singled to right. Catcher Brian Schnieder and Santana then came up and went down for the first two outs of the inning.

That left leadoff man Jose Reyes with a two-out challenge. The shortstop answered with a single to left that scored Pagan. Luis Castillo then walked to load the bases and open the way for David Wright’s three-run double.

It ended where it began — with Beltran, who lined out to center field top end the volcanic inning.

Things fell into place for the Mets on opening day.

— Max