Master Index of Archived Threads


Opening Day IGT, 4/6/09, Mets @ Reds

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 20 2009 08:33 AM

I am afraid of the Reds, who have the makings of a good pitching staff (Harang, Arroyo, Volquez, Cueto, Micah Owings) and a few good young hitters (Bruce, Votto, etc) and made a point to try and improve one of ther worst D's in the game last year. Not a top offensive team by any stretch but maybe its good that they are finally moving on from Griffey. I predict they will get some buzz as a "sleeper" team and have articles written about them asking if they are "This year's Rays." They probably won't be, but I think they could be be tougher customers than usual this year. It's also nice that we're here in Cincinnati, where Opening Day is supposed to be. Hey look, here comes the Opening Day Parade led by Grand Marshal Frank Robinson. Here's the Queen City's Own Nick Lachey to throw out the opening pitch (retch). The (projected) starting lineups! Reyes, SS Murphy, LF Beltran, CF Wright, 3B Delgado, 1B Church, RF Schneider, C Castillo, 2B Santana, P Willy Taveras, CF Brandon Phillips, 2B Jay Bruce, RF Joey Votto, 1B Edwin Encarnacion, 3B Ramon Hernandez, C Jerry Hairston Jr., LF Alex Gonzalez, SS Edinson Volquez, P

Fman99 Mar 20 2009 08:37 AM

You get credit for enthusiasm in posting this 17 days shy of first pitch. I approve. I am pondering taking a half day that day, to go home and watch the game on my big-ass-TV.

seawolf17 Mar 20 2009 08:37 AM

For Chrissakes, StevieJeets. Why don't you throw some Billy Joel lyrics in there?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 20 2009 08:38 AM

These are the days to remember For they will not last forever

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 20 2009 08:38 AM

Uptown Girl You know I can't afford to buy her pearls

TransMonk Mar 20 2009 08:39 AM

Here's hoping we fare better than the last time we opened the season in Cincy.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 20 2009 08:40 AM

Your eyes are saying 'Talk to me' But you're attitude is 'Don't waste my time'

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 20 2009 08:41 AM

And I believe there is time for meditation in cathedrals of our own

metirish Mar 20 2009 08:44 AM

I like the 2B Phillips. I can't wait to see what this thread looks like by opening day...an auspicious start anchored by JCL.

Edgy DC Mar 20 2009 08:44 AM

Man, I want to punch TransMonk for that last comment. Props to Lunchtime for boldly predicting tha Moify will have wrested the two-slot from Castillo by opening day. Oh, and Rose, he knows he's such a credit to the game But the Yankees steal the headlines every TIIIIIIIME! Shit. Now I want to punch me.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 20 2009 08:47 AM

Yes I put Murph in the 2-hole vs. righthanded starters at least.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 20 2009 08:55 AM

Phillips... Encarnacion... Volquez... Nope, no Randa. We're good. (NOTE: The "sleeper" team thing has already started. In which the departures of Dunn and Griffey are recast as a cleansing forest fire, facilitating regrowth: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3989234)

metsguyinmichigan Mar 20 2009 09:22 AM

metirish wrote: I like the 2B Phillips. I can't wait to see what this thread looks like by opening day...an auspicious start anchored by JCL. What song is that in? Does he have a new CD out there?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 20 2009 09:36 AM

metsguyinmichigan wrote: ="metirish"]I like the 2B Phillips. I can't wait to see what this thread looks like by opening day...an auspicious start anchored by JCL. What song is that in? Does he have a new CD out there? ... 2-Bee Phil-lips, Hair-ston, EDWIN EN-CAR-NA-CI-ON! We didn't break the Jun-ior...

TransMonk Mar 20 2009 09:41 AM

Where am I getting punched?

Edgy DC Mar 20 2009 09:45 AM

Right in the Randa.

Edgy DC Mar 20 2009 09:48 AM

Margie loved Reds Margie loved whites Wouldn't pay for Davis' airplane flight

TransMonk Mar 20 2009 09:49 AM

Edgy DC wrote: Right in the Randa. At least it's not in the Looper.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 20 2009 11:06 AM

Rooo-oh-eh-ose... Bets the longest odds. (Odds!)

Gwreck Mar 20 2009 04:06 PM

]I am pondering taking a half day that day, to go home and watch the game on my big-ass-TV. Did one better and took the whole day off work. Will be in attendance. Where'd you see that parade info? I gotta start planning the trip.

metsguyinmichigan Mar 20 2009 04:23 PM

Well we're gonna make this Seaver Town Grant no longer wants him around We'll throw them Stevie Hendeson Zachry and Flynn, Danny Norman Tell Dick Young to get busy now Write a column that will make Tom howl Something nasty about Nancy and Ruth We sure don't care if it ain't the truth And we're gonna make this Seaver Town (Man, 30 years later I'm still not over this!)

themetfairy Mar 20 2009 04:27 PM

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Well we're gonna make this Seaver Town (Man, 30 years later I'm still not over this!) None of us is.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 25 2009 11:02 AM

More pre-game festivity detail. Aaron Harang, not Volquez, to start. Goshorn Brothers Band = what became of the Pure Prairie League ]MTV stars to sing at Opening Day MTV’s teenage “Taking the Stage” stars will be taking the field for Opening Day at Great American Ball Park, along with the UC’s Big East champion football team and coach Brian Kelly, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and singer Nick Lachey. Mia Carruthers, 17, a School for Creative & Performing Arts senior, will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the April 6 game. She will be surrounded by nine SCPA students from MTV’s reality series shot at the school. Lachey, a 1992 SCPA graduate and creator of the MTV show, will toss out the ceremonial first pitch. For the national anthem, the UC football team will hold the giant American flag in the outfield. Then coach Kelly will deliver the game ball to starting pitcher Aaron Harang on the mound, the Reds said. Robinson, the National League rookie of the year for the 1956 Reds, will serve as honorary team captain for the game. He will start his day as grand marshal of the 90th Findlay Market Opening Day parade at 10:30 a.m. Other festivities include: --Bronson Arroyo riding in the Findlay Market parade, a first for a Reds player. --Second baseman Brandon Phillips receiving his 2008 Rawling’s Gold Glove trophy before the game. --An Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force color guard participating in pre-game ceremony. --Cincinnati firefighter John Winfrey singing “God Bless America” during the game. --The team asking for a moment of silence to honor Glenn Sample, the longtime Reds official scorer who died Nov. 21. His former booth will be named in his honor. --The UC marching band playing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch. --The Goshorn Brothers performing a pregame concert in the Fan Zone. Ball park gates will open at 11:10 a.m. First pitch is 1:10 p.m

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 30 2009 09:28 AM

Ruh-oh. Rain forecast for Sunday and Monday in Cincy, then turning colder with light snow Tuesday.

seawolf17 Mar 30 2009 09:31 AM

The opening sentence of that article reads almost as though Frank Robinson and Nick Lachey were going to perform together.

Gwreck Mar 30 2009 10:09 AM

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Ruh-oh. Rain forecast for Sunday and Monday in Cincy, then turning colder with light snow Tuesday. 50% chance on Monday, per Weather.com. National Weather Service doesn't even project that far out.

SteveJRogers Mar 30 2009 10:17 AM

seawolf17 wrote: For Chrissakes, StevieJeets. Why don't you throw some Billy Joel lyrics in there? JUST FOR THAT WOLFIE: Baby, if you ever wondered Wondered, whatever became of me I'm living on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP Got kind of tired of packing and unpacking Town to town, up and down the dial Maybe you and me weren't meant to be Just stop and think of me every once in a while I'm at WKRP in Cincinnati. And the opening lines of Jimmy Buffet's "Fins" She came down from Cincinnati It took her three days on the train Lookin' for some peace and quiet Hoped to see the sun again...

Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 11:08 AM

Did Billy Joel sing the WKRP theme? I find myself selfishly hoping for a Monday rainout, because if it's played on Tuesday afternoon instead I'll be able to watch.

seawolf17 Mar 30 2009 11:21 AM

="Benjamin Grimm"]Did Billy Joel sing the WKRP theme? Yeah, no kidding. Now I'm even more confused than I was by a two-week-early IGT.

bmfc1 Apr 05 2009 10:48 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 05 2009 01:01 PM

[u:2e0eb76888]Newsday [/u:2e0eb76888]has the Mets Opening Day line-up: Reyes - SS Murphy - LF Wright - 3B Delgado - 1B Beltran - CF Church - RF Schneider - C Castillo - 2B Santana - SP Reds Zone has the Reds line-up: 1. Jerry Hairston, Jr. CF 2. Darnell McDonald LF 3. Joey Votto 1B 4. Brandon Phillips 2B 5. Jay Bruce RF 6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B 7. Ramon Hernandez C 8. Alex Gonzalez SS 9. Aaron Harang P __________________

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2009 11:33 AM

So who's our Designated Shoveler/Salter? From the National Weather Service: Monday Night: Snow showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 29. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Edgy DC Apr 05 2009 12:49 PM

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: So who's our Designated Shoveler/Salter? I'll say Sheffield.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 07:36 AM

bmfc1 wrote: [ 2. Darnell McDonald LF I'm the microphone master, DMC And can't nobody mess around with me I'm the king of rap, rock and of rhyme I deal what I feel, and it feels FINE Probably my favorite rap song ever

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 07:43 AM

The name's "McDonald" Not "McDonald's" The homers are Darnell's But the burgers are Ronald's

metirish Apr 06 2009 10:41 AM

Breaking News game to start at 1:20 and not 1:40 per SNY

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 10:44 AM

why? did Nick Lachey cancel?

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 10:44 AM

metirish wrote: Breaking News game to start at 1:20 and not 1:40 per SNY ESPN has 1:10...? I'm confused.

metirish Apr 06 2009 10:49 AM

TransMonk wrote: ="metirish"]Breaking News game to start at 1:20 and not 1:40 per SNY ESPN has 1:10...? I'm confused. Does ESPN have that as Breaking News that they broke? Burkhardt said the game was pushed back to 1:40 but Manuel and Baker got together and decided to have it a 1:20 start..that's all I know. Nick Lachey said he didn't mind getting showered on...

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 10:51 AM

Rubin is all 1:40 also. He also said planes flying into Cincy were rocked by the weather. The reporters plane was hit by lightening, and the Mets' plane was shook up by heavy turbulence.

Farmer Ted Apr 06 2009 11:03 AM

Anyone with the video clip of the Reds mascot taking the death spill off the ATV last year?

duan Apr 06 2009 11:04 AM

tv just said 1.20 pm.

duan Apr 06 2009 11:05 AM

jesus, that new mlb.tv is amazing.

duan Apr 06 2009 11:10 AM

have switched to SNY feed.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 11:13 AM

Who was that chick?

duan Apr 06 2009 11:19 AM

local student at some Cinci School of Performing Arts. The school provide the bulk of the cast in some MTV show.l

duan Apr 06 2009 11:20 AM

santana looks pumped up.

metirish Apr 06 2009 11:20 AM

Santana will be wrecked tired from the dugout chest bumping and elaborate hand shaking with his team mates all along the dugout....

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 11:21 AM

The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics By Francis Scott Key 1814 Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more! Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

metirish Apr 06 2009 11:21 AM

duan wrote: jesus, that new mlb.tv is amazing. Very cool that you can watch it from there..

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 11:21 AM

Harang does look smaller (but still like a zombie). 40 pounds?!?

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 11:24 AM

Boo ya! The delay gave me just enough time to hit the liquor store. Reyes on with the infield single. Let's Go Mets!

Mendoza Line Apr 06 2009 11:25 AM

Well, we now know who got the first hit of the year. And the first stolen base.

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 11:30 AM

Let's pinch-hit Sheffield here.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 11:31 AM

Just missed it. We shoulda sent Sheffield up. Boo, Jerry, boo!

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 11:36 AM

Opening Day rituals in place. Mets tie: check Mets watch: check Mets bracelet made by a street vendor in Mexico: check Tom Seaver Starting Lineup figure boldly on display: check Newsroom television set on ESPN for first pitch: check

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 11:36 AM

Lots of new gizmos in this year's edition of MLB.com Gameday, but nothing but the basics are working for me right now. You Shan't Know Their Velocity.

metirish Apr 06 2009 11:39 AM

SNY has new graphics ...could do with showing them off less.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 11:44 AM

For those wondering the Mets are wearing the road grays and the black caps with the blue brims.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 11:45 AM

Oh, awesome, ESPN360 is streaming the game for free. Huzzah. http://espn.go.com/broadband/espn360/player?gameId=290406117&sportCode=&league=undefined

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 11:45 AM

Egh, Santana walks a pair. Throwing a lot of pitches early here.

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 12:03 PM

And we're back. That's your walk quota, Johan. Get some Watkins ointment out to the mound now!

apmorris Apr 06 2009 12:03 PM

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 12:03 PM

Back from the abyss. I don't mind the ump calling that pitch a strike on Castillo. I do mind him doing it within a minute of calling a pitch in the exact same location a ball. How the hell are guys supposed to command the strike zone if it changes with every pitch?

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:04 PM

Mr. Redlegs is everywhere. Nice to know that Mr. Met could go incognito if he could.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 12:05 PM

The blue seems to be giving the outside corner to the lefties, but not the outside corner to the righties. I think Johan struck out Encarnacion like 5 times that last at bat.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 12:05 PM

Ooh-wee! Nice DP!!

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:05 PM

WOW

apmorris Apr 06 2009 12:05 PM

woah!

duan Apr 06 2009 12:07 PM

brilliant DP. that's worth a hit credited to church.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 12:08 PM

Nice, quick inning for Johan. Top 'o the lineup comin up. Lets get some runs.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:08 PM

Oh, Topdot. You are not the news, stop pretending. You slime.

metirish Apr 06 2009 12:08 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2009 12:10 PM

I told you Edgy that Church was a good defender.

Mendoza Line Apr 06 2009 12:08 PM

It didn't look quite as impressive on Gameday...

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:09 PM

Daily News Live: Guys With Moustaches Yelling Pass.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 12:09 PM

Fman99 wrote: Oh, Topdot. You are not the news, stop pretending. You slime. Makes me miss Guiseppi.

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 12:11 PM

metirish wrote: I old you Edgy that Church was a good defender. Wha are you elling me for? I've argued on his behalf.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:11 PM

A Boy Named Seo wrote: ="Fman99"]Oh, Topdot. You are not the news, stop pretending. You slime. Makes me miss Guiseppi. Seriously. Somewhere, Gary Busey continues to hug that guy, in perpetuity, forever.

duan Apr 06 2009 12:11 PM

I presume the boys in the booth - don't know they're live on MLB.tv.

metirish Apr 06 2009 12:12 PM

Edgy DC wrote: ="metirish"]I old you Edgy that Church was a good defender. Wha are you elling me for? I've argued on his behalf. Oh I know you did , it was me that said he wasn't all that in the field.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 12:12 PM

duan wrote: I presume the boys in the booth - don't know they're live on MLB.tv. What kinda tomfoolery are we missing?

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 12:15 PM

Murphy just go for the chew?

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 12:16 PM

I think new, svelte Aaron Harang is actually scarier looking than the chunky version.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:17 PM

Ah, a new season means new obnoxious 'don't smoke' ads. Fuck. I quit in 2001. Get off my TV.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 12:20 PM

Nice inning for yohan

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:20 PM

The DP helped Johan find a nice groove here. It's a pitchers' duel kids.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:29 PM

Walk to Beltran, bloop single for Church. Rain coming down a bit steadier now, too...

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 12:29 PM

Looks like it's starting to come down a little bit now.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 12:30 PM

I'm in the middle of class right now, I really need to curb my gesturing at blooping hits.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 12:31 PM

Looks like today Church came to say, "F-you, Gary Sheffield. I'm the rightfielder for the New York Mets."

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 12:31 PM

Runners move up on a dropped fly ball.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:32 PM

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Runners move up on a dropped fly ball. Free pass for Castillo. Beltran would've tagged anyway but Church did get the free base on the drop.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 12:36 PM

Santana flies out. Six men LOB, 0 for Monday with RISP.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 12:37 PM

Dang dang.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 12:38 PM

3 hits, 3 walks and an error yet no runs after 4 innings. Grrr.

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 12:40 PM

The carnage will come.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 06 2009 12:43 PM

Jerry was saying he doesn't want Santana throwing a no-hitter. He wants to be able to remove him after 6 or so with a five-run lead and a one-hitter going.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 12:45 PM

Well there's your 1 hitter.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 06 2009 12:51 PM

Good! Now let's get the five runs.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 12:51 PM

And in case you forgot I'm the KING OF ROCK

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 12:53 PM

No more lineouts to Cousin Brucie. I expect all further lineouts to slice between the raindrops to the far reaches of the Great American. Far reaches!

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 12:55 PM

Hey, hey, Danny Murphy!

metirish Apr 06 2009 12:55 PM

Daniel Murphy with the Mets first home run of this season....

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 12:56 PM

KABOOM!!! Murphy is the bomb!

Zvon Apr 06 2009 12:56 PM

themetfairy Apr 06 2009 12:56 PM

Nice Ka Boom for the kid!

seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 12:56 PM

I love that Murphy and Church are both like "eff you, Sheffield" today, in the field and at the plate.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 12:57 PM

Muuuurph! So, so difficult not to react.

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 12:58 PM

Daniel. The Prophet! Dandy-Lion! Dan-YELL! Whatever! Valadius is right. He is better at this shit.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 12:59 PM

I got a phone call, and I knew I was gonna miss something. Murphy! I'll bet nobody had that prediction.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 12:59 PM

I think he's going to be a stud this year!

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:00 PM

Hahaha, Reds look like the '62 Mets out there.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:00 PM

Horrid D. Mets have 2 on for Beltran. Lets give Johan some runs this year, boys.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:02 PM

Razor Shines = aggressive

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:02 PM

Shit baserunning by Wright.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:03 PM

Nice smart slide by Wright. After the bobble he had to try. He almost made it. If Wright was running hard and cutting a turn earlier I think he would have been safe with that same slide.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:04 PM

replay from above shows he was cutting the turn. he just hesitated for a minute there.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:05 PM

.....not literally a whole minute. That would be silly

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:06 PM

Yah, I think he smartly hesitated initially to make sure it wasn't caught, but then didn't seem to bust it all the way and looked like he was sure he'd be held at third, but Razor had other plans. Really should've put another run or two up.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:08 PM

A Boy Named Seo wrote: Yah, I think he smartly hesitated initially to make sure it wasn't caught, but then didn't seem to bust it all the way and looked like he was sure he'd be held at third, but Razor had other plans. Really should've put another run or two up. Like JCL says, aggressive. And I like it. Players better be on their toes on the way to third.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:09 PM

Sandy Alomar was aggressive, too.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:11 PM

Johan's walked 4 and K'd 7, but somehow still thrown only 70-something pitches. Harang threw 114 in 5.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:11 PM

Micah Owings is the first Pinch hitter off the Reds bench. We could trade them Marlon Anderson perhaps.

seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 01:14 PM

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Micah Owings is the first Pinch hitter off the Reds bench. We could trade them Marlon Anderson perhaps. Val's head would explode.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:16 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2009 01:19 PM

="A Boy Named Seo"]Sandy Alomar was aggressive, too. But he wasn't insane. Lol, I really don't know how how well Razor coaches third or his mental state. That was hit way hard and off the bat I thought no way do we plate Wright on that. But we do want more runs for Santana,..its cold and wet out there, they had to make the play. We tried. We failed. DatsAbaseball.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 01:19 PM

Like Zvon's new avatar!

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:19 PM

Castillo: Doubles machine.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 06 2009 01:21 PM

Santana bats in the 6th (and draws a walk.) I was wondering if Jerry would pull him after 5. Guess not!

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:22 PM

="metsguyinmichigan"]Like Zvon's new avatar! Thank you sir. I wanted to see Castillos swing on that double to see if he is swinging with more authority. Figures they didn't even show it when it was hit. Cutting back from a replay that meant nothing. OOO, and they walk Santana.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:23 PM

="Zvon"] ="A Boy Named Seo"]Sandy Alomar was aggressive, too. But he wasn't insane. Lol, I really don't know how how well Razor coaches third or his mental state. That was hit way hard and off the bat I thought no way do we plate Wright on that. But we do want more runs for Santana,..its cold and wet out there, they had to make the play. We tried. We failed. DatsAbaseball. True dat. It's too early in the season for any crankiness, but I really want the boys to come through big for Johan this year. Squandered way too many of his awesome efforts. The last couple of years are making me think in a big picture/entire season perspective for each game more than I've ever done before, I think.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:23 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2009 01:24 PM

Loaded up for Murphy. Gotta be bringing in the lefty now, no? EDIT: D'oh. Pitcher is a lefty! I saw it on the radio!

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:23 PM

Bases bulked with blue.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 01:23 PM

Here we go! Top of the order will get this going.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:23 PM

OK, ducks on pond. LETS...

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:24 PM

GO...

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:25 PM

RBI groundout for Murph.

seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 01:26 PM

Of course, he would have hit another home run if you'd said... METS!

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:27 PM

Ill take it. Nice swing by Murph on that cramped screwgie to put it in play and hit it hard enough to get that run in.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:27 PM

2 outs, second and third for Wright. No easy choice for Dusty here. C'mon, Davey.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:28 PM

C'mon David! Assassinate this guy!

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:30 PM

Sacks juiced again. C'mon, Carlos.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:30 PM

Maybe we should just let them walk in a dozen. STOP SWINGING THOSE BATS! lol

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:32 PM

Cheese 'n' rice! I guess 2 runs is better than 1. Looks like we may just get to see how good our new bullpen is today.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:32 PM

Really could have broke it open there.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 01:37 PM

Oh poo.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:37 PM

Tying run at 2nd, 0 outs as Beltran makes the first Met error of the year.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:37 PM

UGHH. Great backup by Santana saves a run on that errant throw to third. As far as Murph goes I'll never understand how someone can have good hitting hands and bad fielding hands. Does he have two sets of hands?

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:38 PM

Wheels...falling...off...mayday...mayday.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:39 PM

2-1 on the sac fly. K, hold it right here.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:39 PM

2-1 on a sac fly by Phillips.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:40 PM

TransMonk wrote: Wheels...falling...off...mayday...mayday. That's okay. They can still fly. They just can't land.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:42 PM

I can't look at Sean Green without thinking of Rick Trlicek.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:43 PM

Address the bullpen, Norton. HELLOOOOOO BULLPEN!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:43 PM

Is that who we're going to? Green?

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:44 PM

Yup.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 01:44 PM

Green should've taken 53 instead of 50, if he wanted good ground ball mojo.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 01:46 PM

Nice play! Welcome to the Mets, Mr. Green.

themetfairy Apr 06 2009 01:46 PM

Whew! Nice catch by Murphy!

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:46 PM

="Zvon"] ="TransMonk"]Wheels...falling...off...mayday...mayday. That's okay. They can still fly. They just can't land. The Flyin' Seanán saves the day.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:46 PM

Nice catch, Murphy. OK, get some freaking runs NOW!!!!

Zvon Apr 06 2009 01:46 PM

Green does have some good movement there. Hope he can keep those pitches from moving into bats. OOO, Murph with the eyes closed grab in left on that liner. I kid. Nice catch there.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 01:47 PM

Murphy moves around like a newborn giraffe out there, but it got the job done.

holychicken Apr 06 2009 01:48 PM

OlerudOwned wrote: Murphy moves around like a newborn giraffe out there, but it got the job done. Did he break in on a ball that he should have broken back on?

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 01:49 PM

holychicken wrote: ="OlerudOwned"]Murphy moves around like a newborn giraffe out there, but it got the job done. Did he break in on a ball that he should have broken back on? Not really sure, he just sort of staggered around and had legs everywhere.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:49 PM

A Boy Named Seo wrote: OK, get some freaking runs NOW!!!! Yes, please. 3 innings left to the bullpen with a one run lead still scares me.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 01:50 PM

Last year, the bully would have walked the bases loaded, then got that out, then blow it in the ninth. I like the new guy!

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 01:50 PM

holychicken wrote: ="OlerudOwned"]Murphy moves around like a newborn giraffe out there, but it got the job done. Did he break in on a ball that he should have broken back on? No he was moving to his left on a dying bird but got there in time.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:52 PM

quick inning. Go stretch.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 01:52 PM

So, who's our 7th inning guy? Does Green stay in? I didn't get footage of anyone warming up. We shall see. God I missed this. Plus with the wee ones I rarely get to spend the entire game in the IGT...

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 01:53 PM

Arthur Rhodes is still pitching? Seems like he's been around forever.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:55 PM

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Arthur Rhodes is still pitching? Seems like he's been around forever. 17 years...had to look at his stats to see that he had a pretty nice season last year.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 01:55 PM

Green on for the 7th, Feliciano tossing in the pen.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 01:55 PM

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Arthur Rhodes is still pitching? Seems like he's been around forever. 18th season. Damn it feels good to be a lefty.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:57 PM

Green looks funny when he pitches. Kinda slinging it, kinda whipping it across his body. He should have a discus in his hand instead of a baseball. Hopefully it looks as weird to the hitters.

seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 01:58 PM

I remember Rhodes as a Met killer, and sure enough, since 2006, eleven games, eight innings, two hits, three walks, and seven K's.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 01:58 PM

WOW.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 01:59 PM

WOW Dabidrye. Put a star on that one in your scorebooks. Or whatever. Quick 1-2-3 for funny looking Green.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 01:59 PM

1-2-3 inning for Green, Wright with a filthy catch on a shot to the 5.5 hole.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 01:59 PM

Sounds like Wright made a nice play. Anyway, 4 up, 4 down for Greenie.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 01:59 PM

Well, nothing not to like about Green. 4 up 4 down...the last 3 on groundouts.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 01:59 PM

I love the Conan commercial.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:02 PM

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Sounds like Wright made a nice play. Anyway, 4 up, 4 down for Greenie. Diving stop on a one-hop grounder to his left. The ball took kind of a high hop, so he had to reach up and stretch out both to grab it. Got up quick, bounced it once to first of course, and Delgado picked it. Nice.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:03 PM

With a righty pitching Marlon gets a shot as the PH for Green. Putz warming up. Marlon grounds out like you knew he would. Dead man walking!

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:03 PM

Marlon rolls out to first as a PH. Putz set to come on in the bottom 8.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 02:05 PM

Weak 8th by the O. Hey, JJ. What you been doing?

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:05 PM

Topdot with the early lead for "overaired annoying advertising that I will memorize and then curse at."

holychicken Apr 06 2009 02:06 PM

Wait, did we just have a reliever pitch more than an inning? I thought that was against the rules.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:07 PM

Fman99 wrote: Topdot with the early lead for "overaired annoying advertising that I will memorize and then curse at." Totally.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 02:07 PM

The Fox game tracker is about three batters behind, and the other sites crash my system at work. (We're having tech issues) Grrrr. I don't see Marlon lasting the month.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:08 PM

Putz in. Jeez, wearing 22 seems low for a reliever. Don't they usually end up in the 40s and up?

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:13 PM

One out walk to pinch hitter Dickerson. Votto up.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 02:14 PM

This is the situation I didn't wanna see come up. I don't care how good your RPs are, 2 runs in 8 innings on the road makes you nervous.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:15 PM

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: This is the situation I didn't wanna see come up. I don't care how good your RPs are, 2 runs in 8 innings on the road makes you nervous. Amen to that. Putz throwing over to keep the DP in play.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 06 2009 02:17 PM

True, but at 37 degrees these are pretty abnormal conditions. I don't want to jump to any conclusions about the offense just yet.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:17 PM

His splitter looks like a change to me, and it looks pretty good. Gun showing him top out around 88. Gary was saying he doesn't think that's right, but they had Johan in the 90's.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:17 PM

Boom. 93 on the fastball to K Votto. Nevermind me, people.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 02:17 PM

Votto whiffo.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:17 PM

Putz dials it up to 93 and gets Votto with the heat. Two down.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 02:18 PM

A Boy Named Seo wrote: Diving stop on a one-hop grounder to his left. The ball took kind of a high hop, so he had to reach up and stretch out both to grab it. Got up quick, bounced it once to first of course, and Delgado picked it. Nice. I missed that so thank you for the description. Nice K there by Putz.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:19 PM

Not to rub it in for those of you at work, or poor, or whatever, but I highly suggest you get yourself a HD television and enjoy the Mets in high definition this year. It just jumps off the screen at you.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:20 PM

Zvon wrote: ="A Boy Named Seo"] Diving stop on a one-hop grounder to his left. The ball took kind of a high hop, so he had to reach up and stretch out both to grab it. Got up quick, bounced it once to first of course, and Delgado picked it. Nice. I missed that so thank you for the description. Nice K there by Putz. Watch SNY or ESPN tonight, they will be replaying that one.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 02:20 PM

Come on Putz! Get that out.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 02:21 PM

Side-o Retire-o.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:21 PM

Boo ya. Ground out to Reyes and eight in the books. Bullpen so far looks good. Insurance run? Yes, I'll take one or two thanks.

Nymr83 Apr 06 2009 02:22 PM

Green bails out Santana, Putz gets it done, hurray for the new bullpen! I know its not over yet, but this is a game Santana would have gotten an "L" in last year, or at least a no decision.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:23 PM

Good inning, JJ. I wouldn't mind scoring 8 here and giving Rodriguez the day off.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:24 PM

Could be a good opportunity. Reds bring in their closer Cordero who has stunk out loud all spring.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:26 PM

Murphy totally peeks back at the catcher during his warm-up swings.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 02:26 PM

Fman99 wrote: Not to rub it in for those of you at work, or poor, or whatever, but I highly suggest you get yourself a HD television and enjoy the Mets in high definition this year. It just jumps off the screen at you. I think baseball (and sports in general) is the only reason to watch HD,lol. I got this game on ESPN. Very fortunate to be able to catch it. Comcast, in their wisdom, have removed the CW11 from my lineup. So my hangin and watching games will be somewhat limited this season, I think. They want me to buy the MLB package. They wont get another cent from me. Can't wait til Verizon comes to my area. Comcast are a bunch of crooks. I think I'm gonna have to check out the MLB.TV online thing.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:27 PM

Wow, umpire really squeezing the pitchers today.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:28 PM

Zvon wrote: ="Fman99"]Not to rub it in for those of you at work, or poor, or whatever, but I highly suggest you get yourself a HD television and enjoy the Mets in high definition this year. It just jumps off the screen at you. I think baseball (and sports in general) is the only reason to watch HD,lol. I got this game on ESPN. Very fortunate to be able to catch it. Comcast, in their wisdom, have removed the CW11 from my lineup. So my hangin and watching games will be somewhat limited this season, I think. They want me to buy the MLB package. They wont get another cent from me. Can't wait til Verizon comes to my area. Comcast are a bunch of crooks. I think I'm gonna have to check out the MLB.TV online thing. They pulled SNY too? Or did you mean SNY and not CW11?

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 02:28 PM

Stick to just one strike zone, blue.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:30 PM

Bleh. Wright picked off caught leaning towards 2nd.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 02:31 PM

Wright trying to get thrown out for the cycle.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:31 PM

OlerudOwned wrote: Stick to just one strike zone, blue. Yah, Murph & Castillo both got the same treatment. Getting a ball called on on what shoulda been strike 3, and then strike 3 called on the next pitch as a make-up, when that pitch was a ball for each of 'em. And Wright gets picked off as I type. Not the best game on the paths for that young man.

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 02:31 PM

That's no good.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 02:32 PM

That wasn't graceful.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 02:32 PM

That last pitch to Murphy was practically in Dayton. Horrible. He knew better than to give the ump lip, though.

Frayed Knot Apr 06 2009 02:32 PM

Wright - on base twice, taken off base twice. That and the lack of H w/RiSP is what's keeping this from being a semi-blowout. Gotta figure Reed for Murphy for bottom 9

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:33 PM

OK, #75, let's see what you got, son.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:34 PM

Frankie, you are up. Go get em.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 02:35 PM

Fman99 wrote: They pulled SNY too? Or did you mean SNY and not CW11? SNY itself (directly) does not reach down here. Comcast will let me have SNY if I get the entire MLB package, which is everygame everywhere. At least this is the last thing I heard from my brother who keeps track of such things.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:35 PM

TONS of empty seats. These Cincy fans left with their team down one run? Reed in left for Murphy.

HahnSolo Apr 06 2009 02:35 PM

9 hits, 7 walks and only 2 runs. And one of those came on a solo HR. Nail it down, Frankie (still not sure how I feel about the name K-Rod).

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:36 PM

Zvon wrote: ="Fman99"]They pulled SNY too? Or did you mean SNY and not CW11? SNY itself (directly) does not reach down here. Comcast will let me have SNY if I get the entire MLB package, which is everygame everywhere. At least this is the last thing I heard from my brother who keeps track of such things. Weak. Still waiting for the stupid NFL to let me get NFL Sunday Ticket on cable. Jerks.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:36 PM

Frayed Knot wrote: Gotta figure Reed for Murphy for bottom 9 Yup, good call.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:36 PM

One down. Nubber up the line, Frankie gloves it and tags the runner.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:37 PM

Frankie's got exploding junk (that's what she said). 2 up, 2 down.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:37 PM

Delgado with the easy catch in foul ground. One last out. Frank is tossing some real darts.

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 02:37 PM

That's a real yo-yo of a breaking ball, coming out of that funky motion.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:39 PM

A Boy Named Seo wrote: Frankie's got exploding junk (that's what she said). 2 up, 2 down. Time to see the urologist.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:39 PM

He gives the catchers a workout. Ball's got all kinds of movement.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:40 PM

Put it in the books!

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:40 PM

Finish him!

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 02:40 PM

WOW...welcome to the 2009 Mets. I can't remember the last time the bullpen would have held onto a one run lead for 3.1 innings. Offense put up some hits, but needs to score more runs. Still...happy, happy, happy!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 02:40 PM

Exploding Junk, now on tour with the Felix Mantilla Experience

Zvon Apr 06 2009 02:40 PM

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 02:41 PM

Beautiful!

themetfairy Apr 06 2009 02:41 PM

Takin' Care of Business!

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 02:42 PM

Bullpen to offense: We got your back!

Frayed Knot Apr 06 2009 02:42 PM

That was a combined hitless pen, no?

Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 02:42 PM

Drew it up that way, huh?

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:42 PM

Good start, '09. At this point last year, I'd be drunk and probably crying. On that chart from a couple of seasons ago, this one was for sure a "shoulda" and felt like it was gonna get away a couple times. Right on.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 02:42 PM

One storyline (Fancy New Infallible Bullpen) beat the others (Dumb Baserunning R Us; We Suck In The Clutch) but it was close.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:43 PM

Mets now 31-9 in the last 40 opening day games. That's just silly.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 02:44 PM

If the pen did that for Johan about three more times last year, he'd have a fancy plaque for the living room. Make room on the wall this year!

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 02:44 PM

Just 50 hours until the next Mets game. Sigh. DJ Chunky and Bobby O on the postgame. Like a black and white cookie of entertainment.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 02:44 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2009 02:45 PM

Frayed Knot wrote: That was a combined hitless pen, no? Putz gave up a hit. But still, not too shabby. On edit...nevermind it was a walk. Even less shabby.

holychicken Apr 06 2009 02:45 PM

Who else was convinced, right up till that last out, that the BP was going to blow it? In fact, I am STILL convinced the BP is going to blow the game we just won. It is going to be a long year.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 02:46 PM

Frayed Knot wrote: That was a combined hitless pen, no? Yes. 3 1/3, 0 H, 1 BB, 2K, and Green stranded the only inherited runner.

Nymr83 Apr 06 2009 02:48 PM

i keep thinking transmonk's posts are mine, i used to use that avatar!

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 02:49 PM

Already a game up on Philly.

DocTee Apr 06 2009 02:50 PM

The first person to start a "magic number thread" gets a punch to the throat.

TransMonk Apr 06 2009 02:52 PM

Nymr83 wrote: i keep thinking transmonk's posts are mine, i used to use that avatar! Did you?...I thought you had the one with his back turned and his cap on with the plus sign. Sorry for the confusion.

Zvon Apr 06 2009 03:02 PM

holychicken wrote: Who else was convinced, right up till that last out, that the BP was going to blow it? In fact, I am STILL convinced the BP is going to blow the game we just won. It is going to be a long year. We have been somewhat traumatized the last few seasons, but those are history. As we do every Spring, we begin anew.

soupcan Apr 06 2009 03:04 PM

holychicken wrote: Who else was convinced, right up till that last out, that the BP was going to blow it? I wasn't 'convinced' they would blow it, but I was half-expecting it.

Kong76 Apr 06 2009 03:09 PM

holyc: Who else was convinced, right up till that last out, that the BP was going to blow it? <<< Actually felt quite the opposite. I was able to sit back in the chair and not on the edge with clenched teeth and knotted shoulder muscles. Nice feeling.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2009 03:32 PM

OlerudOwned Apr 06 2009 03:47 PM

Your signature has never looked so apropos.

Nymr83 Apr 06 2009 04:48 PM

TransMonk wrote: ="Nymr83"]i keep thinking transmonk's posts are mine, i used to use that avatar! Did you?...I thought you had the one with his back turned and his cap on with the plus sign. Sorry for the confusion. that wasn't me, though i did have one where he was wearing a black jacket. i monopolize the bobby-v images.

G-Fafif Apr 06 2009 04:51 PM

Watched game at Citi Field. You read that right. My friends at Pepsi were to host a gathering in the Pepsi Porch, but rain drove it indoors to the Caesars Club. I've had more access in the last two days then I'll have in the next two decades, I'm guessing. Mookie, Krane and the Glider were all on hand as were Mr. Met, Cow-Bell Man, Alex Anthony and the Pepsi Party Patrol. Outside those earth movers continued to do away with the land that was once Shea. Inside, on high-def screens, K-Rod did away with 2008. And plenty of refreshments. Surreal, with no complaints.

themetfairy Apr 06 2009 05:01 PM

That's an incredibly cool way to start off the season!

G-Fafif Apr 06 2009 05:27 PM

Especially the part with the winning.

themetfairy Apr 06 2009 05:30 PM

Well, yeah. Duh!

G-Fafif Apr 06 2009 07:16 PM

Surreal [url=http://faithandfear.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2009/4/6/4145962.html]in detail[/url].

Rockin' Doc Apr 06 2009 07:28 PM

Great IGT gang. The enthusiasm of opening day was fully on display. Fourteen pages of posts and I enjoyed reading every one of them when I came home from work this evening. G-Fafif - "Watched game at Citi Field. You read that right. My friends at Pepsi were to host a gathering in the Pepsi Porch, but rain drove it indoors to the Caesars Club. I've had more access in the last two days then I'll have in the next two decades, I'm guessing. Mookie, Krane and the Glider were all on hand as were Mr. Met, Cow-Bell Man, Alex Anthony and the Pepsi Party Patrol. Outside those earth movers continued to do away with the land that was once Shea. Inside, on high-def screens, K-Rod did away with 2008. And plenty of refreshments." Oh the life of a big time author. I'm turning green with envy over here.

G-Fafif Apr 06 2009 07:52 PM

Rockin' Doc wrote: Oh the life of a big time author. I'm turning green with envy over here. More a function of my small-time beverage writing/consulting career that I was there, but I like your version better.

Fman99 Apr 06 2009 08:08 PM

G-Fafif wrote: Surreal [url=http://faithandfear.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2009/4/6/4145962.html]in detail[/url]. That is balls-ass-cool.

metirish Apr 07 2009 07:31 AM

] The LOB may be the official state bird of Metsopotamia, but can we declare the blown save extinct? You have a way with words , excellent.

soupcan Apr 07 2009 07:36 AM

Having been to Citi just the one time, I'm wondering what the logistics were Greg? If the weather held, you were supposed to be in the Pepsi porch thingy right? But aren't both scoreboards situated in such a way that you would have had to turn around and /or crane your neck to watch? I'm so freaking jealous that you met Mookie by the way. Did Ed Charles write you a bad poem?

Edgy DC Apr 07 2009 07:50 AM

I actually had some questions I need Ed to answer.

soupcan Apr 07 2009 07:55 AM

Edgy DC wrote: I actually had some questions I need Ed to answer. Like 'what rhymes with orange'?

Edgy DC Apr 07 2009 07:59 AM

Ed cheats a little on his rhymes, and that's OK. And the correct answer is whore binge.

soupcan Apr 07 2009 08:02 AM

Thanks, I'll have to remember that when I send a card to Eliot Spitzer.

seawolf17 Apr 07 2009 08:15 AM

Damn frangit. I had a ticket to that also -- it was through MetsBlog -- but wussed out with the rain. Should have gone.

G-Fafif Apr 07 2009 08:41 AM

soupcan wrote: If the weather held, you were supposed to be in the Pepsi porch thingy right? But aren't both scoreboards situated in such a way that you would have had to turn around and /or crane your neck to watch? I was wondering that myself, Soup. I'm thinking they might have erected a few temporary screens or something. Pepsi Porch was the area I liked best Sunday, both the seating and the milling spots. Thank Jeff Wilpon's grandparents for the concept, I guess. And let's hope it's Delgado's Den before long.

Gwreck Apr 07 2009 08:49 AM

Some thoughts from the game: That was a really tough error to give to Beltran. His throw to third was aimed perfectly to the bag -- it just happened to hit the runner as he was sliding in. Throw was backed up and there was no additional advance by the lead runner. I guess the error is for allowing the runner from first to go to second, but that could also be attributed to advancing on the throw. Razor Shines made a stupid call at third when waving Wright in. The ball wasn't hit that deep into right field and as David approached third it seemed obvious to me that he would be held. I agree it seemed as if David slowed a little coming in to third but that was because going home was the wrong idea. He was out by a mile. I saw the comment about empty seats -- while I'm sure some of the people left early, the really nasty weather conditions had people leaving their seats for some of the really excellent standing room spots. Both the upper and lower concourses at Great American are open and from all observations were packed, mostly with people who took shelter from the elements to watch the game. I wouldn't be surprised to see that same effect at Citi Field this year -- people standing in the lower concourses/in the OF rather than sitting in their seats. I was not impressed much with Great American other than their open concourses. The "gap" between home and third is stupid. The uneven levels on the two sides of the stadium is visually distracting. They have a new video board in left which is really sharp but they could use something in right field too. I guess they left it open because that's where the river is, but the view of Kentucky and the river is pretty bland. They would have been better served if the park had been rotated and the view looking towards the outfield faced downtown rather than the river. Food choices were pretty bland too. The opening day parade, however, was great. Despite the mid-January conditions, it was great fun and a fitting way to pay tribute to one of the greatest days of the year. Lots of knowledgeable fans sitting near me at the park, too. Seems like a very solid baseball town.

Frayed Knot Apr 07 2009 10:45 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 07 2009 11:06 AM

Gwreck wrote: That was a really tough error to give to Beltran. His throw to third was aimed perfectly to the bag -- it just happened to hit the runner as he was sliding in. Throw was backed up and there was no additional advance by the lead runner. I guess the error is for allowing the runner from first to go to second, but that could also be attributed to advancing on the throw. That's always a tough error on the OFer but once you decide to give one for advancing to 2nd it's gotta go to someone. ]Razor Shines made a stupid call at third when waving Wright in. The ball wasn't hit that deep into right field and as David approached third it seemed obvious to me that he would be held. I agree it seemed as if David slowed a little coming in to third but that was because going home was the wrong idea. He was out by a mile. There were several problems there. First was that Wright held for a moment to make sure the liner got through so he didn't have a good jump. Then he slowed up because he was being held (or thought he was) until Bruce briefly bobbled the ball at which point he had to re-start his motor. Sometimes coaches just look at where the runner and OFer are without taking the runner's momentum (or lack thereof) into consideration. ]The "gap" between home and third is stupid. And is supposedly the reason behind the "jet stream" air current that carries so many HRs out towards RF and gives the place such a long-ball rep. ]Seems like a very solid baseball town. It was always considered to be one until it had much of that rep beaten out of them during the Schott years.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 07 2009 10:59 AM

Gwreck wrote: They have a new video board in left which is really sharp but they could use something in right field too. I guess they left it open because that's where the river is, but the view of Kentucky and the river is pretty bland. They would have been better served if the park had been rotated and the view looking towards the outfield faced downtown rather than the river. Isn't there a regulation about stadium alignment for new stadiums? So that the owners of new stadiums do not have an unfettered 360 degree choice about which way the stadium (and home plate, specifically) faces? I think there is, but am not 100% certain. My google searches were inconclusive.

soupcan Apr 07 2009 11:31 AM

I believe that I recently heard that 'they' strongly suggest that home plate face east by northeast.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 07 2009 11:52 AM

Common sense would dictate that you don't want the sun setting in the batter's eyes.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 07 2009 12:08 PM

I remember rading an article about the Reds stadium where it was agreed that the stdium was a mess because its designers sought out and included input from everybody and couldn't bear to say no to any idea. And that's why its such a godawful hodgepodge of design with the notch and the steamboat and all that other crap.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 07 2009 01:57 PM

All that is true, and "the notch" where good seats would be was clearly a mistake. But it's really not a bad place to see a game. The outside is jumbled, and it's hard to figure out where the front door is. (Give the Jackie Robinson Routunda its due, you know what you're supposed to be looking at) But once you get inside the thing, there's a lot of fan-friendly things going on. The could open the gates three hours before the game and you'd still lack the time to do everything.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 07 2009 03:15 PM

Video of Santana's pre-game-daps-routine(s) here: http://deadspin.com/5200783/johan-santana-has-a-very-good-memory

soupcan Apr 08 2009 11:55 AM

That link above didn't work for me - if you had the same issue here it is... I like his Delgado 'shake' the most.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 08 2009 11:58 AM

That vid is pretty awesome.

themetfairy Apr 08 2009 11:59 AM

That's the way to start off a season!

Edgy DC Apr 08 2009 12:07 PM

That may be the best thing I've ever seeen on a Mets bench. Rally caps? Giant bubbles? Hotfeet? Bobby in disguise? It's all horseshit now.

metirish Apr 08 2009 12:14 PM

I got a great kick out of that when SNY showed it , gotta love Santana. They say he's a real prankster in the clubhouse too. Pretty cool to see the ball boy's reaction at the end there.

seawolf17 Apr 08 2009 12:25 PM

Edgy DC wrote: That may be the best thing I've ever seeen on a Mets bench. Rally caps? Giant bubbles? Hotfeet? Bobby in disguise? It's all horseshit now. Second that. I loved it.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 08 2009 01:03 PM

Plus, it seems like a few pairs (Schneider-Maine, for one) had their own shakes being worked out. Is a highly-individualized system of Met physical shibboleths-- Metsperanto?-- being worked out, all the better to weed out double-agents like Gl*vine before it's too late? (Yeah, I like this, too. Gives me the "coooool" feeling, like I'm five.)

MFS62 Apr 08 2009 01:10 PM

And somewhere, Bob Gibson is thinking, "If they pulled that s**t when I was on the mound, they'd be going down". Of course, you were in danger of going down when Gibson was on the mound, handshakes or not. Later

metirish Apr 08 2009 01:26 PM

MFS62 wrote: And somewhere, Bob Gibson is thinking, "If they pulled that s**t when I was on the mound, they'd be going down". Of course, you were in danger of going down when Gibson was on the mound, handshakes or not. Later Gibson last played in 1975 , times have changed. This is the kind of stuff that annoys me(not you 62) , ex players in the booth like to talk about how things were when I played.

Edgy DC Apr 08 2009 01:36 PM

I don't think anybody then or now has any business complaining how people carry on in the dugout. It's not showing you up if it's done in the shadows.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 08 2009 01:58 PM

Edgy DC wrote: I don't think anybody then or now has any business complaining how people carry on in the dugout. It's not showing you up if it's done in the shadows. "In the shadows" makes Johan sound like Batman. Or Pat Benatar.

Farmer Ted Apr 08 2009 02:14 PM

They can remember 30 different handshakes. I can't remember the friggin infield fly rule.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 12 2009 05:43 PM

soupcan wrote: That link above didn't work for me - if you had the same issue here it is... I like his Delgado 'shake' the most. I thought this might cheer me up today, but it's gone now.