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Lose-Lose

Edgy MD Apr 17 2012 08:03 AM

A week from now, the Marlins arrive in New York, displaying for the first time José Reyes as a member of the opposition. The News reports that the Mets plan to present a video tribute to Reyes' Mets career, perhaps not unlike that they offered when Mike Piazza returned to Shea as a Padre. The problem of course will be that such a gesture will underscore the meekness with which they pursued re-signing their all-star shortstop, and get them ripped. "If you cared so much, why did you let him leave?" Yet not to do it would be classless, and they would be ripped. They're going to get ripped either way. And I guess I'm glad they're doing more-or-less the right thing. No José-José-Josés by the second at-bat, though. All bets are off then.

Mets – Willets Point Apr 17 2012 08:08 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Can we pronounce this thread losé-losé?

MFS62 Apr 17 2012 08:09 AM Re: Lose-Lose

If they were going to show him how much they loved him, a video tribute costs less than a new contract. Later

Benjamin Grimm Apr 17 2012 08:09 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I'm not sure how he'll be received. I'd give him polite applause, but I bet there are a lot of fans who feel they owe him a boo for his first-inning exit in his last game as a Met.

TransMonk Apr 17 2012 08:09 AM Re: Lose-Lose

It will be interesting to see if they do the same for Beltran when the Cardinals visit on June 1st...

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 17 2012 08:11 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Give him a hand and pity that he can't be a part of this thing anymore. Thanks for all the fish.

Edgy MD Apr 17 2012 08:11 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm not sure how he'll be received. I'd give him polite applause, but I bet there are a lot of fans who feel they owe him a boo for his first-inning exit in his last game as a Met. I'm sure for each of those, there'll be many more who feel they have to cheer him as a way of sticking it to the organization.

Ceetar Apr 17 2012 08:14 AM Re: Lose-Lose

TransMonk wrote: It will be interesting to see if they do the same for Beltran when the Cardinals visit on June 1st... I think they will. I mean, they better. There is a case to be made for retiring his number even, so to not honor him.. Plenty of people are going to the game because Reyes is returning, clearly Reyes is one of the best Mets ever, and clearly he meant a lot to the fans and the team. It has nothing to do with how he left or why he left or how seriously the Mets did or did not persue him. I'm torn on going. I wasn't going to, then I was. I kinda think they/we should clap/cheer/Jose until he gets on base for the first time. That's sorta how it went with Piazza, he was cheered until his AB actually mattered (big lead for the first two homers)

Edgy MD Apr 17 2012 08:16 AM Re: Lose-Lose

It would be pretty funny --- in theory, anyhow --- if a team welcomed back a player by playing a montage of his most embarrassing, disappointing, and disgraceful moments while wearing the uniform.

Ceetar Apr 17 2012 08:19 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Edgy DC wrote: It would be pretty funny --- in theory, anyhow --- if a team welcomed back a player by playing a montage of his most embarrassing, disappointing, and disgraceful moments while wearing the uniform. Falls to close to the 'lolmets' meme for me. But if they want to play a video montage of Chipper Jones errors or striking out in key spots (and yes, there are plenty of those too) that'd be cool. I don't want a Wainwright clip when Beltran returns, but I'd welcome a bases loaded walk clip for Rick Ankiel.

Edgy MD Apr 17 2012 08:19 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Well, I wouldn't want the Mets to do it.

Ceetar Apr 17 2012 08:21 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Maybe if Oliver Perez returns?

Ashie62 Apr 17 2012 08:22 AM Re: Lose-Lose

BOO GO HOME MOFO! Slacker Marlin..cant stand Jose

Ashie62 Apr 17 2012 08:25 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Show videos of hammy pulls. Celebrate Beltran too?..you folks are soft.

Nymr83 Apr 17 2012 08:29 AM Re: Lose-Lose

The "blooper real" would be extremely classless to do to an ex-met. Would be very funny for chipper though. I wouldn't boo Reyes at all, the fucking team didn't even make an offer so why is it his fault he isn't here? For Chipper, part of me thinks he deserves polite applause, but I think I'd rather give him some loud boos to remember us by, and some chants of LAAAARRRYYY

metirish Apr 17 2012 08:33 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I bet if the Mets are still playing good ball Jose gets a good hand, otherwise plenty of boos mixed in....

Ashie62 Apr 17 2012 08:33 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Nymr83 wrote: The "blooper real" would be extremely classless to do to an ex-met. Would be very funny for chipper though. I wouldn't boo Reyes at all, the fucking team didn't even make an offer so why is it his fault he isn't here? For Chipper, part of me thinks he deserves polite applause, but I think I'd rather give him some loud boos to remember us by, and some chants of LAAAARRRYYY Jose was a lazy slacking fuck that stuck it up the fans ass on the last day..

Ceetar Apr 17 2012 08:34 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Nymr83 wrote: For Chipper, part of me thinks he deserves polite applause, but I think I'd rather give him some loud boos to remember us by, and some chants of LAAAARRRYYY depends if you're honoring him as a baseball player, or as the thorn in the Mets side and the rivalry (and rivalries make baseball fun)

Ashie62 Apr 17 2012 08:34 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Chipper has earned applause.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 17 2012 08:34 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Nymr83 wrote: ...the fucking team didn't even make an offer so why is it his fault he isn't here? Well, they did make an overture to him during the 2011 season and he rebuffed them, saying he wanted to try free agency. I don't blame him for that, nor would I boo him for that, but if Jose really wanted to stay, he'd still be here.

Ashie62 Apr 17 2012 08:35 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I go on a rant and become Bobby Bonilla..perfect.

Ceetar Apr 17 2012 08:39 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Nymr83 wrote: ...the fucking team didn't even make an offer so why is it his fault he isn't here? Well, they did make an overture to him during the 2011 season and he rebuffed them, saying he wanted to try free agency. I don't blame him for that, nor would I boo him for that, but if Jose really wanted to stay, he'd still be here. It's not like they were dark. Sandy talked to him the day before. It didn't work out, it's business. Pujols didn't stay with the Cardinals either, despite being the most popular person in the entire city and helping them make the playoffs (And make enough money by doing so to basically pay his salary for a year or two) But I'm not going to cheer for Jose based on his business negotiations. I don't root for the Mets because or in spite of the Wilpons.

Lefty Specialist Apr 17 2012 08:43 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Jose should get a nice round of applause when he first comes up. If the Mets weren't financial morons he'd probably still be here, regardless of all the ins and outs. One at-bat at the end of the season doesn't wipe out 8 years of excitement. Now, after that first at-bat, he gets booed like anyone else.

Edgy MD Apr 17 2012 08:44 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Ashie62 wrote: Nymr83 wrote: The "blooper real" would be extremely classless to do to an ex-met. Would be very funny for chipper though. I wouldn't boo Reyes at all, the fucking team didn't even make an offer so why is it his fault he isn't here? For Chipper, part of me thinks he deserves polite applause, but I think I'd rather give him some loud boos to remember us by, and some chants of LAAAARRRYYY Jose was a lazy slacking fuck that stuck it up the fans ass on the last day.. Ashie on Reyes would make a great compilation book.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 17 2012 08:45 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Jose, by the way, is currently hitting .238 for the Marlins after ten games. 10 hits (3 doubles, 1 triple) in 42 at bats. 4 runs scored, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts, 3 stolen bases in 5 attempts. His OBP is .289 and his SLG is .357.

Edgy MD Apr 17 2012 08:48 AM Re: Lose-Lose

And while that may be the illusion of a small sample size, the Marlins have 6-7 years to find out.

metsmarathon Apr 17 2012 08:56 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Ceetar wrote: There is a case to be made for retiring his number even, so to not honor him.. and... go! ... i got no problem with giving reyes and beltran a video montage. they were both important parts of the team while htey were here. and while their shared tenure didn't end up the way it was supposed to, they were both key ingredients to a resurgence of metly pride. their own battled with injuries diminished that resurgence, but the greater sins of the era fall on omar and the winpons. when healthy, they each did their part. and i'm certainly not one to fault a player for finding himself injured. neither left entirely of their own volition. sure, each could have elected to stay here, but would have had to volunteer to do so at a significantly below-market value. and while baseball money is funny munny, its still a lot to ask of a guy to turn down many tens of millions of dollars, especially since they would be asked to stay with a team with a shaky financial base, and no solid promise of a better future. were the wilpons in better financial straits, they could've made a push to retain each player, surely, and whatever love each player might (or perhaps might not) have for the blue and orange and all its faithful might then have bridged the gap between what a prudent offer was and what they could expect to see on the free market. but the 'pons were in no shape to make that gaping chasm anything less than would cause the daringest of daredevils to reconsider his leap.

Mets – Willets Point Apr 17 2012 09:16 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I don't boo opposing players, ever. I cheer for my own.

seawolf17 Apr 17 2012 09:23 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Lefty Specialist wrote: Jose should get a nice round of applause when he first comes up. If the Mets weren't financial morons he'd probably still be here, regardless of all the ins and outs. One at-bat at the end of the season doesn't wipe out 8 years of excitement. Now, after that first at-bat, he gets booed like anyone else. This.

metsguyinmichigan Apr 17 2012 09:28 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I have no problem with it. In fact, I think it's classy. I think the Mets have sort of a tradition of doing this to former players for their first game back in New York -- I seem to remember one using Natalie Merchant's "Kind and Generous" as the highlights played. Jose and Beltran were big parts of our teams, All-Stars, MVP candidates. They deserve a thank you, and a moment to tip the cap to the applause -- especially Beltran. (Jose had a chance to tip his cap after that last at-bat. I don't think he did, but I'm not sure.) I'm not saying they get the Piazza treatment, but warm thanks are in order for both. Especially while we are winning.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 17 2012 09:29 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Nymr83 wrote: ...the fucking team didn't even make an offer so why is it his fault he isn't here? ... but if Jose really wanted to stay, he'd still be here. And if the Mets really wanted Jose to stay, Jose would still be here.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 17 2012 09:34 AM Re: Lose-Lose

batmagadanleadoff wrote: And if the Mets really wanted Jose to stay, Jose would still be here. True. It goes both ways.

TransMonk Apr 17 2012 09:38 AM Re: Lose-Lose Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 17 2012 09:38 AM

I'm really OK with not having Reyes under contract for 6 years. Thanks, Sandy. I think a video reel for a 28 year old player who is now a member of a division rival is a bit much. I'd politely clap during his first at-bat, but that's all the love I'd give him. Like I've said before, I'm grateful for what he did while he was here, but I don't miss him. Unlike Piazza, or even Beltran, he's still got nearly half of his career ahead of him where he'll be making memories for another team's fans (good or bad remains to be seen).

themetfairy Apr 17 2012 09:38 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I felt the way that he left the final game of last season was something of a FU to the fans. He didn't even want to give us a proper chance to cheer for him; I doubt that he wanted to stay.

metirish Apr 17 2012 09:39 AM Re: Lose-Lose

If if if......if the Queen had balls she'd be King........

Gwreck Apr 17 2012 09:47 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm not sure how he'll be received. I'd give him polite applause, but I bet there are a lot of fans who feel they owe him a boo for his first-inning exit in his last game as a Met. Those people are wrong. Jose deserves nothing less than a standing ovation each time he comes to the plate on Tuesday.

Frayed Knot Apr 17 2012 10:44 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Jose, by the way, is currently hitting .238 for the Marlins after ten games. 10 hits (3 doubles, 1 triple) in 42 at bats. 4 runs scored, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts, 3 stolen bases in 5 attempts. His OBP is .289 and his SLG is .357. Well, he's no Ruben Tejada.

G-Fafif Apr 17 2012 02:30 PM Re: Lose-Lose

A little Jose closure is a fine thing. A lot of Ruben stretching out before us appears to be a fine thing, too. I plan on cheering both shortstops a week from tonight. Jose I'll always applaud in memory. Ruben I hope to applaud right there at the plate and in the field for quite a while to come.

Edgy MD Apr 18 2012 07:38 AM Re: Lose-Lose

It's just silly that there is so much controversy (or any at all) over this. Howie and whoever were saying last night that polling was split. I assumed they meant that polling was split over giving a Hall-of-Fame-bound rival's honor to Chipper Jones, but no, they meant that polling was split over giving a returning-hero's welcome to José Reyes. I just can't think of anything more obvious, harmless, and decent. There'll be a thing, it'll be brief, maybe memorable but probably forgettable, and then the game will go on. No harm to any animals. Can Met fans just stop being miserable crankypantses for 10 minutes? The did this for Todd Pratt. TODD PRATT!

G-Fafif Apr 18 2012 07:42 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Area blogger endorses both tributes as the classy thing to do.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 18 2012 07:51 AM Re: Lose-Lose

The whole issue is so dumb it doesn't even merit discussion which is why Fatcessa opened his show yesterday with a blistering, revolting rebuke of the Mets for it, encouraging the worst Met fans ever to call in and pretend to be still wounded by Reyes' final game, completely ignorant of the history of similar or worse behavior in pursuit of the batting title, and unwilling to acknowledge the Mets' role (or lack of it) in Reyes' decision to sign elsewhere. Mike's such a fat ignorant asshole. He began not knowing himself the details of the "celebration" and even after being informed it was a short video just like dozens of others they'd done before, left that part out. After all the alternatives to discuss were a great win by the Mets or an awful game for the MFYs. Dick.

metirish Apr 18 2012 07:52 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Edgy DC wrote: It's just silly that there is so much controversy (or any at all) over this. Howie and whoever were saying last night that polling was split. I assumed they meant that polling was split over giving a Hall-of-Fame-bound rival's honor to Chipper Jones, but no, they meant that polling was split over giving a returning-hero's welcome to José Reyes. I just can't think of anything more obvious, harmless, and decent. There'll be a thing, it'll be brief, maybe memorable but probably forgettable, and then the game will go on. No harm to any animals. Can Met fans just stop being miserable crankypantses for 10 minutes? The did this for Todd Pratt. TODD PRATT! and I thought NY fans were sophisticated..... good article Greg.....

Ceetar Apr 18 2012 07:57 AM Re: Lose-Lose

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: The whole issue is so dumb it doesn't even merit discussion which is why Fatcessa opened his show yesterday with a blistering, revolting rebuke of the Mets for it, encouraging the worst Met fans ever to call in and pretend to be still wounded by Reyes' final game, completely ignorant of the history of similar or worse behavior in pursuit of the batting title, and unwilling to acknowledge the Mets' role (or lack of it) in Reyes' decision to sign elsewhere. Mike's such a fat ignorant asshole. He began not knowing himself the details of the "celebration" and even after being informed it was a short video just like dozens of others they'd done before, left that part out. After all the alternatives to discuss were a great win by the Mets or an awful game for the MFYs. Dick. yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I listen to the show for 25 (and 12 of that's commercials) minutes a day on my drive home because it's short enough, and it's rare that it's anything even worthy of holding my attention. It's just noise at this point. I'm pretty sure you could program a computer to spit out vaguely baseball related sentences that would be more interesting. Of course, you can then switch over to ESPN where they're discussing Tebow-Sanchez with the same faux-outrage they've had discussing this 'story' virtually EVERY DAY since Peyton signed with the Broncos.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 18 2012 07:59 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Honoring a great opponent at the end of his career is a time-honored baseball tradition. The Mets honored Musial, Brock and Stargell, and perhaps others that I can't recall right now. Willie Mays was also honored by the Mets at the Polo Grounds, although that tribute had more to do with the local hero -still in his prime- coming back home. Chipper Jones played it fair and square. It's not like he beat up Bud Harrelson or body slammed Felix Millan onto the grass, head first.

Centerfield Apr 18 2012 08:08 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I think it would be cool if the Mets crowd honored Chipper with a one time chant of "Chip-per, Chip-per". I'm cool with a video tribute for Jose. He should get a standing ovation his first time back. After that, he's the enemy and it's all business. In my ideal world, Jose gets showered with love walking to the plate. He hits a blistering line drive toward short that is grabbed by a diving Ruben Tejada. In his second at-bat, he blows out his hamstring running out a ground ball. Spends the next 8 years on the DL.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 18 2012 08:10 AM Re: Lose-Lose

To the extent Francessa had a point it was that Reyes was not a retiring lifetime great but a "supastah in the prime of his careah" out to beat the Mets. To which I also say, ostfu. Acknowledge his contributions and move on. Not a big deal. Chipper deserves a hand for being a great villain.

Edgy MD Apr 18 2012 08:10 AM Re: Lose-Lose

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Honoring a great opponent at the end of his career is a time-honored baseball tradition. OF COURSE it is! Mike Schmidt. Lou Brock. Craig F. Biggio! The Mets (and many or most other teams, I'm sure) honored them all. Icons like Dr. J. and Cal Ripken would roll into another town in their final seasons and the host team and the city would spend the whole weekend honoring him. The entire American league will roll out carpets of rose petals when Derek Jeter retires. Derek Jeter... Derek Je... OH DEAR GOD THE METS ARE GOING TO HONOR DEREK JETER!

Ceetar Apr 18 2012 08:20 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Edgy DC wrote: Derek Jeter... Derek Je... OH DEAR GOD THE METS ARE GOING TO HONOR DEREK JETER! This is where I get all hypocritical.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 18 2012 08:21 AM Re: Lose-Lose Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 18 2012 08:21 AM

Edgy DC wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: The entire American league will roll out carpets of rose petals when Derek Jeter retires. Derek Jeter... Derek Je... OH DEAR GOD THE METS ARE GOING TO HONOR DEREK JETER! The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 18 2012 08:21 AM Re: Lose-Lose

To honor Jeter, the Mets should just hit him on the ass with a door.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 18 2012 08:23 AM Re: Lose-Lose

batmagadanleadoff wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: The entire American league will roll out carpets of rose petals when Derek Jeter retires. Derek Jeter... Derek Je... OH DEAR GOD THE METS ARE GOING TO HONOR DEREK JETER! The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap. I'm hopeful that 5 years following Jeter's retirement that many of the old-guard voters will be dead (Bill Conlin hopefully leading the pack) and replaced with edgy, contrarian Internet-age assholes like us who will put Jeter on the first ballot only to be ironic.

Ceetar Apr 18 2012 08:26 AM Re: Lose-Lose

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: The entire American league will roll out carpets of rose petals when Derek Jeter retires. Derek Jeter... Derek Je... OH DEAR GOD THE METS ARE GOING TO HONOR DEREK JETER! The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap. I'm hopeful that 5 years following Jeter's retirement that many of the old-guard voters will be dead (Bill Conlin hopefully leading the pack) and replaced with edgy, contrarian Internet-age assholes like us who will put Jeter on the first ballot only to be ironic. Or something..ahem..controversial..will come out.

Edgy MD Apr 18 2012 08:30 AM Re: Lose-Lose

The Baseball Writers Association of America has announced that the body this year has selected for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame Roy Halladay, Todd Helton, and "Derek Jeter." We're not sure why the Association chose to put quotey quotes around "Derek Jeter," and are still investigating.

MFS62 Apr 18 2012 08:59 AM Re: Lose-Lose

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Mike's such a fat ignorant asshole. He began not knowing himself the details of the "celebration" and even after being informed it was a short video just like dozens of others they'd done before, left that part out. After all the alternatives to discuss were a great win by the Mets or an awful game for the MFYs. Dick. Mike suffers from ORD - Obsessive Repulsive Disorder Later

G-Fafif Apr 18 2012 09:18 AM Re: Lose-Lose

batmagadanleadoff wrote: The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap. I've somehow used part of my life to fret over the same possibility but decided it's probably not going to happen as by then there'll be enough contrarian stat types voting who will find enough lacking in his candidacy. It was hard enough getting 98.84% to agree on something so motherlovingly obvious as Tom more than twenty years ago. Bigger pool of voters whenever TOHO is on the ballot, so we're likely safe (unless he benefits from "at last -- someone unsullied by steroid or scandal, let's get self-righteous!"). On the plus side, at least he won't be playing anymore.

HahnSolo Apr 18 2012 09:20 AM Re: Lose-Lose

batmagadanleadoff wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: The entire American league will roll out carpets of rose petals when Derek Jeter retires. Derek Jeter... Derek Je... OH DEAR GOD THE METS ARE GOING TO HONOR DEREK JETER! The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap. I never thought of that. You might be right. [winces and pounds fist against wall]

Ceetar Apr 18 2012 09:20 AM Re: Lose-Lose

that self-righteous vote should be Piazza's imo.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 18 2012 09:33 AM Re: Lose-Lose

G-Fafif wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap. I've somehow used part of my life to fret over the same possibility but decided it's probably not going to happen as by then there'll be enough contrarian stat types voting who will find enough lacking in his candidacy. It was hard enough getting 98.84% to agree on something so motherlovingly obvious as Tom more than twenty years ago. Bigger pool of voters whenever TOHO is on the ballot, so we're likely safe (unless he benefits from "at last -- someone unsullied by steroid or scandal, let's get self-righteous!"). On the plus side, at least he won't be playing anymore. Can you imagine the witch hunt that'll develop over that National Crisis when Bob Klapisch uses every ounce of his clout to flush out those who dared to omit TOHO from the ballot?

MFS62 Apr 18 2012 09:37 AM Re: Lose-Lose

TOHO? S'plain please, Lucy. Later

Mets – Willets Point Apr 18 2012 09:38 AM Re: Lose-Lose

TOHO?

batmagadanleadoff Apr 18 2012 09:39 AM Re: Lose-Lose

The Overhyped One.

G-Fafif Apr 18 2012 09:40 AM Re: Lose-Lose Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 18 2012 09:42 AM

batmagadanleadoff wrote: The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap. Bigger pool of voters whenever TOHO is on the ballot, so we're likely safe (unless he benefits from "at last -- someone unsullied by steroid or scandal, let's get self-righteous!").

G-Fafif Apr 18 2012 09:41 AM Re: Lose-Lose

batmagadanleadoff wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: The overhyped one will one day break the hearts of every Mets fan. How many votes do you suppose Jeter's gonna get his first year of HOF eligibility? He'll garner a greater percentage of the vote than Tom Terrific did, even though Jeter's not worthy of carrying Tom's jockstrap. I've somehow used part of my life to fret over the same possibility but decided it's probably not going to happen as by then there'll be enough contrarian stat types voting who will find enough lacking in his candidacy. It was hard enough getting 98.84% to agree on something so motherlovingly obvious as Tom more than twenty years ago. Bigger pool of voters whenever TOHO is on the ballot, so we're likely safe (unless he benefits from "at last -- someone unsullied by steroid or scandal, let's get self-righteous!"). On the plus side, at least he won't be playing anymore. Can you imagine the witch hunt that'll develop over that National Crisis when Bob Klapisch uses every ounce of his clout to flush out those who dared to omit TOHO from the ballot? Y'know what? Now that you mention Soft Rain Scribe, the 98.84% might be more in danger from the closer than the shortstop.

MFS62 Apr 18 2012 09:49 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Thanks guys. Missed it. Later

Mets – Willets Point Apr 18 2012 09:53 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I've always liked the nickname Cap'n Intangibles when referring to the over-hyped one.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 18 2012 10:10 AM Re: Lose-Lose

I should mention that the "first-ballot percentage leadership" is about as stupid a distinction as can be claimed, and I wouldn't care a whit less about Seaver, or any more for any other guy, who'd achieve it.

G-Fafif Apr 18 2012 10:12 AM Re: Lose-Lose

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I should mention that the "first-ballot percentage leadership" is about as stupid a distinction as can be claimed, and I wouldn't care a whit less about Seaver, or any more for any other guy, who'd achieve it. The second it no longer belongs to Seaver, it becomes irrelevant.

Edgy MD Apr 18 2012 10:34 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Here's an argument. [list:2ba3rot0]Whereas... ...Tom Seaver has had a remarkable career, as a ballplayer and as a public figure. Whereas... ... the main flaw one might find in Tom Seaver's remarkable career is his careful and conservative manipulation of his public image. Whereas... ... the result of that careful curation has been to leave us with an unimpeachably admirabable, yet frighteningly sterile, detached, flat, and sanitized version of himself. Whereas... ... while the latter half of that result has been disappointing to us up close, we are his base, and nonetheless stay loyal. Whereas... ... the former half of that result has been rewarded with a broad respect beyond the base. Whereas... ... that respect can be best represented by Seaver having garnered the highest percentage of votes ever for the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association. Therefore... ... I can think of no more appropriate person to take that honor from Seaver than Derek Jeter, whose career has been notable for the sort of shamelessly cynical image manipulation --- aided and abetted by an influential batch of media surrogates --- that would (I dearly hope) make Seaver blush.[/list:u:2ba3rot0] A ballplayer should be made not of marble, but of flesh. And a flesh-and-blood man such as Seaver should leave a handful of enemies behind, even if he carries a message of unity. Baseball isn't so pure and perfect as all of that. Not nearly.

seawolf17 Apr 18 2012 10:45 AM Re: Lose-Lose

Mets – Willets Point wrote: I've always liked the nickname Cap'n Intangibles when referring to the over-hyped one. I exclusively refer to him as such. No way he beats Seaver's percentage; I bet there's just enough pushback from the younger folks to keep him in the high 80s/low 90s at best.