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Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD Jan 09 2013 07:38 AM

Funny, or a prime example of the sniggling contempt you fall into as a Yankee fan (and are way too prone to as a Mets fan)? http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/2013/0 ... n-new.html

Swan Swan H Jan 09 2013 08:31 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: Funny, or a prime example of the sniggling contempt you fall into as a Yankee fan (and are way too prone to as a Mets fan)? http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/2013/0 ... n-new.html Damn you to a fiery nether-land for making me go there.

Edgy MD Jan 09 2013 08:44 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Is he/she parodying the baseball media and blogosphere making big news out of a minor story because news is slow? Or is she/he being a Yankee snot who thinks any player who never played in an All-Star Game is a joke? Is it too meta for me to unnerstand?

Edgy MD Jan 25 2013 03:19 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

This just murdered me. How long has Amazin' Avenue been doing this series.

Ceetar Jan 25 2013 06:53 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: This just murdered me. How long has Amazin' Avenue been doing this series. about 5 episodes worth going back 2 weeks.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 25 2013 09:47 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Yeah, another thing I wanna stab myself for not coming up with first.

Ashie62 Jan 25 2013 09:57 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

What carries more weight..the blogosphere or traditional media? It seems if I want to find Mets info fast it would come from here or a similar site. Are the Met beat writers even relevant anymore? It certainly is competitive...Hope all the bloggers here have a great year and increase their audience....

Ceetar Jan 28 2013 07:58 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: This just murdered me. How long has Amazin' Avenue been doing this series. Have it on the best authority that episode 6 comes out tomorrow at noon.

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 07:17 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

The Triangle at Grantland gives us a broader version of what Megdal might read like with a broader viewpoint reaching further afield. I approve.

metirish Feb 20 2013 07:31 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: The Triangle at Grantland gives us a broader version of what Megdal might read like with a broader viewpoint reaching further afield. I approve. If Megdal {i]did write that you would not approve.....nothing in there less or more offensive than what he does write.

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 07:34 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

But I just did approve. How do I deserve that?

MFS62 Feb 20 2013 07:34 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: The Triangle at Grantland gives us a broader version of what Megdal might read like with a broader viewpoint reaching further afield. I approve. If the only thing the writer can price-compare is a lobster roll, I'm guessing the writer is a Bostonian. And they're still bitter from 1986. Later

metirish Feb 20 2013 07:36 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: But I just did approve. How do I deserve that? Not picking on you man.....just, I think Megdal gets a bad rap here....I take this as you saying this is what Megdal should be writing?

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 07:42 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I think the world is better served if a fanboi can write about being disappointed in the team while being a little more self-aware.

Mets – Willets Point Feb 20 2013 07:45 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

MFS62 wrote: Edgy MD wrote: The Triangle at Grantland gives us a broader version of what Megdal might read like with a broader viewpoint reaching further afield. I approve. If the only thing the writer can price-compare is a lobster roll, I'm guessing the writer is a Bostonian. And they're still bitter from 1986. Later He says he's a long-time Mets fan in this article on David Wright.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 20 2013 08:09 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I dunno. I tire really easily of the wound-licking and doom porn around the team. Right field, Johan Santana and Dillon Gee worry me, as they should, but otherwise I think things are looking up. And there's an argument to be made for the moves the team did not make that doesn't necessarily lead to the fact that the Wilpons are deadbeat idiots (they'd be deadbeat idiots if expectations were high). We get it. What's the point?

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 08:27 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I agree. That's why I like that he can make his point without taking himself seriously. He gets stupid early and often and knows it. I mean, I visit the Phillies' website and their starting outfield from left to right is Domonic Brown - Ben Revere - Delmon Young. Not a lot of money in the bank there either. Maybe one of them breaks through. Maybe Laynce Nix or John Mayberry steals a job and runs with it. Maybe Darren Ruf makes the jump from AA. But Phillie phans aren't exactly gloating about the names on their side.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 20 2013 09:25 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I dunno. I tire really easily of the wound-licking and doom porn around the team. I agree. While I don't think the Mets are likely to contend in 2013, I think they're well positioned for success soon after that. I can see a contending team in 2014 featuring Davis-Murphy-Tejada-Wright in the infield, d'Arnaud catching, and Niese-Harvey-Wheeler-Gee in the pitching rotation. There are still gaps to fill, and it's possible that those gaps won't be filled, but I'm optimistic that we'll see good progress, one way or another, over the next 12 months. 2013 could end up being a turning point year like 1983 was.

G-Fafif Feb 20 2013 10:01 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

The Grantland piece is for a wider audience than just Mets fans. Everybody else may be going about their business without getting a good laugh at our lousy outfield...which can't possibly be as bad as it's been made out to be, which, in turn, gives me a little hope to add on to a few other things that don't look horrible. A writer presents himself through his writing, so if anyone forms an impression about Howard through his coverage of the Mets, that's fair, but the "Megdal" caricature who is intermittently invoked here really isn't the person I've had the pleasure of knowing these past few years. Maybe Bob Klapisch and Andy Martino aren't the guys I think of them as, either, but I don't know them.

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 10:11 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I'm sorry I made this about Howard. I meant to merely make a passing reference.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 20 2013 10:54 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Sean Fennessey wrote: They charge $17 for a lobster roll at said ballpark... The Mets, though, are still a team with fans and expectations and those $17 lobster rolls. Besides the point, maybe, but, well... how often has anyone here paid LESS for a lobster roll? (I've had a few dozen, and I can only think of one that cost memorably less.)

metirish Feb 20 2013 10:57 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Sean Fennessey wrote: They charge $17 for a lobster roll at said ballpark. Besides the point, maybe, but, well... how often has anyone here paid LESS for a lobster roll? all the way at the end in City Island.....you know the one I'm talking about? Sea Food City?.....I'm going to guess it's cheaper there......bit of a kip that place.

SteveJRogers Feb 20 2013 11:00 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Sean Fennessey wrote: They charge $17 for a lobster roll at said ballpark... The Mets, though, are still a team with fans and expectations and those $17 lobster rolls. Besides the point, maybe, but, well... how often has anyone here paid LESS for a lobster roll? (I've had a few dozen, and I can only think of one that cost memorably less.) I'd imagine it'd go towards his argument about why the outfield is worse than at any other times in the past. The team is charging an arm and a leg for fine dinning options, in the midst of one of the largest media markets on the planet, and yet they have less than bargin basement talent trotting out there in the outfield. Not so much that it's expensive, but the fact that it's even there in the first place.

Swan Swan H Feb 20 2013 11:15 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

So when the team is lousy they should replace Shake Shack and Blue Smoke with Burger King and McRib sandwiches? This makes no sense to me.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 20 2013 11:15 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

metirish wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Sean Fennessey wrote: They charge $17 for a lobster roll at said ballpark. Besides the point, maybe, but, well... how often has anyone here paid LESS for a lobster roll? all the way at the end in City Island.....you know the one I'm talking about? Sea Food City?.....I'm going to guess it's cheaper there......bit of a kip that place. That's a kind way to put it. But, yeah, perhaps... that said, I've paid $16-17 for one in the Rockaways, and generally pay that much or more all over Long Island/New England. SteveJRogers wrote: I'd imagine it'd go towards his argument about why the outfield is worse than at any other times in the past. The team is charging an arm and a leg for fine dinning options, in the midst of one of the largest media markets on the planet, and yet they have less than bargin basement talent trotting out there in the outfield. Not so much that it's expensive, but the fact that it's even there in the first place. Oh, I get it. I'm all for slagging a team-- especially this team-- for underspending when raking it in; hell, I refuse to park in their lot as a matter of principle (as well as being a skinflint). It's just that the "food is SO pricy" thing is such crap... frankly, it'll cost you about as much to eat pregame if you grab a similarly-sized dinner in Flushing (unless you're grabbing streetside coffee and two buns from Fay Da) or Corona (again, unless you're eating the last torta of the day). The food's expensive, but it's also damn good... and they let you bring in your own if you want. Nail them on parking. Nail them on ridiculous "low-end" ticket pricing. Nail them on $30-for-a-hat. Hell, if you want to get the Mets on food, why not $6-7 for pizza. "Expensive Lobster rolls" smacks of something chosen to give the article a precise "New York twat" kind of flavor.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 20 2013 11:19 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

SteveJRogers wrote: They charge $17 for a lobster roll at said ballpark... The Mets, though, are still a team with fans and expectations and those $17 lobster rolls. Besides the point, maybe, but, well... how often has anyone here paid LESS for a lobster roll? (I've had a few dozen, and I can only think of one that cost memorably less.) I'd imagine it'd go towards his argument about why the outfield is worse than at any other times in the past. The team is charging an arm and a leg for fine dinning options, in the midst of one of the largest media markets on the planet, and yet they have less than bargin basement talent trotting out there in the outfield. Not so much that it's expensive, but the fact that it's even there in the first place. Agree. Seventeen dollar lobster rolls. Two hundred dollar field level seats. And a Peoria payroll. I never get enough of the Mets bashing, so long as the bashing is based on the honest facts. Ownership's incompetence is not your ordinary ineptness: it's colossal. In fact, I don't think that Met bashing has been going on for as long as it should have. I mean, it essentially took the Madoff incident to trigger most of the negativity about the Mets, when, to my way of seeing things, I recognized eff Wilpon to be bad for the Mets since the late '90's. Megdal may be using his pulpit to bash the Mets for personal reasons, and if that's true, it would be a shame because his column should project objectivity rather than a personal basis. But despite Megdal's possible prejudices, I find most of what he writes, on the merits, to be justifiably true.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 20 2013 11:25 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Sean Fennessey wrote: They charge $17 for a lobster roll at said ballpark. Besides the point, maybe, but, well... how often has anyone here paid LESS for a lobster roll? all the way at the end in City Island.....you know the one I'm talking about? Sea Food City?.....I'm going to guess it's cheaper there......bit of a kip that place. That's a kind way to put it. But, yeah, perhaps... that said, I've paid $16-17 for one in the Rockaways, and generally pay that much or more all over Long Island/New England. SteveJRogers wrote: I'd imagine it'd go towards his argument about why the outfield is worse than at any other times in the past. The team is charging an arm and a leg for fine dinning options, in the midst of one of the largest media markets on the planet, and yet they have less than bargin basement talent trotting out there in the outfield. Not so much that it's expensive, but the fact that it's even there in the first place. Oh, I get it. I'm all for slagging a team-- especially this team-- for underspending when raking it in; hell, I refuse to park in their lot as a matter of principle (as well as being a skinflint). It's just that the "food is SO pricy" thing is such crap... frankly, it'll cost you about as much to eat pregame if you grab a similarly-sized dinner in Flushing (unless you're grabbing streetside coffee and two buns from Fay Da) or Corona (again, unless you're eating the last torta of the day). The food's expensive, but it's also damn good... and they let you bring in your own if you want. Nail them on parking. Nail them on ridiculous "low-end" ticket pricing. Nail them on $30-for-a-hat. Hell, if you want to get the Mets on food, why not $6-7 for pizza. "Expensive Lobster rolls" smacks of something chosen to give the article a precise "New York twat" kind of flavor. Also agree with your point. Maybe he could have used a better analogy. It's like rooming at the Waldorf, and paying Waldorf prices and discovering that the hotel's elevators won't be working throughout your stay. I dunno - one of the lowest payrolls, some of the highest ticket prices - the incongruity is offensive and scorn-worthy.

Swan Swan H Feb 20 2013 11:29 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Batmags is the Ron Jeremy of Mets doom porn.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 20 2013 11:32 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Swan Swan H wrote: Batmags is the Ron Jeremy of Mets doom porn. I'm not so sure that I get this. (Though I did get your quip, and right away, about Mindy McCready).

G-Fafif Feb 20 2013 11:33 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

When Citi Field opened, I remember the (then $16) lobster roll being the hook for a number of stories, either of an approving nature ("what a menu!") or disparaging ("sixteen bucks at the ballpark?"). Compared with everything else at Citi Field, edible or otherwise, it doesn't seem glaringly outrageous -- and given that your choices aren't $17 lobster roll or hunger, just don't order the fucking lobster roll. If payroll's gonna be significantly down (which is not necessarily a crime against baseball), it would be bloody brilliant if a few items here and there came down a notch at the concessions/in the stands. Like hot dogs, mainly. That would give the hardcore fan and family a real break. Charge whatever for the exotica, pony up to your own tastes or at your own risk. But dogs, fries, peanuts, pretzels, Cracker Jack, liquid refreshment beverages of a non-alcohol nature...treat them like the baseball staples they are. Maybe throw in one or two non-bad-for-you things while you're at it.

Swan Swan H Feb 20 2013 11:40 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Swan Swan H wrote: Batmags is the Ron Jeremy of Mets doom porn. I'm not so sure that I get this. (Though I did get your quip, and right away, about Mindy McCready). Just kicking back to JCL's earlier note in this thread, and your prominent appearance (much like Mr. Jeremy) in the classics of the genre.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 20 2013 11:42 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

G-Fafif wrote: When Citi Field opened, I remember the (then $16) lobster roll being the hook for a number of stories, either of an approving nature ("what a menu!") or disparaging ("sixteen bucks at the ballpark?"). Compared with everything else at Citi Field, edible or otherwise, it doesn't seem glaringly outrageous -- and given that your choices aren't $17 lobster roll or hunger, just don't order the fucking lobster roll. If payroll's gonna be significantly down (which is not necessarily a crime against baseball), it would be bloody brilliant if a few items here and there came down a notch at the concessions/in the stands. Like hot dogs, mainly. That would give the hardcore fan and family a real break. Charge whatever for the exotica, pony up to your own tastes or at your own risk. But dogs, fries, peanuts, pretzels, Cracker Jack, liquid refreshment beverages of a non-alcohol nature...treat them like the baseball staples they are. Maybe throw in one or two non-bad-for-you things while you're at it. Just to clarify, the $17 lobster rolls don't offend me at all. The price, especially when also accounting for for the airport-like markup you'd expect at a ballpark, is more or less in line with what one should resonably expect to pay for a Citi Field lobster roll. It's a terrific option. And, like you wrote, no one's putting a gun to anyone's head to buy a lobster roll. Thumbs up on the $17 lobster roll.

Ceetar Feb 20 2013 11:48 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

This will likely be true for decades, but the price of food, souvenirs, parking, and tickets though to a lesser degree, is more related to NY's population and economy than the baseball operations part of the business. Yes, ultimately the baseball operations leads to more fans through the doors/attendance/customers but the prices are always going to be set to maximize revenue. _you_ may think it's too much, but chances are if they lowered it too much they wouldn't make up in volume what they lose in price. So it won't go down. Same with tickets. There's always going to be a baseline crowd, and they're always going to try to sell the $100 seats first and the big games first before resorting to 'get them in the ballpark' tactics. And maybe this is just because my perspective has changed, but I've never gone to Citi Field and felt like I get jipped. If I felt that anywhere, it's the nearly $30 in NYC tolls to get there.

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 11:56 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

It's not "jipped," but "gypped," as in "swindled by gypsies." Damn cheap-assed, wandering, Romani Wilpons with their price gauging and flamboyant dance traditions.

Mets – Willets Point Feb 20 2013 11:57 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Ceetar wrote: And maybe this is just because my perspective has changed, but I've never gone to Citi Field and felt like I get jipped. If I felt that anywhere, it's the nearly $30 in NYC tolls to get there. Nope, highway tolls are way below they would be at market rates. Parking too.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 20 2013 11:59 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: Ceetar wrote: And maybe this is just because my perspective has changed, but I've never gone to Citi Field and felt like I get jipped. If I felt that anywhere, it's the nearly $30 in NYC tolls to get there. Nope, highway tolls are way below they would be at market rates. Parking too. Damn right. If I owned the Verrazano Bridge, I'd triple the toll fee. Anyone here doesn't like the tolls can walk to Citi Field.

Ceetar Feb 20 2013 12:02 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: It's not "jipped," but "gypped," as in "swindled by gypsies." Damn cheap-assed, wandering, Romani Wilpons with their price gauging and flamboyant dance traditions. gypsies. good..mnemonic device? wrong word here too? I thought it was 'g' but Chrome wouldn't auto-correct it properly. yeah, tolls are probably market rate too, but I generally feel more gypped by expensive service charges than entertainment ones. I get 3-4 hours in a ballpark at Citi, all I get at the GWB is the privilege of sitting in CBX traffic.

Ashie62 Feb 20 2013 12:11 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: Ceetar wrote: And maybe this is just because my perspective has changed, but I've never gone to Citi Field and felt like I get jipped. If I felt that anywhere, it's the nearly $30 in NYC tolls to get there. Nope, highway tolls are way below they would be at market rates. Parking too. There is mass transit..From NJ it doesnt pay to drive.. Morris/Essex line $14.50 round trip and then the 7.. I agree with Greg...Those who want to pony up for the exotics have at it...How about some hot dogs, peanuts and soda on the cheap. The downside for the Mets is they may find the Hot dog lines 50 deep and the exotics lonely. Sometimes its' just a matter of price elasticity. Does the Lobster egg roll love you long time? If so $16 is a bargain..

metirish Feb 20 2013 12:16 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: It's not "jipped," but "gypped," as in "swindled by gypsies." Damn cheap-assed, wandering, Romani Wilpons with their price gauging and flamboyant dance traditions. Got to say I am surprised that either of you used this term so freely.

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 12:25 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Hey, wait now, I'm using it in quotes. POINTS FOR IRONY!

G-Fafif Feb 20 2013 12:26 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I've never been to Citi Field and felt tramped. Maybe a little thieved.

Swan Swan H Feb 20 2013 01:00 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

G-Fafif wrote: I've never been to Citi Field and felt tramped. Maybe a little thieved. But every night all the people come around and lay their money down.

Edgy MD Feb 20 2013 01:11 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Yeah, but that was for the Pumpsies, Beauchamps, and Grieves, so that's a little different.

Frayed Knot Feb 20 2013 02:37 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

And then there's always the option of seeing whether you can go without starving to death by not eating at all over a three hour period. Risky, I know, but sometimes you just have to push the envelope.

Mets – Willets Point Feb 20 2013 02:47 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Frayed Knot wrote: And then there's always the option of seeing whether you can go without starving to death by not eating at all over a three hour period. Risky, I know, but sometimes you just have to push the envelope. I think this whenever I hear people gripe about not getting a good meal at the ballpark and wonder why they can't eat before or after the games. Admittedly that is easier to do in a neighborhood ballpark with restaurants nearby than at Citi Field. But it's not like New York is hurting for dining establishments.

themetfairy Feb 20 2013 03:09 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: And then there's always the option of seeing whether you can go without starving to death by not eating at all over a three hour period. Risky, I know, but sometimes you just have to push the envelope. I think this whenever I hear people gripe about not getting a good meal at the ballpark and wonder why they can't eat before or after the games. Admittedly that is easier to do in a neighborhood ballpark with restaurants nearby than at Citi Field. But it's not like New York is hurting for dining establishments. I think you underestimate how far many people travel to get to games. My commute is roughly two hours each way (and that's if the connecting trains work out well). Add four hours to a three hour game, and you're talking about a substantial amount of time.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 20 2013 03:36 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Granted, tmf... but there ARE options. When I used to head in for games with friends during high-school and college, I made the same trip; we would usually grab a sandwich from a great deli by our town's train station, and have our sandwiches on the way there (and, if we got peckish, at the game/on the way back).

themetfairy Feb 20 2013 03:49 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

It's an option, but not one that I'd find particularly satisfying. Nor should I have to. If I'm going to be away from my home for 7-10 hours, I should have the option of something more resembling a meal.

Ceetar Feb 20 2013 06:27 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Granted, tmf... but there ARE options. When I used to head in for games with friends during high-school and college, I made the same trip; we would usually grab a sandwich from a great deli by our town's train station, and have our sandwiches on the way there (and, if we got peckish, at the game/on the way back). I did this at Shea, but now that the options are rarely better than just the couple extra bucks at Citi (And I make considerably more..or did..or could..or whatever) I haven't bothered. Also without a lot of pre-planning, leaving from work for a weekday game leaves less options. Also, now there is good beer too.

Ceetar Feb 20 2013 06:57 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

speaking of blogs, I'm on the last two episodes of the Amazing Avenue Audio podcast saying stuff about stuff.

metsguyinmichigan Feb 20 2013 07:11 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

G-Fafif wrote: I've never been to Citi Field and felt tramped. Maybe a little thieved. Bad ass! Where is this song in the top 500?

Frayed Knot Feb 20 2013 07:15 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

fwiw, SCRABBLE accepts GIP and GIPPED; GYP and GYPPED, but not JIP or JIPPED

bmfc1 Feb 20 2013 09:44 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

G-Fafif wrote: I've never been to Citi Field but I kinda like the music.

metirish Feb 25 2013 04:33 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Megdal with this.... http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/s ... deal-amway it just looks fucking bad Fred

metsguyinmichigan Feb 25 2013 04:59 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Amway is based right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company certainly has its detractors, and Howard, as is his MO, paints the darkest possible picture. I notice he talks to critics, but no one from Amway. Amway was founded by Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel. As I sit here in my office, my building is connected to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, which played a huge role in revitalizing downtown. It's connected to the DeVos Performance Hall and DeVos Place convention hall. Up the street is the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. That's next to the Van Andel Institute, a huge medical research organization that just made a large breakthrough in Parkinson's disease. To my right is the Van Andel Arena, where we have concerts and sporting events. Down the street is the DeVos Campus of Grand Rapids Community College. The other direction is the Richard DeVos Center at Grand Valley State University. Nearby Hope College has the DeVos Field House. The family also is paying for most -- if not all -- of the middle school athletics programs for the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and they are active in an early childhood effort as well. ArtPrize, the art competition that has brings hundreds of thousands of visitors and national attention, was created four years ago by Rick DeVos, the grandson. The son, Dick, is usually the one who attracts the barbs because he is active in conservative politics. I'm not saying they are saints. There are plenty of people who criticize the business model. But in his rush to pile on the Wilpons, Howard is not being balanced.

SteveJRogers Feb 25 2013 05:08 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Megdal with this.... http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/s ... deal-amway it just looks fucking bad Fred Its on Deadspin as well [url]http://m.deadspin.com/5986838/the-new-york-mets-latest-partnership-is-with-a-company-that-specializes-in-pyramid-schemes

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 25 2013 05:13 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Amway is based right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company certainly has its detractors, and Howard, as is his MO, paints the darkest possible picture. I notice he talks to critics, but no one from Amway. He talks to a spokesperson, and quotes the company's own website liberally. I know Bear Stearns/JP Morgan and CitiGroup were major contributors to charities for/with which I've worked. I also hear Gotti was a hell of a charitable guy around the neighborhood. Amway isn't just built on some fraud-- it's premised on the stuff. That ill-gotten gains are-- in part-- charitably spent doesn't make them any less ill-gotten.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 25 2013 05:51 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Amway also wanted to lease some Citi Field scoreboard advertising. But there's no more room.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 25 2013 05:57 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Amway also wanted to lease some Citi Field scoreboard advertising. But there's no more room. Look at that Goya ad! They're selling advertising space on the scoreboard portion of the advertising-board. Classy.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 25 2013 06:29 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Who knows what the deal is between the Mets and Amway, but they couldn't have chosen a worse co-tenant from a pure image standpoint. The Mets really are terrible at owning the Mets. Unfortunately they are the only ones who do!

Swan Swan H Feb 25 2013 07:24 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Who knows what the deal is between the Mets and Amway, but they couldn't have chosen a worse co-tenant from a pure image standpoint. The Mets really are terrible at owning the Mets. Unfortunately they are the only ones who do! Yup. Only a pathetic organization like the Mets would partner with Amway.

metsguyinmichigan Feb 25 2013 07:25 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I confessed I missed this line and the paragraph: A spokeswoman for Amway confirmed for me that the opening took place on Saturday. The Mets have yet to respond to multiple calls and emails asking for comment. At the website promoting the new storefront, Amway describes it this way: "The Amway™ Business Center at Citi Field is a dynamic, one-of-a-kind facility. It was created to provide all IBOs with a dedicated space to freely connect, learn new valuable insights, and share the exciting Amway opportunity with prospects. From reserving meeting rooms to learning about upcoming training events – everything you want to know about the Business Center can be found on this page. Just be sure to check back often for new and exciting announcements!" Apologies to Howard. But, just getting them to confirm an opening and pulling a paragraph from a website isn't quite the same as an interview.

Edgy MD Feb 26 2013 05:54 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I don't get it. I mean, I get that Amway wold want to re-present themselves as a legit act by opening a storefront or two. But why not in a strip mall in King of Prussia, PA?

Ceetar Feb 26 2013 05:58 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: I don't get it. I mean, I get that Amway wold want to re-present themselves as a legit act by opening a storefront or two. But why not in a strip mall in King of Prussia, PA? I don't know much about how businesses choose to operate, but King of Prussia, PA isn't Queens, NY. I don't even really know what Amway does, and I'm not sure how a store facing eminently destroyed junkyards (or people going to McFaddens) is prime location, but I guess they want a foothold or something.

metsmarathon Feb 26 2013 06:48 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Amway also wanted to lease some Citi Field scoreboard advertising. But there's no more room. good god that makes my eyes bleed...

Mets – Willets Point Feb 26 2013 08:08 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Maddoff, Amway,... can we get Herbalife for the trifecta?

Edgy MD Feb 26 2013 08:12 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I think AIG makes the third.

Mets – Willets Point Feb 26 2013 08:24 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: I think AIG makes the third. You're right. I'm surprised Wilpon hasn't signed a member of the Ponzi family to play outfield.

Edgy MD Feb 26 2013 08:29 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I think AIG should be Duda's new nickname, because he's too big to fail.

seawolf17 Feb 26 2013 08:54 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

AIG sponsored Endy's bobblehead! That's brilliant.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 26 2013 10:34 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Everything About This Mets-Amway Business Is Just Baffling By Will Leitch Last night, Capital New York writer and notorious Mets gadfly Howard Megdal came up with quite the scoop, one he appears to have garnered simply by being the only reporter who has looked at Citi Field since Saturday: Amway, of all freaking places, has moved into a storefront at Citi Field, just "a few feet away from a Mets ticket booth." (Here's what the storefront looks like.) This is one of the most baffling Mets stories since we've started writing about the team. The Mets aren't talking, so we thought maybe you'd walk through it with us, so we can try to understand what in the hell is going on. Let's suss out all of the strange aspects to this. 1. Of all the businesses in the world for the Mets to associate themselves with, they chose one that has been sued for being a pyramid scheme. There are so many shady corporations in the world to do business with. You could pick one with ties to insider trading or the subprime lending crisis. One that pollutes the environment. One profiting off third-world child labor. So many options! But nope — the Mets decided to have a big sign on the side of their stadium with the name of a company that settled a class-action lawsuit for $155 million that claimed it was "a pyramid scheme in which distributors rarely sell products to outside customers, only to other new distributors they bring in, who must bring more recruits in to make money." The Mets couldn't have picked a stranger corporate partner if they had decided to sign a deal with a gardening company that happened to be called Madoff Landscapers. 2. Amway doesn't even have stores. Seriously: This is the first Amway storefront in the United States. (They have one in London.) Amway's site says, "Credible Opportunity Messaging greets all IBOs and their prospects as soon as they walk in the door," which is going to be quite a surprise for any sauced Mets fans who stumble in thinking it's McFadden's. Let's think about this for a moment: Of all the places in the entire country Amway would decide to open up its first storefront, the company chose Citi Field. They could have picked the Mall of America. They could have picked the Atlantic City Boardwalk. They could have picked the Vegas Strip. Nope: They're in Citi freaking Field. 3. The Mets don't really have a lot of storefronts. Or, like, any. It's not like Citi Field is just riddled with businesses crawling all over each other to be a part of the Mets experience. Look at that picture again. Amway's the only one there. We didn't even know the Mets were selling storefront space in the first place. We are not sure which is worse: that the Mets would decide to make their first storefront business Amway, or that the Mets decided to start selling storefront space and the only business that had the slightest interest was, in fact, Amway. It's insane, all of it. No matter the explanation — and again, the Mets aren't talking, and one probably shouldn't expect them to — one thing is clear, and eternal: The Mets are the Mets are the Mets are the Mets. http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/20 ... fling.html

metsmarathon Feb 26 2013 11:17 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

hey, cool, there's an amway ad up on the billboards, too. now they need to sell space to pyramid breweries, too.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 26 2013 11:26 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Edgy MD wrote: I think AIG makes the third. Didn't we already have Spongetech?

metsguyinmichigan Feb 26 2013 08:04 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Here's our stories about the Amway storefront, with photos. Comments from Amway, too. [url]http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2013/02/amway_opens_first_us_storefron.html [url]http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2013/02/amways_deal_with_mets_drawing.html

G-Fafif Feb 27 2013 12:10 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Mets – Willets Point wrote: Maddoff, Amway,... can we get Herbalife for the trifecta? LOSE FANS NOW. ASK US HOW!

Ceetar Feb 28 2013 07:09 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

If you're interested in some of what Alderson had to say to bloggers: [url]http://www.amazinavenue.com/2013/2/28/4038400/mets-sandy-alderson-transcript-interview-blogs

G-Fafif Mar 01 2013 05:32 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Followup: Howard Megdal's lengthy interview with Amway's VP of marketing.

Edgy MD Mar 01 2013 06:20 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

The Mets had an asset (curbside retail space), needed a tenant, the money was right, and they'll be gone by winter. Fiscal crisis makes for strange bedfellows.

G-Fafif Mar 07 2013 07:06 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Howard goes to Amway so you don't have to.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 07 2013 10:26 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Yes, but will Amway approach us in our seats, or in line at Shake Shack? Megdal may sound one-note at times, but when he does some legwork-- gimmicky or no-- he's devastating.

Edgy MD Mar 07 2013 10:31 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Faith and Fear in Flushing wrote: When I saw [Pedro Feliciano] wearing one of those adorable Mr. Met caps a couple of weeks ago, I realized the picture wasn’t quite right. Pedro Feliciano needn’t wear a cap with Mr. Met’s image emblazoned on it. Mr. Met should be wearing a cap with Pedro Felicano’s face affixed squarely above the bill. How hard can this be?

batmagadanleadoff Mar 07 2013 11:15 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Yes, but will Amway approach us in our seats, or in line at Shake Shack? Megdal may sound one-note at times, but when he does some legwork-- gimmicky or no-- he's devastating. Yeah. I thought that Megdal's latest Amway piece was terrific. Brilliant thoughts often seem so obvious with the benefit of hindsight. But Megdal, I believe, is the first reporter to note the hypocrisy between Wilpon, on the one hand, recently boasting of a major financial recovery while simultaneously presenting himself in such financial ruins so as to be declared essentially judgment proof by Picard, the Madoff litigation trustee.

Ceetar Mar 07 2013 12:10 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

That's because it's not hypocrisy. They aren't claiming they're in financial ruin to avoid Picard judgement, they're claiming they're not at fault to the point of not having to be the ones to pay the other victims. Quite different than not having any other money or prospects for improvement.

batmagadanleadoff Mar 07 2013 12:19 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Ceetar wrote: That's because it's not hypocrisy. They aren't claiming they're in financial ruin to avoid Picard judgement, they're claiming they're not at fault to the point of not having to be the ones to pay the other victims. Quite different than not having any other money or prospects for improvement. Picard essentially let the Mets off the hook because of their perceived inability to pay a large judgment, not because Picard doubted their culpability. And besides, if the Mets claimed financial ruin, it's a hypocrisy in light of their recent claims to the contrary, no matter what the reason.

batmagadanleadoff Mar 07 2013 12:28 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Ceetar wrote: That's because it's not hypocrisy. They aren't claiming they're in financial ruin to avoid Picard judgement, they're claiming they're not at fault to the point of not having to be the ones to pay the other victims. Quite different than not having any other money or prospects for improvement. Picard essentially let the Mets off the hook because of their perceived inability to pay a large judgment, not because Picard doubted their culpability. And besides, if the Mets claimed financial ruin, it's a hypocrisy in light of their recent claims to the contrary, no matter what the reason. Megdal's point was that Picard had the resources and the talent and the legal force of court orders to thoroughly comb through the private financial picture of Wilpon/Katz/Sterling, and that the Mets couldn't strong arm Picard they way they always brush off news reporters with their "It's none of your business, we're private" mantra. Therefore, Picard's judgment that the Mets are broke is more credible than effWilpon's recent statement painting a rosy financial picture for the Mets near future.

Ceetar Mar 07 2013 12:31 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Ceetar wrote: That's because it's not hypocrisy. They aren't claiming they're in financial ruin to avoid Picard judgement, they're claiming they're not at fault to the point of not having to be the ones to pay the other victims. Quite different than not having any other money or prospects for improvement. Picard essentially let the Mets off the hook because of their perceived inability to pay a large judgment, not because Picard doubted their culpability. And besides, if the Mets claimed financial ruin, it's a hypocrisy in light of their recent claims to the contrary, no matter what the reason. the financial world is hardly that black and white. claiming, suggesting, or proposing solutions that would keep them from paying much is not that same thing as financial ruin, and the Wilpons have remained pretty steadfast in their claim that they were fine. Plenty of evidence may have suggested, or suggests, that that's not the case, but no one's seen their books either. The Wilpons aren't paying nothing to Picard either, it's not much compared to the numbers they floated, but they probably never expected that much. You ask for the moon and then settle for something less than that. Picard determined that what they agreed to was the best result, for any number of reasons.

metsguyinmichigan Mar 11 2013 12:38 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

[url]http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2013/03/new_york_mets_critic_finds_his.html Here's our version.

SteveJRogers Jun 12 2013 02:54 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

A Cardinal fan notes on how badly the Mets have demoralized their fanbase!

Edgy MD Jun 12 2013 02:59 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Yeah, we got that.

SteveJRogers Jun 12 2013 03:04 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

I know its piling on Edge, but this is still an aggregation thread. This is probably the most damming part of the piece though: You can't help but feel for David Wright, who is likely going to lead the Mets in just about every offensive category by the time his career is over. He already leads the franchise in hits, doubles, RBIs and runs, and he's third in homers and, sort of amazingly, fifth in stolen bases. And after the Mets signed him to a seven-year extension in the offseason, he's going to be on the team through 2020. It's tough to see how they're not going to be seven miserable years. His surrounding cast probably won't ever be this feeble again, but the Mets are farther away than they were two years ago. It's hard to even cheer for Wright; it feels like obligation, and it just requires too much energy. There's no energy to spare. It requires a ton of Mets fans' energy just to drag themselves out to the game. I love Mets fans, and I love this franchise. They have the best mascot, the best ballpark food and a general pluck in their fanbase's moroseness they try to hide but can't. The world of baseball is a better place when the Mets matter. This is not something that is fun to see. It's no wonder so many Mets fans are choosing not to. I'd be trying to escape to my happy place too.

Edgy MD Jun 12 2013 04:23 PM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

The false sympathy doesn't "damn" anybody but the writer.

SteveJRogers Jun 13 2013 06:45 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

Not sure which "haters be hating" attitude I find more funny. When people say "SHUT UP AND STOP PAYING ATTENTION TO NEGATIVE AGENDA DRIVEN DRIVEL LIKE THIS, WE ARE NOT THAT BIG OF A NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT" or fans of certain movies lambasting the profession of media movie critics to task because they dare to say anything negative about what they feel is the greatest achievement in cinematic history.

Edgy MD Jun 13 2013 07:47 AM Re: Folks and Their Blogs in 2013

And when I say that, please let me know.