Where Were You When???

Where were you when the Mets Clinched the 2006 NL east Division. Well, I was at Shea Stadium yelling and screaming with all the rest of the 46,000 + fans. It was an awesome experience to be in the stadium when they finally did it. It was an awesome game, and as a long time Mets fan, waiting 18 years to do it, was a long time, but I wouldn't have wanted to miss it.

Next step the playoffs, and if we are destined to win it all, it will just be an icing on the cake.



"For us to win it, as we have, playing well since Opening Day, is very satisfying. And to be the team that ends a great dynasty is a thrill."
-- Omar Minaya

"Right now I feel like a proud papa. But the journey is far from complete. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy for these guys. ... But that excitement is controlled because I know there's a long way to go."
-- Willie Randolph

What A Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First we had a scare that Glavine would not pitch again due to blood clots in his pitching shoulder. Then not knowing if we would be able to land Shawn Green before the Sept 1st deadline and the rosters are frozen.

Well yesterday started off really well, Glavine was told that he would be able to pitch in 7-10 days, and would not need surgery. With the Mets down 7-1 and making a comeback, it was announced in the stadium that the Mets had landed Shawn Green for a minor league pitcher, then the Mets capped off the night with one of the greatest comebacks in team history and beat the Cardinals 8-7.

Carlos Delgado started the rally with two Hr's, one being a Grand Slam, and Carlos Beltran ended the night with a two run shot, in the bottom of the ninth.


New York Post

Been Gone For a While............

I have been so swamped at home and at work, that I have neglected this site. But I am still following my Mets and I must say we are sitting pretty good right now. 13 games up on the Phillies and where are the Braves, oh Yes they are 16 games back. Right where they should be. My man Carlos Beltran is hitting near .300 with 35 Hr's and 101 RBI's. Not bad for a guy a year ago everyone thought was not worth the money.

Now we are in our stretch run and I think our Magic Number is 29, could be lower, but I am being fair. I will be back real soon to catch up on the Mets from this great summer. But I hope all you true Blue Mets fans are truly enjoying this season. Oh by the way, I hear that other team in NY, is trying to make some noise, I really can't hear them with all the noise going on at Shea.

LET'S GO METS

4 Mets to Start in All Star Game

Paul LoDuca-C, David Wright-3B, Jose Reyes-SS and Carlos Beltran-CF will be starting for the NL All Stars in Pittsburgh this year. Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine, have also made the team as pitching reserves.

Season Stats as of 7/3/06:
Avg - Wright .324, Franco .299, Beltran .299, Reyes .291, LoDuca .288
AB - Reyes 350, Wright 312, Delgado 290, Beltran 263, Loduca 260
Runs - Reyes 70, Beltran 60, Wright 51
Hits - Reyes 102, Wright 101
2B - Wright 20, LoDuca 20, Beltran 19, Reyes 19
3B - Reyes 11
HR - Beltran 24, Delgado 22, Wright 19, Nady 11
RBI - Wright 66, Beltran 64, Delgado 55
TB - Wright 181, Beltran 168, Reyes 167, Delgado 154
BB - Beltran 47, Wright 36, Delgado 31, Reyes 30
SB - Reyes 34, Beltran 12, Wright 11

2006 All Star Leaders

The Mets have four players that are leading at their respective positions for the 2006 All Star game. Jose Reyes-SS(769,919) is less than 100,000 votes in front of David Eckstein (689,054) of St. Louis. David Wright-3B(1,018,804) is nearly 200,000 votes in front of Scott Rolen (819,390) of the St. Louis Cardinals. Paul Lo Duca -C(960,111) leads former Met Mike Piazza (680,773) of the San Diego Padres for the starting job behind the plate. In the outfield, the top vote-getter is Carlos Beltran -OF(1,129,865), followed by Alfonso Soriano (1,084,936) of the Washington Nationals and Jason Bay (1,069,986) of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Mets also have Carlos Delgado -1B in second place behind Albert Puljos. And at this time Albert Puljos is on the DL, if he is unable to play in the All Star game, then that would mean that Carlos Delgado would be the 5th Mets player to be in the starting lineup.

Best Team in Baseball

The Mets have jumped out to a 7 1/2 game lead in the NL East with a 40-23 record, thanks to their latest run of six straight wins. Carlos Beltran is finally having that great year that all Mets fans had hoped for, Carlos Delgado is better than what we thought, David Wright is coming into his own and is battling for the league lead in average and the youth are just playing well above expectations.

We as Mets fans, who have been waiting for so long to finally be able to have a product that not only is good, but is the best around. We have speed, pitching, hitting and defense and what is most important on any team vying for a championship, we have HEART!!!! We also have the chemistry that can lead us to a place we have not been to since 2000, yes, that is right the playoffs. This team has nothing to prove to it's fans, and all the haters out there (mostly Yankee fans) only wish they had what we have, a mix of young and old, that are geling and making a run at one of the best summers the Mets have ever had.

We, the fans look forward to more dramatic wins and great pitching duels, and just keep counting the days to when we can be in a position to finally win back what is rightfully ours, the NL East Division and the CITY!!!!!

Stats as of June 9, 2006

Batting:
Avg. – Wright .335, Valentin .299
Runs - Reyes 44, Beltran 39
HR - Delgado 16, Beltran 15, Wright 10
RBI – Beltran 41, Wright 40, Delgado 38
SB - Reyes 23

Pitching:
Wins - Glavine 9, Pedro 5
Games - Sanchez 29, Wagner 27
ERA – Pedro 3.01
Saves - Wagner 12

Too Busy to Blog

Unfortunately I have been too busy to Blog about my favorite team. But that does not mean that I have not been watching them play. They are in 1st Place with a 36-23 record. What a summer this is turning out to be.

I will be giving updates very soon.

Welcome to NY Lastings Millegde.

Bragging Rights on Mets Side

I have to admit, this weekend I was a little shocked that we didn't sweep, not to take anything away from the Yankees, but we did play like the better team and should have swept. Well I will leave that blame on Randolph (my opinion), for trying to stick it to the Yankees and for bringing in Wagner when he should have just went with Sanchez. But what's done is done and the Yankees got away with one.

Fridays game was an awesome game to watch. Just when you think that the Yankees would run away with the game, the Mets battle right back and tie it each time. They did this against Randy Johnson and they finally did it against Mo Rivera. A game that started off so poorly, ended so great. 7-6 Mets, Game 1.

Saturday's game was even better game for Pedro and the Mets. Pedro blows by everyone in the lineup, pitches 7 strong innings and then gives the game over to our bullpen with a 4-0 lead. At this point in the season, it is fair to say that Pedro should be 7-0. He is 0-0 in his last four starts and remains 5-0 (2.82 ERA).

The Mets blow the lead and eventually lose in extra innings 5-4. Yanks win game 2, series tied 1-1.

What a shame to lose this game, but that is ok, Wagner will be better than this when he is truly needed and not forced to pitch in a non-save situation.

Sunday's game, started out the same as Friday, the Yankees jump out to a quick 2-0, and look like they will take 2 out of 3 from the Mets. But then the bats finally get the Mets back in the game, with two blasts by Delgado and Wright, the Mets take the lead 4-2 and will eventually win 4-3. Wagner comes in this time when it counts and gets the Yankees out and saves the game and the series.

Round 1 goes to the Mets. Bragging rights to the Mets fans for at least a few weeks. But few Yankee fans will give the Mets the credit they are due, the Yankees may have a few guys out, but I will not give in to the excuses of fans of a team that can field, Damon, Jeter, Arod, Giambi, Cano, Bernie, Mussina, Randy Johnson, and Mo Rivera. Any team out there would love to have even two or three of these guys on their team, and they woudl have a chance.

So I give credit where credit is due. To my Mets for battling all weekend, for playing their hearts out and for once again showing that all the hard work that Minaya has done to put a good product on the field has so far panned out. On May 22, we are 26-17 and 3 games up in first, couldn't ask for a better present for my birthday (May 24). Lets Go Mets!!!!!

Bragging Rights, At Stake

The Mets face the Yankees for the first time this year on Friday May 19 - Sunday May 21 at Shea Stadium. All the fans are gearing up for another crosstown battle. The Mets with their New Team, and the Yankees with a bunch of veterans that are trying desperatly to get their team back to the World Series. I am not one for predictions on who will win, but I will gaurantee that this series will be one to watch. And Yes, bragging rights for the fans are at stake.

Mets 24-16 and Yankees 23-16 (as of 5/18/06)

Probable Pitchers for Friday May 19, 2006

Johnson 5-4 (5.13) Gonzalez 0-0 (5.40)

Mets Come Home After Strong Trip

Mets started the west coast trip at 10-4, and come home at 16-8. Overall, with a 6-4 road trip, the Mets road record stands at 9-4. And by beating Atlanta 2 out of 3, they have a 6 game lead in the NL East.

The Mets are starting to gel as a team, you can see it from the starters, to the bench, to the starting pitching and their strong bullpen. Everyone is picking eachother up. From Clutch hits, to small ball. And Glavine and Pedro have taken control of their games and have a combined 8-2 record.

With Carlos Beltran back in the lineup, the Mets once again have a deep lineup and are starting to hit again, after a minor team slump.

Mets come home for two games with Washington, on Monday and Tuesday and with Pittsburgh, on Wednesday and Thursday and Atlanta comes to town again on the weekend.

Month of April 2006:
Batting:
Avg. - Nady .311, Lo Duca .306, Wright .303, Delgado .298
Runs - Reyes 21, Delgado 18, Wright 16
HR - Delgado 9, Nady 6, Wright 5
RBI - Delgado 20, Wright 18, Reyes 12
SB - Reyes 11

Pitching:
Wins - Pedro 5, Glavine 3
Games - Wagner 12, Heilman 12, Sanchez 11
ERA - Sanchez 0.00, Wagner 0.69, Glavine 2.29
Saves - Wagner 7

The Ageless Wonder

Julio Franco came into last nights game as the oldest player in the majors at 47. He finished the game as the oldest player in history to hit a home run.

Franco helped the Mets to overcome an early hitting drought by hitting a pinch-hit 2-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to help propel the Mets into the lead and helped ignite a 6-run inning. The Mets were having trouble all game with Jake Peavy, but as soon as he left, the bats came alive again.

Endy Chavez helped get a run across with a drag bunt down the first base line, that would score Reyes from third and Carlos Delgado blasted his 6th home run of the season. Cliff Floyd added an RBI single also in the inning.

The Mets got a needed boost from an unknown source, Kaz Matsui, playing his first game this year, after starting the year on the disabled list, hit an inside-the-park home run in the third inning to bring the Mets within one at the time to make the score 2-1. This was the third straight season that Matsui hit a home run in his first at bat of the year(A Major League Record). If he can hit in the eighth spot in the lineup, he will be a great piece to an already deep lineup. He also turned an inning ending double play that David Wright started that was the turning point of the game. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the seventh inning, Wright dove to his left for a wicked ground ball headed to the gap between short and third and tossed to Matsui for the out at second and Matsui threw on to first to complete the double play. That play enabled the Mets to stay within one run heading into the eighth inning.

The Mets improved to 11-4, regaining the best record in the league. They have 9 games left on their current West Coast trip.

Game Notes:
Jose Reyes 2 for 5, R, SB (6)
Carlos Delgado 2 for 4, R, 2 RBI, HR
Kaz Matsui 1 for 4, R, RBI, HR (inside the park)
Julio Franco 1 for 1, R, 2 RBI, HR (pinch-hit)

Mets Loses Add Up

Not only did the Mets not have Carlos Beltran, Cliff Floyd nor Anderson Hernandez in their lineup yesterday, but they didn't come with their "A" game either.

Tom Glavine pitched a marvelous game, only giving up two runs, one earned. David Wright had a bad game at the plate and even with the glove. He committed three errors that would lead to one of the Braves runs. The other coming on a home run by Andruw Jones. Wright came up with the tying run on in the nineth, but grounded weakly into a game ending double play.

The Mets looked flat with the bats, only mustering three hits against the Braves Tim Hudson, who pitched a complete game. They would lose 2-1. Glavine deserved a better fate against his old team, but the bats just weren't there.

The Mets look to bounce back from their mini slump as they face old mates Mike Piazza and Mike Cameron and the San Diego Padres starting tonight at Petco Park.

Beat Writer Chronicles the Season

Adam Rubin is a NY Daily News beat writer for the Mets. He has created a Blog that will keep fans updated on all insights regarding the team, news that you will not find in the papers. This is a great way for every Mets fan, that wants to know all the small details and to get an inside look on the team.

Adam Rubin has also written a book, "Pedro , Carlos and Omar: The Story of a Season in the Big Apple and the Pursuit of Baseball's Top Latino Stars".

Best Start in Team History

The Mets are out to the best start in team history. They beat their arch rivals, the Atlanta Braves 4-3, to extend their record to 10-2. They are 5 games up on the rest of the NL East. That is the first time in Major League history that a team, after the first 12 games of the season, lead their divison by atleast 5 games.

Pedro Martinez won his 200th Game. He dominated the Braves for 6.2 innings, by striking out 8 batters and limiting the Braves to only 3 runs. Duaner Sanchez came in and shut down the Braves for 1.1 innings of relief and Billy Wagner, with Mets fans dreaming of this day when he would come in and dominate the Braves, did just that, and saved the game for Pedros' 200th.


Carlos Delgado added yet another HR (5) and Xavier Nady, continued his hot hitting by also going yard (4).

The Mets look to continue their emegence as a top team in the east, as they battle the Braves tomorrow and Wednesday, hoping to send a message that they are for real and ready to play.

Game Notes:
Paul Lo Duca 3 for 4, R, Double
Carlos Delgado 2 for 3, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB - 11 Game hitting streak
Xavier Nady 3 for 4, R, HR, 2 RBI

Other Notes:
Carlos Beltran stil out with a sore hamstring ( Day to Day)
Cliff Floyd left the game with a sore rib cage ( Day to Day)

Bannister Wins His First Major League Game

You would think that a day off would slow down the Hot start the Mets have had, but they picked up where they left off on Sunday. The Mets pounded 12 hits enroute to a 7-1 victory and a 5-1 record. Last year at this time, the Mets started off at 0-5, they won their next 6 games, but never regained that momentum, the rest of the year.

Brian Bannister recorded his first Major League victory and in two starts this season, looks very much like the highly touted prospect the Mets have been bragging about.


Brain Bannister Photo: AP

This year, they seem to have what it takes to go all the way. But it is too early to start preparing the ticket tape parade. They have a lot of baseball to play. But if this past week is any indication of how the season will go, then it will be a summer to remember at Shea.

Yankee fans have argued in the past and present that us Mets fans get ahead of ourselves and that we always falter, well Mets fans this year will cheer their team to the very end, and if for some reason we do not make the playoffs, it will just be another year that we thought we had the better team. But if we did not root for our team, then we would not be called fans. We live by our team through bad times and good times.

Game Notes:
Reyes 2 for 5, R, 2 RBI, Triple
Lo Duca 3 for 5, R, RBI, Double
Beltran 2 for 4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR
Wright 1 for 4, RBI (6 Straight Games with an RBI)

Mets Keep On Rolling

The Mets were rained out yesterday afternoon. So they came out today looking to keep winning. But in order to do so they had to face the Marlins starter, Dontrelle Willis.

Willis has dominated the Mets, going 8-1, over his career. So coming into today's game, the Mets knew that they had to find a way to beat him, if they wanted to extend their record to 4-1.

Willis, dominated the Mets over the first six innings. But the Mets finally broke through in the seventh inning. Paul Lo Duca singled to right field, then Carlos Beltran singled to left field, Carlos Delgado grounds out to the right side and moves the runners to second and third. David Wright comes up and hits a line drive to right field and he ends up at third with a triple. Two runs score and the game is tied 2-2.

Game remains tied until the bottom of the ninth inning. Carlos Beltran walks, Carlos Delgado lines a pitch to right field for a single. First and third and no one out. David Wright hits a sacrifice fly to right field to score Beltran with the winning run. Mets 3 - Marlins 2.

The Mets overcame Dontrelle Willis, sweep the two game set and finish their first homestand of the year 4-1 and now head to Washingtin to face the Nationals on Tuesday afternoon, April 11.

Clutch hitting helped out the Mets again today, as they continue on their path to become the team to beat this season.

Doc Wants to Help Beltran

My Chiropractor, Dr. Robert Gucciardo, wrote a comment on my blog in regards to Carlos Beltran's health. You see Dr. Rob (as his patients call him) practices Specific Chiropractic. You may ask, what is Specific Chiropractic. Well here is your answer:

Specific Chiropractic is a specialty within the field of chiropractic. The "Specific" Chiropractor, Brain Stem Specialist, specializes in the upper cervical C1, C2 area of the spine thus allowing care for a more severe and a wider range of conditions.

It is a well known fact that the upper cervical spine surrounds the lower portion of the Brain Stem. This level of the Brain Stem is considered the master control switch of the entire nervous system. The "Specific" Chiropractor is highly trained to monitor the functional ability of this level of the nervous system and correct any interference to its normal function.

A subluxation of one of the top two bones in the neck can cause nerve interference (pressure) affecting any, many or all parts of the body.
*Courtesy of http://www.gucciardospecificchiro.com/main.html

In other words, as I describe it, it has helped me to become healthy again. Dr. Rob has become my miracle healer, with the help of God. Specific Chiropractic not only changed my life, but Dr. Rob has helped to change so many other people's lives as well. He also believes, that he can help Carlos Beltran, and I believe him too. Why wouldn't I, he has turned my whole life around and helped me to smile again.

Here is an exerpt from Dr. Rob's comment:

"I need to refer to the picture of your brother with Carlos Beltran("Carlos Beltran Poses with a Conde", Friday, March 13, 2006). You need to tell your brother that he needs to tell Beltran that his left shoulder is low. The reason for that is that the second bone in the neck C2 is tilted and turned to the left dropping the muscles on that side. That will cause him to be swinging slower than normal and late. This will also cause him to drop that shoulder on his swing. If he really wants to rock this year he needs to get C2 adjusted by an upper cervical specific certified doctor."

If there was anyway to get this note to Beltran, I believe it would help him. Well, it can't hurt him, only will make him even better. Imagine that!!

If anyone reading this Blog is interested in visiting Dr Rob, just visit his website. http://www.gucciardospecificchiro.com/main.html

Mets Back on Track

The Mets had Pedro Martinez on the mound yesterday, hoping to just give the team a needed lift after their dramatic loss the night before. He did just that, even though he left the game after the top of the sixth inning, and the score tied 5-5. But in the bottom of the sixth inning Carlos Deldago hit a screaming line drive over the right field fence and put the Mets ahead to stay 6-5. They would tack on 4 more runs and win the game 10-5 and hand Pedro his first win of the year.

The Mets pounded out 15 hits, with Carlos Beltran breaking through and hitting a two run home run to left field in the seventh inning. When Beltran returned to the bench, the fans were cheering for a curtain call, but Beltran would not acknowledge. You could see that he was upset that the fans were booing him the last two games. It took Julio Franco to talk to Beltran to urge him not to be angry with them even if he felt they were wrong. He then stood up and acknowledged the fans with a wave. You could see that Franco's veteran leadership is already starting to influence the players. Not that Beltran needed to be influenced, but Franco was right, just acknowlegde the fans and keep them on your side, but what if Beltran doesn't get another hit, do the Boo Birds have a right to get on him? Some will argue that point, as for me, "Carlos keep swinging that bat, do your best and have fun, you can't please everyone, but if your teammates support you, so will your true fans".

When Beltran does what he is capable of doing, all those Boo Birds will jump on the band wagon and act as if they rooted for him all along. A true fan of a team or a player will back them up even in the bad times. We suffer together in the hard times, and we celebrate together in the great times. Like the summer of 2006.

Game Notes:
Jose Reyes 3 for 5, 2 R, 2 RBI, Triple.
Paul Lo Duca 2 for 3, R, BB
Carlos Beltran 1 for 4, 2 R, HR, 4 RBI, SB
Carlos Delgado 1 for 5, R, HR, RBI
David Wright 3 for 4, 2 R, RBI, BB
Cliff Floyd 2 for 5, R, RBI, Double
Xavier Nady 2 for 3, R, Double, BB

Mets Unveil New Ballpark

The new Mets ballpark is slated to open for the 2009 season.

Not Again!!!

The Mets went out and got Billy Wagner, over the winter, to save those close games that Braden Looper could not do last year. Well last night, he let one get away. Wagner came into the ninth with a lead and left with the game tied 4-4. Mets eventually lost in the 10th inning 9-5.

Brian Bannister started his first Major League game and pitched a gem. He had a no-hitter going into the 6th inning. He was not overpowering, but he made the right pitches at the right time. By the sixth inning, Bannister ran out of gas. He walked the first batter, then hit the next and then served up a 3 run home run to Nick Johnson. At this point the game was Mets 4 -3. He struck out the last batter to end the sixth and walked off to a standing ovation. Not bad for a rookie that most critics felt that should not have taken over Araon Heilman's spot in the rotation.

Carlos Delgado broke out yesterday and hit his first homer as a Met and for the season, and also added a double. Xavier Nady, continued his hot hitting by homering to left field, to extend his hit streak to 6 straight at bats. He nearly extended it to 7 at bats, but lined out to Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals third baseman.

Wagner recorded his first blown save of the year. When he enters, the Mets feel like they have already won the game, but last night they didn't. They will hope that he will bounce back when he is given the opportunity again. Yesterday, was just one of those games.

Mets Win! Mets Win!

On Monday April 3, 2006, the Mets opened up their 2006 season against the Washington Nationals. Jessie Orosco threw out the first pitch to Gary Carter, and it brought back memories of the magical run of 1986. They even reenacted their moment with Carter running to the mound and hugging Orosco after the last out of the 1986 World Series. The excitement at the stadium on Monday, reminded many long suffering Mets fans, of what it was like in 1986.

And the New Mets, did not dissappoint their fans. They won a thriller 3-2, with Glavine pitching like the pitcher that the Mets thought they were getting a few years back, and the new guys, Paul Lo Duca (2 for 4, 1 RBI) and Xavier Nady (4 for 4, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 1 Run) providing the right offense and Billy Wagner doing what he was brought here to do, save games. Even an old Met got into the act, David Wright (2 for 4, 1 RBI, 1 Run), homered to put the Mets up 3-1 at one point.

Carlos Beltran looked bad at the plate, but finished the day a Hero, as he gunned down Jose Vidro trying to stretch a hit into a double in the top of the ninth and two outs, to end the game.

Game Notes:
Jose Reyes 0 for 5
Carlos Beltran 0 for 4
Carlos Deldago 0 for 3, BB
Cliff Floyd 0 for 3, 1 Run

Shea Faithful invited to Workout

Yesterday, the Mets opened up their doors to the season ticket holders to view the New Mets as they went through their first workout of the 2006 Season. I was given 4 tickets by a season ticket holder (tickets were free) and it was an awesome day.

I invited my Godson Steven, and my friends Raymond and Luis. Unfortunately, Raymond arrived late and wasn't able to stand with us at the front row of the box seats.

It was a nice sunny warm day. One by one, the Mets came out on the field to roaring fans around 1:30 PM, after the Nationals, had their workout. First it was Billiy Wagner, then Aaron Heilman, Jorge Julio, then Duaner Sanchez. Then came Jose Reyes skipping and jumping like little kid in a candy store. Then the big boppers, Carlos Beltran, Cliff Floyd, David Wright and new addition Carlos Delgado.

They went through their warm ups, and then took the field to practice their drills. It felt like Spring training at Shea Stadium. Just standing there and watching them, just made you get all excited of what this season may bring, a possible playoff run, with a greater possibility of a World Series ring.

The best part came when the batting practice started. I have to say that Carlos Delgado, looked really good. He even hit two out of Shea Stadium. The guys looked just as excited as the fans. It was an electric day at Shea. And Us fans hope to have that electricity, all year long.

New York Mets Top Prospects

CBS SportsLine.com staff

No. Player Age Pos. 2005 High Destination

1. Lastings Milledge 20 OF Double-A Triple-A
Five-tool prospect was drafted on the level of one Delmon Young

2. Alay Soler 26 RH RP Low A Triple-A
We will finally get our first look at power-armed Cuban defector

3. Anderson Hernandez 23 2B/SS Majors Majors
He could push Matsui out of town due to defense and speed

4. Brian Bannister 25 RH SP Triple-A Triple-A
Floyd Bannister's son has been relatively unheralded, but he's polished

5. John Maine 24 RH SP Majors Triple-A
He is going to bide time in relief in the Heilman '05 role, or in Triple-A

2006 Mets Preview

National League
New York Mets
By Alan Schwarz
Special to ESPN.com


Wild-Card Resembled: 2003 Marlins, at least offensively. Although the Mets have assembled one of their strongest lineups ever -- with the core some mix of David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and Cliff Floyd -- Willie Randolph is one of the most aggressive managers in the big leagues. He runs Jose Reyes a ton, just like Florida did with Juan Pierre, and will exploit the Derrek Lee-type speed of Wright and Beltran to keep the pressure on opponents.

Why They Won't Win the Division: Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz, just like the '03 Marlins. After Atlanta's 14 straight division titles, including the last several during heavy roster turnover, it's foolish not to consider it the favorite. (Even though John Smoltz has coyly suggested the Mets are the team to beat.) The Braves have a more reliable rotation than New York does -- Smoltz and Tim Hudson have nowhere near the question marks that Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine carry -- and a good enough offense to win more games than the Mets.

Why They'll Win the Wild Card: The NL West is a shambles; no second-place team should win anything close to the high 80s the Mets will. The Phillies need another frontline starter to morph into a serious contender. The only other team that should give New York a run for the wild card is … Houston Astros

3 Days to Opening Day

Three more days and we will start the 2006 Baseball Season. We have so much to look forward to this year. With this being the 20th Anniversary of the 1986 World Series Championship team, it can only be sweet if we can do it again. It all starts on Monday April 3, at Shea vs. the Washington Nationals.

LET'S GO METS!!!!!!

Mets have a Minor Loss

Kaz Matsui will be out three weeks, due to an injury in last nights exhibition game against the Braves. He sprained his MCL sliding into second base. Most Mets fans won't miss him, even though you don't wish an injury to anyone, but this now opens a door for Rookie Anderson Hernandez and also for Jeff Keppinger.

Games Notes:
Mets beat the Braves and improved their record to 10-6.
Cliff Floyd, 3 for 3, 1 HR, 3 RBI's
Xavier Nady, 2 for 3, Avg .417
Lastings Milledge, 2 for 4, Avg .324

Cuba stuns Puerto Rico

In what was a game that both teams needed to win in order to advance to the semi-finals against the Dominican Republic, was also an exciting game to watch. Both teams battled to the final out.

Cuba took a commanding 4-1 lead, and kept getting out of jams by forcing Puerto Rico to hit into double plays. Puerto Rico chipped at the lead and by the time the ninth inning rolled around, they found themselves down only 4-3. But they just couldn't get that one clutch hit that would tie the game or even put them ahead.

Puerto Rico had their chance in the bottom of the eighth inning, with the bases loaded and one out, but Alex Cintron bounced into an inning ending double play and the Cuban team escaped.

Cuba emerged and will now play the Dominican Republic in the semi-finals in San Diego, with a chance to play for the World Baseball Classic Championship.


Game Notes:
Carlos Delgado 1 for 1 , Single. His only at bat of the Classic.
Carlos Beltran 1 for 3, 1 RBI.

Sportsnet NY Launches March 16, 2006

The Mets new cable station will make it's debut on March 16, 2006. The NY Jets games will also be shown on this channel. It will be round the clock baseball related shows. So for all those Mets fans that have been waiting for their own station, it is finally here.


Artist's rendering of SNY Studios

A Little Spring Training Note

The Mets just keep rolling. They won again today beating Washington Nationals 10-4. Even with their depleted team, they are finding a way to gel as a team, which will only benefit them when the World Baseball Classic is over and their entire team is together and ready to battle for a title.

Xavier Nady, who came over from San Diego in the Mike Cameron trade, is batting .481, 2 HRs and 11 RBI's. He is battling Victor Diaz for the starting Right Fielders job.

Jeff Keppinger is batting .316 and playing a solid defense as he battles Kaz Matsui for the starting 2B job. Matsui seems to have the edge, but only because of his salary ($8 Mil this season).

Paul Lo Duca (.385) and Ramon Castro (.438) who will share the catching duties this year, are both having strong springs. They will both have the opportunity to help the team, because Willie Randolph showed last year, how he is able to keep guys rested and happy and ready to produce when called upon.

Carlos Beltran poses with a Conde

As you may already be aware, Carlos Beltran is my favorite player. It may be that we play the same position, even though he is in the majors and I am a retired softball player. It may be that he patrols center field for the best team in baseball, yes the Mets, and if you scroll down you will see my favorite picture of me posing in center field at Shea Stadium. It may be that people have told me, yes even strangers, that I look like him.

But one thing that I can say is that I am not the Conde that is posing with him in the picture below, I owe that honor to my big brother Ralphy. It so happens that Ralphy's wife, my sister-in-law, is good friends with Carlos Beltran's wife, so apparently, they met recently at a function in Puerto Rico, and they sent me this nice picture.


Carlos Beltran and Ralphy Conde

Puerto Rico Steals Dominican's Thunder

Puerto Rico came into round two at 3-0 and looking to continue their winning ways. But standing in their way, for the first game of the second round, was the Dominican Republic team, the favorites to win it all. But Puerto Rico was not fazed by all the hype, they came out swinging the bat, and showed that they may just have the best pitching staff in the Classic. They beat heavily favored Dominican Republic 7-1 and put all other teams on notice that they are for real and not to be taken lightly.

Game Notes:
Carlos Beltran went 1 for 4, 1 double, with 3 runs scored and 1 rbi.
Carlos Delgado has yet to play due to tendonitis in his left elbow.

Puerto Rico Slams Cuba

In what was a warm up to their second round meeting, Puerto Rico pummeled Cuba 12-2. Carlos Beltran hit a mammouth home run to right field and Puerto Rico finished their first round play, at 3-0 and will now meet Dominican Republic, Cuba and Valenzuela in round two. Two teams out of these four, will advance to the semifinals. The Dominican Republic team is the favorite with their offiensive explosions in round one, but Puerto Rico showed that they are capable of scoring more than enough runs to not only win, but rout their opponents.

Team Puerto Rico

Team Puerto Rico, with Mets stars Carlos Beltran and Carlos Deladgo, advanced to round two, where they will face the toughest team with the best lineup, Team Dominican Republic, with Mets star shortstop Jose Reyes.

Both teams did fairly well in round one with posting impressive wins as they prepare to advance even further in the tournament.


Team Puerto Rico 2006


Carlos Delgado and Javy Lopez


Carlos Beltran sliding home


Carlos Beltran enjoying a laugh

Mets tuning up for 2006 Season

Even with some of their star players participating in the World Baseball Classic, the Mets continue to get ready for what promises to be a special season. The Mets are 3-2 in Spring Training. They beat the Indians 6-3 yesterday with Tom Glavine throwing 3 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run, and getting ready for what could end up as a starting nod on Opening Day. That will be determined by the health of Pedro Martinez, who is still suffering from his toe injury and has yet to throw in a game.

Xavier Nady and Victor Diaz are battling for the Right Fielders job and Anderson Hernandez and Kaz Matsui are battling for the Second Baseman's job. So those two battles will only heat up as we get closer to Opening Day. With I am sure, the hottest bat getting the nod from Manager Willie Randolph.

In other notes, Carlos Delgado may miss the first game of the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico tonight, due to tendinitis in his left elbow. I hope that it is nothing serious and that he gets to play so that he will be ready when the Mets season begins. He is a big part of what the Mets hope to be a great season.

NY Mets vs. Puerto Rico

Yesterday marked the first time that The Mets faced the Puerto Rican National Team. It was really odd to see Carlos Beltran face his new teammate Billy Wagner. For this one time only, Carlos got the better hand, by singling in two runs in for his Puerto Rican team. Puerto Rico beat the Mets 6-1. The Mets have several players on the Puerto Rican Roster, CF Carlos Beltran, 1B Carlos Delgado, P Juan Padilla, P Pedro Feliciano, & INF Jose Valentin.

Puerto Rico faces Panama to open their round of the World baseball Classic on March 7 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, in Puerto Rico.


Carlos Beltran signing autographs at Tradition Field.

A New Star in the Making.

Christopher turned 3 months today. And he was more than happy to finally don his first Mets uniform, even though he may not look that happy. He is preparing himself for when he needs to have that edge, you know the one that all great Mets players have.


My little Superstar.

My Dream Day at Shea

Back on September 9, 2001, I was given the opportunity to walk on the field at Shea. My friend Tony was having a softball game with his firm. Not only did we venture out to every part of the stadium, but we actually were able to find a baseball and shag fly balls in the outfield. It was an awesome feeling to finally be on the same field that many great Mets teams had played on.

Posing in Center Field


What a View


In the Dugout


Robbing a Home Run


Standing under some of the Greats


Michael, Tony, Me & a friend.


Sitting on the Bullpen seats


The Glory Years

Finally, Spring Training Has Begun!!!

This year promises to be a season filled with a lot of winning and a lot of good times finally at Shea again. It has been 6 years since we last reached the World Series, and yes most Yankee fans would say that the Yankees own the city since then, but what us Mets fans can say now is that, that reign will surely come to an end this season.

Omar Minaya has brought in some great players, and with the young stars like David Wright and Jose Reyes, the Mets bring much promise to the table.






















With the additions last off season of Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez, and now adding Billy Wagner and Carlos Delgado, the Mets have atleast shown the fans that they are serious about contending not only for the title, but also for the city again. And if we are as good as we look on paper, this year promises to be one to remember.


Carlos Beltran (Winter 2004)


Pedro Martinez (Winter 2004)



Billy Wagner (Winter 2005)


Carlos Delgado (Winter 2005)