Yesterday the New York Mets announced that John Franco will be indicted into the team’s Hall of Fame this coming season with the pomp and circumstance commencing on June 3^rd.

There has been much speculation this winter on who would be selected as the next honoree to the Mets HOF, some folks feel Mike Piazza should have been named and of course he should but it looks like the Mets are waiting for his enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame so they can throw a really big shindig with Mets HOF honors and a number retiring ceremony as well.

Franco gets the honor this season for many reasons, he played 14 seasons with the Mets, holds the record for most saves in franchise history and most importantly he’s a Wilpon loyalist. Franco holds a job with the club sort of like the Mets Ambassador to Public Functions, in which he’s perfectly suited for. Late season, he volunteered his services to mentor Bobby Parnell in finding his way to the craft of closing baseball games, which if I were the pitching coach I would have strongly voiced my opposition to but it seems the front office didn’t have a problem with since it seems the GM really has no use for Parnell as we see with the addition of Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco which relegates to Parnell to fighting for a bullpen job.    

As I say, I really don’t want to piss in the punch here on Franco’s honor of Mets Hall of Famer but in my opinion, this year’s Mets Hall of Fame honoree should have been us, the New York Mets Fan.  How great a ceremony would it be to honor the long suffering Mets fan? The team could have selected the longest tenure season ticket holder to accept the award in our behalf and then commission a plaque with a nice mosaic of Mets fans who may be the most diverse of all sports teams in this town.  What better way to celebrate 50 years of Mets baseball than honoring the folks who really are the heart and soul of the organization, the Mets fan. Without us there is no NY Mets and in this upcoming season of apparent discontent, what better way to show how much we mean to this organization but to honor is with a plaque in the Hall of Fame.

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Mike Silva at NY Baseball Digest has an outstanding piece on his site this morning on Carlos Beltran and his time as a Met and his comments on Mets fans needing to “get over 2006”.

I have to say it took me a while to appreciate Beltran and his contribution during his tenure. I think the turning point in the relationship came when Beltran went to Colorado to have surgery on his knee after the club, namely Omar Minaya and Tony Bernazzard handled his medical care piss poorly.  Beltran was furious when the club made it seem he went rogue and receive an unauthorized procedure on his knee. When the truth came out it was Minaya and the team who were disingenuous.

What soured me with Beltran at the beginning of his Mets career was the double dealing he did behind the Mets back by offering himself to the Highlanders at a discount after the Mets made their substantial offer. It pissed me off because I saw Bobby Bonilla all over again. Bonilla, after getting the best offer out there from the Mets during his first free agent foray, took that offer to the Phillies to see if they would match it or go higher. By all rights, Bonilla was within his right to find the best deal possible and it was in my right as a Mets fan to call him a greedy prick.

The other problem Beltran had was not wanting to be the out front guy in the clubhouse. Some guys thrive in that spot, some guys, it’s just not their personality.  Beltran to his credit produce as well or better than any position player the Mets ever employed but his personality as seen through the media left something to be desired. But in listening to players in the clubhouse, where the opinions count, Beltran was not just respected but revered.

As for Beltran telling Mets fans to move on from 2006, it shows the major difference in how fans are more of the fabric of a team than the players.  Can I get over Beltran watching a wicked curveball break over home plate for strike three thus curtailing the Mets from getting to the World Series?  No, and I shouldn’t.  I’m a Mets fan, I can’t be traded or released or designated for assignment. I could leave as a free agent but the thought never entered my mind. I’m here for life. Players come and players go but fans are here forever. I still hold a grudge against Yogi Berra for not using George Stone properly in the 1973 World Series, costing the Mets a  championship, what makes Carlos Beltran think he’s  so special to escape my scorn?

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With the word that Cody Ross has signed with the Boston Red Sox with the Mets in contention for his services, the question of the day is whom would you rather  have as your 4^th outfielder, Cody Ross or Scott Hairston?

Ross put a .240/.325/.405/.730 line last season with the Giants in 461 plate appearances. Hairston, stepped into the batter’s box, a sporadic 145 times to fill a line of .235/.303/.470/.773. while Ross banged out 14 home runs last season Hairston put seven baseballs over the outfield walls in his limited action. When you look at FB/HR rate Hairston’s beats out Ross 13.0% to 9.3 %.

Ross hits lefties very well especially for power with a .912 lifetime OPS to Hairston’ .813 OPS which is impressive as well making it even more a head scratcher on why Terry Collins didn’t use Hairston more before a rib injury at the end of August ended his season.

I would bet that Hairston re-signed with the Mets with the promise of more playing time, especially in CF against RHP unless Andres Torres can repeat his 2010 season. But between CF and spelling Lucas Duda in RF and staying healthy, Hairston could be a very productive 4^th outfielder for the Mets.

Cody Ross would have been a nice choice as well for the Mets but with the Red Sox offer of $3mil plus incentives the Mets will get as much value from Hairston as they would from Ross and Hairston only cost $1.1 mil. No way Cody Ross is worth $2mil+ more than Jerry Hairston.

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Sorry for the lack of posting at the site the last couple of days. I spent my weekend at Camp No-Be-Bosco just outside of Blairstown, NJ on a camping trip that had everything you’d want in winter camp out, snow, cold and a 2AM run to the latrine, ahhhh……… yes the great outdoors. The camping trip and the New York Football Giants incredible post season (not to mention the best New York Rangers regular season in many an year and trying to come to grips that the great run of the Big 3 of the Boston Celtics looks over) run has greatly distracted me from the comings and goings of the New York Mets .

Again Eli Manning has proven you can be tough, fearless and a leader without being a rah-rah screamer.

I guess Tom Coughlin can make that big purchase he’s been putting off as he is the Giants head coach until he deiced he doesn’t want to be Giants head coach anymore. Who knows what move TC will make if the G-Men win the Super Bowl?

I’ll admit it, I never thought the Giants would go on this roll especially after the loss to the Redskins on December 18^th  but thanks to the Jets and the 99 yard Victor Cruuuuuuuuuzzzz TD, which TC said was the turning point, I started  with the “what if’s” in my mind. But of course that dominant Mets fan gene that I possess always makes me brace for the worse.

With all the analysis that goes on about the NFL to the point you’re numb by game time, last night’s game broke it down to the games simplest form. If you turn the ball over multiple times and can’t convert 3^rd downs on offence, good chance you’re going to lose. If you are plus in the takeaway column and convert those takeaways into points, chances are you’ll win the game.  

Like a baseball team that is strong defensively up the middle is most successful, in the NFL you’re only as strong as your offensive and defensive lines. The Giants offensive line has been very good for the most part in keeping Eli Manning upright, but last night they allowed him to take a beating. Plus this OL has a tough time getting the running game going, albeit Brandon Jacobs could do better than he does. What has been the big push in this playoff run is the DL especially a star is born, Jason Pierre-Paul.  Without that DL playing at the level it has, which has taken the pressure off an injury riddled secondary, has led to a defensive resurgence that Giants love and cherish.

Saturday night the NY Chapter of the BBWAA held their annual dinner and Gary Carter was the recipient of the “You Got To Have Heart” Award which was accepted on his behalf by his children. Thinking of you Kid.

Lots of chatter about what cap Mike Piazza will wear on his Hall of Fame plaque. Piazza himself has said he wants to enshrined as a Met. Since he played more games as a Met (972) than a Dodger (726) it’s only right he wears a Mets cap on his plaque. I’m sure with Freddy Skill Sets being Uncle Bud’s favorite nephew the word will get to those in Cooperstown to etch that Mets cap on Piazza’ head.

As for the writers not voting Piazza into the Hall on the first ballot, I think they know if they don’t vote Piazza, they will end up like Murray Chass, just a broken down old bitter blogger grazing on a farm.

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We are all saddened by the news that Gary Carter’s health has taken a bad turn and of course we all have The Kid in our thoughts as well as his family

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Courtsey Gary Finkel and 7th Inning Sketch 

I have to say, I don’t get surprised by too many things but the response to my post on how the Mets will handle Jose Reyes’ first game as a Marlin at Citi Field really caught me off guard. I would have bet my Bruce Boscliar rookie card that Mets fans would have been on board for a video tribute for Reyes but I guess Mets fans are more in tune with Mets management who seemed to forget Reyes’ contributions in a 50^th Anniversary video montage. I have to say I’m stunned, I’m just wondering if this is just a small sample who are giving Reyes the “don’t let the door hit ya’ where the good Lord spilt ya’”

I mean there was a guy who made a cottage industry off Reyes with t shirts and unrelenting  self-promotion as well as  zealots on Facebook who organized protests to stop and dealing away of Reyes so I’m sure that group of Mets fans will be organizing on Reyes first trip, I just wonder if they will be in the minority.   

Mets fans circle March 19^th on your calendar as that is the date the trail of the Mets Half Century will take place as Irv Picard takes on Freddy Skill Sets and Uncle Saul in a special handicap match. Special referee Jed Rakoff will officiate.  I could picture Uncle Saul coming to court in a gold lame suit.

Along with R.A. Dickey reciving the Thurman Munson Award at the annual Thurman Munson Dinner on Tuesday night January 31st, Daniel Murphy will also recived an award, the inauguaral “Rising Star Award”

Here are the details of the dinner, the guest list and how you can get tickets to attend:

 New York Mets infielder Daniel Murphy will receive the inaugural “Thurman Rising Star Award” at the 32nd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, January 31, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, it was announced today by AHRC New York City Foundation.
 
Murphy will be cited for his perseverance in returning from injury and for his community spirit and involvement in a wide variety of Mets community programs, particularly in reading for youngsters and the military. The 26-year-old Jacksonville, Florida native hit 313 in his rookie season in 2008 in limited action, and a torrid .320 last year. Murphy has battled several knee injuries since joining the Mets, and is a second base hopeful in 2012.
 
Murphy joins Yankee Hall of Fame icon Yogi Berra, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey, St. John’s/N.B.A. recently inducted basketball Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, and Georgetown/N.B.A. star center Dikembe Mutombo as this year’s honorees.
 
The gala, which remembers the late, great Yankees catcher and captain, benefits AHRC New York City Foundation.  Berra will receive the Legend Award in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1962 World Champion Yankees, while Mutombo, Teixeira, Dickey and Mullin will each receive “Thurmans.” For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner call 212-249-6188.
 
Diana Munson, Thurman’s widow, will attend her 32nd straight benefit, having been involved since its inception, raising nearly $11 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Thurman Munson Awards are presented for success on the fields of play and philanthropic works off the field.
 
The AHRC New York City Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City.  AHRC New York City is one of the largest organizations of its kind, serving 12,000 children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

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Last night watching the Celtics-Thunder game, midway into the game during a break in the action, the Celtics gave tribute to Thunder center Kendrick Perkins, who was a major player in the C’s Championship run back in 2008. Perk wasn’t just a major part of the C’s on court rotation, he was a huge fan favorite for his toughness, hustle and desire and it was Perkins first game in the Garden since he was traded. Perk was clearly touched as his teammates stayed on the bench while he stood at center court thanking the Celtics and fans for a very classy tribute.

It got me to think, what will the Mets do for Jose Reyes when he makes his first appearance as a former Met with the Marlins on April 24^th.  They have to have some kind of Reyes career retrospective on the video board unlike the way they club never acknowledge the existence of Reyes during the video presentation at the new uniform unveilings a couple of months ago at Citi Field.

You have to figure, as Reyes comes up to lead off the game, there will be a raucous and long standing ovation so maybe when Reyes goes out to his shortstop position in the bottom of the first, before first pitch the Mets announce for everyone to turn their attention to video board for a tribute to Reyes.

You would think it’s a no brainer that the Mets honor Reyes some way but then again these are the Mets we’re talking about.

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Metsblog has a link from Neil Best of Newsday stating that former Texas Rangers and current San Diego Chargers radio play by play man Josh Lewin, is the favorite to replace Wayne Hagin in Mets radio booth.

Hagin just never clicked with Mets fans, myself amongst them, as he had that generic radio announcers voice and always seemed to be a second or two behind the action on the field. The Hagin/ Howie Rose partnership just never seemed like it meshed with Howie being “one of us” and Hagin not having a Mets or NYC connection.

Lewin is a curious choice as it seems he left the Rangers due to his other commitments of doing baseball on FOX Saturday Baseball and his gig with the Chargers. Lewin enjoys tossing out a lot pop culture quotes during broadcasts to the point it becomes forced and a distraction. Being that Lewin was born in Rochester NY and grew up in the Boston area, he has knowledge of what the East Coast/NY fan is looking for in a sports broadcast so this could be a very interesting hire by the Mets.

With Lewin having Sports talk radio show experience as well maybe he could add working Mets Extra and taking phone calls or who knows him and Howie could take phone calls during games.

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Dress the way you please and put your mind at ease
It’s a city known for its freedom
Cycles shining bright break the silence of the night
Inhibitions, no, you don’t need them, no,no,no

After watching last night’s Giants victory over the Packers, I sat in stunned silence to the point my son was looking for a mirror to shove under my nose. I cannot believe this amazing run that Big Blue is on because at the beginning of December all of us Giants fans were ready to clean house from the head coach to the defensive coordinator to the entire defensive secondary, we all felt it was time to move in a new direction, so what happened? First came the Green Bay Packers into Giants Stadium with a pristine 11-0 record and left with a win and with the Giants in their head, the 2 wins over the Cowboys, both must wins to win NFC East and the win against the blowhard Jets that wasn’t business but personal.

Along with the front four of the defense getting healthy and coming together and making life miserable for opposing QB’s which in turn took pressure of the DB’s add in Eli Manning and his potent offense and the circle the wagons mantra of Coach Coughlin, who has done a marvelous job of keeping this team together and focused, you get a team that none of the other 3 teams left standing want to play.

Some observations on yesterday’s game:

As usual the officiating in this game was beyond suck and blows to embarrassing and corrupt. The best thing is I can call the Bill Leavy and his crew all the nasty names I want and Roger Goodell can’t fine me. HA! HA! Fuck you Commissioner

The roughing the passer call on Osi Umenyiora was of course ridiculous but what was worse were the three or four times Eli Manning was hit after throwing a pass and never got a late hit call.

Its games like yesterdays that makes it easier for me to not attend an NFL game in person.  It’s bad enough that after every possession there are three minutes of commercials and again when a player goes down with injury but the worst of all is the length of time it take the NFL to conduct a replay of a challenge call.  If it takes you more than a minute to decide if the call on the field was correct or not then just go with the official call on the field. Replay was wrong on the Greg Jennings fumble and was ignored when spotting a run by Ahmad Bradshaw that could have given the Giants a first down and can we stop with reviewing EVERY touchdown call already? The NFL should take a page from the NHL and have replay officials in a room with monitors and have them make the calls swiftly and correctly.

There are two Eli Manning’s. One is the Huck Finn “aw shucks” guy in interviews and the other is hardcore assassin on the football field. Eli Manning is everything I wished David Wright would be.

Brandon Jacobs better have the game of his life next week because other than the TD he scored when the Packers gave up, he did jack shit in this game.

On the other hand Ahmad Bradshaw proved again to be one of the unsung heroes as he dashed across the field to get out of bounds before the half, setting up the Eli to Hakeem Hicks Hail Mary TD. I bet that bone in his foot is still broken as well.

All the praise the defensive front four has gotten is well deserved but how about sending some praise Michael Boley’s way as well for his calling the D schemes and getting the D in synch.

John Mara is loyal as his old man was (which at times cost the Giants back in the Allie Sherman days) so win or lose, Tom Coughlin’s job security was not an issue and now with this run, it’s safe to say TC will coach the G-Men as long as he wants. My prediction is TC will stay on 2 more seasons then Sean Payton will be Giants HC.

CAN’T WAIT UNTIL SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I hope you all have been following R.A. Dickey’s climb up Mt Kilimanjaro via his blog post on the NY Times. Dickey and his group which contain Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello and pitcher Kevin Slowey, were successful in reaching the summit of the mountain which is chronicled wonderfully by Dickey in his latest post.

Dickey has a book coming out in March and I must say after meeting Dickey and reading his dispatches from Mt. Kilimanjaro, this book will not only be a best seller but I bet it will be one of those must have in your library kind of book as well.

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