With the ominous dark cloud of injuries and lack of overall pizazz that engulfs the 2013 version of the NY Mets, I should be concerned with the product that I and all Mets fans will be observing for better or worse this season but the thing that has me most intrigued about the New York Mets is why did David Howard leave the organization to head Madison Square Garden Sports?
When I heard that Howard was leaving the Mets to run the Garden sports properties I was taken by surprise to say the least. Howard has been a Mets exec for 20 years and in the last few years since the Madoff debacle, he has been the public face of the Mets Ivory Tower. Howard was outstanding at being the top talking head of ownership but then again following the awful displays of public speaking from Omar Minaya, Jeffy Wilpon and the rants of Freddy Skill Sets, those are not tough acts to follow, But Howard was the perfect front man for the club as he’s intelligent, articulate and able to spin the Mets angel better than any Capitol Hill spokesman.
I could be taking this whole departure way out of context; Howard could be leaving for a better position and more money. He could be leaving the Mets just because 20 years in one spot is a long time and he could want a new challenge. But this being the Wilpon Mets, I always have the hint of disaster in the back of my mind.
Does Dave Howard know something is around the corner that could cripple the franchise again? Does he see that Freddy Skill Sets crowing about all the cash he will have at his disposal after Michael Bourn signed with the Cleveland Indians as a heap of horseshit being that there is debt on the team, ballpark and a re-finance of SNY that could take a large chunk out of the organization’s ass? Could it be he’s tired of going public about the ridiculous ticket and concession prices the Mets charge and just can’t put a happy face on a team that has a load of opening day tickets still available? On a bit of a side note about ticket prices and concessions, the Boston Red Sox, one of the best baseball franchises in MLB, will see their 793 home sellout streak end the first week of the season. To counter that the Red Sox, THE BOSTON RED SOX!!!! Will cut the concession prices on food (buy 1 hot dog get 1 free) drink (5 bucks for a beer , 2 bucks for a hot chocolate ) and start 11 of the first 17 home games before 7PM so the cranks of Fenway don’t freeze their arses off in the April chill. Hello?????? Anyone home in the Flushing home office??????
Back to Dave Howard leaving, I wouldn’t question Howard leaving for MSG as nothing more than a corporate transfer going from one board room to another for a loftier title and higher pay but after reading that at least three other front office honchos will take over Howard’s tasks, it makes me think the club was caught off guard. Being that Howard was a 20 year employee of the organization wouldn’t you think that he would have gone to the Skill Sets and explain to them that he needed a new challenge a fresh start and the opportunity to run all the functions of the Gardens sports properties except for drafting, trading and constructing team rosters was too good to pass up, but before I leave I will help any way I can with finding my successor and showing he or she the ropes. That didn’t happen. We have a group of executives from different units reporting to, and this is where I come close to soiling myself, Jeffy Skill Sets. That is what has me the most frightened.
Mets Minutia
Every year we brace ourselves here in NYC when September 11th shows up on our calendar. For many of us the events of that day never leave our minds and for some it’s a reminder of how that day has changed the way we live our lives , it’s also the day that we have to argue should the Mets wear first responders caps during the game or not. To tell you the truth, I’m tired of the argument in fact it just goes to show you what a mess the Mets organization is that they can’t even figure out how to do something so simple and admirable as wearing the caps of the FDNY, NYPD and PAPD could be and how beholden they are to the Commissioner for keeping the Wilpon’s in business that they won’t make waves and not dare MLB to punish them for wearing the caps. What is even sadder is that I expect this from the Mets as they are good at rolling over and playing dead. It’s a sad commentary on this organization that by not showing any defiance’s over this issue is just business as usual in Flushing.
My friend and podcasting colleague Mike Silva, made a bet with Highlander windbag announcer Michael Kay that the Mets would win 60+ games this season. Kay said the Mets were so bad that 60 wins would be a stretch. So Silva bet Kay that if the Mets win 60 games, Kay would have to wear and be photographed in a Mets jersey. If Sliva were to lose the wager, he would have to write a column on how great an announcer/talk show host Kay is, which by the way is like trying to write a column on how classy the Kardashian’s are. So the Mets have gone above and beyond the 60 win mark which means Kay must pay his debt but wait it seems that Kay is ready to add to his impressive character traits of insufferable, incompetent, uniformed and downright annoying to listen to with tag of being a welsher , in fact Mike Silva has reached out to Kay to be a guest on our Sunday night podcast, so far Kay has not responded to the request. My advice to Kay is honor your bet or as soon as Silva gives the word, I’ll go Dog The Bounty Hunter on your ass.
The NY Times has published an editorial on R.A. Dickey and his amazing 2012 season.
Andy McCullough has a piece about the possibility of trading Jon Niese over the winter. Now before you overreact, read the article then think for a moment……….it’s not a bad idea.
Chipper Jones reflects on playing in NYC and the high level of respect he has for the town. He also mentions some of his favorite moments here as well, quite surprising. Sorry I can’t be a Chipper hater.