Just Like The Pros

I always love seeing the major leaguers doing drills that I recognize from softball.  At 3:10 of this video they are working on when runners are on first and third base.  If the runner on first takes off on the pitch there are a number of different things that could happen.  As a catcher, I absolutely hate this drill.  It leads to working on run downs (which are also hell) and all of the catcher's throws have to be absolutely perfect.  There is so much going on in this situation but so much of the pressure is put on what the catcher does when they get the ball.  This is definitely the situation I dread the most during the game.

I just thought it was really cool that the Mets are doing the same drill I did all of last season in softball.  It's good to know they are working on situations that come up in every level of the game.

Let's Go Mets!

You can also watch the video right here:

I Couldn't Possibly Say It Any Better

Over at metsgrrl.com there is a great reaction to a Yahoo! article.  You really should read it.  Both the article and the reaction.

I left quite the lengthy comment on her post.  Trust me.  I know how that girl feels standing next to Evan Longoria.  I have been to Spring Training once in my life.  I had my "Evan Longoria moment" with Joe Smith.  I was just so completely ... I really can't think of the word for it ... I couldn't take a literal picture, I just have my own memories.  Even when I got Mike Pelfrey's autograph at a game this year, I'm so glad my sister was there.  She understood I could barely fathom I was standing right next to one of the people I have watched for so long.  She was there to take the pictures because it was my moment, and my dad was there when I saw Jeff Francoeur.  It was my favorite baseball player live and in person.  All of them were so amazing.  I watch these guys on TV and now they are standing right in front of me.  And they talk to us too!  Mike Nickeas uttered half a "wassup" to me and I have never forgotten that moment.  I just wanted the chance to be near them.  Because I know I probably will never get the chance to do what they're doing.

Because I'm a girl.  That means I obviously can't play baseball as well as any boy my age.  I can't know more about baseball than any boy my age either.  Or any boy any age.  I'm a girl so I can't possibly look up to baseball players as the coolest people in the world.

It really sucks being a female baseball fan sometimes.  It takes a lot more to prove you really know what you are talking about.  It's just assumed you know the rules of the sport and have a big name favorite.  It takes saying Xavier Nady or Joe Smith or Mike Pelfrey is your favorite player to show you really watch and follow what it is going on.  I doubt I'd get very far telling some guy at school my favorite player is David Wright.  They'll just shrug and turn to a guy friend to talk baseball.  And that really hurts.

I know that I understand exactly what is going on.  I know I can contribute to their conversation.  I also know they don't want to give me a chance to join.  I want to have somebody to talk baseball with and most the time it's a guy.  The friends I hang out with everyday know baseball from what I've told them.  They recognize the names I've mentioned many, many times, but they just aren't into the sport.  They have their own interests and nod and listen to what I say the same way I would if they were talking about their favorite TV show.  It just isn't the conversation I know I can have with a true baseball fan.

If I go on for much longer this post will end up a novel.  But I will share the comment I posted:

Wow.  I really liked that article.  I especially like that I can completely relate to it.  My first autograph was at Spring Training in 2008 and I was 14.  I remember everything so vividly.  And I really remember getting Joe Smith’s autograph.  I guess he is my equivalent of Evan Longoria.  It was just so amazing.  And I didn’t just love every minute of Spring Training because I could look at the players.  I loved it because it was baseball.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been left out of a baseball conversation because the boys won’t take the time to listen to a girl.  I hate knowing I know just as much as they do (and many times more) and still being left out.  It’s just so frustrating that baseball is shown as a sport for little boys to worship while the girls go and do whatever. 

I admit, I look at a lot of players for well, their looks.  But I am also drawn towards the catchers because I know they are who I can look to and see how they play, because that’s how I want to play on the softball field.  Just because a girl likes a player it doesn’t mean it’s because they’re hot.  The major league catchers are all where I wish I had the chance to end up.  Even though I know it would be a virtually impossible future.

I love baseball.  All of it.  Watching it, playing it.  Everything.
AND I’M A GIRL.

Read more: http://metsgrrl.com/index.php/site/comments/sometimes-it-feels-like-weve-made-no-progress-at-all/#ixzz0gnYK8aAS

Let's Go Mets!

Because Baseball Isn't Interesting Right Now

We all know Spring Training has started.  There have been some workouts but nothing too exciting.  Unless you find it exciting that K-Rod has pink eye.  I've found all of one picture of Joe Smith and read one semi-interesting mini article about him.  Otherwise it has been the normal stuff about everybody.  Of course David is being optimistic.  What do you expect?

So, instead of talking about baseball I have a really cute video of Michael Del Zotto for you.  It's not really in the Olympic spirit because he's Canadian, but oh well.  The cuteness of this video is too amazing, especially towards the end when he talks about watching the injury on YouTube and saving the pictures of his wound.



Just watch.  It's cute.

Let's Go Mets!

Oh Yeah, There's Also Good News Today

Oliver Perez threw a bullpen session today.  Wait, what?  Yup, and he had guidance from Sandy Koufax.  You still probably have no idea where I'm going with this.

Mike Nickeas caught for Poo Poo Perez today.  Uh-huh.

Let's Go Mets!

Some People Are Really Stupid

Apparently some people think David Wright's new muscle is fake.  In other words, they think he juiced.  Seriously, WTH?

For one, it's only David's arms that look bigger.  His head, neck, and the rest of his body look the same.  Well, I don't know for sure about what Frenchy was talking about.  But it really is ridiculous to assume something like that.  It's such an isolated part of his body that I can't imagine any drug being able to do that. 

So, all you David Wright haters out there ... shut up and maybe realize some players do actually work out and are more dedicated than taking drugs.

Ugh.

Hmm ...

Recently on Twitter somebody brought up that they think there are too many Mets bloggers.  I'm not going to say who it was or if I agree with what they say.  But I have noticed a lot of new Mets bloggers this offseason.  And I've noticed a lot of them just spit out news like there's no tomorrow.

I know I am definitely not a perfect blogger at all and I definitely don't have the most popular Mets blog out there, but I know I do more than some of the other blogs.  The blogs that just give out news without even adding their take on what they're "reporting" are just stupid.  Even the ones who give their opinion but only post news are pretty stupid.  I know reading headlines is boring, especially if it's a slow news day.  And I know that when I find a blog I want it to say more than:
METS SIGN BARAJAS.  The Mets have signed Rod Barajas to a one year deal.
There is no need for that.

The point of a blog is to express your own opinion.  Your opinions don't even have to be relevant to the most recent news.  But you really should add personal opinion and experience if you want a successful blog. 

Only one headlines blog is needed and chances are, you came too late to take that role.

I know this post was a little out of the blue but I wanted to get this off my chest and needed more than the 140 characters Twitter gave me.

NOW WE RETURN YOU TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING.

Let's Go Mets!

March 2

There are a few things going on in nine days.  For one, it's the day baseball games come back.  The Mets have an afternoon game against the Braves in Port St. Lucie.  It's the first of any games this year in all of the MLB.

But March 2 is also the day hockey comes back from the Olympic Break.  Usually I would wear a Mets jersey anyway but ...
It's also Henrik Lundqvist's birthday.

I guess it depends on how the Olympics pan out.  Or what kind of mood I'm in on March 2.

Let's Go Mets!

I Wish I Was Jeff Francoeur

There's a good article from the New York Post about David Wright.  It's mainly about him adding more muscle during the offseason and it mainly has quotes from Jeff Francoeur. 

In other words, it's about how David used the winter to get hot.  And apparently Frenchy (yes, I am using that nickname.  It was either that or JFrizzle) noticed it when David took his shirt off.  If you look at the picture in the article and don't think David looks absolutely amazing I don't think I can help you.

Now I just need the Spring Training games to start, but March 2 brings a predicament I will explain later.

Let's Go Mets!

I Really Should Start Listening To The Radio

Josh Thole was also on WFAN yesterday, with Evan Roberts.  At this point, Josh probably isn't going to get the starting job because the Mets signed Rod Barajas.  I have no doubt he will be back in the Majors before September but the signing most likely puts him in AAA to start the season.

You can listen to the interview here.

Let's Go Mets!

Xavier Nady Is A Cub

Apparently Xavier Nady was a guest of Steve Somers on WFAN at some point.  How I didn't know about this, I'm not sure.

But you can hear the audio here.

He's probably going to start the season on the DL so he won't be playing for the Mets April series with the Cubs.  But hopefully I'll see him at some point.  

Let's Go Mets!

The Dawning Of A New Beginning

Baseball is unlike any other sport.  The season is so long and as many games as possible are played in the span of a little more than 6 months.  For die-hard fans the entire year is devoted to their favorite team.  Half of it spent watching their games, the other half waiting anxiously for the player-business and trades to happen.  But there is always something going on.

The offseason seems so long.  But then Spring Training starts and it is all forgotten.  Baseball is the only sport where it seems completely normal to travel to see your team train for the upcoming season.  See the veterans come back and the young players show up for the first time.  They are all working towards the same goal.  Get ready to play some ball.  No matter what level they end up at, they will all be playing the same game.

It's a game that's different from any other.  For one, the ball is given to the defense.  That would be considered stupid in any other sport.  But in baseball, it's how it works.  Somebody always has a job to do, matter what happens.  You really learn that if you play the game as kid.  Everybody's moving on every play. 

And your team is never out of the game.  There is no clock.  Only 9 innings.  No racing the clock, or 2-minute drills.  You have 27 outs to score more runs than the other team.  The other team has 27 outs to score more runs than you.  Both teams have equal opportunity to score.  There isn't "time of possession".  You could be down by multiple runs with 26 outs and 2 strikes on your batter, and still win the game.  That doesn't happen in any other sport.

Also, the schedule is longer than any other sport.  With 162 games you don't have to get too upset about 1 loss.  Or ever a week in which your team loses 4 games.  In football, there are only 16 games.  If you lose 4 of your games that's a quarter of your season.  Not every baseball game has to be picked apart because people can have bad days.  Most likely there is a game the next day to redeem yourself. 

It's the only sport where the head coach is wearing the team uniform.  Because he really is part of team.

Of course there is other reasons baseball is the best game in world.  There's a reason it's still the National Pastime. 

Let's Go Mets!

"I'd Rather Be Anywhere But Here Without You"

I really miss Joe Smith.  Everybody knows that.  But for some reason right now I really wish he was on the Mets.  The Indians pitchers and catchers don't have to report until Sunday.  And I highly doubt Joe Smith is going to be getting a lot of coverage when he gets there.

The Mets go to Cleveland in June.  I wish I could go but instead I'll be at home reading about his reunion with Pelf and Mainer.  I can't imagine how happy I'll be during that series but I just know I won't want it to ever end.

I really wish he was still here.  I'm sure Pelf does too.

Let's Go Mets!

Title lyrics from here.

Would It Really Be That Crazy?

If you read this blog you probably know about my obsession with former Met, and current Indian Joe Smith.  I currently don't own a Joe Smith t-shirt, jersey, or anything.  I have wanted one since I first started liking him in 2007.  I would've loved to have a Mets jersey even though he was traded.  But now I want an Indians jersey.

I know he could be traded and could change numbers, or could just suck and fall off the face of the Earth.  But would it really be completely stupid to make my big baseball purchase this year be a Joe Smith jersey?

Just kinda thinking out loud.  I waited too long to get an Xavier Nady Mets shirt, and now own a Pirates jersey, but I like the Indians and LOVE Joe Smith.

Ah, well.

Let's Go Mets!

It Really Has Begun

Mets Spring Training has started.  There is still snow on the ground in New York and I can't even imagine summer ever coming, but baseball has started.

Mets Hot Stove had Mike Pelfrey and Mike Jacobs at Duffy's with them and showed interviews of David and J-Thole.  It was probably the hottest Hot Stove ever.

I'm looking forward to Spring Training and seeing some guys play who won't make the big club.  *coughmikenickeascoughcough*

Mike Jacobs has #35.  Joe Smith used to wear it so I have kinda conflicted emotions about Jake taking the number.  I miss Joe so much.

And Mike Nickeas has #71.  I had no idea he was a non-roster invitee so that was some happy news today.

I can't wait until I get to post about being at games and complaining about the heat and summer.  I just need school to end so I can focus on the Mets.

Let's Go Mets!

Just When I Think I Love Hockey The Most ...

... David Wright talks to the media and is completely adorable.

MetsBlog.com has video of David talking from the dugout earlier today.  I don't have any really profound response to what he had to say.  I'm just glad he doesn't have the buzz cut anymore, I like when his hair is longer.

Just seeing him again made me happy.

Let's Go Mets!

One. More. Day. - ST Countdown

Tomorrow.  Tomorrow our wait will be over.  Pitchers, Catchers, and Injured Players of the Mets will be in Port St. Lucie.  Baseball will be back.  It will be Spring. 

Luis Castillo wears #1 for the Mets.  I admit, he isn't one of my favorites and even when he plays well, I don't get excited about it.  He was the reason for the most heart-breaking loss of the Mets season when there were plenty of those to speak of.  And he was more upset by it than anybody else.  He worked his butt off to play everyday.  Luis eventually was bitten by the injury bug, in a very strange way.  Slipping down the dugout steps and spraining an ankle can happen to anybody.  But he avoided the Disabled List all year.  In 2009 he definitely fought back from a very disappointing 2008 when most people didn't want him near the team.  Last year he came back as one of the most consistent hitters on the team.  Even if most of his hits were singles, he got a lot of hits.  I probably won't ever like him too much.  And I'll probably be the first to complain when he doesn't get hits or make plays, but he will always be working his butt off to play well.

Mets baseball officially starts tomorrow.

Let's Go Mets!

Time To Be Patriotic

As most of you should know (really, all of you) the Olympics have started in Vancouver.  Today, at 3 o'clock the US men's hockey team will take on the Swiss team.  I'm going to be watching, thanks my new-found obsession with hockey.

To get you in the hockey and team USA spirit I thought I would share some pictures with you.

Zach Parise

 

Ryan Callahan

 

  

Chris Drury

 

  

USA!  USA!

I'm Too Excited To Think Of A Title - ST Countdown

There's only 2 days until Mets Pitchers and Catchers have to report.  There are 2 shortstops for today's post.  And neither one of them plays in New York.

Erick Aybar has a cool birthday.

And Troy Tulowitzki is just kinda cool.

Let's Go Mets!

The First Signs Of Spring

Adam Rubin has posted some great pictures on his blog of the first Mets to arrive in Port St. Lucie.

In his post there are pictures of David Wright, John Maine, Mike Jacobs, and Daniel Murphy.  The Mike Jacobs picture made me very happy.

Let's Go Mets!

It's Not Really "News"

Even though Pitchers, Catchers, and injured players aren't required to report until Thursday, a bunch of players already have reported to Port St. Lucie.  According to various people on Twitter, almost every Mets player I find the least bit amusing/attractive has already arrived in Florida.

The list includes:

• David Wright
• Mike Jacobs
• Mike Pelfrey
• Bobby Parnell
• Josh Thole
• Daniel Murphy

I'm really looking forward to baseball.  Especially now that hockey has gone on the Olympic break so I don't get to really root for Henrik Lundqvist and get to see Brandon Dubinsky or Michael Del Zotto at all.

I hope to see some of this though,

 

Let's Go Mets!

Is A Countdown Still Necessary? - ST Countdown

I'll have an actual Mets update later, because there is actually something to say.  But for now, we will focus on one special player who wears #3.  That would be because in 3 days it is the official reporting date for Mets Pitchers and Catchers.

For today's favorite #3, I will be featuring Evan Longoria.

And one of the funniest commercials ever:

Let's Go Mets!

Right Now I Can Only Think Of One Player - ST Countdown

I was trying to remember who wears #4.  Alex Gordon.  He's the only person I can think of.  So, while I look for other players wearing #4, you can enjoy these pictures.

Umm ... I guess you're going to have to continue enjoying those Alex Gordon pictures.  There is absolutely nobody else worth mentioning in this post.

4 days.
Let's Go Mets!

This Is The Easiest Post By Far - ST Countdown

5 days.  If you don't know what that means, either you're listening to music and singing along and trying to type or you just don't pay any attention to the Mets at all.
Music paused.

The first #5 is David Wright.  Duh.

But, there is also Ian Kinsler.

And Michael Cuddyer.

Let's Go Mets!

Happy Birthday Mike Nickeas!

Today is the 27th birthday of Michael James Nickeas.  I know most people haven't heard of him but he is pretty cute and I got his autograph at Spring Training 2008.  He was really nice and stayed around to sign just about every fan eagerly waiting for his autograph.  Well, maybe they weren't all waiting for his autograph but they wanted an autograph.  But anyway, he's a really cool catcher and Mets minor leaguer.

Let's Go Mets!

I'm Not In The Mood - ST Countdown

Michael Del Zotto is injured.  Now my favorite Rangers are becoming the Mets.  Right before I go to the game on Sunday.  I miss MDZ.  Therefore, I am not really in the mood to find special players who wear #6.  But I will give you a few pictures of Mikey DZ.

 

Let's Go Mets!

One. More. Week. - ST Countdown

Only 7 days.  S-e-v-e-n.  One week.  Spring Training is so close.  I can almost see the Mets being in Port St. Lucie.  Doing all their funny stretches and watching David Wright back with Mike Jacobs.

Now for some lucky 7s.

As anybody reading this blog should know, Jose Reyes wears #7 for the Mets.  And that means I can link to lots of pictures of Jose with David Wright.

The Twins have Joe Mauer.  Someday his number 7 will be retired in Minnesota.  I really don't know what else to say about him that wouldn't be ridiculous praise and ogling.

There's something very like-able about Matt Holliday.  I just wish he was still on the Rockies.

Matt LaPorta is pretty cool.  He has the same birthday is Jeff Francoeur. 

Me likey David Murphy.

Me also likey Seth Smith.

I just feel like I should give Mark Kotsay a shout out.

That's a pretty good group of players wearing #7. There really is only one more week of not having baseball.

Let's Go Mets!

Something Omar Did Right

Mike Jacobs is back with the Mets.  Yes.  The Mike Jacobs that was the first of the trades made by Omar that upset me.  I know he probably won't get much playing time if he makes the team, but just having him back feels good.  He's basically the kind of left handed hitter Daniel Murphy isn't.  If the Mets ever wanted to get power out of the first baseman Mike would be their guy.  But, I really don't think Mike is going to do much.

I would like to note that he used to be a catcher.  I would also like to note that he despised catching.  Anybody who thinks he could be a possible catcher should stop thinking.

Let's Go Mets!

Snow - ST Countdown

Ah.  The joy of snow days.

Well, there's only 8 days until pitchers and catchers report.  Here we go.

David Ross and Kurt Suzuki are two catchers that wear #8.

Ryan Braun and his abs wear #8.

I guess I should acknowledge Chris Coghlan.  He did win Rookie of the Year for the NL.

Kyle Blanks has the same birthday as Jacoby Ellsbury.

I'm like the same height as Nick Punto.

And the Mets haven't issued # 8 since Gary Carter wore the number.

Let's Go Mets!

Single Digits Baby, Single Digits - ST Countdown

9 days.  I only have to press one key to type the amount of days until Spring Training.

The first #9 is Hunter Pence.  He is funny looking.

Umm, well, there's also Gregg Zaun.

And for the Mets there's Omir Santos.

I'm sorry this post is short and has no pictures.  I'm sleeping over at a friend's house tonight and need to pack.  YAY!

Let's Go Mets!

Three Hundred And Sixty Four More Days - ST Countdown

Well, not quite.  Only 10 more until Pitchers and Catchers report to Port St. Lucie for the New York Mets.

Endy Chavez used to wear #10 for the Mets.  Then he was traded to the Mariners in the awful trade I wish never happened that also included the Indians.

Vernon Wells wears #10 for the Blue Jays of Toronto.  Thankfully he is not a Met.  Despite all the stupid moves Omar has made *coughcoughxavierjoenadysmith*, not making a trade for Vernon Wells was the right decision.

And then we come to the player who named one of his children after Shea Stadium.  LA-RRY!

Hernan Iribarren has a funny name.

Justin Upton wears #10 for the Diamondbacks.  The Upton brothers are cool.  And he's on Twitter!

Travis Ishikawa also has a pretty funny name.

Adam Jones has a cool birthday.  The day before Grady Sizemore.  He's on Twitter.  YAY.

Matt Antonelli wears #10 for the Padres.  And he's on Twitter.  But his Twitter name has #9 in it so this one is questionable.  He also has a blog.

And it's 56 days until opening day so that means MARK BUEHRLE!

That's all for today folks.  The title is from the song The New Year by Parachute.

Let's Go Mets!

A Couple Of Things Before zzzzz's

1. I updated the post for the Spring Training Countdown - 15 days.  I forgot about Dan Haren and didn't see the comments because blogger didn't tell me they needed to be moderated.  (I went to comment moderation because there was some spam problems.)  But now he is there and he is the only one with a picture in the actual post, so he should feel special.

2. It's officially baseball season!  Well, unofficially officially.  Football season is over.  Congrats to the Saints and their fans.  The cutest moment of the night was seeing Drew Brees holding his son after they won.  It was completely adorable and surpassed the Puppy Bowl for cutest moment of the day.  But it's time for BASEBALL.  The Mets will finally be relevant again.  At least, they will be to their fans.  No more football talk.  It will be baseball and hockey (and basketball, but I don't like basketball).  But mostly BASEBALL.

Let's Go Mets!

We're Almost Down To Single Digits - ST Countdown

11 days. It's gotten to the point when baseball is so close I just want to skip the next week and go straight to when players start arriving at camp. I can't imagine how I ever got through December and January when it was too early to countdown and football (ugh) season was in full swing. Just 11 more days and we will be seeing pictures of all the players again. Joe Smith, Mike Pelfrey, David Wright, Grady Sizemore (with his clothes on), Josh Thole, Ian Kinsler. I could go on for hours.

But today we will find players who wear #11. Here we go:

Brian Dopirak wears the number for the Blue Jays. I'm only mentioning him because he has the same birthday as David Wright, David Cook, and David DeJesus. But, his name's Brian so he's not as special.

Anderson Hernandez. That's who wears #11 for the Mets. Not too exciting. He probably won't be in the big leagues for much of 2010, if at all. Unless #7 gets injured again. But unlike #15, #7 seems like he wants to play again.

I think the only talented player to wear #11 is Ryan Zimmerman. Hopefully the rest of his team isn't too talented so the Mets won't end up in the gutter in 2010.

Brad Hawpe also wears #11. So, I take back what I said about Zimmerman being the only talented player with the number.

Well, that's all for today folks. It's almost time to pack up and head down to Port St. Lucie (not that I'm going).

Let's Go Mets!

I Need To Post This

Mets At Wrigley048
Originally uploaded by idiart

Just don't question me when I say I need to post something. Especially if it's a picture. And definitely don't question me if it's a picture of Joe Smith.

That is all. Just enjoy his adorableness.

Well, There's That Player, On That Team ... Um - ST Countdown

Honestly. I had a player in mind for today. 12 days until Pitchers and Catchers. Hmm. Give me a minute.
....................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................

YES! I remember!

JEFF FRANCOEUR. I really don't know how I could've forgotten about him.

Other #12 wearers include:

Umm ... okay ....

Well, there's Julio Lugo
Alfonso Soriano
BRAD AUSMUS!!!
and A.J. Pierzynski.

Not too many notable players here. Oh well.

Let's Go Mets!