Die Hard Mets Fan

What a difference a day makes.  One night after Ollie did his Glavine impersonation, Pedro made his first start in two months and was pretty effective.  Martinez had good command and got his fastball up into the 90s.  And look at all of the buzz about Petey below.  Dozens of articles were written by the media.  The Star-Ledger put out an inning-by-inning breakdown of his first game back.  This guy barely pitches anymore, but he gets a ton of hype.  If he pitches a little less, which is not at all, then he can replace Mr. Met as the official mascot.

 Bats help lift Pedro in return - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Schedule provides Mets opportunity - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for today’s Mets-Giants game.

Castro catches Pedro’s return

Gnats have five-homer first inning - Rob Jemella pointed out that the Savannah Sand Gnats cranked five homers in a seven-run opening frame.

Newsday:

Pedro leads Mets to 9-6 against Giants - David Lennon also summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Alou says return to Mets in this trip is ‘50-50′

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 4 of a year in the past.

METS: Pedro brings buzz

New York Daily News:

Pedro Martinez goes six innings in return as Mets beat Giants, 9-6 - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Giants game.

Pedro happy to get his feet wet - Adam Rubin put together a great analysis of Pedro’s return last night.

Despite denials, it looks like Brian Schneider is caught in a platoon

John Smoltz to have season-ending shoulder surgery - The AP reported that John Smoltz will have season-ending shoulder surgery.  He hopes to return in 2009, but it may be the end of his career.  As much as I hate watching the Mets face Smoltz, the guy has been the best pitcher in the Majors for about two decades.  Hopefully he recovers and gets to pitch again.  I always thought he was a classy guy.

New York Post:

PISTOL PETEY

THIS TIME, SCOTT’S NO RELIEF - Bart Hubbuch discussed how Scott Schoeneweis got knocked around in the ninth inning last night.

PELFREY GRATEFUL METS STICKING WITH HIM - Mike Pelfrey stated, “I was prepared mentally for whatever they wanted me to do. If that meant going to New Orleans or the bullpen, it would have been nothing new. To be able to stay in the rotation is a great feeling. I want to show them they made the right decision.”  Going into the season, I wanted him to be in the rotation over El Duque because I wanted to know how good or bad he really is if he goes into the season knowing he’s a starter rather than a fillin for somebody on the DL like in years past.  Now, it is obvious that he’s just not that good.  The Mets don’t have many short term options so we’ll have to see what Omar does in the upcoming months.

New York Times:

Martínez Gives Mets Lift, and Some Life - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Last Season’s Success Hard to Duplicate for Mets’ Pérez - Oh yes it is.  I hope that the Mets bring Ollie in front of the arbitrators so they can explain how poorly he has performed after the first two months of the season and get a partial refund.

The Star-Ledger:

Pedro delivers quality start

Schneider, Castro give Randolph Catch-2 situation

Pedro 6th inning

Pedro 5th inning

Pedro 4th Inning

Pedro 3rd Inning

Pedro 2nd Inning

Pedro 1st Inning

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It is June 1, so the Metropolitans are in a new calendar month.  The Mets are 27-27 right now, so the Mets would be 81-81 if you prorate it over the course of the season.  This is worse than at the end of April when they were on pace to get 87 wins.  They haven’t hit their stride yet, as Willie would say.  The good news is that they are coming off of a productive week where they won 4 out of 5 games.  Will this hot streak carry over to June?  And for how long?

 Church set to resume productive role - Anthony DiComo reported that Ryan Church returns after suffering his second concussion in three months.

Tatis, Mets turn fortune around - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Reyes rebounds from early slump - Samantha Newman put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pelfrey shakes off pressure at Shea

Castillo rests injured left leg - Anthony DiComo reported that the Doctors called Luis Castillo’s ’sore knee’ a strained hip flexor.

Injured Wise to seek second opinion - Jon Blau stated that Matt Wise wants to confirm the rotator cuff tendinitis diagnosis.

Newsday:

Mets rally in 8th, beat Dodgers on Tatis’ hit

Pelfrey sharp, but is it enough to stay a Met?

Peering over the .500 hump

Beltran’s big blast wakes up Mets

Beltran, Tatis rally Mets to 3-2 win over Dodgers - Mark Herrmann also summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran, Fernando Tatis spark comeback as Mets beat Dodgers - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Avoiding case of the Willies

Fernando Tatis is marvelous once again

Unlike old days, MLB teams hold fire on managers like Willie Randolph

Every time Gary Carter opens his mouth, he hurts his own cause

Mike Pelfrey throws curve into Met plans with Saturday’s performance

Ryan Church, Luis Castillo set for returns Sunday night

New York Post:

ANOTHER AMAZIN’ RALLY AT SHEA - Mike Puma summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

CASTILLO PINING TO PLAY

THE WAY TO ‘BELT’ BROXTON

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 17

PEDRO MUST DELIVER MORE THAN LAUGHS

MAJOR OBSTACLE - Kevin Kernan explains why it is hard for Wally Backman to find a job in the Majors.

New York Times:

Tatis Plays the Star in Another Comeback - Ben Shpigel summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

For Mets, Tatis’s Timing Is Perfect

The Star-Ledger:

Mets may be turning a corner

Church on Sunday - Colin Stephenson provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Some extra postgame quotes from the Mets’ clubhouse

Another Amazin comeback

Pelfrey makes his case to stay in rotation

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The Metropolitans were unable to provide Willie with a post-meeting victory last night.  Various Mets were asked if Willie should be their manager, and only Wagner stated that he supported Willie.  Other players danced around the question, and tried to be politically correct.  Delgado got really weird about the question.  I’ve been trying to find the full quote, but none of the papers got it.  Here’s a portion of what Carlos said, “I’ll tell you what I think. I think we need to play better. I think they don’t pay me to think. They pay me to play baseball. … (That’s) not a good question to ask.”  When I listened to it, he finished the last question by saying that it’s not a good question to ask in front of everybody.  So when should reporters ask the question?  Also, Delgado was very nasty to the reporters after the first couple of questions.  He began swearing which is probably why I can’t find it in the papers.  Remember this, Delgado didn’t want to be on the Mets so he went to the Marlins instead.  So what did Omar do?  He went out and got Delgado.  Carlos had one good year on the Mets in ‘06.  In ‘07, he had a .258 average and was bored.  This year, he has a .215 average.  He’s a classless bum so get rid of him.  The team chemistry should improve a little bit from this.  I’m sure there’s more problems, but this is a good start.  Thanks Willie for benching Delgado tonight.  There are much bigger problems than Willie.  Omar believes that he has championship talent so he is the first person that needs to wake up and smell the coffee.  Once he realizes how wrong he is in his assessment, he will have to get rid of the bums and bring in championship talent.  Even if these players have the physical talent, they don’t have the mental talent.  Take Reyes for example.  He has been great until Willie benched him.  Once there was adversity, he has sucked.  Down the stretch in ‘07, he sucked.  Now that the Mets are supposed to win, Reyes sucks and the Mets are playing .500 ball.  Reyes was able to succeed without pressure.  After the collapse, my question was whether or not Reyes was injured or childish.  I was upset with the Mets for not stating what the problem was until Spring Training.  I thought Reyes should’ve been dealt to the Twins if he was being childish, but not if he was injured.  In Spring Training, we found out that he was being a baby and he’s still on the Mets.  Omar needs to take a better look at this team, and there are so many more issues.

 Mets reliving a bit of history - Marty Noble compared the ‘08 Mets to the ‘04 Mets.

Mets held at bay by first-place Marlins - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Heilman locating pitches better of late - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Pedro to make return on June 3

Randolph to remain manager of Mets

Church to see a neurologist - Marty Noble reported that Ryan Church, “is to be examined by a neurologist.”  Also, Marlon Anderson was, ”assigned to the disabled list because of a strain of his left hamstring.”

Tigers and Mets have common ground - Fred Claire believes that the Mets and the Tigers are struggling despite big offseason moves.

Newsday:

In the end, this town could make Willie toast

Same old ending as Marlins top Mets, 7-3 - Arthur Staple also summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

Randolph still Mets manager after meeting

Beltran on manager situation: It’s a distraction - Carlos Beltran had this to say about Willie’s status:

I think they should say that and come out with something like that. Because it is a distraction. The reality is people say, ‘No, that doesn’t affect the ballclub,’ but it does. It does because you come to the ballpark wondering what’s going to happen. It’s natural as players, we all think like that.

At one point, I was in that situation when they were talking every day about me being traded when I was in Kansas City. To me, it was thinking it might be today. Tomorrow might be the day. It’s not fun coming wondering like that every day to the ballpark.

Randolph saga is field day for media - I bet it is.  It’s been so overdone.  I was bored of the story after the first two days.

Lightning kills former Mets pitcher Gonzalez - The AP reported that “Former Mets pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was killed by a lightning strike in his native Venezuela on Sunday. He was 33.”  I’ve never actually knew anybody that was killed by lightning.  That is an awful story.  Die Hard Mets Fan sends our prayers to Geremi Gonzalez.

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on May 27 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Embattled Mets manager Willie Randolph has brass’ support - for now

Fielding gaffes fail to boost Willie Randolph and doom Mets vs. Marlins - Peter Botte wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Willie Randolph survives to manage the Mets another day

One meeting can’t clean up the Mets

Met players: It’s on us and not Willie Randolph

Thank Aaron Heilman for preventing blowout vs. Marlins

Ryan Church service still on hold

Lightning kills ex-Met riding boat

New York Post:

THERE’S A WILL, BUT NOT A WAY

DON’T BLAME WILLIE

THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB ON A TEAM OF GOATS

PELFREY’S PUZZLED BY POOR START

BLAME FOR THIS MESS GOES BEYOND DUGOUT

JOSE’S HOT BAT CAN’T START FIRE

WILLIE’S REPRIEVE

PLAYERS: BLAME SHOULD FALL ON US

WILLIE RANDOLPH KEEPS HIS JOB

TRADING PLACES - Dan Tomasino pointed out that, “The first-place team in the NL East will play at Shea Stadium tonight, but it’s not the hometown Mets.”

New York Times:

Randolph Is Still Mets’ Manager

No Good News for Randolph as Mets Lose Again - Joe LaPointe summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 50: Marlins at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wise placed on DL - Jeremy Cothran reported that, “Matt Wise was placed on the 15-day disabled list with weakness in his throwing (right) shoulder. To fill the void in the bullpen, the Mets called up RHP Carlos Muniz from Triple-A New Orleans.”

Somebody has to go, but it’s not Willie

Players speak volumes by staying silent

Reyes continues puzzling season

Willie will, for now

It’s all about the manager right now

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I really believed that the Amazin’s were going to win 5 straight to offset the 5 game losing streak.  That is the first time this month that the Mets didn’t follow that trend, and it’s pretty late in the month.  So the Mets lost again, and Willie’s big meeting with the Wilpon’s is tomorrow.  During the past ten days, the local press and sports radio stations like The Fan have made this a gigantic story.  I was bored of it last weekend, and it’s not over yet.  Let’s see what happens to Willie tomorrow and in the upcoming weeks.

 Long ball tops Maine, Mets in Denver - Owen Perkins summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Church improving but still woozy

Pedro champing at the bit to return - Owen Perkins lets us know the latest on Pedro Martinez, “Pedro Martinez was scheduled to throw a bullpen session in the Dominican Republic on Sunday and is expected to return to Florida on Monday.”

Minaya sees calmer waters for Mets - Omar Minaya was quoted as saying, “We understand there’s other drama around the team, but we’ve got to win games. I think [the drama] is over. Once Willie apologized, that’s it, move forward.”

Evans, Vargas give Mets a boost in win - Owen Perkins summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Tatis’ hard work paying off with Mets - Owen Perkins wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Delgado homers past Dawson - Carlos Delgado passed Andre Dawson for sole possession of 35th on the all-time list with 439 home runs.

Anderson latest Mets outfielder to sit - Owen Perkins reported that Marlon Anderson is listed as day-to-day.

Newsday:

On hot seat, Mets’ Willie becomes Good Humor man - David Lennon wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Evans’ three-double debut leads Mets

LETS RANT

One watcher’s ride on Mets history by the numbers

Surprise starts: Which teams will stay hot, cold

New York Daily News:

Slumping Mets can’t solve Rockies’ patchwork lineup - The AP summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Ax Willie Randolph? Omar Minaya deserves share of blame

Win some games, Willie Randolph

The Willie Randolph I know well

Willie Randolph tries to stay upbeat as meeting looms

Pedro Martinez is ready, Mets aren’t

Called-up Nick Evans makes mark on the double

Gary Carter just Kidding, now backs Willie Randolph - What’s wrong with The Kid?

New York Post:

BACK TO SLEEP - Bart Hubbuch wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

‘KISS OF DEATH’

RANDOLPH WINS A REPRIEVE - FOR NOW

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 18

METS’ YOUNGSTER IS ‘DOUBLE’ THE TROUBLE IN MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT

VARGAS MAKES PITCH TO STAY

WILLIE RESIGNED TO FINAL CUT

New York Times:

Mets Loss to Rockies Adds Pressure on Randolph - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Rockies 4, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran put together a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Maine no-hitter finished

Game 48: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Finally, all goes right for Mets

Rookie arrives double time

Willie prepared for talk

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For one day, the Mets were clicking on all cylindars.  It must be that Rocky Mountain air.  They scored 5 runs in the first inning and kept tacking on insurance runs.  Vargas was pretty solid today.  He only allowed 2 runs in 6 innings.  And what a great Evans had in his Mets debut.  Perhaps the Mets will be able to win this series before coming home.  I would love to see that.

 Evans makes his mark right away - Nick Evans made a name for himself in his MLB debut today so Owen Perkins lets us know all about that.

Randolph keeping eye on the ball

Mets’ skid stretched to five at Coors - Owen Perkins summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Mets turn to Vargas on short rest - Owen Perkins put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Minaya reiterates support for Randolph - Here’s part of what Omar Minaya stated about Willie Randolph.  Check out the article to find out more.

Willie Randolph is our manager. He has my support. He has our ownership’s support. I am here to support Willie. I’m here to let him know my support, to encourage him and to let him know we believe he can get this team on track. Willie’s totally dedicated to doing that, and I believe he can do that.

The team’s not playing well, and sometimes as the general manager, you have to see how the team is playing. This is one of those situations that you always leave open the ability to visit the team and see the team. We had a good [series] last weekend with the Yankees, but the fact that we didn’t play well — we played some good games, but the bottom line is we lost in Atlanta — and I felt it was important for me as the general manager to be with the team now, especially finishing off the road trip.

When we get back to New York, we’ll sit down and talk and look each other in the eye. Sit down in a room and have Willie have a little bit of a conversation with the ownership and myself and tell us why he felt those things were said.

Mets, Randolph focused on playing ball

Anderson exits with pulled hammy - Owen Perkins lets us know that Marlon Anderson left last night’s game because he suffered a strained left hamstring.

Woozy Church out of starting lineup - Owen Perkins pointed out that Ryan Church sat out for the third straight game after suffering from a mild concussion.

Newsday:

Minaya gives Randolph vote of confidence

Church still dizzy from apparent concussion

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on May 23 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - The AP wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Gary Carter would love to take Shea reins as Mets manager - Adam Rubin found out what Gary Carter said about managing the Mets when asked by “The Mike and Murray Show” on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Mets lose in 13 innings to Rockies, drop fifth straight - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Pedro Martinez wants to pitch - Pedro Martinez said, “My dad told me he wants to see me pitch again”

Ryan Church Bering head woes

New York Post:

RANDOLPH’S ON A ROCKY ROAD

PATH TO REDEMPTION STILL OPEN TO WILLIE

NO HOLLIDAY FOR AMAZIN’S IN COLORADO

MARTINEZ’S DL RETURN DELAYED BY TRIP TO D.R.

New York Times:

Mets Win and Change the Subject for a Day - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

After Minaya Supports Randolph, Mets Lose in 13 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Wright Wants Mets to Take Losses Personally

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Mets 9, Rockies 2 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary about today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Game 47: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Closing up shop (finally) in Denver

Church a scratch, dizzy after flight

Who’s in line for Willie’s job?

Omar offers Randolph a vote of confidence

Mets reportedly call up Nick Evans

Omar: We’re going to support Willie

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After a four-game skid, the Mets have to figure out how to turn it around.  Once the losing streak ends, I do believe that they will go on and win exactly that amount of games because that’s trend that they’ve set in May.  Hopefully, the Mets can smack the ball all over Coors Field.  In appearance, Coors Field looks exactly like Citizens Bank Park (except it is purple instead of red) so maybe the Mets will have success just like they did in Philly.  Perhaps being a mile high and some thin air might do them right.  Omar changed his plans for the weekend to go and be with his team.  Hmmm…

 Mets visit Rockies on FOX Saturday

Mets undone by Braves’ late rally - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Steadier footing sought by Mets - Ryan Lavner put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Randolph weighs in on instant replay - Willie Randolph had this to say about intant replay in MLB, “If they’re going to do something maybe on those controversial home run calls, I can see maybe doing something.”

Retirement not entering Pedro’s plans - Pedro Martinez was quoted as saying, “I feel great physically, and for the record, I haven’t considered retirement. Retirement would only take place if my arm is badly hurt and if I have to face surgery or something near that nature.”

Strained calf lands Alou on 15-day DL - Ryan Lavner reported that the Mets placed Moises Alou on the 15-day DL.  I was hoping that wouldn’t happen.

Newsday:

Braves beat Mets, 4-2, earn four-game sweep - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Braves game.

Wilpons put Mets manager Randolph on hold - Willie attempted to call the Wilpons, and stated, “I reached out to both of them, and when I spoke to Omar [Minaya] after that, he said that they got my call and they’d get back to me. But I don’t read into anything.”

Mets usually try to tune out criticism

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on May 23 of a year in the past.

Baseball working on replay plan for home run calls

New York Daily News:

Mets swept by Braves in Atlanta, Willie Randolph’s job in jeopardy - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Braves game.

SNY voices’ silence on Willie Randolph speaks volumes

David Wright: I didn’t rip my mates - Adam Rubin reponded to David Wright’s post game comments that he made on Wednesday night.

Pedro Martinez has toss time, visits ailing father in Santo Domingo

Moises Alou back on DL as Mets scramble for outfielders

New York Post:

SWEEP-WALKING - Bart Hubbuch summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

UNCONFIDENCE GAME - Bart Hubbuch stated that the Mets owners’ silence may spell doom for Randolph.

MOISES BACK ON THE DL

PEDRO: ‘I HAVEN’T CONSIDERED RETIREMENT’

SILENCE FROM OWNERS DOESN’T WORRY WILLIE

New York Times:

Ace Can’t Stop Mets From Loss, Fourth of Its Kind - Ray Glier summarized last night’s Mets-Braves game.

Alou’s Calf Injury Adds to Randolph’s Troubles

The Star-Ledger:

Omar en route - Jeremy Cothran pointed out that Omar Minaya is on his way to Colorado.

Santana can’t save Mets

Alou on disabled list again

Final: Braves 4, Mets 2 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for  last night’s Mets-Braves game.

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A statement from Mike Piazza, via his agency:

After 19 wonderful years, I have come to the decision to officially retire from Major League Baseball. At this point in my career and after discussing my options with my wife, family and agent, I felt it is time to start a new chapter in my life. It has been an amazing journey and everything I have, I owe to God, for without His help, none of this would be possible. He blessed me with the ability to play the greatest game in the world and it has been a dream come true.

In June of this year, it will be 20 years ago when the Los Angeles Dodgers organization selected me in the 62nd round of the amateur draft and I’m sure neither of us saw this coming.I would like to start off by thanking Peter O’Malley and the Dodger organization for giving me the opportunity 20 years ago…you gave me birth to a life that never in my wildest dreams did I think was possible.

I’d like to thank Fred Wilpon, Nelson Doubleday and the New York Mets organization for giving me an opportunity to fulfill yet another dream, playing in a World Series. Steve Phillips, for not just bringing me to New York, but for having the confidence and vision to keep me in a Met uniform long-term. Within the eight years I spent in New York, I was able to take a different look at the game of baseball…I wasn’t just a young kid that was wet behind the ears anymore - I was learning from other veteran guys like Johnny Franco, who taught me how to deal with the pressures of playing in New York and Al Leiter who knew what it took to win a World Championship. That knowledge is what helped me play for as long as I have and enjoy the career that I had. I’d like to thank New York Mets clubhouse manager, Charlie Samuels for always being on the same page and one step ahead of me.

Kevin Towers and Mr. Wolff are two gentlemen that I wish to thank for allowing me to keep the sun from setting just a little while longer. To all of my teammates with whom I shared the field of battle, thanks for the countless memories.

To the managers along the way that brought out the best in me - Tommy Lasorda, Bobby Valentine, Art Howe…and in limited time together, Jim Leyland, Willie Randolph, Bruce Bochy and Bob Geren - it was a pleasure playing for all of you. I’d also like to thank all of the major and minor league staffs that played a part in the development of my career - I couldn’t have done it without all of you.

To the media - I thank you for the overall fairness of your reporting throughout my career, although erroneous at times, I think we had a pretty good relationship over the years and some of you I’ll never forget.

I’d like to thank my agent, Dan Lozano and everyone else behind the scenes at the Beverly Hills Sports Council for taking care of me my entire career. Danny is like a brother to me and without his guidance and patience, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

To my family who I love so much…mom and dad, you always believed in me, sometimes more than I believed in myself…you were always there with love and support. To my brothers, for always being in my corner, no matter what. Being able to share the joys of being a big leaguer with you guys over all of these years made my career, our career…and I don’t think it would have been the same any other way.

My beautiful wife Alicia. These last few years were as new for you as they were for me. Through the different cities and the birth of our amazing daughter, Nicoletta, I am eternally grateful to have you by my side. The thought of what the future has in store for us, brings a smile to my face because I can’t wait to start the newest chapter of both our lives, together. You truly are an angel and I am blessed to have you as my wife. I love you.

Last but certainly not least, I can’t say goodbye without thanking the fans. I can’t recall a time in my career where I didn’t feel embraced by all of you. Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland and Miami - whether it was at home or on the road, you were all so supportive over the years. But I have to say that my time with the Mets wouldn’t have been the same without the greatest fans in the world. One of the hardest moments of my career, was walking off the field at Shea Stadium and saying goodbye. My relationship with you made my time in New York the happiest of my career and for that, I will always be grateful.

So today, I walk away with no regrets. I knew this day was coming and over the last two years, I started to make my peace with it. For 19 years, I gave it my all and left everything on the field.

God bless and thanks for a wonderful ride.

Die Hard Mets Fan would like that thank Mike Piazza for coming to New York and making the Mets matter again after a long drought of really bad baseball.  We got to witness hundreds of wonderful moments, Playoff runs, and a trip to the World Series.  The one thing I’ve always wished Piazza did was punch Clemens in the damn face when he threw the bat at him.  Other than that, he had a great career and was one of the best hitters that I’ve ever seen.  Wright kind of reminds me of Piazza, but the numbers aren’t as good (Wright came up through the system though).  We would like to wish No. 31 a very successful future, and we hope to see him soon at Shea Stadium/Citi Field.    

 Glavine haunts Mets in opener - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Randolph explains comments

Piazza retires after 16 seasons - Tom Singer reported that Mike Piazza officially announced his retirement today.

Pedro talks of early retirement

Jackson, Teufel represent Mets at Draft

Martinez could be back next week - Marty Noble informed us of Pedro Martinez’s progress and when he is expected to return.

Glavine faces Mets for first time since ‘02

Mets ink Nunez to Minor League deal - Marty Noble reported that the Mets signed Abraham Nunez yesterday to a Minor League contract and assigned him to their Triple-A New Orleans affiliate.

Newsday:

Are Mets busting loose or just teasing us again?

Willie on the hot seat — again (with updates)

Mets, Yankees records are right on numbers - After 1/4 through the season, Ken Davidoff tells us if the Mets and the Yankees are on track or not.

Mets’ Randolph not laid back about being passive

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on May 20 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Tom Glavine pitches Braves past Mets - The AP summarized today’s Mets-Braves game.

Mike Piazza retires from baseball

Pedro Martinez mulls retirement at end of season to tend to ailing father

After Subway Series, Mets’ express Atlanta-bound

New York Post:

SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT

PEDRO CLOSER

GLAV GOES FACE-TO-FACE WITH EX-MATES

VARGAS GRATEFUL FOR NEW START

New York Times:

Glavine Overcomes Shaky Start to Lead Braves

Piazza Retires After 16 Seasons

Who Are These Guys? Mets’ Identity Is in Flux

The Star-Ledger:

So, about this Glavine cat…

Game 43: Mets at Braves

Statement from Fred Wilpon on Mike Piazza

Final: Braves 6, Mets 1

Piazza retires

Wow, Glavine’s terrible fantastic

Game 42: Mets at Braves - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Braves game.

Mets think bats are on track after Subway Series

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The Mets have to opportunity to go into the Bronx and sweep the Yankees tonight.  Even though it’s just interleague play, the Amazin’s do need to win some games to improve upon their less than stellar record.  We all know how great Wang has been during the regular season of the past two seasons, but maybe Oli can keep our boys from Queens in the game tonight.  Or maybe the Mets can figure out how to get Wang out of the game as fast as possible so they can get to the bullpen.  After the Mets sweep the Yankees, the Mets travel to Atlanta tomorrow and play a four-game series with the Braves.  It begins with a day/night double header on Tuesday.

 Mets’ winter prize pays early dividends - Mike Bauman likes what he’s seen from Johan Santana so far in 2008.

Randolph confident in Reyes’ focus - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Mets’ win not without crisp defense - Marty Noble explained how well the Mets played defense in yesterday’s game against the Yankees.

Close call won’t linger for Easley - Marty Noble captured Damion Easley’s thoughts on striking out with the bases loaded in the fourth inning in yesterday’s game against the Yankees.

Cathedral doesn’t disappoint Alou - Marty Noble found out what Moises Alou thought about playing in Yankee Stadium for the first time in his long career.

Newsday:

Pitching matchup: Tonight’s game

Santana hardly dominant but stops Mets’ bleeding

Pettitte glides along until fourth inning - Kat O’Brien walks us through the fourth inning of yesterday’s Mets-Yankees game.

Reyes enjoys big day against Yankees

Church to Castillo to Schneider makes Omar proud

Mlicki still a fan favorite in Subway Series - Jim Baumbach found out what Dave Mlicki thinks about that memorable shutout he pitched in the first-ever Mets-Yankees regular-season game in 1997.

Mets win with fire and passion for Randolph

Wagner sounds off with a save

New York Daily News:

Victory takes a strong Will

Johan Santana wins battle of lefties as Mets beat Yankees in opener - Mark Feinsand wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s Mets-Yankees game.

Billy Wagner pitches like he talks

Billy Wagner douses the fire

Jose Reyes’ power returns - I don’t know if I would call ‘power’ a home run over the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but his production is more than welcomed.

Ryan Church answers his critics with solid numbers for Mets

Mets’ arms wake up in Subway Series opener on Saturday

Billy Wagner, following in long line, makes his talkie gig a must-listen - Bob Raissman discusses athletes who do weekly spots on local radio shows.

Nelson Figueroa’s statements show it’s A-OK to go gender bashing

New York Post:

MET LOAF ALWAYS ON MENU - Phil Mushnick wrote another article about nothing.  It’s either that or complaining about something.

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Ryan Church.

BIG CY OF RELIEF

HAUNTED HOUSES - Mike Vaccaro explained why, “Tough-guy, no-nonsense managers from the past such as Billy Martin and Gil Hodges wouldn’t necessarily fare so well in today’s baseball.”

BILLY CLOSES OUT YANKS, COMMENT CONTROVERSY

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 19

REYES BESTS JETER

WILLIE OR WON’T HE? - Joel Sherman stated that, ”Mets’ management is still waiting for Willie Randolph to improve the energy and effort seen daily from a club that has been underachieving far too long.”

New York Times:

In His Former Home, a Spirited Randolph

Sealing Victory, Wagner Is Happy to Talk About It

The Star-Ledger:

Another Raindy Day in the Bronx

Desperate houseguests - Lisa Kennelly explains why both the Mets and the Yankees needed the victory yesterday, and then Kennelly offered her thoughts on how it played out.

Wagner lets his arm talk

Hitters heat up with big homers

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The Metropolitans and the Yankees duked it out this afternoon, and the Mets won the first battle of the ’08 Subway Series.  A mini-sweep in the Bronx will delay having to listen to annoying Yankees fans for another month when they go head-to-head in June.

 Efficient Johan lifts Mets over Yanks - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Speed drives Castillo’s move to ninth - Anthony DiComo lets us know why Luis Castillo batted ninth in the order today.

Mets clear the air before rainout - Marty Noble wrote about the meeting that the Mets held which was about Billy Wagner’s comments and the team’s struggles.

After rainout, Santana raring to go - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Subway opener postponed by rain

Randolph plays it cool before opener - Marty Noble stated that Willie Randolph keeps calm amid questions about the Mets’ performance.

Subway Series takes different form - Mike Bauman pointed out that the New York powerhouses hope to turn around their recent struggles.

Mets, Yanks join charity wine effort - Anthony DiComo says that Brian Schneider, Bobby Abreu, and Jorge Posada are working together for a good cause.

Newsday:

Santana, Mets defeat Yankees, 7-4 - Mark Herrmann also summarized today’s Mets-Yanks game.

Randolph’s fate is on the clock … calendar

Wagner apologizes to Delgado; Mets clear the air

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday tells us what happened on May 17th at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium of another year.

Randolph ‘joking’ about his head being on block

Wagner: Don’t compare me with Lo Duca

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana wins battle of lefties as Mets beat Yankees in opener - Mark Feinsand wrote up a game summary for today’s Mets-Yankees game.

Players can get Willie Randolph in clear

Billy Wagner pitch is an apology

It’s Johan Santana vs. Andy Pettitte as rains set lefty duel

Omar Minaya showing support for Willie Randolph, for now

Pedro Martinez’s next simulated game to be on Monday - Roger Rubin wrote that, “Pedro Martinez will take the next step in his rehab from a strained left hamstring on Monday when he throws a simulated game at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie. “

Mets and Yankees postponed by rain, won’t be made up this weekend

Joe Girardi, Willie Randolph asked to serve as All-Star Game coaches

New York Post:

SANTANA PITCHES METS TO 7-4 VICTORY OVER YANKEES - George A. King III summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

OMAR GIVES WILLIE VOTE OF ‘SUPPORT’

MAKEUP LIKELY PART OF 2-PARK TWINBILL

TIME REFLECT ON A LONG SEASON

QUICK RAINOUT PLEASES JOHAN

TEMPESTS PUMMEL SINKIN’ SHIPS

BRONX BACKING - Mark Hale pointed out that the Yankees’ came to Willie’s support.

METS-YANKEES RAINED OUT

RANDOLPH FIRES BACK AT FIRING TALK

New York Times:

In the Bronx, Santana Shows What Could Have Been - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Mets-Yankees game.

A Meeting, an Apology and Support for Randolph

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Mets 7, Yankees 4 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Delgado struggling

Game 40: Mets at Yankees - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Yankees game.

Mets’ team meeting clears air

Mets’ search lands Wright man for job - Dan Graziano makes his case on why David Wright should be the captain of the Mets.

Game Postponed Until June

Game Called - No Further Update

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The 2008 Subway Series will begin tonight, if it stops raining.  And man is it raining.  Tonight’s game will probably get postponed.  If you’ve followed what I’ve written then you’d know that I think the Subway Series is overhyped Interleague play.  I’m not a fan of Interleague games at all.  It wouldn’t bother me if they eliminated it from the schedule.  If they did it at all, I think that it would be better if they did it like the NFL where each NL division plays a specific AL division per year and then it alternates annually.  That way, each division plays the same opponents.  For instance, if the NL East played the AL East in 2008, then if the NL East played AL Central in 2009, and so on.  It seems like the Interleague play goes on forever.  Or is it that the MLB season goes on forever?  I don’t know.  And then there is the difference in rules which is the dumbest thing in sports.  That doesn’t happen in the NFL, NBA, or the NHL.  The difference in rules is buch league.  Anyway, here’s the probable pitching matchups for the weekend:

• 04/16/2008 - Johan Santana (4-2) - Darrell Rasner (2-0)
• 04/17/2008 - Oliver Perez (3-3) - Andy Pettitte (3-4)
• 04/18/2008 - John Maine (5-2) - Chien-Ming Wang (6-1)

 Randolph tabbed as NL All-Star coach - Tom Singer reported that these coaches will join Colorado manager Clint Hurdle as the coaches of the 2008 NL All-Star coaching staff: In addition to Willie Randolph and Black, Hurdle will be assisted in All-Star duties by his own Rockies coaching staff — pitching coach Bob Apodaca, hitting coach Alan Cockrell, third base/infield coach Mike Gallego, first base coach Glenallen Hill, bullpen coach Rick Mathews and bench coach Jamie Quirk.

Alou eager to play at Yankee Stadium - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Newsday:

Starting today, Mets’ Randolph in line of fire - Jim Baumbach believes that Willie Randolph is in danger of losing his job.

Wagner rips teammates after Mets loss - Mark Herrmann found out what Billy Wagner said after yesterday’s loss to the Nationals, “Somebody tell me why the — the closer is being interviewed and I didn’t even play. Why are they over there and not being interviewed? Oh, I’ve got it. They’re gone. — shocker.”  Wagner was pissed because his teammates weren’t around after the game to deal with the press.

Yankees, Mets stumble into Subway Series

SNY’s Cohen gets to call Mets game from upper deck - Neil Best pointed out that the SNY team called yesterday’s game from the upper deck at Shea Stadium.

Nationals’ Harris has knack for robbing Mets

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday tells us what took place on May 16th of a year in the past at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium.