Post Game Quotes: Mets Beat Marlins in Jose Reyes' Return
As Jose Reyes returns to New York in front of an enthusiastic crowd of seventeen people (at least it seemed that way even to us loyal Met fans), the Mets continued to show why 2012 will be different. Coming off an awful doubleheader sweep and Bay and Pelfrey heading to DL, Mets needed a win in the worst way. Facing nemesis Josh Johnson and the return of Reyes would have spelled disaster in the past. Instead, Mets won on great pitching from Johan, Rausch and Francisco. On top of that they had some good defense and a clutch hit from Duda. All good stuff that I have not seen in recent years. You have to remain hopeful and enthusiastic about the 2012 New York Mets
Here are some post game Mets/Marlins quotes:
"I play for another team now. As I said, no hard feelings to no one."
--Jose Reyes, on coming back to Citi Field
"I've never seen anyone in the game bring that enthusiasm to the game. If I had to pay to watch someone play, I'd pay to watch this kid."
--Ozzie Guillen, on Jose Reyes
"That's what your big pitcher does. They stop stuff. They stop losing streaks."
--Terry Collins, on the great pitching of Johan Santana
"I think we had the right plan. It didn't work. They just couldn't throw strikes."
--Ozzie Guillen, on four Marlins pitchers walking four consecutive Met batters
"The way he plays the game, the decision is simple because he plays the game hard, but I don't have that decision. You have to take it up with the owner of the New York Mets."
--Jose Reyes, asked if the Mets should sign David Wright to a long term contract
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Johan's Worst Career Start: Mets Post Game Quotes
Only solace for me in yesterday's loss to Atlanta was that I was unable to see the game. Apparently, there was little to be excited about---bad defense combined with the worst start of Johan's career is never a good mix. This is one of those games where you tip your cap to the Braves and move on. It's not one of 16, it's one of 162. I've run out of cliches.. Here are some post game quotes from Game 11 of the New York Mets season (one we hope to forget quickly)
Post Game Quotes of Mets/Braves Game
1) "Nobody goes through the whole year without having a rough outing some time."
--Terry Collins, on Johan's Santana start
2) "The offense in the first and second inning was a bunch of get-him-over; get him-in's--with a huge at bat by Freddie mixed in."
--Matt Diaz, on the six runs scored by Braves in first two innings including Freddie Freeman's eleven pitch double
3) "He fell behind in the count. That's not him; probably something he hasn't experience before."
--Terry Collins, on Santana
4) "I would say we were probably a little more anxious on opening day then we were today and we chased."
--Matt Diaz, comparing how the Braves were shut down by Santana on Opening Day versus yesterday's game
5) "They made me throw a lot of pitches and even though I felt good, that's one of those days things didn't work out the way I wanted."
--Johan Santana
Post Game Quotes of Mets/Braves Game
1) "Nobody goes through the whole year without having a rough outing some time."
--Terry Collins, on Johan's Santana start
2) "The offense in the first and second inning was a bunch of get-him-over; get him-in's--with a huge at bat by Freddie mixed in."
--Matt Diaz, on the six runs scored by Braves in first two innings including Freddie Freeman's eleven pitch double
3) "He fell behind in the count. That's not him; probably something he hasn't experience before."
--Terry Collins, on Santana
4) "I would say we were probably a little more anxious on opening day then we were today and we chased."
--Matt Diaz, comparing how the Braves were shut down by Santana on Opening Day versus yesterday's game
5) "They made me throw a lot of pitches and even though I felt good, that's one of those days things didn't work out the way I wanted."
--Johan Santana
Monday, April 16, 2012
Mets Beat Braves 6-1: Post Game Quotes
The Mets did it again with an all-around great effort. I missed the game, but it sounds like they won it in the same way they've been winning all their games. Great starting pitching--this time from Dillon Gee. A timely home run--this time from Ike Davis (and Jason Bay hit one out as well) and a clutch defensive play---in this case it was Jason Bay robbing Jack Wilson of extra bases.
To celebrate the Mets 7th victory of the season--here are some quotes about the game..
1) "They're starting to realize what it takes to win at the major league level. That's always a scary thing when you're the opponent."
--Chipper Jones, on the emergence of the Mets
2) "I know it was the right decision. He just left a breaking ball over the plate and he hit it out. That was the name of the ball game."
--Fredi Gonzalez, on the decision to intentionally walk David Wright to face Ike Davis who hit a three run home run off Tommy Hansen
3) "Early in the year can be deceptive. When you start playing them for the second time, you really find out where you stand."
--Terry Collins, on not trying to get to excited about the Mets early season record
4) I never once thought that they'd be a pushover or anything like that and they haven't been."
--Dan Uggla, on the Mets early season record
5) "You've got five teams that can go out and beat anybody else's starter on any given night."
--Chipper Jones, on the NL East
To celebrate the Mets 7th victory of the season--here are some quotes about the game..
1) "They're starting to realize what it takes to win at the major league level. That's always a scary thing when you're the opponent."
--Chipper Jones, on the emergence of the Mets
2) "I know it was the right decision. He just left a breaking ball over the plate and he hit it out. That was the name of the ball game."
--Fredi Gonzalez, on the decision to intentionally walk David Wright to face Ike Davis who hit a three run home run off Tommy Hansen
3) "Early in the year can be deceptive. When you start playing them for the second time, you really find out where you stand."
--Terry Collins, on not trying to get to excited about the Mets early season record
4) I never once thought that they'd be a pushover or anything like that and they haven't been."
--Dan Uggla, on the Mets early season record
5) "You've got five teams that can go out and beat anybody else's starter on any given night."
--Chipper Jones, on the NL East
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Answers
Earlier this week, we had a Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz. Tonight we have the trivia quiz answers for Cleon Jones. How well do you know this Met all-time great?
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Answers
1) Cleon made the final catch of the 1969 World Series off of future Met World Series winning manager, Davey Johnson
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the voting for National League rookie of the year. The winner was Reds Second Baseman, Tommy Helms
3) In 1969, Cleon was third in the National League in batting.
4) The all-time non-Hall of Famer great who won the batting title in 1969 was Pete Rose. Roberto Clemente was second.
5) In the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, the Oriole pitcher was Dave McNally.
6) Cleon played all but thirteen games of his career with the Mets. He was released in 1975 and he was briefly picked up by the Chicago White Sox
7) Cleon's .340 average in 1969 was the highest in Mets history until broken in 1998 by John Olerud who hit an incredible .354 (that guy never gets enough credit for his career)
8) Cleon finished seventh in the National League voting for MVP that year. The two Mets who finished ahead of him were Tom Seaver who finished second and Tommie Agee who finished sixth.
9) The slugger who was the National League MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 120 rbi's and 45 home runs was Willie McCovey
10) In 1969 Cleon's twelve home runs tied him with Donn Clendenon for third on the team. Art Shamsky was second with fourteen and the top home run hitter on the Mets that year was Tommie Agee with 26.
Hope you enjoyed the Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Challenge.
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Answers
1) Cleon made the final catch of the 1969 World Series off of future Met World Series winning manager, Davey Johnson
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the voting for National League rookie of the year. The winner was Reds Second Baseman, Tommy Helms
3) In 1969, Cleon was third in the National League in batting.
4) The all-time non-Hall of Famer great who won the batting title in 1969 was Pete Rose. Roberto Clemente was second.
5) In the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, the Oriole pitcher was Dave McNally.
6) Cleon played all but thirteen games of his career with the Mets. He was released in 1975 and he was briefly picked up by the Chicago White Sox
7) Cleon's .340 average in 1969 was the highest in Mets history until broken in 1998 by John Olerud who hit an incredible .354 (that guy never gets enough credit for his career)
8) Cleon finished seventh in the National League voting for MVP that year. The two Mets who finished ahead of him were Tom Seaver who finished second and Tommie Agee who finished sixth.
9) The slugger who was the National League MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 120 rbi's and 45 home runs was Willie McCovey
10) In 1969 Cleon's twelve home runs tied him with Donn Clendenon for third on the team. Art Shamsky was second with fourteen and the top home run hitter on the Mets that year was Tommie Agee with 26.
Hope you enjoyed the Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Challenge.
David Wright's 3 Hits Leads Mets Over Phillies---Post Game Quotes
Mets Update: Game 8 of 2012 Season: Just finished watching Met game this morning. Another great win. So much credit to go around especially David Wright's surprising return with three hits, Jonathan Niese's 6 and two thirds of shut out ball, Lucas Duda's Home Run and Double and the most underrated player of the game---Daniel Murphy and his defense. Two excellent plays by Murphy including probably the most important play of the game in catching David Wright's poorly thrown ball and converting it into an out. Great defense by Tejada as well. Check out the post game quotes from the 6-2 Mets.
On another note, I like Gary Cohen, Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez so much as announcers that even though I recorded the game, I didn't fast forward very often(even without Keith). I mean Ron Darling is making David Mamet references. Come on, who else does that?
Top Post Game Mets/Phillies Quotes:
1) David Wright's presence in our lineup means a lot. I knew that last year and I know it no. He gets big hits."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
2) "It's good for the confidence and it's good for the psyche when you go out there and do well your first at bat."
--David Wright, on his first inning home run
3) "It's a small ballpark and with the wind blowing out you really have to focus on keeping the ball down and keeping them off balance. I think we did that."
--Jonathan Niese, on the great pitching of the Mets in yesterday's game
4) "When you see the face of the organization out there and playing with a broken finger, some of those hamstrings may not feel so tight."
--Terry Collins, on how the toughness of David Wright sends a message to the entire team
5) "One of the things I hope everybody reads into this is that this guy is tough. Very tough. He loves to play."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
On another note, I like Gary Cohen, Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez so much as announcers that even though I recorded the game, I didn't fast forward very often(even without Keith). I mean Ron Darling is making David Mamet references. Come on, who else does that?
Top Post Game Mets/Phillies Quotes:
1) David Wright's presence in our lineup means a lot. I knew that last year and I know it no. He gets big hits."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
2) "It's good for the confidence and it's good for the psyche when you go out there and do well your first at bat."
--David Wright, on his first inning home run
3) "It's a small ballpark and with the wind blowing out you really have to focus on keeping the ball down and keeping them off balance. I think we did that."
--Jonathan Niese, on the great pitching of the Mets in yesterday's game
4) "When you see the face of the organization out there and playing with a broken finger, some of those hamstrings may not feel so tight."
--Terry Collins, on how the toughness of David Wright sends a message to the entire team
5) "One of the things I hope everybody reads into this is that this guy is tough. Very tough. He loves to play."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
Saturday, April 14, 2012
R.A. Dickey and Mets Beat Phillies--Post Game Quotes
I am an overly optimistic Met fan even with David Wright going on the DL. Still, a game like last night gives me great hope. The Mets beat one of baseball's best pitchers in Cliff Lee. Bay hits a homer, RA gives up one run, Parnell and Francisco are terrific, Hairston hits a homer, Tejada, Murphy and Thole continue to hit....Good signs even with Murphy's error and Thole's pick off.
Here are some quotes from yesterday's Mets-Phillies Game:
"In my opinion, he out pitched me in a lot of ways. But we were able to make the big pitch tonight."
--R.A.Dickey, on Cliff Lee
"You cannot let good pitchers dominate you. If you get something, you can hit, you better hit it."
--Terry Collins, on his advice to the Mets about being aggressive against Cliff Lee
"The way things have been going I normally would have missed it or taken it."
--Jason Bay, on his home run against Cliff Lee
"Tonight I had a good knuckle ball for a batter and then it would kind of go away."
--R.A. Dickey
"I looked at the umpire and kind of got a weird stare from him. I don't know what I was thinking."
--Josh Thole, on being picked off after thinking that Dickey's bunt went foul
Check out great sports quotes about baseball hall of famers at http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-baseball-hall-of-fame-quotes.html
Here are some quotes from yesterday's Mets-Phillies Game:
"In my opinion, he out pitched me in a lot of ways. But we were able to make the big pitch tonight."
--R.A.Dickey, on Cliff Lee
"You cannot let good pitchers dominate you. If you get something, you can hit, you better hit it."
--Terry Collins, on his advice to the Mets about being aggressive against Cliff Lee
"The way things have been going I normally would have missed it or taken it."
--Jason Bay, on his home run against Cliff Lee
"Tonight I had a good knuckle ball for a batter and then it would kind of go away."
--R.A. Dickey
"I looked at the umpire and kind of got a weird stare from him. I don't know what I was thinking."
--Josh Thole, on being picked off after thinking that Dickey's bunt went foul
Check out great sports quotes about baseball hall of famers at http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-baseball-hall-of-fame-quotes.html
Top Ten List of Baseball Hall of Fame Quotes
Check out the list of the all-time greatest baseball hall of fame quotes including one about a former Met. http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-baseball-hall-of-fame-quotes.html
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Cleon Jones Trivia Challenge
First, we started with Tommie Agee and now we go to his childhood friend and fellow outfielder, Cleon Jones. Jones is one of the Mets all time best players who put together an incredible 1969 season. He will long be remembered by Mets fans. Lets see how good your memory is about Cleon Jones by playing the Cleon Jones trivia challenge. Ten questions with answers tomorrow and remember, no cheating.
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Challenge Questions:
1) Cleon Jones caught the final out of the 1969 World Series. What Oriole who would have future ties to the Mets hit the ball caught by Jones?
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the balloting for National League rookie of the year. What Reds player won the Rookie of the Year Award?
3) In 1969, Cleon finished in the Top Ten in batting average, where did he place?
4) What all-time great but non-Hall of Famer won the 1969 batting title?
5) In Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, there was the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon. Who was pitching for the Orioles at the time?
6) Who picked up Cleon for the final thirteen games of his career after he was released by the Mets?
7) Cleon hit .340 in 1969 which was the all-time highest average for a Met player until it was broken in 1998? Who broke Cleon's record?
8) In 1969, Cleon finished 7th in the voting for the National League MVP. What two other Mets finished in the Top Ten?
9) What slugging future Hall of Famer was the MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 45 home runs and 120 rbi's?
10) Cleon had 12 home runs in 1969 which tied him for third on the Mets with Donn Clendenon. Art Shamsky was second with 14. Who led the Mets in home runs that year?
Answers about Cleon Jones trivia will be featured tomorrow.
Other Met News: Johan against Strasburg today-wish I could watch the game. Only option is to record and not listen to FAN on my way home from work. Incredibly upset about Wright, but Met karma this year is much better than in the past and hopefully it is just a week and not a long term DL visit. Ike had about a bad a first week as you can have and the Mets were still 4-1---hope for the future.
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Challenge Questions:
1) Cleon Jones caught the final out of the 1969 World Series. What Oriole who would have future ties to the Mets hit the ball caught by Jones?
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the balloting for National League rookie of the year. What Reds player won the Rookie of the Year Award?
3) In 1969, Cleon finished in the Top Ten in batting average, where did he place?
4) What all-time great but non-Hall of Famer won the 1969 batting title?
5) In Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, there was the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon. Who was pitching for the Orioles at the time?
6) Who picked up Cleon for the final thirteen games of his career after he was released by the Mets?
7) Cleon hit .340 in 1969 which was the all-time highest average for a Met player until it was broken in 1998? Who broke Cleon's record?
8) In 1969, Cleon finished 7th in the voting for the National League MVP. What two other Mets finished in the Top Ten?
9) What slugging future Hall of Famer was the MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 45 home runs and 120 rbi's?
10) Cleon had 12 home runs in 1969 which tied him for third on the Mets with Donn Clendenon. Art Shamsky was second with 14. Who led the Mets in home runs that year?
Answers about Cleon Jones trivia will be featured tomorrow.
Other Met News: Johan against Strasburg today-wish I could watch the game. Only option is to record and not listen to FAN on my way home from work. Incredibly upset about Wright, but Met karma this year is much better than in the past and hopefully it is just a week and not a long term DL visit. Ike had about a bad a first week as you can have and the Mets were still 4-1---hope for the future.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tommie Agee Met Trivia Contest Answers
How many of you played the Tommie Agee trivia challenge two days ago? Well, it is time to see how well you know the Mets all-time great center fielder, Tommie Agee.
1) Tommie Agee was born in the state of Alabama
2) He made his brief major league debut in 1962 with the Cleveland Indians
3) The prestigious award Tommie Agee won in 1969 was the Comeback Player of the Year Award
4) The White Sox traded Tommie Agee to the Mets for Tommy Davis and Jack Fisher.
5) The other player in the deal for the Mets turned out to be future World Series hero, Al Weiss
6) Tommie Agee went to high school with fellow Met great Cleon Jones. What are the odds that they would be playing in the same major league outfield together?
7) After he retired, Agee operated a bar near Shea Stadium. The name of the bar was 'Outfielder's Lounge
8) The two player Agee made his famous catches off of in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series were Elrod Hendricks and Paul Blair
9) The total number of players left on base after those catches was five.
10) When Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966, the third place finisher would play a major role in future Met teams. This third place finisher was Dave Johnson.
Congratulations for playing the Tommie Agee trivia game.
1) Tommie Agee was born in the state of Alabama
2) He made his brief major league debut in 1962 with the Cleveland Indians
3) The prestigious award Tommie Agee won in 1969 was the Comeback Player of the Year Award
4) The White Sox traded Tommie Agee to the Mets for Tommy Davis and Jack Fisher.
5) The other player in the deal for the Mets turned out to be future World Series hero, Al Weiss
6) Tommie Agee went to high school with fellow Met great Cleon Jones. What are the odds that they would be playing in the same major league outfield together?
7) After he retired, Agee operated a bar near Shea Stadium. The name of the bar was 'Outfielder's Lounge
8) The two player Agee made his famous catches off of in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series were Elrod Hendricks and Paul Blair
9) The total number of players left on base after those catches was five.
10) When Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966, the third place finisher would play a major role in future Met teams. This third place finisher was Dave Johnson.
Congratulations for playing the Tommie Agee trivia game.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Five Great Ruben Tejada Quotes
Great game by Ruben Tejada yesterday. Four for Five--two runs scored, two rbi's. Turned out to be the game winning RBI's. Lets keep this 3-0 going. To celebrate, Tejada's great game, here are five great Ruben Tejada quotes.
1) "He's like 14. He can play the game though."
--Jose Reyes, when the 20 year old Tejada first played for the Mets
2) "Ruben hits just as well 0-2 as he does 2-0. He's very aware of the strike zone."
--Jason Bay, on Tejada
3) "You can put him anywhere on the diamond and the kid is going to adapt...He has a strong enough arm to play anywhere."
--Ike Davis, on the versatility of Tejada
4) "He's a good hitter. You put somebody at the top who swings the bat as well as he does and it kind of puts a lot of pressure on their pitching staff."
--Daniel Murphy, on Tejada hitting lead off
5) "Guys who are going to use the field and be line-drive hitters, and if you make a mistake on them, they can hit a homer."
--Terry Collins, on how Tejada reminds him of players like Omar Infante and Placido Polanco
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1) "He's like 14. He can play the game though."
--Jose Reyes, when the 20 year old Tejada first played for the Mets
2) "Ruben hits just as well 0-2 as he does 2-0. He's very aware of the strike zone."
--Jason Bay, on Tejada
3) "You can put him anywhere on the diamond and the kid is going to adapt...He has a strong enough arm to play anywhere."
--Ike Davis, on the versatility of Tejada
4) "He's a good hitter. You put somebody at the top who swings the bat as well as he does and it kind of puts a lot of pressure on their pitching staff."
--Daniel Murphy, on Tejada hitting lead off
5) "Guys who are going to use the field and be line-drive hitters, and if you make a mistake on them, they can hit a homer."
--Terry Collins, on how Tejada reminds him of players like Omar Infante and Placido Polanco
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Sunday, April 8, 2012
Tommie Agee Met Trivia Contest
Tommie Agee was one of the all-time great Met Center fielders. How well do you know his career? Play Tommie Agee trivia and find out. Answers will be posted tomorrow (no cheating)
Tommie Agee conjures up wonderful memories from my childhood. Much like we all thought growing up in suburban New York that we were the next Walt Frazier, many of us who played center field as kids thought we would be the next Tommie Agee. Unfortunately, my dreams of being the Mets center fielder were dashed by my inability to hit, field or throw. Other than that, I had a real shot.
Tommie Agee Trivia
1) In what state was Tommie Agee born?
2) With what team did he make his major league debut?
3) What prestigious award did he win after the 1969 season?
4) What players did the Met trade to get Agee?
5) What other player was in the deal with Agee who also became one of the 1969 World Series heroes?
6) What other Met went to high school with Agee?
7) What was the name of the bar that Agee operated in Flushing after retiring from baseball?
8) Off what two players did Agee make his incredible catches in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series?
9) How many combined runners were on base when he made those two catches?
10) Tommie Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966. What Oriole who played a major role in the future of the Mets finished third in the balloting that year?
Come back tomorrow and see how you did on the Tommie Agee trivia contest?
Tommie Agee conjures up wonderful memories from my childhood. Much like we all thought growing up in suburban New York that we were the next Walt Frazier, many of us who played center field as kids thought we would be the next Tommie Agee. Unfortunately, my dreams of being the Mets center fielder were dashed by my inability to hit, field or throw. Other than that, I had a real shot.
Tommie Agee Trivia
1) In what state was Tommie Agee born?
2) With what team did he make his major league debut?
3) What prestigious award did he win after the 1969 season?
4) What players did the Met trade to get Agee?
5) What other player was in the deal with Agee who also became one of the 1969 World Series heroes?
6) What other Met went to high school with Agee?
7) What was the name of the bar that Agee operated in Flushing after retiring from baseball?
8) Off what two players did Agee make his incredible catches in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series?
9) How many combined runners were on base when he made those two catches?
10) Tommie Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966. What Oriole who played a major role in the future of the Mets finished third in the balloting that year?
Come back tomorrow and see how you did on the Tommie Agee trivia contest?
Top Lucas Duda Quotes
You gotta believe. I know 2-0 does not mean we break out the champagne, but you couldn't have asked for a better script than yesterday's game. The game had so many highlights, Wright's 9th inning catch and home run, R.A's pitching effort (what he called a 'community win'), great relief pitching, clutch hitting and the two home runs of Lucas Duda.
With that name and that slugger look (6'5", 250 pounds), it is only a question of time before the quiet and unassuming Duda will own New York. Face it, over their fifty years, you can count on the fingers of one hand, the legitimate sluggers that the Mets have had on their roster (topic for another time).
As Met optimists, lets take a deep breath, hope for the best and celebrate the accomplishments of Lucas Duda in quotes.
"He's got the strength to hit it out of anywhere. He's got a chance to be some kind of power hitter."
--Terry Collins, on Lucas Duda
"It's a gorgeous feeling. It's refreshing to know that those line drives that were doubles could go out there."
--Ike Davis, on Lucas Duda's Home run to Center field that would likely have been a double before the dimensions changed
"He is not a burner out there, but he will catch the ball and he'll make some plays you might not think he can and he will do whatever he can to win."
--Mike Gillepsie, UC-Irvine Baseball Coach, on the fielding ability of Lucas Duda
'I'd put him up against anybody in the league as far as power."
--David Wright, on Lucas Duda
"Offensively, the guy is going to be a force."
--Terry Collins
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With that name and that slugger look (6'5", 250 pounds), it is only a question of time before the quiet and unassuming Duda will own New York. Face it, over their fifty years, you can count on the fingers of one hand, the legitimate sluggers that the Mets have had on their roster (topic for another time).
As Met optimists, lets take a deep breath, hope for the best and celebrate the accomplishments of Lucas Duda in quotes.
"He's got the strength to hit it out of anywhere. He's got a chance to be some kind of power hitter."
--Terry Collins, on Lucas Duda
"It's a gorgeous feeling. It's refreshing to know that those line drives that were doubles could go out there."
--Ike Davis, on Lucas Duda's Home run to Center field that would likely have been a double before the dimensions changed
"He is not a burner out there, but he will catch the ball and he'll make some plays you might not think he can and he will do whatever he can to win."
--Mike Gillepsie, UC-Irvine Baseball Coach, on the fielding ability of Lucas Duda
'I'd put him up against anybody in the league as far as power."
--David Wright, on Lucas Duda
"Offensively, the guy is going to be a force."
--Terry Collins
Love sports quotes, then become a fan of sports quotation man at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sports-Quotation-Man/125672394170091
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Kirk Nieuwenhuis New Met Centerfielder
After Andres Torres injury on Opening Day, Kirk Nieuwenhuis was called up from Triple A to take over in center field for the Mets. I feel badly for Torres, as he seems like a really good guy who has overcome a lot, but it should only be a temporary setback.
In the mean times, what do we know about Nieuwenhuis (need some veteran to give him a clever or not so clever nickname like Newbie).
First we know he is a third round pick from 2008. He is a left handed hitter who is known for his hustle on the field.
What the numbers say is he appears to have some pop on his bat. Last year in 188 bats, he hit six home runs. His minor league career, he seemed to be a consistent fifteen to eighteen home run guy. Decent rbi and batting average over his minor league career. Had a .401 on base percentage in Buffalo last year. First year or two he had some decent stolen base numbers also, but not in the last two years. Also, his minor league numbers indicates that he does tend to strikeout a lot. There's something new for the Mets (note the sarcasm).
According to what I read, he is an average fielder with a good arm. His assist numbers seem impressive. In 2010, in a combined 121 games in Binghamton and Buffalo, he had 13 assists.
The downside is his recent injuries. He missed a good part of last year with shoulder surgery and this spring training, he fought off an oblique injury. If he gets hurt, other available Met outfielders available include Don Hahn, Don Bosch and Mike Vail.
Best of luck to Kirk Nieuwenhuis as he joins the first place New York Mets.
Here is a brief glimpse of Nieuwenhuis' arm.
In the mean times, what do we know about Nieuwenhuis (need some veteran to give him a clever or not so clever nickname like Newbie).
First we know he is a third round pick from 2008. He is a left handed hitter who is known for his hustle on the field.
What the numbers say is he appears to have some pop on his bat. Last year in 188 bats, he hit six home runs. His minor league career, he seemed to be a consistent fifteen to eighteen home run guy. Decent rbi and batting average over his minor league career. Had a .401 on base percentage in Buffalo last year. First year or two he had some decent stolen base numbers also, but not in the last two years. Also, his minor league numbers indicates that he does tend to strikeout a lot. There's something new for the Mets (note the sarcasm).
According to what I read, he is an average fielder with a good arm. His assist numbers seem impressive. In 2010, in a combined 121 games in Binghamton and Buffalo, he had 13 assists.
The downside is his recent injuries. He missed a good part of last year with shoulder surgery and this spring training, he fought off an oblique injury. If he gets hurt, other available Met outfielders available include Don Hahn, Don Bosch and Mike Vail.
Best of luck to Kirk Nieuwenhuis as he joins the first place New York Mets.
Here is a brief glimpse of Nieuwenhuis' arm.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Mets Opening Day Trivia Challenge Answers
Yesterday, I posted fourteen New York Met Opening Day Trivia Challenge Questions. Today, the answers are included. Find out if you are a Met expert.
Congratulations to the Mets on their 1-0 start. Outside of Torres injury, nothing but blue skies today led by Santana and host of relievers and clutch hitting of David Wright (Daniel Murphy is a hitting machine).
1) The future Hall of Fame who started at first base for the Mets in 1992 and 1993 was Eddie Murray
2) Today David Wright started for the 8th consecutive year at third base, passing Howard Johnson to become first on the list.
3) The only future Hall of Famer in the Mets Opening Day Lineup in 1962 was center fielder Richie Ashburn.
4) The two Met legends tied with six all-time Opening Day starts at first base are Keith Hernandez and Ed Kranepool
5) The player with the winning hit in the 1998 Opening Day, 1-0 fourteen inning victory of the Mets was Alberto Castillo (actually referenced by Howie Rose in today's game)
6) The future Hall of Fame Opening Day Met starting left fielder in 1999 and 2000 was Rickey Henderson
7) The starting second baseman on Opening Day for the Mets in 2011 was Brad Emaus
8) The Met player who had the most starts in the outfield was Darryl Strawberry with seven
9) The Mets won their first Opening Day in 1970, 8 years after the franchise started. They actually won a World Series before they won an Opening Day game. The winning pitcher in relief was Ron Taylor (Tug McGraw got the save in this eleven inning game)
10) Of course the Met with the most starts was Tom Seaver with 11 (1968-1977 and 1983). Dwight Gooden was second with six
11) Roger Craig started the first Mets game in 1962
12) The player who started the most Opening Day games as catcher for the Mets was Jerry Grote with 9. Mike Piazza had 7 and Todd Hundley had 6.
13) The Met player with the most all-time Opening Day starts is Bud Harrelson with eleven.
14) The 1962 Amazing Mets must not have been a big draw on Opening Day against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium. The attendance for the game was 16,147
Hope you enjoyed the Mets Opening Day trivia challenge. Much more to come.
Congratulations to the Mets on their 1-0 start. Outside of Torres injury, nothing but blue skies today led by Santana and host of relievers and clutch hitting of David Wright (Daniel Murphy is a hitting machine).
1) The future Hall of Fame who started at first base for the Mets in 1992 and 1993 was Eddie Murray
2) Today David Wright started for the 8th consecutive year at third base, passing Howard Johnson to become first on the list.
3) The only future Hall of Famer in the Mets Opening Day Lineup in 1962 was center fielder Richie Ashburn.
4) The two Met legends tied with six all-time Opening Day starts at first base are Keith Hernandez and Ed Kranepool
5) The player with the winning hit in the 1998 Opening Day, 1-0 fourteen inning victory of the Mets was Alberto Castillo (actually referenced by Howie Rose in today's game)
6) The future Hall of Fame Opening Day Met starting left fielder in 1999 and 2000 was Rickey Henderson
7) The starting second baseman on Opening Day for the Mets in 2011 was Brad Emaus
8) The Met player who had the most starts in the outfield was Darryl Strawberry with seven
9) The Mets won their first Opening Day in 1970, 8 years after the franchise started. They actually won a World Series before they won an Opening Day game. The winning pitcher in relief was Ron Taylor (Tug McGraw got the save in this eleven inning game)
10) Of course the Met with the most starts was Tom Seaver with 11 (1968-1977 and 1983). Dwight Gooden was second with six
11) Roger Craig started the first Mets game in 1962
12) The player who started the most Opening Day games as catcher for the Mets was Jerry Grote with 9. Mike Piazza had 7 and Todd Hundley had 6.
13) The Met player with the most all-time Opening Day starts is Bud Harrelson with eleven.
14) The 1962 Amazing Mets must not have been a big draw on Opening Day against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium. The attendance for the game was 16,147
Hope you enjoyed the Mets Opening Day trivia challenge. Much more to come.
Ten Reasons Why the Mets Will Contend in 2012
I have always been an April optimist only to be shot down by May 1st. Not this year. I have much more confidence in the Mets this year than in recent years. Here are ten reasons why the Mets will surprise the baseball world in 2012
1) Terry Collins---Collins proved last year that he handles two things well--young talent and adversity. The Mets were the most injured team in baseball yet they played well for the first three months of the season. If they had a healthy Johan last year and kept Beltran all year (in retrospect, it was a great trade for the Mets), who knows how circumstances would have changed.
2) A Healthy Johan---Pitching wins baseball (at least the 9,547 time you've heard that) You don't lose a player the caliber of Santana and expect those games to somehow be made up by someone else. He had a great spring training and there is no reason to think he won't have a great year.
3) A Somewhat Healthy Ike---Ike seems to be hitting the ball with the same authority as the past. He is the best all-around Met first baseman since John Olerud. His bat and glove will make a big difference this year.
4) Lucas Duda---Are you kidding me? Have you seen this kid hit? He is a beast. He is the Mets best power hitter in years. The combo of him and Ike will become one of the best young one-two punches in baseball.
5) Ruben Tejada and Josh Thole---Again, two more young talented kids who have proven under the pressure of last year that they can put up some good numbers in the big leagues. Tejada will be the next exciting Met infielder. Thole has some defensive issues but he handles the pitching staff very well and has proven he can hit major league pitching.
6) Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco---I always thought that KRod got a bad rap with the Mets, but after the incident from two years ago, things were never the same. I think the Mets will have more consistency in relief this year. They made a good move in signing these guys as their key free agents (of course I will be kicking the TV set the first time one of them blows a game). They are proven major leaguers and if nothing else, they win the team with the tallest player award with the 6'10" Rauch
7) David Wright---Has there ever been a more maligned all-time Met great than David Wright? Sure he strikes out too much (can't tell you how many times I screamed at some of those K's), but he is by far the greatest Met third baseman of all-time. He has a long track record of clutch hitting and he will be protected this year by Duda and Ike. Contract discussions will be moot because he'll want to stay a Met after their early season resurgence.
8) Daniel Murphy/Justin Turner---Murphy is one of those guys who is a professional hitter. Does anyone remember how well he hit last year when he wasn't hurt? The man can flat out get a hit at any time. Sure, there are fielding issues, but he played a decent second base in spring training. He will surprise. Mets also have super sub Justin Turner who showed why he was the Mets best clutch hitter last year.
9) John Niese, R.A. Dickey and Dillon Gee---A key to the Mets season will be their second, third and fourth starters. Niese has always shown potential and the long term commitment from the Mets will hopefully make him feel secure. Dickey was the Mets best starter last year who had as a hard as luck as any starter in baseball. He throws that knuckle ball faster than most anyone who has thrown the pitch and that has to be a great advantage. No reason to think he won't be around and consistent for a long time (also the candidate most likely to pitch the Mets first no-hitter). Pessimists point out the second half of last year when they discuss Gee. What about the first half. The kid showed guts and more importantly--an ability to throw strikes consistently. He had a really good spring. There is no reason to think he won't have a big 2012 season.
10) Best Announcing Crew in Baseball (Gary, Ron and Keith)--I have been critical of announcers over the years, but I have nothing but great things to say about the three of them---funny, insightful, critical and knowledgeable. They are baseball's best announcing trio by far. Even in the dog days of August, they made games enjoyable. This year though they will have a lot more positive things to say then in the past.
Question Marks for the Mets are obviously--Bay is one of them. Hopefully, the fences will make a difference for him. Usually spring training is a barometer of nothing, but this spring training has me worried that he will carry it into the regular season. We get a good year out of him and that will be a great bonus. In the case of Torres, it it is hard to say a guy in his thirties has great potential, but he does. He is a good fielder with terrific speed but he has to cut down on his strikeouts and put together a 2010 type season. Pelf always has the capacity for being a terrific pitcher. You just have to hold your breath and hope for the best.
The Mets will surprise the baseball world and contend in 2012.You heard it here first.
Check out five all-time great opening day quotes at http://listman.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-five-opening-day-quotes-of-all-time.html
1) Terry Collins---Collins proved last year that he handles two things well--young talent and adversity. The Mets were the most injured team in baseball yet they played well for the first three months of the season. If they had a healthy Johan last year and kept Beltran all year (in retrospect, it was a great trade for the Mets), who knows how circumstances would have changed.
2) A Healthy Johan---Pitching wins baseball (at least the 9,547 time you've heard that) You don't lose a player the caliber of Santana and expect those games to somehow be made up by someone else. He had a great spring training and there is no reason to think he won't have a great year.
3) A Somewhat Healthy Ike---Ike seems to be hitting the ball with the same authority as the past. He is the best all-around Met first baseman since John Olerud. His bat and glove will make a big difference this year.
4) Lucas Duda---Are you kidding me? Have you seen this kid hit? He is a beast. He is the Mets best power hitter in years. The combo of him and Ike will become one of the best young one-two punches in baseball.
5) Ruben Tejada and Josh Thole---Again, two more young talented kids who have proven under the pressure of last year that they can put up some good numbers in the big leagues. Tejada will be the next exciting Met infielder. Thole has some defensive issues but he handles the pitching staff very well and has proven he can hit major league pitching.
6) Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco---I always thought that KRod got a bad rap with the Mets, but after the incident from two years ago, things were never the same. I think the Mets will have more consistency in relief this year. They made a good move in signing these guys as their key free agents (of course I will be kicking the TV set the first time one of them blows a game). They are proven major leaguers and if nothing else, they win the team with the tallest player award with the 6'10" Rauch
7) David Wright---Has there ever been a more maligned all-time Met great than David Wright? Sure he strikes out too much (can't tell you how many times I screamed at some of those K's), but he is by far the greatest Met third baseman of all-time. He has a long track record of clutch hitting and he will be protected this year by Duda and Ike. Contract discussions will be moot because he'll want to stay a Met after their early season resurgence.
8) Daniel Murphy/Justin Turner---Murphy is one of those guys who is a professional hitter. Does anyone remember how well he hit last year when he wasn't hurt? The man can flat out get a hit at any time. Sure, there are fielding issues, but he played a decent second base in spring training. He will surprise. Mets also have super sub Justin Turner who showed why he was the Mets best clutch hitter last year.
9) John Niese, R.A. Dickey and Dillon Gee---A key to the Mets season will be their second, third and fourth starters. Niese has always shown potential and the long term commitment from the Mets will hopefully make him feel secure. Dickey was the Mets best starter last year who had as a hard as luck as any starter in baseball. He throws that knuckle ball faster than most anyone who has thrown the pitch and that has to be a great advantage. No reason to think he won't be around and consistent for a long time (also the candidate most likely to pitch the Mets first no-hitter). Pessimists point out the second half of last year when they discuss Gee. What about the first half. The kid showed guts and more importantly--an ability to throw strikes consistently. He had a really good spring. There is no reason to think he won't have a big 2012 season.
10) Best Announcing Crew in Baseball (Gary, Ron and Keith)--I have been critical of announcers over the years, but I have nothing but great things to say about the three of them---funny, insightful, critical and knowledgeable. They are baseball's best announcing trio by far. Even in the dog days of August, they made games enjoyable. This year though they will have a lot more positive things to say then in the past.
Question Marks for the Mets are obviously--Bay is one of them. Hopefully, the fences will make a difference for him. Usually spring training is a barometer of nothing, but this spring training has me worried that he will carry it into the regular season. We get a good year out of him and that will be a great bonus. In the case of Torres, it it is hard to say a guy in his thirties has great potential, but he does. He is a good fielder with terrific speed but he has to cut down on his strikeouts and put together a 2010 type season. Pelf always has the capacity for being a terrific pitcher. You just have to hold your breath and hope for the best.
The Mets will surprise the baseball world and contend in 2012.You heard it here first.
Check out five all-time great opening day quotes at http://listman.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-five-opening-day-quotes-of-all-time.html
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
New York Mets Opening Day Trivia Challenge
Fellow Met fans---time to dream of the miracle 2012 season when a team expected to go nowhere became contenders. Hey, a fan can dream....In celebration of Opening Day at Citifield, here are fourteen Met Opening Day Trivia Questions. Answers tomorrow. Lets Go Mets.
1) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day starting first baseman in 1992 and 1993?
2) Who will David Wright pass tomorrow as the longest Opening Day starting Met third baseman?
3) How many future Hall of Famers were in the Mets Opening Day lineup in 1962?
4) What two Met legends are tied with six for most Opening Day Starts at first base?
5) In the Mets famous 1998 Opening Day Game which they won 1-0 in fourteen innings, who drove in the only run of the game?
6) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day left fielder in 1999 and 2000?
7) Who was the Mets starting second baseman on Opening Day of 2011?
8) What Met started the most opening games in the outfield?
9) What year did the Mets win their first Opening Day and bonus point, who won the game for them (game was 11 innings)?
10 What Met pitcher had the most Opening Day starts (if you don't get this one right than you cannot consider yourself a Met fan)?
11) Who was the Mets Opening Day Starter in 1962?
12) Who had the most Opening Day starts for a catcher in Met history?
13) What Met player holds the record for most Opening Day starts?
14) Within 5000, what was the attendance of the Mets 1962 Opening Day game against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium?
Find out tomorrow how you did on the Mets Opening Day Trivia Contest?
If you love trivia than log onto trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
1) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day starting first baseman in 1992 and 1993?
2) Who will David Wright pass tomorrow as the longest Opening Day starting Met third baseman?
3) How many future Hall of Famers were in the Mets Opening Day lineup in 1962?
4) What two Met legends are tied with six for most Opening Day Starts at first base?
5) In the Mets famous 1998 Opening Day Game which they won 1-0 in fourteen innings, who drove in the only run of the game?
6) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day left fielder in 1999 and 2000?
7) Who was the Mets starting second baseman on Opening Day of 2011?
8) What Met started the most opening games in the outfield?
9) What year did the Mets win their first Opening Day and bonus point, who won the game for them (game was 11 innings)?
10 What Met pitcher had the most Opening Day starts (if you don't get this one right than you cannot consider yourself a Met fan)?
11) Who was the Mets Opening Day Starter in 1962?
12) Who had the most Opening Day starts for a catcher in Met history?
13) What Met player holds the record for most Opening Day starts?
14) Within 5000, what was the attendance of the Mets 1962 Opening Day game against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium?
Find out tomorrow how you did on the Mets Opening Day Trivia Contest?
If you love trivia than log onto trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 1, 2012
When Did Football Take Over Spring?
Check out my piece on When Football Took Over Spring? We Met fans know that spring is all about the love of the game.
http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-did-football-take-over-spring.html
http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-did-football-take-over-spring.html
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