Mets Fans Forever

Our "Perfect" Game

2012-04-24T08:45:48-04:00

Author: Clare Lafferty

As I watched yet another ex-Met pitch a perfect game last weekend, I began to wonder - what game in Mets history could be considered our "perfect" game, since we don't have a legitimate one in our history?

Would it be the clinching games in 1969 or 1986 that gave the Mets their two World Championships? How about the "grand slam single" game? The Mike Piazza homer in 2001 in the first game back after the terrorist attacks? Of course, you would have to consider Game 6 in 1986 - the league championship game 6 against the Astros or the game against Boston.

For me, the most perfect game I have seen pitched was Tom Seaver in 1969 - the one hitter against the Cubs. You could sense the history in the air as the game got further along. And when Jimmy Qualls hit that single in the ninth, it felt like someone punched your stomach and all the air was taken out of your body. It was devestating but at the same time, you were so proud of Seaver. He cemented himself as the best player in the organization that day.

So, maybe we don't have that perfect game or no-hitter yet. For me, the perfect games are the ones that you remember with fondness and ones that you enjoy with family and good friends.I am holiding out hope that I will see that no-no someday - you gotta believe!

Spring Training Thoughts

2012-03-07T14:51:08-05:00

Author:Clare Lafferty

Well, it's spring training time again! Hope springs eternal and everyone thinks that their team has a shot at winning the World Series. And then there are the Mets fans.

I have been a fan since 1968 so as the Mets celebrate their 50th year, I am celebrating my 44th. I have seen it all over the four plus decades that I have followed this team. Yet, every spring, I am optimistic that the season will be a good one.

Now, how about this season?

I would say that I am a realist. I know that we are in a rebuilding mode this year and maybe next as well. I know that there will be many long games that we will suffer through. I also know that there are things to look forward to. Seeing Johan Santana pitch well yesterday was a positive sign. Let's hope that he can continue his comeback and that we will see him often in 2012.

I am also optimistic that in moving the fences in at Citi Field, David Wright and Jason Bay can have big comeback seasons. They both have a lot to prove, especially Wright who is in the last year of his contract. Since David is my favorite player, I would hate to see the Mets in a situation where they felt they had to trade David at the deadline. Let's hope the Mets are playing well enough that this is not even discussed.

Yes, we lost Jose Reyes - a big blow. But I am looking forward to seeing how Ruben Tejada answers the challenge. He has a lot of tools but is also young and needs the playing time. I also hope that Daniel Murphy finally gets a year without injuries. He deserves it because he works hard and has been knocked down and out for the past few years.

There are many questions about this team. Can Josh Thole become that number one catcher that we wish for? How will the rest of our starting pitchers fare this year? Can R.A. Dickey have another good year? Will Mike Pelfrey have a comeback season after a disappointing 2011 campaign? Can Jon Niese build on a solid 2011 and continue to improve? How about the bullpen with our new additions?

Questions abound with this team. And the off the field Wilpon-Madoff saga doesn't help. No one is picking the Mets to do anything this year. How do I feel about that? Well, anything that the Mets accomplish this year is more than anyone will expect. So, all we can do is go up! Let the so-called experts pick the Mets to do nothing. That's fine with me. How did that work for the nay-sayers who didn't pick the New York Giants to do anything either?

I have been through many rebuilding years and it's not all bad. You get a chance to see the young players and what the future could hold for this team. More than ever, we need to show our orange and blue pride and root for our Mets. I will be there again, watching every game and getting to the ones I can.

Let's Go Mets in 2012 - enjoy the season, everyone!

Wow, Jose Reyes to Miami a 6-yr, $106 M Deal

2011-12-04T23:01:36-05:00

Author: Adam Lowenthal

Jose Reyes has reportedly signed a 6 year deal with the Miami Marlins worth up to 111 million dollars.

2013 Mock Up Logo #3

2011-11-04T12:54:05-04:00

Everyone asks to eliminate black for the Mets color scheme. So how do you guys like this logo? It's very "Metsy" with a ton of blue, orange, and white. Plus those stick figures that was on the side of shea!

The 2011 Season - some thoughts

2011-09-29T09:27:59-04:00

Author: Clare Lafferty

Well, the 2011 Mets season is finally over - some would be glad to see it come to an end. After all, the Mets actually had a worse record this year than last by 2 games. And at times, the season was hard to watch. But I choose to look at the positives.

Jose Reyes - our 2011 Batting Champ! Jose had an amazing year even with the 2 stints on the DL. Yes, some people were annoyed that he came out of yesterday's game in the 1st inning, but I didn't care. Jose showed this year why he is one of the most exciting players in the majors. He lead the league in hitting and triples and was fun to watch. Did I see him get his last hit as a Met? Maybe. But hopefully, Jose will be back. If he isn't, well then let me take this opportunity to thank him for all the great times he gave us Mets fans.

Our youngters - With all the injuries this year, the Mets were able to bring up some young talent and give them a shot. I particularly enjoyed watching Dillon Gee, Ruben Tejada, and Justin Turner play. I also liked Lucas Duda and the late season emergence of Nick Evans. They played hard and Terry Collins had to be happy with their performance. It gives me hope for the future and I am looking forward to next year.

The bullpen - with Francisco Rodriguez gone, Collins had to make decisions regarding the bullpen. I think that Bobby Parnell can be a good closer with some work. His fastball is blazing but he needs to develop other pitches. I also thought that Manny Acosta did a good job as well. Collins needs to evaluate the other relief pitchers (Igarashi, Carrasco, Isringhausen, Beato and Byrdak) to see who would be a good fit for 2012

Starting pitching - I really enjoyed watching R.A. Dickey and Chris Capuano pitch this year. They both deserved to win more games than they did but they both pitched with heart. The Mets need to decide how to get Mike Pelfrey right for 2012 and hopefully we will have Johan Santana back. I think that Jon Niese has the potential to improve in 2012. Starting and relief pitching needs to be a priority in 2012 - all championship teams win with pitching.

The rest - David Wright had a subpar year mainly due to the 2 months he spent on the DL. We never really saw Ike Davis play at all this year and Daniel Murphy also had a rough year yet again. But if these 3 can come back in 2012 healthy, I think the Mets have the potential to improve on 2011. Jason Bay had another tough year but showed signs of the player we know he can be at times. Angel Pagan had a down year after 2010 but I still have confidence in his playing abilities. Willie Harris did a great job pinch hitting and was solid in the field when called upon to play. Jason Pridie also did a good job when asked.

Finally, the manager..

When I heard that Terry Collins was going to be the Mets manager in 2011, I said like a lot of people did "Terry Who?". But I was pleasantly surprised by Collins' style of managing. He earned the trust of his players and for the most part, the Mets in 2011 were a team that fought in every game. They were fun to watch at times and you felt as if the team was going in the right direction. I really like what Collins did this year and I am looking forward to 2012.

As Howie Rose would say "Put it in the books!" The 2011 season is history. Enjoy the off-season everyone and look forward to 2012 like I will.

Lets Go Mets in 2012!!

Zach Wheeler Release Point, 60' 6'' My Butt!

2011-09-13T19:14:10-04:00

Author: Adam Lowenthal

I always that that your foot had to be on the mound while releasing the pitch. I guess that is not the case, or top Mets prospect Zach Wheeler has a lot changes to his mechanics in his future! Take a look at this image and you'll see that the distance the ball is from the rubber upon release in my mind is at least five feet, that means the batter is seeing the ball from less than 60 feet. Now I know all pitchers do this however I never saw it as clearly as I do with Zach. Comment, let me know what you think!

Capuano was Stellar

2011-08-27T17:11:39-04:00

Author: Adam Lowenthal

Last night, Chris Capuano was absolutely brilliant. He worked fast and threw strikes. You knew it was going to be a good night after he retired the first six Braves in about five minutes (not literally) but it was extremely quick innings.

Encouraging or Embarrassing?

2011-08-23T08:28:19-04:00

Author: Clare Lafferty

I don't know about you, but these recent come from behind games that the Mets have been involved in lately had me thinking. Am I encouraged that they are still fighting to get back into games or am I embarrassed that we constantly fall behind in big numbers?

I was at the Phils game last night (a 10-0 loss) and it was quite frankly embarrassing. The team just didn't look like they wanted it bad enough. They really have nothing to play for at this point. They are not going to be in the hunt for anything and when they play a team like the Phils, they can't even play spoilers because the Phils have a comfortable lead.

Yet. some Mets still gave an effort. Ruben Tejada made an amazing catch in foul territory, going quite a distance to even get to the ball. Lucas Duda made 2 great catches at first base and David Wright made an attempt for another good foul territory play.

So, am I embarrassed or encouraged by what I see? I would have to say that I am encouraged for the future of the team provided that we make changes in the off-season, most notably getting more quality pitching. And I am embarrassed when we play good teams like Philly that we can't compete on a better level.

The last 6 weeks will be the hardest to stomach for Mets fans, but I plan to still look for positive signs. How are the young Mets going to play? Who will be called up in September for Terry Collins to take a look at? What will our future hold? I am going to try to stay positive and yes, I will still watch every game. Because the Mets are my team...period!

METS FALL TO PADRES 9-5

2011-08-10T22:24:33-04:00

Author: Nathan Mize

Mets Record: 58-58

Game Ball: Josh Thole

Keys of the game:

Josh Thole singles in the 2nd inning after Mike Baxter walks. Padres lead 3-0.

Rueben Tejada singles to load the bases. Justin Turner grounds out to end the inning.

The Padres score 2 runs in the 3rd inning to make the score 5-0.

R.A Dickey hits an RBI single to make the score 5-1 Padres.

David Wright doubles in the 5th.

Nick Evans hits an RBI double to score Thole in the 6th inning. Padres lead 5-2.

Jason Pridie singles to score Evans as the Mets come closer. 5-3 Padres.

Willie Harris hits an RBI single to score Tejada. 6-4 Padres.

The Padres score 3 runs in the 9th. 9-4 Padres.

BOTTOM OF THE NINTH

Josh Thole loads the bases with a single for his 4th hit of the night in the bottom of the ninth.

Rueben Tejada is safe on a fielding error. Bay scores to make the score 9-5 with the bases loaded. 2 outs.

Willie Harris flies out to end the game.

The Mets will play a day game tomorrow.

My Thoughts: Even though the Mets got the loss tonight, they kept showing that they were not going to quit and just kept going. Josh Thole is finally hitting like he should be. R.A Dickey again got the loss. The Mets will go for the series win tomorrow, with a 12 oclock start. LETS GO METS!

METS BLOW NINTH INNING LEAD

2011-08-02T22:22:49-04:00

Author: Nathan Mize

The Mets blow a ninth inning lead in the ninth inning to the Marlins. The Mets have lost 4 straight.

Mets Record: 55-55

Game Ball: Angel Pagan

Keys of the game:

Jose Reyes hits a homerun to tie the game at 1 in the third inning.

Justin Turner hits a double in the 5th inning. Marlins lead 2-1.

Chris Capuano scores off of David Wrights ground out RBI. 2-2.

Angel Pagan scores on a sac-fly to give the Mets the lead in the 7th inning, 3-2 Mets.

Jason Bay singles in the 8th inning.

The Marlins load the bases in the top of the ninth.

The Marlins take a 4-3 lead in the top of the ninth by a terrible throw by Justin Turner.

NINTH INNING

Ronny Paulino walks.

Mike Nickeas grounds into a double play. 2 out.

Jason Pridie strikes out. 3 out.

My Thoughts: Wow. What a heart break. Another game the Mets had the lead in the ninth and errors and bad pitching play a role. There was not much offense and they have lost 4 straight. They need to get out of this skid fast. And learn how to keep leads.