Mr. Met Is My Brother

Books

2012-06-01T23:43:00.001-04:00

When I think about it, I lose my breath. The Mets finally have a no-hitter. Johan Santana threw 134 pitches. Josh Thole called the pitches. Mike Baxter contributed an outstanding catch against the left field wall.

The best part is, it is all real. This is not some dream or movie or video game commercial. It really happened. Every fan has their own story of the night, whether they were lucky enough to be there or they enjoyed the game on TV or through the radio. Gary Cohen was pretty excited on SNY and somehow Howie Rose was even more enthusiastic on WFAN. No matter how you followed this game, it was special.

I sat curled in the same position on my couch with one hand holding my head up and the other fidgeting with whatever was around. I was supposed to take the garbage out after the fourth inning but kept pushing it off. I had to go to the bathroom since about the same time. But I didn't move until the end. At this point I'm not embarrassed to admit I had my Mets teddy bear on the couch with me. And my dad sitting on the adjacent couch. My Yankee-fan brother finally realized what was happening in the ninth inning and joined us. My mom wandered in and out of the room as she does when games get too stressful. I have to mention it was her birthday because this was a pretty cool gift from the Mets.

In all my exhaustion from going to prom yesterday I almost thought this would be a game I'd miss the end of. I'd go to bed early and have it on the radio as I fell asleep. Had there been a rain delay that probably would've happened. However, the rain was weak and didn't deter Johan Santana from making history.

Tonight was a night no Mets fan will ever forget.

June 1, 2012.

Let's Go Mets!

Now I Can Breathe

2012-06-01T19:03:00.001-04:00

Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas are once again the Mets catchers. It is the combination I would have gone with for more reasons than my attachment to the now backup catcher.

And now that this move has been made I can catch my breath and think about other things.

Let's Go Mets!

The Conflict

2012-06-01T11:56:00.001-04:00

I wish I had been writing more recently. I wish there was a way for me to write how I feel about certain situations in the Mets world without my opinion being thrown away because of certain players I like. That is my conundrum.

As an aspiring journalist I know I should be writing based on facts, trying to be reasonable and disregarding any bias. As a Mets fan I know it is impossible for my writing to be unbiased. I know I can't simply put aside which players I am pulling for, which ones I have put way too much time and energy rooting for to just push to the side. As a human being I know that however much anyone tries to write unbiasedly it is truly an impossible task.

I want to say what I think about the Mets catchers but I won't. That is one topic I know I am too personally invested in to push my opinions on others. Of course, if anyone wants to know my thoughts that position can change.

There are other things I can write about. There are other things I will write about. I just have to wrap my head around the catcher situation first.

As always . . .

Let's Go Mets!

I'll Just Leave This Here

2012-05-26T20:28:00.003-04:00

ASDFGHJKL

2012-05-26T17:20:00.001-04:00

Basically my thoughts when Mike Nickeas hit that grand slam. There aren't really words to describe how awesome that was. Or how happy his teammates looked in the dugout as he was running the bases.

This team loves each other and nobody has been a bigger supporter during the success of others than Mike Nickeas. For once it was Mike that got the support. After the game he said it felt like a huge weight lifted off his shoulders and boy could anyone see that.

One pie in the face later and everyone can breathe easier.

Let's Go Mets!

Just What I Needed

2012-05-22T22:07:00.001-04:00

It was only one hit and it was just in the first inning. But it drove in the first run of the game and probably took a huge weight off of Mike Nickeas's shoulders. I know I'm just a fan yet it took a huge weight off of my shoulders. I'm being selfish but I needed this game for my sanity.

As for Mike, on a night when four strikeouts required throws to first base it was nice to see him contribute on both sides of the plate. After the game he jokingly said catching the knuckleball will take years off his life. Yes, he was joking but boy did he look relieved during that interview. It was just refreshing to see him smiling after the game.

I think he needed this. And after seeing his reaction to his last at-bat last night, I'm glad his contribution came right away.

It is amazing how 24 hours can change an outlook.

Let's Go Mets!

Keep This In Mind

2012-05-22T19:05:00.001-04:00

R.A. Dickey gets the start tonight and that means the catcher has the privilege of dealing with his knuckleball. Tonight, that catcher is Mike Nickeas.

Two starts ago Mike did fine catching the knuckleball. I don't even think there were any passed balls. However, in his last start the knuckleball was dancing and Mike had to chase a few pitches. It's a knuckleball, so there is no way to know how tonight will go. Whether there are no passed balls or there are eight, I guarantee it won't be an easy game.

Catching a knuckleball has never been easy and it never will be easy. There's a reason the Red Sox got Doug Mirabelli back about two seconds after they let him go. There's also a reason Josh Thole ended up screwing up the entire way he caught last season.

There simply is not a word crazy enough to describe that pitch. I know I would never want to catch it. So if there are a couple of passed balls tonight realize who is pitching.

Let's Go Mets!

I Know You Don't Want To Hear It

2012-05-21T22:18:00.001-04:00

But I need to say it. Please.

Because it's the worst feeling in the world when you feel like you're the only one supporting your favorite player. It's the worst feeling when you dread every at-bat. When it's almost impossible to watch his at-bats. When you want to keep rooting for him but it's the hardest thing you've ever done. It's the worst feeling when you almost wish you had never become a fan in the first place because you would've saved yourself the heartache.

It's the worst feeling in the world when you keep your head up because you see him keep his head up . . .

But then you see the frustration and you see him let his head hang if only a little.

And you don't know if you can keep your head up.

I just cannot put into words how hard it is to watch when your favorite player is struggling. I can't describe the feeling of wanting him to succeed so badly it hurts. I can't explain how big of a lump is in my throat whenever he doesn't succeed.

It's the hardest thing in the world to admit that maybe he isn't good. It's the worst when you see all the negativity and you hate it yet part of you agrees with it while the rest of you wants to crush every person creating that negativity.

When you want him to know you will never be the one being negative. You just want him to know you will always be behind him whether you're the only one or one of one million.

I don't know how to describe the feeling when you're searching for positives in every moment. He saw a lot of pitches that at-bat, he blocked that ball in the dirt nicely, he threw himself at that runner who was actually out but the damn umpire called him safe and now that almost positive moment is taken away.

It hurts to watch right now. That's what I hate the most.

You all know who I'm talking about. You all better know I'm never going to stop rooting for him, though, no matter how tough it is.

Let Them Have Fun

2012-05-21T18:38:00.001-04:00

The Mets have now gone 1-5 in road cities in which they arrived in costume. They were swept by the Astros after dressing in Western wear and only took one game in Toronto after wearing hockey jerseys. But it doesn't actually matter.

For one thing, what a player travels in does not change the way he plays on the field. If it did, rookies would never survive their first season once rookie hazing came around.

Even if it did somehow affect the play on the field it still shouldn't be anything to cry about. Teams need to have fun during the season. These players spend six months of the year doing the same thing everyday. They are judged on how they perform against someone else who is trying to make them fail. Yes, they get to play a game everyday but the game becomes there livelihood. There is so much pressure put on how they perform during three hours of the day that they can't possibly be in that mindset all the time. If they were they would simply drive themselves insane. Dressing up is simple yet it breaks that monotony that can drive a person mad.

And you know what? It has shown me a sense of chemistry I haven't seen on this team in years.

Let's Go Mets

So Much To Say

2012-05-20T19:20:00.001-04:00

It has been too long since my last post. Alas, the end of senior year classes, finals, my end-of-year internship, and softball have taken up most of my time lately. But just because I haven't been writing it doesn't mean I haven't had any thoughts about the Mets.

I wanted to thank Mike Pelfrey and wish him luck in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He may have pitched his last game as a Met and he has held a special place in my heart. Zach Lutz was also injured again. I didn't say anything about his broken hand or how frustrating this must be for him.

I didn't write about all the doubles Mike Nickeas hit. And maybe for the better, I didn't write about how now he seems lost again. And how rooting for him is the most indescribable experience of my baseball life. I didn't write about how awesome it was to finally see others rooting for him and then blink and see everyone on the side of his competition. I didn't write about seeing my favorite finally get the chance to be a major league starter because I took a breath and the dream seemed to be over.

My thoughts about Kirk Nieuwenhuis have gone unwritten. Jordany Valdespin came and went without a word. Even my minor league thoughts about Kai Gronauer finally getting a big hit went unwritten. The Mets even went so far as to dress up in hockey jerseys, combining the two sports loves of my life, and I didn't have the time to squee or ogle.

Speaking of the Mets playing dress-up, I haven't told you how I feel about that. Or really, how I feel about some other opinions of it.

Hopefully the next two weeks and beyond will bring more content than the last two weeks. I have missed writing for you. If I'm lucky I'll be able to clear out my inbox as I write, deleting the reminders I send myself of things I want to post.

For now however, the emails will stay and I will leave you with this . . .

Let's Go Mets!

I Cannot Explain These Emotions

2012-05-07T22:34:00.001-04:00

I could barely watch. Josh Thole made the play, he held onto the ball. But now he was lying face-down behind home plate. He was in pain. There was no way he would be staying in the game. I just wanted to see him sit up. He saved the game, it was still tied, but he gave himself up as so many catchers have done throughout baseball history.

Enter Mike Nickeas. His every move has been dissected and subsequently ripped apart this season. He scoops the first pitch from Tim Byrdak put of the dirt. Well, that's one way to start. It's not the defense I'm anxious about though. The Mets have a runner on with two outs in the ninth. I can't watch. I'll hide behind my hands, the pillows, anything. That's not working, the at-bat is taking too long. Screw it. I'll just watch.

There's no way that's touching the ground. Mayberry's going to catch it. Plop. MIKE NICKEAS. His name leaves my mouth as if a reflex. He got a double! A hit! An extra base hit! The Mets can't lose now! And Jordany Valdespin didn't let them. First major league hit. First major league home run. No big deal, right?

I almost forgot about Josh and the collision. I almost want to make a joke about the principle point of contact being the head and Ty Wigginton getting Shanabanned. But I know Thole is seeing doctors and will probably end up on the Disabled List.

Now I am so beyond thrilled for Mike Nickeas but I'm still worried about Josh Thole.

Now I don't know how to feel.

And This

2012-05-06T12:37:00.001-04:00

FOX needed someone to interview after yesterday's game so they interviewed Mike Nickeas. Excuse me while I love everything about him, including that most of his interviews are about other people yet he still answers every question with nothing but class.

<p>&amp;lt;A href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=eec7236d-d7ca-4cbb-ac62-ce53618bbae1&amp;amp;src=v5:embed:syndication:&amp;amp;from=shareembed-syndication" target="_new" title="MLB on FOX: Mets down D-backs"&amp;gt;Video: MLB on FOX: Mets down D-backs&amp;lt;/A&amp;gt; </p>

Can't Deny This One

2012-05-06T12:32:00.001-04:00

Before yesterday's game people were saying Mike Nickeas didn't belong in the majors. That he didn't belong on the team. That Johan Santana should be batting before him in the lineup because there is no way he would ever get a hit.

After yesterday's game, people weren't saying much of anything about him. He only got one hit but that hit was big for a couple of reasons. It was one more hit than those people thought he would get and it drove in the first two Mets runs of the game.

So many fans had already given up on Nickeas before he had even played a week's worth of games. Offseason changes and improvements aren't necessarily going to show up right away. But he did a lot this offseason and in his seventh and eighth games of the seasons it has started to show. Mike has three hits and three RBIs in his last two games.

That's it. Eight games this season. People were calling for his head after the second game. I'm sure people will continue calling for his head before his ninth, tenth, eleventh games. And before every game after that. They can do that. But when he gets a few more hits the silence will sound better than anything.

Let's Go Mets!

Wait. Nevermind.

2012-05-01T23:29:00.001-04:00

Of course, as that last post publishes the Mets make a decision.

Despite Mike Nickeas being sick (ugh I still hate it), they won't be making a move to bring anybody up. Josh Thole will probably play tomorrow, as the Mets have an off-day Thursday.

I just want Mike to feel better. Is that too much to ask?

I Have To Wait Until Tomorrow

2012-05-01T23:17:00.001-04:00

Terry Collins said he wouldn't make a decision about bringing up another catcher until he spoke to Mike Nickeas at the hotel. On one hand, I want Mike to power through whatever he has and play tomorrow because he's awesome and I know he'll always be awesome. On the other hand, I want Mike to rest and be as healthy as possible before he plays again.

I should really just remember that Mike Nickeas is a grown up human being and will make the decision that is best for his well being. The best thing would be for him to wake up tomorrow feeling better than ever.

Get well soon, Mike!

I'd bring him chicken soup if I could. (And also if I weren't such a germaphobe.)

You Probably Already Know

2012-05-01T21:03:00.001-04:00

As Mike Nickeas's only fan I feel obligated to inform you all that he has the flu and is unavailable for tonight's game. The Mets are considering calling up somebody for tomorrow afternoon's game.

As Mike's only fan I also feel obligated to send him all the well wishes.

Well, I'd feel obligated to send him all the well wishes even if I weren't his only fan.

…yeah…

Get well soon, Mike!

The Center Of Attention

2012-04-29T17:31:00.001-04:00

Andres Torres is due to come back from the disabled list tomorrow. With his return, Kirk Nieuwenhuis is expected to move from centerfield to left field while Jason Bay is still out. I have just one question. Why?

Kirk Nieuwenhuis has been outstanding in centerfield. It is fun to watch the diving and leaping and against-the-fence catches. But he has shown more than that. No matter who the Mets put in the corners of the outfield, they'll have more Major League experience than him. Kirk doesn't let that get to his head. He has taken charge of the outfield, covering the ground a centerfielder is suppose o cover, even if it means calling for a ball over a veteran such as Jason Bay or Scott Hairston. Most will think that he's just doing his job and that shouldn't mean anything. However, it was something Fernando Martinez and Angel Pagan failed to do at times so it's nice to see the less experience guy finally take charge.

The Mets have Matt den Dekker in AA playing centerfield. If den Dekker and Nieuwenhuis both have a future with the club Kirk is probably going to be the one to move. But den Dekker should be the only one moving Kirk. That conflict shouldn't be something the Mets face this season. If the Mets are serious about Kirk Nieuwenhuis being a big part of this team they should show it tomorrow. They should show Kirk is bigger than Torres by putting Torres in left field, not Kirk.

Let's Go Mets!

In Defense of Mike Nickeas

2012-04-27T23:07:00.001-04:00

I'm sure most people aren't going to read past the title. They're going to think this is going to be me whining about how my favorite player doesn't actually stink and how he is actually the greatest player ever. And then there will be the ones that read the title and get clever and make a joke about his defensive abilities. Well, it'd be nice if you could all shut up for a while and listen to somebody besides yourselves.

I'm sick of it all. He isn't the reason pitchers are throwing meatballs right down the middle. He isn't the reason pitchers are throwing pitches in the dirt and to the backstop. He isn't the reason runners get jumps that leave them halfway to their stolen base by the time the pitch is released. Mike Nickeas isn't the one making errors at second base or on relay throws that go four feet to his right, well out of reach of his glove-hand.

The Mets have gotten off to a fast start yet whenever anything at all goes wrong it's Mike Nickeas's fault. If you're going to blame him for so much then realize when he does something right. Notice when he blocks impossible pitches and stops the runners from moving up a base. Give him credit when he gets a hit instead of just saying his batting average is still lower than all those all star catchers.

I just want to be able to enjoy it when he goes 2-for-2 with a BB and RBI. But it seems the only way I can is of I alienate the rest of the Mets fan-base.

The act is old and tired and I have tried to ignore it for long enough.

Just please stop.

Congratulations Zach!

2012-04-27T22:32:00.001-04:00

With a base-hit up the middle on the fifth inning of tonight's game Zach Lutz gained a Major League batting average. In this game it was just another hit in a big inning but for Zach it will be a special moment forever.

Congratulations, Zach! Here's to many more hits and even some home runs!

Let's Go Mets!

So Much Can Happen In Five Years

2012-04-27T21:29:00.001-04:00

It has been five years since I created this blog. Five years since I finally found a way to say as much or as little as I wanted to about the Mets. Five years since I started writing about baseball and ended up connecting with some really awesome (and some not-so-awesome) Mets fans.

When I started writing here I didn't know what to expect. I just knew I had stuff to say about the Mets and baseball in general and I wanted to say it. I never expected it to become much. Yet, it has been linked from MetsBlog and has helped me get into college. It has introduced me to my passion and brought me closer to what I want to do in the future.

This blog has also chronicled my life as a baseball fan. When it started my favorite players were David Wright, Xavier Nady, and Mike Pelfrey. Joe Smith was barely a professional baseball player. The existence of Mike Nickeas and Josh Thole would have been news to me.

Now I have not only grown attached to the Mets, I'm attached to their minor leaguers as well. Mike Nickeas, Josh Thole, Zach Lutz, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Josh Satin have all made it to the major leagues. Kai Gronauer has made his way to the Mets system and onto my radar.

Since I started blogging I've written about so many cool experiences. The Mets games where I saw Mike Pelfrey's first career complete game and Josh Thole's second career home run. Two trips to Spring Training that changed my baseball fandom forever by making me aware of Mike Nickeas's existence. My first minor league baseball games that showed me the sport I love in such a close setting that I felt like I could talk to the players. And at Spring Training and before those games I did get to talk to my favorite player and find out how awesome he is.

If I hadn't started writing here I might not have known about Mike Nickeas. The moment at Spring Training might have passed like any other excitement in a 14-year old's life. But it didn't pass and I wrote about and kept following his career and writing about him. I had a place to write about how awesome he has always been and how he exceeded any expectations I had for my first ever minor league game when I finally decided to see him play. I could keep writing about Mike Nickeas now and I could write about him for hours and probably days because I didn't know someone who is the coolest person in my head could actually be so cool in reality. I never would have known that if I hadn't darte writing here. If I hadn't had a place to tell whoever wanted to listen that he was so amazing.

I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't started this blog. I would still be a high school senior preparing to live away from home for the first time. But past that it could all be different. I could be chasing a different dream, trying to reach a different goal.

The thing is, I started writing here and I haven't stopped for five years. I don't plan on stopping any time soon. I love it here and I hope I can keep writing here forever or write somewhere bigger, spreading my thoughts to more people.

As much as I have done this by myself, I could never have done it without all of you. If you didn't read any of these words there wouldn't be much of a reason to write. Thank you for reading as much as you have, even if it has only been up to this sentence. I really appreciate all of you.

Let's Go Mets!

I Like This Lineup

2012-04-26T10:50:00.001-04:00

Today's Mets lineup features nine homegrown players. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Ruben Tejada, Daniel Murphy, David Wright, Lucas Duda, Ike Davis, Josh Thole, Jordany Valdespin, and Jon Niese have all made their way through the Mets minor league system. A lot of people like to see this. They like to see that the farm system so many experts called weak and barren has somehow found success.

But the doubters are still there. Now they're saying this shows the Mets don't spend enough. Yes, for the past few years their budget has been tight but they still have Johan Santana and Jason Bay on the books.

Wait. Hold on. Does it matter if they spend ridiculous amounts of money on big name free agents? I would rather have them spend the money on David Wright and Jon Niese. The "big market" argument doesn't bother me. Fans should demand winning, not spending. Organizations can create winning teams in more than one way. If the Mets win with their farm system those players could become the big names. Those players could be the ones everyone wants and if the Mets were the ones to sign them they'd simply be locking up their stars.

If the Mets continue to win this team will be easy to root for. The Mets have more homegrown players that aren't in the lineup today. If one wanted to include any player that has spent any time in the Mets system they'd have almost the entire roster. Not many teams can say that. I'd rather brag about that than brag about having the highest payroll.

This lineup is exciting. I can't wait to see it this afternoon.

Let's Go Mets!

He Finally Made It

2012-04-25T22:20:00.001-04:00

It is five seasons and numerous injuries after he was drafted but Zach Lutz has made it to the Major Leagues. He was drafted out of the Division-III baseball program at Alvernia College in Pennsylvania, where his dad Yogi is the coach. Zach was drafted as a third baseman but he has added first base to his repertoire. His biggest strength, though, is his offense not his defense. I guess you could even say his biggest strength is, well, his strength and power at the plate.

I first saw Zach Lutz at a B-Mets game in 2010. He was playing third base and he was huge. He stands at 6'1" and weighs 220 pounds. He is no doubt built to play corner infield. Unfortunately for Zach, the Mets have their future at those positions in David Wright (hopefully) and Ike Davis. One would think that would be the most frustrating part of his road to the big leagues. However, it's not even close.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing for Lutz has been his injury history. He didn't make it through a week in professional baseball before having a stress fracture in his foot and that became a recurring issue. Last year was probably the most unlucky injury year for him. The Mets had plenty of their own injuries, including a time when both David Wright and Ike Davis were out. Zach Lutz surely would've gotten the call if he were healthy. First, he had a hamstring injury. Right when he was going to return he was hit in the finger by a batted ball during batting practice. The broken finger kept him out for a few more weeks and he missed the call. Once he finally made it back from the hamstring and finger injuries he played a few games then promptly was beaned in the head. He eventually made it back from that concussion but it wasn't long before he was beaned once again. The second concussion ended his season and may have cost him a September call up.

With all of that in mind I'm sure this feels awesome for Zach. He is finally healthy at the right time and he finally got the call. He got off to a great start in Buffalo this season, thankfully showing the concussions are behind him and his power is still around. He hasn't spent as much time in the minor leagues as other players I have followed (coughmikenickeascough) but the almost call ups make it feel like a longer time.

I am beyond happy for Zach. I'm looking forward to seeing him (maybe) get a start or two and crushing some baseballs.

Congratulations to Zach. He has finally cleared all the hurdles and made it. And even if he doesn't stick this time he will eventually. This kid can hit and I cannot wait until everyone knows it.

Let's Go Mets!

ZACH LUTZ

2012-04-24T14:38:00.001-04:00

ZACHARY CRAIG LUTZ. HE'S A MAJOR LEAGUER.

…more coherent thoughts to come later…

Congratulations, Zach!

My Main Concern

2012-04-23T12:46:00.000-04:00

The Mets have looked good this season. At 8-6 they have impressed even if it's just fourteen games into the season. Their offense has shown some life and will only improve once Ike Davis starts hitting and if Jason Bay figures things out. Their starting pitching has been stellar, save two games in Atlanta. Even most of the bullpen has been solid. The only big concern I have is with closing.

Frank Francisco didn't look good in Spring Training. He couldn't seem to get an out but most people looked past it because most of the bullpen struggled during Spring Training. However, now Jon Rauch is pitching well, Tim Byrdak has returned, and Miguel Batista has been scarcely used. Bobby Parnell has continued to impress as well. Francisco has become the weak link in this bullpen and it's frustrating. I gave Spring Training a pass because everyone struggled and he had knee issues. He also used the excuse that he would be ready once the lights come on, so I he got another pass for the poor spring results.

But now the lights are on and he still isn't doing his job. Mike Pelfrey pitched one of the best games of his career and ultimately had nothing to show for it. Terry Collins had to burn through other bullpen arms because Francisco couldn't get out of his own jam. Teams are stubborn with their closers. The Mets have to find a way to not waste the "big offseason signing" while also not sacrificing wins. The Mets haven't seemed to have a reliable closer since Billy Wagner in 2006, and even that is a stretch. It would be nice if Frank Francisco worked out but they also shouldn't force feed their "closer" into situations he won't make it out of. How many quality outings from starting pitchers can they afford to waste?

Hopefully this conflict will just be a distant memory come June. After all, we are talking about a small sample size.

Ah, well.
Let's Go Mets!

I'm So Confused

2012-04-23T12:21:00.001-04:00

Apparently Jordany Valdespin has been called up. I don't know why and I'm not even going to speculate.

But . . . I mean . . . What??

Let's Go Mets!