The 'Ropolitans

A happy goodbye

2013-02-26T13:23:00.002-05:00

When I started this blog in 2006, I had no idea the sort of effect it would end up having on my life. I did it on a whim - as something to help me pass the summer of my transition between high school and college.

Nearly seven years later, it's time to say goodbye.

But it's all good news from here on out. The reason TheRopolitans.com is going on indefinite hiatus is because...

In a few days, I'll be going to work for SNY.

To say I've landed my dream job is an understatement. When I met my now wife-to-be, she asked me what my dream job would be. Without skipping a beat, I said, "Work for SNY." And four years later, my dreams will become reality (both by working for SNY and marrying her).

Over 4,000 posts later (with thousands lost to the annals of the Internet), I couldn't thank you all who supported me through the years without needing a novel to spell it out. For those that have read the site since the beginning (a.k.a. my parents), those that followed me on Twitter way back in '09, to the hundreds that have commented, emailed or contacted me in some way, I must say: Thanks. Without any of you, I wouldn't be where I am today, or will be in a few weeks.

I couldn't be more excited to jump in to the fun at SNY to help make it the best place for fans to read up on their favorite New York sports teams, best place to work and best place for me to make my career.

So long, TheRopolitans.com. It's been a fun and wild ride. You've help me find my way to journalism, to friends, to jobs. But now it's time for you to rest, while I go on to bigger and better things.

Johan Santana's first scouting report

2013-02-17T20:40:00.001-05:00

From my friend Matt Stucko (Go Bobcats!) on Twitter is a photo of Johan Santana's first professional scouting report:

. @mets @johansantana 1st official scouting report when he was 16yo by @astros scout.. Santana is 2x Cy Young winner twitter.com/MLB_Prospects/…
— Matthew Stucko (@MLB_Prospects) February 18, 2013

click to enlarge

Mike Piazza on MLBN

2013-02-13T13:05:00.002-05:00

In case you missed Mike Piazza on MLB Network last night discussing his new book, here are the clips from the show:

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Bourn signs in Cleveland; How was the Mets offseason?

2013-02-11T21:46:00.001-05:00

Free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn, who the Mets had been persuing - dependent on the ruling on the status of their draft pick (which was in jeopardy of being lost if the team signed him) - has signed with the Cleveland Indians.

Reports are that Bourn signed for a similar amount of money that the Mets were offering, but didn't want to wait for the MLB to make a decision on the Mets draft pick.

So, that pretty much closes the book on the Mets 2012-2013 offseason that saw them trade away the reigning Cy Young winner and get back a starting catcher, the top catching prospect in baseball and a live minor league arm. But what do Mets fans think of the moves? Let's find out...

View the story "How was the 2012-2103 Mets offseason?" on StorifyHow was the 2012-2103 Mets offseason?With Michael Bourn signing with the Cleveland Indians, it seems that the Mets offseason moves are pretty much complete. So, Mets fans... What do you think of the offseason Sandy Alderson put togetherStorified by Andrew Vazzano· Mon, Feb 11 2013 18:37:16Mets vs BravesTim Drivas@TheRopolitans Kind of went along with the plan he said he had. 2014.Pete@TheRopolitans better the last few weeks but this outfield needs somethingAlex Bussey@TheRopolitans there wasnt much worth spending money on,he brought in 2 quality talents (d'arnaud and Syndergaard), how many teams did that?James B@TheRopolitans C+/B- could of been B+/A- with Bourn addition.Andrew Livingston@TheRopolitans Pretty happy. Don't see the point in signing anyone expensive short term for another couple of years.Alan Penner@TheRopolitans besides bullpen adds, what offseason? #metsEthan Greenberg@TheRopolitans D+, would have been an F....Daniel Murphy@TheRopolitans really good for the future. for 2013? umm...Aaron Bonchi@TheRopolitans The Dickey trade seems like a great move, no?Said Person“@TheRopolitans: So, no Bourn. What do you think of Sandy's offseason? #mets” wonderful....Jonathan@TheRopolitans If he does go with this OF, hard to give him a positive grade. Dickey move may turn out well, but 3 bad OFs and no action.Rich Sparago@TheRopolitans I'm ok with it. Not ecstatic (was hoping for an OFer or 2). But the Dickey deal was masterful & I like Marcum & the bullpen.mistermet@TheRopolitans impressive. Didn't think this team could get any worse.Greg Pomes@TheRopolitans a good long term move, a ballsy trade, a solid starter and a better bullpen. Not terrible. And at least Bay is gone.Dan Reilly@TheRopolitans Don't need Bourn. Marcum will be good and the bullpen is much stronger. I think the outfield problems are exaggerated.Mike Sutter@TheRopolitans other than the OF situation, everything else i like, especially the marcum signing.Jimmy_@TheRopolitans Sticking to his plan. Get younger and grow from within. Whether we like it or not.Matt

Google honors Jackie Robinson on his birthday

2013-01-31T10:17:00.000-05:00

Very cool Google Doodle today...

And if you haven't seen it, here's the trailer for 42, the upcoming Jackie Robinson biopic. Note Ebbets Field. It's amazing how similarly they designed Citi Field. It's pretty much the same thing.

Just prepping my devices for the upcoming season

2013-01-29T22:11:00.001-05:00

Boy, these Mets names are getting tougher and tougher...

Jay Horwitz is on Twitter (but he has been for a long time)

2013-01-25T14:41:00.000-05:00

The Mets Twitter-sphere is abuzz with news that Mets VP of Public Relations has joined Twitter. But, it looks like this isn't news. He's been on Twitter for over two years, just in a fairly quiet account.

Jay Horwitz - @jay_horwitzpr - has been on Twitter for over two years. He RT'd this article 825 days ago: bit.ly/WZ45PW #mets
— Andrew Vazzano (@TheRopolitans) January 25, 2013

But there's good reason to follow him now, not only for his eventual tweets, but also for this:

Jeff Wilpon challenged @jay_horwitzpr to get to 10K followers by midnight. If successful he'll make a donation to a charity of Jay's choice.
— New York Mets (@Mets) January 25, 2013

My 2013 Mets-olutions

2013-01-22T21:23:00.003-05:00

I joined a gym. I go four times a week. I'm actually starting to like it. But what about the stuff that really matters? You know, the Mets.

Here are my 2013 Mets resolutions, or Mets-olutions, if you will.

Attend 25 percent of Mets home games
Go to some aspect of the All-Star Game (be it Futures Game, Fan Fest, Home Run Derby or game)
Get a foul and/or home run ball
Wear my Keith Hernandez replica jersey to half the games I attend
Do not get ketchup, sausage-and-pepper juice or anything else on said Keith Hernandez jersey
Visit the press box
Watch a game from the press box
Interview a player
High-five Mr. Met
Watch an entire game from the Pepsi Porch
Sit in the cushioned seats
Watch a game from a luxury box
Tailgate before a game
Watch a game from the MoZone
Have a winning record at games I attend

What else should I add? Do you have any Mets-olutions?

Gotta love Johan

2013-01-22T09:23:00.003-05:00

In regards to his B.A.T. award he will be receiving tonight...

“I was deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award from B.A.T. B.A.T is a cause I’ve long supported since being in the majors and one I will continue to support. Unfortunately, however, I will not be able to attend Tuesday’s dinner because I’m still in Venezuela trying to complete the paperwork for the construction of the baseball and soccer stadium in my hometown of Tovar. Again, my apologies on not being there and my congratulations to all the honorees.” – Johan Santana

Good Guy Johan.

David Wright will be a Met for a long, long time

2012-11-30T09:29:00.001-05:00

Oh, happy day.

David Wright and the Mets agreed on an 8-year deal (nullifying his 2013 contract), which will have him in blue and orange through 2020.

The deal, worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $140 million, was originally reported by Ed Coleman of WFAN, and subsequently confirmed by multiple sources in the middle of the night.

It's way too early to argue whether this is the right deal in terms of years or money, but it does point to a brighter future ahead for the Mets and their woeful financial troubles. If they can do this, they have to be on the right track, deferred money or not.

This is a great day to be a Mets fan.

Mike Piazza: Hall of Famer?

2012-11-28T20:16:00.000-05:00

View the story "Is Mike Piazza a Hall of Famer?" on StorifyIs Mike Piazza a Hall of Famer?Mike Piazza is on the ballot for the baseball Hall of Fame for the first time. So, do you think Mike Piazza should get in? (What hat he wears if inducted is another debate entirely.)Storified by Andrew Vazzano · Wed, Nov 28 2012 17:15:59Mike Piazza Baseball Card*hajee@TheRopolitans yes.Charlie Ryczek@TheRopolitans YES. Next question....Daniel Murphy@TheRopolitans i think he'll just barely get in. some voters will try the "1 year punishment for steroid era"Robert ZYES YES AND YES “@TheRopolitans: Mike Piazza: Hall of Famer?”Susana CrespoPope: Catholic? RT @TheRopolitans Mike Piazza: Hall of Famer?ChrisRT @TheRopolitans: Mike Piazza: Hall of Famer?....without questionMatt Kardos@TheRopolitans no question. Best hitting catcher of all-time. Only question is whether or not he juiced. #Mets #Piazza #HOFLeo ScullyHappy Birthday: Mike Piazza September 4, 1968 - Michael Joseph Piazza is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. A 12-time All-Star catcher, Mike Piazza played with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and OKeepinit.Real.Sports

Las Vegas 51s likes to post trade ideas on Facebook

2012-11-14T18:15:00.002-05:00

Um, OK?

Hurricane Sandy (Alderson)

2012-10-28T18:30:00.001-04:00

He’s coming for you, Winter Meetings. He’s just getting warmed up.

Mets move Triple-A to Las Vegas, inherit worst mascot ever

2012-09-22T17:34:00.001-04:00

If you haven’t heard, the Mets will no longer be affiliated with the Buffalo Bisons, but will instead affiliate themselves with the Las Vegas 51s as their new Triple-A affiliate.

That’s all well and good – teams change their affiliation every so often (remember the Norfolk Tides?) – but the real reason for this post is to introduce you to the worst mascot in professional sports.

His name is Cosmo. And he is terrifying.

The team’s website says, “Cosmo is a survivor of a spaceship crash who spent time at "Area 51" and was a baseball phenom on his home planet of Koufaxia.”

Koufaxia. Ah, it’s no wonder the Wilpons moved here.

The more you know about this creature the better.

Cosmo loves hot dogs, Cracker Jack and popcorn. His favorite music includes Elton John's "Rocket Man," David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust," Styx's "Mr. Roboto," and the Space Jazz Trio. His favorite movies and TV shows include Men in Black (I , II & III), all episodes of the Star Wars saga, Lost in Space and Star Trek.

I’m pretty sure this thing is a long lost cousin of Jar Jar Binks, which makes it all that much worse.

The Mets have the greatest mascot in MLB with Mr. Met and the worst mascot in professional sports in Cosmo.

All of the 2013 All-Star Game logos

2012-08-30T10:29:00.001-04:00

As we all know, Citi Field will play host to the All-Star Game next season.

We’ve all seen this logo in the news and hanging in center field:

But have you seen these alternate logos, which might be even more awesome?

So cool. Love the home run apple one and the simple top of the apple logo.

Here's the trailer for 'Knuckleball!'

2012-08-23T09:33:00.000-04:00

Featuring our very own R.A. Dickey...

Why is Keith's 'stach gray? An investigative report

2012-08-02T19:06:00.002-04:00

You may have noticed, as you watched some Mets games over the last few days, that Keith Hernandez's mustache has gone a little gray.

Why's that?

"I guess he ran out of Just For Men," said Gary Cohen, who was doing the pre-game from SNY's studios on Thursday.

But Cohen's joke may not be far from the truth.

Andrew Fegyveresi, VP of Communications at SNY, said he believes that Hernandez and Just For Men have parted ways. Hernandez, according to this article by Richard Sandomir in the NY Times, has been in the ads since at least 2008, but the article hints that the commercials had been on for some time before it was written.

I have reached out to Just For Men for confirmation, but did not receive a reply by the time this was published.

Reeeeeeeee-jected!

Let's remember the good times:

Additional reporting by Lenny Neslin of Lenny's Yankees.

My favorite press release

2012-08-02T08:52:00.000-04:00

New York Mets’ Ike Davis Set to Host Second Annual Charity Event

First baseman teams up with childhood cancer charities, Billboard #1 country artist, and teammates for an unforgettable evening

New York, NY (August 1, 2012) - New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis will host his annual charity event, “A Night with Ike Davis,” at City Winery in New York City on September 9th at 7 PM. This special evening, which will benefit Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) and the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, will feature a concert by country music star Lee Brice and celebrity bartending with Davis and teammates.

After losing his childhood friend, Mike Lio, to Ewing’s Sarcoma at the young age of 22, Davis has devoted his philanthropic efforts to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. After generating $60,000 during last year’s inaugural event, the first baseman has teamed up with Brice, a four-time Academy of Country Music nominee, to host another special evening in his friend’s honor.

“Seeing the impact and success this night had last year truly inspired me,” said Davis. “It’s amazing what you can do when you bring everyone together for a great cause. I am extremely grateful to have my teammates and Lee Brice so involved this year. I know Mike would be really proud of what we are doing and I am looking forward to a great evening.”

In addition to the concert, the event will also feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, VIP clubhouse access and a variety of one-of-a-kind items that will be included in an auction. If you are unable to attend the event on Sept. 9th but would still like to contribute, you can tip your favorite celebrity bartender online (http://bit.ly/ANwIke ), or make a $9.99 donation by texting “IKE” to 32020. A portion of the purchase proceeds will support Davis’ efforts and benefit SKC and The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.

Johan to DL

2012-07-21T10:37:00.001-04:00

Johan Santana is going on the DL...
— Peter Botte (@PeterBotte) July 21, 2012

Johan Santana to DL, officially with ankle injury.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 21, 2012

On Jeremy Lin and the Mets

2012-07-17T22:54:00.001-04:00

I’m not a Knicks fan. I watch the Knicks, but I’m far from a fan.

So, the Knicks didn’t match the Houston Rockets contract for Jeremy Lin, ending Linsanity in New York. But, just for some reality, let’s draw a bit of a parallel between Lin and… let’s say… Jordany Valdespin.

Lin started all of 25 games for the Knicks. He’s played in 64 total games, a mere 1,225 minutes. Valdespin has 40 games under his belt, just 81 plate appearances.

Knicks fans, and sports writers everywhere, are foaming at the mouth as they write about how awful of a move this was, tearing into James Dolan, etc. But, at this point, would you give Valdespin a contract like Lin just signed? $25 million over three years.

Imagine if Sandy Alderson turned around and announced at the end of the season, “Oh, by the way, we just signed Valdespin to a three-year deal, worth north of $20 million. And we’ll probably get fined for going over the (non-existant) MLB salary cap in a few years.”

Sure, Jordany might have more to prove, but the point still stands. Signing a guy who hasn’t even played a full season to a $25 million deal is beyond bonkers, marketing, ticket sales and all.

There would be riots! Mets fans would storm Citi Field and loot anything that wasn’t bolted down. But Knicks fans were clamoring for the Knicks to match the contract and bring Lin back.

Maybe I’m missing something. Maybe I don’t get the full picture. Yeah, I know Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton aren’t the answer. But how can you say Lin was? 25 starts! Twenty-five!

Maybe a Knicks fan can set me straight in the comments. Please, shed some light on this!

#Spinsanity

2012-07-17T21:36:00.001-04:00

Can we officially transfer the -sanity meme over to Jordany now? #SPINSANITY
— Andrew Vazzano (@TheRopolitans) July 18, 2012

Tracking Jesse Orosco’s glove [Photos]

2012-07-09T21:36:00.001-04:00

We all know it. Jesse Orosco on the mound, strikes out Marty Barret to clinch the Mets 1986 World Series championship.

Swing and a miss, and Orosco jumps up, arms in the air. After he windmills his arms, he flings his glove into the air.

And it never comes down.

At least, it never looks like it does. Let’s investigate.

Here’s some photographic evidence, culled from video of the event:

There it goes, up in the air.

And here’s the shot after he releases the glove and falls to his knees. I don’t see the glove.

And here’s the Mets running out on the field to greet Orosco (who is off to the left of the frame). Sure, there are a lot of players on the field, but I don’t see a glove.

Let’s enhance.

Enhance.

OK, still nothing.

And here’s another shot of the Mets on the field, and still no sign of the mythical flying glove.

Maybe if we watch a GIF of the glove taking off, we can track it…

Nope, Nada. Maybe if it looked like a Zapruder Tape.

OK, I give up. I’ll never be able to figure it out from this angle. We need a second camera – a second shooter, if you will.

Does such a film exist? Unlikely. Will we ever know what happened to the leather mitt? Probably not.

My theory: The glove took off and never came down. It’s somewhere between Jupiter and Saturn right now.

Update: OR DID IT COME DOWN?

I have a Mets confession to make

2012-06-29T22:44:00.002-04:00

OK, I've been sitting on this one a while. I realized it a long time ago, but never wrote anything about it - well, until now. Why? Well, because it makes me a bad Mets fan.

I did something bad. Very, very bad.

You know those senior quotes in yearbooks? Yeah, well mine is totally Mets-ian.

"A little roller up along first, behind the bag. It gets through Buckner! Here comes Knight and the Mets win it!" That shows up under my photo from 2006, when I graduated from high school. But, I made a boo boo.

I attributed that quote to Bob Murphy. Bob Murphy did not say that. Vin Scully did.

Scully was calling the game for NBC, and he's the legend that said those now-legendary words. But, I gave those words to Murphy. It was an oversight on my part. I didn't do any research. I didn't even Google it. I just assumed. No one checked. No one cared.

And now, forever, I am a bad Mets fan for misquoting one of the greatest moments in Mets history.

Oops.

A conversation with a reader about Thole and Murphy

2012-06-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

A reader emailed me yesterday to discuss Josh Thole and Daniel Murphy - he of the amazing mustache - and their low OBP.

The conversation follows below...

Reader:

Can you please address the abysmal OBP's of Daniel Murphy and Josh Thole? It is the only reason they are on the team.

Do you also find Mike Nickeas' presence to be insulting to the other ball club?

Me:

I'm not sure I understand the question about Thole and Murphy's OBP? How is that the only reason they're on the team?

And yes, Mike Nickeas is awful.

Reader:

Well thanks for getting back to me.

I mean they serve no other purpose, actually this probably could be a good blog post but what do i know, you are the blogger.

They are Mets major leaguers because of their ability to get on base, more evidence to that fact are:
1) They have no power
2) They are both lousy at defense (one could argue significant improvement from Thole but one cannot argue that is how he got to this point)
3) They have no speed
4) What am I missing? (High OBP got them to the majors, which they are not doing right now)

What do you think of it?

Me:

Well, who are you going to replace them with? Sure, they're only OBPing in the low .300s, but as you said... Mike Nickeas can't take over for Thole. Rob Johnson? Nope. Lucas May? Nope.

And for Murphy... you want Valdespin out there every game? Sure, he's hitting lately, but he's not proven and his glove may be worst than Murphy's. You have to remember Murphy is in a deeeeeeeeeeep slump right now, too.

And Thole/Nickeas are faced with Dickey's knuckleball every five days. You've seen how fooled hitters are with the pitch - catchers are just as confused too!

Reader:

Yeah but now we see that they can't be a part of our future and must be terminated quickly.

Me:

Thole is the catcher for the foreseeable future. Murphy is being moved around yearly to find him a spot. Neither positions are being threatened by players in the minors. These are the guys for right now and probably for a few years to come.

Reader:

Impossible situation to win carrying the both of them getting on base at a 300 clip.

Me:

Who would you put in their places?

I'm still waiting on a response.

Mets no-hitter T-shirt is awful

2012-06-03T14:51:00.000-04:00

I understand getting this shirt out quickly, but this is just horrendous. Almost as bad as those "Wild Card Winner" shirts that I'm pretty sure no one buys.