The Mets once again have controversy

The Mets can't seem to avoid controversy.  Their principal owner Fred Wilpon made some comments to the New Yorker which were released on Monday.  He called the team a not so version of the word crap and had some choice words for certain players such as Jose Reyes, David Wright, Carlos Beltran etc.  He was trying to be like George Steinbrenner used to be but it just isn't him. 

Today at Wrigley Field, Jose Reyes spoke with reporters about the comments made by Fred Wilpon, and basically said the following:

He was surprised by the comments made by Fred Wilpon and he needs to continue playing the game and not worry what happens later. Fred Wilpon is the owner – he can say whatever he wants.

Reyes wants to play in New York, but it’s too soon to think about the future, despite Wilpon’s saying payroll will be reduced next season he still thinks he could stay.  I don't see anyway that is going to happen but I guess he has to say that. 

Regarding the team ‘not being very good’, he thinks the team has a lot of talent, and has played well lately.  I would agree with that but they aren't very good, it is a losing atmosphere though which was brought on by the owners so he should look at himself in the mirror. 

When Fred Wilpon made the comments, the team wasn’t playing well, and he’s the boss, and the players are employees of his company.

The comments are in the past, and it doesn’t change his view on the Mets and the Wilpons.

In addition, Jason Bay spoke with reporters about Wilpon’s comments, and basically said:

He is not worried about the comments – well aware about how he’s doing.

The team has been faced with a lot of things – and thinks they will move on.

His comments are a reality of where the team is at – he can’t speculate on the future of the team and it’s payroll.

The players addressed the issue as a team, and decided they will stick together and take the high road.

He can’t explain the comments made about David Wright.  I don't know if anyone can because he is the leader of the team, as close as a captain as they can have.

They are worried about winning games, and not about what people are saying about them.

Wilpon’s comments should not have any bearing on what happens, unless people let it happen.  He is saying they can use that as an excuse and say that is why we played bad or didn't do this etc but that shouldn't happen.

In a perfect world, the comments can serve as motivation, but it’s a matter of simply executing on the field.  I would agree they shouldn't need motivation after the way they have performed the last few years. 

It might be helpful to hear from either Jeff or Fred Wilpon, but not necessarily right now.

Also, Carlos Beltran basically said:

He’s not 65 or 70 percent – he’s 100 percent healthy.

The years he was hurt, there was no way for him to perform the way he did when he was before he got injured.

He’s so happy to be healthy right now.

The comments are not going to affect him, or his approach to the game.

Regarding Wilpon commenting, and the issues he’s had with the team during his tenure with the Mets, he said “this is not my first rodeo”.

Very interesting stuff coming from the Mets, stay tuned as this story will not go away quickly.  The Mets need to start winning games and that will help let this story die out. 

Grapefruit League Game 18-Mets at Cardinals

The New York Mets will take on the St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter today at 1:05PM. John Maine will take on Adam Wainwright. Jenrry Mejia, Kiko Calero, Elmer Dessens, Francisco Rodriguez, Pat Misch and Sean Green are expected to pitch also. Mejia and Misch pitched yesterday so I don't know if they will pitch again today. Here are some of the media notes along with the lineup.

• Today is the 4th of 7 spring matchups these 2 teams will play. The Mets are 3-0 against the Cardinals so far.

• Fernando Martinez leads the grapefruit league with a 500 batting average, 969 slugging percentage and 16 hits. He is tied for second with 31 total bases. He is tied for third with 3 homeruns, tied for 5th with 11 rbi. He is tied for 1st with 2 triples.

• Pat Misch ran his scoreless streak to 9 games and in 4 games he has allowed 4 hits and struck out 5.

• This season marks the 22nd year the Mets have held spring training in Port St. Lucie. There are only 8 major league teams that have trained at their sites longer. The teams are the Cubs, Athletics, Giants, Tigers, Astros, Phillies, Pirates and Blue Jays.

I will have the lineup up as soon as possible, but it isn't available yet.

UPDATE:12:12PM-Here is the Mets lineup for today.

Gary Matthews Jr.(CF)

Luis Castillo(2B)

Fernando Tatis(3B)

Mike Jacobs(1B)

Fernando Martinez(RF)

Alex Cora(SS)

Jason Pridie(LF)

Chris Coste(C)

John Maine(P)

News and Notes from Yankees Camp

Chan Ho Park arrived in camp today, he said he has been throwing in Korea. He long tossed today and will throw a bullpen tomorrow. Edwar Ramirez was designated for assignment to make room on the 40 man roster for Park. The official press release from the Yankees can be found here. Chan Ho Park will wear number 61. Brian Cashman said they are treating him like today was his first day of spring training, which it was technically. He was throwing bullpens and training in Korea but the Yankees will start his throwing program the same way they did the other pitchers. He will throw a bullpen tommorrow and Cashman said he won't get into a game the first week of exhibition games. That still will give him enough time to be ready for opening day, the Yankees just don't want to rush him and have him get hurt. Here are the pitchers who threw live batting practice today: Group 1-Joba Chamberlain, CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes,Boone Logan,Zach McAllister,Ivan Nova,Hector Noesi. Group 2: Kei Igawa,Dustin Moseley,D.J. Mitchell, Mark Melancon,Jeremy Bleich,Kevin Whelan. CC Sabathia threw 28 pitches today. He faced Mike Rivera,Marcus Thames,Randy Winn and Nick Johnson. He said this "They didn't take many swings, but it is good to have that hitter judge your pitches. It doesn't matter whether they swing or not." He was asked if he is ready to finally pitch in a game and he said " We will see, I feel good though. My bullpens went real well, I get Monday off then throw another bullpen, so I will be fine. I'm looking forward to it. Today definitely helped, getting back going and getting used to facing guys."

Saturday Notes from Yankees Camp

The New York Yankees were rained out down in Tampa today. They had to get their work in, inside. They had some batting practice and pitchers throwing inside but everything was light today due to the inclement weather. Joe Girardi did announce his pitchers for the first 11 spring training games. These were just the starters and 5th starter candidates. The relievers weren't announced. Here is the list courtesy of Chad Jennings and the Lohud Yankees Blog: The first name is the starter for the day. Andy Pettitte isn't starting until March 12 but he will throw a simulated game in Tampa on March 7th. March 3 vs Pittsburgh: Chad Gaudin,Sergio Mitre,Alfredo Aceves March 4 at Philadelphia: CC Sabathia March 5 vs Tampa Bay: Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain March 6 vs Toronto: A.J. Burnett March 7 at Minnesota: Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre March 8 vs Philadelphia: Javier Vazquez-Split Squad March 8 at Pittsburgh: Alfredo Aceves March 9 vs Pittsburgh: CC Sabathia March 10 at Detroit: Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes March 11 vs Atlanta: A.J. Burnett March 12 at Washington: Andy Pettitte March 13 vs Baltimore: Javier Vazquez-Split Squad March 13 at Detroit: Undecided

Baseball is Back-Almost

Today marks the last day of the offseason. Who would of thought we would of made it to spring training and Johnny Damon still doesn't have a team although it appears he and the Tigers are getting closer. The New York Yankees will officially open up spring training tommorrow with pitchers and catchers reporting at 10:00AM, manager Joe Girardi will address the media at 12 Noon. It has changed from years past where all the players really have to do is call and say they are in the area, a lot of the players have been trickling in at the minor league complex since last week. Here are the last few notes from pre spring training and then tommorrow it will be full coverage all day everyday of the Yankees and Mets so please check back often for news and opinion. I hope you will all come here and start debates and talk about different aspects of the season. I am always open to suggestions and opinions and it doesn't matter if you agree with me or not. I can be reached through the comments here or email at gmarchesej@aol.com. I thank everyone for all the support and lets have a great season. The New York Mets don't report until Thursday. Chien-Ming Wang officially signed with the Washington Nationals today, he will have a press conference on Friday. Here are the pre-spring training workout notes from today. CC Sabathia talked to the media today and stated he has only thrown 2 bullpen sessions so far and he usually has thrown 5. He stated he isn't too worried about catching up. He will throw one tomorrow when he reports to camp. He also stated he does plan on taking his teammates to Orlando Magic games during spring training, he already has the tickets so whoever is up for it come see him and he is ready to go. He also talked about being hungry for more and recruiting Lebron James to come play for the New York Knicks. Brett Gardner took batting practice and looked good. Everyone is saying how scruffy he is looking, I can't wait to see him. Derek Jeter, Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Pena and Curtis Granderson also took batting pratctice. Most of the coaching staff was in attendance. Dave Robertson, A.J. Burnett, CC Sabathia and Javier Vazquez did some throwing. It was a rather cool day in Florida with temps in the 40's and 50's still much better then being here in the snow though.