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. 

Mets Vs Nationals

The New York Mets are playing a early game today, they started at 12 noon and the game is on SNY and WFAN radio in New York. Here are some quick notes from this morning. Francisco Rodriguez left the team to be with his family in Venezuela. Omar Minaya said he will be with the team for Opening Day. Minaya confirmed that Reyes will stay behind for extended spring training when the team breaks camp. He said "He will stay here with the extended program. he is coming along very well. We want him for the whole year and feel it's safter for him to stay down in Florida." There is no date for Reyes return right now. Minaya said it is likely that 12 pitchers are on the roster for opening day. Minaya said "I like our team, when you look at our team, with Jose hopefully getting in the mix, teh team as a unit feels good. Underneath the expectation levels, I think we can prove some people wrong."

Yankees projected roster

Wildcard weekend starts in a little less then an hour and spring training tickets went on sale for most teams today. I thought with this in mind that it would be a good time to take a look at the Yankees roster since it is pretty much complete. I am going to start by going through the positions and then I will do the rotation, bullpen and lineup as I think it will be. C-Jorge Posada 1B-Mark Teixeira 2B-Robinson Cano SS-Derek Jeter 3B-Alex Rodriguez LF-Brett Gardner CF-Curtis Granderson RF-Nick Swisher Bench Francisco Cervelli Ramiro Pena Jaime Hoffman Rotation CC Sabathia A.J. Burnett Andy Pettitte Javier Vazquez Phil Hughes Bullpen Mo-Closer Joba-Setup man Dave Robertson-setup man Damaso Marte-lefty setup man Boone Logan-specialty lefty Alfredo Aceves-middle relief Chad Guadin-long relief Lineup Derek Jeter Nick Johnson Mark Teixeira Alex Rodriguez Jorge Posada Robinson Cano Nick Swisher Curtis Granderson Brett Gardner There may be some difference with Joba as the 5th starter and Phil Hughes as a setup man and maybe in the bullpen there may be some other guys who make it like Sergio Mitre or Albaladejo etc but this is how I think it will shake out. It is also possible the Yankees do sign a right handed hitter to play leftfield against lefties and come off the bench like a Reed Johnson. What do you guys think about this team, lineup, rotation etc??? I think this is a very strong team still even without Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. I think they will be better defensively and pitching wise.

Yankees looking for the sweep

Peter Abraham is off this week due to being furloughed, times are rough especially in the newspaper business. I am providing the notes and lineup via Sam Borden of the Journal News and as always you can check the Lohud Yankees blog. The Yankees have won five straight and seven of nine not coincidentally that is since A-rod came back. A.J. Burnett has the pie going for the game winning hits but also another fun tradition the Yankees have incorporated is the wrestling belt given to the star of the game and they carry it around. This stuff is silly but it shows the good chemistry and cohesiveness this group has. The Yankees relievers have allowed 3 runs in their last 11 1/3 innings and have 11 strikeouts. The Yankees haven't made an error in 35 innings. The attention to detail and little things is what will really seperate the Yankees. Andy Pettitte hasn't recorded back to back victories since July 20 and 26th of last year. Yankees lineup Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(DH) Swisher(RF) Cano(2B) Cabrera(CF) Pena(3B) Cervelli(C) Enjoy the game, its at 7:00PM on the Yes network.

Yanks/Twins recap

The Yankees won another game against Minnesota on a walkoff, this time a Johnny Damon homerun. This was their 3rd straight walkoff win the first time that has happened since 1972. The Yankees have now won five in a row and are one game behind Boston and three behind Toronto in the loss column. Toronto plays at Boston starting Tuesday so if the Yankees keep winning they will gain on someone. A.J. Burnett had good stuff today and was throwing up zeroes for six innings. He got into trouble in the seventh and gave up two runs but the Yankees came right back and tied the game and he ended up with the no decision. This must be a frustrating time for him as he has now had 5 no decisions and a loss in his last 6 starts but because the team is winning he is doing ok even giving another pie today at the urging of Mariano Rivera. I really can see this team coming together and now they should be getting Wang and Bruney and maybe Posada back this week. The offense is still not getting it done for most of the game but I like how they never give up and battle back and the bullpen has been doing better. A-rod had another homerun today and he is looking better at the plate, just having him in the middle of the order makes it that much tougher and they are 7-2 since he came back. Mark Teixeira had a big defensive play today to save the Yankees and Alfredo Aceves, Brett Tomko and Jon Albaladejo all had scoreless outings in relief. The Yankees play one more game in this weekend wrap around series tomorrow night with Andy Pettitte facing Glen Perkins. I hope the Yankees can win a regular game without the walkoff heroics.

Yanks/Twins Recap

I am sorry for the lack of posts today but I was busy meeting Bernie Williams this morning and then got caught up in the Yankees game this afternoon. I will post a pic of me and Bernie later and talk about it a little. The Yankees had another great walk off win today, A-rod hit a 2 run walk off homerun. Mark Teixeira is looking good, he was 4-4 with 4 rbi's and a walk. I wonder if A-rod hitting behind him has anything to do with that hmmm?? Joba Chamberlain pitched 6 good innings, 2 runs on 3 hits. He is walking too many guys which raises the pitch count but he is getting better and better and he has a great era. The one thing about this team is I don't like how the offense is dormant for long stretches, I still think Kevin Long has to go. I do like how they come back though and never seem to give up. MO looked like the old MO today and Alfredo Aceves was sharp, I don't know why Joe continues to use Ramirez and Veras as I just think they are a waste and Melancon and Robertson would be much better and Phil Coke shouldn't pitch for as long as he did that is when he gets into trouble. The Yankees should be getting Bruney and Wang back this week and Posada in the next couple of weeks and Nady may even be back in 2 or 3 weeks and then that will really help them. A.J. Burnett starts tommorrow vs Kevin Slowey and really needs to have a strong start and get in the win column and then maybe someone will pie him. I think the Yankees can keep it going tomorrow.

My new adventure

I forgot to mention this before but I have teamed up with Voice of Yankees universe and will be posting stuff on that site. Please visit that site and leave comments and emails also at http://nyyankeesrumors.com/ I am trying to expand my horizons and hoping this will work out well for me. I will still be posting regularly on here and nothing will change other then having to post on there and getting more people to see my work. I appreciate the support and will continue to provide you with the best coverage that I can.

Picture From The Last Workout Before the Games Begin

Here are the Pics from Today in Tampa. Yogi and Reggie arrived today. The team was hard at work after playing hooky yesterday.

Yankees Play Pool

The Yankees found out around 9:30 this morning that thye wouldn't be practicing but instead manager Joe Girardi who apparently is a changed man decided to take the team to a local pool hall where they would participate in a 2 on 2 8 ball tournament. Here are the pics courtesy of the New York Yankees.

Jeter speaks again

Derek Jeter reiterated today that he and all of the team supports Arod. He spoke to the press after working out at the Yankees minor league complex. He also stated that Mike Borzello the former BP catcher used to joke with Arod about Afraud and that no one ever said it to him other then joking around. Derek did say this about the upcoming season. "I'll tell you what, i'm probably as excited about this season as any season in a long time." "We've made some great additions. They said they wanted to improve our pitching staff and we got arguably two of the best in the game. We added Tex, they always talk about how great of a hitter he is, he's an all around player." "It boils down to everybody staying healthy,especially in our division with so many good teams, Im pretty excited about this year."

Steelers win 6th Title

The Super Bowl turned out to be a great game for the second straight year. I would of liked to see less flags thrown but it was an enjoyable game. I think it came out like most people thought but I came out of this game thinking the best football team wasn't even playing. I am not just saying this because I am a Giants fan but they were the best team all year and if they would of gotten past Philly I think they would of been in the Super Bowl to defend their title. The Giants biggest problem of course was that because the Plax incident happened so late in the season that they couldn't adjust but hey it is what it is. The Steelers I felt would be the team out of the AFC for most of the year even though the Titans were considered the best team. I think Big Ben made up for his poor showing in the first Super Bowl he was in. Kurt Warner didn't do anything to hurt his chances of becoming a hall of famer. He didn't win the Super Bowl but he played very well. We knew about Larry Fitzgerald coming into this game and the Steelers did a good job of shutting him down until the fourth quarter when he made his presence felt. Anquan Boldin had a good game, he may be trade bait but we shall see. The halftime show was great and I think Jennifer Hudson performed one of the best National Anthems I have ever heard especially being the first public appearance since the murders of her mother, brother and nephew. The NFL season ended on a high note and now we start the transition to baseball season.