Friday, April 15, 2016
N.Y. Islanders: The Thrill of Victory and Agony of the Seats
From the desk of: FIVE FOR FLATBUSH
Year One in Brooklyn
45-27-10 (100 Points)
Kings County's second ever NHL season is done.
The Borough's first ever NHL Playoffs is underway!
New York Islanders: The Brooklyn Americans were first to play in Kings County. The former Long Islanders now bring the Borough into their first ever NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
*The 1939-1940 New York Americans qualified for the playoffs.
The Islanders first season in Brooklyn was a difficult adjustment to say the least.
I knew it would be.
I settled on the blog title Five For Flatbush in order to capture the Islanders' quest for a 5th Stanley Cup, and to inaugurate their arrival on Flatbush Avenue.
There was a reason, however, why I initially titled this blog Brooklyn's Foster Hockey Club prior to their actual move into Barclays Center. They are here due more to circumstance, than by choice. An overburdened Long Island (Nassau County) tax base was unnecessarily forced to vote with their wallets instead of their hearts on a new arena proposal - which could have been avoided if local gov't would have simply worked more cooperatively with Charles Wang and his originally proposed Lighthouse Project.
Looking back, the timing couldn't have been worse. Barclays Center was never intended to host NHL hockey - nor was there a reason to even consider it.
At the time, the New Jersey Nets were still working in cooperation with the New Jersey Devils on a proposed arena in Newark. When that plan fell apart, native Brooklynite/real estate developer Bruce Ratner purchased the Nets from motivated sellers.
Since the day Ratner announced intentions to move the Nets into a new arena to be built in Brooklyn, and even throughout the construction of Barclays Center a decade later, no one anticipated the Nets and Islanders reuniting under the same roof ever again. The two ceased being room mates back in the late 1970's when the Nets moved from Nassau Coliseum, and into the Meadowlands Brendan Byrne Arena. The hockey Devils then moved from Colorado to join them during the early 1980's.
The situation left the Islanders alone - a situation very unlike that of the Knicks/Rangers, and aforementioned Nets/Devils.
Quite honestly, I have no idea how many locals are attending home games. I know some due. Obviously, wearing Isles gear throughout the decades has not been uncommon here, but I see more now than at any other time I can recall. Long Islanders may very well be carrying attendance largely by themselves, though I don't know that, but I'm sure of it. These figures, however, speak truth...
Local Attendance:
- New York Rangers: NHL rank #18. They averaged 18,006 per game;100% capacity.
- New Jersey Devils: NHL rank #26. They averaged 15,073 per game; 91% capacity.
- New York Islanders: NHL rank #28. They averaged 13,626 per game; 86% capacity.
Here's the rub - the remaining 15% of Barclays Center potential seating for hockey games are (terrible) obstructed views. Were it for more suitable seating, their attendance would perhaps be on par with that of the Devils, if not better (relatively speaking...) considering capacity is roughly 15,000 at Barclays Center for hockey. In fact, the Islanders ranked #25 during their last season at the Coliseum, averaging 15,334 per game, or 95% capacity. A now competitive team playing out a swan song season played into that, but they nevertheless outpaced the Devils whom ranked #26 last season.
Therefore, the Islanders' attendance figures might actually be healthier than meets the eye, but still does nothing to help the fact Barclays is somewhat unsuitable for hockey. The scoreboard isn't even centered on the rink, adding to the general aesthetic detraction.
Then there's the partial re-branding of the team. What choice did Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark have? He had to keep the traditional Long Islanders content, while at the same time entice a new local market with its own very strongly held identity. As a result, we essentially have a team with an alter ego, donning a completely distinct alternative (or primary?) uniform designed in part to compliment the Brooklyn Nets and the reuniting of one-time arena mates.
At this point, Brett Yormark's mind is undoubtedly pinned on Sunday's first playoff game at Barclays. Only winning playoff games, building a winning atmosphere, and sustained success, make other problems (perceived or real) magically disappear.
Even then, the nuances of this whole arrangement will continue dominating any conversation unless parading a Cup down Flatbush Avenue can change more minds..,
...or one of these parties opt out in a few years.
* * * *
Much like life around Brooklyn, the 2015-16 regular season itself can be summed up with a simple - damned if you do, and damned if you don't.
Four teams exceeded 100 points in the Metropolitan Division this season, led by Washington's eye popping 120 points. The Islanders came in at an even buck, while the Blueshirts finished just a mere point better.
The Islanders arrived in Kings County replete with a genuine star performer - John Tavares. For several seasons now, his forward line (w/ Kyle Okposos/various third skater) has routinely been the best among any formed by either of the three local hockey clubs.
2015 - 2016
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
PLAYOFFS
Game One Final
Islanders 5
Panthers 4
As presently formed, John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and Frans Nielsen led the Islanders to a 5-4 victory in Game One of their opening round series over the Florida Panthers.
The seasoned Islanders opted to counter-punch with the feisty Panthers.
Florida opened the scoring within the first two minutes of play. Just under five minutes later, Brock Nelson tied the game at one. But the Panthers converted a power play at the 13:51 mark to inch ahead. Not for long though ... Frans Nielsen reciprocated at 16:46 with a power play goal of his own, assisted by Tavares.
One again, Florida opened the 2nd period scoring within the opening two minutes. Flatbush then embarked on a methodical grinding down of the younger cats. With 0:22 second left in the session, John Tavares converted feeds from line mates Okposo and Nielsen, tying the game at three.
Flatbush continued turning the tables with Kyle Okposo's early score opening the 3rd period - fed once again by Tavares.
At 6:01, Ryan Strome next scored what proved to be the difference in the game, because within another minute, Florida scored giving the Isles their eventual one goal margin of victory.
Goalie Thomas Greiss, starting in place of injured Jaroslav Halak, faced 46 shots and made 42 saves.
For the moment, home ice advantage has switched over into the Islanders hands.
Playoff hockey arrives in Brooklyn this Sunday for Game Three.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
N.Y. Mets: ?Donde esta La Potencia?
Here's my latest article for
Mike
senior staff writer/Rising Apple
N.Y. Rangers: Here We Go Again ... Round One
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS: Put your big boy pants on and play tough ... or go home.
Here's your preview...
That's a hell of an attitude to start the playoffs with, ain't it?
That's because the same issues I had in October, and repeated through February, are pretty much what I still take issue with today. In fact, I'm still clinging to the same gripes I held last season.
I do not believe in Alain Vigneault's system. It's designed for the regular season, which is fine. But come the playoffs, it reaches its limits in a short series, particularly against more physical teams.
You know exactly where I'm going with this...
Alain Vigneault had tough, physical players at his disposal when he coached the Montreal Canadiens. He also had a few physically minded players when he coached the Vancouver Canucks. In both instances he resisted infusing physicality into his plan during the playoffs, and in each instance got dismissed as head coach.
The 2011 Canucks lost the Stanley Cup finals against the tougher, much more physical Boston Bruins. Shortly thereafter, Vancouver stated their main reason for firing Alain Vigneault (and hiring John Tortorella) was to get tougher. Which in turn means what? The Rangers got softer.
Like you need reminding - the Rangers lost to the more physical and resilient Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 Cup finals in similar fashion. Last year's elimination against the Tampa Bay Lightning I completely blame on him, and his stubbornness. He made adjustments, but just didn't see them through. He was determined to make his philosophy work, but just like in his previous endeavors, he came up short.
When he coaches with a backbone, he'll finally win a Cup.
To date, the results speak for themselves.
The Rangers get pushed off the puck too easily - they don't have the forwards that pound opposing defensemen, and therefore spend little time in the offensive zone. It's mind numbing. Defensively, they do a poor job of clearing traffic, and are generally too smallish to inflict any meaningful punishment themselves. But, those are personnel issues.
Teams continually take their liberties against Rangers players, particularly Henrik Lundqvist, because they know the Rangers will offer no resistance, no retaliation, no nuthin'. That's on the coach.
That said...
My issues are not solely focused on the team's lack of physicality either.
Henrik Lundqvist, is now 34-years old, yet recorded his most starts (65) since the 2010-11 season. Under Vigneault, the Rangers have reverted back to being overly reliant on Lundqvist again - I'm talking Tom Renney dependence levels!
Lundqvist posted a .920 SV% this season, which is on par with his career. He posted a 2.48 GAA, however, which was a career worst. In my opinion, much of that is attributable to, yes, lack of physicality in front.
Now, correct me if I'm wrong ... but wasn't one of the reasons for hiring Vigneault to improve the power play? I guess he's still working on that, but in the meantime the penalty kill finished 26th this season.
Just saying...
I'll just see how goes and take it from there.
Points I still need to get off my chest:
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
GAME ONE
New York Rangers
vs.
Pittsburgh Penguins
FROM
An Igloo
Here's your preview...
- Welcome back.
- Nothing has changed.
- Thank you very much.
That's a hell of an attitude to start the playoffs with, ain't it?
That's because the same issues I had in October, and repeated through February, are pretty much what I still take issue with today. In fact, I'm still clinging to the same gripes I held last season.
I do not believe in Alain Vigneault's system. It's designed for the regular season, which is fine. But come the playoffs, it reaches its limits in a short series, particularly against more physical teams.
You know exactly where I'm going with this...
Alain Vigneault had tough, physical players at his disposal when he coached the Montreal Canadiens. He also had a few physically minded players when he coached the Vancouver Canucks. In both instances he resisted infusing physicality into his plan during the playoffs, and in each instance got dismissed as head coach.
The 2011 Canucks lost the Stanley Cup finals against the tougher, much more physical Boston Bruins. Shortly thereafter, Vancouver stated their main reason for firing Alain Vigneault (and hiring John Tortorella) was to get tougher. Which in turn means what? The Rangers got softer.
Like you need reminding - the Rangers lost to the more physical and resilient Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 Cup finals in similar fashion. Last year's elimination against the Tampa Bay Lightning I completely blame on him, and his stubbornness. He made adjustments, but just didn't see them through. He was determined to make his philosophy work, but just like in his previous endeavors, he came up short.
When he coaches with a backbone, he'll finally win a Cup.
To date, the results speak for themselves.
The Rangers get pushed off the puck too easily - they don't have the forwards that pound opposing defensemen, and therefore spend little time in the offensive zone. It's mind numbing. Defensively, they do a poor job of clearing traffic, and are generally too smallish to inflict any meaningful punishment themselves. But, those are personnel issues.
Teams continually take their liberties against Rangers players, particularly Henrik Lundqvist, because they know the Rangers will offer no resistance, no retaliation, no nuthin'. That's on the coach.
That said...
I'll be paying attention as to how Alain Vigneault utilizes Dylan McIlrath in the playoffs.
My issues are not solely focused on the team's lack of physicality either.
Henrik Lundqvist, is now 34-years old, yet recorded his most starts (65) since the 2010-11 season. Under Vigneault, the Rangers have reverted back to being overly reliant on Lundqvist again - I'm talking Tom Renney dependence levels!
Lundqvist posted a .920 SV% this season, which is on par with his career. He posted a 2.48 GAA, however, which was a career worst. In my opinion, much of that is attributable to, yes, lack of physicality in front.
Now, correct me if I'm wrong ... but wasn't one of the reasons for hiring Vigneault to improve the power play? I guess he's still working on that, but in the meantime the penalty kill finished 26th this season.
Just saying...
* * *
Lucky for Alain Vigneault, the Rangers will open the playoffs against Pittsburgh. They've handled them before, perhaps they can do it again.
Pittsburgh plays right into Vigneault's system of skating with speed, and moving the puck quickly. The Rangers and Pens played each other three times in March, and all were fairly fast paced affairs.
Oh yeah ... the Rangers lost all three games and were outscored by a combined 12-6 margin.
The Penguins will be without their starting goalie Marc Andre-Fleury, and forward Evgeni Malkin.
The Rangers will be without Ryan McDonagh for Game One.
I'll just see how goes and take it from there.
Points I still need to get off my chest:
- Blueliners - Marc Staal and Dan Girardi.
- If Mats Zuccarello is continually the Rangers' best forward, then they're in big trouble.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
N.Y. Mets: Las Vegas 51s 2016 Preview
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
CASHMAN FIELD
Home of the Las Vegas 51s
LAS VEGAS 51's: Should the Mets continue rolling the dice in Sin City? They've been lucky so far...
The New York Mets' player development agreement with the Las Vegas 51s expires this season. Options for both teams are clear - come Autumn they must mutually renew for two, or four years, or part ways.
How did the Mets end up in the Nevada desert in the first place?
Many fingers point directly at Omar Minaya's regime. After the 2006 season, Norfolk served the Mets with divorce papers, thus ending a 38 year relationship. The displaced Mets wound up in New Orleans for a brief two year fling with the Zephyrs (whom won a division title in 2007, which incidentally remains their last). But, that felt like exile more than anything.
Omar Minaya then seemingly found the Empire State promised land when he and the Buffalo Bisons entered into a PDA in September 2009. But within short two years, Buffalo grew displeased with Minaya, whom was dismissed as Mets general manager, and replaced by Sandy Alderson. The new Mets general manager succeeded in extending their strained agreement with the Bisons for another two seasons, but not a day longer. Buffalo moved on from the Mets with haste after 2012 (citing a lack of talent among other their gripes).
In fact, a major PDA reshuffling took place between MLB clubs and respective AAA affiliated members during the 2012 Open Period. When the musical chairs stopped, Las Vegas and the Mets were the proverbial last clubs standing, which effectively forced them into an agreement together.
The clubs even renewed their PDA in 2014.
For the Mets, affiliating with Las Vegas has helped removed some sense of being AAA nomads. And in truth, the logistical effects Mets fans initially feared over having the team's affiliate so far away from New York City have proved negligible for three full seasons now.
From a Las Vegas fan's point of view, I suppose it's been both good and hot times in the city. I don't think locals would disagree. Once affiliated with the Mets, the 51s won back-to-back division titles in 2013 and 2014, and came just a game short of capturing a third straight PCL South Division flag last season.
Prior to their agreement with the Mets, Las Vegas last won a division title back in 2002 when still affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A long playoff drought then ensued throughout the remainder of their affiliation with the Dodgers, then continued through their four years (2009-2012) with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Other factors Sandy Alderson and the front office should consider nevertheless remain.
The 51s have been under new ownership since 2013, whom thus far have failed to escape outdated Cashman Field for typical reasons - municipalities and politics, financing, and
business enterprise usually tend to stymie any given process. Specific to this case, a new stadium on the western edge of the city remains questionable, if not doubtful. Proposed solutions with the city itself have similarly failed to gain traction.
At the risk of insulting local fan's whom may find Cashman Field more near and dear to them (than perhaps yours truly from Brooklyn), the near 35-year old complex is notoriously substandard for AAA-level baseball. That's a wide circulating Baseball industry opinion (not necessarily mine, although I have visited Cashman Field and was simply happy to be there).
Moreover, many Mets fans, and even local media to a certain extent, continue making arid conditions and varying elevation levels within Pacific Coast League member locations a point of contention when ever the subject of Mets prospects playing in Las Vegas is broached.
I perhaps do not feel as strongly as others. I would offer Mets pitching prospects are better served passing through Vegas under pitching coach Frank Viola's influence, and facing the challenge pitching in the PCL poses head on. I believe strongly in a pitcher's ability to adapt, overcome, and learning art of alternative strategies.
My opinion aside, as an organizational executive Sandy Alderson must nevertheless attempt to optimize his minor league structure and operation, and strongly consider getting back into the International League. Of course, the 2016 Open Period will dictate much of that. But should an opportunity present itself, perhaps Sandy Alderson should seize it.
Even then, one must be fair. No one can argue the mutual relationship, in any way, has been counterproductive.
Even then, one must be fair. No one can argue the mutual relationship, in any way, has been counterproductive.
Team Preview/Potential Reinforcements
On the mound, the 51s feature Rafael Montero, whom at the moment, might represent the lone starting reinforcement the Mets can reasonably call upon. Although being utilized as a starter by Wally Backman in Vegas, Montero was primarily used in the bullpen during his brief stint with the Mets last year. His season ponderously ended prematurely last year due to what initially began as shoulder stiffness. In 2013, he made eight starts for the Mets. He did himself no favors this season during Grapefruit League play.
Starters Seth Lugo and Gabriel Ynoa are making their first respective touches at the AAA level.
As far as bullpen reinforcements, the graduates of Binghamton are led by prospect Jeff Walters and Paul Sewald. Reliever Josh Smoker is a well-traveled 27-year old. As a seven year minor league veteran, he's perhaps a bit more seasoned and could conceivably see time in Queens this season. Zack Thornton is likewise 27-years old and a seven year minor league veteran, however, his chances of pitching off the Citi Field mound grow more remote by the day.
More familiar relievers Mets fans may see from time to time are Erik Goeddel, Dario Alvarez, certainly Sean Gilmartin, and perhaps even Chase Huchingson.
Behind the dish, the Mets recently signed Rene Rivera, and still retain Johnny Monell, whom started Las Vegas' opening game on Thursday.
The Las Vegas infield is potentially their ultimate strength. Shortstop has been a point a contention for the New York Mets in recent seasons, and although addressed during the off-season, Gavin Cecchini appears a year closer to the big leagues after enjoying a breakout season last year with Binghamton.
Of course, all eyes will remain on the highly touted second baseman Dilson Herrera. The infield will also feature Matt Reynolds, and a token mention to Danny Muno.
In the outfield, Brandon Nimmo, now 23-years old, is the player who'll be most scrutinized this season. Sandy Alderson's very first amateur draft pick back in 2011 (13th overall), is entering his second season with Las Vegas. In 32 games last season, he batted .264 with 3 home runs and a .393 OBP in 91 at-bats. Many fans are beginning to doubt his ability, noting his underwhelming rise through the minor league levels.
Saturday, April 09, 2016
N.Y. Mets: Joyous Victory and a Bundle of Nerves
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
Friday's 7-2 victory over Philly kinda makes the Mets 1-0 on the season then ... kinda.
But make no mistake, the rest of the season will be riddled with anxiety, and Friday's game provided fans with their first stress test.
Jacob deGrom was lifted after the 6th inning as a not-so-precautionary measure.
How many times have you heard pitching in the cold, and lat strain in the same sentence?
My recollection says many.
And how many times have we listened to clubs downplay lat strains, only to watch said player get placed on the 2-week DL or longer?
I realize I'm most likely making something out of nothing, but, strained lats are just that way - they're freakin' ponderous!
Then there's the baby. Yes, the baby!
Jacob deGrom and wife are expecting their new Grominator to enter this world any minute now.
Stress - how would you like pitching with that on your mind? Remember when Jon Niese did it last year? You know, pitching instead of being with his wife during labor? Niese said that ruined the whole second half of his 2015 season.
As if...
Jacob on the other hand experienced little trouble with the Phillies. He faced 22 batters, allowed one earned run on 5 hits and no walks, and fanned 6 in gaining his first victory of the season.
But I digress...
You know how they say life imitates baseball and baseball imitates life?
That means it's gonna be a long stressful season indeed.
On that note, congratulations Jacob and to Mrs. deGrom in particular. She's near labor while her husband was out with the fellas playing in dirt.
Yeah - real life - sound familiar?
Happy Opening Day everyone!
Time to get your Stress on.
Bridging Time
OPENING DAY
Polo Grounds
1962 - 1963
Shea Stadium
1964 - 2008
Citi Field
2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014
* 2015 *
2016
NEW YORK METS: Amazin's hoist their 5th National League pennant, then deGrominate Phillies in home opener.
Nothing like winning on Opening Day ... except for maybe winning a World Series championship that is.
That's what happens when your team wins a pennant - anything less this season is going to be a bitter pill for Mets fans to swallow.
So, what better time to throw out an old baseball truism than now...
All teams will win 60 games, and lose 60 games. The main question is what will they do with the other 42 games?
Friday's 7-2 victory over Philly kinda makes the Mets 1-0 on the season then ... kinda.
But make no mistake, the rest of the season will be riddled with anxiety, and Friday's game provided fans with their first stress test.
Jacob deGrom was lifted after the 6th inning as a not-so-precautionary measure.
How many times have you heard pitching in the cold, and lat strain in the same sentence?
My recollection says many.
And how many times have we listened to clubs downplay lat strains, only to watch said player get placed on the 2-week DL or longer?
I realize I'm most likely making something out of nothing, but, strained lats are just that way - they're freakin' ponderous!
Then there's the baby. Yes, the baby!
Jacob deGrom and wife are expecting their new Grominator to enter this world any minute now.
Stress - how would you like pitching with that on your mind? Remember when Jon Niese did it last year? You know, pitching instead of being with his wife during labor? Niese said that ruined the whole second half of his 2015 season.
As if...
Jacob on the other hand experienced little trouble with the Phillies. He faced 22 batters, allowed one earned run on 5 hits and no walks, and fanned 6 in gaining his first victory of the season.
But I digress...
You know how they say life imitates baseball and baseball imitates life?
That means it's gonna be a long stressful season indeed.
On that note, congratulations Jacob and to Mrs. deGrom in particular. She's near labor while her husband was out with the fellas playing in dirt.
Yeah - real life - sound familiar?
Happy Opening Day everyone!
Time to get your Stress on.
Thursday, April 07, 2016
Sunday, April 03, 2016
N.Y. Mets: Kansas City ... Kansas City Here We Come
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: It's On! The long awaited rematch featuring the National League Champions versus baseball's reigning World Champions.
Sunday morning was confronted with Winter's final attempt to chill.
Alas, farewell to you ... be gone with your northern winds.
Bells of our Pastime's Spring cathedrals ring.
Don uniforms. Renew old rivalries and new alike.
The season for pitching, hitting, and running upon fields of Gaia's green,
... commence when the call is made to Play Ball!
!!! UNFINISHED BUSINESS !!!
Opening Night
* * 2016 * *
GAME ONE
New York Mets
vs.
Kansas City Royals
FROM
"The K"
Ewing Kauffman Stadium
NEW YORK METS: It's On! The long awaited rematch featuring the National League Champions versus baseball's reigning World Champions.
Sunday morning was confronted with Winter's final attempt to chill.
Alas, farewell to you ... be gone with your northern winds.
Bells of our Pastime's Spring cathedrals ring.
Don uniforms. Renew old rivalries and new alike.
The season for pitching, hitting, and running upon fields of Gaia's green,
... commence when the call is made to Play Ball!
*
With a National League pennant in hand ... welcome to life on the other side of a long rebuilding process. The days in Queens are now filled with wild expectations of the Metropolitans returning to the World Series.
Can they? For the first time in a long time, that's my expectation.
It all begins with a Dark Knight ... this evening ... in Kansas City.
Perhaps already harboring disappointment over the way last year's Classic slipped away, Matt Harvey most recently suffered through a (minor) blood clot scare, and did not at all appreciate the media's handling of the issue.
There's seemingly a (slightly) tangible sense that we're discussing one very angry, determined, and aggressively minded individual taking the mound this evening, seeking to silence everyone - starting with the Royals.
A little more Darkness awaits the media once the Mets return home.
That comes later. For now, baseball is back - and so is The Real Deal seeking to make a statement this season.
That comes later. For now, baseball is back - and so is The Real Deal seeking to make a statement this season.
If last year's National League flag served as this team's figurative cornerstone, then Matt Harvey gets to set the next brick in this year's effort at constructing a World Series champion team worthy of rising above the New York City skyline.
The Mets haven't entertained World Series expectations since the ponderous mid-2000's. Today, many of us expect them to at least reach baseball's Final Four.
Let the regular season tournament begin!
#LGM
Saturday, April 02, 2016
N.Y. Mets: N.L. East Podcast Pt. Two, and more 2016 previews
Here's our latest at
Featuring Fred Owens from Fansided's Tomahawk Take (Braves)
and Matt Veasey from Fansided's That Ball Is Outta Here (Phillies)
Rich hosted, while I shook my pom-poms.
In all honesty, a great show ... with a creepy ending (by yours truly).
We ranted a bit about Matt Harvey, and
covered the potential Mets/Royals revenge factor entering the season opener.
Rich hosted, while I shook my pom-poms.
In all honesty, a great show ... with a creepy ending (by yours truly).
We ranted a bit about Matt Harvey, and
covered the potential Mets/Royals revenge factor entering the season opener.
ICYMI:
Featuring Ricky Keeler from District on Deck (Nationals)
and Sean Millerick from Marlins Maniac.
In all, Rich and I hosted four outstanding guests from our Fansided sister sites whom performed well above and beyond our standards over the course of two shows.
In all, Rich and I hosted four outstanding guests from our Fansided sister sites whom performed well above and beyond our standards over the course of two shows.
Mets 2016 Season Previews
Here are my short takes on the following topics:
- What player or team will be the Mets' Kryptonite in 2016?
- The Mets player most likely to disappoint.
- Mets player most likely to surprise.
- What should we expect from David Wright?
- Which starting pitcher are you most excited to see?
Rising Apple senior staff writer
Monday, March 28, 2016
N.Y. Mets: N.L. East Preview RA Style, Part One
Here's our latest at
National League East Preview, Part One
w/ Ricky from District on Deck and Sean from Marlins Maniac.
Sam hosted, joined by Rich, Danny and me.
PLUS
Mets 2016 Preview: Who Will Be The Mets Kryptonite This Season?
Each RA staff member took their turn.
This series will run until Opening Day.
We have six more categories to go.
Each RA staff member took their turn.
This series will run until Opening Day.
We have six more categories to go.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
N.Y. Mets: Savannah Sand Gnats Served Organization like Champs
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: The Savannah Sand Gnats and 89-year old Grayson Stadium left an indelible impression upon the greater Mets organization.
In May 2015, Savannah Sand Gnats' ownership announced the club's plans to move, and re-brand in South Carolina, citing a lack of municipal cooperation with regards to upgrading their outdated Georgian minor league facility.
Old Municipal Stadium was originally built in 1926. After sustaining extensive damage in 1940, a major reconstruction was completed the following season. By then, the park affectionately became known as "historic" Grayson Stadium - named after a military veteran instrumental in raising the necessary funds for its restoration.
Despite another renovation effort completed between 2007-2009, ownership ultimately determined the antiquated park was no longer a viable venue for their enterprise.
Prior to their affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats had called Grayson Stadium home since 1984, although from 1984 through 1995, they were known as the Savannah Cardinals.
Throughout their time playing in Grayson, they won three Sally League titles. However, following their third flag in 1996, the Gnats then endured a full decade without making the playoffs until reemerging under then Mets overseer Omar Minaya.
During Savannah's nine year affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats made five post-season appearances, but as noted just once under Omar Minaya. In contrast, Savannah qualified for the playoffs in 4 of last 5 seasons during Sandy Alderson's regime, and captured the South Atlantic League championship in 2013.
Enter the Columbia Fireflies whom step into their first season of affiliation with the Mets (albeit the organization's tenth season of affiliation). Their player development agreement (PDA) remains unchanged.
The Fireflies will continue playing in the South Atlantic League Southern Division. Their new home field will be named Spirit Communications Park. It is city owned, said to seat roughly 8,500 patrons, and will be located within a skip from the University of South Carolina.
This season's field manager is once again slated to be Jose Leger. He managed the Gnats last season after spending three seasons at Kingsport.
Once the regular season starts, I'm sure the eyes of Columbia baseball fans will fix their sights on outfield prospect Wuilmer Bucerra.
"Time can tear down a building, or destroy a woman's face..." - Rolling Stones
NEW YORK METS: The Savannah Sand Gnats and 89-year old Grayson Stadium left an indelible impression upon the greater Mets organization.
In May 2015, Savannah Sand Gnats' ownership announced the club's plans to move, and re-brand in South Carolina, citing a lack of municipal cooperation with regards to upgrading their outdated Georgian minor league facility.
Old Municipal Stadium was originally built in 1926. After sustaining extensive damage in 1940, a major reconstruction was completed the following season. By then, the park affectionately became known as "historic" Grayson Stadium - named after a military veteran instrumental in raising the necessary funds for its restoration.
Despite another renovation effort completed between 2007-2009, ownership ultimately determined the antiquated park was no longer a viable venue for their enterprise.
Prior to their affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats had called Grayson Stadium home since 1984, although from 1984 through 1995, they were known as the Savannah Cardinals.
Throughout their time playing in Grayson, they won three Sally League titles. However, following their third flag in 1996, the Gnats then endured a full decade without making the playoffs until reemerging under then Mets overseer Omar Minaya.
During Savannah's nine year affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats made five post-season appearances, but as noted just once under Omar Minaya. In contrast, Savannah qualified for the playoffs in 4 of last 5 seasons during Sandy Alderson's regime, and captured the South Atlantic League championship in 2013.
Enter the Columbia Fireflies whom step into their first season of affiliation with the Mets (albeit the organization's tenth season of affiliation). Their player development agreement (PDA) remains unchanged.
The Fireflies will continue playing in the South Atlantic League Southern Division. Their new home field will be named Spirit Communications Park. It is city owned, said to seat roughly 8,500 patrons, and will be located within a skip from the University of South Carolina.
This season's field manager is once again slated to be Jose Leger. He managed the Gnats last season after spending three seasons at Kingsport.
Once the regular season starts, I'm sure the eyes of Columbia baseball fans will fix their sights on outfield prospect Wuilmer Bucerra.
Recent Savannah Sand Gnats whom now own N.L. Championship rings:
Wilmer Flores - Juan Lagares - Jacob deGrom
Kevin Plawecki - Steven Matz
Honorable Mention > Michael Fulmer
Friday, March 25, 2016
N.Y. Mets: An Amazin' podcast with Gary Mac of MetsMusings.com
From
March 24, 2016
On Thursday, I made a guest appearance on
A great Mets fan, I came to know Gary from our Rising Apple Report podcasts, and now consider him a very good friend. Talking baseball with Mr. Mac always results in good times and laughter.
We covered much in a 1/2 hour's time:
Jacob deGrom - David Wright - Jeurys Familia - Kevin Plawecki
Thor and more...
We even squeezed in obscure Ron Hodges and Benny Agbayani references.
N.Y. Mets: May I Cut You a Niese of Pity Pie?
Here's my latest article for
Ruben Tejada took the high road.
Jon Niese to a very winding, low road.
or
The art of goodbye and professionalism...
Mike
senior staff writer/Rising Apple
Thursday, March 24, 2016
N.Y. Mets: More is needed from Travis d'Arnaud
Here's my latest article for
On catcher Travis d'Arnaud:
Archives:
Last week's podcast with featured guest John Pielli
from The Passed Ball Show.
Topics
Spring Training mid-term report
Who's Hot and Who's Not
Jacob deGrom - Travis d'Arnaud - David Wright - Neil Walker
An impromptu Jon Niese rant!
Players who've worn #28 in Mets history
Matt Harvey - money - bye bye Ruben Tejada
...and much more.
from The Passed Ball Show.
Topics
Spring Training mid-term report
Who's Hot and Who's Not
Jacob deGrom - Travis d'Arnaud - David Wright - Neil Walker
An impromptu Jon Niese rant!
Players who've worn #28 in Mets history
Matt Harvey - money - bye bye Ruben Tejada
...and much more.
Mike
senior staff writer/Rising Apple
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
N.Y. Mets: RA Podcast #126 w/ former team farmhand J.J. Newman
Here's our latest podcast at
Baseball Reference > 2B, 3B
Sam hosted, joined by Rich, newest RA staff writer J.T., and me.
J.J. was a brilliant guest!
I promise you, this will be 90-minutes well spent.
And for all you Dave Kingman fans out there ... even better.
Mike
Senior staff writer/Rising Apple
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