“The LTJ Editorial”
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Date: 10-18-13
Twitter: @LTJ81
Website: http://www.TheNYExpress.com
“Renovation around Citi Field another step towards success”
For well over two decades now, I've been going to a ton of NY Mets games. I have many fond memories of going to Shea Stadium with my family and friends to see the Mets play while having a great time at the ballpark. I remember wins, losses, the organ music rallying the crowd, and of course, getting ice cream in a small Mets helmet. One of the memories though that has always stuck around when I think back to Shea Stadium was the area around it. It was literally just a dump. I never understood why the surrounding area was always filled with way too many places for tires, car parts, and used automobiles. It stuck out like a sore thumb every single time you walked around the area because it looked dingy and trashy. There was really nothing justifying having all those places around Shea Stadium that had no business with baseball.
Back in 2009, the Mets debuted Citi Field which would usher in new memories for us all. A brand new home for the Mets which featured so many new advancements, I figured they would also open up nice places around it. Nope, it seems they didn't really pay much mind to the surrounding area and left things as is. I always thought how does that look for baseball fans who travel from all over the world to see the Mets and they take a look around the area? If you have tourists coming in, there really isn't anything to see around Citi Field besides Flushing Meadow Park, the subway station, and the parking lot. After most Mets games, I love walking at that park since it's beautiful, especially after a victory. Only thing is, that's pretty much all the options you have. There are no nice restaurants, places to shop, not even any nice hotels around the area if you're visiting from abroad and looking for a place to spend the night. Just literally, tons of places to get an oil change, change your tires, and look at over 50 car shops to get random parts for cars.
I am happy to say though, the Mets and the city of New York finally took note of what I've been writing about and announced a renovation project. I guess it's something about “2014” that will bring a new aura to the Mets and everything they are involved in since we all correlate it with possible success. In addition to doing their best to have an offseason of bringing top talent to the team, they will begin a $3 billion renovation project for the area around Citi Field. It was approved by the City Council of New York and they will fill the area with brand new retail stores, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses to make the area more appealing for tourists and baseball fans worldwide. It will be performed by the Queens Development Group and it couldn't have come at a better time.
It's safe to say ever since the Mets opened up their new stadium, it's been filled with nothing but declining issues. They've steadily gone down in ticket sales, concession money, attendance, and even in team losses. It's a bit sad that the only time the stadium was filled to the brim was when the MLB All-Star Weekend came to town this year and whenever the NY Yankees visit. Every other time, unless it was a Matt Harvey or Zach Wheeler start, was a very light crowd. I'm not saying the area around Citi Field has anything to do with what I mentioned, but it could only add more value to what should be a solid new outlook for the Mets. I don't know if the Mets will be in the postseason next year, but at least they are doing the right steps to achieve better than what we have been getting use to. Getting rid of the nonsense around Citi Field and bringing in more attractive places to visit, shop, and eat is what New York is all about. Nobody wants to travel from a far away state just to look at car part shops in an area around a MLB stadium. People want to eat, shop, and see attractions so they can remember it for a lifetime.
Once the renovation project is done, which I'm sure will take a few years, it'll be a refreshing change to the area surrounding Citi Field. It'll be nice to see it all be transformed so in addition to nice walks at Flushing Meadow Park, I can go sit in a nice place to eat to talk about the game and relax. By then, the Mets will surely have a winning season and more. If not, at least we'll have retail outlets to spend our sorrows away at.
Mack’s Mets – the premier site for information on the New York Mets talent pipeline and dialogue on Mets prospects, Mets news, and Mets opinions.
Showing posts with label Zach Wheeler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zach Wheeler. Show all posts
8/22/13
The LTJ Editorial: “Do the Wright thing, don't come back for nothing”
“The LTJ Editorial”
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Date: 8-22-13
Twitter: @LTJ81
Website: http://www.TheNYExpress.com
It's safe to say 3B David Wright has had one of the best seasons so far in his career with the NY Mets. Before getting dealt with a hamstring injury during the second half of the MLB season, he has been very productive this year. Being the host and face of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game, being named Captain of the team in the offseason, signing a new eight year contract extension with the team, and of course, his play on the field. So far this season, he is batting .309, 16 HR's, 54 RBI's, and an OBP of .391. What else can Captain America do? He needs to stay off the field and come back to the team in a mentor role. Let me explain why.
The 2013 MLB season is dwindling down to the final stretch. If you look at it now, there are just about 6 weeks of regular season baseball left. Come Sunday, September 1st 2013, expanded rosters come to every team where lots of AAA minor league talent will hit the majors. The Mets will have a chance to give some valuable experience to young talent to prepare for what should be a breakout year in 2014. As of right now, 3B Wilmer Flores is doing pretty good in his debut in the majors and he could use as much time as possible to keep at it. Bringing Wright back in September would be silly to do since there is nothing worth playing for. I highly doubt the Mets are making it to the MLB Playoffs anyway so to have Wright come back to start could risk further injury. As of now there is no timetable for Wright's return but he has made it known there is no doubt that he wants to come back to play.
In my opinion, I'd love to have Wright back in the dugout every game but not on the field. I'd like to see him in a role to mentor those around him as they play. Specifically, all those young guys coming up from the majors who could use advice from one of the best players in the game. That way, his presence is there, he's back with the team, and helping as many guys around him learn. The risk of him re-injuring his hamstring is too great and one not worth taking. If he gets hurt again but it turns out to be more severe, not only could that sideline him for next year, but it may have a negative impact on the rest of his career. Manager Terry Collins trusted Wright when he said he was fine to play a few weeks ago but should have went with his gut instinct. If your star third baseman is in pain when he's running and is playing off passion while not thinking straight, you have to do the right thing for him and the team and pull him out. He should have made Wright sit and rest and not go out to play since look at what happened as he really did get sidelined by injury. You can't tell me your jaw didn't drop when you saw Wright run to first base in pain grabbing his hamstring in that game against the Kansas City Royals. You know you were worried like there was no tomorrow.
You can't really say Wright is stubborn or ignorant since he really isn't. He just wants to play so the team can win some ballgames and keep at it. I respect that but at the same token, you have to listen to reason. If the Mets aren't making any run for the MLB Playoffs, it's nice to be out there but not in this condition coming off a hamstring injury. It's not worth risking further injury or worst case, something that is going to plague the rest of your career. Either way, there are just about six weeks left in yet another losing season. It looks like once again, we will end under .500 in the National League East. There is no point in having Wright back in the starting lineup since there is nothing to play for.
Don't get me wrong, I love Wright, he's one of my all-time favorite players on this team. I will be one of the first to say he should just heal up, rehab when he's medically cleared to resume baseball activities, and just take it easy. Let Flores continue to keep playing and learning in the majors. Plus, I think it would be really cool to see Flores come off the field after an at-bat or when the inning is over and go sit next to Wright to evaluate. I enjoy every time I see that happen when SP Zach Wheeler heads to the dugout and the first person you see him talking to is SP Matt Harvey. It's like the whole big brother/little brother situation. You learn from one another and fundamentally grow. That is one of the areas that would help the Mets much more to end this season rather than risking Wright coming back for nothing. After this season is said and done we need to start preparing for 2014 and beyond. I want to have a healthy Wright come back rather than a hamstring-injured Wright coming off a surgery because he wanted to play for a handful of games in September.
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Date: 8-22-13
Twitter: @LTJ81
Website: http://www.TheNYExpress.com
“Do the Wright thing, don't come back for nothing”
It's safe to say 3B David Wright has had one of the best seasons so far in his career with the NY Mets. Before getting dealt with a hamstring injury during the second half of the MLB season, he has been very productive this year. Being the host and face of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game, being named Captain of the team in the offseason, signing a new eight year contract extension with the team, and of course, his play on the field. So far this season, he is batting .309, 16 HR's, 54 RBI's, and an OBP of .391. What else can Captain America do? He needs to stay off the field and come back to the team in a mentor role. Let me explain why.
The 2013 MLB season is dwindling down to the final stretch. If you look at it now, there are just about 6 weeks of regular season baseball left. Come Sunday, September 1st 2013, expanded rosters come to every team where lots of AAA minor league talent will hit the majors. The Mets will have a chance to give some valuable experience to young talent to prepare for what should be a breakout year in 2014. As of right now, 3B Wilmer Flores is doing pretty good in his debut in the majors and he could use as much time as possible to keep at it. Bringing Wright back in September would be silly to do since there is nothing worth playing for. I highly doubt the Mets are making it to the MLB Playoffs anyway so to have Wright come back to start could risk further injury. As of now there is no timetable for Wright's return but he has made it known there is no doubt that he wants to come back to play.
In my opinion, I'd love to have Wright back in the dugout every game but not on the field. I'd like to see him in a role to mentor those around him as they play. Specifically, all those young guys coming up from the majors who could use advice from one of the best players in the game. That way, his presence is there, he's back with the team, and helping as many guys around him learn. The risk of him re-injuring his hamstring is too great and one not worth taking. If he gets hurt again but it turns out to be more severe, not only could that sideline him for next year, but it may have a negative impact on the rest of his career. Manager Terry Collins trusted Wright when he said he was fine to play a few weeks ago but should have went with his gut instinct. If your star third baseman is in pain when he's running and is playing off passion while not thinking straight, you have to do the right thing for him and the team and pull him out. He should have made Wright sit and rest and not go out to play since look at what happened as he really did get sidelined by injury. You can't tell me your jaw didn't drop when you saw Wright run to first base in pain grabbing his hamstring in that game against the Kansas City Royals. You know you were worried like there was no tomorrow.
You can't really say Wright is stubborn or ignorant since he really isn't. He just wants to play so the team can win some ballgames and keep at it. I respect that but at the same token, you have to listen to reason. If the Mets aren't making any run for the MLB Playoffs, it's nice to be out there but not in this condition coming off a hamstring injury. It's not worth risking further injury or worst case, something that is going to plague the rest of your career. Either way, there are just about six weeks left in yet another losing season. It looks like once again, we will end under .500 in the National League East. There is no point in having Wright back in the starting lineup since there is nothing to play for.
Don't get me wrong, I love Wright, he's one of my all-time favorite players on this team. I will be one of the first to say he should just heal up, rehab when he's medically cleared to resume baseball activities, and just take it easy. Let Flores continue to keep playing and learning in the majors. Plus, I think it would be really cool to see Flores come off the field after an at-bat or when the inning is over and go sit next to Wright to evaluate. I enjoy every time I see that happen when SP Zach Wheeler heads to the dugout and the first person you see him talking to is SP Matt Harvey. It's like the whole big brother/little brother situation. You learn from one another and fundamentally grow. That is one of the areas that would help the Mets much more to end this season rather than risking Wright coming back for nothing. After this season is said and done we need to start preparing for 2014 and beyond. I want to have a healthy Wright come back rather than a hamstring-injured Wright coming off a surgery because he wanted to play for a handful of games in September.
8/2/13
The LTJ Editorial: “This just isn't going to be that kind of season”
“The LTJ Editorial”
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Date: 8-2-13
Twitter: @LTJ81
Website: http://www.TheNYExpress.com
“This just isn't going to be that kind of season”
We all got excited, especially after the All-Star game. The NY Mets were going into the All-Star break after winning several series on the road and were only about eight games out of first place. Yes, they were still 4th in the National League East but still, there was hope that if they kept winning, they wouldn't be too far off in chasing the Atlanta Braves. Then, once again, the cold harsh reality hit that once again after the All-Star break, everything would start going from bad to worse. The Mets would start losing close games and getting clobbered when they should be dominating teams (like the Miami Marlins). Even the phenom of SP Matt Harvey started to feel it, he can't win in Miami. Yes, those same Marlins that have some of the worst statistics in all of major league baseball seem to have Harvey's number, he's winless against them.
So you look at all that, our situations at first base between Ike Davis and Josh Satin, our lack of hitting and run support, you pretty much spell what the rest of the 2013 season will look like. I hate to say it, but this just isn't our year. We don't have the impact players we need, we lack the hot winning streaks to succeed, and as of right now, we just need to keep playing as many players from our minor league system to focus on the future. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound like everything is horrible with the Mets, it really isn't. It's to a point now where almost every game we are in, we just can't seem to hit, even after quality starts from our pitchers, we have zero run support. It's frustrating to watch since we know we've seen glimpses of guys like Byrd, Buck, and Wright hit very well. Then other times, it seems nobody can get on base or worst case, we have people in position to score, and we just can't punch in those guys to cross the home plate. It's almost 100% predictable and annoying when you can see the double plays against the Mets coming. Eventually though, summer will be over, the Fall will be here, and the playoffs of October will begin. The Mets, sadly, won't be anywhere in sight but thinking about 2014.
What happens now? Well, I'm going to take a look at our present day starters and see who is staying and who is going. Kind of like an evaluation on our current talent and whether or not they are worth keeping for the future.......
*** CATCHER ***
When I think of John Buck, I think of a great mentor, a good teacher for guys like Recker and eventually d'Arnaud so I would keep him even as a backup. If he can start for us next year as the best option for the team, great, if not, keep him but have him be the backup to either Recker or d'Arnaud, if he is ready around that time.
*** FIRST BASE ***
If Ike Davis continues to be in the funk he is in, I honestly don't see him being around for too long. While I don't think the Mets will trade/release him, I see him being in the minors and working with the youth. I also don't think Josh Satin is our answer at first base even though he's been pretty good with us, I think he is more of a solid backup to a true starting first basemen. What do I suggest? All the talk about the Mets making some serious acquisitions in the offseason should help effect this position. We need to sign a quality name to first base, trade for one, do something. We need a household name to hold it down.
*** SECOND BASE ***
Daniel Murphy is on fire this year and I love what he brings to the team. He sometimes makes mistakes that costs us runs but he has been pretty good defensively for the most part. I have a funny feeling the Mets might actually trade him for some other positional players but I sure do hope they keep him and include him in the long term picture.
*** THIRD BASE ***
What more can I say? David Wright is our team captain and is having one of the best seasons of his career as our main third baseman. He will keep doing his thing and I don't see any reason to bring anyone else in. He's also not going anywhere and I seriously doubt they will trade him for anyone really. He is the main guy the Mets will be building around.
*** SHORTSTOP ***
Omar Quintanilla has been decent this year but I don't see him in the long term with the Mets. I hope Tejada goes back to being who he use to be, but since he's been on the DL this year and before that was playing pretty bad, the Mets should look to sign a quality SS to bring speed, leadoff hitting, and stealing bases back to this team. Kind of like when we had Jose Reyes, we need that speedy presence back on this team. Justin Turner has been pretty good as of late, but will he be our solution at SS? I doubt it but at least he can provide depth when needed.
*** LEFT FIELD ***
Absolutely love Eric Young Jr. and I definitely think the Mets should keep him and continue to have him be the hot bat we needed for the outfield. The minute he came to the Mets, he made an immediate impact and has been one of the few reasons why, outside of a Harvey or Wheeler start, you should watch the team play.
*** CENTER FIELD ***
I like Juan Lagares but I think he should be used as depth and not really a potential starter. Once again, this is one area the Mets need to spend some of their money on, we need at least one or two more quality outfielders. Guys who will hit, be very good defensively, and bring a sense of power to the team.
*** RIGHT FIELD ***
Personally, I would keep Marlon Byrd on the team for next year and beyond since he is pretty clutch when needed and overall has been a solid acquisition to the team. He has a good eye on the ball, is pretty patient at the plate, and has had a major hand in most of those late game rallies that won us some games.
*** STARTING PITCHERS ***
Obviously we have the great tandem of Harvey/Wheeler who we will keep and continue to build around. I would also keep Hefner, Gee, and am kind of on the fence with Torres. I think Torres needs more time in the minors until he is truly ready to dominate. Until then, I think the Mets in the offseason need to sign one, maybe two quality starting pitchers to the team. I have no idea if we will ever see SP Johan Santana back in a Mets uniform, so I can't count on him at all in being part of the long term plan for the Mets.
*** RELIEF PITCHERS ***
While they have improved slightly this season, we have absolutely no dominance when it comes to our bullpen. I do like Hawkins and his experience, Edgin is ok, Rice is alright, and Atchinson is serviceable. Out of all of our bullpen though, I think Aardsma needs more time in the minors and just isn't ready to perform in the major league level. Overall though, we need to sign at least one high quality arm for bullpen relief. I think if we added a strong arm to our bullpen, it'll equate to more wins, easily giving us more of a chance to compete in the NL East. We lost too many close games because honestly, our bullpen gave up one too many runs.
*** CLOSING PITCHERS ***
I like what Parnell brings to the table so we are fine here, he's not perfect, but I think he fits the closer role nicely for the team. I wouldn't really go after anyone to handle our closing duties.
Despite it all, I'm still going to watch my Mets continue to bring this season to a close. Hopefully we end the best way we can and start to do whatever is necessary to build around the gems we do have. Guys like Wright, Harvey, Wheeler, Murphy, Young, etc. I know it hurts to say this season isn't what I had hoped it would be from this past April, but one insight in all of this is never losing hope. Not this year, but in 2014 and beyond, I know better times are ahead for this team. We have a solid minor league system, we have quality guys on the roster now, and if you think about it, we are just a few missing pieces away from a high quality final product to compete day in, day out. It's going to happen and I know it all starts this offseason! Hopefully the Mets make wise choices (Please, don't pull another Jason Bay) and start thinking about what makes the most sense to start having winning records for 2014 and beyond!
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Date: 8-2-13
Twitter: @LTJ81
Website: http://www.TheNYExpress.com
“This just isn't going to be that kind of season”
We all got excited, especially after the All-Star game. The NY Mets were going into the All-Star break after winning several series on the road and were only about eight games out of first place. Yes, they were still 4th in the National League East but still, there was hope that if they kept winning, they wouldn't be too far off in chasing the Atlanta Braves. Then, once again, the cold harsh reality hit that once again after the All-Star break, everything would start going from bad to worse. The Mets would start losing close games and getting clobbered when they should be dominating teams (like the Miami Marlins). Even the phenom of SP Matt Harvey started to feel it, he can't win in Miami. Yes, those same Marlins that have some of the worst statistics in all of major league baseball seem to have Harvey's number, he's winless against them.
So you look at all that, our situations at first base between Ike Davis and Josh Satin, our lack of hitting and run support, you pretty much spell what the rest of the 2013 season will look like. I hate to say it, but this just isn't our year. We don't have the impact players we need, we lack the hot winning streaks to succeed, and as of right now, we just need to keep playing as many players from our minor league system to focus on the future. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound like everything is horrible with the Mets, it really isn't. It's to a point now where almost every game we are in, we just can't seem to hit, even after quality starts from our pitchers, we have zero run support. It's frustrating to watch since we know we've seen glimpses of guys like Byrd, Buck, and Wright hit very well. Then other times, it seems nobody can get on base or worst case, we have people in position to score, and we just can't punch in those guys to cross the home plate. It's almost 100% predictable and annoying when you can see the double plays against the Mets coming. Eventually though, summer will be over, the Fall will be here, and the playoffs of October will begin. The Mets, sadly, won't be anywhere in sight but thinking about 2014.
What happens now? Well, I'm going to take a look at our present day starters and see who is staying and who is going. Kind of like an evaluation on our current talent and whether or not they are worth keeping for the future.......
*** CATCHER ***
When I think of John Buck, I think of a great mentor, a good teacher for guys like Recker and eventually d'Arnaud so I would keep him even as a backup. If he can start for us next year as the best option for the team, great, if not, keep him but have him be the backup to either Recker or d'Arnaud, if he is ready around that time.
*** FIRST BASE ***
If Ike Davis continues to be in the funk he is in, I honestly don't see him being around for too long. While I don't think the Mets will trade/release him, I see him being in the minors and working with the youth. I also don't think Josh Satin is our answer at first base even though he's been pretty good with us, I think he is more of a solid backup to a true starting first basemen. What do I suggest? All the talk about the Mets making some serious acquisitions in the offseason should help effect this position. We need to sign a quality name to first base, trade for one, do something. We need a household name to hold it down.
*** SECOND BASE ***
Daniel Murphy is on fire this year and I love what he brings to the team. He sometimes makes mistakes that costs us runs but he has been pretty good defensively for the most part. I have a funny feeling the Mets might actually trade him for some other positional players but I sure do hope they keep him and include him in the long term picture.
*** THIRD BASE ***
What more can I say? David Wright is our team captain and is having one of the best seasons of his career as our main third baseman. He will keep doing his thing and I don't see any reason to bring anyone else in. He's also not going anywhere and I seriously doubt they will trade him for anyone really. He is the main guy the Mets will be building around.
*** SHORTSTOP ***
Omar Quintanilla has been decent this year but I don't see him in the long term with the Mets. I hope Tejada goes back to being who he use to be, but since he's been on the DL this year and before that was playing pretty bad, the Mets should look to sign a quality SS to bring speed, leadoff hitting, and stealing bases back to this team. Kind of like when we had Jose Reyes, we need that speedy presence back on this team. Justin Turner has been pretty good as of late, but will he be our solution at SS? I doubt it but at least he can provide depth when needed.
*** LEFT FIELD ***
Absolutely love Eric Young Jr. and I definitely think the Mets should keep him and continue to have him be the hot bat we needed for the outfield. The minute he came to the Mets, he made an immediate impact and has been one of the few reasons why, outside of a Harvey or Wheeler start, you should watch the team play.
*** CENTER FIELD ***
I like Juan Lagares but I think he should be used as depth and not really a potential starter. Once again, this is one area the Mets need to spend some of their money on, we need at least one or two more quality outfielders. Guys who will hit, be very good defensively, and bring a sense of power to the team.
*** RIGHT FIELD ***
Personally, I would keep Marlon Byrd on the team for next year and beyond since he is pretty clutch when needed and overall has been a solid acquisition to the team. He has a good eye on the ball, is pretty patient at the plate, and has had a major hand in most of those late game rallies that won us some games.
*** STARTING PITCHERS ***
Obviously we have the great tandem of Harvey/Wheeler who we will keep and continue to build around. I would also keep Hefner, Gee, and am kind of on the fence with Torres. I think Torres needs more time in the minors until he is truly ready to dominate. Until then, I think the Mets in the offseason need to sign one, maybe two quality starting pitchers to the team. I have no idea if we will ever see SP Johan Santana back in a Mets uniform, so I can't count on him at all in being part of the long term plan for the Mets.
*** RELIEF PITCHERS ***
While they have improved slightly this season, we have absolutely no dominance when it comes to our bullpen. I do like Hawkins and his experience, Edgin is ok, Rice is alright, and Atchinson is serviceable. Out of all of our bullpen though, I think Aardsma needs more time in the minors and just isn't ready to perform in the major league level. Overall though, we need to sign at least one high quality arm for bullpen relief. I think if we added a strong arm to our bullpen, it'll equate to more wins, easily giving us more of a chance to compete in the NL East. We lost too many close games because honestly, our bullpen gave up one too many runs.
*** CLOSING PITCHERS ***
I like what Parnell brings to the table so we are fine here, he's not perfect, but I think he fits the closer role nicely for the team. I wouldn't really go after anyone to handle our closing duties.
Despite it all, I'm still going to watch my Mets continue to bring this season to a close. Hopefully we end the best way we can and start to do whatever is necessary to build around the gems we do have. Guys like Wright, Harvey, Wheeler, Murphy, Young, etc. I know it hurts to say this season isn't what I had hoped it would be from this past April, but one insight in all of this is never losing hope. Not this year, but in 2014 and beyond, I know better times are ahead for this team. We have a solid minor league system, we have quality guys on the roster now, and if you think about it, we are just a few missing pieces away from a high quality final product to compete day in, day out. It's going to happen and I know it all starts this offseason! Hopefully the Mets make wise choices (Please, don't pull another Jason Bay) and start thinking about what makes the most sense to start having winning records for 2014 and beyond!
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