The Mets Police

Good stuff in the Post...the "A" being Jeter.

I find it really interesting that this may finally be the year that sports fans finally tell the pro leagues to go MOSFU (again that's Mets Police code for a big f.u.)    

Selig is worried about the recession.

The Yankees are taking out full page ads to get people to buy tickets.

Now Mushnick is warning that Jets fans are moving upstairs to avoid PSLs, which may force those who used to have tickets upstairs all the way out of the stadium.

I try to stay away from the truly negative, so if you want to read about A-Rod and hookers , go for it.

Rule of Mets blogging mean I have to be the 10,000th blog to link to Daniel Murphy will bat second and to weigh in about Maine:

Calm down about Maine.  It's the spring, just get your work in.  End of "Generic Maine had a bad start" article.



Bondy can'e figure out why NYers don't care about the WBC.  The answer Flip is that unless Wright and Jeter are wearing hats with NY on them we don't care.  I'm watching the Mets now and feel like there's a big hole at third.

Damn spring training game just played that awful Everybody Clap Your Hands clapclapclapclap crap.   The announcers clearly hate it.  I hate it.  You hate it.  Leave this one with the ruins of Shea and hire an organ player (which was one of my suggestions for New Traditions at C-Field. )

Santana looked good!



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I think everyone but me has gotten a private tour of New Yankee Stadium.

This guy got one and posted tons and tons of pics of his tour.

I find this Jeter bobblehead thing surpringsly lame.  Meet you at the Jeter bobblehead?

The new place looks like a concrete jungle.  Very drab and gray.  Like a New York City park built around 1975 (ironic isn't that).

Sorry Yankees fans, I'm increasingly convinced we have the better park yet again.

Maybe I'll get to see New Yankee Stadium if the Yankees return my emails.

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The Captain said those words I needed to hear today:

I've never taken performance-enhancing drugs, I've never taken steroids.

Awesome, that's what we need more players to say.

Jeter also said:

"One thing that's irritating and really upsetting is when people say everybody was doing it," Jeter said. "No, that's not true. Everybody wasn't doing it." 

Sorry Jeets, you'll have to blame half your teammates for that.  Don't look at me.

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Oh A-Rod why won't you ever listen to me?  You should have reported to camp early.  You should have shown up Friday so the steroid stuff could have been at least halfway buried in the Saturday paper.

Nope, you are showing up tomorrow to address the media at 1:30.  

Great, that way you have a bored sports media with no NBA highlights to eat up time (All-Star break).   This way Sportscenter can be 22 minutes of A-Rod, some college hoops and three hockey games.

A-Rod, couldn't you have at least laid low over the weekend.  Did you need to be spotted with yet another girlfriend?

Joe Girardi sounds exhausted already, "I'm really looking forward to getting beyond Tuesday."

A-Rod tries to do the right thing but just doesn't know how (a point brought out really well in Joe Torre's The Yankee Years book.)   He called Selena Roberts to apologize.  That seems nice, but I hope he read her book that is coming out in April because he may choose to back off that apology.

You can just tell that the mainstream media can't wait to pile on.   You can tell from the pictures they use of him in articles.  They never make him look good, like this one in this Newsday article.

I'm sure Jeter will be thrilled with this conference.  It has been a week now, and I am still troubled by Jeter's quote:

"Why would I worry about me being on that list?"

I don't think Jeter was on steroids, but nowadays everyone is on the suspect list.  We didn't think Pettitte was either.  I compare Jeter's statement to Posada's:

"Let me make myself clear.  I will never be positive.  I don't take anything.  I've never tested positive in anything and I never will."

That's pretty clear, but then again so was Palmeiro.  Maybe I'm being unfair to The Captain and I'm asking him to defend the proverbial "When did you stop beating your wife?" question but I can't help but wonder, why didn't he just say "I've never done steroids."

The Bronx Zoo is back in full force.  It's pretty amazing Torre kept a lid on it for most of his tenure.







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I'm not throwing stones.  I'm not making accusations.   I'm being honest that Derek Jeter's quote today on the Daily News website is bothering me.

Jeter was asked if he was worried about his name being on the list:

"Why would I worry about me being on the list?"

Why not just say "no."

Here's Curt Schilling on his blog:

And before anyone asks, I’ll make it clear: My name will not appear on any lists of positive tests. I’ve never tested positive for steroids or HGH, and I’ve never taken steroids or HGH in my life, ever. You don’t need to call the union, or an agent to verify that.

Those are two very different answers.

If anyone wants to break down the captain's statistics you can find them here.

www.metspolice.com

It's sure interesting that A-Rod knew about this on Thursday, yet didn't say anything to the Yankees about it.   It appears they found out the same time everyone else did, Saturday morning.

When do we get the Jeter quote?  You know, the really generic one that somehow nails the spot between team and not sticking up for the guy?  Jeter is good at those:

Reporter:  Derek, do you like vanilla ice cream?

Jeter:  Well I think we all recognize that vanilla is one of the top flavors in ice cream.  I think you'd have to put vanilla, chocolate and strawberry all in the same conversation.

I'm not sure that was an actual quote, I may have dreamed that one.

Nine more seasons of A-Rod in the Bronx.   What will his 15 years in pinnies be remembered for?  So far they're remembered for lifting the Curse of the Bambino.   The Red Sox have become the Yankees (wins and an old ballpark) and the Yankees have become a team that can't win.  A ball between Buckner's legs or a swarm of midge flies, what's the difference.

You may remember that in December 2003, Texas tried to trade A-Rod to those very Red Sox!   How much would Yankee fans be laughing now at the Roid Sox?

Anyone want a chance at being up 3-0 on Boston with Alex and his clutch winning ways in the opposing dugout?  Don't forget it's possible to win a championship with Hayes at third.

Wouldn't you kind of liked to have Soriano on the 2009 (or 08 or 07 or 06 or 05 or 04) Yankees?  I'll take .280 and 30 homers out of a poor-defensive second baseman any day.  You don't need to go to the outfield for me Sori.

Well, A-Rod didn't go to Boston, and they started winning.

9 more years.  Will he ever be a "true Yankee?"  Any Yankee fans want a mulligan on that opt-out?   Would be nice if third base were an option for the captain in 2011 (even Cal went to third).

Mr. Captain, we're waiting for you.   You know how to reach sportswriters I assume.   Let's hear it.


www.metspolice.com

It always seems to come back to Derek Jeter.

Baseball for the last 15 years is a mess.   All the way back to the canceled season, McGwire, Sosa, Bonds....all ruined.  

Now A-Rod and 103 mystery others.

We should all hope Jeter isn't on this list.

Jeter's been the golden child.  He has rings.  He's clutch.  There's been little to no dirt or gossip or controversy around him.   He's been DiMaggio for a modern age.

You look at Jeter and he looks as skinny as ever.  He hits 12 home runs not 74.

He might be the last pure great baseball player.   Let's all hope that nothing ever comes out about him.  Let's hope that there is nothing that could come out.  Let's all hope that he's really truly who he seems to be.   Just one time let's have a baseball hero not let us down.

..

Good job out of the MLB network.  As I write this a few minutes before noon on Saturday, MLB network is in live-mode and covering the story instead of ducking for cover.  That's a good sign for this network.


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I'm back from the future and 2009 was a helluva year in New York sports.

January 1st:   a cable outage prevents the metropolitan New York area from watching any college bowl games.   Nobody notices.  

January 2nd:  In the second cable oddity in as many days, YES airs an episode of "Yankees Classics" in which the Yankees lose to the 1985 Orioles 3-2 in ten innings.   Immediately following the game the Mark Texieira Yankeeography debuts.

January 3rd:   Jets hold press conference in which Brett Favre reads from cue cards.  He is pleased to be the "GM & HC of the NYJ."   Coach Favre is unsure if Brett Favre will return as QB in 2009.

January 8th:  With the nation getting ready to talk about the BCS Championship, the Yankees offer Manny Ramirez a ten year one billion dollar contract.

January 17th:  Andy Pettitte announces "I've always been an Astro" and signs a one year deal with Houston.

January 20th:   The Yankees hold a noon-time press conference to introduce Manny Ramirez as their new left-fielder and successfully knock Barack Obama off the front page of the Post.

February 1:   The Giants defeat the Dolphins in the Super Bowl.   After the game Giants ownership announces that because of their inability to compete in the modern NFL, not only will the Giants charge PSLs, the bathrooms will now require a key which can be rented for $10 per game.

February 2nd:  Bill Parcells quits the Dolphins and hints that he might like to run the Lions.

February 3rd:   The Jets copy the Giants bathroom-key idea, although bathrooms will still be free for the upper deck.   Fans from the lower deck are welcome to walk up the ramp to use the free restrooms.   In 2009 this passes for fan-friendly.

February 15th:   Jimmie Johnson wins the Daytona 500.  Nobody up north cares.

February 16th:   With Parcells-mania hitting Detroit, Bill drops a hint that he'd really love to run the Atlanta Buccaneers, and this time he isn't just teasing.   When reminded that Atlanta and the Bucs are two different teams Bill yells at the reporter.

April 13:   The Mets decide to wait out an April ice-storm, and the first pitch at Citi Field is thrown at 10:07pm.   The Mets look stunning in their white pinstripe uniforms, with no names on the back, and blue hats.   Johan Santana pitches 8 and a third of one run ball, but K-Rod serves up a two run homer as the Mets lose 3-2.

April 16:  On a beautiful 85 degree day with not a cloud in sight and low humidity, the Yankees open their new stadium.  C.C. Sabathia throws a perfect game and Jeter, Manny and Tex each get 4 hits.   The $20 "Jumbo" beer makes its world-wide debut.   The next day on his radio show Michael Kay talks about how he knew fans would show up and that any complaints about the price of tickets were silly.

April 19:  With the Mets now 0 and 5, the debut their new all-black uniforms including black pants.   Johan Santana pitches 8 and a third of one run ball before K-Rod blows the save in the 9th.

May 2:  Jimmie Johnson wins at Richmond, his 11th straight NASCAR victory.   Nobody up north notices.

May 5:  With the Mets now 7 games back the head writer of Metspolice.com writes his annual "The Math Proves The Mets Are Finished" article.  The next day he writes the first of seven "Lee Mazzilli Should Be The Manager" articles that will appear throughout the season.

May 20:  A game behind Boston, the Yankees announce that they can no longer compete in modern baseball without PSLs.  All fans holding tickets are retroactively billed for $20,000.   Michael Kay is heard to say on his radio show that if you can afford $45 seats you can afford twenty grand.   After a fan lawsuit, the case winds up before the Supreme Court.



June 14:   The Mets-Yankees game is scheduled for 8:05 so Phil Mushnick writes about late starts.  Johan Santana holds the Yankees to one run in 8 and a third, but K-Rod gives up a two run homer to A-Rod to blow the game.

June 15:   Lazy bloggers write yet another article about the Seaver trade.

June 18:  The Chiba Lotte Marines fire Bobby Valentine who mentions that he wouldn't mind managing the Mets.

July 4:   With Dave Righetti in attendance, A.J. Burnett throws a no hitter in front of 128,995 fans at New New Yankee Stadium.

July 5:   Bobby Valentine is hired as the Mets international scout.   Within two days the Mets announce they have signed "the Japanese Barry Bonds."

July 14:   Andy Pettitte (12-2) edges out Mike Pelfrey (11-1) to start the All-Star Game for the NL.   A Yankee starts at every position except second base, including Derek Jeter who is hitting .194.

July 30:   Six games back of the Phillies, fans clamor for Omar Minaya to trade for Pettitte.   Instead the Mets grab some random middle relievers.

Aug 1:  In a game against Arizona, Jerry Manuel finally does go gangsta and stabs Jose Reyes who doesn't run out a ground ball.   Manuel is arrested and replaced by Bobby Valentine.   Metspolice.com writes a "Lee Mazzilli should have been the guy" article.

Aug 2:  Jose Castillo takes over as Mets SS while Reyes recuperates from stabbing wounds.  Meanwhile in the Bronx Derek Jeter is hitting .114 but it's a clutch .114 not like A-Rod who leads the league with 48 home runs.

Aug 7:  The Japanese Barry Bonds makes his debut as the Mets left fielder.  

Aug 17:  Jets HC & GM Brett Favre offers Kellen Clemens and three #1s to the Patriots in exchange for Tom Brady.  Surprisingly the Patriots accept.

Aug 21:  With Brady taking the majority of snaps in practice, player Brett Favre announces he will return for 2009.  HC &GM Favre installs player Favre as QB1.

Aug 22:  The Jets beat the Giants 34-13 in preseason action.

Sep 1:   Bobby V has the Mets now just 2 games back.  

September 6th:  Patriots QB Matt Cassell slips in the shower and is out for the year.  Kellen Clemens takes over at QB for the Patriots.

Sep 11:  Lazy Bloggers wax poetically about Mike Piazza.   In a pivotal game against the Phillies. Johan Santana holds the defending champions to one run in 8 and a third, but K-Rod serves up a two run homer to give the Phils the victory.

Sep 20:   Jose Reyes returns from the disabled list to become a bench-warmer to Jose Castillo who is hitting .395 since taking over as SS.  Bobby V decides to ride the hot hand.

Sep 28:  The Mets are 6 back in the wild card with 6 to play.  Bobby V is hoping to catch the Reds for a one game playoff.

September 30:   Alex Rodriguez hits his 73rd home run of the season in a 10-1 loss and is booed.  Derek Jeter is hitting .085 but fans still love him.

October 3:  Johan Santana throws 171 pitches in 10 innings to defeat the Astros and keep the Mets playoff hopes alive.

October 4th:  Andy Pettitte outduels Derek Lowe, eliminating the Mets from playoff contention.  After the game the Mets hold the ceremony to retire Keith Hernandez's #17 in front of a half empty stadium.

November 5:  The Phillies defeat the Yankees in Game 7 of the World Series.  Several Mets observe that the Mets are the better team.  Michael Kay observes that if you hold Game 7 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium people will gladly pay $185 to stand.

December 1:  The Jets enter December 8-4 with talks of an MVP for Brett Favre and coach of the year for Favre.  With games against the 1-11 Dolphins, 2-12 Bills and Bill Parcells' Jacksonville Jaguars, there is talk about a Week 17 showdown against the 7-5 Patriots.

December 27:  The 8-7 Jets need a victory against the Patriots coupled with a Browns loss to gain the final wild card spot.   Trailing 24-14 at half-time the HC & GM of the NJY Brett Favre benches QB Favre, and Tom Brady makes his Jets debut in the second half.   Brady goes 14 for 14 but it's not enough to outduel league MVP Kellen Clemens and the Patriots.









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I don't care about the money.  The Yankees have the money, the Mets have the money.

Eight years of Teixiera means the Yankees are tied up at the corners for the next eight years.  

The captain will be 35 this season.  Even Ripken went to third.   Derek can't go there, A-Rod is there.  Would they ever flip?   Derek can't go to first until he turns 43.  Will the captain wind up playing out the string at second base....or with a team like the Royals?

It happens to everyone, even The Babe got to finish with the Boston Braves.

It looks like the Yankees really want to win this year to christen the new stadium.  How long until Manny comes to town?

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I just got this from the yankees mailing list. Really dudes?  This is kind of an A-Rod move don't you think?

Ever dreamed of being a Yankee? Well, now you can work out like one! 24 Hour Fitness, the official fitness center of the New York Yankees, is welcoming new members at Madison Square Park. Come and give us a try!

Just print out this FREE 7-day pass to the new 24 Hour Fitness Derek Jeter club and visit the club to get started. The Captain of the Yankees personally designed this high-energy club to help you get into the best shape of your life. The club offers amenities such as cardio machines, group exercise classes, free weights, and more.

24 Hour Fitness is also getting ready to open clubs in Midtown and Soho. And they've got more than 400 clubs nationwide. It's the top fitness club making its debut in New York, partnering with Derek Jeter to open his first ever signature fitness center.

Learn more about Derek Jeter clubs and visit the Madison Square Park club today!

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A little late on this but sometimes I have to file reports at the Daily Planet and sometimes I have to walk Krypto...but congratulations to Derek Jeter for getting the most hits at Yankee Stadium (ok pretend for a second it's actually the same stadium.)

This is no small feat.   Think of the hundreds of players that have played for the Yankees.  Some lousy players sure, but also some pretty goods, some greats and some hall of famers.   Any time you pass Gehrig in anything it's an accomplishment.  Nice job by the Captain.  Congrats.

Heard Jerry this afternoon with Mike Francesca.

Jerry was talking about Jose Reyes and basically said (my words) Jose spaces out sometimes as young players do.

That's nice except one thing.  This is Jose's 6th season.  In 2000 Jeter was in his 6th season (5th full season) and about to win his fourth ring.  This young player thing doesn't hold water.  Apparently young players can learn the game and stay focused.

So you're saying, "Mets Police.  This is unfair.  Jose is only 25.  OK fine - that would be like Jeter in 1999, on his way to win a third ring.

At some point this young player thing expires and it's time to admit he's a flawed player.  The Mets marketing would like you to believe he's the goods.  He's not.  He's good but not the goods.  He's homegrown and not a Brave or Red Sock or Dodger so that's a major bonus - I'd rather lose with the homegrowns than win with Rentals.

However, I warn you - he's a Cylon.  Some day, in a clutch spot with everything on the line, he's going to do something stupid.  Not strike out or make an error, that stuff happens, but something stupid.