The Mets Police

Thanks to Media Goon for sending over these pics taken during the recent Subway Series at Shea.   Oops Citi.  I chose not to correct that mistake - shows how my brain still works.

Anyway, it's a good example of one of the many little things the Mets do wrong.






Yeah, lets rock this city!!!!!  (Really?  Who is the target audience for this crap?)















Howie Rose said it best last weekend when he observed on-air that New Yorkers at a Mets-Yankees game don't need to be told to make noise.

This is embarrassing and actually makes the in-stadium experience less enjoyable.

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Nothing exciting. Seems like pitching is the key to the series. Who knew?

Sold my tickets for tomorrow.   Took 2 hours to get home yesterday and I'd rather have the extra $150 which pays for about 5 other games.   There's a 60 inch TV and some cold "free" beer waiting for me (and fireworks in town tomorrow night - kids and all) so don't call me names.

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Just in....guess they couldn't move them. The html might not work, this is an email grab and paste.


The Mets are pleased to inform you that a limited number
of Subway Series tickets are now available.

There is a limit of 4 tickets combined across all games (for example: 4 to one game, or 2 to one game and 2 to another) per customer or credit card.

---

This purchase opportunity will be online only at
on a first-come, first-served basis while tickets remain.

---

To purchase tickets, click on the Subway Series game of your choice:

• Friday at 7:10pm

• Saturday at 7:10pm

• Sunday at 8:05pm

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So here's what I'm hearing from at least three people....(I'm on the road and haven't been as on top of things as usual in Flushing).

....The Mets had a lottery for Subway Series tickets. Nobody I knew of and nobody who reads the Mets Police won them.

Then the Mets tried to sell even more Subway Series tickets as part of a 6-pack.

Now, I'm hearing from folks that they won a "second chance lottery" - which suggests that the Mets find themselves with more tickets on hand than even they expect.

I won.
I first got an email saying I DIDNT win.
Then today I got an email that let me buy tickets. I still have two tickets that I can purchase but im not going to , so if anyone
wants to buy tickets maybe we can set up a private ebay auction.
Email : Jessica1216xoxo@aol.com


Also

I won too today. It was like a second chance from the first lottery I guess they had unsold tickets from the first lottery but I won. And bought three tickets to the opener on friday im so pumped

Interesting.


Dan jumping in here. I also got the Second Chance Lottery email yesterday. All 3 games were available, and tickets were there for every price level. That's a LOT of availability for what once was a premier event. A combination of several things probably has contributed to this:

1 - The shine has worn off interleague play. I never liked this "experiment" as it essentially took away the distinctiveness of the 2 leagues (the DH aside). For several years now, outside of the "key" matchups (Mets/Yankees, Dodgers/Angels, Cubs/ChiSox) attendance has been floundering. It was only a matter of time before it caught up to these series as well.

2 - The shine has worn off the new ballparks. We've documented here countless times the lack of attendance at games this season. After the first few weeks demand for tickets has plumeted. Go take a look at StubHub and see how many people are selling tickets for every game. The apple may have been brought over but The Magic Is Not Back

3 - It's the economy stupid. Ticket prices, concessions, novelties, etc. The cost of going to a game here in NYC was always high, even before the new parks. The increased expense at New Shea and George's Stadium coupled with a sagging economy - well, people would rather eat and pay rent than go to a ballgame.

I really wonder what it will look like next year.


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So, as always here on the Mets Police I'm just being honest about the way I feel.  As they say in Star Wars...

I have a bad feeling about this.

Why?

I fear Yankee Stadium.   The Mets don't hit home runs and the Yankees do.   Santana is a fly ball pitcher, and a pop fly to right could become a three run home run, and we'll send Martinez, Vadez and Santos up in the top of the 9th.

Furthermore when you lose 3-2 it's annoying.  When you lose 15-14 you feel like your team sucks and you'll never get anyone out again.  This will be a high scoring weekend because of the lemon in the Bronx.

In case you missed it, Accuweather did further studies about New Yankee Stadium and reported:

The right field wall is shorter by an average of 4-5 feet, but as much as 9 feet in certain areas and the wall itself is approximately 2 feet less than at the old stadium. Accordingly, their research indicates that 19% of home runs hit this season, at the stadium, would not have left the old park. This is about 20 out of the 105 that have been hit out of the yard.

Also Mets fans, treat yourself to an inning of John Sterling over the weekend.  It's truly amazing that this guy is the voice of the Yankees.

Batton down the hatches, this might be a long weekend.

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First some housecleaning.   Some of you are awesome and sent me stuff to post (shannon@metspolice.com) and I had promised a few things would go up today.   I'm holding them back since I'm not traveling today as planned, and want to save them.  One of the challenges of keeping the blog going is the daily grind of (a) having stuff to post and (b) having time - as evidenced by Monday and Tuesday's uninspired days here at the Mets Police.

So...I thought this morning's uniform piece from Carlo was great, and the discussion below is a good one - so I'll hold off on the other stuff for an upcoming day.  Please don't feel dissed, and keep submissions coming to shannon@metspolice.com

Now on to the Mets stuff.  Yesterday I asked if anyone actually won the Subway Series lottery...

The way the Mets waited until the last minute to allow people to buy these tickets gave Yankee fans ample, ample time (having bought their own tickets months ago) to buy some of these as well.

And if you win the lottery you get to buy tickets for one game, right? NO! You get to buy FOUR tickets for ALL THREE GAMES. Meaning less people get a chance to buy them, and the people who do win are probably going to be scalping eight to ten of their tickets for stupid amounts of money.

The Mets shouldn't be surprised if there are more Yankee fans than Mets fans at this game.

I hate bundling.  It's lame.  I think people are finally getting to the Mushnick Point Of No Return.  Only 37,000 paid in a brand new stadium against the main rival in a battle for first place.  The rain doesn't factor in - it's paid attendance.  You'd think that game would have sold out months ago.


I have one of the few 15 game plans that didn't include a Subway Series game, and neither myself, or my girlfriend won.

Then again, neither of us work for a ticket broker, so should I really be surprised?

I'm sure there will be tons of this tickets available really soon on ticket scalping sights for obscene amounts of money.

Most Mets fans will probably be watching this from home.


I find those games are usually annoying to attend.  Fans forget that it's two sets of laundry who really don't care and will sign with the Angels if the Angels offer them more money.   I'm debating whether or not I should Stubhub my Sat at Citi tix (which really helps fund the rest of the year) or bring Mets Police Junior.


Scott tells us that he has gone...


0 for 5

In the span of this lottery year after year, I have won a grand total of one time, putting in over 5 entries each time. Luckily it was for opening day, but then I find out most of the seats people won for opening day were obstructed view!

Honestly why do they have to do something special with these? Design a system that a hacker can't break, or just sell them at the box office only. Luck of the draw is stupid.


And finally...


the winner was the Mets that used it as an opportunity to sell multiple tix


Yep.  For us it's a love, for them it's a business.   Even the Mets Police need to keep in mind that they'd rather finish second and make a dollar than win it all and lose a dollar.  You as consumers don't have to go.   It's fun to be there, but sitting on a beach listening to Howie Rose ain't the worst thing.



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Hello Mets fans.  If the Subway Series will be your first trip to the Bronx, we've been there a few times so we're here to help you out.

This is the "Great Hall" which is Bronxese for "Rotunda."

Here at the hall you will see that the Yankees have honored more former Mets (Willie Randolph and Yogi Berra) than the Wilpons have.

Even if you park ($19 and you definitely want to do the pre-paid parking because the Yankees have an annoying system - read here) you should walk around and enter through Gate 4 or 6.  Don't come in through Gate 8 or you will feel like you are in the subway.

In the Great Hall you will see the Hard Rock.  I haven't been in there yet, and while everyone else is standing around here or heading to the new Monument Park, I suggest you head to whatever the second level is called and find the Yankees Museum (click for review) which also formers former Mets including Lee Mazzilli.




By now you're thinking that the place is awesome, but that's because I sent you to the two best things.   If you have some time, when you walk out of the museum walk straight toward the field and find this guy (pictured on left).  He sells old baseball cards and old yearbooks.  A cool place we'll get into more tomorrow.





As you explore the stadium you will find many areas that look like this.  You probably think I took this in some subway station or sub-basement of some government building.  Nope, this is what all the ramps look like.  If I remember correctly this is one of the connections from the bleachers to the main parts.



Since you are likely a Mets fan and not rich you won't be sitting in $1000 seats. so you're probably in the uppers or the bleachers.   This view on the left is from the bleachers.  I think these are some of the best seats you can get.





However, make sure your seats aren't too close to center field or you won't be able to see half the field.  Unfortunately Yankee Stadium (like Citi Field) has lots of obstructed views.

While you're hanging out in the Bleachers don't forget to get a $7 Johnny Rocket's shake.   I think it's the best bang for your buck since you'll be quenched and full.   More about food choices tomorrow.

If you get lost, look for this nice lady.   The Yankees have plenty of folks like this around to help you.







Finally you will make your way to your seats in the uppers.

Here's my original review from back in April, where I called the place "The Phantom Menace" (you know, the thing that doesn't live up to the hype but you just can't admit it to yourself at first.)




Plenty of more pics and links throughout the week.  Remember that it won't be easy to get autographs.

Make sure you come back and tell your Yankees friends to say hi.

For more about the Stadium you will want to check out New Stadium Insider

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FLUSHING, N.Y., May 30, 2009 - The New York Mets today announced the launch of an online registration for the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Subway Series June 26-28 at Citi Field. The registration for the online random drawing will run through Thursday, June 4.

All fans registering now on Mets.com or LosMets.com automatically will be eligible for the random drawing. There is no fee and no purchase necessary to register. There is a limit of one entry per person. In the case of multiple entries for the same individual, only one entry received will be entered. There is no assurance that any particular registrant will be selected. Opportunities to purchase tickets are non-transferable.
Registration for the drawing closes Thursday, June 4 at 11:59 p.m. A limited number of fans will be selected in the online random drawing and will be notified via e-mail by Tuesday, June 9 with instructions regarding the online purchase of up to four (4) tickets. Tickets start at $27 each and must be purchased with a major credit card. Per ticket and per order fees will apply.

For more information, visit Mets.com, LosMets.com, or call the Mets Ticket Office at 718-507-TIXX



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Writing over at Examiner.com - you Yankee fans will be happy with my prediction for a 27th Yankees championship...

NY Sports Examiner: 2009 Yankees: 5 things to look out for

Posted using ShareThis

Another article of mine published over at Examiner.com

Good news for Mets fans:  We'll be in Citi Field for Game 7 of the World Series and a team from New York will win!

Bad news:   Ollie can be flaky

Click the link:
NY Sports Examiner: 2009 Mets: 5 things to look out for

I'm not second guessing - feel free to comb through this entire blog.  You will find posts such as "Pedro Exposed" (9 wins since June 6, 2006) and even yesterday between games I warned Jerry to warm somebody up while they batted in the fourth.

7.12 ERA!
42 hits in 30 innings.

A 5th starter at best - and only because this team lacks depth.   It's becomming increasingly clear the Mets lack depth at starting pitching, infield and outfield.  They do have 5 catchers and apparently are/were deep at manager.

Other quick hits:

I wish they'd stop playing Subway Series games on beautiful beach weekends.  Keep these in May.

Heard Sterling say "someone must have turned on the radio" when Delgado's walk up music played.   I guess he's nnot a fan of that style of music.

Heard Sterling & Suzyn talk more about Chacon.  He's coming to the Bronx.   Bet on it.

Too nice out to blog.   See y'all tomorrow.

I want all four.



Tonight you have Four Inning Pedro vs Ooh La La Ponson.  Note to Jerry - start warming someone up while you guys bat in the fourth.



Wish they had wasted more of the Yankees bullpen and less of ours.



They should tell Delgado he's DHing tonight and when he asks if he's up just say "not yet."



I better not hear a big ovation for Carlos tonight. Don't be hyprocrites. Everyone wanted him released all week. Not me, because somebody has to play first.



Are my eyes getting bad or were those BLUE HATS WITH THE TRADITIONAL ROAD UNIFORM???!!!!



And yes Virginia, the football Giants are money grubbing meanies.

So I'm focused now on these 'Yankees' that the Mets face this week.



Seems that they are the former 1901 Orioles and also play in New York. They won a few chamionships last century which sort of makes them the Portugal of international exploration.



They are led by a left fielder named Christian who is hitting .400. Their rotation stalwarts are guys named Geise, Ponson and Rasner. They have a manager who has been there much longer than Jerry, so that could be an edge. They have an "overrated" shortstop who will finish his career with about 3800 hits.



Seems like tomorrow is very sweepable.



Also looking ahead to tomorrow's papers:

- blah blah two stadiums article

- blah blah had to attend both games blah blah traffic blah blah parking could be tough!

- blah blah history of the series

- blah blah clemens piazza

- blah blah manager comparison article



Boring. Interleague play stopped being interesting when....well it never was. Give me a mayor's trophy game any day.

Not my idea, but it's so great I want to publciize it.

The Mets and Yankees are both off on September 11th.

Here's the idea trail as explained by Anthony Rieber in today's Newsday who writes: Full disclosure alert: This wasn't my idea. It was first mentioned on our Mets blog by beat writer David Lennon on May 16, the day of the rainout. And he got the idea from Newsday reader Ryan Mulholland.

Good job, guys. Good thinking. And Ryan points out that scheduling this game would be easy for both teams because, for some reason, both teams are home the weekend of Sept. 12-14.

On Sept. 11, the Mets are in the middle of a homestand. So we'd be asking them to give up a day at home. The Yankees play in Anaheim on Sept. 10, but it's an afternoon game. So they'd be back in New York with plenty of time to get 40 winks and do a little laundry before heading to the ballpark to help some people who really need it.

Here's Rieber's story. Great idea by Ryan Mulholland.

Apparently ESPN's skyline shots on NYC that they use during broadcasts aren't live but rather canned shots that were taken who knows when. Deceive the public in one thing, how do we know what else they are deceiving their viewers with.

Sunday night's rout of the Yankees had it all - including an obvious blown call by the umpires on Carlos Delgado's homerun/foul ball.

To me this was a perfect time for a manager to get up and get behind his player - show some fire and passion. Willie did come out, said a few words, and then went back in to the dugout.

That's it?? You're struggling former All-Star first-baseman was just ROBBED of a 3-run homerun and you just shake your head?

Meanwhile Jerry Manuel, the Mets bench coach, went ballistic in the dugout, continuing ot yell at the umpires even after Willie had come back to the bench. Jerry was run while Willie continued to shake his head.

I ask you, who would you want backing you up.

According to Chris Russo on WFAN, players on both the Mets and Yankees were told at 6:15 pm Friday evening that the game was going to be postponed. Russo himself found out and had left at 6:50.

Meanwhile the fans were the last to find out, not being told until after the scheduled 7:05 pm start.

How much money was collected by the Yankees in concessions to fans who braved the elements? How about the money from the limited parking?

And what about all the parents with children that sat in the rain while the players they look up to were already getting dressed and on their way home.

Once again we have another example of how the owners and management really don't give a damn about the fans.

I enjoy comedy radio. I also enjoy a good practical joke from time to time. But what Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo did on Saturday morning went beyond what anyone should consider acceptable.

Shortly after 10 am Russo, hosting on WFAN in New York, announced that the Mets-Yankees game scheduled for 1:05 that afternoon was being moved up to 11 am because of a threat of severe thunderstorms moving into the area at 4 pm. Given that they already had a rain-out the previous night that had to be made-up, the teams had to get Saturday's game in.

Russo continued to assert that the game was going to start early, giving stats and info on the games starters. He wasn't acting like Mad Dog (yelling, throwing out obviously absurd details, etc.) - he sold it very well.

As 10:30 approached Russo announced that Howie Rose had not arrived yet so he would host the pre-game Mets Extra. At 10:30 he played the intro to Mets Extra and went into a pregame show.

After dragging this on for over a half hour in total Russo finally admitted it was a hoax, but not before ESPN Radio had picked up the story and announced that the game was being moved up.

Now, the initial reaction may be to laugh and say that this was funny - however think about all the people that were going to be going to the game that day. I personally know several people that panicked when they heard the news, realizing they had paid a ridiculous amount of money for tickets to a game that they might not get to see. I received emails and text messages from at least half a dozen others. Who knows how many more ran out of the house in a frenzy trying to get to a game they were told was starting early on the OFFICIAL FLAGSHIP STATION of the Mets.

Seriously, Russo crossed a line on Saturday morning and on Monday he should be called on the carpet for it.

Good stuff from these guys today! Seems like Hank is calm before the game. Let's hope the rain stops.

Sliding Into Home: A Yankees Blog: Hank Optimistic About His Struggling Yanks