The Mets Police

Big League Stew has an awesome photo of Doc and Darryl, check out their cool jackets!  Blue and orange!  I'd post the pic but that's thievery (Honor among bloggers) and BLS has been cool about sending traffic over here....so away you go to the link.

Gooden looks like he'd be the second best starter on the Mets.  He's 45, do you think they could squeeze 6 wins out of him to get hom to .500?

It sure would sell tickets!

Main Mets Police page
Subscribe to The Mets Police by Email
Get Mets Police via reader/RSS
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
Contact: shannon at metspolice.com (Guest posts welcome!)
Share Photos: pictures at metspolice.com

Continuing a walk through the archives...from 4/9/09...should the Mets retire 16, 17 and 18?

In Newsday this morning, Jim Baumbach proposes that the Mets retire the numbers of Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry

My initial reaction was, "No way!  Teams retire too many numbers as it is!  Let's not retire everyone!  It's a special thing!"

Then I thought more.

The top two complaints about Citi Field are obstructed views (which hasn't even begun to reach the levels of complaining it will once people sit in their "real" seats) and that there's not enough Mets stuff at Citi Field.

About that he's right, and so I agree - let's hang some numbers on the fence.   I just think he has the wrong numbers.

Let's start with the first choice.   17.

I cringe any time I see someone else wearing Keith Hernandez's number.   He was The Captain.  He was the one who taught us how to win.   He was a great player, a great New Yorker, and has a constant long-term presence with the club.   He'll never make the Hall of Fame, but he's one of the greatest Mets of all time.   17 should be next.

Doc Gooden's #16.   My initial reaction was no.   Gooden had a few great years, and some ok years later - but he never won 300 like was destiny.  He didn't even win 200.

However, Gooden is like the ex-girlfriend you just can't get out of your system.  No matter how much he hurts us, we always long for what could have been.

It has been 23 years since the 1986 Mets, it's time to start honoring them.   Later in the summer, after Keith Hernandez day, let's welcome back Gooden and hang the 16 on the fence.

Plus, I can pretend it's for Lee Mazzilli.

Finally, Strawberry's 18.  I'm going to say no.

Even when Darryl was here, he was talking about how he couldn't wait to get to LA.  It was all he talked about.   I can't do this revisionist history and pretend he loved us.  When I think of him today I actually picture him as a Yankee!    He's one of our heroes...but he doesn't deserve to be on the fence.

Mike Piazza's #31.   We all know this one's coming.  Let's just get it up there.  We can tell Fred Wilpon he was a Dodger.

Baumbach makes a good case.  Check it out.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

If you are a younger Mets fan, say 25 or younger, you probably do have a handle on how good Tom Seaver was.   You don't understand Gooden.  I know you think he was this really good pitcher who flamed out over drugs.  I'm sure you can fathom the numbers from 1985 and understand that he was good.

What you don't understand is how electric Shea Stadium was on a late 80's Friday night with Doc on the mound.   The Piazza years never touched it.  The Subway Series never touched it.   Santana can throw a no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series to win it all (sucks that the NL lost the All-Star Game in my made up scenario) and it won't touch it.

Gooden on Friday night was an event.   He was dominant in a way few pitchers ever are.

When you have 60 wins at 21 years old you're a no-brainer firest ballot Hall of Famer/   He was young, he was ours, and he was going to be around a long long time.

The Daily News has a long piece about Doc (he was better when he was still "Dwight") today.

Main Mets Police page
Follow us on twitter @metspolice
Facebook page
send ideas/guest columns to shannon at metspolice.com

I don't remember this one..

“There’s nothing really significant about my pitching against him,” Tom Seaver said of his first confrontation with Dwight Gooden. “It doesn’t make me flashback at all.”

Good story about it here.


www.metspolice.com
@metspolice

Nj.com had this the other day....bizarre editing.  Click here  for the accompanying article.



www.metspolice.com
@metspolice

I offer the following plan to the New York Mets, with love.

The Mets have taken a lot of grief these last two weeks.  Whether it's the Rotunda or Gooden-gate, it comes down to the Mets fans wanting to honor the Mets.  It's very simple...

Announce a date for Oldtimer's Day.   I propose Saturday June 20th.  The game is scheduled for 4:05 for Fox.   Start the ceremonies at 1pm on SNY.

It's already Cap Day, so we can know your intentions are pure, and although the opponent isn't ideal (Tampa) it's far enough in the future to plan, but not so far away as to seem like it will never get here.

You already know who to invite - you got this one right at Closing Day at Shea.   Anyone who has read this far knows the right names to invite.  Invite them.

During the ceremonies have Howie Rose formally announce a few things:

• The Mets Museum will open in April 2010 with (specific details).
  
• The numbers 16, 17 and 31 will be retired later this season. (crowd erupts)
  
• Announce the dates for Hernandez Night, Gooden Night and Piazza Night - and have them in that order.
  
• Announce a statue of Tom Seaver will be placed halfway between the subway stop and the Rotunda.  (This will create a cool "Meet me at Seaver" location.)

In the meantime either get the "Mets stuff" out of storage or go buy some on ebay (did they sell it all?   Why didn't they keep Seaver's locker?)

Very easy.   Win your fan-base back.  Today.   You drew 36,000 this weekend in a brand new stadium.  Take my advice.

www.metspolice.com
@metspolice

Wow, the Post calls the Mets "dopey" in a headline !  That's something I'd do.

Someone thought it would be a nice idea if one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history signed a blank gray wall next to the bar. Gooden obliged, taking a black Sharpie and writing in script "Doc Gooden 84 R.O.Y., 85 Cy Young, 86 W.S. Champs."

Gooden took a picture next to the signature, and so did countless fans lucky enough to afford the price of a ticket that allows them access to the club.

But now the Mets, who have been criticized for not showcasing enough of their history in their new ballpark, plan to erase Gooden's signature from the wall, treating it as if it were unwanted graffiti.

"It's a brand-new building," said Jay Horwitz, the Mets' VP of media relations. "No one is supposed to write on the wall. It's going to be erased." 

Read the story.

www.metspolice.com
@metspolice

In Newsday this morning, Jim Baumbach proposes that the Mets retire the numbers of Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry

My initial reaction was, "No way!  Teams retire too many numbers as it is!  Let's not retire everyone!  It's a special thing!"

Then I thought more.

The top two complaints about Citi Field are obstructed views (which hasn't even begun to reach the levels of complaining it will once people sit in their "real" seats) and that there's not enough Mets stuff at Citi Field.

About that he's right, and so I agree - let's hang some numbers on the fence.   I just think he has the wrong numbers.

Let's start with the first choice.   17.

I cringe any time I see someone else wearing Keith Hernandez's number.   He was The Captain.  He was the one who taught us how to win.   He was a great player, a great New Yorker, and has a constant long-term presence with the club.   He'll never make the Hall of Fame, but he's one of the greatest Mets of all time.   17 should be next.

Doc Gooden's #16.   My initial reaction was no.   Gooden had a few great years, and some ok years later - but he never won 300 like was destiny.  He didn't even win 200.

However, Gooden is like the ex-girlfriend you just can't get out of your system.  No matter how much he hurts us, we always long for what could have been.  

It has been 23 years since the 1986 Mets, it's time to start honoring them.   Later in the summer, after Keith Hernandez day, let's welcome back Gooden and hang the 16 on the fence.

Plus, I can pretend it's for Lee Mazzilli.

Finally, Strawberry's 18.  I'm going to say no.

Even when Darryl was here, he was talking about how he couldn't wait to get to LA.  It was all he talked about.   I can't do this revisionist history and pretend he loved us.  When I think of him today I actually picture him as a Yankee!    He's one of our heroes...but he doesn't deserve to be on the fence.

Mike Piazza's #31.   We all know this one's coming.  Let's just get it up there.  We can tell Fred Wilpon he was a Dodger.

Baumbach makes a good case.  Check it out.

www.metspolice.com
@metspolice

After yesterday's look at homegrown players on Opening Day, I started to think about what the Mets All Time Homegrown Team might look like. To recap, I am defining a homegrown player as someone who had their first major league appearance in a Mets uniform.

(Yes I know that a "true" homegrown would be someone who came all the way up through the Mets farm system - but honestly, I don't have the time or patience to do that level of research.)

So here's my full 25 man roster:

STARTING LINEUP
SS - Jose Reyes (755 Games)
2B - Edgardo Alfonzo (1,086)
3B - David Wright (703)
RF - Darryl Strawberry (1,109)
C - Todd Hundley (829)
1B - Ed Kranepool (1,853)
LF - Cleon Jones (1,201)
CF - Mookie Wilson (1,116)

BENCH
Bud Harrelson (1,322)
Lee Mazzilli (979)
Wally Backman (765)
John Milner (741)
Hubie Brooks (654)
Ron Hodges (666)

ROTATION
Tom Seaver (401 Games, 198 Wins)
Dwight Gooden (305, 157)
Jerry Koosman (376, 140)
Ron Darling (257, 99)
Jon Matlack (203, 82)

BULLPEN
Jesse Orosco (368 Relief Appearances, 107 Saves)
Tug McGraw (325, 86)
Jeff Innis (287, 5)
Aaron Heilman (280, 9)
Roger McDowell (278, 84)
Craig Swan (184 Starts, 45 Relief)

Feel free to debate - I know there are some guys I left off (Wayne Garret, Bobby Jones for example)

www.metspolice.com
@metspolice

St. Patrick's Day is coming and if you're on the mailing list from mlb.com you were invited to get your Paddy's Day Mets-wear.  Now I'm not going to be phony - I like shamrocks, I even enjoy my green Mets hat from time to time (Mets Police rule is that the Mets can sell whatever they want just don't wear them during games.)

One item that may interest you is the green Gooden jersey.  How better to relive 1985 than with this.  Who screams Kiss me I'm Irish more than good ol' Doc.  Plus who can ever forget him wearing the traditional Mets green.  At only $240 it's quite the steal!

New York Mets Authentic 1985 Dwight Gooden St. Patrick's Day Jersey by Mitchell & Ness

Was: $299.99*

Now: $238.97

www.metspolice.com

Jerry Manuel:

I'm like the fans: If we get him, cool. If not, we'll deal with it. We have a pretty good team.

"If you've got a guy who performs on the field, you can handle the rest of that stuff. I don't think it's an issue. I don't have a problem with the clubhouse. I've got an office that's about so big.  The clubhouse, I let them do what they do."

The ever so wise Jerry on the silly World Baseball "Classic":

Of course, my first spring training, you'd love to say no distractions, no WBC. That'd be good for me. 

And my Jerry love-fest continues as he asks Over-Reyes to take responsibility!

That's the next thing for him, to add some responsibilities.   Taking control defensively, as far as where guys are positioned, different defensive plays. I want him to be responsible for the whole infield. That, to me, is maturation.

Jerry was helping out at a soup kitchen.   Mets Police for all our negativity like to applaud good deeds.  I'd share the video buy NY1 hasn't heard of embedding technology so click here.

You know, other than winning a championship for the city, it's probably one of the more rewarding things that we could do as athletes and coaches and people to lift the spirits of those that are less fortunate.

Hooray for Jerry.   He just told the world he can handle Manny, now let him do it.

In other news:

The Yankees say they have sold the equivalent of 39,393 season tickets so far.   They haven't even gotten to the folks with the 15 game plans (never mind single games) and they're going to draw 3.1 million!   The Mets also say they are selling well according to this article in the Canadian Press .

Quote of the day goes to Dwight Gooden who had this to say about Kirk Radomski's claims that he took a urine test for Gooden back in the day:

"I’ve made mistakes through the years, and I’ve admitted them, but that never happened. And the way the tests were administered, it couldn’t have happened. I’ve done enough wrong on my own, I don’t want to get blamed for something I didn’t do.”

I always feel sad when I read about Doc, but that's a pretty mature quote.   Before we all throw stones at Gooden, be honest with yourself - if you were 19 years old in the big city and making a few million dollars, trouble may have found you too.



www.metspolice.com

The Daily News reported that Mookie Wilson and Davey Johnson will not be part of the closing ceremonies at Shea because of a falling out with the organization.

Fellas, the team doesn't make an extra dollar if you come, and doesn't lose a dollar if you don't. 

For the fans, and for the memories show up.  Do it for youselves.  Come feel the love.   You don't have to shake hands with the Wilpons or whoever you are mad at.

Dwight Gooden has also been invited but isn't expecyed to come.

Come on guys, even Tom Seaver is leaving the vineyard for an afternoon (or night if ESPN effs us).   If Tom can be bothered, surely you can.

A week ago the talk was of limiting Mike Pelfrey's innings.  One John Maine injury later and suddenly Pelfrey's long term health doesn't seem to matter.   The Mets need a consistent policy, so I will provide it for them.   Go for it.....


Four Reasons The Mets Shouldn't Worry About Pelfrey's Innings Count

1.  Dwight Gooden.   Mets Police have always been troubled by the Mets tinkering with the young Gooden.  They wanted him to throw fewer pitches.  The plan was so he could pitch into his 40s.   Yeah the drugs had something to do with it - but he wound up having arm problems anyway.   If it ain't broke don't fix it.   24-4 was pretty good, leave it alone.

2.  The Joba rules.   The NYY's tried to nurse their young guy.  He wound up with arm problems anyway.

3.  Did arm problems exist before last year?    Tom Seaver threw 1000 innings in his first 4 years.  2000 in his first 8.  I never heard of this "max innings" nonsense until last year.   We watch little leaguers pitch from March to August and we're going to worry about Mike Pelfrey?

4.  You have to go for it when you have the chance.   As Mets fans know, you can easily go a long time between playoff appearances.  Pelfrey is the Mets ace, and they have a half game lead.   The division is there for the taking - you have to take the shot.
 

Ok now that I've got your attention - the Hall of Garvey is something I invented a few years back. It's a place for really good players who ain't Hall of Famers.

Steve Garvey was the inaugural inductee.

Other names frequently nominated include Don Mattingly and Keith Hernandez. This week a friend suggested Gooden.

What say ye? Is Keith worthy of the HOG? Any other nominations?

Back again with some more thoughts on what real Mets and what "pretend" Mets are associated with each uniform number (and thereore who should take down the Shea countdown numbers). Today, with information from Mets By The Numbers, we're looking at 16 - 20, maybe the best group of numbers so far.

16
Rightful Owner(s): Lee Mazzilli & Dwight Gooden
Rent-A-Met(s): Derek Bell & Paul LoDuca
Comment: Two of the all-time favorites wore this number and yet the Mets continue to let others wear it? I'm not saying it should be retired, but Derek Bell? Angel Pagan is wearing it now which will change once Lee takes over as manager.

17
Rightful Owner(s): Keith Hernandez
Rent-A-Met(s): Bret Saberhagen
Comment: Yes I know Keith won his MVP and made his bones with the Cardinals - but he was the Captain. It's a shame that 15 other guys have worn the number since.

18
Rightful Owner(s): Darryl Strawberry
Rent-A-Met(s): Moises Alou
Comment: Joel Youngblood gets a nod here as well, but Darryl will always be 18. On a side note I have really been enjoying his in studio work on SNY.

19
Rightful Owner(s): Ron Gardenhire
Rent-A-Met(s): Bobby Ojeda
Comment: OK, so Gardenhire was a stretch and with his work managing in Minnesota clearly makes him more oa Twin than a Met now. Ojeda was a Red Sox that the Mets rented, period.

20
Rightful Owner(s): Tommie Agee & Howard Johnson
Rent-A-Met(s): Shawn Green
Comment: This is a great number with both real mets contributing to the only World Series victories for the Mets. I'd give Agee the nod to take down the game number though.

Got my hands on this one. Very very cool, buy it.

So great to own that Game 4 of 1969 World Series that SNY shows. Seaver is young and thin and I defy anyone to tell me that the uniform he is wearing does not look a million times better than the black.

A nice bonus feature is the 9th inning of the September 17, 1986 clincher. A young Dwight Gooden is on the mound with that killer curve ball and on his way to way to what surely will be a Hall of Fame career.

Lester's no-hitter with the Red Sox last night is certainly a great feel-good story, but I can't help but get frustarted and angry when I see another team get yet another no-hitter. In 46 years seasons Mets pitchers have yet to throw a no-hitter. For a team that a) has had a pretty good history in developing young arms, and b) plays in a pitchers park, this is amazing.

It gets worse. Seven pitchers who threw for the Mets had no-hitters after the Mets traded them away: of course Nolan Ryan (7), but also Tom Seaver (a year and a day after the Monday Massacre), Mike Scott (to clinch the NL West in 1986), Dwight Gooden (with the Yankees), David Cone (perfect with the Yankees), and Hideo Nomo (who threw one before and after being with the Mets). Ok, so Nomo was never really a Met - but that still leaves six that have tossed a no-no.

And as long as we're feeling frustrated, throughout their history Mets picthers have tossed 30 one-hitters - including 5 from Tom Seaver (one a perfect game through 8.2), 3 from David Cone, and 2 each from Gary Gentry, Jon Matlack, and Terry Leach.

The Mets lack of success in tossing a no-hitter was probably best expressed by Mets play-by-play man Gary Cohen. During a John Maine start in 2007, Ron Darling said that he had "no-hit stuff." Cohen replied by saying, "no he doesn't, he's a Met."

It took 20 years for someone to admit it but here it is!

The Daily News speaks with Davey Johnson

DN: You managed one of the greatest young talents the game has ever seen in Dwight Gooden, who went 24-4 as a 20-year-old. How do you feel when you think about his career, and his life after baseball?

DJ: Unbelievably sad. The biggest shock in my life in baseball was in the spring of 1987, when he came into my office and said, "Skip, I've got a problem. I've got to go to drug rehab." I said, "You've got to be kidding me." Doc was like a son to me. He was the first one to the ballpark every day. He was always happy. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.

The thing with Dwight is that he meant no harm, but he couldn't say no - to his guys from his hometown. He didn't want to feel bigger or better than anybody else.

DN: He was a good pitcher after that 1985 season, but never the same pitcher.

DJ: Never the same. I blame it on the drugs, and I also blame it on the delivery change they had him make. I don't even know where the orders came from, but they didn't come from me or Mel Stottlemyre. They wanted him to shorten his delivery, lower that big high leg kick and not turn as much. Sure, he could be run on, but they could run on (Greg) Maddux, too; did they change his delivery? To this day I regret even going along with it.