New York Mets 101

I was raised over a bar and I don't think one day passed during the summer when all the guys just seemed to be talking about the game either that day or that night. It didn't matter what team they rooted for they just loved talking baseball. The split was about even 50-50 Mets and Yankee fans and at times after a few too many things got a bit heated but the conversation never stopped. Believe it or not we had some Pirate, Phillies, and Boston fans in there as well but baseball was the common bond in the summer that drew people to Burns' Tavern. Oh, the best TV in town didn't hurt either, but rest assured a game was always on that set and the conversations seemed to get louder as my father filled another glass from the keg beneath the bar. As I was doing this episode with Ryan and the time wore on I could feel my self just loving the conversation more and more. It was almost like I felt the security of the topic and truly wished that it had gone on a bit longer. But, alas I was called to dinner by my dear wife in a similar way that my mother called me in when I was playing catch with a neighbor. I was loving baseball then and I am still loving it now. Thank God I have a partner to talk to. 

Well welcome back or should I say will you welcome us back. My name is Jim Burns and this is The New York Mets 101. Today’s podcast episode is designed to get our feet wet and to take stock of this 2023 Amazin team. Today I am introducing Ryan Mucha who will be my partner in crime and we will be offering our thoughts about the team as the season wears on and rest assured  we will have plenty to say about in game moves, injuries, and the pitching staff that is one of the oldest in the league. So sit back and enjoy. If you want to share an opinion on Facebook please do so and remember that we are fans just like you and agree or disagree always remember we will always have this team as our common bond. 

Often when a team wins a championship some players just seem to do the unexpected or maybe just play over their head. Sometimes we pick up pieces at the trade deadline or claim a player off waivers. The 1969 and the 1986 Mets were very much like that. Those players that seemed to add a spark, get the big hit, or played like a champion for just that one year. In this episode I talk about those players from yesteryear and discuss who will be the players this year that could to go above and beyond and do the unexpected. With our lineup and with some surprise performances I believe that this team can win a championship.

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At 65 I can't help but think back to what I call the good old days; the days of single admission doubleheaders and general admission seating at times for as low as $1.25. The food was cheap, the players were friendly, and at times when you were at Shea you felt like you could almost touch your heroes. The players were part of your family. The sign man and banner day are no more. But, we all still love this team and rejoice when they win and can get sick when they lose. Here are a few things for you older Mets fans to think about and remember.Everybody has a story, and as a Mets we got a lot of them.  If you would like to share your thoughts and memories click on the link below.

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Carlos Beltran may have been the best centerfielder in Mets history. He routinely played between 140 and 160 games per season. He was a five tool player. He gets remembered for getting called out on strikes in the last game of the 2006 championship series against the Cardinals. Well now he has something else to be remembered for. He was mentioned in the Manfred report regarding the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal. But more and more information keeps coming out that he was the brains behind the operation and really almost bullied some players when they told him it wasn't a good idea. He could have been The Mets manager, but now his reputation is tarnished. Sadly, we all know he didn't have to do it. 

Bleacher Report

Beltran's Lifetime Statistics

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It's almost incomprehensible that a team would sell controlling interest of their baseball team and expect to have decision making power and control going forward. How long do you wait for the owner of a house to move out after you purchased it from them? I think it's 60 days. Commissioner Manfred needs to get involved and take over this team or force a sale. Quite frankly I am sick of Fred and Jeff and think they need to be put out to pasture. They not only have trouble drafting, signing, trading, and hiring, now they don't even know how to sell a team.  

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Kids today spend more time watching baseball and playing video games then they do playing the game. Oh, many kids are in leagues and play organized sport but how much time do kids spend outside playing without adult supervision. Baseball is one of the games that teaches kids how to get along, have productive conflict, become resilient, and most of all how to solve problems. It also helps kids manage bullying behavior and how to stand up for themselves. The main objective that all kids should have is to have fun. Often times too much adult supervision can interfere with and at times prevent the joy of just plain old playing. Be sure to check out my podcast Anti Bullying 101 for more information on this important topic.

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Anti Bullying 101

In my last podcast I stated that The Mets don't draft, trade, sign, or hire well. A short 40 second sound bite was posted on facebook which seemed to draw the ire of some Mets fans. In this episode I explain what happens when a team continues to make mistakes in the above mentioned areas. If all you want is to make the playoffs your in good shape. But, if you want to win a championship you have to build your team wisely. Listen in. I left a link for anyone to message me, and I would love to have some guests on the show to talk baseball. 

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Well, Beltran is gone. So who is next up? Brodie Van Wagenen is the one responsible for whoever the next Met manager is going to be. He claims the sign stealing scandal never cam up in the Beltran interview, Why not? This scandal has been brewing for years. Beltran's name came up in the Manfred report, but Manfred claimed no players will be disciplined. Well Beltran was a player. Brodie didn't fire Beltran Manfred did. This team is now in a position of trying to find a manager with three weeks to go before spring training because Brodie didn't ask some important questions. And right now  the pickings are quite slim. Every team wants an advantage but when you leave the type of cyber footprint that Houston did you went to far and guess what; you got nailed. Are we now entering into the cyber era in baseball?  

Commissioner's Report On The Sign Stealing Scandal