[Miz]

Miz: Who are you, what is your blog and address, how long have you been blogging, and how did you become a Met fan? Starting with Mike

Mike_Steffanos: My name is Mike Steffanos, http://www.mikesmets.com/. I became a Mets fan when I was 10 years old and my grandmother got me hooked. Still haven't forgiven her. I started in August of 2005. It was kind of therapy for some problems I was having with chronic Lyme disease and also the mental pain of being a Mets fan

MetsGrrl1: I'm Caryn Rose, http://www.metsgrrl.com. I've been publishing something online since 1995. I started MetsGrrl in May of 06 because I wanted a place to write about my newfound baseball obsession. I became a Mets fan when my boyfriend, known on the site as TBF, managed to convey his love for baseball to me, and adopted it. That was in 2005.

John_Young: I'm John from Shea Nation http://www.sheanation.blogspot.com/ and started SN in May of 2005 on Word Press but moved to Blogger in May of 2006. Been a Met fan since "birth" because my family was all Dodger fans and couldn't go on with the sick taste ofrooting for the Yankees.

MatthewA: I'm Matthew Artus from Always Amazin', http://blog.nj.com/mets/. I've blogged in various capacities since 2004, but took the reins of Always Amazin' in December of 2007. I became a Mets fan because my older brothers were all Mets fans as I grew up in the '80s. It was an exciting time to jump on, and I've never let go since.

Miz: What are your feelings about the collision at homeplate involving the yankees and the rays? starting with Matt, then John, Caryn and then Mike

MatthewA: It's baseball, plain and simple. It's just a case of a young player trying to make a name for himself in camp. You can't blame him for what he did because you now know who he is as a result. No one wants to get hurt in Spring Training, but you can't blame a guy for going all out.

John_Young: Well you can't really blame the kid for giving it his all, but you can't just take shots at players like that in Spring Training, but that's the nature of the beast. Remember that everyone picks their position and with being a catcher comes those risks.

MetsGrrl1: Not really much to add here. The Rays are clearly trying to position themselves. Probably not a good idea to risk yourselves in March, but I always enjoy a good brawl.

Mike_Steffanos: I don't think it's something that should happen in spring training, but the one thing that Girardi didn't mention when he was complaining was that the catcher was blocking home plate. Maybe it's fair in that case. I wouldn't want to see a Met player do that because they already find enough ways to get hurt.

Miz: Who do you think the mets will use as their opening day left fielder? Starting with Caryn, then Mike, Matt and then John

MetsGrrl1: Mr. Met. lol I like Pagan. I don't think that "everyday endy" is a good idea.

Mike_Steffanos: I thinks it's Pagan unless he really falls apart the last couple of weeks. I think they'd like to keep Endy coming off the bench.

MatthewA: It's Pagan's to lose, but he can still lose it. I'm curious to see who else becomes available (Rivera from Anaheim? Winn in SF?) as the teams continue their cuts and rosters come into clearer focus, though.

John_Young: Right now there isn't a question as to who...Angel Pagan. The guy is just playing like he's been possessed by a baseball god. Unless he goes and turns on the fans or something to that effect the job will be his to lose.

metsfanohio: Pagan is our Angel in the outfield!
Big_Country_Griff: ugh

Hoovbacca: To get a topic or question answered, hit up Miz by double clicking his name!

Miz: What are your thoughts on Bonds name being bought up in the media about whom the Mets should or should not add? Starting with John, Matt, Mike and then Caryn

John_Young: That name should no longer be connected to the Mets for obvious reasons. I can't believe this rumor picked up so much steam. I mean there isn't enough to cover with all the injuries that we have to go out there and say that the anti-baseball-christ could join the Mets...gag

MatthewA: I'm for Bonds - baggage and all. He's a jerk - but would he really be the first jerk to ever play for the Mets? His numbers would be a clear upgrade over whatever else the Mets can throw in LF. People get wrapped up by his name, but we all know he can probably still contribute at a high level. What platoon would you rather have in Left: Alou/Bonds, or Alou/Pagan?

Mike_Steffanos: I'm not against signing Bonds for moral reasons. I think baseball has been hypocritical about that as has been the press...However, I don't think the Mets need a lot more salary tied up on the disabled list. I'd still like to see them hold some money in case they need to sign a pitcher.

MetsGrrl1: The Mets are the hot team to talk about these days. The more sensational the better...I don't think this is the right solution for this team....I hate to use the word 'intangible' in connection with the Mets, but it's Bonds' intangibles that concern me.

metsfanohio: buster olney is a tool.......

Miz: What was tougher, 2006's ending or 2007? Start with Mike, then Caryn, John and Matt

Mike_Steffanos: 2006. I really cared about that team and admired them. Last year they went out with a whimper that began in June when they weren't really playing all that hard. In 2006 they broke my heart. Still, maybe I'd rather have that then watch what happened last season.

MetsGrrl1: 2007 without a doubt. Far better to get there and lose than to never get there through malaise.

John_Young: Without a doubt 2007 was worse off. I mean they made the wrong kind of history and we aren't going to stop hearing about it until they make the playoffs again (hopefully this season). To make matters worse the Phillies were there to win like they were the only bid on an EBAY product. I am never going to stop hearing about it from my friend in Philly.

MatthewA: 2007. I was there for Game 7 in '06, and it took days to get rid of the constant sadness and desire to vomit. I did, and looked back, and thought, "You know, they're not done. They'll be back." And in '07, they just went ahead and wasted a golden opportunity. They took it for granted and it bit them hard. The Mets window of opportunity for a World Series ring is closing, and they wasted a nice chance of getting one in '07 because of the malaise.

Hoovbacca: Just a reminder...questions and topics for our guests to Miz this evening! thanks to those who have asked stuff so far!

Miz: Can John Maine reach that front of the rotation status this year? Start with Caryn, John, Matt and then Mike

MetsGrrl1: We hope and pray to the gods of baseball. I like John Maine a lot. I think he can grow into the position.

John_Young: With his hip finally in check we should hopefully see more of the first half Maine. If Maine just acts a little more confident on the mound like he's been saying, he should be one of the most dominant number 2 starters in the Majors. Some people are saying that 20 wins is in Maine's reach this season. I don't think he's ready for that step quite yet but an 18 win season is more than attainable for him.

Mike_Steffanos: Yes. I think his last hurdle to achieving that status is mental, and I think he's passed that this season. He really believes he can be that guy now. I think he's the secret weapon for this year, as no one but Mets fans seem to understand how good he can be.

MatthewA: Maine should find his way to becoming an ideal #2 starter. A steady hand. He reminds me a lot of Al Leiter in that way.

Hoovbacca: He sure exceeded my expectations of being a younger,cheaper, better Benson...lol

Miz: What does the addition of Johan mean to you? Start with John, Matt, Mike and then Caryn

John_Young: Well it basically means that the Mets finally have an Ace that has the oppratunity to win every time out, go deep into games and as a result make the bullpen a much better version of last year because of the rest they will get. I have to say that Santana is a good way to replace Glavine's innings.

MatthewA: Optimism. If the Mets didn't get Santana, we'd all be lamenting the Collapse and talking about the Mets' collective injuries as an extension of 2007. Santana fixed that. We're all comfortable to believe because we have our spark. A hero to light our darkest hour.

Mike_Steffanos: Big risk -- big reward. If he can stay healthy it's a great deal. If not, he's Mike Hampton. I'm scared and thrilled at the same time. Kind of like when I dated my ex-wife.

MetsGrrl1: My blogging idol was the late, lamented Bat Girl, so I learned more about the Twins than any other team besides the Mets during my blogging infancy. I always admired Santana, and always prayed we'd have a shot. Getting Santana made up for a multitude of sins, including the ticket price increases. It gave the fans and the team a new sense of confidence and optimism, and made me feel personally as though 2008 wasn't going to be a repeat of 2007. I like everything I've heard about Santana and believe he has what it takes to pitch in New York.

Miz: Since all these Mets bloggers are here I was wondering if they had anything to say about how being a Mets blogger is different or special. How is it different from being a blogger for another team or on a different subject? Start with John, Matt, Mike and then Caryn

John_Young: Well first of all how could it be the same as anyother team? I mean something special has went into each of our WS titles so there is always an air of hope for us Met fans. Starting the blog for me was special because it was the first sports related thing I partook in after getting out of the Marines. I was lost in the world of the Mets after that and felt that the best way to get into it again was the site. So I guess you can say that blogging re familiarized me with my Mets.

MatthewA: Pardon me while I tip my cap to Bat Girl. I don't see how being a Mets blogger has made me any different as a fan. (Maybe I loathe Wallace Matthews a little more, but that's about it.) But it's different and special because it's accessible. I might not be of the same politcal persuasion or financial standing as others, but we all can understand that David Wright is awesome and have an opinion why. And to be able to share that with others in a forum like blogging is a thrill like no other.

Mike_Steffanos: You mean there are people in the world that aren't Mets bloggers? There are so many Mets blogs I thought everyone did one. ... Seriously, though what strikes me about blogging the Mets is the high quality of writing there is in Mets blogs. Not like the Yankees, where most of their bloggers use crayons...Wallace Matthews doesn't even rate a crayon.

MetsGrrl1: What's different to me about my baseball blogging is that I'm learning as I write, and that's deliberately transparent to my readers. I don't have 20 or 10 or even 5 years of experience to draw on. Compare that to my online writing about Bruce Springsteen or rock and roll, where I'm writing from many, many, many years of experience. I enjoy both very much.

Miz: I think we all loathe Wallace Mathews, accept maybe Ian lol
Hoovbacca: Ian's obsessed with Timo, so that tells you about taste right there..LOL
John_Young: I can't stand his rants..sorry out of order
IamTheIan: don't be dissing my man Wallace
metsfanohio: Ian dranks Timos' kool aid
IamTheIan: Wallace Matthews is my homeboy

Miz: Timo Perez had three more hits today, raising his average to .444. Clearly, if the Mets are still looking to add a player, he should be the top choice. Thoughts? And, was Timo safe? Starting with Matt, Mike, Caryn and then John

MatthewA: Wait, seriously... Timo Perez? Is this 2000 all over again? Spring Training stats are pretty much worthless. Timo isn't anything better than what we have now and he was very safe.

Miz: lol, thats from the lone Timo fan here at THR
Hoovbacca: lone Timo fan period...lol
IamTheIan: oh yeah. he hit .389 last season!!!!!!
Hoovbacca: even Timo's mom doesnt love him as much as Ian
IamTheIan: .389!
MatthewA: Yeah, .389 and a Metrocard will get him on the subway, too.

Mike_Steffanos: Timo was safe. I'm thinking of doing a petition on it like Patriots fans have done on the super bowl.

IamTheIan: Timo was indeed safe.

MetsGrrl1: oh, wait, this was a real question? I'm with Matt A. He's the same player as Angel Pagan. I'll take Angel.

Hoovbacca: feel free to treat it like it isnt...LOL

John_Young: Lest we forget that he has a lifetime batting average around .270 and has absolutly no pop in his bat. Marcus Thames is the logical choice on the Tigers, but it would take more than the Mets are willing to give and besides what happened to Angel Pagan? He has the same background but is younger.
Hoovbacca: DOH
metsfanohio: someone boot him?.....lol
IamTheIan has joined.
Hoovbacca: maybe....lol
IamTheIan: Timo hit .389 last year.
John_Young: in 90 something at bats
MatthewA: In what? MLB2K7?
John_Young: that doesn't qualify him for nothing
IamTheIan: .389
Hoovbacca: lol
IamTheIan has left.
Hoovbacca: whoops
IamTheIan: He won the all star game MVP
Hoovbacca: moving on....LOL
IamTheIan: in triple A
Hoovbacca: IAN
John_Young: I'm looking at his page right now and he had 90 at bats
Mike_Steffanos: What's Jason Tyner doing?
MatthewA: I hear Alex Escobar is still available, too.
Mike_Steffanos: How about Bubba Trammell ?
MatthewA: Terrence Long?
IamTheIan: These are awesome ideas, guys
Mike_Steffanos: Benny Agbayani
MetsGrrl1: i was about to mention Benny.
metsfanohio: terrence long just had his 8th birthday aweek and a half ago
Mike_Steffanos: great minds...

Miz: What are the big questions for 2008 for you? Starting with Mike, Caryn, John and then Matt

Mike_Steffanos: Health and the bullpen. Health isn't off to a good start, but they have some intriguing guys for the 'pen.

MetsGrrl1: 1. Jose Reyes: last year's slump - what's the course correction he's taking (e.g., the threatened no more dancing) and will it damage what makes Jose Jose or will it make him stronger? 2. Duaner Sanchez: please come back to us and be that force in the bullpen to be reckoned with.

John_Young: Carlos Delgado, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Delgado. Can he rebound to his prior form or is his hip flexor gonna give him the same kind of quality at bats as last year? He is the core of the lineup when he is hitting and a crutch when he's not. Without him the Mets are a good offense but with him there is no taming the beast.

MatthewA: Health is an obvious one and for obvious reasons. I'm not so much worried about the bullpen as I am worried about Willie Randolph's management of it. And I couldn't agree more with John - Carlos Delgado in 2008 keeps me up at night. The end is near for Carlos, and I have no idea what (if anything) to expect from him in '08.

Miz: Will the Mets regret the Lastings Trade? Starting with Caryn, John, Matt and then Mike

MetsGrrl1: I think he never got the chance he deserved. That said, no. If we couldn't make something of him in the time that we had, let him be someone else's problem.

IrishMeTMaN6986: lol

John_Young: Of course they will. But what they got could potentially be just as good. It's just another example of Omar going out and getting what the team needed and it just so happened that the Nationals were the biters. He's gonna lite them up this season. There's no way around that.

MatthewA: Yes, but moreso because the Mets will always be connected to Milledge unless he completely fades away. I'm not sure he'll become a superstar. The next coming of Milton Bradley seems more likely (in terms of character, not talent).

Mike_Steffanos: If Lastings becomes a star this will sting. I'd like to see the Mets get away from trading young guys with potential for established vets. They really need to get on the right side of getting younger some day soon.

Miz: How many wins and how far for the Mets in 2008? Starting with John, Matt, Mike and then Caryn. After this question we will open the floor for comments and what not. I really want to thank you guys and gal, for taking time out of your busy schedules to do this tonight. You are all repected by many of us here in the Met fan community and look forward to continue reading your blogs

John_Young: I can see the Mets make the same run as in 2006. 96 give or take a couple wins and hopefully make it to the WS this season.

MatthewA: I could easily see 92-93 wins out of this team.

Mike_Steffanos: 94 wins and a trip to the Series.

MetsGrrl1: 97 and I'm planning my vacation time around having to take days off in October. WS this time.

Hoovbacca: absolutely...thank you everyone....each of your blogs is daily reading for me, so thank you for that, and thank you for joining us tonight! And with that..the floor opens

Mike_Steffanos: Wow, I've never been respected before. Lisa won't believe this!
MatthewA: As the newbie amongst these bloggers, I'm humbled to know I'm mentioned in the same breath. Thanks for having me tonight.
John_Young: Don't worry we'll haze you tomorrow
Big_Country_Griff: thanks to all of you for taking time out to answer our questions
MatthewA: Oh man...
Miz: All us Met fans most stick together. Thats what makes us different then bandwagen Yankee fans
Hoovbacca: Always Amazin' is the first blog i ever read on the Mets...you carry on that legacy well Matthew, and are a worthy successor!
Mike_Steffanos: I love you guys. Sniff, sniff.
MetsGrrl1: *group hug*
MatthewA: I was introduced to the world of Mets blogging by Faith and Fear in Flushing - so I always feel I've set the bar impossibly high.
Hoovbacca: and to all of you, we do these chats during the season on off-nights and would love to have each of you sine on your own with us for an evening!
MatthewA: Indeed.
metsfanohio: if only yahoo would have called their clubs/groups blogs, i could abeen famous
Hoovbacca: shine
John_Young: I'll be back definitly
Mike_Steffanos: Any time.
Big_Country_Griff: we also have the chat room open during games
IrishMeTMaN6986: after this season do any of you think we have a shot at landing a big bat like Adam
MetsGrrl1: love to.
Big_Country_Griff: a lot of fun to hang out and cheer the mets on when we cant be at the stadium
IrishMeTMaN6986: Dunn or Mark Text
Miz: Hey, I read somewhere that Beltran might be moving to Left Field in a couple of years? Anyone hear anything on that?
Hoovbacca: especially those of us like me, 3000 miles away
John_Young: Tex is probably going to the Yanks if anywhere...with that said I have to hit the road guys, sorry for the breif stay
Big_Country_Griff: thanks again john
Miz: John, its been a pleasure!
MetsGrrl1: I made Section 12 insane last year ranting about how much I wanted Texieira.
Mike_Steffanos: take care, John
MatthewA: Later sk8tr.
John_Young: no problem and I'll be back sometime during the week
MetsGrrl1: later!
IrishMeTMaN6986: i think we need a little pop some were especially if Delgado fades away like he has been doing
Hoovbacca: I need to do that dinner thing we do so late on the west coast, so thanks again everyone, and I will be in touch to get you all back...thanks again for great blogs and a great chat!
Miz: I dont think Delgado will fade that much. He is in his last year of his contract, usually that bodes well for a strong year...unless your Andruw Jones
IrishMeTMaN6986: lol i hope your right
MetsGrrl1: Last year Delgado's problem was all in his head, though. Is he over that this year? We'll see.
IrishMeTMaN6986: what about inside fastballs, thats not in his head
MatthewA: His slugging dropped 100 points between '06 and '07. That doesn't just come back.
Doc: Shan you're late
shangriff: but i came for you
Miz: here is to hoping Mike Carp has a strong year in the Minors
MetsGrrl1: on that note, i am getting paged from the office.. sorry fine folks. thank you for your hospitality.
Mike_Steffanos: take care MG
IrishMeTMaN6986: i really hope it was his hip and not his bat speed
MetsGrrl1: work pays for the baseball tickets.
Miz: Caryn, Thansk for coming!
Doc: Good night and thanks
[color="#48D1CC"]MetsGrrl1: *sigh*

[Hoovbacca]

if nothing, its dang colorful....lol


jb

[goldglv17]

Helluva read if I say so. All of the sites are required reading for me, and it was interesting to hear the differing viewpoints on certain topics like Bonds.

[Doc]

Hoovbacca, on Mar 12 2008, 12:23 AM, said:

if nothing, its dang colorful....lol


jb

It's like Gak hacked up a box of 64 Crayola Crayons again.