INT. MONK’S CAFE – DAY
Steve, looking defeated, sits across from Jerry in their usual booth.
STEVE: (despondent) Every decision I’ve made for the Mets has been wrong. Every instinct I have, be it what the team should wear, who to put in the Mets Hall of Fame, what to do with the GMs.. It’s all been wrong.
JERRY: (sipping coffee) Every instinct?
STEVE: (nodding) Every one.
JERRY: (thoughtful) If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.
STEVE: (pondering) The opposite…
INT. METS OFFICE – NEXT DAY
Steve is making a phone call, his demeanor has changed to one of confidence.
STEVE: (into phone) Hello, this is Steve from the Mets. Yes, I want to sign Austin Adams. No, no big names this year. We’re going all-in on middle relievers. That’s right! I will send a contract over.
He hangs up, looking pleased with himself. David, his assistant, bursts in, excited.
DAVID: (enthusiastically) Steve, I did it! I got Ohtani’s phone number!
STEVE: (uninterested) No need, David.
DAVID: (confused) What do you mean? This is Shohei Ohtani we’re talking about!
STEVE: (resolute) This season, we’re doing the opposite. We’re not signing anyone that anybody has ever heard of.
DAVID: (perplexed) The opposite? You mean, no big names? No stars?
STEVE: (nodding) Exactly. If everything I’ve done so far hasn’t worked, then the opposite must be right. No name players. Untried managers. The opposite.
DAVID: (trying to understand) So, we’re just ignoring Ohtani? One of the biggest names in baseball?
STEVE: (firmly) Yes, David. It’s a new strategy. Only unknowns, underdogs, the overlooked.
DAVID: (skeptically) That’s a… bold approach, Steve.
STEVE: (leaning back in his chair) It’s the opposite approach, David. And it’s going to work. Now go get me the number for Joey Wendle.
David exits, still looking bewildered, as Steve turns his attention back to a list of lesser-known players, fully committed to his new, unconventional strategy.
INT. JERRY’S APARTMENT – DAY
Steve brags to Jerry and Kramer about his new approach.
STEVE: (proudly) I’m doing the opposite, Jerry. If spending big failed, I’ll spend small. Uncle Steve is keeping his wallet in his pocket.
KRAMER: (impressed) That’s revolutionary, Steve! You’re like a pioneer!
JERRY: (jokingly) Yeah, a pioneer of penny-pinching.
KRAMER: (excitedly) Jerry, the Mets signed Joey Wendle!
JERRY: (unimpressed) Joey Wendle? Who’s he?
KRAMER: (enthusiastically) Joey Wendle, Jerry! He’s a utility player, a real diamond in the rough. He can play anywhere – infield, outfield, you name it!
JERRY: (sarcastically) Wow, a utility player. That’s like having a Swiss Army knife when you really need a chainsaw.
KRAMER: (adamantly) No, no, Jerry, you don’t get it. Wendle’s the kind of player who does all the little things right. He’s like the secret ingredient in a recipe.
JERRY: (teasingly) So, what you’re saying is the Mets are making a soup, and Joey Wendle is the bay leaf?
KRAMER: (nodding) Exactly! You don’t always notice him, but he adds the flavor!
Jerry rolls his eyes, amused by Kramer’s enthusiasm for a player who, while potentially valuable, isn’t exactly a headline-making superstar.
INT. CITI FIELD – OWNER’S BOX – MID-SUMMER DAY
The new approach seems to be failing. The Mets are losing badly. The stadium is filled with boos and sighs.
STEVE: (watching, morose) The opposite of what’s been wrong should be right… should be…
JERRY: (dryly) Looks like the opposite just got you a team that’s perfectly opposite of winning.
KRAMER: (trying to be positive) Maybe it’s an off day?
STEVE: (dejected) It’s been an off season, Kramer.
Jerry pats Steve on the back, a small gesture of sympathy.
JERRY: (consoling) Well, at least you’re consistent, Steve. Consistently opposite.
