The Mets Police

If only there were some way to modernize your ballpark, say by adding seats above a green monster or by building something new around the previous framework.  It’s too bad there isn’t such technology which is why the Yankees moved to Oklahoma City back in 1973.

If only there were a way to do this.   In such a world, ESPN.com would be able to write things like this below in the far distant future of 2009:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Standing in mud and dust, often straining to be heard above the rat-a-tat-tat of concrete drills, Kansas City Royals officials said Wednesday they’re confident that Kauffman Stadium will be ready for opening day.

Whenever the massive $250 million renovation project does get finished, fans will hardly recognize the place.

Wraparound seating, extensive changes in the outfield and upper deck, wider concourses and added amenities are going to lend a nearly brand-new look and feel to the park the Royals have called home since 1973.

www.metspolice.com

Every year for the last few years I have posted my thoughts (in the past on my own blog) on who the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) should enshrine into the hallowed halls of Cooperstown (as if they would ever listen to just a fan.) Anyway, here goes my 4th Annual HOF Ballot.

This year 23 former players are on the ballot (down from 25 last year). Several newcomers this year, but really only one that stands out as a first ballot HOFer:

Ricky Henderson – I don’t think anyone could legitimately argue that Ricky was not a Hall of Famer. Was he abrasive? Almost constantly. Did he have a big ego? He made Reggie look humble. But the man could play the game. One of the greatest lead off men in history (I think Ty Cobb would debate that point), he had that deadly combination of power and speed – and he’d be the first to tell you that too. I would love to see him go in with a San Diego Sea Dawgs cap.

And returning from last year:

Jim Rice – This is Rice’s last year on the ballot, but the good news is he came very close last year with 72.2%. I was divided on Rice during his first few years of eligibility, but when I look back, he was one of the most feared hitters during his playing days. Had he not pissed off the media so much he probably would have gotten in well before now.

Andre Dawson – This is now his 8th year on the ballot. I still don’t get how you can ignore 438 HRs and 314 SBs and an MVP. He did get 66% last year so the future looks decent for his eventual selection.

Tim Raines – Raines was a seven-time All-Star who played 23 seasons and batted .294 with 2,605 hits and 808 steals, fifth on the career list. He was the 1986 NL batting champion. More than that, he was feared both at the plate and on the basepaths. The Rock deserves a plaque.

Bert Blyleven – This is now his 12th year on the ballot. He has 287 victories (24th all-time), 3,701 strikeouts (5th all-time), plus he ranks 8th in starts and 9th in shutouts. He had his best vote total last year (62%) but time is running out and a lot of new first ballot players are coming in the next few years.

Alan Trammel – This is his 8th year on the ballot, and after several very low vote totals (he’s never cracked the 20% mark) I don’t think he will ever make it. Tram pales in comparison to the new breed of shortstops – which is an unfair comparison and one I hope that the Veteran’s Committee will eventually rectify.

Mark McGwire – Yes his numbers were enhanced by chemicals – but he didn’t do anything outside the rules of baseball. I would even argue that MLB knew he was on roids and still promoted him. Should we punish him for acting within the rules?

Jack Morris – Best money pitcher ever. Opponents to his selection will cite his high ERA. That’s not all that makes a pitcher great. You knew when Morris was on the mound that you were seeing something special.

Then there are the almost but not quite players:

David Cone – Nice career but not a HOFer
Mark Grace – Lumped in with Mattingly and Hernandez
Tommy John – I vote no. Yeah he had almost the same number of wins as Blyleven, but he wasn’t as good a pitcher
Don Mattingly – outside NY his star is not as big – a no
Dale Murphy – I go back and forth on him. Ultimately I end up a no, but woudln’t be upset if he made it

The rest in my opinion are just taking up room on the ballot

Harold Baines – Not even close
Jay Bell – Please
Ron Gant – Who was he again?
Jesse Orosco – I thought he was still pitching somewhere
Dave Parker – Hell of a player but no
Dan Plesac – Can anyone get on the ballot?
Lee Smith – No, but fun guy to have a beer with
Greg Vaughn – No
Mo Vaughn – As mentioned previously, the Mets are actually highlighting him on the website
Matt Williams – No

A tip of the Mets hat (blue of course) to Amazin’ Avenue for this really cool piece about Corporate Taxpayer Bailout Field being the place where home runs go to die.

It’s going to be really weird being in a new ballpark.  I bought tix to 30 games yesterday and fellow Mets Policeman Osh41 asked me how my seats are….I don’t know.   I can tell you the section (5-somethings, I’m not rich like you) but I don’t know what that means.  You tell me “Uppers Section 1” at Shea and I know what you mean….section 5something means nothing to me yet.  I don’t even know if I’ll be in the sun on the typically cold Opening Day, oh that’s right it’s a NIGHT GAME, thanks for that one Mets.  Nice head.

Speaking of Corporate Taxpayer Bailout Field, if you have 17 hours you can kill a lot of time reading this discussion thread and looking at the pictures of That Field.

www.metspolice.com

So once again no news in Mets land.   I found this and have been saving it for a rainy day. 

Skip about 2:30 in, and enjoy the vintage home video. The fans are kind of annoying but the video is worth it.

Yay sometimes the good guys win.

From the Boston Herald:

State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, who accuses the city of conducting the stadium negotiations behind closed doors, said the Bloomberg administration is clearly worried about how it looks to be haggling over luxury boxes now that the city is grappling with dramatic budget cuts, job losses and tax hikes.

“This whole thing has been an embarrassment,” Brodsky said. “I think they were scared about the public reaction to this entire fiasco.”

The luxury box deal was announced as the city and teams prepare for a public hearing next week to discuss additional support for the stadium projects.

Now if only the teams will stop asking for more money.  Puh-leeze.  When the Mets are asking for more bond money they can let everyone know what the $40 “order charge” on my tickets went for.

The Yankees are asking for another $259 million in tax-exempt bonds and $111 million in taxable bonds, on top of $940 million in tax-exempt bonds and $25 million in taxable bonds already granted for its $1.3 billion Bronx stadium.

The Mets are requesting an additional $83 million, after the $615 million already approved for their $800 million Queens park.