Screw you, New York Mets

random_met_fan, says:

First of all, you should get your facts right, the Mets lost in the NLCS. They swept LA in the first round. The Mets were NL East Champs, with 97 wins(tied for most in the majors). The Rangers only had 80 wins, they lost 82. But the main point was that the Mets have a better chance to win again next year. So if Zito wants to win better New York than Arlington.

mcs81986, says:

First of all, I don't understand the Mets bashing. Your whole basis doesn't make much sense in proving the Rangers are a better fit and more of a winning team. Yes, the Mets won 20 years ago and the Rangers have never won. That's not the reason why the Mets think they're a winner. You criticize the Mets for losing in the playoffs (as random_met_fan pointed out, you were incorrect in your fact because they did advance past the first round) but you can't lose in the playoffs without getting to the playoffs. The Mets are clearly a team on the rise. They've been improving over the last 2 years with young talent in their offense and pitching. Not to take anything away from the Rangers who always seem to put up the runs, but the Mets have proven that they can make it to the playoffs, they've held on to the core of the team from last year, and therefore they're closer to being a winner than the Rangers are.

Of course, there's another theory that perhaps the firing of Buck Showalter should guarantee a World Series victory. Yankees fired him in 1995 and won in 1996. D'Backs fired him in 2000 and won in 2001. So if you want to use that to prove the Rangers are a winner then go right ahead.

johnwooden, says:

why would barry zito want to pitch for a team that always finished LOWER than the A's in the AL West? money would be the only possible reason.

it was the same thing with arod. only one owner was stupid enough to pay 25 million a year for a player he was the only one bidding on.

at least W doesn't own the team anymore, his sosa for baines deal was an all-time classic.

HessMan, says:

"They've certainly moved in the right direction the past several years. But they've got serious questions about their rotation, I don't think it's accurate to label them as a team on the rise."

Ummm....Wouldn't signing Zito answer some of those "serious questions about their rotation"? Isn't that the whole point? They came one hit away from beating the team that won the World Series last year even though they had those "serious questions." If Zito answers them, they become a contender next season, if not the favorite. Would that happen to the Rangers if he went to Arlington? Of course not. That's why Zito should come to New York.

JonBurrows, says:

Man, you are a big jerk.

Your argument is completely ridiculous, and lacks complete logic.

cousinrk, says:

Its not accurate to label them on the rise because they have questions in the rotation? Do you know anything about the Mets organization? Have you heard of Phillup Humber and Mike Pelfrey? Let me educate you. They are two of the top pitching prospects in baseball, and along with John Maine and Oliver Perez are 4 young talented starters that will begin being inserted in the rotation over the next year or two. Along with David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran all young core position players under 30, that is what you call having a team on the up and up. Add in Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez two of the top young outfielders in baseball. When someone says a team has a bright future that means building a farm system and an organization that can compete for years, so you have to look at the whole picture not "well they have questions in this years rotation". Having questions in your rotation for one year doesn't mean you can't label them as an organization on the rise. Try doing a little research before making uneducated statements. Maybe the Rangers are an organization on the rise I don't know their farm system but I'm guessing not because if they did they wouldn't have dumped money on Padilla and be offering so much for Zito. And for a pitcher why would you want to pitch in a bandbox like they have in Texas when you can pitch in one of the top home run killing ballparks in baseball, Shea Stadium. With weaker lineups, no DH, a good organization on the rise and ask anyone the best clubhouse around, that's why everyone is saying the mets are a better fit. 3 years ago, I wouldn't touch the Mets they were such a mess but they are a different story these days. Look it up

TexasSucks, says:

SpongeBob and Patrick were right...people from Texas are DUMB! Duh.

buptown, says:

Dear "Blair",

Obviously, your facts are incorrect... my fellow Metropolitan fans have already pointed that out. But your blatant baseball ignorance is absolutely mind-boggling. It matters where we are at the moment, not what we've done in the last 20 years.

Not to mention (although, I understand I probably shouldn't be throwing stones with our recent Mota suspension...) but lets rethink who was on those Ranger teams that made those playoff appearances... hmmm... Juan Gonzalez... Rafael Palmeiro... Pudge Rodriguez... those were all pivotal players... I'm not going to say it, but we are all thinking the same thing.

I will thank you for this though "Blair", on a hazy Friday morning following a late night Holiday party, your ignorant letter sparked me to wake up. I actually might go get some work done now.

Regards,

Section 26, Row K, Seat 4

p.s. This is below the belt, but I can't help myself... perhaps throwing $252 million at Zito will help you land him??? Its worked for you before!!!

MrMet, says:

Why wouldn't Zito be overpaid? Look at the market right now. He's the best FA pitcher available this year with the exception of perhaps Matzusaka, and with genius owners handing out $11M/year contracts to the likes of Vicente Padilla and $6M per to Gagne, a closer who can't stay on the field these past 2 years because of injury, Boras is going to get what he wants. After all, if Chan Ho Park made $15.3M last year for the Padres, why wouldn't Zito get $17M per? Remind me again who signed him to the ridiculous contract originally?

msell, says:

You Texas people crack me up with this winner talk...the only time a team from Texas ever went to the World Series, they got swept. Well guess what big guy, A Loser Isn't A Winner. I guess they give journalism jobs to angry guys who write what amounts to an online journal entry.

The points being made are valid: the Mets, right now, are a better team than the Rangers, they play in the NL which is offensively, a weaker league, and they play in a pitcher's park. Whereas the Rangers, play in a park that eats up pitching. Also, they play in a division with Oakland and the Angels, two consistantly good teams...one of which is Zito's former team. OH! and I agree with you that Zito shouldn't be paid like a dominant ace, so maybe your team, who are apparently the only team to offer him anything, pull back their offer?

Next time you feel like writing an opinion piece, lets take a deep breath first.

blankman, says:

Hey numnuts? Could you enlighten myself and your hoardes of fans the playoff acumen your esteemed franchise has gone through? I seem to recall you live in that powerhouse AL west division that has produced an alarming amount of nothing. I could be wrong but usually when someone sets themselves up in supposed trash talk, shouldn't they have some argument to back it up?

HUSHTHATFUSS_is_not_a_word, says:

I like to refer to the Texas Rangers as the Washington Redskins of Major League baseball. How is all the money spent working out for the Redskins?

msell, says:

Funny, Blankman...a lot of people have said the same thing about the Rangers!

Lovernsmom, says:

You have got to be kidding me. Calling the Braves winners...if your logic for being called a "winner" is championships, then the Mets have as many World Championships over the last 20 years as the Braves do...ONE...you are an idiot...the Mets are a hell of a lot closer to winning anything of importance than the Rangers...we're talking about an organization that bis against themselves and spent a quarter of a billion dollars on Alex Rodriguez...only to have him say a few months later that he wished he signed with the Mets...I believe we have some Mets envy here...don't worry, as you enjoy another October with NO POSTSEASON, you can watch the Mets on there way to there 2nd World Championship over the past 21 years...everything's bigger in Texas, huh...even the idiots who have no idea what they are talking about!

otterulz, says:

Ok, first you screwed up about how far they got in the playoffs. Whatever. But the basis of your argument is pretty weak. If your definition of a "winner" is a team that wins the World Series, which I'm assuming you mean since you keep bringing up the fact that they haven't won since '86, then why are you calling the Braves champions, "(hello Atlanta Braves 1991-2005?)"? The Braves won one, count 'em, ONE World Series in that span back in 1995. The rest were all Division crowns. Now if I recall, I believe the new Division champs are the New York Mets. Does that make them winners now in your book or did you just try and get by with that Braves argument?

And yeah, Zito will probably get overpaid, but how do you complain about a guy who is about to get more money than he's worth when you signed A-Rod to a quarter of a billion dollar deal?

msell, says:

I'm sorry, that was my bad, I wasn't refering to Blankman, I was refering to Mr Cohen.

otterulz, says:

"This whole article was enlightening to me. I didn't even know there was a second baseball team in New York."

This is what people resort to when they have no argument. Way to go, Chief!

MetsFanSF, says:

Wow - I can't believe how arrogant the Texas fan base is. I thought Texans were known for their charm and good manners - guess not.

Well, in any case, Zito is using Texas' moron owner Hicks to raise his salary.

There's no way he'd move to a hick state like Texas, a vast cultural wasteland that we really ought to return to Mexico where it belongs.

Chaseh, says:

"Alan Cohen Staff This whole article was enlightening to me. I didn't even know there was a second baseball team in New York."

The Mets only drew 1,000,000 more fans to their games than the Rangers in 2006.

KingsofQueens, says:

Last time I checked Both NEW YORK teams had the best record in MLB. That is a lot of wins for a bunch of loosers.

mrdizzle91, says:

wow! Can you say inferiority complex?Before you post an article for your column or whatever this is at the very least get your facts straight. Oh and you mention Mo Vaughn ( which happened yearsss ago) how about a-rod for 252 mil, Chan ho park, and just recently trading for Carlos Lee for no reason. 20 years ago doesnt matter guys. What matters is the immediate future. And the Mets are the better team in that future with or without Zito. Have fun rooting for anotehr mediocre Rangers team you joke of a journalist.

ps- can i have my 2 min back from reading that article, please?

otterulz, says:

Ok, and the Cardinals beat the Tigers who won how many games in the oh so superior American League? 97 wins. 97. What happened there? I like how you try to make an argument about how weak the NL is, yet conveniently leave out the fact that an NL team with 83 wins happened to win the World Series. Geez, this isn't even an argument anymore.

capthr, says:

Hey Mr Cohen, check with Mr Zito He knows there is another team in NY.

OmarMinaya, says:

Why is reaching the NLCS not impressive???

I would think that a Rangers fan would feel otherwise being that you've only managed to win a single playoff game in your entire history. The Rangers have been terrible more often than not, mediocre at times & rarely competitive.

You can't compare the Rangers to the Mets. Anyway the Rangers organization is only on the far left margin of the map because of the exploits of the great Nolan Ryan, who by the way, won a WS with the Mets.

msell, says:

"All of these comments are correct: the Mets are the better place because they play in the watered-down, weakened National League. I mean, the Cardinals won just 83 games last year..three more than the Rangers... you'd have to be a team of overpaid underachievers to lose in this---oh, wait.

Face it: the Mets got 97 wins playing against the Brewers and Cubs. They'd be about the same as the Royals if they played in the much stronger AL."

Your arguements just never cease to amaze me. I guess I'm still posting here because I hate this inferiority complex that Texas people seem to have towards New York and the east coast in general. No one up here cares about the state of Texas in the least...for the most part, you have been written off. So why not do the same thing to us? Just go enjoy your boring state with far less history than anywhere on the east coast.

There, I just outed the underlying theme of this whole arguement.

Oh and by the way, the Tigers lost to the Cardinals too...so your arguement has just been invalidated...have a nice day.

MrMet, says:

"Face it: the Mets got 97 wins playing against the Brewers and Cubs"

The Mets got 97 wins facing 2 teams not in their division? OK I guess... So with that logic, the Rangers reached the impressive amount of 80 wins by beating the likes of KC, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and Baltimore? I'm sorry I don't have more examples as those happen to be the only teams in the entire AL with the exception of Seattle that finished with a worse record than the Rangers.

TEXAS_252MILL, says:

"Face it: the Mets got 97 wins playing against the Brewers and Cubs. They'd be about the same as the Royals if they played in the much stronger AL"

Didn't we have to play those eventual World Series Champs during the season? The team that kicked the every living $h!t out of the AL Champs, the "best team in baseball". Give me a break the Rangers are the worst franchise in baseball history. You have not won 1 playoff series in the teams existence talk about winning. So whats the payroll going to be this year

MrMet, says:

BTW..

Odibe McDowell called and asked you to stop talking. You are embarassing his family name...

WE_ARE_BETTER_THAN_YOU, says:

Hey Texas - Congrats on getting a newspaper!!! While I wholeheartedly support naming your team after a Chuck Norris affiliation, don't be bitter that the Mets are using their rankings as a competitive advantage. From a pitcher's perspective, Texas offers a horrible park, a dangerous league, buffoon presidents and the continuing threat of secession (please succeed on this one - you bring no value to the Union). The Mets offer a pitching friendly park, great defense, a young offensive core, $$$, a favorable league, the economic capital of the world, etc etc etc. Please stop being offended when Zito turns down your larger offer in favor of the Mets. We're simply better than you.

otterulz, says:

"I'm not saying the Mets are a bad team... heck, with a few lucky breaks here and there, they might even be a .500 team in the AL. They've got some talent, for sure... enough, probably, to take an AL team to five or even six games before losing the series. And really, that would be a tremendous victory for Mets fans everywhere."

I like how you're an expert on this subject, yet you can't even come with logical arguments as to why or back anything up.

I don't know, maybe you like reading New Yorkers come in here and get all wound up over a poorly written, illogical piece. Maybe that's your thing. Or maybe you just don't know baseball. Who knows?!?!?! Anyway, thank you for this though, because after reading the quality of the material on here, it's nice to know that I can become a "journalist" in Texas. See, in New York, you actually have to know what you're talking about to become one, so that's a tougher road I don't feel like going down.

Thank you, Texas!

Blue_and_Orange, says:

This is one of the funnier articles (I guess you could call it that) that I've read in a long time. That's right, the Rangers are LOSERS and will be for at least a few more years. You're obviously missing the point of saying that Zito should go to a winning team. The Mets record 20 years ago has ZERO relevance when discussing their potential for the year to come. 3 years ago means NOTHING either. The Mets have the most talented nucleous of young players in the majors and it's disgraceful that the mediocre Cardinals won the World Series last year. Injuries proved too much to overcome, but the addition of Zito would give us that extra push we need. After he signs and becomes a New York MET we'll try not to slip on your tears on the way to the top. Have fun in loser town, losers.

MrMet, says:

"Todd Maternowski Staff I'm not saying the Mets are a bad team... heck, with a few lucky breaks here and there, they might even be a .500 team in the AL. They've got some talent, for sure... enough, probably, to take an AL team to five or even six games before losing the series. And really, that would be a tremendous victory for Mets fans everywhere. "

These would all be great arguments if a NL team didn't win the World Series.

If you guys could contradict yourself some more that would be great...

Enough of this... to quote yet another intelligent Texan, George W. Bush:

I have work I need to get back to in order to pay the bills, and "to help put food on my family."

HessMan, says:

He wasn't saying the Braves were champions or winners, by the way. He was using the Braves as an example of the fact that winning divisions does not make you a champion. True. But 80-82 doesn't either. Given the choice, I'll take the division titles, even if it means losing in the playoffs. Not that we'll have to worry too much about that after BZ signs with us (for less money).

And, that way, you Rangers fans shouldn't have to worry too much about losing in the playoffs any time soon either. So that should work out well for everyone.

kfs1986, says:

I guess none of you got into UT Austin. That must explain the inferiority complex that's commonly associated with UT rejects.

beastoffareast, says:

All right, things are getting out of hand. Let's take re-examine the argument. Was it incorrect to lable the mets as a "winner?" I guess it depends on your definition of the term, but during the regular season, no team ended up being the "winner" more than the mets. Furthermore, essentially the same team that came up just shy in the NLCS against the eventual World Series Champions with a starting rotation of Glavine, Trachsel, John Maine, and Ollie Perez will be returning. You cannot deny that you would expect a different outcome had the mets entered the playoffs with Zito in the rotation. Not only would Zito be joining a (mostly) young team on the rise, but he would be revered for filling what's currently the most glaring weakness. Let's take a look at what the mets have: 3 All-Star infielders (not to mention perennial all-star Carlos Delgado), All-Star/Gold Glover/MVP candidate Carlos Beltran in the outfield with Green and Alou (who are admittedly on the decline) this year and top prospects Milledge, Gomez, and Martinez waiting in the wings, arguably the best bullpen in baseball (all-star closer and phenom set-up men), and a clubhouse that seems to do nothing but win games and while HAVING FUN. Not to mention how much Texans love hippy-California types like Zito. Ok, maybe it's been twenty years since the mets have won it all, but where do YOU think the better fit is? Oh, and unless anyone can change history and unmake the Cardinals Worls Series champs, the AL superiority argument doesn't fly.

cousinrk, says:

I need to apply for a job at this paper, I don't have any journalism experience but really who needs it at this crackpot outfit. They obviously don't require you to fact check, watch baseball games, or bring any intelligent arguments to any article you write. The staff is filled with rejects who couldn't write in a real city for a real paper and therefore get stuck in the siberia of the United States...Texas. Watching the Rangers or as I like to call them, the place where pitchers go to die, must be painful.
2 words Mo Vaughn? What does that have to do with this years team? The Cards won 83 games, and beat the "best" the great American league had to offer. Come on dude, give us something. Oh wait is this paper a comedy newspaper? Oh wow I didn't get it, my apologies. How could I think legit writers could be so stupid. My mistake.

alamosucks, says:

Remember the Alamo. That says it all about Texas. They claim to be winners but base they're whole existance on being wiped by MEXICANS in an adobe fort. Yeah..Mexico is like France they always lose...except to Texans. Just another reason Barry should join the Mets.

Just say no....to Texas.

alamosucks, says:

Come on now. You title your article "SCREW YOU, NEW YORK METS" and you don't expect any vitriol flying your way? Typical texan...punch someone in the face, say sorry and expect no counter punch. Yeah, the Alamo sucks. Its a memorial for a LOST BATTLE. A few years ago there were native Texans who wanted to secede again. I would have been so happy if that happened. You guys gave us GW Bush...that is like giving your girlfriend herpes and being proud of it. Thanks for nothing.

BZ is going to the Mets...eat that!

BUY_A_CLUE, says:

Chad Jones "I would like to restrict any further conversation to people are able to speak English. That being said, "alamosucks," please learn the language. Thank you."

-Chad, you may want to proof read your own post before casting stones. Thank you.

alamosucks, says:

Hey BLAIR. Where is Tootie, Natalie and Ms. Garrett?

Please, you have no clue when it comes to Baseball...just like the Rangers.

A-Rod for 200+ Million, Chan Ho Park, that horrible stadium...the mistakes by Arlington keep coming.

also, to the guy that cited UT-Austin. NY has Columbia, NYU, Cornell, RIT..so on and so forth...Austin can't compare.

AS

alamosucks, says:

Blair..you are ridiculous. You cite that the Mets lost in first round of the playoffs (wrong). You cite that being in a WS is worthy of nothing (wrong), you think that 3 playoff years for Texas back in the 90's is relevant today (wrong). What has Texas done right in 2000's???? Nothing but overpay for A-rod and Chan Ho Park. They can never finish better than Angels or A's in that division DESPITE having a higher payroll.

Also Blair, your article would not make it in a NY newspaper. I guess texans will read ANYTHING!

Bye bye Blair. Say hi to Tootie for me.

alamosucks, says:

Hahahahaha, Blair is a dude? Hahahaha, that is hilarious. All this time I thought Blair was a woman. That makes this whole thing even worse for you. And you aren't even a native Texan but a Virginian? hahahaha

You are like George Allen, the guy who ran for senate in Virgina and he was from California and use the MAKAKA word that led to his downfall. Blair, you need to do the following:

1) Change your Name to a real Man's Name. 2) Move Back to Virginia and Root for the Richmond Spiders. 3) Disown this column as you have been humiliated and sold out by your own staff member...Thanks Mike Orren!

AS

MrMet, says:

Tell me this Blair, what exactly is your argument then? Your quote was the following:

"I'm just saying that these people and/or teams clamoring for Barry Zito, claiming they are the best thing in sports since the invention of the jock strap....."

What is this based on? Your opinion? Do you have anything to support such a claim, or is it your practice to write articles based on opinions and post them as fact? I find it humorous that you would make such a vague statement as the one above, title it "Screw You, New York Mets" then be surprised by the backlash.

I beg you to provide sources that show where the Mets or "Mets people" claimed that Zito should go to NY because they are winners and TX isn't. If your anger is directed at the NY media, it has some validity. But the NY media is a far different animal than the Mets organization and its players.

kconn616, says:

ya'll texans er makin' me laugh the way ya'll think yer team is so good. rangers are a last place team, haven't had a pitcher in 15 years, have poor management, and aren't getting out of the cellar anytime soon. Mets have better young players. Mets have better Front Office and on-field personel. Mets have a FAR better team. Reyes, Wright, Beltran.... Mets have 6 all-star players, and Delgado is one of the best non-AS players in the league. Rick Peterson is a reputable pitching coach. Mets are comitted to winning. NYC > Arlington {Arlington sounds like a nice lil town though}

Why would Barry Zito want to play for the Rangers again? I forgot, he can have his ERA balloon to 4.00 in that god-awful park, when he can win a Cy Young, World Series, and have his best years in New York....

kconn616, says:

what does texas have better to offer than the Mets?

alamosucks, says:

Ask Chan Ho Park if he would pitch in Texas again?

Didn't think so...

Barry Z to the Mets.

Sorry BLAIR, you can go back to your crocheting now.

alamosucks, says:

Life as Blair Lovern. Autobiography by Mike Orren.

Blair was born in 1967 as Blair Bosephus Lovern in a small hovel in Virginia. The Son of a cotton farmer, Blair grew up idolizing great Blairs in Film...namely Blair from the Facts of Life. As He matured, he appreciated the betamax tapes of the show that his parents would provide for him. Ultimately, Blair Lovern became a writer with the Alamo Times. He would write on chaffon, doileys and the Texas Rangers. On December 14, 2006, Blair insulted the New York Mets and their fanbase by trying to write incisively. When that attempt failed, he went back to baking and crocheting. Blair currently lives in a small studio apartment and shares his time with his Poodle Chan Ho and his cat A-Bust.

Chaseh, says:

Must be from Manasass.

jcd377, says:

There's been a lot of comments thrown around that say the Mets are clearly the superior team, and the Rangers are the bad news bears of Major league baseball. Okay fine. Don't wont to go back 20 years to the last Met championship because it's old news? Okay fine. Let's just review the last five years. The Rangers record since 2002: 391-419. A losing record, right? Maybe the Met fans are right. But wait. What was the Mets' record over the same period? 392-416. Notice anything about these numbers? In the last 5 seasons the Mets have won one single game more than the Rangers and they had to to have a 97 win season this year just to pull it off or the Rangers would have been ahead of them. In 2005 the Mets finished 4 games ahead of the Rangers. Just two years ago the Rangers finished a whopping 18 games ahead of the Mets! The Rangers will have a good team next season with or without Zito, but with him I think the Rangers could have a shot at winning the AL West. So Met fans don't let one good season go to your heads. It wasn't that long ago you were at the bottom of the league. Why coudnn't the Rangers have a similar turn around? The have have a good young core of players and a solid bullpen. Were only a good starter away from being in the playoffs.

hrockoff, says:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Ra...

One playoff win in 45 years? Ouch! I didn't realize the Texas Rangers is one of the biggest piece of crap franchises in all of baseball.

alamosucks, says:

Let's face it. When someone mentions an up and coming team they NEVER mention the Texas Rangers? Why is that? The ONLY reason Barry Zito is even considering the Rangers is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Tom Hicks is crazy with his money and that may be the ONLY way to attract players to Texas.

The mets played well last year and came up just short...1 game in fact.

What happened to the Rangers? They lost badly, the manager got booted...they hired a guy that no one heard of before...they were looking to trade some of their best players...why would anyone come to texas? $$$$$$$$$$$ that's why. Tom Hicks...gotta love him...he is the Steinbrenner of the South.

AS

One_Shot_Deal, says:

Blair,

If the Mets & Rangers were in the same division, the Rangers would need a periscope to see a snake's belly.

jcd,

"Were[sic] only a good starter away from being in the playoffs."

Yep, you're right: that starter is Sandy Koufax...

alamosucks, says:

www.stadiumpage.com/future/1113hiHP.jpg

The New Mets Stadium (open in 2009)

alamosucks, says:

Wow, that video reminds me of the video that those Columbine kids put out before they shot up a school. Eeirily how the machine gun was put in that video. I guess something in the Midwest makes them snap. Maybe its the water or the gun racks located in all the pickups.

YEEEE HAWWWWW!

kconn616, says:

i saw the yankee comments they made, and they dont realize b/c they dont live in the real world of NYC, the mets own this town. they have youth, athleticism, promise, excitement, and diversity. yankee fans are more critical than ever of them b/c they know they've lost their zeal. the comments are in part due to the fact that they think the yankees are unbeatable b/c they could never come close to a game with them.

and for the guy talking about past 5 year records: the mets are a 97 win team with young stars getting better, and have improved significantly with an all-star hitter in alou {chavez was basically the starter last year} and the rangers.... well they are a poor team who just signed vicente padilla as their offseason gem {along with a broken down former star closer}, while losing carlos lee and gary matthews jr. but im sure u could compete with the mets

alamosucks, says:

So Maternity-ow-skee, what you are saying is that the Rangers can't even make the playoffs without BZ? Hahaha, that is probably true. The Rangers are the Cubs of the AL. Except that the Cubs have won a WS and have won more than 1 playoff game in their history.

I still can't believe the rangers have only won 1 playoff game in their whole history!!!

jcd377, says:

And the Mets resigning Tom "Older than Dirt" Glavine was a major deal I suppose. Oh, and don't forget Orlando Hernandez. How old will he be next season? Does anyone even know? I can understand why the Mets want Zito, if they don't get him they will be in deep trouble with their current rotation. And you should be concerned because it's far from a done deal that Zito will be a Met. We all know that Hicks will be waving a lot of money in his face and with the Great Satan as his agent who knows where he will end up. As a Ranger's fan what scares me more is Zito going to the Angels. If he does go to New York it keeps him from going to another AL West team which is good for the Rangers.

otterulz, says:

Well Mets/Rangers is hardly the Milan Derby. Hmm....maybe it will be. Do we play each other in Interleague play next season?

alamosucks, says:

The angels, as currently constituted, will win the AL West, followed by the A's, The Mariners and the Rangers.

Sadly, Scott Boras will push for BZ to take Hicks money (ala A-Bust for 252 million...what a great bargain!). We will see, early indications is that BZ wants to play for the mets and his old pitching coach. However, SB may steer him away due to Tom Hicks' barrel loads of money.

alamosucks, says:

HUSHTHATFUSS

I am fixing to...

These are examples of Blair-speak.

AS

jcd377, says:

Just a question, if the Mets are so great why all the urgency to sign BZ? Hmmmm? I would think a team this wonderful wouldn't need him.

Hecterra, says:

I joined this site to tell you that you are actually clueless.

The Mets were one game...indeed one out away from the World Series. That makes them closer to the brass ring.

As for the last comment about need---That's why the Mets haven't gone crazy to sign him yet. They've got young pitching with more on the way. They have an injured STAR that will come back after the All-Star break and thus ensure the team doesn't have to make a deal at the deadline. Sorry Mets are just in a better position...maybe ya'll shouldn't have scared A-Rod away....

musclemenace, says:

From the people here at ProSportsDaily.com...this has to be the worst article ever written. No clue as to why the site would even allow such a spot. Shows the worth that the site has. If anyone is interested in joining a REAL blog site, come to PSD.com. If Blair is a "staff" member, I'd hate to hear what the mods or admins sound like.

jcd377, says:

My problem is not with the Mets or Mets's fans. Hey, I was hoping for a Mets win in the NLCS( I can't stand the Cardinals). My problem has been with the New York Media. In one article Arlington was referred to as a "backwater baseball city". Excuse me? That writer was ignorant of Texas Baseball. Did he even know who our first manager was? Only Ted Williams, the greatest hitter that ever lived. We have had numerous players that have won batting titles and League MVP awards. We have had several Hall of Fame players: Fergie Jenkins, Gaylord Perry, and Nolan Ryan. We hosted the very first interleague game. Texas also has hosted the all-star game. Texas has had it's struggles over the last few years, but we are far from a "backwater" baseball city.

Metsball69, says:

Akinori Otsuka is apparently too pricey for the Mets. Arizona has been reportedly linked in trade talks with Texas, although the Rangers are said to be interested in three young pitchers who are all candidates to make the Diamondbacks' rotation. In other words, they'd probably be looking for someone as promising as Mike Pelfrey for Otsuka. -- New York Post

Yikes! I hate to say it that the Texans could get better just with this trade. Don't do it Omar.

Honestly, I'm not so sure Zito is worth what the Rangers are offering him. With this overpriced market, he's worth more than Meche. I think the Mets should stand firm on what is believed to be considerably less than the Rangers and if he ends up not signing with the Mets, then we take our chances with Pelfrey, Perez, Humber, and heck even David Williams.

musclemenace, says:

I'm not here to argue or compete against your "jounalism". I'm after your readers. I'm sure they're upset due to the lack of substance the site carries. So, if you guys are interested...we take Mets and Rangers fans alike. Everyone is equal, and we don't chug the haterade.

Blair, put your "journalism" to work and give em' the link again, lol. I'm sure no one was able to read the very first line where it was TYPED out (sarcasm?).

Oh and Erin, sometimes I feel the same way. And I have a Ph.D in microbiology. Go figure ;/

djh8614, says:

Blair to qoute yourself the basic idea of your article is, "people and/or teams clamoring for Barry Zito, claiming they are the best thing in sports since the invention of the jock strap need a reality check." Is that correct?

Well if your read the Bergen Record article the basic idea is that the mets feel like they are going to have a good team next year and have a shot at winning the World Series. To qoute David Wright, "In my eyes you'd be crazy not to want to come here". As a mets fan I am excited that one of our young stars is excited to be playing in New York and feels like the mets are the best team in the MLB to play on. You may disagree with him and that is fine. So you are basically saying "Screw You, New York Mets" because there is a winning additude in the clubhouse. Which to me seems a little ridicoulous.

Second, I happen to agree with your assesment of Zito, and guess what so do the Mets. As of right now they are not planning on breaking the bank and putting the future of the franchise at risk just to make a splash in the off-season, and make a run at the World Series. Omar Minaya make the mets a constant winner and signing Zito to 7yr 100+ mil won't help in the long term.

Third, a team is not a loser just because they did not win the World Series the year before. To take your argument to the extreme you are saying the Detriot Tigers have as much right to call themselves a winner as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. If a FA is lloking to go to a winner they would pick Detriot over TB. Just as if Zito wants to have a chance to win the WS he will go to the mets and if he wants lots of money he will go to Texas.

I hope everyone has a grat holiday

hakoop, says:

100 comments on a story most of you hate. Unemployment in Queens must be alarmingly high.

mcs81986, says:

I was one of the very first people to comment and to come back about one day later, I would never expect how out of hand all the commenting became. I agree, the Mets aren't a winner yet until they win the World Series. "Mets think Zito should join a winner" is a headline to grab attention and obviously it did. I still believe the Mets are in a better situation to be a winner than the Rangers. The impressive clutch performances of Perez and Maine in Games 6 and 7 is a huge boost of confidence from a young rotation (considering Perez and Maine we're not in the original plans to start in the playoffs). Adding Zito would give more leadership because he has experience in the playoffs (and he'll be around after Glavine and Pedro are gone) and a reunion with his former pitching coach, with whom he won a Cy Young. Zito will improve both pitching rotations without a doubt and will definitely get more than he deserves (just like every free agent this offseason) but the Mets rotation just seems to have more promise. Jcd377 said, "Just a question, if the Mets are so great why all the urgency to sign BZ? Hmmmm? I would think a team this wonderful wouldn't need him." I think it's a silly comment to make, because as everyone says you can always use more pitching. I don't think any team in the majors can say "we have too many pitchers." There's not an absolute urgency to sign Barry Zito, at least I don't feel there's an urgency being from the New York area, but I'm sure just about every team wouldn't mind having Zito in their rotation. He's a quality pitcher who will give you a good effort with good stats and log a lot of innings. I do think the Mets had a special season last year and I'm sure it will be harder because a lot of teams around them have gotten better but they'd essentially be replacing Steve Trachsel with Barry Zito and I don't think anyone can deny that Zito is an upgrade. If the Mets won 97 games last year with Steve Trachsel and an injured Pedro Martinez and made it to the NLCS, I'm sure they'll be back in the playoffs next season.

jcd377, says:

To hell with all you yankee bastards, see ya bitches!

sph, says:

Barry Zito's career numbers across the board are better than Tom Glavine's were at the same age. Glavine had 6 more wins, but aside from that Zito is better in every category. Glavine is a certain Hall of Famer, and thus far in his career pitching in the tougher American League Zito is a better pitcher than Glavine but some how Blair doesn't think Zito is a great pitcher. Anyone care to explain that?

Also its been suggested the Mets are very anxious to sign Zito, this may be true, but Texas is the only team to have made an offer, if the Mets are anxious then what are the Rangers?

metdenn, says:

Blair, if you don't mind me getting a word in between xenophobic statements from your staff and the mutual back slapping between people who agree with you, can I point out a few things?

First, you have gall to question either the journalistic, editorial undertakings or intelligence of anyone if you cannot take the time to make sure your sensationalist BLURB contained true facts. I know you have since rectified your error, but if you cannot take five minutes to actually form a correct and cogent thought, then where do you get off criticizing others?

Second, you bring up the Braves, who by your own standards would be losers, as winners. It's simple inconsistencies like this that ruin your point and give power to journalists and talking heads to complain about the quality of internet bloggers and reporters. Either winning a World Series is the standard, or any pennant is, be it including a divisional or league.

Third, despite your flawed definition, I believe a winning team is one with a winning record. You may add to that with a legitimate chance to win their division. The Mets had that last season, and should next year. The Texans have had 1 winning season the past seven and haven't made the playoffs in those seven seasons. They are in a division with a recent WS winner, and the A's, who are the model franchise and should compete next year. It's hardly a given that the Texans will win the division, although I have rooted for them in the past.

Fourth, David's comment was based on the fact he believes the Mets are a good TEAM. His whole statement was focused on the fact that they have made the playoffs and, in his words, have one of the best team chemistries in baseball. He knows the Mets have a budget, and he knows Hick's history of blowing away players, and he wants Zito. It's understandable where he is coming from. It isn't like he said "Hey, TEXAS SUCKS!" or "You know what happened to the last 2 players Hicks blew out of the water, 1 begged to get out in a Tux and the other pitched 3 innings." He was just being a young kid who believes in his team. That is GOOD for baseball, in an era with exploding salaries, steroids and "me first" players, one who genuinely loves the fans, his city and his teammates is something to be proud of, any fan of any team. If you choose instead to take it as an insult, fine, that is your choice, but then to belittle first a team, then a city and then a whole area of the country is very ignorant. You should be better than that.

Finally, the Mets ARE a better destination. They play in a pitcher's park and in the NL with a pitching coach who he has said made a huge difference in his life. If some people want to go further with the "bay area kid" and how he would mesh better with New York than Texas, it could be true. I like Texas, my Aunt was an teacher in Houston for 20 years, and as much as I would tend to agree, who knows. However, from a career standpoint, the move to the NL would be a positive one, and if it comes down for 10 million, who can spend that much anyway.

Just one more note. Your statements about "how bad the Mets would do in the AL" are so ignorant, I decided not to respond. Fact is, we don't know how teams would do in the other league. The Mets were one of the only teams from the NL to have a winning record against the AL this year, so who knows. However, please up the professionalism, you're making internet jockies look bad.

Dennis Shelton

sph, says:

Zito's numbers are better than Glavine's were at the same age and Zito is pitching in the more offensive minded league. That is a fact. You can bring up other pitchers for comparison if you like. There are some very good pitchers on that list you took from baseball-reference.com. I am familiar with it and it is an excellent site. I compared Zito's past with Glavine's past and that was not difficult at all. I'll agree with you that trying to predict the future is impossible but the chances that Zito's career continues on course for greatness are much better in the NL than AL.

NYRomy, says:

>>>Blair Lovern Staff

"The Mets were one game...indeed one out away from the World Series."

In other words, they lost. <<<

What's the old adage? Better to have loved a d lost than to never have loved at all? Get back to me the next time the Rangers are in love.

metdenn, says:

First, I can admit when I am wrong, unlike some. I was calling the Rangers the Texans because that is what my Aunt calls them. Bad habit, should have realized it. Second, I attributed some comments by staff to you, when I meant it generally by the tone of "STAFF" responses. I should have been more clear.

Second, referring to point 4, this is from the article you linked to and wrote an article about.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

By STEVE POPPER STAFF WRITER

NEW YORK -- Barry Zito already has gotten the tour of Arlington from the Texas Rangers and even more important in the world of his agent, Scott Boras, an offer that is believed to float near $100 million.

David Wright, dressed as Santa Claus on Wednesday afternoon, offered to guide Zito around New York, but insisted that the tours of Texas and New York should not even matter in what he thinks is a breathtakingly simple decision.

"This place sells itself," the Mets' third baseman said. "As much as [Tom Glavine] and those guys showed Billy [Wagner] around [last year], what is there not to like about this atmosphere? If you flipped on a TV during the playoffs, I mean, that sells itself. It's just an unbelievable experience.

"And I couldn't imagine somebody that didn't want to come and be a part of what we have going on right now in this city and with the team that we have. You read all the articles about just the chemistry and stuff. So in my eyes you'd have to be crazy not to want to come here."

Yes, that article is about David Wright. If you had read the article, like a responsible writer, I guess you would have saw that.

Third, thanks for not answering points such as the "Braves are winners, Mets aren't" despite the fact they both have the same amount of WS the last 20 years. I could go on, such as the Mets having 2 World Series it makes them 2-Time winners, by your exacting standards, to the Rangers 0, but the point is clear. I'll let you and your staff continue to pick and chose your battles.

kconn616, says:

Blair:

1. Would you trade the Rangers roster for the Mets roster?
2. Which team has a better young nucleus?
3. Which has better management?
4. Which has a better chance to win a World Series in the next 3-4 years?
5. If you ranked all of the teams, where would the Mets fall, and where would Texas fall?

And tell me why there is something wrong with the title, "Mets think Zito should join a winner"? Maybe it should have been, "Zito can play for a title in New York, or fade to obscurity in baseball graveyard".

Joe_McDonald, says:

Blair,

I saw the link to this on my message board, so I figured I would respond. As someone who runs a similar business for the New York area [www.nysportsday.com , if you are wondering and I see some familiar names here, so I am not the only one], I know what type of work for limited or no pay it takes to put a venture like this out. And I tip my hat to the staff there for putting out such an impressive site.

That being said, an article like this brings the credibility of the whole publication down. You sound like a pissed off fan, rather than a journalist - which means when it comes time to some real reporting, where does the spoof articles end and the real ones begin?

Also, you could have put this up to gather some traffic for your site, and with you fanning the flames, I have my reasons. But again, that's the cheap way of going.

The only way that Internet newspapers will get the respect of the mainstream media is to play it straight. With the ease of opening up a blogger site these days, the mainstream will never look at us as equals unless sites like this or mine put our the most professional look as possible.

I am one of the few Internet guys to hold credentials to all the major NY Sports teams and worked long and hard to get my peers respect. I would hope you guys would do the same in Dallas.

The site looks great otherwise, so keep up that end and I hoe this works for you.

Good luck,

Joe McDonald Publisher NY Sports Day www.nysportsday.com

kconn616, says:

Dennis your posts are on point and Blair's are not. For your humor, read his article "Screw you Oakland". It is worse than this Mets article. Basically, whenever the Rangers lose out on a player like they do in the standings, he just tells the winning team of the FA "you aren't good, you havent won a world series since 19--". Um Blair, are you aware the A's franchise is one of the best run organizations in sports? Do you realize they beat you, no wait, destroy you every year? Do you see their young, inexpensive team? Basically every organization is terrible except for the Cards, because he can only tell them, "Hey, when did you last win the WS, 2006? I've written like 6 articles since you've last won a WS".

metdenn, says:

"But the Mets and anyone else will get bashed by me if there is an attempt to call them a winner, when they haven't won a World Series in 20 years, which was almost (not quite) 20 years after their last World Series victory. You can call them a contender, you can call them go-getters, whatever happy description you'd like to use. But don't call them a winner until they start winning championships (hello Atlanta Braves 1991-2005?),"

I assumed by this you meant you thought the Braves were winners, but if your contention is there is only 1 winner a year, then comments by fellow staffers like

"Todd Maternowski Staff

All of these comments are correct: the Mets are the better place because they play in the watered-down, weakened National League. I mean, the Cardinals won just 83 games last year..three more than the Rangers... you'd have to be a team of overpaid underachievers to lose in this---oh, wait. "

make no sense.

Taking the girl out to dinner, don't miss me too much.

djh8614, says:

Blair, just to clarify the NY Mets did not say the were winners the Bergen Record did. That is like me saying the Rangers told the NY Mets to screw themselves.

Second, I hope the Mets do view themselves as winners, because if the lack the confidence to assert that in negotiations then I want someone else running the franchise. And I assume as a Ranger fan you are hoping they are telling Zito all about the how the Rangers are winners too.

kconn616, says:

Blair, when you get a minute can you answer those 5 questions I asked you. You may find this article bogus if you answer them honestly.

kconn616, says:

1. the entire 25 man squads, obviously you would want the Mets.
2. Mets obviously.
3. Front office is hands down Mets. Look Minaya has acquired, look what the Rangers ahve acquired. Look at Minaya's trades, they are extremely one-sided. By the way, the Mets have some of the best young arms in the game. Mike Pelfrey, Phil Humber {Ya'll know Phil from Rice}, Oliver Perez, John Maine, Ambiorix Burgos. These are highly rated young arms. Not to mention Lastings Milledge, Fernando Martinez, and Carlos Gomez are top prospects in the field. The Mets are loaded with youth, you can't even compare the Rangers front office to the Mets, what moves has Texas made to rival Omar's?
4. Which team lookes more suited, that was the question. Being that you have admitted the Mets have the better team now and better young nucleus, I'd say you take the Mets there.

One more question: Why would anyone want to play for Texas over the Mets? You see where these points are going....

kconn616, says:

Blair, that's the thing, your definition of a winner is awful. If you win 97 games and win a playoff series, its called progress- an accomplishment. The Mets and Rangers finished with the same hardware, except the Mets obviously took a much bigger step. They may not have won, but they are ready to win and they've shown that they will be a team that will be strong in the future. The Rangers have not. A champion is a team that wins it all, a winner puts himself in a position to compete. The Rangers can't compete, the Mets can. Also, I'm afraid nobody in MLB agrees with your definition of a winner, because I'm sure everyone sees the yankees as a winning team in the last 5 years, although they sit title-less.

kconn616, says:

Blair, the journey of me making points about the Mets being a better team/organization than the Rangers can't go on much longer. It looks like you have finally seen that your article is bogus and you want no part of defending it anymore.

kconn616, says:

Blair, your definition of winner is terrible. By your standards, the yankees aren't winners. Yet, when the Yankees, Red Sox, or Mets sign or trade for players, they say "I'm happy I can play for a winner" or "I wanted to go to a team that can win it all". So you may not deem some teams winners, but MLB players sure are, so your definition can be thrown out the window. I gave you a better definition for you to use

kconn616, says:

Ok Lovern, say we take your definition {which I'd bet my house on that nobody that PLAYS the game of baseball agrees with}, we can move beyond the definition.

My point has consistently been that the Mets offer Zito a FAR better situation than Texas. look at ballpark, '06 records, the calibur of teammates, the reputation of the GMs, the ability to improve on the free agent market, the fan base, the youth, the prospects [don't think you knew the guys i mentioned before], the pitching coaches, and everything else. All Texas has in their favor is their willingness to overpay. If you don't see that, you don't watch baseball. Clearly, the Mets have more to offer and are better designed to win next year and for years to come.

kconn616, says:

Mike Orren- the recipient of that beer you owe is Matthew Cerrone. Check out METSBLOG.COM to find this article's link. Matt's site is a favorite of all Met's fans, one of the most powerful fan bases in the game, so if he's got a link somewhere, chances are its gonna get hit alot

kconn616, says:

metsdenn: Blair finally quit and asked Orren to do the job for him

RollemandSmokem, says:

Hey man. Take your medication, wake up in the morning, call your doctor and see a whole new reality. The Mets will stomp your lame-o Rangers.

TommyCallahan2, says:

Is this the new mj forum?

I've never read such hate filled, jealous, nonsense in my life. "Screw you New York Mets"? It is kind of like canada trying to rip on America. What a joke.

I did get a good laugh out of it. Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If Zito wants money, he will go to Texas or whoever the highest bid is. If he wants to win, and it comes down to the Mets or Rangers, it is obvious that the Mets are the choice.

TommyCallahan2, says:

I was searching for a picture of the Rangers winning the series to make your day a little brighter, but google didn't seem to have any.... why is that again?

Vision, says:

This site should send a little thank you note to Matthew Cerrone over at Metsblog.com. Amazing how much traffic was generated just by him simply posting the link up there.

And for what its worth

METS 2007..Winners...Champions..And All The Rest =)

TommyCallahan2, says:

I'm sorry, when did I say that I am a Mets fan? Must have been right after the Rangers won the series.

People may have a hard time comprehending what you write for a few reasons you may have not considered.

A) You suck at writing and getting your point across.

B) You are backtracking because your "Article" was a pile of manure.

For what it is worth, the New York Rangers are more likely to win the World Series than the Texas variety.

TommyCallahan2, says:

Then I guess choice A wins.

TommyCallahan2, says:

And I am a Mets fan. Just pointing out that one who makes assumptions based on observation should not be critical of those who do the same.

clmetsfan, says:

Mr. Lovern,

I read your article earlier in the day and decided that it wasn't worth my time at work to respond, for the same reason that I don't usually feel the need to respond to people who shout out drunken ramblings at a bar. But now it's late and I'm bored, so after reading almost all of the comments above and your responses, I think I'll partake.

If the goal of this piece was, as your editor says, to amuse your local readers, then well done. Personally I prefer well thought-out ideas and writing from my local media, but maybe that’s just me.

Now, I will take his advice and not judge you solely on this one piece in which you “threw a couple zingers” at my team. I read some of the stuff in your archives, and for the most part it’s decent. Your article on the new Cowboys’ stadium in particular was pretty funny. But this masterpiece, combined with your subsequent remarks, is pretty embarrassing.

I won’t rehash all the inherent flaws that others have pointed out. But let’s take a look at this dialogue:

Blair Lovern: “But don't call them a winner until they start winning championships…” Kconn616: “A champion is a team that wins it all, a winner puts himself in a position to compete. The Rangers can't compete, the Mets can.” Blair Lovern: “kconn616 - no, here's the thing: There is nothing in your definition I disagree with. What on earth are you getting at?” Kconn616: “Blair, your definition of winner is terrible. By your standards, the yankees aren't winners…I gave you a better definition for you to use” Blair Lovern: “kconn616, my definition = your definition, so yours must also be terrible. ”

NO! His definition is completely different than yours, as he implicitly spells out for you, and yet you claim that we Met fans “can’t comprehend a single thing you write.” Here’s a thought: If this many people misunderstand your point, maybe the problem lies with you and not everyone else. For example, if I try to claim that 2+2=2+3, it wouldn’t make a whole lot sense for me to accuse everyone who looks at me quizzically that they’re just dumb for not being able to understand.

And I get why you posted the picture of the Yankees celebrating in 2000 at Shea. Cute. I’d show you a picture of some hard-working players celebrating on the Rangers’ home field after a World Series game, but that’s never happened, has it? Hell, it doesn’t even require hard work to beat the Rangers.

TommyCallahan2, says:

Keep telling yourself that it is everyone else, maybe it will become true.

Deal with it man, your article was a pile of manure, it stinks of a fan jealous of teams that actually have a chance to win, and everyone and their sister can grasp these concepts but you.

Did I mention that your article sucked?

TommyCallahan2, says:

In other news, can you believe that New York said that the Olympic committee should pick Lake Placid for the winter Olympics if they wanted real snow?

I mean come on, it snows in Texas every once in a while as well. It isn't like New York is Antartica. Thats a snowy place year round. Getting snow for only a few months at a time does not make it a snowy place.

I'm not saying that Texas is a snowy place either, but those that think they are snows kings need to have a reality check. How many winters has texas had the last 10 years? 10. How many winters has New York had in the last 10 years? 10. Either way Dallas is thinking of spending way too much to get the winter olympics here.

mcs81986, says:

What does the Winter Olympics have to do with Barry Zito signing with the Mets or Rangers? I have this minor hunch that we're off topic here.

TommyCallahan2, says:

It's not my fault that you can't comprehend what I write.

kconn616, says:

Tommy, don't bother trying to make your point stick with this guy. he cannot construe an argument. he interprets things incorrectly, then responds with nothing of importance, dodges the questions that counter his weak-point, and pretends like you have a problem understanding him. This guy's article is just pure trash- he doesnt watch baseball. he doesnt know players, doesnt know prospects, and pretty much loves the rangers more than life itself. im beginning to think he acts so crazy with his responses b/c he knows we will come back to further humiliate him. read his article about the A's signing piazza- he tries to make fun of the team that leaves the rangers in the dust every year by saying that they aren't a good team and they are chokers.... YOU LIKE THE RANGERS. THEY ARE AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN A POOR FRANCHISE

mcs81986, says:

I understand what you wrote but I'm pretty sure the topic of discussion is whether the Mets or Rangers are closer to being a winning team and where Barry Zito should end up. Unless I missed something and Barry Zito joined a bobsled team. As I've said before, I feel the Mets are in a better position to be a winner because Zito would be replacing Trachsel, which is very much an upgrade in the rotation. If the Mets won 97 with Trachsel in the rotation, it could be even better with a higher quality pitcher surrounded by young talent (Maine and Perez) along with crusty veterans (Hernandez and Glavine) and you never know what Pedro still has in store once he is healthy.

TommyCallahan2, says:

msc- its called sarcasm bro.

kconn- Yeah, I figured him out a while ago. Right after his initial "contribution". What a pile of crap.

kconn616, says:

the best part was he was so out of responses b/c he was dominated in discussion so many times, he posted a picture of the yankees winning the world series. thing is, the few times the rangers even surfaced in the post season, the yankees sent them home quietly. its as if he has nothing to say except for "well i think the yankees are better than the mets". i mean, the rangers don't HAVE a rival, so i can't {not that i'd care to} post a picture of that team celebrating. Clear indication of a man forfeiting his stance in an argument- posting a picture of no relevance in effort to irritate a small part of the opposition. he still has a god-awful time interpreting points and counter-points though, the one constant in his approach

untitledproject, says:

This article is the only reason people came to this website.

Joe_McDonald, says:

Mike and Co.,

I understand where you are coming from and although we have a different philosphy, I wish your venture the best of luck.

Joe

Vision, says:

mike orren

i finally got a chance to get a closer look at your website, and despite my own personal issues with this particular article, the rest of the site is pretty interesting. if i lived in the texas area this would defientely be a very cool alternative source for local news.

and even though only local traffic is relevant in terms of revenue, well a lot more people now know about pegasusnews and thats always a positive.

just out of curiousity and if its not too much of a hassle, how many unique hits did this particular article get yesterday (12/15)?

keep up the good work

Vision

Jwill8204, says:

This article is only popular because a Met Blogger gave this guy a mention on his site. You should thank the Immortal Matt Cerrone....and to a lesser extent, me. For putting this story on The Mets Refugees Board http://mets.forumup.us And in turn I'll thank you for letting me pimp the best Mets Message Board on the 'net, in this now popular article's comments section. Again that's The Mets Refugees board.

metbest, says:

First off, you're an idiot. Secondly, again you're an idiot. And third, with a name like blair you deserve to get your @$$ kicked. The mets would whoop the rangers @$$ and you know it. So keep dreaming of the great times when pudge was your catcher and gonzalez was your rbi man cuz those times are long gone. And any team who has gary matthews as their starting center fielder and doesn't sign him in the off season is def. run by idiots. Hey maybe you can be their director of operations!

otterulz, says:

"But, I'm wondering why the index seems to be at a low right now. From the commentary here I'd say that fan confidence is much higher than the graph would indicate."

It's kinda like how Giants fans defend Barry Bonds, even if they know deep down inside he used steroids. We as Mets fans can criticize our team, but once an outsider does, it gets personal. Irrational? Maybe a little.

I'm guessing some people are anxious on the Zito signing and waiting for Omar to make something happen, thus the lower confidence rating. But of course when someone puts up a piece headlined, "Screw you, New York Mets", we'll come here and defend them till the death. Or until we get bored. Whichever.

kconn616, says:

chad thinks the people here are losers because they browse the internet on saturday. he spent friday coming to this article to try and stick up for his buddy blair with some message-board cliches as if they were insults

whitetrashtexans, says:

rangers suck!!!! you can talk about the past all you want but that fact is the astros have always been the better team in texas! half of you didnt even see the 2000 world series your trailers didnt have cable hook up!! dont be jealous that the mets have a serious team and are about to sign zito over the rangers

alamosucks, says:

This is amazing. what a defense. So you post a picture of the yankees celebrating the ws win in 2000 against the Mets. Where were the rangers? Tending to their cattle. Let's face it Rangers do not have a good history in the playoffs....they have won 1 playoff game in their ENTIRE EXISTANCE. And yes we got some hardware last year NL EAST DIVISION CROWN....is there a trophy for where the Rangers ended up?

Blair go back and say hi to Tootie for us.

AS

WKPat123, says:

Hey Blair, with 3 less home games, the Mets out drew the Rangers by 990,794 fans averaging 43,327 a night to the Rangers 29,490. You have that great ball park and nobody wants to come.....not even the fans. Winners draw crowds, lossers get reports like you that are one step above an editor for a high school weekly reader. The only shot thr Rangers have is over paying like you did for A-Rod. Besides don't you still have that stud Chan Ho Park to anchor your pitching staff?