The Curse of Ike Davis is Thwarted...For Now

First of all, start this post off by watching this video.

We are already reminded of the things we will miss from Mr. Isaac Benjamin Davis in his first couple games as a Pittsburgh Pirate. Personally, I feel Ike has star quality, and with the type of star quality that could have soared in New York. I have stated many a times on here that I have a "The Duda" jersey. My preference, however, has been Ike Davis at 1st base. I have faith The Duda can do what we want him to do in this lineup, and he's actually not too shabby at 1st, but I wish Ike Davis where still a part of this team. With the way the team fell flat on their face minutes after learning he was no longer a Met, they probably felt the same way before eventually moving on.

They hadn't yet Friday night, but Saturday night, they had a bit more energy by the end of the game when they started to rally, but of course fell short. They pulled it out on Sunday in the 14th, and if there was anyone in need of a game-winning sac fly, it was Curtis Granderson. Hopefully that clears the head.

The Mets now look like, over the course of 18 games, what they've generally looked like since 2011.

Home: 3-6
Road: 6-3

There's many ways to theorize why this is, some of which Mike and I did on the Rising Apple Report last night. Along with wrapping up the series in general, we talked about Citi Field, the Mets franchise as a whole, and a random-but-not-so-random-in-context Knicks/Nets rant from Mr. Lecolant. A great way to wrap up a weekend of baseball that had its ups and downs...as always, really.

The Cardinals series coming up, followed up by a Marlins series I'm probably more worried about. This should be an interesting next 7 games. Maybe there'll be a new shortstop on the other side of it since 1st base got cleared up finally....Sigh.

The bottom line is always....

LET'S. GO. METS.

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Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, follow on Twitter here, and listen to the research process here.

The "Cavalry" Marches Home...

It's been a weird week, hence the lack of posts, but I couldn't let an off day go without getting a podcast in. Mike Lecolant joined me, along with author Matt Silverman (New York Mets: The Complete Illustrated History and 100 Things Mets Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die) and Rich Sparago in the latter half of the show. We talked about the recent road trip, Dillon Gee's workhorse nature, the 1969 New York Mets squad, Matt's books, Shea Stadium and its 50th Anniversary yesterday, Anthony Recker "cashing in for his backup catcher union card", Gene Mauch... and many many other Metsian items of interest.

Happy to have games back in Queens, and ones that celebrate at the Shea-tastic price of $3.50 (well...plus those online fees, but still, much much cheaper. That would be very SHEA of them to remove the fees, but I understand there's some annoying web code to be written to get what is usually there out of there. Yeah. 1964 it ain't.)

It's clearly redundant to say, but they HAVE to start winning at home if they are to take the next step. Why since 2011 they have sucked at home and done what winning teams do on the road, which is go .500 or one better, I have no idea. No idea why where they should feel more comfortable they have not and lost. But it has to change. Maybe celebrating some Mets history will bring some relaxation and get us some W's against the Braves, the Cardinals or the Marlins!

Enjoy the weekend, folks. MAKE IT OUT TO THE METS AT WILLETS POINT!!!

CITY. BASEBALL.

LET'S. GO. METS.

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Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, follow on Twitter here, and listen to the research process here.

A Walk with WOR & the Post-Game Podcast

I do not mean to mislead anyone who read that title and is familiar with my occasional storytelling ways. I do not have an overly thorough story to tell about walking around Manhattan listening to Howie Rose and Josh Lewin on WOR during the Mets 6-4 series-sealing victory last night. That's basically all I did, enjoyed the scenery, enjoyed those voices and the baseball they described, and especially enjoyed the win.

I got home basically right as the last 7 pitches of the ballgame were beginning by Jose Valverde, and, as seen by that number of pitches, the inning didn't last too long. Right afterwards, I decided to spontaneously go on the air with Mike Lecolant of Rising Apple and talk about the Mets series win, as well as 1968 a bit (as it was our 68th episode, and there is no uniform number 68 in Mets history.)

We are settling in well to this new era of the Rising Apple Report and we went a solid hour and 10 last night, with Rising Apple site editor Danny Abriano joining us basically at midnight.

So, as the weekend creeps closer, enjoy the sounds this afternoon of the Rising Apple Report!

LET'S. GO. METS.

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Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, follow on Twitter here, and listen to the research process here.

Settling in to the Longer Podcasts

Earlier in the day yesterday, I had a spur of the moment thought that some of us at Rising Apple ought to get on a podcast in the evening to fill the Metsian day-off void.

So, I was back in hosting duties, even with my Mets-induced hoarse voice, after a few weeks off with Mike Lecolant joining me as well. AND at the last second, Mets Musings' Gary Mack was able to call in. We recapped the weekend that gave us 2 Mets wins and one more Mets loss, no real resolution at the 1st base position, Bobby Parnell's decision to undergo Tommy John Surgery, the first replay challenge (and successful one) in Mets history, Juan Lagares and his continuing solid ABs, Curtis Granderson's first Mets home run, and plenty of other items of interest we discussed in the 93 minutes we were on air.

Also, since there is no #67 in Mets uniform history, we discussed Tom Seaver and his Rookie of the Year campaign in 1967.

I gotta say, I am REALLY liking having more time on this podcast thingy.

So, do yourself a favor while you settle into this day and listen to the musings on the Rising Apple Report!

LET'S. GO. METS.

Listen To Sports Internet Radio Stations with Rising Apple Report on BlogTalkRadio

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, follow on Twitter here, and listen to the research process here.

Catchin' You Up on All the Podcasts

There have been a slew of podcasts that I haven't been posting in here, and I'll start with the latest of the Rising Apple Report.

...After telling you that legendary talk show host Larry King will be on my Bedford & Sullivan Podcast once more at 2PM ET to discuss the Playoffs, and of course, Dem Bums.

Now, back to the Report! Unfortunately, the beat got to the "Mets will not pursue Jose Abreu" headline AFTER we talked about it for 5 minutes on the show, but that doesn't take away from the great debate and conversation we had. On top of that, we discussed the Jumped-Over-the-Final-Hurdle Willets Point Development project, the arbitration-eligible players the Mets have, and Matt Harvey's decision to have the Tommy John Surgery.

Listen To Sports Internet Radio Stations with Rising Apple Report on BlogTalkRadio

And after you listen to that one, give yourself a taste of New York National League History, staying active listeners in the research process of my developing HBO-Style Brooklyn Dodgers TV Series! Highlights down below include Pitcher Carl Erskine discussing the '55 season on the 58th Anniversary of their Game 7 win over the Yankees, Polo Grounds visitor's clubhouse bat boy Richie McCabe with a slew of stories about the '54 and '55 NY Baseball Giants' seasons, and Dodgers Team Historian Mark Langill discussing Leo Durocher, Larry MacPhail and the early 40's era of Brooklyn Dodgers baseball!

Current Television Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Bedford Sullivan Brooklyn on BlogTalkRadio

LET'S. GO. METS.

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.

'Tis what 'Tis

In the case of the Mets this week, you take the split, and each a solid win at that.

I haven't even been able to watch the Mets clips of yesterday. I was in transit to Coney Island during the game to get to the ballpark early for the Ebbets Field 100th Anniversary jerseys. Besides a fantastic win by the Mets, the Cyclones beat the Yankees 2-1, with a fantastic 4-6-3 double play to end the game.

It's been a combination of more on my plate and lack of motivation to be writing about the Mets everyday, but I appreciate all of you returning when I do. I'm getting into balancing my new schedule a bit better, so there should be some more posts on the way as September rolls around.

The Rising Apple Report, and a great episode at that, is down below, and I am also going live on air with screenwriter Ron Main on the Bedford & Sullivan podcast at 1:30PM ET today. We'll discuss Ron growing up a Dodger fan in Queens, his parents' roots in Brooklyn, and his favorite player, Duke Snider. We will also discuss the current screenwriting landscape in Hollywood, as well as the film industry in general.

Have a great Labor Day weekend, folks.

LET'S. GO. METS.

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Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.

Rarely an Off-Day These Days

I really don't want to write too much.

I know I'll go into a rant about Terry Collins or umpiring or something, other than what I really want to focus on, which is Tuesday's game and the BOMB of an insurance run my boy Ike slammed into the Pepsi Porch.

I did plenty of ranting about a bunch of stuff with Andrew Battifarano on last night's Rising Apple Report, so just go ahead and listen to that as you settle into your Thursday.

Enjoy the off-day, everyone (as much as you can enjoy a day with no Mets Baseball.)

LET'S. GO. METS.

Check Out Sports Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Rising Apple Report on BlogTalkRadio

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.

Returning the Favor

It thrills me beyond belief that the Mets swept the Colorado Rockies after losing 8 straight to them at Citi Field (not to mention after they got swept out in Colorado, not counting that makeup game we won.)

The last time the Rockies won a game at Citi Field was Collin McHugh's Major League Debut, where he took a no-decision in the Mets 1-0 loss.

He was traded for Eric Young, Jr.

The Mets have clearly needed to win A LOT MORE at home, and it looked to be a thrilling week out in Flushing. It's not even they needed to win more....they needed to stop being 10 GAMES UNDER at home. They need to feed off the energy returning, and this series was a prime example of what it should feel like for the fan and the team at Citi Field.

Shall we take a quick look at some of the highlights?

Those uniforms are so awesome.

Hey, eh, how bout Matt Harvey's first career Shutout?

And how bout a lil pitching and small ball to get the job done?

Oh...It looks like that last game that finished the sweep with a 2-1 score does not have any embedding. Yeah, it wasn't as Baller as those last two highlight reels, but still a solid, solid win (and in those lovely blue unis with the Orange and Blue hat, too.)

It's ok, though. You all know where to find the highlights if you're craving them.

Now, it's time for a series in Phoenix. Keep it up, Metsies.

OH! I guess I can't leave this portion of the post without talking about Wilmer Flores...

AWESOME JOB IN YOUR FIRST SERIES, WILMER.


Anyway, before I embed this week's Rising Apple Report, where Andrew Battifarano and Jason Mast made their Report debuts, I point you to this link as well, where Larry King will once again join me on the Bedford & Sullivan Podcast, today at 1:30PM ET, to discuss an average Brooklyn summer day for lil Larry in the late 1930's, the conversations in the borough streets at that time, more stories from the seats of Ebbets Field, and why Bobby Thompson's "Shot Heard 'Round the World" trumps all others as the most devastating walk-off home run in the history of baseball.

Make sure to tune in at 1:30PM ET.

LET'S. GO. METS.

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Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.

The Pity Party

Before the last 2 losses, we discussed on the Rising Apple Report a bit about Matt Harvey and how everybody around much feel this extra pressure to perform for him.

You got the opposition getting geared up to face the kid, the pitcher especially upping his game.

You got the offense pressing.

You got Matt Harvey feeling no margin for error.

Yesterday pretty much summed up Matt Harvey's season, and the way the Mets produce around him. I don't know what the number of people left on base was, but I know it was outlandish by the 3rd inning alone. 


Anyway, that same Rising Apple Report I mentioned can be found below...

And also, today at 9:30AM EST, Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Carl Erskine, aka "Oisk," will be a very special guest on the Bedford & Sullivan podcast at 9:30AM EST.

So there's that...

Anyway, enjoy your Friday, folks.

LET'S. GO. METS.

Listen to internet radio with Rising Apple Report on BlogTalkRadio

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.

Kerplunk.

I guess it should be considered a good thing that I missed a game post, and a winning one at that. Considering I'm in the last week of classes specializing in a field I expect to make a career, it's good to be distracted from the item that normally does the distracting.

Though last night, I had enough gameday in my view to be well aware of the inning that got away. I haven't seen any video or heard any audio, but I did hear that Eric Young, Jr. and Tim Hudson got into a crazy accident during the 8-2 loss. That sucks, 'cause I respect the guy, you know?

Alright, before I add last night's awesome Rising Apple Report podcast, with myself, Dan Haefeli and Rich Sparago, let's look at last night's lineup and consider its strikeout potential at the bottom.

Starting Lineups

	Atlanta Braves				New York Mets
1	Andrelton Simmons	SS		1	Eric Young	LF
2	Jason Heyward	CF		2	Daniel Murphy	2B
3	Justin Upton	RF		3	David Wright	3B
4	Freddie Freeman	1B		4	Marlon Byrd	RF
5	Brian McCann	C		5	Ike Davis	1B
6	Evan Gattis	LF		6	Kirk Nieuwenhuis	CF
7	Dan Uggla	2B		7	Anthony Recker	C
8	Chris Johnson	3B		8	Omar Quintanilla	SS
9	Tim Hudson	P		9	Jeremy Hefner	P

I don't even want to show you how many strikeouts it was, though it's nothing insane. I just read about some strikeouts that lead to a rally-kill.

It REALLY sucks that Hef has had two bad starts in a row, but I'm not about to jump to any conclusions considering.

Considering...

OH! Last question: What the Los Mets' All-Time Record?

Seriously, I don't know, but I somehow remember a bunch of them being losses...

That is all.

Here's the Rising Apple Report.

LET'S. GO. METS.

Listen to internet radio with Rising Apple Report on BlogTalkRadio

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.

Still Pissed Off More Than 12 Hours Later.

There is really no specific person I feel I can blame for that one.

The offense had chances to tack on. They didn't.

The defense was set up based on the charts. Everything dropped in the right place for the Braves.

Bobby Parnell has had 2 iffy outings in a row, both against NL East rivals.

Terry Collins had the infield back with a 1-run lead. I've blamed Terry so many times this year, I'm clichély a broken record.

The Mets have played solid baseball for quite a while now.

They just haven't been able to go on any real winning streak, and any "#PlayoffPush" is going to involve winning more than 2 in a row before dropping a winnable game.

Forget a playoff push. I would feel better about their chances of finishing at or above .500 if I saw a 7-game winning streak, or something along those lines. It's nice to have 7-3 record every 10, of course. And that will add up by September 29th. They need a real winning streak, though. Especially at home, with their record at Citi Field keeping them a losing team.


Slightly off the Metsian topic, the Bedford & Sullivan podcasts have been a real treat. If you haven't listened to them yet, whether you have a foundation of knowledge regarding the 1937-1957 era of America, Brooklyn and its Dodgers, or you are completely ignorant to the info of that time, my guests have delivered fascinating stuff regarding the period. I highly recommend you stay active listeners in the research process of the Premium-Cable-Style TV Series I am developing.
(and just to keep clarifying, NOT A DOCUMENTARY.)

Anyway, below is a list of the podcast episodes we have had so far. Larry King will join me once again this Friday, July 26th, followed by LIU Professor Joe Dorinson on Monday, July 29th, and Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Carl Erskine on Friday, August 2nd.

Listen in, Folks. And enjoy your Tuesday.

And as always...

LET'S. GO. METS.

Listen to internet radio with Bedford Sullivan Brooklyn on BlogTalkRadio

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.

Well, That Felt Like the Mets

Leave it to Citi Field to make the home team National League look offensively inept.

Obviously it wasn't the ballpark more than the actual offense (and, of course, the AL pitching) but there might just be something about Citi Field that radiates and latches onto the home team so they can only come up with 3 singles and no runs.

Outside of the game which was a bit of a letdown (except our Mets who did their part, with 2 scoreless innings from Matt Harvey and one of the singles from David Wright [not to mention Carlos Beltran collecting one of them as well]) this week was a METS BRANDING BONANZA.

I can't remember the All-Star Game's identity, which is always a form of the hometown team's colors and logos, selling the brand of one team so dramatically. We all knew it was Bud Selig's gift to the Wilpons to help them on their way back from Madoff, but my God. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED IT, especially how every player looked like they were in a Met uniform for the Home Run Derby and the pre-game workouts. I had just never seen one team's brand be so showcased the way the Mets were to America and the World this week. 

It was awesome.

Anyway, before tonight's game, take a listen to Dan Haefeli and I on this week's Rising Apple Report, where we discuss the All-Star Break, the 1st half, and preview both the upcoming Phillies series at Citi Field and the 2nd half overall.

Welcome back to baseball, everybody.

LET'S. GO. METS.

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Then there was THIS guy.

Let's see how that worked out.

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @convertedmetfan. And for the latest on a Brooklyn Baseball TV Series I am developing, Like the Bedford & Sullivan Facebook page, and follow on Twitter here.