The New York Mets are trying to reach the postseason. Based on their
record, ability to add payroll and the added pressure to fill their new
ballpark next year, one would figure that the next few weeks will be
busy for the team's front office. However, according to several baseball sources, the Mets will not be
making any major deals. That news may put a damper on what is usually
a frenetic time for readers of this space, but it's reality, I'm told.
(Editor's Note) - I appear as a contributor in "Playing For Peanuts"
and consider John Fitzgerald a good friend. However, I am in complete
agreement with his decision to pull the series from SNY, and have the same
questions for SNY as he does. There is no doubt in my mind that the subject
matter (Wally Backman) is the sole reason for the mysterious and
illogical decision not to cooperate with Fitzgerald.) and he will be appearing at Mickey Mantle's with me on Friday's (June 27) "LIVE FROM MICKEY MANTLE'S"
A year or so ago, I implored many of my colleagues in the print and
digital media to spend some time in the classroom, as I did as a
adjunct Professor Of Journalism at Five Towns College in 2006-07. At the time I explained that in addition to “giving back” to a
generation that was going to be severely challenged in this topsy-turvy
world of new media, that it would make us all better journalists. Teaching younger versions of ourselves to become ethical reporters
might instill a greater responsibility to have the highest sort of
integrity, etc.
Sixxteen years ago, Bob Klapisch penned a book called "The Worst Team Money Can Buy: The Collapse of the New York Mets". Ironically, that title still fits the flippant fumblers in Flushing. Back then, the team was chided for finishing in fifth, despite the
dubious distinction of the highest payroll in baseball ($45M, at the
time an exorbitant amount). The team was littered with overpaid,
underperforming has-beens in the twilight of their careers (sound
familiar?). For example, they had a quiet and moody, media-evading,
Regardless of who got Willie Randolph fired – and really, had Willie
found a way to reach his bumbling club after the All-Star break last
season, he'd still have a job – the focus should now shift as to how
the Mets can reach their desired destination this year: the World
Series.
Back in 2004, or the last time the Mets' front office was in this much
turmoil, one guy (with some help from another guy) was the divisive
force that created so much havoc that super-prospect Scott Kazmir was
traded for a injury-prone, arbitration-eligible (and serious non-tender
candidate) right-hander, Victor Zambrano. That guy's name was Al Goldis, and his partner in crime was Bill
Livesey. Yeah, those guys. “The Super Scouts”. These two geniuses
helped destroy a blossoming farm system, an exceptional scouting
department, and got an undeserving GM fired. They also helped turn a
fan base against Jeff Wilpon.
The New York Mets are trying to reach the postseason. Based on their
record, ability to add payroll and the added pressure to fill their new
ballpark next year, one would figure that the next few weeks will be
busy for the team's front office. However, according to several baseball sources, the Mets will not be
making any major deals. That news may put a damper on what is usually
a frenetic time for readers of this space, but it's reality, I'm told.
(Editor's Note) - I appear as a contributor in "Playing For Peanuts"
and consider John Fitzgerald a good friend. However, I am in complete
agreement with his decision to pull the series from SNY, and have the same
questions for SNY as he does. There is no doubt in my mind that the subject
matter (Wally Backman) is the sole reason for the mysterious and
illogical decision not to cooperate with Fitzgerald.) and he will be appearing at Mickey Mantle's with me on Friday's (June 27) 
A year or so ago, I implored many of my colleagues in the print and
digital media to spend some time in the classroom, as I did as a
adjunct Professor Of Journalism at Five Towns College in 2006-07. At the time I explained that in addition to “giving back” to a
generation that was going to be severely challenged in this topsy-turvy
world of new media, that it would make us all better journalists. Teaching younger versions of ourselves to become ethical reporters
might instill a greater responsibility to have the highest sort of
integrity, etc.
Sixxteen years ago, Bob Klapisch penned a book called "The Worst Team Money Can Buy: The Collapse of the New York Mets". Ironically, that title still fits the flippant fumblers in Flushing. Back then, the team was chided for finishing in fifth, despite the
dubious distinction of the highest payroll in baseball ($45M, at the
time an exorbitant amount). The team was littered with overpaid,
underperforming has-beens in the twilight of their careers (sound
familiar?). For example, they had a quiet and moody, media-evading,
Regardless of who got Willie Randolph fired – and really, had Willie
found a way to reach his bumbling club after the All-Star break last
season, he'd still have a job – the focus should now shift as to how
the Mets can reach their desired destination this year: the World
Series.
Opening days are always exciting, but the ultimate opening day experience in Brooklyn is the Ferry Series. 
Back in 2004, or the last time the Mets' front office was in this much
turmoil, one guy (with some help from another guy) was the divisive
force that created so much havoc that super-prospect Scott Kazmir was
traded for a injury-prone, arbitration-eligible (and serious non-tender
candidate) right-hander, Victor Zambrano. That guy's name was Al Goldis, and his partner in crime was Bill
Livesey. Yeah, those guys. “The Super Scouts”. These two geniuses
helped destroy a blossoming farm system, an exceptional scouting
department, and got an undeserving GM fired. They also helped turn a
fan base against Jeff Wilpon. 
