Heading to Somerset Patriots 2010 Opening Night as the 2009 Atlantic League Championship Banner Will be Raised at TD Bank Ballpark

This is the third year that my Wife and I have purchased the Saturday Mini-Plan of home games at TD Bank Ballpark Somerset Patriots and are looking forward to the Opening Night game this evening as well as they host the Bridgeport Bluefish. We attended games during the 2007 season and decided to get the plan the following season. The Patriots won two Championships in a row and look to make some noise in the Atlantic League once again this season. So far they’re off to a tough start with a record of 1-5 but will turn that around during their first home stand of the season.

2010 Subway Series Tickets for Yankees vs. Mets at Citi Field Exclusive Pre-Sale

The Mets are offering a pre-sale on 2010 Subway Series tickets vs. the New York Yankees. In previous years they held them over your head by having to purchase various packages but with attendance down this season they have to sell out the games any way they can. With the recent play at home I hope attendance will increase. As received by e-mail:

Dear Mets Fan: 

As a Flushing Flash subscriber, we are pleased to offer you an exclusive online pre-sale opportunity to purchase tickets to 2010 Mets Subway Series games at Citi Field in advance of general public sales for these games on Thursday, May 6.

Visit Mets.com starting Tuesday, May 4 at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, May 5 at noon, click on the pre-sale link and use the special password "FLASH" for access.

A limited number of tickets for the Friday, May 21 (7:10 p.m.), Saturday, May 22 (7:10 p.m.) and Sunday, May 23 (8:05 p.m.) games will be available in the pre-sale. You may purchase a maximum of six (6) tickets for the series (for example, six tickets to one game or two tickets to each of the three games), subject to availability.

Thoughts on 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Thus Far

Watching the New Jersey Devils lose in the 1st round, again, made me smile I must say after another successful regular 2009-10 season. I was surprised with Jacques Lemaire’s announced retirement from coaching. This makes the third season in a row that the Devils lost in the 1st round and next year will make the fourth coach search in five seasons. Another pleasant surprise was watching Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals lose on home ice in Game 7 to the Montreal Canadiens. I’m no fan of Scott Gomez or Ovie as at time he’s just too dirty and gets away with murder. Ovechkin went coast-to-coast with the puck late in the 3rd period and was stopped on a nice wrist shot. The Presidents’ Trophy winner Captials were sent packing. It would have been nice seeing the Phoenix Coyotes advance to the 2nd round after such a great year and playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings.

Carlos Beltran Will Not Return to Mets Lineup Until All-Star Break at Least – They Said the Exact Same Thing Last Season! – What a Joke

New York Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran will not be an active Met until the All-Star break at least. On April 13th I posted that the Mets would not see Beltran until June at best and that’s when the team was looking for a May return. I searched the entire New York Met website for news, even under the archived news, and cannot find an update on Beltran’s status. The news has been reported today by WFAN and ESPN 1050 radio. What cracked me up was this article by Adam Rubin as reported by nydailynews.com that says “Doctor: Carlos Beltran could be ready to return to Mets after All-Star break.” THAT WAS LAST SEASON! Hey, why not just reprint that headline with the current date. What a joke. The surgery was reported to be a clean-up job. The Mets should bring back Beltran then peddle him to another team with his insanely expensive contract that hasn’t given the Mets any real return on their investment in a long time. I can’t get the image of him taking strike three in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS as I sat in my seat at Shea Stadium with my Wife and friends. I had tickets to two World Series Games that I’d hope were to be played at Shea Stadium. Well those games never happened. I stuffed my white rally towel they gave us as we entered Shea into a cyclone fence beneath the train station entrance.

Chinn Leads Red Bulls in 2-1 Win vs. Union in Preliminary Round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament at Red Bull Arena Tuesday

Head coach Hans Backe started his reserves after seeing so many games in the upcoming schedule where the Philadelphia Union played the majority of their starters. This gave us a chance to see what the young guys can do and they didn’t disappoint. This was my friend’s first live soccer game and we both had a good time sitting in Section 108 right next to the Red Bull bench. I asked Joel Lindpere if he wouldn’t mind taking a picture with me and he was kind enough to oblige. I shook Joel’s hand and had a few words with him. Conor Chinn was terrific in scoring both Red Bull goals and playing a very strong game. He just didn’t stop running up and down the field. Defender Toni Stahl also looked very good. Chinn scored his 1st goal in the 16th minute on a rebound off his fist shot. Union goalkeeper Chris Seitz stopped the first shot but not the rebound. Chinn scored his 2nd goal in the 41st minute off a nice pass from Luke Sessano. Sebastien Le Toux came into the game in the 2nd half and scored for the Union in the 68th minute. It appeared that the Union were doing everything they could to win the game. Chinn came close to scoring another goal and with a little luck could have had 4 on the night. All in all it was an impressive game for the Red Bull reserves and at times they played a lot better then the starters had on Saturday! Hans Backe stated that he will also play the reserves for the next U.S. Open Cup match as they host the New England Revolution at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, May 12th.

Mets Sweep Dodgers by Taking Doubleheader Tuesday (4-0, 10-5) and Matinee Game Today (7-3) at Citi Field Behind Strong Pitching - Mets in First Place in National League East

The New York Mets completed the sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers today and with that win go 9-1 on the ten game home stand. The Mets are currently in 1st place and it feels good for the Mets and their die hard fans. Met ace Johan Santana pitched 6.0 strong scoreless innings and the bullpen took over the final 3.0 in the first game yesterday. Rookie Ike Davis came though with a 2-run homer for his 2nd of the year. David Wright stole his 7th base on the season. In the nightcap Oliver Perez was up to his old tricks giving up 3 earned runs in 3.2 innings. Hisanori Takahashi gave up only 1 earned run in 3.1 innings and earned the win in middle relief. David Wright led the way at the plate going 3-for-3, 1 run with 4 RBIs. In the matinee played today at Citi Field John Maine got his first win of the year giving up 2 earned run (3 runs total), 4 hits, with only 3 walks and 9 strikeouts in 6.0 innings. Nieve, Feliciano and Rodriguez pitched in relief to seal the game and the series for the Metropolitans. Angel had a triple and 2 RBIs in the 2nd inning. David Wright and Ike Davis led the way today with 2 hits each. Congratulations to David Wright as he got his 1,000 hit yesterday and mets.com noted that he’s in royal company:

NEW YORK -- When David Wright singled to drive in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning of the second game, he put himself in rare company. At that point, he had 1,000 hits and 143 home runs in 868 games. The only players in the history of New York baseball to have played so few games and have as many hits and home runs are Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio.

"That can't be right," Wright said. "I don't think I belong there."

The calculations were made by the Elias Sports Bureau. They're right.

Heading to Red Bull Arena as Red Bulls Play Union in Preliminary Round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament

My friend and I will be going to the see the New York Red Bulls play the Philadelphia Union today in a preliminary round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tonight at Red Bull Arena. Head coach Hans Backe stated that’d he play his regulars but decided to go with his bench players instead. I’m hoping the meal at Fornos of Spain in the Ironbound and match are both great. It’d be nice to see the Red Bulls get some hardware and win the Cup. Here is some information on the scheduled lineup as reported by nypost.com.

Mets Play Dodgers in Old School Doubleheader Today at Citi Field Tuesday Afternoon with First Pitch at 4:10 PM

The New York Mets will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in an old school doubleheader this afternoon beginning at 4:10 PM. The game was rained out last night so they’ve rescheduled it for today. Manager Jerry Manuel stated that Jeff Francoeur will sit the first game and play the second. The catchers will also split duties in both games as well. Note that to get in your ticket must be for Game 15 April 27th only. Last night’s game ticket can be used as a rain check for today or any other game before expiration. I’d love to see the Mets bring back the Banner Day Doubleheader.

Red Bulls Victorious Over Expansion Union 2-1 at Red Bull Arena Saturday

The New York Red Bulls were victorious over the expansion Philadelphia Union 2-1 last Saturday afternoon. In the 1st half the Union took the game to the Red Bulls. New York was unable to sustain an offensive attack and get the ball to their forwards. The team needs better ball control to bring it up the field. The midfield looked a little out of sorts and could not get advance the ball and allow the strikers to get quality scoring chances. Red Bull goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul stepped up and made a diving save in the opening minutes of the 1st half. Salou just missed in the 7th minute on a great strike from outside the box, looking for the upper left corner of the goal. The Red Bulls finally took the lead 1-0 in the 50th minute on a Salou header from a fantastic cross from Jeremy Hall coming in from the right side. Union goalkeeper Chris Seitz came off his line and misplayed the ball to give Salou the chance. It was Salous’ first ever MLS goal. In the 59th minute the Union tied the game on a nifty play and strong strike by Sebastien Le Toux who was flying in down the left side toward the net. In the 66th minute Red Bull captain and striker Juan Pablo Angel leapt up and challenged for the ball on a cross from Roy Miller. Union defender Michael Orozco mistimed his header and was called for a hand ball in the box. The ball was placed on the penalty spot and Angel drilled it into the left corner of the net in the 67th minute to give the Red Bulls a 2-1 lead. Angel’s 3rd goal of the year proved to be the game winner. In the 75th minute the Union caused a lot of traffic in front of the Red Bull goal but could not score. The Red Bulls remain alone in 1st place in the Eastern Conference (12 points, 4-1-0). The Red Bulls will host the Union again on Tuesday night in the preliminary round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament at Red Bull Arena.

Pelfrey Wins 4th as Mets Sweep Braves with 1-0 in Rain Shortened Game at Citi Field Sunday

The New York Mets continued their winning ways with a 1-0 rain shortened victory last night at Citi Field over the Atlanta Braves and took all 3 games for the sweep. The story of the game was starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey having little command of his pitches, not getting the first pitch over for a strike, missing with his split finger fastball but still managing to pitch out of jams and win the game. The Braves continue their slide and cannot get the big hit with men on base. Big Pelf has added pitches and that's made the winning difference this season, now going 4-0 on the year with a minuscule ERA of 0.69. Pelfrey gave up no runs, 5 hits with 5 walks and 3 strikeouts in . Jose Reyes singled in the 1st inning, stole second and scored on a two-base throwing error on the usually perfect Chipper Jones, third baseman for Atlanta. Chipper fielded a hard grounder from Jason Bay and threw the ball in the dirt. Reyes broke from second base and didn't stop before scoring what ended up being the winning run. The Mets now stand at 10-9 on the season but have to get the offense going. Their team batting average is not up to snuff and need to find a way to get runs on the board. The Braves starting pitcher Hanson had 8 strikeouts and outmatched Pelfrey but could not get run support. Watching Chipper Jones strikeout put a smile on my face. The Los Angeles Dodgers come into Citi Field tonight to begin a three game series before going back on the road.

New York Jets Traded Leon Washington to Seahawks

Leon Washington traded as reported by newyorkjets.com:

Shortly after moving up to draft USC running back Joe McKnight, the Jets traded RB/KR Leon Washington and their seventh-round pick (No. 236 overall) to Seattle in exchange for the Seahawks' fifth-round pick, (No. 139), which the Jets then used to select Kentucky fullback John Conner.

The New York Jets are losing an extraordinary kick returner and capable running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield but are not looking to take a chance on Leon after his injury.

Mets Defeated Braves 3-1 at Citi Field Saturday - Mets Now at 9-9 on Season

The New York Mets have been on a tear of late and won again yesterday 3-1 over the Atlanta Braves in a Saturday day game at Citi Field. Jon Niese pitched well enough to win but got the no decision leaving the game in the 6th inning, giving up 1 earned run, 5 hits, with 5 walks and 6 strikeouts in 5.1 innings. Niese threw over 100 pitches in his start. Manny Acosta pitched 1.2 innings and earned the win. Fernando Nieve and Pedro Feliciano pitched a scoreless 8th and Francisco Rodriguez earned his 3rd save of the season with a scoreless 9th. The win brings the Mets record of 9-9 and playing very good baseball. The Braves left 11 men on base. Jason Bay led the way going 3-for-4 with 2 singles, 1 double with an RBI. It was nice seeing a large crowd of 36,547 attend the game at Citi Field.

Red Bulls Forward Macoumba Kandji to Undergo Foot Surgery

Macoumba Kandji will undergo foot surgery and will miss 8 to 12 weeks of the season. This is a tough injury but will make room for Chinn and others who've been on the bench so far.

Mets Cooled Off Braves 5-2 at Citi Field Friday

The New York Mets defeated the hated Atlanta Braves 5-2 last night at Citi Field as Ike Davis hits his first Major League home run. Starting pitcher John Maine was brutal once again and only went 3.2 innings before getting pulled from the game. The bullpen kept the Mets in the game and Francisco Rodriguez earned his 2nd save of the season by pitching a scoreless 9th inning. Jose Reyes batted 3rd and went 2-for-4, with a run scored and struckout once. The series against Chipper Jones and the Braves continues this afternoon at Citi Field.

First Round Selections by Giants and Jets

The NFL Draft was held at Radio City Music Hall last night where the first round of 32 picks was completed. The second round will continue today. The New York Giants selected Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end from the University of South Florida. The New York Jets selected Kyle Wilson, corner back from Boise State. Are Osi's day with the Giants numbered? I can see Wilson play the nickle back and special teams. The Giants and Jets made two good picks.

Flyers (aka Effers) Advance in Stanley Cup Playoffs After Eliminating Devils at Prudential Center Thursday

The New Jersey Devils were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last night at the Rock by the hated Philadelphia Flyers (aka Effers). The Effers shutout the Devils 3-0 and took the series 4 games to 1. I absolutely did not believe the Effers would advance and in fact thought they'd lose in 5 or 6 games. The story of the series was goal tending where Marty Brodeur was not a good as Brian Boucher. Boucher was excellent in goal and kept the Devils off balance the entire series. Once again the Devils have a terrific season and come up short in the playoffs and exit quickly.

Mets Defeated Cubs 5-2 and Won First Series of Season at Citi Field Thurday

The New York Mets took game 4 of the series with the Chicago Cubs last night 5-2 on strong pitching by ace Johan Santana. This is the first series win for the Mets as they took 3 of 4 from the visiting Cubs. Santana was excellent pitching his way out of jams as the game went along. He threw first pitch strikes and came up with the out pitch when necessary giving up only 1 earned run, 8 hits, with no walks and 5 strikeouts in 6.1 innings. Santana opened up the 7th inning by getting the first out then gave up a single. Manager Jerry Manuel quickly went to the bullpen. With the win Santana improved his record to 2-1. Fernando Nieve was ineffective and was replaced with Pedro Feliciano who gave up a run in an inning of work. Jenrry Mejia was in and out and Francisco Rodriguez was called upon to pitch in the 8th and 9th innings. K-Rod earned his 1st save of the season on 1.2 innings of work, old school. Ike Davis went 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored. David Wright continued to struggle with 3 strikeouts but did have a double and an RBI. The Atlanta Braves come into Citi Field for a 3 game weekend series.

Red Bulls Hosting 2010 New York Football Challenge at Red Bull Arena July 22nd - 25th

The Red Bulls announced the 2010 New York Football Challenge to be hosted at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, as posted on their website. I'm looking forward to seeing some great fooball:

Red Bull New York and the World Series of Football announced today that English Premiership giants Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur will participate with the New York Red Bulls in the 2010 New York Football Challenge that will take place from July 22-25 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon is tentatively slated as the fourth team in the tournament. Ticket and scheduling information will be announced at a later date.

Mets Winning Streak Ends at Two as Cubs Defeated Mets 9-3 at Citi Field Wednesday

The New York Mets bullpen and lack of run support did them in last night at Citi Field. I will post more later.

Carlos Beltran Has Not Been Cleared to Return to Baseball Activities – Meaning He’s not Even Running

Carlos Beltran had a follow-up appointment with the doctor who performed the surgery on his knee (a clean-up job) yesterday and has not been cleared to return to “baseball activities” yet. This is a complete joke at this point and a shame as he could really help the team. I wonder if he’ll even play for the Mets this year.

Mike Pelfrey Brilliant Again as Mets Shutout Cubs 4-0 at Citi Field Tuesday

The New York Mets shutout the Chicago Cubs last night 4-0 at Citi Field as Mike Pelfrey earned his 3rd win of the season and had great stuff. Big Pelf gave up no earned runs, 3 hits, with only 3 walks and 6 strikeouts in 7.0 innings. His ERA has been lowered to 0.86. Igarashi and Nieve pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Francisco Rodriguez pitched a scoreless 9th inning in a non-save situation. Igarashi pulled a hamstring playing a bunt and will get an MRI today to see how bad the damage is. Jose Reyes was back in the lineup and had a terrific game at the plate going 4-for-5 (triple) with 2 RBIs. Reyes looked like the Reyes of old hitting that triple in the gap. Fernando Tatis hit a 2-run pinch hit home run in the 8th inning to add the Met lead. Henry Blanco had catching duties and went 1-for-3 with 1 walk at the plate. One of the worst things a pitcher can is issue a walk to the opposing pitcher. Big Pelf helped his cause with a key walk in the 2nd inning ahead of Reyes’ triple and scored a key run. The Mets continue their series against the Cubs tonight at Citi Field.

Red Bulls Playing Juventus FC in Friendly Match on Sunday, May 23rd at Red Bull Arena – Opportunity to See Red Bulls Play Top Italian Club and Among Best in World

From the Red Bulls via e-mail:

SECAUCUS, NJ (April 19, 2010) – Red Bull New York announced today that the New York Red Bulls will face renowned Italian club, Juventus FC, on Sunday, May 23rd at 1:00 PM ET at Red Bull Arena in an exhibition match. 

“Since opening Red Bull Arena, we have been committed to bringing in elite clubs from around the world to play in what we consider to be the best soccer-specific stadium in North America,” said Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover. “With its storied history and multiple championships, Juventus certainly fits in with this vision. They are a prestigious club with a tremendous following around the world and we are excited to host them at our brand new home.” 

Red Bulls Full Season Ticket Holders have an exclusive pre-sale window to purchase their own seat locations at face value for the match from Tuesday, April 20th at 11:00 AM until Wednesday, April 21st at 12:00 PM. Beginning at 12:00 PM on April 21st, Full Season Ticket Holders can purchase unlimited additional seats in any available locations.  

All current Four and Eight-Game Plan Holders will also be able to purchase seats during a pre-sale beginning on Thursday, April 22nd at 10:00 AM prior to the general public sale which begins at 3:00 PM the same day. Fans can purchase tickets, which start at $30 apiece plus a $3 per ticket fee, by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER.

Juventus, based in Turin, Italy, is one of Europe’s most successful clubs. Known for their trademark black and white striped jersey and massive supporter following, Juventus has competed in seven UEFA Champions League finals (winning two), taken home three UEFA Cups, and captured the Italian Serie A title a record 27 times.

Mets Defeated Cubs Soundly 6-1 as Ike Davis is Welcomed to Citi Field and Does Not Disappoint Monday

The New York Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs last night 6-1 at Citi Field in a very solid outing for starting pitcher Jon Niese who unfortunately did not get the win. Niese gave up no earned runs (1 run unearned on Alex Cora throwing error), 8 hits, with 3 walks and 7 strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Nieve and Mejia combined to pitch 3.1 scoreless innings in relief. Alex Cora started at shortstop for the sitting Jose Reyes but Reyes did come into the game later as pinch hitter and stayed in the game at shortstop. Reyes is batting only .150 and his rust as his bat appears to be slow and he cannot catch up to fast balls that he normally handles well. Ike Davis did not disappoint in his Major League debut going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Angel Pagan led off and started in centerfield, going 1-for-4 with a 2 run home run, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Pagan is hitting just under .300 and has 6 RBIs on the year. He needs to play in centerfield every day. Davis received a standing ovation from the home crowd. What made the night complete was seeing the Mets score runs. Their series with the Cubs continues tonight at Citi Field.

Somerset Patriots Champions Parade on Tuesday, April 20th

The five-time Atlantic League champion Somerset Patriots will have their Champions Parade down Main Street in Somerville tomorrow at 6:00 PM. My Wife and I have supported the team by making this our third year with the Saturday Mini-Plan tickets. We have seats next to friends which makes it an even better time at the ballpark. We were looking to root for a local independent baseball team in 2007 and chose Somerset over Newark. The Patriots have won back-to-back championships.