You Can Own a Mets 1986 Autographed Team Jersey but be Prepared to Spend Some Money

If you’ve recently hit the Lottery or are independently wealthy you can buy a New York Mets 1986 Autographed Majestic Cooperstown Collection Team Signed Jersey and Mahogany Jersey Display Case. Now the only catch is the jersey will run you $989.99 and the display case $249.99, so all in you’re looking at a whopping $1,239.98, and that doesn’t include tax and shipping! I LOVED that team and the tenacity they played with every game but even if I could afford it it’d be tough to spend that kind of money. I’d rather meet them at a fantasy event in Spring Training or something like that. By the way the Cooperstown Collection are nice jerseys that look just like the originals but I’d rather have an Authentic jersey from that season versus a late model replica.

Rumor Has it that New York Red Bulls Looking to Sign Thierry Henry After World Cup - The Most Hated Man in Ireland & Perfecter of the "Professional Foul"

With MLS allowing teams to sign another designated player, rumor has it that the New York Red Bulls have been eyeing Thierry Henry to be their man. I've asked two of my Irish friends who are huge soccer fans for the best way to describe Henry and they offered the following:

The Most Hated Man in Ireland

Perfecter of the "Professional Foul"

Henry admitted to a handball that led to the deciding goal that knocked Ireland out of the 2010 World Cup during their qualifying match last November. He later said that the match should be replayed, knowing damn well that would not happen. Henry kept the ball in with his left hand, pushed it down to his foot so he could cross it to teammate William Gallas who scored the deciding goal.

"I will be honest, it was a handball. But I'm not the ref," Henry said. "I played it. The ref allowed it. That's a question you should ask him."

FIFA eliminated the possibility of France and Ireland playing a rematch. How the hell can I root for this guy? I also have strict instruction to boo him from my friend! Michael Lewis reported in bigapplesoccer.com that Henry may be headed to the Red Bulls:

MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- Red Bulls coach Hans Backe admitted he hadn't heard the latest rumors and reports concerning French international and Barcelona star striker Thierry Henry getting out of his contract with the Spanish First Division team to join the MLS club. But he hopes they are true.

"I hope, of course, the rumors are correct," Backe said with a smile after practice Tuesday. That would be nice. If you see Barca now, even if he is on the bench, they [don't] sub him.."

As for Henry's performance in South Africa next month, the Red Bulls coach doesn't wish the French striker a poor cup only "a medium, an average" one, so his club would be in the running to sign him.

Mets Get by Reds 5-4 at Great American Ball Park on Barajas’ 9th Inning Home Run Tuesday

The New York Mets won on Rob Barajas’ home run in the top of the 9th inning to take the game 5-4 from the Cincinnati Reds. It was Barajas’ 7th home run of the year and 4th in his last 4 games. Met starting pitcher John Maine pitched very well giving up only 1 earned run, 4 hits, with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts in 6.0 innings. Mejia was solid in the 7th but Nieve blew the save by giving up back-to-back home runs in the 8th inning and getting the Reds back in the game with a 4-4 tie at that point. Felicano pitched the final out of the 8th and earned the win! Rodriguez came in the 9th and earned the save for the Mets. K-Rod’s ERA is a minuscule 0.71 and he now has 4 saves on the season. Jose Reyes had another 2-hit game and his batting average is slowing climbing. David Wright hit his 6th home run of the season. This is a very welcome sight as Wright hit only 10 homers in all of 2009. Jon Niese gets the matinee start for the Mets today and hopes to build upon his last great outing.

Escobar's Season is Over Before He Even Threw a Single Pitch - What a Joke!

The Mets signed Kelvim Escobar in the offseason with the expectation that he will fill the 8th inning setup role that J.J. Putz vacated with a guaranteed one-year $1.25 million deal. This guy should give the money back to a worthy cause as he came into Spring Training hurt already. This guy hasn't pitched since 2007 and the Mets gave him over a million dollars for the hell of it. He had "shoulder weakness" that apparently nobody thought to check out in advance and now he's having surgery tomorrow. Does anybody get kickbacks in the Met organization? What a joke!

Reds Defeated Mets 3-2 in 11 Innings with Walk Off Home Run in Perez’s Best Outing of Season Monday

The Cincinnati Reds took game this game over the New York Mets 3-2 in 11 innings with a walk off home run by Nix in the bottom of the 11th inning. Oliver Perez gave up 2 earned runs (1 HR), 6 hits, with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts in 6.0 innings in his best outing of the season. He left the game tied 2-2 and got the no decision. The Mets could not get the big hit the entire game and were only 2-for-10 with men in scoring position and left 7 on base. That’s simply not going to get it done and the Mets need to get back on track as they were during their recent home stand. Ike Davis struck out twice with runners on base in key situations and got visibly upset. Mejia, Nieve and Felicano were terrific allowing no earned runs for 4.0 innings. Unfortunately Acosta gave up the walk off homer in the 11th with 1 out. The Mets will look to bounce back tonight as they’re on a 3 game slide.

Monday, May 3rd Installment of What’s Up Jerry?

The Mets had a chance to extend their lead in the National League East heading into Philadelphia Friday night but came up short. Jon Niese was awesome but Mike Pelfrey and Johan Santana were not. Pelfrey has been so good and was due for a tough outing but I think his last rain shortened win bailed him out a bit. The Mets were 3-hit by Roy Halladay, among the best pitchers in baseball so that looked to be an uphill climb before the first pitch. It was Sundays game that I though we’d take and win the series. Jerry Manuel played the percentages and started Gary Matthews, Jr. and Fernando Tatis as their numbers against Phillie starter Jamie Moyer were very good over their career. I still would’ve played the hot hands in Angel Pagan and Ike Davis in center and 1st though. Manuel has to speak up about Santana. Unfortunately Santana’s speed is way down, about 5 MPH and that’s a lot in a fastball, from 94 to 89. Santana’s out pitch is his breaking ball and he’s not getting batters to miss with a decrease in fastball speed. A lot of batters are fouling off his pitches, therefore getting longer at-bats and creating higher pitch counts where Santana’s not getting into the 7th inning. That will continue to tax the bullpen as the season continues. They’re paying him a ton of money and I hope I’m wrong, but his best days may be behind him. He has four years left on his contact after this season. He’s a very smart pitcher and ultra competitive but the Mets missed their shot at the playoffs in 2008 in his first year in New York. Manuel has not said a word about Santana. I wish Jerry got somebody up in the bullpen last night after Johan walked the pitcher and gave a run to the Phillies with bases loaded. Santana’s surgeries the past few years may be an issue as well.

And Now a Word from Sidney (aka Cindy) Crosby

I wanted to say a few words about the excellent play by Sidney (aka Cindy) Crosby during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’s been leading the way for the Pittsburgh Penguins but I think he still plays, like, well, just see the video below from Eric1270. This was referring to the Series where the Penguins did win in the Finals against the Red Wings last year and Sidney (aka Cindy) was hemming and hawing to the refs per usual.

Mets Getting Clobbered by Phillies 11-5 Thus Far Tonight After 10-0 Drubbing Saturday in Philadelphia

The New York Mets are getting smoked by the Philadelphia Phillies 11-5 and the onslaught may be worsening. With Johan Santana starting for the Mets things looked up and I had high hopes for taking 2-of-3 from the Phillies and remaining in 1st place. Santana was chased after giving up 10 earned runs in 3.2 innings. The middle relief will have their hands full in trying to keep the Mets in the game. I will post more on the game later.

Red Bulls Shut Out D.C. United 2-0 at RFK Stadium Saturday

The New York Red Bulls took care of business again with a 2-0 shut out win over D.C. United. RFK Stadium hasn’t exactly been kind to the Red Bulls in the past and this win was huge for them and brought their record to 5-1 on the season. In the first half it was all D.C United with many scoring chances but Red Bull goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul played another solid game. The back four for the Red Bulls were getting beat early but turned it around late in the 1st and into the 2nd period. In the 9th minute captain Juan Pablo Angel just missed the right corner of the net on a terrific free kick by Joel Lindpere. Forward Simms of D.C. United had two excellent scoring chances in the 16th and 24th minute but Coundoul came up with big saves. As the 1st half was coming to a close Dane Richards was visibly upset after missing a through pass by Angel. Coundoul made another great save on Simms as the 2nd half began. In the 47th minute Salou scored his 2nd goal of the season as Angel passed to Richards along the right side, then Richards gave Salou a perfect cross. Salou muscled the ball into the right corner of the goal as he was being tackled and taken down by D.C. United’s Pena, Red Bulls up 1-0. In the 60th minute Angel made it Red Bulls 2-0 as he leapt into the air and headed from the top of the box a long Lindpere free kick. Tchani, who looked so good in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match last Tuesday came into the game in the 71st minute for an unhappy Salou. Two minutes later Borman substituted for Richards who was hurting from a tackle. One item of note was that Coundoul continued to give up the goal kicks to his defenders throughout the match. A great road win that hasn’t been so kind to the Red Bulls in the past.

Mets Blow Out Hated Phillies at Citizens Bank Ballpark in “City of Brotherly Love” Friday 9-1

The New York Mets won over the hated Philadelphia Phillies last night in a blow out 9-1 and made me exceedingly happy as I kept checking the score. Jon Niese was brilliant as the Met starting pitcher giving up only 1 earned run, 4 hits, with 1 walk and 7 strikeouts in 7.0 innings. Jenrry Mejia pitched a scoreless 8th and Manny Acosta came in to close out 9th. David Wright, Jeff Francoeur and Rob Barajas all hit homers in the game. In fact Barajas hit his 2nd home run off of Brad Lidge in the top of the 9th where it was Lidge’s first batter faced since coming back into the lineup for the Phillies. The difference in this game was that the Mets didn’t leave runners on the base and instead drove them in. The series continues today at Citizens Bank Park where Mike Pelfrey gets the start for the Mets and Roy Halladay the start for the Phillies in what promises to be an excellent pitchers’ duel. LET’S GO METS!

Patriots Snap Losing Streak with 3-1 Victory Over Bluefish as Championship Flag is Raised at TD Bank Ballpark Friday

The Somerset Patriots didn’t disappoint their hometown fans last night with a 3-1 win over the visiting Bridgeport Bluefish. My Wife and I were happy to be a part of the 8,052 fans. This set a new Opening Night attendance record for Somerset. The Championship rings were given out to the Patriot players then the flag was raised in left center field in the pregame ceremony. A nice rendition of God Bless America, the National Anthem and the game was on. It was a pitching duel between Patriot starter Mike Thompson and Bluefish Oseguera until the 6th inning. The game was scoreless tie until the bottom of the 6th. Matt Hagen and Joe Burke singled and Jason Belcher hit a rocket to right field to clear the bases and give the Patriots a 3-0 lead. Thompson gave one run back in the 7th inning to cut the lead to 3-1. For the Patriots Matt Reilly pitched a scoreless 8th and Ryan Houston a scoreless 9th and earned his first save of the season. A lot of the usual suspects were gone from the roster as many contracts were sold to Major League organizations. It was a great night at the ballpark. We are going again tonight for the 2nd game of the series against the Bluefish.

Red Bulls Host Revolution in Next Leg of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament on Wednesday, May 12th at 8:00 PM, Red Bull Arena

From the Red Bulls via e-mail:

Tickets Go on Sale Monday, May 3rd

Red Bulls Full Season Ticket Holders can take advantage of an exclusive pre-sale window to purchase their season ticket location(s) by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER on Monday, May 3rd from 10:00 AM through 2:00 PM.

Beginning on May 3rd at 2:00 PM, Season Ticket Holders and Partial Plan Holders can purchase any available seat location in the 100 Level.

Individual tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, May 4th at 3:00 PM.

Tickets are $15 each (plus a $3 per ticket service fee) and are all located in the 100 Level. Please note, Section 118 will not be available for purchase and will be held for visiting supporters.

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.