pete mele's blog

Farewell to Joe McEwing

The mets have released Joe McEwing, one of my favorite players. His stats last year weren't great but his attitude was impressive. He played every position for the Mets except catcher and pitcher. He was the last player on the Mets (besides Mike Piazza) who played in the 2000 World Series. So here we are with a fresh team... or not. Cliff Floyd still draws his paycheck. I guess I'm just bitter that the players with heart never succeed. Guys who love the game and play like Rickey Henderson (another former Met) and McEwing are getting let go left and right. And people with mild stardom, who give up when it gets tough, (Sorry Piazza, thats you) stay on way past their use. Maybe I'm just depressed by the steroid issue. The names being tossed around were my idols as a kid. I though Jose Canseco was built like house becuase he worked hard and was born that way. He and McGuire were a cornerstone of my favorite team, the 1988 A's. you know who else was on the 1988 A's? Rickey Henderson. I'd love to read his book. I walked by the Newark Bears stadium the other day and I was once again reminded of how Henderson played. He gave it everything. And compare that to McGuire who would answer congressional questions with a "I'm retired".

the one thing Canseco said in his book that I agree with is his disdain for the what he calls "the future of Baseball". He said players like Alex Rodriguiz, who play OK or Good ball on the field but deliver well thought out/rehearsed/diplomatic answers in the lockerroom interview, are the future of baseball and it disgusted him. And I gotta say that A-rod and Jeter have always turned my stomach. Nice and polished but no fire in their eyes.

So here's to you Joe McEwing! I noticed the thrill you felt on the field, even if the management is kicking you off. I hope someone else picks you up. You deserve a few more years in the spotlight before you slip off to coaching farm teams. No matter what happens thou- I'll remember you for the martyr you are, sacrificed for a new image of the Mets and maybe Baseball as a whole.

The Mets

I just heard that the mets have signed 119 Million deal with Carlos Beltran. If I was Mr. Beltran's insurance provider, I'd pull out now. While it truely hurts me to say it, I believe that Beltran will soon suffer (as so many Met players have) a crippling injury which will allow him to play 20-30 games with a .107 average. I wish it wasn't so, but considering how much money has been spent and his decent track record with the Astros, Carlos will not be able to brign the Mets the vitality and strength in the infield and mid battign order that they need. He'll sprain a wrist or a knee or a back and sit out most of the season collecting money, spending many a romantic evening in a hotel sipping my crushed dreams with a straw.

Of course, MAYBE, he'll energize a team that has all the skill, just none of the will to win, and set the Amazings back on track. But I'm not very confident.