Recapping a Day at Citi

Hey all. Spent today at Citi Field with my internship. Got the opportunity to sit in the press box for the whole game then go down to the clubhouse afterward. It was a pretty cool experience. The game was a stinker for the Mets, who lost 7-3 to the Marlins. However, they did have Tim Redding start as well as a AAA line-up (minus Carlos Beltran, who left with a Stomach Virus). Here are some thoughts from my experience:

*The press box at Citi Field is much bigger, cleaner, nicer, and media-friendly. There is more than enough space for the media, even in NY, and enough game notes, media guides, and other info. for everyone. I had a front row seat and had a tremendous view of the field. Windows open to get a sense of the crowd, and there are even people in the seats right in front of the press box who were friendly and greeted you. Nice to see this change.

*The Mets clubhouse is gorgeous. I liked the old one, and even thought it was a little roomier over at Shea. However, the lockers were very big, and there was plenty of space for the players.

*This was my second trip to Citi Field, and I really do like this ballpark. Today, the place was packed and had a good, energetic crowd with a lot of families in attendance. The sightlines are great, the scoreboards are easy to see and informative, the food is delicious, and there is a good variety, and it's just a great place to go watch a ballgame.

*My thoughts on the teams themselves: The Mets are very banged up and won't last all season if they keep getting injured. Everyone from Delgado to Reyes to Beltran all have some sort of ailment. However, they do have fight in them and won't go down easy it seems. The Marlins need pitching to be consistent, but they have the tools to begin being successful. The middle of their line-up is very strong (Hanley Ramirez, Jeremy Hermida, Jorge Cantu, and Dan Uggla). A few more additions to solidify their rotation would make them a playoff contender.

I'll be back to live-blog during the Yankee game again tonight. Probably won't have updates every half-inning, but will chip in with thoughts throughout.

Manny a Met? Why Not? (UPDATED)

Since not much is going on in the New York sports world today, I figured I'd focus on talks surrounding Manny Ramirez becoming a New York Met...or lack thereof.

According to Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon, GM Omar Minaya hasn't even brought up the idea of signing the free agent left fielder. My question is: WHY NOT?

The Mets are in need of a power hitter in their line-up, especially as they move into the hitter-friendly Citi Field. Not to mention, the team needs another outfielder and one that can stay healthy after the few disastrous seasons with injury-riddled Moises Alou. In addition, players such as David Wright have said that they would be happy with Manny in the clubhouse.

Of course, Ramirez brings with him all the "Manny Being Manny" antics that have made him infamous over his career. The Red Sox wanted him away from their clubhouse and made sure it happened. However, Manny played great in the National League for the Dodgers, and could likely do the same with the Mets despite playing in a significantly tougher division.

If the Mets are smart, adding another big-name guy like Manny Ramirez, who consistently posts great numbers, will not only bring an added buzz to the "other" New York team but will also fortify a line-up that is not as scary as it once was and help support a rotation that was not as stellar as it once was.
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UPDATE: The Mets have made a signing. No, it wasn't Manny. The team agreed on a minor league contract with Pitcher Freddy Garcia. He will compete for a rotation spot with the team as expected. The Yankees were among the other finalists for the veteran, who had shoulder surgery in 2007. A fine signing for the Mets if he can return to be the 17-game winner he was in 2006 with the White Sox.