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Winning Streak

Four in a row against division rivals. That’s what champions do. Last I checked, throwing elbows and trying to draw penalties is a soccer move, not a baseball one. No one’s surprised that Victorino is a punk though. I echo the sentiments around the other blogs that say, “Drill Him.” Or better yet, just drill Utley. He hangs out over the plate enough that you could probably bean him and not even draw a warning, although drawing a warning gives you a leg up when they try to retaliate. Of course, I’m not sure the Phillies have a pitcher with enough control to hit a batter.

Now the team has to stave off a letdown, and play three against the Pirates. After that, three more against the division rival Braves before the west coast trip that has them with a layover in Boston on the way home. It’ll be a tough two weeks, but it’s time for the Mets to rise to the top. No more wallowing around .500, dropping below, bouncing back, etc etc. I’m not suggesting they need to win six here for a 10 game winning streak, but you’d like to see at least four of six.

I caught the game from the Pepsi Porch last night for the first time, and despite initial reservations about the area, I love it. I was in row six, just in foul territory, but it felt so close. Do to the porch nature, the right fielder was semi-obstructed, but the only thing I missed was Ryan Howard’s home run, and I didn’t need to see that. Besides, I could see four different televisions on the Excelsior level to my left, and was able to watch replays and note that Keith was roaming the park. This is also how I figured out it was a bogus obstruction call they were fighting about, because watching the play unfold I didn’t notice it. The only thing about the Porch is that it’s a small one-way exit, and if you want to head to the Center Field Taste of the City food court, you have to walk out of your way. They really could use a staircase straight down, but those are Mets offices and I guess they don’t have a Porch access stairwell.

I had the elote corn, which was delicious, as well as the tacos that Matt Cerrone, among others, always seem to be ranting about. They were also excellent. I had another Brooklyn Sabroso Ale, and came back to have a Goose Island India Pale Ale, even if it’s a Chicago beer. I feel like they should not sell those when the Cubs are in town, but that’s silly.

From 041609_Padres

Good game, good atmosphere at the park, good winning streak, good feelings. Let’s Go Mets!

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Game 3: Padres at Citi Field

Good Place to Watch a Game

From 041609_Padres

The energy of Citi Field was amazing. Even for this cold lackluster game in April. The game sucked. I thought we were finally going to get that blow out, getting three on Peavy early and I figured we’d chase him early and then beat up on the bullpen. It didn’t work out, and the fan down the line that interfered with the ball may have cost them the game. Continue reading “Game 3: Padres at Citi Field”

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More From Citi Field

Citi Field is still very much a work in progress. They’ve already changed the green to black around the Apple, for batter’s eye reasons. I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far, and I can’t wait to get there when it counts. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that went wrong, or that don’t seem quite right. I’m not going to whine and cry and count Mets banners and complain when it doesn’t meet my internalized quota, but I’ll point out my observations from my second trip. (Read about my first trip)

 

From Citifield

While some people working their did seem friendlier, I did nearly get into a fight with the woman checking tickets at the Caesar’s club door. Stupidly of me, I let my hat blow off my head from the Promenade, and it landed one level down. I raced down the stairs to try to retrieve it, basically begged this woman to let me just grab my hat, and all she could do was utter variations of ‘No, go upstairs’. Eventually someone tossed the hat down the the field level, where the ushers were actually helpful.

 

Look! a Bottlecap!
From Citifield

Since the concourses are set back under the seats Cow-Bell Man’s normal style of walking around the stadium would keep him away from the action and mostly unheard.

 

I had to sign for my $23 purchase at Box Frites. At least the line moved, and they’re slowly learning how to swipe, fill up sodas, find the buttons on the register and move a line.

 

The Promenade Club is too low down/embedded into the stands, so that the rows of seats just in front of it actually blocks the view of home plate from inside. I don’t know if there is anything to be done about it though.

 

The Mets really should reconsider the contract with whatever escalator company they use.

From Citifield

There are more seats at Citi with small obstructions here and there. (Although none as bad as back rows of the Loge) I had to stand to see Wright make any catches along the dugout. It’s one of the drawbacks of not building huge dizzying grandstands and keeping fans closer to the field.

 

Some people expressed dislike for the black and orange walls and the green seats. I don’t think any choice would’ve made me unhappy here so I may be biased, but I kind of like that the Mets stadium is built on top of a Polo Grounds look, with a Ebbetts Field entrance. It’s certainly not any of those parks in any way, and it is where we came from. Especially the Polo Grounds. The line? I’m curious how it will play out. It might just work.

 

I’m suspecting ceremony the 13th, when I’m not there, with putting the flags up.

 

From Citifield

Blanche de Queens, one of the exclusive Citi Field beers out in the Taste of New York center field concourse, is excellent. As it’s name suggests, it’s kind of a white ale, similar to a Blue Moon. It was a full-bodied beer with plenty of flavor, while still being light and smooth. It was by far the best beer I’ve ever had at a sporting event. I can’t wait to try the Brooklyn Sabroso Ale next time. I tip my hat to Garrett Oliver and Brooklyn Brewery.

From Citifield