Odds and Ends: What-have-you-done-for-me-lately

Top Nationals decision-makers discuss the signing of Paul LoDuca earlier this year.

So here I am watching the live feed of the Mets unveiling of the Robinson Rotunda at the new Citifield. The Mets are celebrating Jackie Robinson Day by having the media toss softball questions at Mrs. Robinson and the Mets brass. The Mets are clearly doing the right thing with their continued symbolic and financial support of Robinson's legacy. But I'm still waiting for the explanation of how the legacy of the talented trailblazer and champion of social opportunity informs and inspires the Mets craven plan to reduce seating from Shea to Citi by 10,000, making it nearly impossible for any non-rich fan to enjoy the Mets in person in any regular capacity.

***
Tonight, Big Pelf can hopefully build on his inefficient but decent outing last Wednesday against the Phillies. Viewed through a Church and Schneider vs. Lastings and Red Ass lens, I think the later have more to prove, so I am hoping Pelf really brings his A game. LoDuca is not bitter at all, but still. Let's face it, the Mets need a series win here to get them headed in a better direction.

***
David Wright, appearing on the Late Show (after some windbag actor told some meandering, self-indulgent "stories" that even other pompous thespians probably don't give a damn about), showed that he can clearly hit elderly talk show host pitching. Letterman's attempts to move Wright off the plate by coming inside and plunking the clean cut third baseman were unsuccessful. The producers of the Letterman show, notably, did not plan an exhibition where Wright fielded and threw to Letterman at first. During the interview, Wright addressed the team's current malaise, his throwing yips, and noted his penchant for enjoying crowd violence during the games, even during a momentous collapse such as the one we saw last season.

***
No big surprise here, but the Mets announced Pedro's return will be more of a May/June thing. Which to me means count on July. The worst April Fool's joke played on the Mets in recent memory, Pedro's injury can now move safely into the realm of "the best trade the Mets don't have to make at mid-season" speculation/rationalization.

***
For some timely reviews of the evil broadcast schemes of "Bud Selig and his new media henchmen" that are more measured than you'll find in this space, check out Umpbump.com's review of Mlb.tv where you can read of all the innovations MLB is using the money they save on customer service for, and TheBizofBaseball.com for a discussion of how "every game is available" is a big fat lie when it comes to so-called "Extra Innings" cable and dish packages and blackout madness. The later article quotes Selig, sounding as out of touch as an 80's Republican president when confronted with a bar scanner at the supermarket:

"I hear more about people who can't get the game," Selig said, "and, yes, I've already told our people we have to do something about it."

Fans can be forgiven for suspecting that what Selig told his people was "keep up the good work." Unfortunately, these posts don't spend a lot of time on my gripe, that MLB sold Faux Networks the good stuff so out of market Saturday's for Metsfans around the country are baseball-less misery. In any event, there is plenty there making baseball fans around the country burn with anger, while Selig fiddles.

***
Joe Torre comments on Andruwu Jwunes suckiness.