The Mets are a team right now that are at the cusp of a turn around but they are also battling a controversy, another controversy, yet another controversy and finally another controversy. They have received three straight games of good starting pitching and they also have a lineup that might be heating up. However, just in case they need it, they have something to bond over.
Their (—-ing) home record is out of this world (14-8), and they're
losing on the road (4-8). Sometimes that's a good indicator of getting
signs and (crap). I'm not accusing them, but you look at that and –
damn. We're about the same home and road. I'm just saying their record
is much better at home and they hit better.” -Charlie Manuel
Do you remember that? It wasn't too long ago fellows. As pointed out by Metstradamus today (where I have copied the entire quote above from), this is something that cannot stand. Metstradamus says that retaliation has to happen, and I agree. He cites the whole incident in 2007 with Reyes' one finger in the air, and how the Phillies used that as bullitan board material. He talks about how this must be a bigger deal than that. Once again, I agree.
Look it has been said many times this season that Baseball needs the Mets to be good so that this rivalry means something. Well thanks to Charlie, the Mets do not need to be good for this rivalry to mean something.
(If you thing Strawberry came on strong about the Mets being in last place and how they are better than that, then well this is going to appear a lot stronger)
Mets players, Charlie here has gone beyond just normal teasing and playing that goes on between teams. He has called you out, NOT rightfully so, as cheaters. Thats right, he is challenging your integrity of playing this game. Why? Because his team was basically CAUGHT cheating. Instead of claiming innocence, or accepting, he has deflected that to you, the New York Mets, because you guys win games at home. There is no evidence of you cheating. So what are you going to do about it? This is the time to make a stand against the Phillies and well, their cheating ways. Play with grit tonight, tomorrow, and the next day and show them that you play the game justly and you play it with justice. Beat the Phillies. Not just because they are in first place, not just because they are divisional and geographical rivals but because they have challenged your respect for the game of baseball and your character as individuals.
Side Note: Please check out the article at Metstradamus. He talks about this issue to, and the importance of retaliating for the words that Charlie spewed.
