Mets Sign Francisco Lindor to a HUGE Extension

There is something with this whole process of signing Lindor that feels like it was a dog and pony show. I can't put my finger on it. That being said, I am glad the Mets were able to get this done and this will make Opening Day at Citi Field a lot more pleasant for the fans and the players. It is a new era in Flushing for sure.

From SNY 

The Mets have agreed to a contract extension with Francisco Lindor.

The deal is worth approximately $340 million over 10 years, and there is a limited no trade clause and no opt-outs, according to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino.

Lindor, 27, had been set to hit free agency after the 2021 season, and had given a hard deadline of Opening Day for a deal to get done, reiterating recently that he would not negotiate during the season.

Read more here. 

 

There’s a tweet I really wanna send out but I gotta hold it back!! Lol might send it in 30 minutes though

— Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) April 1, 2021

 

The Mets have agreed to a 10-year, $341 million contract extension with Francisco Lindor https://t.co/tI9bdg7rFS pic.twitter.com/fLWhYDq7V3

— SNY (@SNYtv) April 1, 2021

 

This tweet makes me feel a certain way. Maybe I have been a wrestling fan way to long but does anyone else feel like that they have been worked?

You’re welcome.

— Steven Cohen (@stevanacohen2) April 1, 2021

 

Can confirm the deferral structure @Joelsherman1 reported. Lindor will get a $21M signing bonus and a $32M annual salary, with $5M of that salary deferred until 2032-2041.

For a FL resident like Lindor, the bonus and deferrals won't be subject to income tax.

— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) April 1, 2021

Rules to get into Citi Field.

 

Pete Alonso Flex Plush 5/22 and 6/9.

 

DR. KATHRYN McELHENY NAMED METS HEAD TEAM PHYSICIAN

 

DR. KATHRYN McELHENY NAMED METS HEAD TEAM PHYSICIAN

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 30, 2021 – The New York Mets today announced that Dr. Kathryn McElheny has been promoted to Head Team Physician. Dr. David Altchek will continue in his role as the team’s Medical Director. 

 

As Head Team Physician, McElheny will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Mets medical department. She has served as the Mets’ Non-Operative Medical Director for the past two years. McElheny will succeed Dr. Struan Coleman. Dr. Coleman will be relocating to Washington, D.C., where his wife is a member of the Biden administration. He will continue to serve as a consultant with our entire Mets medical team.

 

“We are excited to have Dr. Kat McElheny take on a more senior role on our medical staff,” said Mets’ President Sandy Alderson. “Her experience in medicine and with the Mets will be an integral part of keeping our players in peak physical condition. I would also like to thank Dr. Struan Coleman for his fifteen years of extraordinary service with the Mets and look forward to continued collaboration.”

 

Dr. McElheny is dual board certified in Pediatrics and Sports Medicine and is a member of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Service at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. She received Sports Medicine fellowship training at Hospital for Special Surgery where she served as a fellow team physician for the New York Giants and New York Mets.

 

Dr. McElheny graduated with honors from Emory University in 2009 where she was a member of the track and cross country team. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago where she was voted a member of the AOA national honor medical society. She completed her residency training at Weill Cornell/New York Presbyterian Medical Center in New York where she was Chief Resident.

 

Dr. McElheny has authored or co-authored multiple scientific papers, with ongoing research projects largely concentrated in baseball injury prevention at both the youth and professional level.

@QBConvention Presents: Catching Feelings- A Baseball Show Hosted by John Saponaro

 Super happy to announce that I am teaming up with the folks at the Queens Baseball Convention

to host a New York Metscentric streaming show called ‘Catching Feelings’!

•I’ll be going live before & after every series with Mets fans, fans of other teams, comedians, athletes, host personalities & all kinds of other special guests!

•It’ll stream live on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, and once the live stream ends, episodes will land on YouTube.

•First episode is going live at 8pm eastern / 5pm pacific on Wednesday 3/31!

•Hope you’ll tune in!

Facebook

twitter

YouTube Channel

Instagram

If you missed the Mets Steve Cohen Q&A here ya go.

 

I've learned when to give up fighting for what is best for the team. Not worth it to get worked up over anymore. I however will not giving up fighting for fellow fans as a fan advocate. If some fans want the black jersey a few times this season fine. I am not going to let it consume me. But all you folks realize what you wished for though. If the Mets win the World Series this year while having black jerseys on, you will make @Metspolice stick around blogging. Who wants that?

Who blinks? Mets or Lindor?

 

First I am going to say this is strange to see the Mets in a position of offering 1/3 of a billion dollars to a player. If the Wilpons still owned the team Lindor probably wouldn’t have been traded for and they definitely wouldn’t be talking about a contract anywhere near this size. Steve Cohen has the money to sign Lindor and this is the time that Cohen can pretend he is the GM/Owner of the Mets in MLB the Show. You know what I mean. You turn off the block trades by the computer and take off any financial restrictions and just get whoever you want.

Here’s the problem. Lindor and his people know that Cohen can do that if he wants to. So they are going to ask for the stars. He’s still young enough that a 10 year deal isn’t bad for this type of player and by the time they get to the tenth year, the universal DH will surely be around. 

Did the Mets back themselves into a corner by saying this is the final and beat off they are giving out? Maybe. Or maybe they should structure the contract where the first three years are lower, mid three years jump to a higher per year salary number, and then last four years drop down again? I don’t even know if a team is allowed to do that with the CBA(btw which a new CBA is coming).

Will Lindor play the whole year without a contract? Will he do well and the Mets have to pay a bigger price if they want to keep him? What other teams(who have all lost money because of last season) would be able to afford the package Lindor wants?

I wonder if they agree at $350 million. I don’t know. I’m not getting worked up over it. I just want to enjoy baseball.

Mike Piazza to have bigger role with the Mets

                                                         Artwork by @dave_Majo
 

Mike Piazza coming back into the fold with the Mets and having a role with the team as an ambassador is pretty cool. The Mets for a very long time were riding on the nostalgia factor of 1986 and it is about time that they start bringing in some other guys. Don't get me wrong. The '69,'73, and '86 teams earned there due and still should be celebrated but how many times can you keep bringing in the same guys without freshening up the crew that shows up to events/games. This makes me wonder what were the terms of the Mike Piazza True Vodka sponsorship terms were.

From the NY POST

As Francisco Lindor and the Mets discuss a contract extension, the All-Star shortstop had dinner with team owner Steve Cohen on Saturday, an industry source confirmed. Cohen joked about the dinner on Twitter, saying “the ravioli wasn’t very good” and offering that Lindor ordered chicken parm.

It’s perhaps the latest reason for optimism that Lindor and the Mets will finalize a deal before the player’s imposed Opening Day deadline. Lindor has said he will end contract negotiations with the Mets and head to free agency after the season if he doesn’t receive an extension by Thursday.

He is so outspoken, his personality — he lights up the room when he comes in,” said manager Luis Rojas, who joked he was angry with Piazza because the Mets won with him in the dugout earlier in the week and he then spent his following visit watching from Cohen’s suite. “He’s a great presence to have, both from the catching end and talking about sequences and the catching game and all that and talking about hitting. Definitely a great asset to have around. It was really cool that he was among us for a few days.”

Read more here. 

METS ROSTER MOVES

 FLUSHING, N.Y., March 28, 2021 – The New York Mets announced today that LHP Jerry Blevins, RHP Jerad Eickhoff, catcher Caleb Joseph, infielder José Peraza, outfielder Mallex Smith and RHP Arodys Vizcaíno have been notified that they will not be on the Opening Day roster. Additionally, LHP Stephen Tarpley has been optioned to the Triple-A roster.

 

The Mets now have 32 players in major league camp.

@Mets dump paper tickets. Digital tickets are only way to get in.

All tickets for the 2021 season will be 𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 via the MLB Ballpark app. There will be no more print-at-home and paper tickets. Download the MLB Ballpark app in advance 👉 https://atmlb.com/3wgQE7w

Posted by New York Mets on Sunday, March 28, 2021

 

The Mets have been wanting to do this for years. They have been phasing out printed tickets for a while now and it sucks. There are a lot of folks who don't have smart phones that go to games. There are folks believe it or not who still have flip phones. What about them? It's taken me years to teach my Dad how to use an iPhone. What if your phone dies during a game and you need to get back to your seats? How do you prove where you seats are then? Also what happens if MLBs app gets hacked or just goes down? I get what they are trying to do but its not that great of an idea.

The Media Goon Show Ep 4: The Return of (John) Saponaro and he has an announcement

 

John Saponaro is back and he has an announcement about his new Metscentric show on the QBC Channel. Is there a name for the Untitled John Saponaro Mets Project yet? Also Media Goon premieres his first and only time he did stand up. John who is a professional comic comments on it. John and Goon talk the film biz, the MCU, and some of the DCEU.

The Media Goon Show Ep 4 tonight at 8pm

 

New “cover art”, who dis? 

Tonight at 8pm EST we will be joined by John Saponaro for a big announcement. Check us out on our QBC YouTube channel. Click here toSubscribe and watch the QBC channel

Mercury Mets Hats dropping from @the7line today.

After years of me bugging Darren it finally happened.

The year was 1999, and the Mets "Turn Ahead The Clock" promotion brought them to Mercury on July 27th of that summer. To honor the occasion the team wore Mercury Mets caps and jerseys for the night. They were supposed to be taking a trip in the future to 2021. Well, here we are. JUST 72 FITTED CAPS DROP ON FRIDAY AT 10AM! Pick it up here.

 

The year was 1999, and the Mets "Turn Ahead The Clock" promotion brought them to Mercury on July 27th of that summer. To...

Posted by The 7 Line on Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Please donate to volunteer FF Lloyd's gofundme.

FF Lloyd was not only a hero, but also a lifelong @Mets fan who leaves behind two young children. If you are in a position to donate, please do. Shares and RT's are greatly appreciated as well. CC: @StevenACohen2, @STR0 , @The7Line, https://t.co/sCjCwO8pq4

— Colin (@ColinJay23) March 24, 2021

On March 23rd 2021 Spring Valley Firefighter Jared Lloyd made the ultimate sacrifice while operating at a devastating nursing home fire. Firefighter Lloyd rescued multiple residents at the fire. He was a 15 year member of the Columbian Engine Company, and dedicated his life to the community and his family. 

As well as being a dedicated firefighter, Jared was a dedicated father to his two sons. All funds raised will go directly to his family and will be used for his sons future. 

This is the only officially  sanctioned Columbian Engine Company  fundraiser for the family.  

One of my buddies I work with is a volunteer firefighter up there and knows the family and he told me about how much FF Floyd loved his sons. If you  can help this family out please do.

Mets Roster Moves 3/24/21

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 24, 2021 – The New York Mets announced today that RHP Corey Oswalt, catcher Bruce Maxwell and infielder Brandon Drury have been reassigned. In addition, RHP Jordan Yamamoto has been optioned to the Triple-A roster. 

 

The Mets now have 40 players in major league camp.

 

@BKCyclones Pete Alonso "Wrestling" Buddy Giveaway

 

This is a pretty cool/fun giveaway.

Ready for another 2021 giveaway?

Whatcha gonna do, when Pete-amania comes to Brooklyn and runs wild on you...brother! pic.twitter.com/Wk0PsUSBMP

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) March 24, 2021

@Themediagoonshw will have an announcement Saturday Night

 

I had a really cool production meeting last night with my buddy John Saponaro and we will have an announcement on The Media Goon Show on Saturday Night around 8pm EST.

@The7Line making Mercury Mets caps

 

After years of me busting Darren's chops to make these, after me making my own "versions' of these, finally he is making the caps. FINALLY!!!!!

MSG adds Covid Rapid Testing partnership to help fans get into games.

I wonder if the Mets/Citi Field is going to do something like this to help move things along. I just hope the lines aren’t like the ones for bobble heads.

Need to see more you can click this link https://www.msg.com/covid-19-testing-information?cmp=eml_rangers_ONS_210322_2422951.

Some of the Citi Field Clubs have new names.

 

Photo Credit Anthony Furia

Looks like a couple of the Sponsors have been replaced in the clubs at Citi Field. The Foxwoods Club now is the Piazza Club by True Premium Vodka. First Data Club is now named after the company that bought First Data and The Porsche Grille is now just the Metropolitan Grille. Thanks to Furia for brining this to my attention.

CLUBS/RESTAURANTS

Citi Field features six clubs located throughout the ballpark. Each club is an air-conditioned space featuring high-definition televisions, full bars, and premium concessions. Guests wishing to enter a Citi Field club or restaurant must be in possession of a ticket that provides access to that area. Each ticket identifies the clubs to which the ticket holder has access. Guests holding press passes or credentials may not enter clubs or restaurants unless accompanied by Mets Front Office staff. Club descriptions are listed below. 

Clover Home Plate Club

(Formerly First Data Club)

Located on the Plaza Level and exclusive to Clover Platinum and Gold seat holders (sections 11-19, rows 1-8), the Clover Home Plate Club provides guests with complimentary soft drinks, coffee, a wide variety of small bites and snacks, as well as private restrooms and a full bar available for purchase. Clover Home Plate Club guests are also able to scan their ticket for all-inclusive food and nonalcoholic beverages at all concession stands around Citi Field. This all-inclusive element does not apply to the Metropolitan Grille Presented by Myriad Restaurant Group, Pat LaFrieda's Chop House restaurant in the Delta Club, or access to the Hyundai Club.

Delta Sky360° Club

The Delta Sky360˚ Club is located directly behind home plate on the Sterling Level. The club features a casual, market-style dining area, two full-sized bars, bar food service on the Delta 3rd base side and a full-service restaurant, Pat LaFrieda's Chop House. Reservations for Pat LaFrieda's Chop House can be made at (718) 595-8102.

Hyundai Club - First Base and Third Base

Located behind home plate on the Field Level, the Hyundai Club features complimentary food and soft drinks as well as two full bars, alcohol available for purchase, and private restrooms to all guests with Hyundai Club tickets.

Metropolitan Grille Presented by Myriad Restaurant Group

(Formerly The Porsche Grille)

Located just beyond section 333 on the Excelsior Level, the Metropolitan Grille is a four-tiered restaurant with views of the playing field, Manhattan skyline, and the World's Fair Marina. The club features a bar and fine-dining restaurant inspired by Drew Nieporent, winner of the James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur award and his world renowned Myriad Group of Tribeca Grill, Nobu and Batard fame. Reservations are recommended and can be made at (718) 565-4333.

Piazza 31 Club Presented by True Premium Vodka

(Formerly The Foxwoods Club)

Located behind home plate on the Excelsior Level, the Piazza 31 Club presented by True Premium Vodka features a full bar and multiple food offerings including gourmet hot dogs, pizza and other ballpark favorites. The Piazza 31 Club presented by True Premium Vodka does not provide a view of the field, but does feature over 20 high-definition televisions so that guests may see the game.

Jim Beam Highball Club

Located behind home plate on the Promenade Level, the Jim Beam Highball Club offers two full bars and a variety of food options including Murray's Cheese Bar, Emma's Torch, Pig Beach, Dulcinea, Tipsy Scoop and more. Guests can order at the counter then bring back to tables to enjoy with views of the field.

The Media Goon Show Ep3: Roger Clark

 

NY1's Roger Clark joins Media Goon and Dave talking about Mets, Staten Island, Beer Tans, and playing drums. Ever wonder about your fave reporter from NY1 and wanted to find out what makes him tick? Now is your chance.

CHRIS CHRISTIE, JEANNE MELINO JOIN METS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

CHRIS CHRISTIE, JEANNE MELINO JOIN METS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 19, 2021 – Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Jeanne Melino will join the Mets’ Board of Directors, effective immediately. Jeanne Melino will also be joining the Mets as Senior Vice President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation and will be overseeing community engagement and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for the team.

 

“Chris and Jeanne are friends and trusted advisers with decades of leadership experience,” Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said. “I welcome them both to the Board and I look forward to working with them on behalf of our fans, our community and the team.”

 

They will join Steve, Chairman Emeritus Fred Wilpon and Mets Vice Chairman Andrew Cohen on the Board.

 

Quote from Governor Christie: 

"I am honored to be named to the Mets Board of Directors. Steve and Alex Cohen have been great friends to me and Mary Pat for years and we thank them for including me in this new challenge and opportunity. As a Mets fan for the last 53 years, I am looking forward to helping Steve, Alex and the New York Mets organization bring a great experience to Mets fans and the community."

 

Quote from Jeanne Melino:

“I am so excited to join the Mets Board of Directors. I’m proud to join Alex Cohen and the growing league of women in senior positions in professional sports. Steve and Alex are committed to creating a culture that focuses on inclusivity and community engagement and I’m honored that they trust me to help implement that.”

 

Mets Press Release: METS ANNOUNCE RETURN OF FANS TO CITI FIELD

  

METS ANNOUNCE RETURN OF FANS TO CITI FIELD

Season to Open at 20% Capacity

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 18, 2021 – The New York Mets today announced that fans will be permitted to return to games at Citi Field beginning on Thursday, April 8 for the Mets’ home opener against the Miami Marlins at 1:10 p.m. In accordance with New York State government prescribed guidelines, Citi Field will initially operate at 20 percent of its full capacity (capped at 8,492 seats).

 

“We’re really excited about the season ahead and welcoming the best fans in baseball back – safely – to Citi Field,” Mets Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said. “We thank Governor Cuomo and the state’s Department of Health for their efforts in this significant step in New York’s recovery from COVID and look forward to continuing to work with them as capacity restrictions and testing requirements hopefully ease in the months ahead – to allow as many fans as possible to have a safe and great time with us.”

 

Seats will be sold in pod format in clusters ranging from one to six seats. Each location will be separated from other pods by at least six feet.  As a result of capacity limitation and/or cancelled games resulting from the pandemic, some ticket purchases may be impacted. In the event of an impacted ticket purchase, please refer to mets.com/2021updates. Mets season ticket holders and individuals holding tickets to impacted games will receive priority access in selecting a new, socially-distanced location or package for all home games operating under reduced capacity. Season ticket holders will receive an email next week with details about their seat relocation. 

 

All tickets will be delivered via mobile on the MLB Ballpark app. Print-at-home and paper tickets will no longer be made available.  

 

The safety of all in attendance at Citi Field is the Mets’ top priority.  The Mets are committed to keeping fans safe at Citi Field in 2021 and beyond and will shape their health and safety plan based on requirements from public health officials and Major League Baseball. These regulations will be in effect from the beginning of the home schedule on April 8 and are subject to change throughout the season. Below are some key aspects of the plan to keep fans safe at Citi Field in 2021: 

 

• Ballpark Entry: In order to enter Citi Field, ticketed guests will be responsible for obtaining and displaying proof of one of the following:
• Full vaccination, meaning both doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, or
• A negative test result from a PCR COVID-19 or Antigen test

 

• Physical Distancing: In addition to the six feet between seating pod locations, guests at Citi Field must always maintain at least six feet of distance from anyone not in their seating pod. Lines at gates, concession stands and restrooms will utilize floor markers to help guests maintain proper distance from one another. 

 

• Face Masks: All guests aged two (2) and oldermust wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times on ballpark property except when actively eating or drinking at their ticketed seats.

 

• Cleaning & Safety: All high-touch areas will be frequently cleaned and disinfected during games. Citi Field will be sanitized after the conclusion of each home game. Guests and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the ballpark for guest and staff use.

 

• Cashless Transactions/Mobile Ordering: To limit touchpoints, transactions at Citi Field will be cashless. Guests may only use credit/debit cards, mobile payment methods (Apple Pay and Google Pay), and Mets Gift Cards. Cash will not be accepted at parking lots, ticket windows, concession stands or retail stores. Reverse ATMs will be available both inside and outside of the ballpark for fans to convert cash to a prepaid debit card that can be used anywhere that major credit/debit cards are accepted. In addition, guests will be able to order food and beverages via their phones on the MLB Ballpark App for express pick up at designated concessions locations

Mets can have around 8000 fans in the stands. However....

Finally an answer to how many folks can come into a ballgame for now. Hope you were vaccinated already though.

From the NY Daily News

“We’re going to play ball, and we’re going to play ball with a crowd,” Cuomo said as he unveiled the latest rollback of COVID restrictions.

Professional sports in large outdoor stadiums can reopen at 20% capacity beginning April 1, meaning around 8,000 fans can attend Mets home games in Queens while about 10,000 can cheer on the Yankees in the Bronx. “We’re going to play ball, and we’re going to play ball with a crowd,” Cuomo said as he unveiled the latest rollback of COVID restrictions.

Professional sports in large outdoor stadiums can reopen at 20% capacity beginning April 1, meaning around 8,000 fans can attend Mets home games in Queens while about 10,000 can cheer on the Yankees in the Bronx.

Read more Here

My buddy is selling a Game Used Mets St Paddy’s Day jersey

 It’s at a great price. Email me at mediagoon@gmail.com  or message me on Twitter and I’ll put you in touch with him.

@BKCyclones twitter feed was funny last night.

Seems like I am on BK Cyclones kick today or is it because the Social Media person was knocking it out of the park last night.

 

What’s the New York-Penn League?

— Greenville Drive (@GreenvilleDrive) March 16, 2021

 

@BKCyclones giving away an Irish Cap this season.

 

It’s Shamrock Szn with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner. Here’s a look at the shamrock cap we will be giving away this season. Will you be (sham)rocking it? pic.twitter.com/Ou4gfNCWdh

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) March 10, 2021

Missed this the other days why not share it on St Paddy's Day. 

@BKCyclones with a cool giveaway cap

 

Ready for another giveaway for this summer? Here’s a look at our championship cap with the team photo under the bill. pic.twitter.com/SUJU4z5GP7

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) March 16, 2021

This is fun. 

March 13,2020 to March 13, 2021. What a year.

Make sure your #mask 😷 fits snugly on your face to help prevent getting and spreading #COVID19. Masks don’t work well if there are gaps between your mask & face. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets containing the virus leak in and out of the mask. https://t.co/rjQXPVTs5O. pic.twitter.com/GImjxpsW5I

— CDC (@CDCgov) March 13, 2021

 One year ago yesterday the film production world shut down, It was Friday the 13th and we were told it was only going to be for a three weeks. We were told to take our vehicles home with us and we will all be good to go when NYC reopens. We didn't. I had to move the vehicle back and forth on alternate sides for almost eight weeks until the production and rental companies realized we weren't going back anytime soon and came to pick up the rental. The uncertainty of when we were going back to work was there. The watching the news, the press updates everyday from the Mayor and the Governor, the death tolls, the amount of folks on respirators it was getting to be too much. The doom and gloom was there. Everyone was feeling the anxiety of this situation. My wife was sent home from work but still got paid. I dipped into my savings while being on unemployment. Seeing folks wipe out supermarkets for disinfectants and paper products was something out of movie. I was waiting for the zombies to start walking the Earth. 

As the months went on, watching the folks at 7 pm every night cheering on the First Responders and folks who were in the hospitals and family who were uncertain if their loved ones were going to come home. Seeing some businesses close down while other fought to keep their source of income and the income of the folks who worked for them was incredible. I couldn't believe what was going on.

The notion that there were going to be vaccines for Covid felt like a fantasy. Hearing that it would possibly take years for it to happen only for the pharmaceutical companies to start working on them in a few months and went through trials to get the out to the public in under a year amazes me. The ingenuity that this world has is amazing.

We were planning on bring The QBC to LI last September. That was out. But we did learn how to use Streamyard and have a virtual QBC. It wasn't the same as being with everyone but at least we were able to still do something.

NYC Film production started opening back up in July/August and we were able to go back to work with extensive Covid protocols. I get tested 2-3 times a week. Actors get tested more than that. The film business came back and ramped up quickly which helped out a lot fo the other businesses that we use. The restaurants are being able to come back to 50 percent capacity next week which feels like its way overdue. Maybe we are starting to get back to pre pandemic life even if it's very slow.

One year to the day the film business shut down, I was able to get my second dose of the vaccine which helped bring some relief to me considering I am type 2 diabetic and was worried about my health with Covid plus having that.

I am not writing this post to go, "HEY LOOK AT ME, I GOT VACCINATED!!!" I wrote this because I can't believe how crazy this year has been in my/our lives and I have been through some crazy shit over my life. Everyone keep staying safe. Keep strong. Keep looking out for each other, your family, and yourselves.

The Media Goon Show Ep2: @MarkCHealey of Gotham Baseball

 

We talk with Mark Healey, the author of Gotham Baseball- New York's All Time Team. Watch for my reaction about when Mark talks about getting mugged when he was younger.

MLB ANNOUNCES EXPERIMENTAL PLAYING RULES TO BE TESTED DURING 2021 MINOR LEAGUE SEASON

 MLB ANNOUNCES EXPERIMENTAL PLAYING RULES TO BE TESTED

DURING 2021 MINOR LEAGUE SEASON

Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today the testing of a variety of experimental playing rules at various levels of the Minor Leagues during the upcoming 2021 season. These experimental playing rules have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee. MLB will closely monitor and analyze the impact of each rule change throughout the 2021 season and report to Clubs on their effects for further analysis. Consistent with the preferences of our fans, the rule changes being tested are designed to increase action on the basepaths, create more balls in play, improve the pace and length of games, and reduce player injuries.

Below is a summary of the experimental rules that will be tested during the 2021 Minor League season, which will vary by level of play:

•   TRIPLE-A (LARGER BASES): To reduce player injuries and collisions, the size of first, second and third base will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. The Competition Committee also expects the shorter distances between bases created by increased size to have a modest impact on the success rate of stolen base attempts and the frequency with which a batter-runner reaches base on groundballs and bunt attempts.

•   DOUBLE-A (DEFENSIVE POSITIONING): The defensive team must have a minimum of four players on the infield, each of whom must have both feet completely in front of the outer boundary of the infield dirt. Depending on the preliminary results of this experimental rule change, MLB may require two infielders to be positioned entirely on each side of second base in the second half of the Double-A season. These restrictions on defensive positioning are intended to increase the batting average on balls in play.

•   HIGH-A (“STEP OFF” RULE): Pitchers are required to disengage the rubber prior to throwing to any base, with the penalty of a balk in the event the pitcher fails to comply. MLB implemented a similar rule in the second half of the Atlantic League season in 2019, which resulted in a significant increase in stolen base attempts and an improved success rate after adoption of the rule.

•   LOW-A (PICKOFF LIMITATION, PITCH TIMER, AND ABS):

o ALL LOW-A LEAGUES: Pitchers will be limited to a total of two “step offs” or “pickoffs” per plate appearance

while there is at least one runner on base. A pitcher may attempt a third step off or pickoff in the same plate appearance; however, if the runner safely returns to the occupied base, the result is a balk. Depending on the preliminary results of this experimental rule change, MLB will consider reducing the limitation to a single “step off” or “pickoff” per plate appearance with at least one runner on base.

o LOW-A SOUTHEAST: In addition to the limitations on step offs/pickoffs, MLB will expand testing of the Automatic Ball-Strike System (“ABS”) that began in the Atlantic League and Arizona Fall League to select Low-A Southeast games to assist home plate umpires with calling balls and strikes, ensure a consistent strike zone is called, and determine the optimal strike zone for the system.

o LOW-A WEST: In addition to the limitations on step offs/pickoffs, following successful pace of game rules testing among Florida State League teams in 2019, on-field timers (one in the outfield, two behind home plate between the dugouts) will be implemented to enforce time limits between delivery of pitches, inning breaks and pitching changes. The on-field timer used in Low-A West will include new regulations beyond the system currently used in Triple-A and Double-A to reduce game length and improve the pace of play.

“We are listening to our fans. This effort is an important step towards bringing to life rules changes aimed at creating more action and improving the pace of play,” said Michael Hill, MLB Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations. “These experimental playing rules have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee to be tested and analyzed in a highly competitive environment.”

“These experimental rules are designed to put more balls in play, create more excitement on the

basepaths and increase the impact of speed and athleticism on the field,” said Raúl Ibañez, MLB Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations. “As another important goal of the rules approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee, we expect the new larger bases to increase player safety. We look forward to testing these rules in the Minor Leagues.”

“The game on the field is constantly evolving, and MLB must be thoughtful and intentional about progressing toward the very best version of baseball – a version that is true to its essence and has enough consistent action and athleticism on display to entertain fans of all ages,” said Theo Epstein, Consultant to MLB. “These rules experiments will provide valuable insight into various ways to create a playing environment that encourages the most entertaining version of the game. What we learn in the Minor Leagues this year will be essential in helping all parties chart the right path forward for baseball.”

MLB also continues its three-year partnership agreement with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), which was announced in 2019. This partnership agreement allows MLB to test and adjust experimental playing rules and changes to equipment each season. Any new experimental playing rules for the 2021 season will be announced in the coming weeks.