OK, Let's End the Love Affair

Let me start by being perfectly clear, when Mike Piazza was a Met, he was my favorite for the time he was here. A part of me wished they had signed him cheaply in the offseason and platooned him with Castro, the two made a nice tandem last year. I felt that was a better option than Molin or Hernandez. The other part realized that his prime was past, and it was time to move on. So, I was happy when Omar traded for Lo Duca, and happy when Mike landed on his feet in San Diego.

I was also pleased with the reception Mike received early on in Game 1, and prior to the game. It was heartening to see Met fans showing their appreciation for a former player who meant a lot to the team. I remember what it was like when he first came here, and I recall him leading the team bad to the playoffs in 1999, and to the WS in 2000. However, it's time for fans to remember that Mike plays for the other team now, and the cheering can stop.

Others may not agree with me here, and that it fine. We all have our own opinions. But hear (read) me out first please.

We love our idols, we look up to players who come to NY and play hard and succeed. Mike did all that. Mike also suffered through the Art Howe Error, where Art liked to tell the press things before he spoke to Mike. He had a number of big hits for the team, and while he was not an outspoken leader, he led by example, play hard, give your all.

Tuesday, Met fans thanked him for all he did for the team, many times. Last night though, it should have been, thanks for the memories, now don't hurt my team. The first time up, he strikes out. The next time up, he hits a HR, and gets a curtain call. Now, I can kind of understand that, but after the second home run, why were there cheers? He was bringing the Padres closer to a win. I'm sorry, but I cannot root against my team, no matter who the opponent is.

Then we get to the 8th, a runner on, and Heilman on the mound. A smattering of boos were heard. Progress in my book. The game is on the line people, how can you be cheering for the opposition? Again, no matter how beloved the player, the team comes first. On another site, Metsgeek.con, a contributor (an frequent commenter in the Cafe), dptydwg420 noted

"What about Heilman? You're willing to throw away the confidence of our 8th inning guy and 2nd most important bullpen arm so mikey can have an even bigger day you can tell ur kids about? Nothing like selling out your current team to please a player from the past.

That could have hadrepercussionss for the rest of the season. We all know Heilman's psyche is fragile to begin with."

Very true. There comes a time where you need to show support for your team, over that of supporting Mike. Now, I'm not saying he should have been booed out of Shea, but the cheers should not have been there.

As far as booing, can we all please lay off of Lastings Milledge? The 21 year old is admittedly not playing well now, but does anyone really think booing him is going to help? We run the risk of ruining his psyche by booing every misplay. I have news for you, there is no other option right now. Ricky Ledee? Nope. Michael Tucker? Nope. Cliff is on the DL, so Endy Chavez is going to be starting in left. Lastings will be playing every day in right. How about a little love for the guy? Maybe supporting him will help. It's not like he is a $25 million a year defending MVP who is slumping. He is a 21 year old guy, who was possibly brought up before he was totally ready. Boo him, and we risk hurting him. Support him, and the "risk" is that he improves, and helps the team.

Afternoon game today. El Duque vs Chris Young. Productivity is going to be real low around the city today. As well as at Shea, as we can expect some regulars to get a rest.

Let's go Mets.