Last week, the Mets organization signed a two-year extension with their third-rate minor league affiliate in Las Vegas, where they’ve played since 2013. Before that: Buffalo (4 years), New Orleans (2 years), and Tidewater/Norfolk (37 years, until Jeff Wilpon shit the bed).
And then there’s this from a WSJ article:
Dave Rosenfield was Norfolk’s general manager when it became the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in 1969 (it was named Tidewater then) and was still on the job when the Mets left in late 2006. Only a one-hour flight from New York, Norfolk was perfectly suitable for the Mets. And for decades, the two got along well enough. But Rosenfield said the relationship soured after Jeff Wilpon became the Mets’ chief operating officer in 2002, after which communication with team officials became “virtually nonexistent.”
“When he became involved in everything was when things changed,” Rosenfield said. “I dealt with him on some things and somebody always had to go to him if you wanted to do anything. He had his nose and hands in everything.”
This great article by Brian Costa, also in the WSJ, had some spectacular quotes, but let’s begin with the lead:
LAS VEGAS—For Mets minor leaguers, the last stop before the majors is a dilapidated ballpark 2,200 miles away from Citi Field. It is nestled along a row of abandoned lots and boarded up storefronts 5 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip, just past a motel sign that reads “Elvis Slept Here.”
Cashman Field is the home of the Las Vegas 51s, the Mets’ new Triple-A affiliate. And for a Northeast team whose rebuilding plan hinges on the development of its young pitchers, there is no worse place to be.
- “Basically, I can define it as the worst pitching place imaginable,” reliever Greg Burke said.
- “They got no water out here,” Wally Backman said.
- “It’s ridiculous how dry the balls are. It’s hard to get a good grip on it,” said Zack Wheeler.
- “There are two types of amenities: player-development amenities and fan amenities,” explained President/COO Don Logan. “And we’re lacking in both.”
And now, folks, our top 10 reasons why the Mets extended their partnership in Las Vegas!
10. It keeps Fredo — we mean, Jeff! — out of harm’s way.
9. It’s so hot, the field actually has a giant mister for the fans! Isn’t that neat?!
8. “We have a great partnership with the city of Las Vegas,” explained Sandy Alderson.
7. Bargain deal!
6. Jeff just can’t get enough of Cirque du Soleil!
5. “Maintaining continuity in Vegas is something we know will benefit the players, the city, fans, and entire community,” explained Sandy Alderson. [But not necessarily in that order, ZING!]
4. What happens in Vegas . . . stays in Vegas. Or at least until after Super 2!
3. “We have a strong working relationship with many of the front office personnel with the Mets,” said 51s President/COO Don Logan.
2. Cheap, direct flights to NY.
1. Good friends stick together! “I’ve known Sandy Alderson for more than 20 years,” said 51s President/COO Don Logan.
Oh, and let’s not forget reason #317 . . . BASEBALL!
