New York Mets Throw in the Towel

Team Tightens Belt and Screws Fans

from mrflushing.com

At this point in time, Mr. Flushing is not encouraged by the Mets' actions on and off the field.

The decision to promote players from within the organization during a pennant race, instead of seeking outside veteran help, is a sign that the Mets are unwilling to increase payroll.

Ticket sales for the new CitiField are still undetermined. The club is concerned that many current season-ticket holders will not renew their accounts at the new facility. Even though the Mets' payroll will be approximately $45 million less after this season, it is apparently not a valid-enough reason for the club to take on additional financial commitments.

In this climate of economic uncertainty, the New York Mets have chosen not to compete in the elite sphere of the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers. They have decided to conduct business like a small-market franchise.

There is nothing wrong with showing financial restraint. The issue I have is that while the team tightens its belt, it is asking the fans to loosen theirs. The axiom "the customer comes first" is not upheld in the business of Major League Baseball.

I will be writing a scathing article on how the Shea dynamic will not be transferred to CitiField. A totally new, transient fanbase will be occupying seats in locations where diehards once existed. The new fan dynamic will be based on economics.

I understand the team did not want to mortgage the future—a philosophy that has failed this organization in the past—but there has to be concessions made to the loyal customers, who have stood by this team during some extremely disappointing times.

While I am excited about watching youngsters such as Eddie Kunz (pictured), Dan Murphy, Jon Niese, Fernando Martinez, and Nick Evans, I feel their efforts are not worth the $45 per-seat price I am currently paying to see them.

I can watch young talent anytime down in Coney Island, where the Brooklyn Cyclones play. I can ride a real roller coaster down there, not just the virtual one the Mets put us on every season...and it's a LOT cheaper.