JUPITER, FL - The Mets are taking on the St. Louis Cards today at Roger Dean Stadium. The Mets bought most of their regulars with them today, with the exception of Brian Schneider and starting today will be Mike Pelfrey.

It will be interesting to see Delgado and if he will be able to break out of his slump with him 1-12 this spring, including the first at-bat.

Also keep your eyes on Carlos Beltran, who is still rehabbing his knees.

Update third inning: It’s 3-0 Mets, with Endy Chavez driving in Pelfrey and Jose Reyes. Beltran is playing the field for the first time. Delgado beat out a double play, scoring Chavez - after Beltran was hit - 4-o Mets. They are racking Braden Looper.

Update bottom third: Albert Pujols just drove in a run to make it 4-1 but Endy just made a beautiful play to throw out Duncan at home on a fly ball for the DP.

Update: bottom four: Anderson Hernandez in for Reyes. Two Cards doubles in a row makes it 4-2 Mets.

Update bottom five: wholesale changes with Saenz at third, Cancel at first and Pagan in center.

Bottom Seven: Two runs for the Cards. one in the sixth and one in the seventh as I was in the Mets clubhouse.

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 13, 2008 – The New York Mets and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a wide range of sustainable environmental initiatives at Citi Field, the new Mets’ world-class home opening in 2009.  The Mets and their Queens Ballpark Company L.L.C., – responsible for construction of the $800 million ballpark – today with the EPA formalized these initiatives to help protect and preserve the environment through a variety of design, construction, and operational principles ensuring that Citi Field meets or exceeds high environmental standards and reduces its carbon footprint.   Specific design features, use of recycled building materials, energy/water conservation and efficiency, significant landscaping, and mass transit initiatives are at the foundation of the Mets’ environmentally friendly approach in building Citi Field.

EPA Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn joined Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon for today’s signing of the Mets’ agreement with the EPA.

“The Mets deserve an environmental MVP award for their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and the waste stream from the construction and operation of their new ballpark,” said Alan J. Steinberg, Regional Administrator, EPA.  “This important agreement underscores innovation and a comprehensive commitment toward sustainable development.  From its use of recycled materials and energy efficient lighting to its commitment to joining the Energy Star and WasteWise partnership programs, Citi Field is looking greener every day.”

“We are so pleased to see corporate citizens like the Mets step up and contribute to the goals of PlaNYC – our bold, far-reaching strategy  for making New York a greener, greater city,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.  “It probably would have been easier to build a new ballpark without incorporating ‘green’ technology, but the Mets understand that their responsibility to New Yorkers doesn’t end with the third out in the bottom of the ninth.  They’ve taken the initiative to be bold, innovative, and environmentally responsible.”

“The Mets have always been Orange and Blue and today they’re Green too,” said Christine C. Quinn, New York City Council Speaker.  “I want to congratulate the Mets on their corporate leadership in setting high environmental standards at the new Citi Field.”

“The New York Mets and the EPA have worked together for the good of all New Yorkers and the good of the environment,” said Helen Marshall, Queens Borough President.  “This combined effort by the private and public sector to protect and nurture our environment for the future by using technology available today deserves our gratitude and praise.  The Mets continue to be Amazin’.”

“In developing and constructing Citi Field, we set out to create a world-class environment that would be fan friendly and environmentally friendly,” said Jeff Wilpon, COO, New York Mets.  “We thank Alan and his colleagues at the EPA for their interest and willingness to work with us and their invaluable guidance in the greening effort for our new home.”

 CITI FIELD ENVIRONMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS

Recycled Building Materials

§       Recycled Steel
-       Approximately 95% of the 12,500 tons of structural steel used to construct Citi Field is recycled to dramatically reduce energy consumption, compared to making steel from virgin materials

-       Scrap rebar and concrete is being recycled during construction
-       Temporary surface (atop what ultimately will be the playing field) supporting cranes during construction is made from recycled concrete and brick to save landfill space and reduce carbon dioxide emissions

Using Coal Combustion Products In Selected Areas

§       The Mets are using ash and other materials left over after a power plant burns coal to make the concrete for the foundation at Citi Field, saving CO2 emissions, landfill space, and energy

­       At least 2 million pounds of recycled coal combustion products are expected to be used as Citi Field takes shape, reducing quantities of newly manufactured portland cement

­       This commitment alone saves over 800 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and is equivalent to taking 1000 cars off the road for two months, saves enough energy for 1000 homes for 19 days, and saves landfill space for the solid waste from 2000 people for 135 days

§       Using these by-products safely preserves our natural resources and promotes environmental sustainability

Low Sulfur Diesel

§       Construction vehicles working at Citi Field are using low-sulfur and ultra low-sulfur diesel to reduce air emissions such as CO2 and particulates.  Reducing emissions from diesel engines is a top EPA priority and key to improving air quality in the New York area

Green Roof

§       The Mets are building a 15,000 square foot “green roof” atop Citi Field’s Administration Building (along 126^th Street).  The live vegetation atop the Mets Offices will help insulate the building by retaining cool air in the summer and heat in the winter, and reduces energy needs and urban heat island effect

Promenade White PVC Roof

§       Reflective roof of perimeter concession areas/restroom facilities atop Citi Field’s Promenade Level will keep roof cool and reduce energy draw on hot days

Water Conservation

§       Citi Field will feature metered, low-flow plumbing features with 414 hands-free faucets, 635 automated toilet flush-valves, and 270 waterless urinals, which will save more than 4 million gallons of water a year compared to regular fixtures

§       The Mets will have approximately 65,000 square feet of porous pavers (vs. concrete and/or asphalt) laid and a 3,700 square foot drainage bed designed for the commuter bus parking lot, across from Citi Field, to control the flow of storm water runoff and reduce heat retention

§       Approximately 25,000 square feet of the grounds will be unpaved and planted to further control storm water.  The use of permeable pavers and a drainage bed will allow rain water to flow through the surface and recharge the groundwater, instead of the water running off the surface, decreasing storm water runoff by as much as 80%

§       Citi Field has installed an on-site well in the area to use for irrigation of the playing field as opposed to the use of potable water

Energy Conservation and Efficiency 

§       The Mets will equip Citi Field with a building management system to monitor and automatically control temperatures and equipment start/stop times.  The system will be integrated with a “lighting control system” to automatically turn on/off all light fixtures, televisions, and ad panels, as well as other equipment

§       The Mets will install energy efficient air handlers, pumps, and chillers that vary the speed of the operating fans depending on what is actually needed to save energy

§       A 300 ton plate and frame heat exchanger will be used during mild weather to cool the ballpark and reduce the need for electric chillers

§       State-of-the-art energy efficient field lighting (820 sports lights) will utilize an efficient lamp design and reflector technology, reducing energy consumption by as much as 50%, saving 120,000 kilowatts a year

§       New high mast parking lot lighting will achieve same foot candles with fewer fixtures
§       The Mets will embark upon a compact fluorescent light initiative for its offices

Energy Star

§       Citi Field is joining the nationally-renowned Energy Star program – a joint venture of EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy – that encourages environmental protection through energy efficient products and practices

§       As an Energy Star member, Citi Field will reduce energy needs by using Energy Star products, where appropriate, and assist in educating employees and the public on how to reduce energy consumption

§       Citi Field’s new Otis Gen 2 elevators will operate on 41% less energy than conventional elevators
§       Citi Field will use efficient gas powered cooking equipment vs. less efficient electric currents

Sustainable New Energy

§       The Mets are exploring the latest solar energy technologies to incorporate into Citi Field

Landscaping

§       The Mets will create 25,000 square feet of landscaped plazas around Citi Field’s main entry gates and will plant more than 1000 new trees and shrubs within the Citi Field construction and Shea Stadium parking fenceline.  The playing field will be watered from an on-site well

WasteWise and Recycling

§       Once Citi Field is fully operational, the Mets will join EPA’s WasteWise program and has committed to auditing its waste generation and establishing recycling goals. This partnership program helps organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste and select industrial wastes, benefiting their bottom line and the environment

§       The Mets will participate in the EPA’s “Recycling on the Go” program as well as establish an effective recycling program with its food and beverage partner ARAMARK

§       The Mets will launch a comprehensive recycling program for the operation of Citi Field in 2009

Mass Transit

§       The Mets’ collaborative efforts with the MTA, New York City Transit, and Long Island Rail Road have significantly increased use of mass transit to Mets games.  Ridership on the 7 Subway was up 32% in 2007 from 2006; ridership on the LIRR has doubled since 2005.  The Mets and the MTA will continue to develop marketing and service initiatives to advance that growth

§       Citi Field will have bicycle racks for employees and fans.  Employee bathrooms will have showers to encourage employees to bike to work

To learn more about EPA partnerships and programs, visit: http://www.epa.gov/Region2

After Pedro Martinez had his simulated game yesterday, it was Orlando Hernandez’s turn to pitch his today.

The eldest member of the Mets staff threw 60 pitches, 42 for strikes and gave up eight hits on what equated to three innings.

Afterwards, El Duque seemed very pleased. “I am happy,” he said. “I feel good. I throw every pitch and everybody is happy.”

Hernandez - who is anywhere from 38 years old to 42, depending on where you read - changed his motion this spring in order to put less stress on his foot. It means no more high leg kick, which is something he has to get used to.

“It’s a different motion,” he said. ”My body feels very good and I don’t feel pain.”

Hernandez said he will now move into the rotation and hopefully pitch three or four innings next week and said he is looking to have 30 starts this season.

Instead of going to Fort Myers, Pedro Martinez stayed behind and pitched a simulated game today facing minor leaguers and Carlos Beltran.

By the reporters calculation he went four innings, giving up four innings and one run. He walked none and struck out two and topped out at 87 MPH.

Afterwards, the future Hall of Famer was very pleased with his performance.

“I felt pretty good,” Martinez said. “I went about it like a game and I made some pitches. It became routine. I forced myself to make those pitches.

“I felt so good and I didn’t regret [pitching in a simulated game]. I feel really, really healthy.

He will be pitching next on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers at Port St. Lucie.

Beltran also did well taking. going 2-7 over the four innings and he said he felt very good, but sore. Yet, “a good type of sore.”

He plan on continuing DHing until he feels healthy enough in the field.   

Just flew down this morning to Port St. Lucie and taking in the game with the Mets and Red Sox.

Some things about the game, Carlos Beltran is back on his first day, Carlos Delgado is back and Johan Santana is pitching.

It will be interesting to see how they perform.

I will have more later when I get to talk to the players.

by Joe Pietaro | NY Sportscene Magazine | Sunday, February 17, 2008

Courtesy of the YES Network:

Courtesy of the YES Network:

NYS Reported this here back in August, but it’s official today:

FLUSHING, N.Y., February 7, 2008 – The New York Mets today announced that Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and native New Yorker Billy Joel will become the final artist to perform at Shea Stadium at what has been dubbed “The Last Play at Shea,” on Wednesday, July 16, presented by Citi.  

  

“Shea Stadium is one of the most hallowed venues in rock & roll history and it’s an honor to help throw Shea the ultimate concert farewell party,” said Billy Joel.  “As a sports fan and a music lover, I will always have a place for Shea Stadium in my heart.  I thank the Mets for giving me and my fans a chance to rock Shea Stadium one last time for the ages.” 

Billy Joel’s exclusive Shea concert extravaganza will take place the night after Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in the Bronx.  With his upcoming show at Shea, Joel becomes the first artist in music history to have played all four of New York City’s premier sporting venues: Shea Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Giants Stadium and Madison Square Garden, where, in April 2006, he broke the record for longest sequence of sold-out shows by a single artist (12). 

 

Joel’s July 16 performance at Shea will put a punctuation mark on America’s birthplace of stadium rock.  Shea Stadium played host to the Beatles August 15, 1965. The first concert to be held at a major sports arena, the Beatles at Shea Stadium set attendance and revenue records, proving the viability of sports facilities as live music venues while giving rise to the modern live concert industry.  The Beatles returned to Shea Stadium during band’s final American tour in August 1966.  Other Rock & Roll Hall of Famers to play Shea include the Rolling Stones, The Who, The Police, Simon & Garfunkel, Elton John, Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band. Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix made a little known appearance at Shea for the 1970 Summer Festival for Peace.  The Mets will move into Citi Field, their new home, in April 2009. 

Having sold more than 100 million records from a career spanning over 43 year, Billy Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in the world. 

 

Billy Joel has had 33 Top 40 hits and 23 Grammy nominations since signing his first solo recording contract in 1972.  He received the Recording Industry Association of America Diamond Award, presented for albums that have sold more than 10 million copies, for his “Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II.” 

 

“Movin’ Out,” a Broadway musical based on Joel’s music choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp, was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and took home two including Best Orchestrations – Billy’s first Tony Award win–and Best Choreography. 

- 2 - 

 

Billy Joel has received six Grammy awards.  In 1990, he was presented with a Grammy Legend Award. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, he was also presented with the Johnny Mercer Award in 2001.  In 1999 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in 2004 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His other awards include the ASCAP Founders Award, the BMI Career Achievement Award, the American Music Awards Award of Merit, and the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal. 

  

Billy Joel has donated his time and resources to a variety of charitable causes, and he has recently launched an ongoing educational initiative to provide seed money, musical scholarships, and endowments.  Most recently, Mr. Joel created an endowment fund with The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Billy Joel Fund for Music Education.  He has previously donated to the music programs of New York University, the Juilliard School, Syracuse University, Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, the State University of New York at Purchase, the New England Conservatory, Tanglewood Music Center, and the Boston Symphony’s Academy for Advanced Musical Study.  

 

For his accomplishments as a musician and as a humanitarian, he was honored as the 2002 MusiCares Person of the Year by the MusiCares Foundation and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences; he has also received a humanitarian award from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. 

 

The net proceeds of Billy Joel’s new composition, “Christmas in Fallujah,” inspired by soldiers’ letters from Iraq, are being donated to Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds specially adapted homes for disabled service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. 

 

Tickets for “The Last Play At Shea” go on sale Saturday, February 16 at 9:00 a.m. exclusively at www.507TIXX.com. Citi cardmembers will also have access to purchase preferred seats through Citi’s Private Pass® Program, available to all Citi cardmembers at www.privatepass.citi.com. 

 

«FULL STORY»