WWJD: What Would Joey Do?

It's been quite some time since I was allowed to write a blog for Studious Metsimus. Why do you suppose that's the case? I have no idea! My colleague has been writing about Sgt. Bay of The Yukon, the Flying Molina Brothers and I've stayed quiet waiting for my turn to blog.

I even volunteered to become a roving reporter. I would've gone to the Dominican Republic to interview former Met Jose Offerman about his "swing and a miss" with the face of umpire Daniel Rayburn. My colleague said Studious Metsimus couldn't afford the extra passport.

I asked if I could go to the Yukon to interview Sgt. Bay on his home tundra. That was okay with my colleague but he failed to tell me that Sgt. Bay wasn't going to be home. Imagine my embarrassment when I showed up on his doorstep and found nothing. (see photo below)

It appears I'm being pushed aside to satisfy the ginormous ego of my Studious Metsimus colleague. Fine. If he wants to play, I'll play. I can't think of a better topic for this installment of "What Would Joey Do?" Today we'll be talking about grievances.

In 2007, the Mets were trying to sign free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba to a multi-year deal. The deal was set and Yorvit the Frog had pen in hand, ready to leave his John Hancock on the contract. Surprise, surprise! The Mets backed out of the agreement, traded for Brian Schneider and left Torrealba to sign with Colorado.

Soon after, Torrealba filed a grievance against the Mets because of their about-face on the potential three-year deal.

Last week, Carlos Beltran decided to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, apparently without the permission of the team. The Mets have now taken the first step towards a potential grievance case against Beltran's agent, $­������­cott Bora$ and the union, claiming Beltran violated his contract.

So what does this have to do with me? It's simple, really. I'd like to announce that I am filing a grievance against my Studious Metsimus colleague. Because of his actions, I have not been able to blog on the Mets. This has prevented me from advancing my blogging career and picking up sponsors, particularly the ones that would give me free food for plugging their product.

Grievances are not cool. They might cost the Mets extra money if they end up signing Yorvit the Frog to be their catcher now that Funky Cold Molina has re-signed with the San Francisco Giants. They might also damage relationships, such as the one between Carlos Beltran and the team.

I'm willing to take that chance. I know I have my fans. Just look at my Facebook fan page. Also, look how many times I'm mentioned on My Summer Family (which in my opinion would be a much better blog to write for if I want to make a name for myself).

Even Mets Merized Online was kind enough to put my picture in this blog and this other blog.

Perhaps this grievance can be settled out of court and Studious Metsimus can continue to be a site where Mets fans and Mets bloggers can all get along. For now, I'm putting my bear foot down and standing up for what's right. I'd like to thank my fellow Mets fans who support my decision. For those who don't, I'd advise you to stay out of my way. I'm going where no Joey has gone before. Stay tuned...

Jose Offerman Punches Ump; Where Was This Fire When He Was A Met?

In 2005, Jose Offerman was a Met for about 15 minutes. In 72 at-bats for the Mets, he hit .250, with one HR and 10 RBI. Since his cup of coffee with the Mets, the 41-year old Offerman has been fighting to get back into the major leagues. Unfortunately, he has taken the fighting part a little too literally.

Last night, during a Dominican League playoff game, Offerman came out of the dugout to argue a call with umpire Daniel Rayburn. A typical heated discussion ensued. Perhaps Rayburn used an ill-timed "yo mama's so fat" joke. Perhaps he had garlic in his pre-game meal. Nevertheless, he must have said something offensive to Offerman because he got a right cross to the face from the former Met (see video below):

This shocking behavior is not the first time we saw an episode of "Offerman Gone Wild" on the field. As a member of the Long Island Ducks in 2007, he charged the mound with his bat after he was hit by a pitch by Bridgeport Bluefish pitcher Matt Beech. The catcher of the Bluefish, John Nathans, was struck in the head with the bat and suffered a concussion, effectively ending his playing career. (see video below):

Offerman was arrested by the Bridgeport police for going batty on the field and was charged with two counts of second degree assault. In October 2007, he was given two years probation for his crime. Since then, John Nathans has filed a $4.8 million civil suit against Offerman, claiming that he still suffers from post-concussion syndrome and that Offerman's bat caused his playing career to end. That suit has not yet been resolved.

For all the Mets fans who say that the Mets lack fire on the field, be careful what you wish for. You might end up with Jose Offerman on your team.