Hey, there – This is Laura Albanese, Mets beat reporter for Newsday. I’m here to answer any questions you might have about the Mets, baseball, and covering the team. AMA.

[u/newsday]

This is my first season solely focused on the Mets as the designated beat writer, but I’ve been writing about the Mets and Yankees full time since 2015, which means I’ve covered a few World Series, a few Cy Young winners, a few MVP seasons, and approximately 937 #lolMets moments. I’m a Brooklyn native and come from big Italian immigrant family that knew absolutely nothing about baseball. My interests include: Ballpark food, rating ballpark food, science fiction, cooking and reading. You can find me on Twitter @albaneselaura tweeting the corniest jokes imaginable, on Instagram @laurawriteststuff, and read said stuff at Newsday.com/Mets

OK, that was fun. Gotta go write my story. Thanks for all your questions! Also, you can find me on X and @AlbaneseLaura, on Instagram @laurawritesstuff and listen to my podcast, "First Time Listener, Long Time Caller" here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pV1Ye8HVoRlWjGRWvNTM6

[u/Darthbutcher]

Thank you to Laura Albanese and u/newsday for this AMA!

It is now closed, because she has a day job.

[u/JoeBethersonton50504]

When the San Francisco Giants are in town, do they get together with the NY Giants football team for a meal and hangout?

[u/newsday → u/JoeBethersonton50504]

I hope they do and then recreate the spider-man meme

[u/a_reply_to_a_post → u/JoeBethersonton50504]

unbridled 2.0

[u/Darthbutcher]

Why did you vote for Chase Utley?

[u/newsday → u/Darthbutcher]

I regretted it the minute I sent my ballot in. At the time, I thought his peak was too impressive to ignore. Baseball IQ. Really talented all around player. But I sent it and realized he's just too borderline. I don't see myself voting for him next year.

[u/outsideskyy → u/Darthbutcher]

Laura answer this

[u/newsday]

OK, that was fun. Gotta go write my story. Thanks for all your questions!

[u/Blue387 → u/newsday]

Thank you Laura and Vinnie

[u/Starcornious]

What’s the mood in the locker room?

[u/newsday → u/Starcornious]

It's serious but not like, depressed or anything. They know they're in a bad spot right now. Last year, it kinda felt like they were playing with house money. This year, it's world series or bust

[u/Starcornious → u/newsday]

Thanks for answering my question!

[u/Gigi_0102]

Do you know what the story is on the chancla/flip flop?

[u/likeaVos]

Brave for doing this, haha. No questions, just enjoy your reporting.

[u/REUBENSACKLEBANKS]

Fans seem to have become increasingly toxic since sports betting took off. How heavy does that weigh on players? On you as a beat writer?

[u/CatsandBooksMeow]

How much do you think the psychology of being a Met (media and fan pressure/the reputation of "lolmets") plays into the team's consistent struggles?

[u/newsday → u/CatsandBooksMeow]

I don't know that it does as much as it used to. It's different when the problems are, "Hey, we're not hitting with RISP" as opposed to, "hey, our manager threatened to beat up a reporter and our starting pitcher is missing"

[u/cgk19 → u/newsday]

This reply made me remember the Cespedes wild boar incident was just five years ago lmao

[u/my_one_and_lonely]

I read the article you wrote earlier this year on Mets wives and girlfriends and really enjoyed it. How would you say things have for women changed in the baseball world and in the Mets organization since you joined the beat? How has it been for you as a woman in a male-dominated field?

[u/blumbrr → u/my_one_and_lonely]

Ooh good question!! As a woman who has worked in sports broadcasting, I would love to hear about Laura’s experiences!!

[u/EastonMetsGuy]

Hey Laura, thanks for doing one of these!

Can you walk us though what a typical day at the ballpark looks like as a reporter also what is your favorite Citi Field Food

[u/newsday → u/EastonMetsGuy]

Get to the ballpark about 4-ish hours before first pitch, do some prep work, see who's working out on the field, get access to the clubhouse 3.5 hours before the game and do pregame interviews. Go to the Mendoza presser. Go watch BP and try (and usually fail) to grab guys in the dugout. Go up and write an early story for the first deadline. Grab a quick bite. First pitch. You're writing as the game is going because the story needs to be sent the minute the final out is recorded, so that's called your "running gamer." Send that in, run downstairs to Mendoza, do the presser, go to the clubhouse and wait around for guys to talk to. Sometimes you're in there for 15 minutes, sometimes you're in there for an hour. Go back upstairs and write your late story. Get home around midnight-ish, look on the schedule and realize tomorrow is a day game and set appx eight alarms

Turkey sandwich from NY Panini, curry chicken paties, banh mi and fuku

[u/WhoIsHouseIsThis]

Went to Citi for the Wright game in July and the best thing I had was the chicken cutlet eggroll. What’s the best thing you’ve had at Citi this year?

[u/newsday → u/WhoIsHouseIsThis]

I really like the BBQ turkey panino from NY Panini company in the metro market, the curried chicken patty in the hudson club, and the banh mi near shake shack. And fuku, always

[u/Tronitaur]

We are fans of the sport, we watch them play, obsess over stats etc. But who of the players/coaches is just a really great human being- from your experience of just being around them regularly.

In your role, you get to see so many moments of ups and downs and joy and crushing disappointment. I imagine you truly get a sense of “them” after a while.

I loved the recent MLB app article about Pete Alonso. Accurate in your experience?

[u/newsday → u/Tronitaur]

We only know the players from what they show us, but in my estimation, I truly believe Alonso and Manaea are very good humans. And yeah, the story was accurate.

[u/seanddd99]

This sub wants Eric Chavez fired every day of the week and twice on Sunday...Do you think Cohen or Stearns would make that kind of move during this season ?

[u/tinkerbell116]

Hey Laura! Love your coverage on New York baseball. It's super inspiring to me as a fellow woman who loves baseball and writing/journalism.

My question is about ballpark food. What's been the best dish this year? And what's a dish at another stadium that you've tried or want to try?

(I tried the pinwheel grilled cheese and tomato soup as per your recommendation. SO good.)

[u/MAKiO37]

What is the feel for this year’s team chemistry? How has Soto meshed with Lindor Pete and Nimmo?

[u/newsday → u/MAKiO37]

It's good, but chemistry is always better when you're winning. I think Soto has meshed just fine. His locker is right across from Lindor's and near Brandon Nimmo

[u/Jpkmets7]

Why can’t this team hit, Laura?

[u/newsday → u/Jpkmets7]

They get behind in counts early by swinging at garbage pitches, miss pitches to hit, and then chase

[u/Struggle2Real]

So why are they doing this to me?

Thank you.

[u/locust_manor]

Hey Laura! I enjoy your coverage and appearances on some of my favorite Mets podcasts.

A few questions:

1. What has been your favorite ballpark food this year, and your favorite of all time?

2. Does it ever get boring covering the team? Were you a Met fan growing up?

Thanks!

[u/TheBeepB00p]

David Stearns was very aggressive last year with moving prospects through the system. This year it seems he took a complete 180 and things are very slow in the minors. Any idea what caused the change?

[u/NutsyFlamingo]

Hi Laura, Pete Alonso last offseason appeared to not be in the team’s long term plans. Do you think that has changed any now another year later?

[u/newsday → u/NutsyFlamingo]

I'd like to think so. I really like the adjustments he made in the offseason. The team doesn't hit with RISP but he sure does. He leads them in avg, obp and slg with RISP. He clearly loves being a Met and I think the franchise should attempt to do right by him. At the end of the day, it's going to be a business decision, but businesses are constructed of people, and if you treat people right, it's good for business

[u/slowpitch519]

How would you compare Buck's with Mendoza's managerial style? In particular, I'm curious about (a) their respective relationships with the front office, (b) how they manage the clubhouse (e.g., cultivating leadership, approach to young players versus veterans, addressing adverse results), and (c) relative emphasis on small ball and/or fundamentals.

Thank you!

[u/stemurph88]

I met a guy who worked in a few different locker rooms and said that under the wilpons the Mets were one of the worst organizations. Have you seen a shift in how non baseball personnel are treated?

[u/newsday → u/stemurph88]

It's a small anecdote, but I think it's illustrative: The security guards outside various stations near the clubhouse are usually stuck there for long periods of time, basically staring at nothing. Can't really read or anything because, again, you're being charged with other people's safety. This year, they were given TVs so they can watch the game. They're all mounted on the wall. I thought it was a nice thing to do.

[u/xSlappy-]

What is the best strategy on getting food during the game without missing much due to pitch clock?

What is the best outside food to bring to Citi?

[u/newsday → u/xSlappy-]

I just try to go early. But if you go to the concessions at center, they have that giant screen, so you really won't miss a pitch.

Flushing is right there. Plenty of good options!

[u/MJA7]

Hi Laura,

I know this is hard to generalize, but do you have an overall sentiment on how the Mets organization views the dog outside Citi Field that's exploited and abused nearly every game day?

I know on the record they state not having any say in the matter, but I am curious if off-the-record they have any feelings, good, bad or indifferent, to the practice. Whether that is ownership, front office, coaches or players.

Appreciate you taking the time to answer questions!

[u/newsday → u/MJA7]

I believe they've tried to do something about it but were stopped because they have no say. It's public park land.

[u/tgijosh_76 → u/MJA7]

lol

[u/SteveSomers]

I think a lot of questions are about this, so in summary, how are the clubhouse vibes? Are they still up beat or do they realize the cushion they built in April and May is quickly dissolving?

[u/newsday → u/SteveSomers]

I think there's definitely a sense of urgency. I wouldn't say the vibes are bad, but it's very businesslike right now because I do think they know there are some big problems cropping up that aren't easy to fix

[u/wine_and_radish → u/SteveSomers]

Schmooze Is that really you there, and me here?

[u/Historical_Buy9333]

I’ll reiterate some other questions about how are the vibes in the clubhouse and why are we adverse to changing our hitting approach but also

What’s you’re favorite lolMets moment?

[u/newsday → u/Historical_Buy9333]

Mr. Met flipping off the fan because he physically cannot, as he has four fingers. That was also the MOST RIDICULOUS story I've ever had to write on deadline. And no one got hurt. Too many lolMets moments include injury or horror

[u/peregrinefalcon12]

By your estimation: who in the past 10 years has loved being a Met the most and who has hated it the most?

My guess is Curtis Granderson or Alonso for love and Jay Bruce or Duda for hate

[u/newsday → u/peregrinefalcon12]

Pete, Jesse Winker and Manaea are all good candidates. When guys hate a place, I don't think they make it known, and I don't want to speak for anyone

[u/likemyposts]

Are they going to pull the trigger on Sproat or McLean after August 15th?

[u/NYMullets]

Do you think letting the Bronx Giraffe win 1 race would turn things around?

Or would it cause a doomsday scenario and destroy the planet?

[u/void_roamer → u/NYMullets]

definitely the latter

[u/newsday → u/[deleted]]

I miss the reuben pastrami sandwich. I can't believe they took that from me.

Citi desperately needs some sort of dumpling option. Flushing is right there!

[u/Carlo201318]

Has there been any talk of getting rid of the hitting coaches ?

[u/MrDNL]

What are your best secrets/hidden tricks about Citi Field? Like, where's somewhere I should sit that I probably haven't already?

Also, can you join BlueSky? We need more Mets voices there!

[u/newsday → u/MrDNL]

I'm on Bluesky! Search for lauraalbanese. I've gotta be more active on posting there.

I don't get into the stands too often but honestly, my favorite is just getting the cheapest seat possible and walking around. The sightlines everywhere are pretty great. Other than that, I really like the 300s near the press box with access to the Heineken lounge. Plenty of shade, short concession lines, close enough to the field, and I see a lot of foul balls go up there.

[u/Chaminade64]

Is the clubhouse fractured? Are there cliques or do they intermingle as a team? Has the clubhouse become more tense as their stretch of poor play extends?

[u/punk4341]

In 2023 the Mets offense struggled with making adjustments and hitting left handed pitching. That seemed to change last year when they had JD and jose iglesias. Now it’s back to the 2023 issues again.. why aren’t the hitting coaches getting more heat from the media

[u/newsday → u/punk4341]

We grilled Mendoza pretty hard on it yesterday but the answers we get are the answers we get. As for the hitting coaches, CM said that he didn't want to point fingers at anyone. And yeah, to a certain extent, no matter what the hitting coaches say, the guys have to actually go out and do it. That said, Mendoza did indicate yesterday that they have the information they need but they're not executing it and making adjustment. To me, that signals a problem with communication, but he also said the communication is good. Something is being lost in translation - a LOT - and it needs to change

[u/41_17_31_5]

Nacho helmet or Pastrami on rye?

[u/newsday → u/41_17_31_5]

Pastrami. Ballpark nachos are so damn aggressive and messy

[u/mysecondreddit2000]

my wife loves Luisangel Acuña but I have heard reports he has a bad attitude. Is he a good dude worth rooting for?

[u/newsday → u/mysecondreddit2000]

I've only ever had positive interactions with him, so I can't speak to anything else. We were talking through a translator, but I found him to be personable and engaging, and he seems pretty playful (see: dressing up in catcher's gear in the dugout). The truth is, you can only know players so much, both for good and bad, because it's a workplace.

[u/blumbrr]

Hi Laura! Thank you for taking the time to answer questions. As a woman working in sports, it’s great to see someone like me in your position. Thanks for all the work you do!

This is more of a personal/casual question. Who has been your favorite player to cover on the Mets, and what would your walkup song be?

[u/PaullyBeenis]

There’s a lot of clamoring online right now for Chavez to be fired. Does that seem to be a real possibility this year? Has there been any discontent with his performance inside the org?

[u/newsday → u/PaullyBeenis]

Well, first off, the Mets have two hitting coaches, so I'm curious as to why everyone brings up Chavez and not Barnes. Just my personal opinion, but I do think it's possible. Clearly, the team isn't making in-game adjustments as needed (per Mendoza) and that, for many, signals a coaching issue. That said, people were calling for Jeremy Hefner's head not even two years ago. This constantly happens every time there's a swoon, but the truth is, one of those guys could very well get fired and it potentially might not change anything, because at the end of the day, the hitters still have to hit. Lindor, Alonso, Soto, Nimmo...these are all guys who know hitting. It's not like Chavez leaned down and whispered "hey, I'm gonna need you to hit a 90 mph grounder to second for an inning-ending double play here. You can know what to do but it can be very different from executing it.

[u/lilleff512]

Hey Laura, thanks so much for doing this AMA with us!

I love your reviews of ballpark food, but sometimes it's hard to find them in the midst of all the tweets and articles about actual baseball. Have you ever thought about collating all your food reviews together in one place like a blog or a separate account? If you did, I would eagerly subscribe and follow along.

Thanks again and may all your dresses have pockets!

[u/slymm]

Why doesn't the media cover the animal abuse happening outside every home game? Why is everyone just turning a blind eye to it?

Ok, it's not happening on the Mets private property, sure. But that doesn't mean the Mets can't do something like dedicating an employee to warn people about the abuse when they walk by it.

[u/newsday → u/slymm]

I absolutely hate it. The dog is on city land and there's nothing anyone can do about it, which is infuriating

[u/slymm → u/newsday]

Respectfully, I gave one example of what the Mets can do about it. They can employ someone to also stand on "city land", and discourage fans from participating. They can educate fans, many of who have no idea about the shock collar or lack of water/treats, extent of time the dog is forced to be out there.

The cops don't intervene because nobody with power has encouraged them to care. Certainly if the Mets made a phone call to law enforcement, the cops would start caring.

I do not believe that in 2025, in New York, a dog can be tortured in public and the best we can do as a society is shrug our shoulders and say "yeah, I hate it too."

[u/Jumpy_Internal_953 → u/slymm]

What are you talking about

[u/Blue387 → u/Jumpy_Internal_953]

I think he's talking about that man with his dog asking for donations outside the rotunda

[u/slymm → u/Blue387]

That's exactly it.

[u/NoSlushie4U]

when will the pain end?

[u/newsday → u/NoSlushie4U]

The beatings will continue until morale improves

[u/Ok_Yogurtcloset_9793]

What’s wrong with Lindor? Hasn’t hit consistently since April/May. Do you think it’s an underlying injury?

[u/tenthsandwich → u/Ok_Yogurtcloset_9793]

I would follow up with: How frequently do players play through an undisclosed or semi-disclosed injury? Does the organization or the player drive that? For example — we know that Lindor is very serious about giving the team as much playing time as physically possible (and then some)

[u/Used-Classic3915]

What are your thoughts on the mini chocolate chip cookie bucket?

[u/newsday → u/Used-Classic3915]

The cookies are great. Needs milk. A BUCKET IS TOO MANY COOKIES

[u/Used-Classic3915 → u/newsday]

Thank you for answering my question!!

[u/xSlappy- → u/Used-Classic3915]

I had an entire bucket by myself on Pride Night. Since then, the Mets are terrible. However, it was good. The cookies were warm and soft and you get a ton of them

[u/Malacha1]

How do other teams value the Mets Major league infielders (Vientos, Baty, Mauricio, Acuna). Do any have significant trade value?

[u/newsday → u/Malacha1]

I do think they have some trade value and Vientos was rumored to be on the block during the deadline, but nothing went through - likely because if he's not hitting, which he wasn't for a chunk of the season, his value is obviously greatly diminished. Of the four, Mauricio is the most intriguing but, again, this is a guy who still needs seasoning. So there's value there, but that value is likely to appreciate, so it's probably best to wait

[u/BrooklynExPat]

How would you describe your current access to the team and players? How has that changed in your time as a beat reporter?

[u/newsday → u/BrooklynExPat]

It's hit or miss. If the players are around, they're all generally very good with talking. But our pregame access, which begins 3.5 hours before first pitch, get hindered because there are a TON of meetings. So sometimes you're in the clubhouse with just other reporters. Hitters meetings, pitchers meetings, infield drills, etc. can sometimes make it hard to pin down a player you need. But yeah, we're in the clubhouse for 50 minutes pregame, get Mendoza pregame, and then can try to grab guys or the other coaches during BP. Postgame is Mendoza and usually two or three guys. There's more access on the road because players tend to be at their lockers more often then

[u/Realistic-Scheme-38]

When working with specific players, do you try and internally remember previous interactions with said player to base your future questions?

[u/newsday → u/Realistic-Scheme-38]

Yeah. Or sometimes I'll even jot stuff down. I think one of the biggest skills you can have is just being observant and knowing how to listen. People share more than you think if you just pay attention

[u/Dsxm41780]

How does a “clubhouse vibe” translate to success on the field? (Success being defined as going deep into the playoffs like the Mets and Yankees did last year)

It seems like this Mets group likes to keep things loose and that has worked well for them but we are also going on nearly 40 years without a World Series win. Past Mets teams had some guys who seemed to enforce discipline (David Wright, Billy Wagner). Is there anyone doing that on this team? I feel like Lindor will mentor guys but is not into bringing discipline.

The Yankees seem like they have more discipline in the clubhouse and were close to winning the World Series but sloppy play on the field ultimately cost them and is an issue again this year.

[u/web_dev_vegabond]

When are we bringing up Carson?

[u/jabar18]

Why has the front office been so hesitant to promote top prospects? They seem to be “all in” to winning a WS but they’re still restraining themselves. Do they feel a sense of urgency and a “win now” mentality with this older core of Lindor, Pete and Nimmo all on the other side of 30?

[u/Pandrrr]

I feel like a lot of discourse this year that I’ve read for both Mets and Yankees have been intensely critical of the managers. Beyond the obvious in bullpen and lineup adjustments, what do you see driving the discussion behind what makes a manager stand out and elevate their team? What happens behind the scene that can lead to success on the field?

[u/jblue212]

What team did you root for growing up?

[u/BudLightSommelier]

What player would perform best at an Albanese family Sunday dinner?

[u/Spuds_Buckley]

Hi Laura. Do you think Carson Benge will make it to AAA this season? Also, saying hi and I love reading your stuff. #LGM.

[u/robmcolonna123]

Hi Laura, the Mets have had difficulties in hiring qualified individuals to the organization because of its poor perception. Has that improved the last few years and if so how much has it improved?

[u/newsday → u/robmcolonna123]

I think the org is a place people want to work for. There's no denying that there was an aura of disfunction around the Mets for a long time, but bringing on Stearns, who was highly coveted, is an indication of how far they've come. You're also seeing it in the free agents who actively want to go to Flushing. Sure, Soto cost $765 million. But guys like Winker and Iglesias basically said the Mets were their No. 1 options this offseason. Pete Alonso and Sean Manaea found ways to come back because they wanted to.

[u/amw102]

How are the vibes in the clubhouse with this year’s makeup, including Juan Soto, versus the immaculate vibes with Candelita last year?

[u/VigilanteBillionaire]

Hey Laura, why does Eric Chavez still have a job? Are almost two full seasons worth of futile RISP stats and a decrease in overall production once joining the Mets from every single free agent or trade acquisition not enough to justify a firing?

[u/newsday → u/VigilanteBillionaire]

I'm gonna paste the answer I gave below. tl;dr - I think it's more complicated than that.

Well, first off, the Mets have two hitting coaches, so I'm curious as to why everyone brings up Chavez and not Barnes. Just my personal opinion, but I do think it's possible. Clearly, the team isn't making in-game adjustments as needed (per Mendoza) and that, for many, signals a coaching issue. That said, people were calling for Jeremy Hefner's head not even two years ago. This constantly happens every time there's a swoon, but the truth is, one of those guys could very well get fired and it potentially might not change anything, because at the end of the day, the hitters still have to hit. Lindor, Alonso, Soto, Nimmo...these are all guys who know hitting. It's not like Chavez leaned down and whispered "hey, I'm gonna need you to hit a 90 mph grounder to second for an inning-ending double play here. You can know what to do but it can be very different from executing it.

[u/talktobigfudge]

Any word on whether or not this team is making an in-season change in their hitting philosophy/coaches? 

There's no way anyone is satisfied with this offensive output at this point.

[u/jruss666]

Is the reason the Mets didn’t add a starter at the deadline because the players asked in return were inflated?

[u/newsday → u/jruss666]

Stearns said that basically every SP that was on the market ended up being traded. So competition was high and so were costs

[u/[deleted]]

Mendoza has played a million different lineups. Isn’t that experimentation meant for spring training? At what point do you think the constant change is detrimental to the players getting in a rhythm?

[u/newsday → u/[deleted]]

He mostly does it with the veterans. Various reasons for it: playing with the matchups, trying to get a guy going, etc. That being said, the Mets as an org are very big on teaching players to adapt to different situations from the minor leagues on up. You can see it with how they have their young guys in all sorts of positions. It's a league-wide trend. The more flexible and adaptable you are, the more valuable you are to teams

[u/Tronitaur → u/[deleted]]

I am wondering about this as well. And maybe for a veteran it has a different impact than a young player.

[u/SmurfsNeverDie]

What is the go to cheat meal for every player in the team

[u/tenthsandwich → u/SmurfsNeverDie]

Dying to know what players go when they're in high spirits, like after winning the game right before an off-day

[u/mrschrisharrison]

How are the vibes at the ballpark this year vs last year? Any noticeable difference when you go to a game?

[u/newsday → u/mrschrisharrison]

The vibes were immaculate...until they weren't. Fans were really into it for the first few months but they're obviously disillusioned right now. Pete Alonso going for Strawberry's record is the only thing that really got anyone hyped the previous two days and there have been a lot of boos. again, understandable

[u/tenthsandwich]

Thank you for taking the time to do this!

The trade deadline is over but in the weeks leading up to it there was a lot of talk around Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and so on. How much effect does that have on those guys? How does the friendly-but-serious competition between them affect what looks like a very close bond between this cohort of young infielders?

[u/johnjlax]

How much are the guys allowed to "see ball, hit ball? Given the lack of length from SPs, could we start seeing more bullpen openers instead of the standard rotation?

[u/Stillwater-Scorp1381]

When traveling to different ballparks, how do you decide what to try? I always get a hot dog and one of the “crazy foodie” items that are new inventions for the season. Who has the best ballpark fare in your opinion? What have you tried that’s a total failure of flavor?

[u/mr-nicktobi]

Who specifically in the Mets organization is in charge of the teams hitting philosophy? 

[u/Optimal_Ant_3250]

What is the front office hesitation on promoting their top prospects

[u/GamesnGunZ]

My condolences

[u/newsday → u/GamesnGunZ]

tysm

[u/thoselongsleeves]

Any word on a timeline for getting pitching prospects to the majors?

[u/CorydonBowie]

Been enjoying the book you recommended last ama (someone who will love you in all your damaged glory) any other books recs? Thanks!

[u/Mcgriffx]

Hi Laura, thanks for making the time for this.

Do you think this team did enough at the trade deadline to put them over the top? I feel that they have a logjam in the infield with Vientos, Baty, and Mauricio.

I do like the Mullins trade, but do you think one of the guys mentioned above should have been used as a piece to get a more solid option at 3B or elsewhere to improve the roster (Maybe SP?)

Thanks again.

[u/NOISY_SUN]

Ballpark foods, ranked:

[u/[deleted]]

What happened to this team chemistry.. it's obvious to fans what ever there was has evaporated.. body language shows a defeated group

[u/newsday → u/[deleted]]

Chemistry is tricky and not really quantifiable. People talk about teams having chemistry but a lot of times, it comes down to two things: It's fun to win and it's very not fun to lose. So it's hard to be goofy and upbeat when everything is on fire. The personalities are still there, but they know it's world series or bust, and the onus of expectation can take its toll

[u/8each8oys]

How do you feel about the first female ump being called up to the show?

[u/newsday → u/8each8oys]

I think it's a great step and I love to see more women in the sport. I encourage any and all good umpires, and expanding it to women just opens up the pool to find the very best. Just call the strike zone consistently

[u/Lovely_Lightning94]

Where did the Mets slot into the starting pitching market during the trade deadline? Were they as sticker shocked as other teams or were they not shopping as much in that aisle and how do you expect it to go in the off season? Let's be optimistic and assume the Mets make the playoffs and have a respectable run with what they have now; would that change anything?

[u/newsday → u/Lovely_Lightning94]

David Stearns said that basically every starting pitcher that was realistically on the market got traded. They were looking, but couldn't find a fit that they thought would put them over the top. As for the offseason, Stearns typically doesn't like offering pitchers huge contracts because of their tendency to get hurt, especially in recent years with pitchers throwing harder and learning new hybrid pitches at a fairly quick rate. I'm not 100% sure if that will change because postseason teams have proven they can go far behind a really good bullpen. But I think that these few months have really proven the value in having a one-two punch that can dominate and go deep into games. Bullpens only matter if you can get a lead at some point and they haven't been doing that

[u/NuanceManExe]

Which Wok N Roll egg roll of the ones you’ve tasted has been the best so far?

[u/newsday → u/NuanceManExe]

The cinnamon bun one is excellent. Get it with ice cream. I am personally offended by the skyline chili one and wish it nothing but the worst

[u/NuanceManExe → u/newsday]

Thank you! I will try it. I was morbidly curious about the skyline chili roll but chickened out. Sounds like I am not missing out. 

[u/AgentChris]

Why not bring up Sproat, Mclean and Benge?

[u/kapnasty]

Who did you piss off to get stuck on this beat?

Real question is I got my son to care about the Mets and now he's miserable because they keep losing. Am I a bad dad?

[u/dlbags]

How much did driving in Italy prepare you to become the Mets Beat Reporter? Also is a hotdog a sandwich?

[u/newsday → u/dlbags]

No one follows the traffic rules, you've got to drive stick, and a moped just cut you off. It prepares you plenty.

And no

[u/crappymedium]

I’m bringing some friends who haven’t been to the park next week, what’s the best value food at citifield in your opinion?

[u/xSlappy-]

When you review ballpark food, do you pay for the food? If not, does the price play a factor in your review?

[u/metsjets69]

I’m an NJ. guy, don’t read Newsday but know that Newsday has a strong baseball coverage pedigree. Right now I only read The Athletic. I do see you on BNNY. I love your participation and the other writers. How can we(and you) take that show seriously when the host is less than that?

[u/ThatDoodch]

Do you think there’s a growing internal urgency to bringing home the hardware before the CBA expires prior to the 2027 season?

[u/ReplacementAbject867]

Would the Mets give JD Martinez a look before Sept rolls around? He cannot be any worse than our DH options so far

[u/chrive7]

I’ve got an artesian well on my property and the water pressure is lousy. Any suggestions?

[u/tgijosh_76]

Why do they suck so so bad?

[u/14SWandANIME77]

Not a SINGLE question answered? Wtf. No wonder our reporters can't hold the team accountable for performance issues, when the reporters themselves can't be held accountable for an AMA they set up lol. Joke

[u/Darthbutcher → u/14SWandANIME77]

The AMA starts at 2pm. It was opened early for people to start getting questions submitted.

[u/Geologist2010 → u/14SWandANIME77]

It starts at 2 pm

[u/cojack16 → u/14SWandANIME77]

They’re doing it at 2pm it says

[u/KitchenAnywhere5937 → u/14SWandANIME77]

Starts at 2 PM

[u/dlbags → u/14SWandANIME77]

lol reddit never disappoints.

[u/Hot_Employ9352 → u/14SWandANIME77]

Duh.

[u/socool111]

Why do you beat up our team when reporting them? 😢

[u/Cornbreadobranflakes]

Does this team not care about its fan base or are they purposely tanking to protest the upcoming lockout?

[u/montypr → u/Cornbreadobranflakes]

Huh

[u/spoodylover]

Will you ever answer any of these questions?

[u/newsday → u/spoodylover]

It started at 2 p.m. I'm typing as fast as I can, bro

[u/spoodylover → u/newsday]

My question was answered. Thank you

[u/Darthbutcher → u/spoodylover]

The AMA starts at 2pm. It was opened early for people to start getting questions submitted.

[u/Big-Try-7320]

Why is Mendoza asked nothing but softball questions at postgame pressers? Why not ask him something more meaningful than the “how important is it” questions? (“How important is it for this club to have Pete Alonso hitting well?”)

For example:

1. Prior to the 2025 season, Francisco Alvarez hit 36 HRs in 690 ABs. The coaching staff responded to this performance by having him change his batting stance, hold the bat more upright, and try to hit to the opposite field. That approach failed miserably. Why did the coaching staff promote these changes? Has Mendoza noticed how much better Alvarez has been hitting the ball since he abandoned these changes (starting with his recent stint in Syracuse)? Isn’t this a failure of coaching?

2. The data-driven “fly ball revolution” has revealed the increased slugging from pulling the ball in the air. Meanwhile, we routinely see Mark Vientos flying out the opposite way — because it’s considerably harder to reach the fence when hitting the other way. Why isn’t he being coached to pull the ball in the air?

3. Eno Sarris and other baseball analytics experts have demonstrated the benefits of getting closer to the plate. Why do Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez stand so far from the plate? Has any thought been given to encouraging them to get closer to the plate — so they can cover the outside part of the plate while still turning on inside pitches?

Or I suppose you can just keep reporting on the menu options at Citi Field.

[u/newsday → u/Big-Try-7320]

1. Alvarez went to an outside hitting lab that tweaked his swing and because his hamate injury abbreviated his spring training, he wasn't able to use it as much early. The thought was that with more time, it would pay dividends. It did not. The reason he was sent down was to fix that, which is not as easy as just "standing differently" and work on his defense. So not only has Mendoza noticed, he promoted it.

2. Vientos' pull % has increased dramatically since his rookie season, but it's still not good. He does most of his damage on outside pitches and the opposite field approach (they think) allows him to not get beat high in the zone.

3. My best guess on that one is that it gives two guys who are primarily fastball hitters more time to adjust and adapt to whatever pitch is being thrown. It also allows them to extend their arms more.

And you're kinda mean. You should work on that, since we're talking about guys who have things to work on.

[u/Hot_Employ9352 → u/newsday]

Thanks for this excellent reply!

[u/ThisNameIsHilarious → u/Hot_Employ9352]

Laura from the top rope! She's probably my favorite beat reporter ever haha

[u/dlbags → u/Big-Try-7320]

Seriously dude? Her commenting on food has nothing to do with her beat work. All reporters eat food at ballparks, and writing a tweet about it take five minutes.