Archive for July 11th, 2009

The Oh Murph crew got first sight at an open letter to Mets fans from Ryan Church which is to hit NY papers tomorrow morning.

Lucky for you, were going to let you take a peak…. right now!

Dear Mets Fans,

I first would like to thank the editors of Oh Murph for agreeing to publish this letter. While other news organization were lazy in their reporting of my skipping third base in Los Angeles in the name of Teen Abstinence, Oh Murph was brave enough to report the truth about my meaningful protest back in late May.

To the fans of New York, I’d first like to congratulate them on acquiring Jeff Francoeur. He’s a heck of a player and despite having already compiled seven strikeouts en route from Atlanta to JFK, he should provide much needed pop from the right side of the plate. And while I look forward to a new beginning in Atlanta, I look back fondly at my 18 months in New York. When Brian Schneider and I arrived here from Washington for Lastings Milledge, I know many of you were skeptical. It takes a lot of foresight to trade one of the organization’s most talented and exciting prospects for a part-time catcher and a 29-year-old corner outfielder who never amassed more than 70 rbi in a season and who once made disparaging remarks about Jewish people – and bringing him to New York. It goes to show what a savvy general manager you Mets fans are blessed with. Not many GM’s out there can boast two silver medals in both divisional AND wild card races in the same season two years running (not too shabby!)

And while I must admit, I am as disappointed as you are that I could not produce somewhat better numbers, we did have some great times together didn’t we? I mean, who could forget the two doubles I had against the Cubs in June of last year? Or my gutty 1-4 versus the Marlins earlier this season. And I’m sure I must have thrown a few guys out at 2nd or 3rd or whatever. Who knows, maybe a few years from now I’ll join the ranks of Richard Hidalgo, Bruce Chen, and Brian McRae in the exclusive “Oh yeah, I forgot about that guy” club. Maybe I’ll even become the most memorable of the easily forgettable.

I also learned a lot from my brief stay in New York. I was exposed to fine art, brown mustard, and tolerance. The latter I owe to Rabbi Schmule Ben-Zobrist of the 5th Avenue Synagogue. A life long Mets fan, Schmule taught me to question some of my long-held beliefs. Still, Rabbi, I’d pack shorts and sunscreen to my funeral I were you just in case, as I hear eternal damnation can get pretty toasty.

Well, what more can I say? I look forward to coming back to Citi Field in September and parking two Livan breaking balls into the Pepsi Porch to dash any last hope of a wild card birth.

Yours,

Ryan Church

Also, for your viewing pleasure…. A video tribute to Ryan Church

Church from OHMURPH on Vimeo.

Last night, Jonathan Sanchez of the Giants pitched a gem.  A No Hitter indeed.  Sanchez would have had a Perfect Game if not for an error by Juan Uribe in the 5th inning.

To take a look back at all the No Hitters the Mets have thrown over their 46 year history, check below:

Seems that there are mixed reactions to the Church – Francoeur trade.  I personally like it.  Francoeur is 5 years younger and I

think change will do him good, plus his name is kind of cool.  I really liked church and I will miss him.  He wasn’t treated well here so hopefully it will be better for him as well.

Oh yeah… Church just picked up a game in the standings.

For more thoughts on today’s trade:

Mark Bradley from AJC in Atlanta writes that the Braves ran out of patience:  The Francoeur Trade:  A sad but necessary ending.

Espn.com quotes Francoeur being surprised by being traded to a rival, while Church was completely shocked.  Church immediately texted Chipper Jones and states he knows all the mets signs, and he’ll fill the Braves in (bastard!)

Mike Puma from the NY Post now knows that life still exists in the Mets front office.

Gondeee over at Talking Chop in Atlanta likes the deal and breaks down both of their seasons.

Lastly, Braves fan “20+ Year Season Ticket Holder” leaves this note on the ACJ comment section.  This post sounds eerily similar to what Mets fans have been saying for the past two months.  Click here to see over 300 comments from Braves fans regarding the trade.

After 20+ years as a season ticket crazy, I love the Braves, Bobbie and Ted. Thank you.

As for John S., you were the master over time with Bobbie and your talent. Amazing TALENT.

This trade STINKS.
I don’t care if Jeff ever hits a single again.
You, of all people, have demonstrated there is no loyalty.
A Braves hallmark.
I’m done.
Chipper, run now.
John S., you look brighter every day.
And Doggie’s “number retirement” is on the 17th.
Will be a requiem.
Mark Bradley has no idea folks, none, nada, squat…
great writer though.
I love the Braves.
The Braves don’t “want” us.
Nor does the AJC and Mark.
Can’t believe I’m posting for this first time.
Go Braves.

Would anyone like my seats for the rest of the season.
Jeff, never met you.
Do well.
Braves.
Remember this.
GO BRAVES!!!