If you needed any more proof of how loud your body language can speak – please take a look at today’s sports section of Newsday, http://www.newsday.com/sports/

and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about regarding the New York Mets’ Oliver Perez.

NOTE: You may need to click on Mets to view the picture.  

O-Perez looks like he’s a short minute away from shedding some tears on Delgado’s shoulder. Coach Peterson saved himself a mound visit that may have concluded with a hug.

The pouting must go. The importance of monitoring, supporting, and leading bullpen pitchers is one-thing; making sure one of your starters remains focused, confident, and relaxed is surely another thing.

O-Perez undoubtedly has enough support and leadership, thus, when we witness a picture telling the complete story, than we really need to believe that it’s something that only O-Perez can deal with.

What will he decide to do – continue pouting with both shoulders slumped over – or will he continue learning from pitchers like Johan and Pedro, while stepping-up to the mound and dealing with the most important thing right now . . . himself.

Bloggers wouldn’t be taken seriously if they didn’t demonstrate honesty, respect, passion, loyalty, and accountability. The person-place-or-thing we write about should be looked straight in the eyes as if we were speaking with them in-person.

Team sports and individual sports have their differences and similarities. One big-time relation is accountability.

I’ve personally had adventures with both dating back to when I was 2-years old. Surely, I don’t recall my athletic career beginning so young, yet, I’m always going to believe my Dad, who states how I was quickly handed a tennis racket while I stood clueless on the tennis court.

Moreover, 28-years later, I’m writing about the importance of accountability with all sports—individual and team. Players, coaches, and of course – fans, decide whether or not the appropriate level of accountability is being held. Who wants to hold it? Who wants to be the lead-by-example leader? 

The New York Mets—players and coaches—are finally looking like an accountable team. In addition, their recent success blends accountability with consistency. Two difficult actions that together, should be a contender for being the best.

The Wilpon’s, Omar Minaya, and Willie Randolph have not acted alone with turning a team who was one-win away from a World Series to a .500 ball club. And, there’s a reason why we call it a team sport. We certainly won’t overlook the players, who make things happen on the field, and have the most control over whether or not a game is won or lost.     

The closest contact with these players happens to be the manager. The one-person of late spending the most time working with these players seemed to be the trainer! Jokes and injuries aside, the person is Willie Randolph – manager of the NY Mets.

I have Omar accountable for his actions, and I hold Omar accountable for making sure that Willie has support, guidance, and resources. The rest truly rests with the manager and his players.  

Let’s analyze something that we can relate with other than sports. Our jobs. As an employee for a business, we’re accountable for our job duties. Furthermore, we’ll more than likely report to someone in a leadership-oriented position. Moreover, our supervisor, manager, leader, boss, or any other descriptive word you’ve probably named that person – under your breath of course – has someone of their own to view as their leader, boss, manager, or supervisor.

The Leadership Chain. The Accountability Link. Leaders providing support and resources in effort to succeed. It’s all rather simple to follow, and it’s quite similar to professional sports.    

The Metropolitan players are held accountable to produce at the highest level – game-in and game-out. The players will have their “supervisor,” or to sound more clear – Manager Randolph. Willie is accountable for his players, while effectively displaying leadership, support, emotion, and guiding his team towards success.

Willie has his “boss or bosses,” who go by the names of Minaya and Wilpon respectively. The breakdown is very clear, and as with any business, the person who is either near the top or on the top of their leadership chain will provide resources that trickle down the same leadership chain.

The Wilpon’s provide money. Minaya provides players. Willie provides direct leadership, structure, team-building, trust, motivation, emotion, dedication, and support to the players. Finally, Players provide production, leadership, emotion, dedication, and excitement.

The New York Fans provide everything you could ever want. Winners.   

El Bat Nu? What is That??

Here’s a hint . . . It’s the group of letters at the end of a very important word.

Here’s another hint . . . The word can make-or-break a team depending on whether or not all players and coaches hold themselves to be . . .

Accountable.

El Bat Nu.

The New Bat.

Yes, I did come close to over-analyzing the word; however, I have the power to blog like I own the place. And, I’m always confident that I posses hidden talents to predict and explain the past, present, and occasionally the future.

Accountable can be found in the dictionary with several definitions and possible spelling options. Needless to say, the noun, adverb, and adjective all end-up resting on the players and coaches.

I don’t care about all the explanations and translations, because a well-directed, emotion-on-sleeve-wearing team focuses on simplicity; therefore, all that’s needed is found between the following quotation marks:

“Responsibility to someone or for some activity.”

The simple breakdown for Upper Management, Willie, and his Metropolitans; Omar and the Wilpon’s are accountable for resource support and leadership of Willie; and Willie is held accountable for leadership, guidance, support, understanding, emotion, production, and a lead-by-example attitude for his players; finally, all players—youngens and veterans respectively—are accountable for leadership, emotion, production, lead-by-example veteran leadership, teamwork, and a strong desire to win for themselves and for the most passionate fans in the world!       

The New Bat tells us that the accountability level has been too low, and it’s time for a new page to turn. The players and their manager have the most control day-in and day-out to display responsibility and effort, thus, we all deserve better than what we’ve seen.  

Willie has been too quiet for too long, and is just now—two-months later—showing an emotional pulse. We all know how Randolph has been the poster-man for New York coolness, calmness, and collectiveness; he seemed to have played The Invisible Man during a NY Yankees era where everyone other than Randolph made newspaper headlines and a relationship with controversy. Not Willie.

Moreover, times have changed, and I hope Willie can understand enough that it’s not all about him these days, and you cannot run from New York fans and media. Yes, he is Willie Randolph, having said that, when New York fans expect excellence and winning, you better put that ego in a back pocket and make a difference. The team remains a .500 ball club. That is unacceptable.

Further, I do believe Randolph has a spark inside him; I mean c’mon—he did play the sport for quite some time—so I know he does not enjoy losing. Additionally, we know about Delgado’s “break” for a few-days that now has Delgado jogging off the field with a dirty jersey.   

I want to see Willie take-one-for-the-team by first accepting the fact that criticism directed his way is nothing personal. The fans want and deserve the best. And, these same fans do not give free-passes to players and coaches just because they’re considered a New Yorker. A championship must be earned, preceded with year-in and year-out expectations of being a contender.

Mark Messier will always have partial ownership of New York since he brought a Stanley Cup to New York for the first-time in 54-years. Mark Messier – The Messiah – will always be a New Yorker. Randolph hasn’t proved anything as a manager, and his work continues to be an upward battle. A championship must be within grasp, with consistent, year-in and year-out expectations of being a contender.

Finally, as I’ve said all along, each-and-every player, coach, and personnel must be held accountable. The youngens need to learn, produce, communicate, and earn respect. The veterans need to guide, teach, produce, communicate, and lead-by-example. The coaches and personnel need to support, guide, communicate, teach, lead, manage, and provide resources.

A good team takes pride in their work. A good team remains accountable.   

I have noticed a before-and-after with Carlos Delgado, and I can honestly say that I much prefer the after.

Encouraging learning of Randolph’s influence in connection to Delgado’s recent success. Two-things that weren’t looking too promising a few-weeks ago; first, Willie getting permission to callout the veteran players—such as Delgado—by communicating how their performances are unacceptable and lacking; secondly, Willie showing us that a straightforward one-on-one meeting with the uninspiring veteran players speaks volumes for his ability to demonstrate managerial toughness with his players; finally, Willie takes two-steps forward with his affect on spreading some confidence via Carlos Delgado’s play.

The preceding paragraph paints an “All is Well” illustration of Randolph and Delgado with their performance, leadership, emotion, and overall production, respectively.   

Let’s just say the canvas hasn’t been too attractive thus far in ’08.     

Rewinding the clock a tad past one-week, the Metropolitans faced the Bravos in a series that I’d rather forget, however, New York fans do not forget . . . ever.

Tuesday, 5.20.2008, Mets v. Braves, bottom of the 3rd-inning, 1-out, 2-0 Bravos.  

I’m writing about an absolute, unprofessional, inexcusable, bush-league effort towards a ground ball hit to Delgado’s right during the bottom of the 3rd-inning. They had a runner on-base, so there was potential for an inning-ending double-play.

Needless to say, the ball hit towards Delgado was far from a rocket, and produced such a lackluster effort that Delgado seemed scared about diving and getting his clean jersey dirty. I analyzed the play by seeing it on live television, in addition to instant replay’s played by the SNY Camera Crew.

The absolute only player who can punch a free ticket to forgiveness, and easily get away with such lifeless efforts at first-base is Ryan Howard. Let’s face it, Ryan Howard and Gold Glove will not be used in the same sentence, yet, Phillies fans can probably care less about his glove work.

Ryan Howard produces with his bat – and that’s the precise difference between Delgado and Howard. I would not have thought to write this article if Delgado was an offensive leader who we could rely on day-in and day-out. I am instead left with a continuance of my article brought about by a single play from Tuesday’s game.   

The Bravos ended-up scoring again and again during the inning, which left the Metropolitans down 4-0, and left Delgado with a shiny, clean-as-a-whistle jersey.

The rest is history.

Delgado’s effort added some grease to the pan of how I have a difficult time with professional athletes who settle for going through the motions. I understand how Delgado may not completely care for the New York fans; having said that, the athletes we look-up to and admire should at least want it badly enough for their teammates sake.

Furthermore, Delgado made his value match-up well with his age – they’re both getting old. Please understand, that behind the long-time-no-see fist-pumping first-baseman, there is still a player who can drive a ball over any outfield wall – even the green monster. And that’s why I can see Delgado back in the American League as a DH.

Nevertheless, as a current NY Met, Delgado and Tuesday’s defensive effort mirrored the players and coaches uncaring body language that has to change now. 

Leadership should undoubtedly be brought to the Metropolitans. Pedro Martinez revived would be absolutely gigantic for this team and their pitching staff.

We’re hoping to see both—Pedro resurrected on the mound—and Pedro’s respectful guidance with players and coaches. I’m glad to know that we’re already halfway there.

Meet the Mets – Meet the Mets! Let’s Go!  

Carlos Beltran is one of those players who can never do enough to receive positive analysis on a consistent basis. It’s never enough.

Furthermore, fans have become increasingly knowledgeable and passionate about their team and their players. Additionally, fans don’t forget; they remember any and every throw, catch, hit, comment, demeanor, and overall play.

I’m a fan of Beltran. Nonetheless, I’d be lying if I said he’s error-free and consistent—day-in and day-out within his terrain. Who is??

We all remember his extraordinary—Houston, We Have Lift-Off—home-run frenzy that truly put the Belt in Beltran.

Fast-forward to the centerfielder wearing Metropolitan pinstripes. High expectations? Big-time accountability? World Series bound?

Yes, Yes, and Yes.

We boo – We cheer – We boo – We cheer. The New York Way!

I’m still a fan of Carlos Beltran. Nevertheless, I admit he goes thru offensive struggles; strike-outs, ground-outs, fly-outs, and whatever else you feel he must fight thru in order to witness boos flippin’ into woos.

The guy has one of the most beautiful swings – more so from the left-side – that makes me feel like something positive is bound to happen when he’s at the plate. Additionally, we’ve witnessed play after play after play in the outfield, where his pure speed and effort turns into Gold-Glove catches. And, these Sportscenter Web-Gems include many run-scoring snags to leave the opposing batter and team scratching their head in amazement.

I wouldn’t want any centerfielder other than Carlos Beltran running down a potential, run-scoring gapper. Moreover, I like their chances with a Gold-Glove centerfielder who proved he can hit.  

We both know bloggers’ importance of wearing multiple hats, in addition to playing a New York style devils advocate; therefore, I’m very much so looking forward to tonites Game-1 versus Torre’s Dodgers.  

The dramatic and encouraging win makes us believe that a positive turnaround is upon us. Nevertheless, similar to the importance of shutting down an opponent during their next at-bat following a Mets’ run-scoring inning—is a game after an emotional win. Thus, the Metropolitans have an important challenge ahead of them tonite against the Dodgers.

I believe their first come-from-behind win when trailing entering the ninth in 24-games speaks volumes. And, to follow-up with a win tonite would be inspiring. The game is huge, and I truly believe—in its own way—that it’s a must-win. I’m happy to say that I do expect a solid effort. In addition, I’m feeling like it’s time for Nick Evans to kick the 0-13 funk since his double-happy opening-day and begin building some confidence. If Evans needs any inspiration to produce—look no further from last-nite.  

Meet the Mets – Meet the Mets. Let’s Go!

I’m relieved for a brief time now that the Metropolitans etched-out a win. Nevertheless, finishing a game on the winning side of things every 5-games is not the way to go.

Let’s face it – Santana is the ONLY pitcher right now who I’m confident in taking the ball to the mound. I’m confident that our best chances to win are with Santana starting. Needless to say, we did expect Santana to be the ace; yet, we didn’t expect the next best pitcher to be this far behind as the second starter.

Going into last-nites game against the first-place Marlins, the Metropolitans have been dismal, with a bleak 5-11 record spanning thru their previous 16-games. Thus, remaining motivated, confident, and resilient, while focusing on looking-up has the Mets doing just that—looking-up.

Currently, the Mets are looking-up at Atlanta, Philly, and Florida; so, with the last-place Nats taking 3-of-4, in addition to the three other NL East teams, these Mets have plenty of work to do during their World Series endeavor.

The following results may be too disturbing for those sensitive to brutal facts, however, I’m accountable for sharing honest thoughts, opinions, and reality. Moreover, my earlier mention of the Mets’ 6-11 record over a 17-game timeframe is distastefully analyzed below:

The NY Mets’ Last 6-Wins:

*2-games versus the last-place Yankees

*1-game versus the last-place Reds

*1-game versus the last-place Nationals

*1-game versus the last-place MLB Division – Rockies

*1-game versus the surprisingly first-place Marlins

If the preceding numbers weren’t disappointing already, than I’d like to add more evidence that truly make the wins slightly misleading. Please take note . . .

Johan Santana pitched and earned two of the six-wins, with the latest being against the first-place Marlins.

I hope all Mets fans are in agreement; we need to see more overall wins; we need to see pitchers other than Santana stepping-up; we need to see wins against last-place teams and teams the Mets should beat.

We may be needy fans, however, we’re surely not asking for much now are we.

I do not enjoy writing about the Yankees, however, I will discuss their happenings if it has something to do with our NY Mets.

I previously wrote about Willie’s lack of emotion and his anti-ejection attitude. During this time we had the cross-town rival manager, Joe Girardi, wear his emotion on his sleeve and eventually became a spectator after being ejected.

The Yankees won that game – and are currently riding a 5-game winning streak. And, to top it all off – and prove that Girardi’s actions had at least a small affect on his team – the Yankees displayed the sort of fight and unwillingness to lose – down 5-2 in the 8^th-inning before fighting back to win 6-5 – which I’m still waiting to see from the Metropolitans.

I would much rather speak of the Mets in a positive light, yet, there’s not much illumination when the team is unable to put a 2-game winning streak together.

Please visit <a href=”http://www.thebloggersbeat.com” title=”thebloggersbeat.com”>my Web site</a> for more opinions.