Ouch, That 'Stings!

Actually, no it didn't. It was a rather pleasant evening all around at Shea last night, as I took in my first game of the season in Shea's last hurrah. (Good seats, as you can clearly divine from this blackberry pic). A few thoughts:

(1) As most of you already knew, the Sisyphean torture device previously known as the exit ramp/circular staircase/M.C. Escher maze from the 7 train has been removed in favor of - get this - ONE SIMPLE FUCKING STAIRCASE. This, of course, begs the question, why did they have that hellish concrete rabbit's warren in the first place? I've never had such an easy time getting on/off the train. It literally cut 10 minutes off the trip in each direction. Good stuff.

(2) Truly bizarre seeing that giant, brand-spanking-new stadium in the outfield. It almost reminded me of "Independence Day," when the ginormous spaceship is hovering over the familiar backdrop of White House. Unfortunately, Vivica Fox was not involved.

(3) It's good to know Shea Stadium is still hiring food servers who hold prompt service in such low regard. Seriously, why should it take 10 minutes to serve someone a fucking hot dog and beer? It's not like I'm ordering the beef strogonoff with a '59 bordeaux over here. It's a hot dog and beer. That's all you fucking serve, all night long. That transaction should take no longer than 30 seconds, start to finish.

(4) Best surprise of the night: Walking into a heated men's room after shivering outside for 2 hours. Granted, the stench in there somewhat offset the enjoyment, but it was worth it.

(5) I've sat in the "waiter-service" seats a fair amount of times, but I've only actually used that service maybe twice. You know why? It sucks. Last night, for example, the so-called "waiters" made a total of ZERO appearances at our seats. None. That's useful.

Anyway, on to baseball, where it was a solid night all around. Maine was good but not great, but gave the team a chance to win. Reyes pounded his HR just seconds after Toasty, Sr. asked why he always has to swing for the fences, and Beltran hit his blast just after I told Tom he looked "listless" this year. Sign us up, ESPN.

Bottom line is I still need to be convinced that, when you take into account age and injuries, this team's not slightly better than average. I said it the other day, and I'll stand by it. Of course, I thought the same thing in spring training two years ago, and that season turned out ok. Keep in mind I also thought the NY Football Giants were utter dogshit circa September 2007, but let us never speak of that again.

Here's to proving me wrong, again and again! Apparently it's not too difficult.