An Inside Look at the YMI Mets Fan Podcast: November Recap
The latest episode of the YMI Mets Fan Podcast, hosted by Samantha Cron and Ashley Winkowski, offers an insightful discussion on recent developments surrounding the New York Mets and their off-season dynamics. With the festive season approaching, the hosts reflect on both their professional lives as sports reporters in Syracuse, New York, and their mutual passion for the Mets.
A Dual Fashion Statement
The episode opens on a lighthearted note as Cron and Winkowski remark on their matching outfits, a result of a personal photoshoot ahead of their coverage for the Holiday Bowl. Their sibling-like camaraderie is palpable, setting the stage for an engaging conversation centered on baseball.
Ashley and Samantha quickly dive into the Mets' current status, highlighting team owner Steve Cohen’s announcement about a significant uptick in ticket sales following the signing of star outfielder Juan Soto. Cohen notes that the Mets’ attendance ranked 18th in Major League Baseball last year, a figure that both hosts find surprisingly low, especially given New York's status as a major market. They discuss the implications of Soto's signing on the Mets’ visibility and fan engagement.
The hosts then analyze Soto's introductory press conference, where he emphasized "winning culture" and "family." His agent, Scott Boras, was also on hand, revealing the Mets' commitment to Soto's family by reserving 22 seats at each home game in honor of his jersey number. This gesture showcases the Mets’ effort to create a welcoming environment, which the hosts believe played a critical role in Soto's decision to join the team.
A notable point during the discussion is the long-term planning that went into acquiring Soto. Ashley mentions that Cohen and the Mets had an eye on Soto for at least 14 months leading up to his signing. They argue that while the contract is hefty at $765 million, the structuring of the deal—giving Soto an opt-out after five years—could ultimately benefit the Mets if he decides to leave. This foresight reflects Cohen's strategic approach to building a competitive team while managing financial risk.
Shifting gears, Winkowski brings up the Yankees’ recent signing of Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. Samantha expresses skepticism about the length of the deal for a pitcher over 30, echoing a common struggle faced by fans when teams commit long-term to aging players. They also link this signing to a PR strategy following the Yankees' unsuccessful pursuit of Soto, signaling how high-stakes moves often come in waves in New York baseball.
The conversation naturally flows into the potential futures of two significant Mets players: Pete Alonso and Shawn Manaea. The hosts speculate whether they might return next season and agree on the necessity of retaining Alonso, who is viewed as a central figure in the Mets’ lineup. They also emphasize the precarious nature of Alonso's market, recalling that his previous year was filled with ups and downs—a theme that resonates with many fans who have witnessed similar transitional periods.
Adding to the speculation surrounding roster changes, the discussion then turns to Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, who has expressed a willingness to waive his no-trade clause for several teams, including the Mets. The hosts find it intriguing that the Yankees are not among the listed teams, prompting a deeper analysis of why some players attract interest and others do not. The potential for Arenado to bolster the Mets' infield raises questions about alignment on team needs and priorities.
Wrapping up a busy episode, the hosts honor the announcement that the Mets will retire David Wright's number on July 19. The rich history of the franchise forms a pivotal backdrop to this recognition. Samantha shares a personal connection, noting Wright as her favorite player, while speculating on whether this date could coincide with the official naming of Francisco Lindor as the team’s captain—a moment that would resonate deeply with fans and create new memories in Mets lore.
As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts touch upon humorous pop culture moments, notably the auction of Aaron Judge’s dropped flyball from Game 5 of the World Series by the Dodgers, illustrating the absurd financial dynamics in baseball fandom. They add a celebratory note by discussing a 10-year-old who inadvertently transformed his family’s financial situation by catching a Grand Slam ball sold for $1.56 million, capturing the essence of what makes sports and their fan experiences deeply entertaining and heartwarming.
Samantha and Ashley conclude by sharing their holiday plans and hint at an upcoming break but assure listeners that they will remain engaged with any breaking news regarding the Mets. They invite fans to share recommendations for their upcoming trip to San Diego and encourage their audience to stay connected through social media. The lively banter and shared enthusiasm reaffirm the duo’s commitment to not just reporting on the Mets but enjoying the journey as fans themselves.
This episode encapsulates the commitment from both Samantha and Ashley to engage with their listeners on an emotional level, blending personal narratives with broader baseball discussions, reinforcing their bond as lifelong Mets supporters.
Part 1/10:
An Inside Look at the YMI Mets Fan Podcast: November Recap
The latest episode of the YMI Mets Fan Podcast, hosted by Samantha Cron and Ashley Winkowski, offers an insightful discussion on recent developments surrounding the New York Mets and their off-season dynamics. With the festive season approaching, the hosts reflect on both their professional lives as sports reporters in Syracuse, New York, and their mutual passion for the Mets.
A Dual Fashion Statement
The episode opens on a lighthearted note as Cron and Winkowski remark on their matching outfits, a result of a personal photoshoot ahead of their coverage for the Holiday Bowl. Their sibling-like camaraderie is palpable, setting the stage for an engaging conversation centered on baseball.
Part 2/10:
Mets’ Attendance and Ticket Sales Surge
Ashley and Samantha quickly dive into the Mets' current status, highlighting team owner Steve Cohen’s announcement about a significant uptick in ticket sales following the signing of star outfielder Juan Soto. Cohen notes that the Mets’ attendance ranked 18th in Major League Baseball last year, a figure that both hosts find surprisingly low, especially given New York's status as a major market. They discuss the implications of Soto's signing on the Mets’ visibility and fan engagement.
The Culture Shift: Soto's Impact
Part 3/10:
The hosts then analyze Soto's introductory press conference, where he emphasized "winning culture" and "family." His agent, Scott Boras, was also on hand, revealing the Mets' commitment to Soto's family by reserving 22 seats at each home game in honor of his jersey number. This gesture showcases the Mets’ effort to create a welcoming environment, which the hosts believe played a critical role in Soto's decision to join the team.
Long-Term Planning Behind the Scenes
Part 4/10:
A notable point during the discussion is the long-term planning that went into acquiring Soto. Ashley mentions that Cohen and the Mets had an eye on Soto for at least 14 months leading up to his signing. They argue that while the contract is hefty at $765 million, the structuring of the deal—giving Soto an opt-out after five years—could ultimately benefit the Mets if he decides to leave. This foresight reflects Cohen's strategic approach to building a competitive team while managing financial risk.
Yankees vs Mets: The Rivalry Continues
Part 5/10:
Shifting gears, Winkowski brings up the Yankees’ recent signing of Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. Samantha expresses skepticism about the length of the deal for a pitcher over 30, echoing a common struggle faced by fans when teams commit long-term to aging players. They also link this signing to a PR strategy following the Yankees' unsuccessful pursuit of Soto, signaling how high-stakes moves often come in waves in New York baseball.
Rumors Surrounding Key Players
Part 6/10:
The conversation naturally flows into the potential futures of two significant Mets players: Pete Alonso and Shawn Manaea. The hosts speculate whether they might return next season and agree on the necessity of retaining Alonso, who is viewed as a central figure in the Mets’ lineup. They also emphasize the precarious nature of Alonso's market, recalling that his previous year was filled with ups and downs—a theme that resonates with many fans who have witnessed similar transitional periods.
Trade Talks: Nolan Arenado?
Part 7/10:
Adding to the speculation surrounding roster changes, the discussion then turns to Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, who has expressed a willingness to waive his no-trade clause for several teams, including the Mets. The hosts find it intriguing that the Yankees are not among the listed teams, prompting a deeper analysis of why some players attract interest and others do not. The potential for Arenado to bolster the Mets' infield raises questions about alignment on team needs and priorities.
Celebrating David Wright’s Legacy
Part 8/10:
Wrapping up a busy episode, the hosts honor the announcement that the Mets will retire David Wright's number on July 19. The rich history of the franchise forms a pivotal backdrop to this recognition. Samantha shares a personal connection, noting Wright as her favorite player, while speculating on whether this date could coincide with the official naming of Francisco Lindor as the team’s captain—a moment that would resonate deeply with fans and create new memories in Mets lore.
A Lighthearted Ending with Holiday Cheer
Part 9/10:
As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts touch upon humorous pop culture moments, notably the auction of Aaron Judge’s dropped flyball from Game 5 of the World Series by the Dodgers, illustrating the absurd financial dynamics in baseball fandom. They add a celebratory note by discussing a 10-year-old who inadvertently transformed his family’s financial situation by catching a Grand Slam ball sold for $1.56 million, capturing the essence of what makes sports and their fan experiences deeply entertaining and heartwarming.
The Future of YMI Mets Fan Podcast
Part 10/10:
Samantha and Ashley conclude by sharing their holiday plans and hint at an upcoming break but assure listeners that they will remain engaged with any breaking news regarding the Mets. They invite fans to share recommendations for their upcoming trip to San Diego and encourage their audience to stay connected through social media. The lively banter and shared enthusiasm reaffirm the duo’s commitment to not just reporting on the Mets but enjoying the journey as fans themselves.
This episode encapsulates the commitment from both Samantha and Ashley to engage with their listeners on an emotional level, blending personal narratives with broader baseball discussions, reinforcing their bond as lifelong Mets supporters.