Le Not-So-Grand Orange

Give not this rotten orange to your friend;
She's but the sign and semblance of her honor

- Much Ado About Nothing by Bill "Shake and Bake" Shakespeare

The Mets are preparing to sport orange batting practice jerseys for the 2003 season to honor the 1977 Orioles, recently elected Hall-of-Famer Eddie Murray's rookie team.

Check out Pedro Astacio wearing his before his mommy and daddy put him to bed:

Steve Phillips likes 'em. He likes anything as long as he gets to keep his job while running through more talent than a Soderbergh film:

"I like them," general manager Steve Phillips said. "It's a bright fresh look for a bright fresh start for the future of the Mets. We have a fresh start and a fresh direction with the singular ownership and [new manager] Art [Howe] and his coaching staff and the motivated group from last year joined with the winners we brought in this year, I think it's going to make for a great season. I think it's going to be a fresher environment for the players to thrive in."

Yeah, the only thing that's stale is the GM. Oh, and that corny apple that pops out of the hat whenever (if ever) a Met hits a home run.

At least Mike Piazza had a good sense of humor about it:

"[I] think they are interesting," Mike Piazza said. "The best part about them is that once the season is over, you can go hunting and you won't have to change your clothes."

He can't wait to tell that one to Alf at the next 10-10-220 shooting.