Mets Fire Manager Carlos Mendoza After Disastrous First Half

The New York Mets have fired manager Carlos Mendoza.

The move comes with the team in the midst of a miserable season in which the Mets sit at 34-47 — one of the worst records in the National League — despite one of the highest payrolls in MLB.

Andy Green will take over as the team’s interim manager, the team announced.

A few hours after the news broke, Mendoza released a statement thanking the Mets’ organization and the team’s fans for the past three seasons.

Mendoza put up a 206-199 record in three years with the team.

Mendoza’s dismissal is the third managerial change this season. The two other teams to make changes — the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies — acted early, with Boston firing Alex Cora and Philadelphia firing Rob Thomson in April.

Michelob Ultra Dethrones Modelo Especial to Become America’s New Top-selling Beer Brand

Michelob Ultra has surpassed Modelo Especial to become America’s top-selling beer, according to recent sales data. This marks a significant milestone for Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Michelob Ultra, which has capitalized on major sports partnerships to boost its brand visibility.

Fox Business reported that the beer’s rise to the top is attributed to strategic sponsorships, including being the NBA’s first-ever global beer sponsor and the official beer sponsor for the FIFA World Cup. 

Michelob Ultra’s success also comes amid the backdrop of the backlash against Bud Light, another Anheuser-Busch brand, following a controversial marketing campaign. This allowed Modelo Especial to claim the top spot temporarily. However, Michelob Ultra’s consistent growth in both retail and on-premise channels helped it dethrone Modelo.

The beer’s low-carb profile and marketing strategy have resonated with consumers, contributing to its rise. 

Royals Make Significant Changes to Kauffman Stadium Dimensions, Eyeing More Offense

The Kansas City Royals are moving in fences at Kauffman Stadium in an effort to make it a more hitter-friendly ballpark.

Both the left- and right-field walls will be moved in nine to 10 feet, beginning close to the foul poles and tapering toward center field, which will stay at 410 feet from home plate, while the wall height will be lowered from 10 feet to 8 1/2 feet in most places. 

A team-provided diagram showed the left- and right-field corners at 347 and 344 feet, respectively, nine feet shorter than their current dimensions. The left and right field walls will also be nine feet closer at 364 feet.

Kauffman Stadium is already considered to be an above-average offensive park because of its massive outfield, which promotes doubles and triples, but has suppressed home runs, which has led to hitters changing their approaches in road games. The Royals had previously moved their fences in 10 feet between 1995 and 2003, which saw a spike in home run totals, before returning to their original dimensions in 2004.

Old (Feet)New (Feet)
Left Field Line356347
Left Field373364
Left Field Alley389379
Left Center405405
Center Field410410
Right Center405405
Right Field Alley389379
Right Field373364
Right Field Line356344