‘Amazin’ But True’ Podcast Episode 135: Should Alvarez Start More Than Nido? feat. Colin Cosell

There is always something special about the home opener.

The first time back at the ballpark. A new season. Renewed hope.

For me, it’s always just a little extra special.

It’s our father-son tradition to go to the Mets home opener – the one game every year my dad and I go to together.

It began in 2003 on a freezing cold day when the Mets played the Cubs at Shea Stadium when I was 12 years old and we lived together in Connecticut.

On Thursday in 2023, we kept the tradition alive. Me living in New York, my dad flying up from South Carolina to make sure we keep it going.

It marked our 20-year anniversary of our tradition…and yes it was a little cold, but nothing was colder than that 30-degree home opener back in 2003 at Shea.

From 12 to 32 and now working at the New York Post, hosting a Mets podcast with a former player.

It’s been one heck of a journey, and it means a lot to me to be there for the first home game with the guy that got me into watching baseball.

The 20-year anniversary was capped off with my dad and mom seeing me host a podcast live, for the first time, in front of a packed bar at Katch Astoria as Nelson Figueroa and I hosted “Amazin’ But True” with special guest Endy Chavez. What a day it was on Friday.

Following the Mets’ series win over the Marlins, public address announcer Colin Cosell co-hosted the podcast with me Sunday night. You can listen to and watch the newest episode of “Amazin’ But True” below.

Amazin’ But True Podcast with Jake Brown & guest co-host Colin Cosell:

• WELCOME IN COLIN: Has a similar beard to Figgie. Just became a father 13 days ago when he and his wife welcomed in a daughter.
• FRANCISCO ALVAREZ TIME: With Omar Narvaez out until June, the Mets should be considering playing Alvarez every day or four/five times a week. Colin thinks there are still things that need to be polished with Alvarez. Tomas Nido is the better defensive catcher and that is essential with a lot of the new rules and pitch clock. I think the Mets offense could use Alvarez’s bat a bit more. Alvarez will need to contribute in limited chances, which means he could try to do too much.
• EDUARDO ESCOBAR STRUGGLES: He had a few hits over the weekend, including a much-needed home run Saturday. He is going to get his chance for at least a few weeks. Brett Baty’s time will come, but it’s not right now. Escobar is a huge part of the clubhouse, a great guy, a solid defensive player and has pop in his bat. In Buck, we trust. Buck Showalter knows what he’s doing.
• BIG PADRES SERIES AHEAD: Early litmus test against a World Series contender. It’s the rematch of the Wild Card round last October at Citi Field. It’s still very early in the season, but it would be nice for the Mets to win a series over a great team. All five of their wins so far are against the Marlins. Starling Marte might miss the whole series.
• GRANDPA HOWARD COSELL: How often does he get asked if he is related to Howard Cosell? Did his grandpa get him into wanting to get behind a microphone? Gets chills in the PA booth at Citi Field and even pulling up to the ballpark. The home opener is magical every year and getting to be heard over the stadium.

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