I'll make this short since this is my second post of the day, but reading about Carlos Voltron made me laugh so hard I figure I would try to do this on time while it's still fresh...
This was the bounce back game I wrote about in the previous post, the game where the night before fans were tearing their hair out and quoting Scripture about the Second Coming and...
OK, it wasn't that bad but there were many that lost faith after another late-inning loss.
Tonight, we needed a good start from Pedro and it's clear that he needs to either warm up extra in the bullpen or Jerry Manuel send out a reliever for the first and then let Pedro pitch. He's horrible to start the game and let some guy you've never heard of take him deep in the first and come back for more later...
But Pedro is a professional and stemmed the tide and kept the team in the game and the Mets tied it at 3-3 against Rich Harden headed into the seventh. Now, with his age and everything, any manager would have slapped Petey on the ass for a decent game (Quality Start no less) and called for the pen.
But Manuel looks out and is as scared and scarred as any Met faithful and instead of letting the pen blow it from jump, he asked Pedro to go back out. He promptly gave up a hit and a walk and when Ricardo Rincon (Yes, that same guy who's name you know because you know he's not any good) allows a three-run bomb and the Mets trail by a 6-3 margin.
But since this was a bounce back game, they bounced back with a small-ball run in the seventh and got big hits from Ramon Martinez (Not Pedro's brother) and Robinson Cancel and a great cat and mouse slide from Ryan Church to tie the game at 6-6.
Pedro Feliciano, a left-handed specialist, proved he's not that special and allowed a leadoff hit in the top of the ninth but Joe Smith closed the door and when Reyes led off the bottom of the ninth with a single, it was just a matter of time.
Yes, it would have been nice for Daniel Murphy to get down a bunt. Yes, it would have been nice for David Wright to come through but I'll take a two-out hit by Carlos Beltran for the win and make the Brewers have to beat up on the Cubs, who are on cruise control, while we deal with those pesky Fish.
Next up: Marlins at Mets
Chris Volstad, RHP (5-4, 3.10) vs. Mike Pelfrey, RHP (13-10, 3.70)
After a horrible start, Pelfrey has shown why Omar didn't want to include him in the Santana trade. The fact his ERA is below 4 is pretty amazing. Nevertheless, his last start was the first decent one against the Fish.
Volstad is a rookie, so of course he pitched 6-plus innings of good baseball against us in his only appearance against the Mets...
If any of you get to this, I wanted to mention this earlier but...
Kellerman was calling the Mets a jinxed franchise and it's hard to argue against that, especially lately. But the fact of the matter is the Mets are the by-product of the departure of the New York Giants (orange) and the Brooklyn Dodgers (blue).
The Giants (1885 - 1957) won 5 World Championships, 17 Pennants, and 16 Playoff Appearances before leaving the city that never sleeps, but there are big gaps of time when the team was horrible.
The Dodgers were known as the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1911, 1912, 1932 - 1957 and had only 1 World Championship and 7 Pennants but the Lovelbe Bums' were in Brooklyn from 1884 and before Leo Durocher took over in 1939, they had a 15-year run of being pretty average.
Point is the foundation of the Mets then and today as they build CitiField in tribute to both these teams is that of a second-rate team. It's something that the media latches onto and rides to advertising sales and website clicks, that fans easily adopt and one can only hope, is completely lost on those in uniform...
Showing posts with label Mets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mets. Show all posts
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Mets Updates?
I assume we haven't had any more Mets updates from Martin because the team's second-straight September implosion has led to his head's exlplosion. Or maybe his dreadlocks have caught fire.
In the meatime, read this, because it's funny:
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Countdown - 10 to go
So it goes...
Jose Reyes led off the game with a double and Daniel Murphy followed with a run-scoring single. That would be enough, especially after the superstar shortstop slapped a single to score Santana...
Sorry, this blog is brought to you by the letter S.
Johan pitched well, the Mets scored runs and more importantly, the Cubs scored four runs off Solomon Torres to erase a 4-run Brewers lead in the ninth and now sit 1.5 games behind the Mets for the final playoff spot in the NL.
Yeah, I would rather the division title but the only thing that matters is a ticket to the Dance. After that, anything goes.
I heard about the Brewers collapse listening to Chris "Mad Dog" Russo on my XM radio, only to find out that he cut a deal with both satellite radio stations meaning he's on Sirrus as well.
Good for him. I never really listened to Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN, mostly cuz I was out doing stuff like playing in the street, collecting empty crack viles and breaking into bakeries near Votee Park.
Anyway, my next mission is trying to figure out how and/or when I'll get into Turner Field this weekend. Two night games and a Sunday special which I'll be lucky to get anything more than a score report with it being my daughter's first birthday, which is interesting enough because wouldn't it really be her second birth day?
Next up:
Oliver Perez (10-7 4.09 ERA) vs. Jo-Jo Reyes (3-11 - 5.50 ERA)
Oli has pitched well against the Braves, in big games and at Turner Field. We really need this game and if I had a game to pick to attend, this would be it. I don't really want to see Pedro struggle on Saturday night while Jorge Campillo looks like Fernando in 1981. As I said, Sunday is out of the question, although I would love for that to be Naomi's first baseball game somehow I don't think my wife will let that fly...
Jose Reyes led off the game with a double and Daniel Murphy followed with a run-scoring single. That would be enough, especially after the superstar shortstop slapped a single to score Santana...
Sorry, this blog is brought to you by the letter S.
Johan pitched well, the Mets scored runs and more importantly, the Cubs scored four runs off Solomon Torres to erase a 4-run Brewers lead in the ninth and now sit 1.5 games behind the Mets for the final playoff spot in the NL.
Yeah, I would rather the division title but the only thing that matters is a ticket to the Dance. After that, anything goes.
I heard about the Brewers collapse listening to Chris "Mad Dog" Russo on my XM radio, only to find out that he cut a deal with both satellite radio stations meaning he's on Sirrus as well.
Good for him. I never really listened to Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN, mostly cuz I was out doing stuff like playing in the street, collecting empty crack viles and breaking into bakeries near Votee Park.
Anyway, my next mission is trying to figure out how and/or when I'll get into Turner Field this weekend. Two night games and a Sunday special which I'll be lucky to get anything more than a score report with it being my daughter's first birthday, which is interesting enough because wouldn't it really be her second birth day?
Next up:
Oliver Perez (10-7 4.09 ERA) vs. Jo-Jo Reyes (3-11 - 5.50 ERA)
Oli has pitched well against the Braves, in big games and at Turner Field. We really need this game and if I had a game to pick to attend, this would be it. I don't really want to see Pedro struggle on Saturday night while Jorge Campillo looks like Fernando in 1981. As I said, Sunday is out of the question, although I would love for that to be Naomi's first baseball game somehow I don't think my wife will let that fly...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Countdown - 11 to go
Well, that's a way to start a game.
I believe I stated the obvious in the last post, but I'll say it again. As Jose Reyes goes, so goes the Mets. Reyes led off Wednesday's game with a home run, Delgado followed and Beltran smashed two more behind them for a much-needed 9-7 win.
It was 9-7 because the Gnats are acting like roaches and niggas. They just won't die (Thanks to Nas and The Last Poets for that reference).
That and they're facing Ricardo Rincon, Aaron Heilman, Brian Stokes and the rest of the Mets pen. I will always find it funny when everyone says Omar should have got someone at the deadline, like he was the only GM looking for bullpen help.
To prove my point, I'll ask you to conduct a personal quiz. Think quickly about all the teams battling for playoff spots that are lock, stock and set with their pen.
Go ahead. I'll wait.
National League:
Phillies - Lidge has returned to form and that sets up the rest of those guys. Plus it helps that Flash Gordon is done for the year although he's a great 8th inning guy...
Cubs - Although be honest. Can you really trust Kerry Wood, first time trying to close the door in the postseason?
Dodgers - Yeah, but name me three of the guys coming in? What's that? Broxton, Hu Jung Qou or whatever with Siato at the end? OK, but where were those guys when they were losing 10 straight like two weeks ago?
American League
Angles - Did you know KRod hasn't entered a tie game or entered without a lead and he's never worked in the eighth inning? Granted, that's a shout out to the rest of his pen, but he's no Mo Riveria and wouldn't that worry you a touch? I mean, if they're tied in the ninth at home against the Red Sox and someone gets on, wouldn't you want KRod to get you into the bottom of the frame still tied? That would be new for him and if he doesn't come in then, he's never going to get a chance if you're only holding him for save situations...
Twins - Now you certainly can't name three guys in this pen, but Joe Nathan is the real deal despite getting bombed the other day.
Red Sox - Well, I guess. But that's a slight reach just because of Pap in the ninth.
That's it. That's the list and that's six teams when we're talking about 12 total. No one is a lock and everyone is looking for help. It just so happens that the Mets need it more...
One quick note about the win. The biggest run happened in the third inning. Reyes led off the frame by working the count full then walking. He then stole second base and was in scoring position with no one out. Rookie Dan Murphy would hit one off the wall and Reyes would score easily, but a sac bunt would have put him at third and if David Wright remembered he's a professional hitter, he would have brought the run home.
That's the kind of production we need to get a ticket to the October dance.
Quick note on next year - I know about the Delgado contract and the fact of the matter is, he's still gonna cost $4 just to let go, so we're really paying him $8 for the year. I don't think we have to worry about MVP and that whole point thing that would trigger the $16 mill for next year and think about it, for him to do that would mean we just won the World Series. I think I speak for Mets fans everywhere that wouldn't mind seeing his old ass again at that price if it meant a championship.
I think the days of the old geezer free agent contract is over, not just for the Mets but around baseball. Hence the emphasis on the draft and signing foriegn players. Let's take first base for example - Texeria will be paid, the Rangers will pick up Hank Blalock's contract and the rest aren't great.
Manny, CC and Tex will get paid. The rest of the list is loaded with over-30 guys and few have their best years ahead of them although if the Angels don't pick up John Lackey's 9 million option, I would love to see him in Citi. Likely more like Randy Wolf if the price tag for Oli gets too high. A feeler at Brandon Lyon and sign Juan Cruz for the pen and give the youngsters a chance. I think the Mets will be like many other teams and remember Carlos Silva and not overpay for underperforming talent...
Next Up:
Johan Santana will face Tim Redding, a crafty 30-year old who is beatable but who isn't for the Gnats. the 137 million dollar man is 13-7 with a 2.70 ERA. I've said this before and I'll say it again - if the bullpen saves half the games he's left in thier hands with a lead they would be taking about another Cy Young for him...
I believe I stated the obvious in the last post, but I'll say it again. As Jose Reyes goes, so goes the Mets. Reyes led off Wednesday's game with a home run, Delgado followed and Beltran smashed two more behind them for a much-needed 9-7 win.
It was 9-7 because the Gnats are acting like roaches and niggas. They just won't die (Thanks to Nas and The Last Poets for that reference).
That and they're facing Ricardo Rincon, Aaron Heilman, Brian Stokes and the rest of the Mets pen. I will always find it funny when everyone says Omar should have got someone at the deadline, like he was the only GM looking for bullpen help.
To prove my point, I'll ask you to conduct a personal quiz. Think quickly about all the teams battling for playoff spots that are lock, stock and set with their pen.
Go ahead. I'll wait.
National League:
Phillies - Lidge has returned to form and that sets up the rest of those guys. Plus it helps that Flash Gordon is done for the year although he's a great 8th inning guy...
Cubs - Although be honest. Can you really trust Kerry Wood, first time trying to close the door in the postseason?
Dodgers - Yeah, but name me three of the guys coming in? What's that? Broxton, Hu Jung Qou or whatever with Siato at the end? OK, but where were those guys when they were losing 10 straight like two weeks ago?
American League
Angles - Did you know KRod hasn't entered a tie game or entered without a lead and he's never worked in the eighth inning? Granted, that's a shout out to the rest of his pen, but he's no Mo Riveria and wouldn't that worry you a touch? I mean, if they're tied in the ninth at home against the Red Sox and someone gets on, wouldn't you want KRod to get you into the bottom of the frame still tied? That would be new for him and if he doesn't come in then, he's never going to get a chance if you're only holding him for save situations...
Twins - Now you certainly can't name three guys in this pen, but Joe Nathan is the real deal despite getting bombed the other day.
Red Sox - Well, I guess. But that's a slight reach just because of Pap in the ninth.
That's it. That's the list and that's six teams when we're talking about 12 total. No one is a lock and everyone is looking for help. It just so happens that the Mets need it more...
One quick note about the win. The biggest run happened in the third inning. Reyes led off the frame by working the count full then walking. He then stole second base and was in scoring position with no one out. Rookie Dan Murphy would hit one off the wall and Reyes would score easily, but a sac bunt would have put him at third and if David Wright remembered he's a professional hitter, he would have brought the run home.
That's the kind of production we need to get a ticket to the October dance.
Quick note on next year - I know about the Delgado contract and the fact of the matter is, he's still gonna cost $4 just to let go, so we're really paying him $8 for the year. I don't think we have to worry about MVP and that whole point thing that would trigger the $16 mill for next year and think about it, for him to do that would mean we just won the World Series. I think I speak for Mets fans everywhere that wouldn't mind seeing his old ass again at that price if it meant a championship.
I think the days of the old geezer free agent contract is over, not just for the Mets but around baseball. Hence the emphasis on the draft and signing foriegn players. Let's take first base for example - Texeria will be paid, the Rangers will pick up Hank Blalock's contract and the rest aren't great.
Manny, CC and Tex will get paid. The rest of the list is loaded with over-30 guys and few have their best years ahead of them although if the Angels don't pick up John Lackey's 9 million option, I would love to see him in Citi. Likely more like Randy Wolf if the price tag for Oli gets too high. A feeler at Brandon Lyon and sign Juan Cruz for the pen and give the youngsters a chance. I think the Mets will be like many other teams and remember Carlos Silva and not overpay for underperforming talent...
Next Up:
Johan Santana will face Tim Redding, a crafty 30-year old who is beatable but who isn't for the Gnats. the 137 million dollar man is 13-7 with a 2.70 ERA. I've said this before and I'll say it again - if the bullpen saves half the games he's left in thier hands with a lead they would be taking about another Cy Young for him...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The Countdown - 14 to go
Sad to have this be my return to this blog, but here I am with enough time in my new home in Atlanta to start an journey that hopefully won't be a painful reminder of a season gone lost...
With 14 games left and your New York Metropolitans the only New York baseball team with an outside chance to play postseason baseball, I will provide you with my thoughts on each of their remaining games. Add to that, I'll add a little bit about what's been happening with me and my family over the past couple of months, what I'm doing now (like you care) and hopefully there'll be a report or two that include my up-close and personal view of the team I love when they arrive in Atlanta next week...
But before that, we start with Sunday's heartbreaking loss.
Atlanta Braves 7, Mets 4
At the beginning of the baseball season, I found $180 to pay for the Extra Innings package because I believed my team would be competitive, mostly because they would put a quality starting pitcher on the mound each night...
Well, with my prison sentence complete after five years in the penal colony that is Mississippi done thanks to good behavior, a desire to return to a city (any city) and my wife's inability to get a quality job in that podunk crap shoot of a state, I'm in Atlanta (Doraville to be exact, I'll get to that later...)
Being in Atlanta means I had to sell my house and in this market for selling homes being a touch barren, I'm waiting for the profit, which means I have to currently live in my two-bedroom apartment with broadcast instead of DirecTV.
Either way, I would have missed the first couple of innings of Sunday's game thanks to church service. Yes, I go to church with my family because they need it and they deserve that. That and when you marry a maiden from the Magnolia State, you marry yourself into that Sunday ritual.
We could get into a religious debate, about whether there was a Jesus and why women are belittled in the Great Book despite committing the first sin and the strangeness of hearing preachers talk about how everyone needs to conform to their beliefs and what would happen to the millions that believe something different and the billions that lived without Christ entering their lives another day...
Especially since the Lord seems to hate my team with a passion.
Saturday's doubleheader was a testament to this season. Johan Santana, who would have the Cy Young wrapped up if not for the bulk of the this blog's closing, pitched great for seven innings and despite getting little support from the boys behind him, was in line for another win.
Jerry Manuel (At least a top three finish for Manager of the Year) looked down the bench and instead of asking for the phone, with Johan having thrown 107 pitches with runners on base in each inning, sent the ace back out there...
Well, I could continue but you know the rest. Then the rookie, Johnny Niese, comes out in the nightcap and has to throw into the eighth because of...
Well, fast forward (or rewind however you want to look at it) to Sunday and Oli P (Who we'll probably have to overpay for in the offseason, but probably will be worth it with the recent free agent pitcher's market, the huge contract for Santana and the fact we'll have $10 to pay to Billy Wagner next year when he doesn't pitch for us at all).
Anyway, Oli P goes seven and Jerry has to reluctantly go to the pen, but Joe Smith would strike out two to end the frame after Scott Schoeneweis allows two hits. Bottom eighth sees two on and two out and Endy Chavez doing what seemed to be the affliction last year and has taken form this season as well - stranding runners in scoring position late.
The Mets did the same thing on Saturday and have done it for the past month - the offense scores early (They lead the majors in first inning runs), then goes dormant and hopes the starting pitching can hold on long enough for the bullpen not to blow it.
Well, Luis Ayala has been money. As money as you can be when you're a relief pitcher that Omar had when he was in Montreal, that missed the 2006 season due to surgery and was absolutely dreadful for the Gnats before getting traded to Queens.
I was driving back from Target after getting my wife some unmentionables and listening to the game on my XM radio when the ninth inning began. My complex has a fitness room with televisions that have cable and for some silly reason, I parked and went in.
When I finally found the game on Turner Sports South, I was just in time to see Ayala had allowed the first two Braves on base and Greg Norton (cue Berman in Bristol for a Honeymooners voice) up to bat. Ayala got two strikes and then left a change right over the plate that Norton fouled off.
Van Buren or Sutton or whoever was calling the bloody game said, "He just missed that one" and the replay confirmed that yes, when you throw a pitch right down Broadway to a major league batter, they will usually kill it or "Just miss it". Two pitches later, he didn't miss it and the game was over.
The fact that Wright and Delgado reached in the bottom of the frame, meaning Fernando Tatis had a chance to be the hero with one swing was just a way to tease fans into watching these last two weeks closely, even if it means following on MLB Gameday like I was in my apartment while pretending to watch my nearly-one year old daughter race around.
This Mets team has resolve and that's a credit to Manuel. But they are hot and cold like no other. We've got three guys with 100 RBI's (Wright, Delgado and Beltran), the NL hits leader with 101 runs and 50 stolen bases in Jose Reyes but still find a way to make guys like Jeff Bennett look like Goose Gossage.
Next up: Monday at Nationals
So do they make John Lannan (8-13, 4.09) look like Steve Carlton, especially with his former team hot on their heels? Philly, who will be tied for the NL Wild Card lead after tonight's four-game sweep of the Brew Crew, are on fire and will come here to take on Turner Field and its empty seats starting on Tuesday.
Our two-game sweep in Shea was an offensive explosion with Delgado making people believe he's a legit MVP candidate despite the old-grey mare sucking like a whore for the last 64 to 66 weeks before a 9-RBI afternoon at Yankee Stadium. Oli and Mike Pelfrey (Thank the Gods above and below he's not in Minnesota) got shelled and the later is a probable for Tuesday. However it's Pedro for starters and if you want to talk about old grey mares, we need this one to remember how to pitch for the next two to three starts.
Especially tonight. Especially with the Phillies playing like it's 2007 and there's 17 games left and we're seven games up...
With 14 games left and your New York Metropolitans the only New York baseball team with an outside chance to play postseason baseball, I will provide you with my thoughts on each of their remaining games. Add to that, I'll add a little bit about what's been happening with me and my family over the past couple of months, what I'm doing now (like you care) and hopefully there'll be a report or two that include my up-close and personal view of the team I love when they arrive in Atlanta next week...
But before that, we start with Sunday's heartbreaking loss.
Atlanta Braves 7, Mets 4
At the beginning of the baseball season, I found $180 to pay for the Extra Innings package because I believed my team would be competitive, mostly because they would put a quality starting pitcher on the mound each night...
Well, with my prison sentence complete after five years in the penal colony that is Mississippi done thanks to good behavior, a desire to return to a city (any city) and my wife's inability to get a quality job in that podunk crap shoot of a state, I'm in Atlanta (Doraville to be exact, I'll get to that later...)
Being in Atlanta means I had to sell my house and in this market for selling homes being a touch barren, I'm waiting for the profit, which means I have to currently live in my two-bedroom apartment with broadcast instead of DirecTV.
Either way, I would have missed the first couple of innings of Sunday's game thanks to church service. Yes, I go to church with my family because they need it and they deserve that. That and when you marry a maiden from the Magnolia State, you marry yourself into that Sunday ritual.
We could get into a religious debate, about whether there was a Jesus and why women are belittled in the Great Book despite committing the first sin and the strangeness of hearing preachers talk about how everyone needs to conform to their beliefs and what would happen to the millions that believe something different and the billions that lived without Christ entering their lives another day...
Especially since the Lord seems to hate my team with a passion.
Saturday's doubleheader was a testament to this season. Johan Santana, who would have the Cy Young wrapped up if not for the bulk of the this blog's closing, pitched great for seven innings and despite getting little support from the boys behind him, was in line for another win.
Jerry Manuel (At least a top three finish for Manager of the Year) looked down the bench and instead of asking for the phone, with Johan having thrown 107 pitches with runners on base in each inning, sent the ace back out there...
Well, I could continue but you know the rest. Then the rookie, Johnny Niese, comes out in the nightcap and has to throw into the eighth because of...
Well, fast forward (or rewind however you want to look at it) to Sunday and Oli P (Who we'll probably have to overpay for in the offseason, but probably will be worth it with the recent free agent pitcher's market, the huge contract for Santana and the fact we'll have $10 to pay to Billy Wagner next year when he doesn't pitch for us at all).
Anyway, Oli P goes seven and Jerry has to reluctantly go to the pen, but Joe Smith would strike out two to end the frame after Scott Schoeneweis allows two hits. Bottom eighth sees two on and two out and Endy Chavez doing what seemed to be the affliction last year and has taken form this season as well - stranding runners in scoring position late.
The Mets did the same thing on Saturday and have done it for the past month - the offense scores early (They lead the majors in first inning runs), then goes dormant and hopes the starting pitching can hold on long enough for the bullpen not to blow it.
Well, Luis Ayala has been money. As money as you can be when you're a relief pitcher that Omar had when he was in Montreal, that missed the 2006 season due to surgery and was absolutely dreadful for the Gnats before getting traded to Queens.
I was driving back from Target after getting my wife some unmentionables and listening to the game on my XM radio when the ninth inning began. My complex has a fitness room with televisions that have cable and for some silly reason, I parked and went in.
When I finally found the game on Turner Sports South, I was just in time to see Ayala had allowed the first two Braves on base and Greg Norton (cue Berman in Bristol for a Honeymooners voice) up to bat. Ayala got two strikes and then left a change right over the plate that Norton fouled off.
Van Buren or Sutton or whoever was calling the bloody game said, "He just missed that one" and the replay confirmed that yes, when you throw a pitch right down Broadway to a major league batter, they will usually kill it or "Just miss it". Two pitches later, he didn't miss it and the game was over.
The fact that Wright and Delgado reached in the bottom of the frame, meaning Fernando Tatis had a chance to be the hero with one swing was just a way to tease fans into watching these last two weeks closely, even if it means following on MLB Gameday like I was in my apartment while pretending to watch my nearly-one year old daughter race around.
This Mets team has resolve and that's a credit to Manuel. But they are hot and cold like no other. We've got three guys with 100 RBI's (Wright, Delgado and Beltran), the NL hits leader with 101 runs and 50 stolen bases in Jose Reyes but still find a way to make guys like Jeff Bennett look like Goose Gossage.
Next up: Monday at Nationals
So do they make John Lannan (8-13, 4.09) look like Steve Carlton, especially with his former team hot on their heels? Philly, who will be tied for the NL Wild Card lead after tonight's four-game sweep of the Brew Crew, are on fire and will come here to take on Turner Field and its empty seats starting on Tuesday.
Our two-game sweep in Shea was an offensive explosion with Delgado making people believe he's a legit MVP candidate despite the old-grey mare sucking like a whore for the last 64 to 66 weeks before a 9-RBI afternoon at Yankee Stadium. Oli and Mike Pelfrey (Thank the Gods above and below he's not in Minnesota) got shelled and the later is a probable for Tuesday. However it's Pedro for starters and if you want to talk about old grey mares, we need this one to remember how to pitch for the next two to three starts.
Especially tonight. Especially with the Phillies playing like it's 2007 and there's 17 games left and we're seven games up...
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Sherman Avenue Block Party Completely Biased Baseball Playoff Preview: NLDS, Phillies vs. Rockies
I shouldn't be writing this.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. It was the beginning of a new era in the NL East and my new baby girl was destined to live in a time where her father didn't worry about the Braves. He didn't worry about missing the playoffs because these were the new Mets, Los Mets. This was our season, our year and all that crashed down in the span of 17 days...
17 painful days.
17 days that could age a baby girl like Naomi into a full-fledged teenager, watching Jose Reyes disappear into another harmless pop-up as Jimmy Rollins' preseason decree proved true for a total of 24 hours, but the placement of that time was vital.
Everyone is quick to jump on the Philthies bandwagon since the Mets figured out a way to lose to the bottom feeders while the No-Account Philthies beat those same crappy teams.
My advice, stay away from this train wreck and remember, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia when you're not talking about their sports teams. The city is cursed and chock full of crap teams that can't get it done when it matters.
As bad as the Mets collapsed, I will take some pleasure in watching NL MVP to be Matt Holliday and NL Rookie of the Year Troy Tulowitzki wait on Jamie Moyer (14-12, 5.01 ERA) and his 56 MPH arsenal.
Yeah, I'm picking the Rockies but not for the reasons you may believe. I don't really care about the Philthies like that. I'm not like some bitter Yankee fan, finding reasons to hate another franchise that has little to nothing to do with the one I root for and that should tell you exactly how much I respect the Philthies.
Sure, they won the last eight meetings against my Mets, big deal. Any team that sweeps a four-game series, then lose five of the next seven against the same no-account Marlins that delivered the final blow by sending Tom Glavine packing for Atlanta with an exit befitting a Brave.
By the way, the best SS in the National League during the first half, second half and likely next year is Hanley Ramirez. Reyes was the best in the first half of the season, but his attitude and numbers dipped as the year wore on.
Nevertheless, I'm willing to bet that 28 GMs would take Ramirez and Reyes before Rollins and not just if they were going in alphabetical order.
While Cole Hamels (15-5, 3.39 ERA) and Oliver Perez (15-10, 3.56 ERA) are both lefties, there are big differences. Oli P. throws at 94 MPH and has Game 7 experience. Hamels throws a really good changeup and gets to pitch the rest of this season in that joke of a stadium, Citizen Bank Park.
Here's why the Rockies will win.
1. They have a complete lineup for top to bottom, kind of like my Mets do when healthy. Willie Tavarez and Kaz Matsui are to Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo at the top of the lineup. Holliday and Todd Helton are hotter than David Wright and Carlos Beltran and guys like Garrett Adkins and Brad Hawpe batted over .290 this year from the bottom of the lineup like Moises Alou.
2. The Philthies bullpen
They have Jose Mesa AND Roberto Hernandez. Need I say more?
Oh, OK. How about Tom Gordon?
3. Honestly, does anyone really want to see the Philthies in the NLCS? I thought not.
4. While it may seem like this will be an offensive series, it will come down to pitching and the Rockies are better. The games will be close and the Philthies are horrible in 1-run game, low scoring games and they might throw Jose Mesa AND Roberto Hernandez...
5. The Denver metro area is due something after trading for Iverson and getting bounced early in the NBA playoffs, after banking on Jake "The Snake" Plummer at QB and that not working out and with the gap of time since the Avalanche were great and the NHL mattered.
6. This was Wally Backman's number and since the Diamondbacks gave him a job, then fired him just because he was a drunk wife beater, I'm rooting for the Cubs.
7. I got nothing else, but I was a little disappointed with the Eureka season finale.
And with that, I return my focus back to the Giants hopes of finding a way to have
Eli succeed while giving enough reason to fire Tom Coughlin.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. It was the beginning of a new era in the NL East and my new baby girl was destined to live in a time where her father didn't worry about the Braves. He didn't worry about missing the playoffs because these were the new Mets, Los Mets. This was our season, our year and all that crashed down in the span of 17 days...
17 painful days.
17 days that could age a baby girl like Naomi into a full-fledged teenager, watching Jose Reyes disappear into another harmless pop-up as Jimmy Rollins' preseason decree proved true for a total of 24 hours, but the placement of that time was vital.
Everyone is quick to jump on the Philthies bandwagon since the Mets figured out a way to lose to the bottom feeders while the No-Account Philthies beat those same crappy teams.
My advice, stay away from this train wreck and remember, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia when you're not talking about their sports teams. The city is cursed and chock full of crap teams that can't get it done when it matters.
As bad as the Mets collapsed, I will take some pleasure in watching NL MVP to be Matt Holliday and NL Rookie of the Year Troy Tulowitzki wait on Jamie Moyer (14-12, 5.01 ERA) and his 56 MPH arsenal.
Yeah, I'm picking the Rockies but not for the reasons you may believe. I don't really care about the Philthies like that. I'm not like some bitter Yankee fan, finding reasons to hate another franchise that has little to nothing to do with the one I root for and that should tell you exactly how much I respect the Philthies.
Sure, they won the last eight meetings against my Mets, big deal. Any team that sweeps a four-game series, then lose five of the next seven against the same no-account Marlins that delivered the final blow by sending Tom Glavine packing for Atlanta with an exit befitting a Brave.
By the way, the best SS in the National League during the first half, second half and likely next year is Hanley Ramirez. Reyes was the best in the first half of the season, but his attitude and numbers dipped as the year wore on.
Nevertheless, I'm willing to bet that 28 GMs would take Ramirez and Reyes before Rollins and not just if they were going in alphabetical order.
While Cole Hamels (15-5, 3.39 ERA) and Oliver Perez (15-10, 3.56 ERA) are both lefties, there are big differences. Oli P. throws at 94 MPH and has Game 7 experience. Hamels throws a really good changeup and gets to pitch the rest of this season in that joke of a stadium, Citizen Bank Park.
Here's why the Rockies will win.
1. They have a complete lineup for top to bottom, kind of like my Mets do when healthy. Willie Tavarez and Kaz Matsui are to Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo at the top of the lineup. Holliday and Todd Helton are hotter than David Wright and Carlos Beltran and guys like Garrett Adkins and Brad Hawpe batted over .290 this year from the bottom of the lineup like Moises Alou.
2. The Philthies bullpen
They have Jose Mesa AND Roberto Hernandez. Need I say more?
Oh, OK. How about Tom Gordon?
3. Honestly, does anyone really want to see the Philthies in the NLCS? I thought not.
4. While it may seem like this will be an offensive series, it will come down to pitching and the Rockies are better. The games will be close and the Philthies are horrible in 1-run game, low scoring games and they might throw Jose Mesa AND Roberto Hernandez...
5. The Denver metro area is due something after trading for Iverson and getting bounced early in the NBA playoffs, after banking on Jake "The Snake" Plummer at QB and that not working out and with the gap of time since the Avalanche were great and the NHL mattered.
6. This was Wally Backman's number and since the Diamondbacks gave him a job, then fired him just because he was a drunk wife beater, I'm rooting for the Cubs.
7. I got nothing else, but I was a little disappointed with the Eureka season finale.
And with that, I return my focus back to the Giants hopes of finding a way to have
Eli succeed while giving enough reason to fire Tom Coughlin.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Quick Hitters
All it takes is September to remind me why I love baseball. It is certainly true that my team did mount a historic comeback and the team I most enjoy watching lose found a way to mount a historic collapse. But the essence of baseball and what makes it really different than the other sports is the pennant race and the ultimate tie breaker, the one game playoff. In the end baseball is king because the regular season means something and over a 162 game season you can run but you can't hide. The cream does rise to the top and mediocrity is left to play golf not allowed to serve as first round fodder to generate and extra round of playoff revenue. October is for the elite.
I can hear you muttering, the NFL is not the NBA or NHL, it only has 6 teams per conference make it to the second season. Certainly, you will have 10-6 NFL teams fail to make the playoffs, but for every one of them there are plenty of 8-8 teams that enter as wild cards. The NFL flaunts its parity with pride, the great Alan Selig has tried to emulate this with his prescriptions for "competitive balance", which on balance seem to have worked as you have not had a repeat world series champion this decade. But the greatness of baseball lies in the fact that only 4 teams per league are playing as of October 2.
Baseball's brilliance also lies in the fact that while the regular season is the best at selecting the worthy teams, it is a lousy predictor of who will ultimately reign as champion. Short series are predicated on dominant starting pitching, hot relievers and timely hitting. Baseball is the only sport where pure physicality is not dispositive. Often the "less talented" team will prevail based on key hits and an average pitcher with uncharacteristically good stuff. The only postseason that comes close is the NCAA tournament where a hot team can knock off the better team (see George Mason v. UConn). And while buzzer beaters are nice, nothing beats the walk off home run.
Objectively it is impossible to say that the best team truly wins every year and that is why postseason baseball is the best and most consistent of the playoffs in the major sports.
I cannot say that I have enjoyed a collapse more than the Mets the last few weeks. How stupid can you be to take a team that just wants to go back to South Beach and wake them up. The problem with the Mets all year has been a total lack of focus and leadership. Naturally you blame the manager. You would be wrong to do so. Willie has never gotten a fair shake from the Wilpons, being stuck with coaches he didn't choose and spies from the front office he cannot be held accountable. You have to look first at Omar Minaya.
One of the smart things the Yankees have done the past few years is bring in older players to help mentor the younger up and coming latin stars like Luis Sojo, Jose Vizcaino, Miguel Cairo, Chili Davis, Tim Raines, Ruben Sierra, all good clubhouse guys by the end of their tenure. The clubhouse is also ruled by Jorge Posada's hot temper and iron will. You think a Yankee would be allowed to get away with the antics the Mets displayed? You think Jeter or Posada would allow Cano to stand at home plate while the ball trickles down the base line in a must game? Would never happen.
Earlier in the season many Met fans proclaimed Reyes as the best shortstop in NY, he isn't even the best in his division. Jimmy Rollins, who should be the NL MVP, imposed his will on the stretch run the way Reyes did in the early season before the Mets became disinterested with the season. Rollins, knowing the Mets were down big, stole both second and third in the first inning, Reyes has failed to steal a base since September 15, in fact he had only 1 attempt since then.
A few other thoughts
Sherm Ave Fantasy Football - not to brag but I have rallied the troops after an abysmal 0-2 start to do what the Jets couldn't and square my record at 2-2. I suffered one of the all time worst defeats in the history of Fantasy Football where if you totaled my starters and bench points I still would have lost to my opponents starters. Look out
Boxing - it was great to be able to see a real live fight and not have to drop fifty bucks. Pavlik vs. Taylor was a refreshing trip to the fights of our youth where the two guys actually try to punch each other more than once a round.
Giants - great to see the new D coordinator Steve Spagnoulo exploiting the strengths of his unit by mixing blitz packages and making sure he had more guys rushing than could be blocked. ITs the only way to disguise the awful secondary play. Even Corey Webster can cover for 2-3 seconds. I'm still not sold on Eli, he makes too many dumb mistakes per game. I know his completion pct is up but he has thrown some of the most god awful intercepts I have ever seen and he still would rather try to float a pass off balance rather than step into a throw and take a hit or toss the ball out of bounds and live to fight another day. The offensive line is one fo the most underappreciated units in the game. The border war with the Jets Sunday will allow one team's season to continue and one will come to an end. Two enter, one leaves.
Rutgers - Its hard to believe that Rutgers was ranked as high as it has been based on its name. Yes, I will repeat that, Rutgers has garnered a high ranking based on its name and a Heisman candidate. Until Schiano finds a way to get his defense to use its speed to beat the bigger opponents it could be a long year. They are truly feeling the loss to graduation of an All Big East Nose Tackle and two linebackers who had been in the system for 4 years and understood the defense in and out. Never underestimate experience at the college level.
Don't forget to pick up your copy of Magic, hitting stores October 2. The new Springsteen Cd is an interesting compilation of pop hits, strong guitar driven rock and some 60s infused sound. There is an underlying political tone to the work but you have to real delve into the lyrics to find it, but it lurks within if you so desire. So far I am partial to Long Walk Home and Devil's Arcade. This album took me a few spins until I really appreciated the nuances and now i find myself singing the hooks.
The play in game just ended and I have a few thoughts:
With so much on the line, amazed at how boring the 8th thru 12th innings were
You had to know that the deadlock was ending when the Rockies brought in Jorge Julio, you know you are bad when you can't even pitch in the Mets bullpen.
How about Kaz Matsui in the playoffs, Jose Reyes at the salon frosting his hair.
Matt Holliday doesn't deserve the MVP just for sliding head first into home.
Seriously, who dresses Craig Sager, did he lose a bet as a child, I am happy I don't have TBS HD just so i dont have to see his ridiculous wardrobe in hi def.
Lastly, I don't care what SI says, Trevor Hoffman is not the greatest closer of all time and does not belong in the same sentence as Mariano Rivera.
I can hear you muttering, the NFL is not the NBA or NHL, it only has 6 teams per conference make it to the second season. Certainly, you will have 10-6 NFL teams fail to make the playoffs, but for every one of them there are plenty of 8-8 teams that enter as wild cards. The NFL flaunts its parity with pride, the great Alan Selig has tried to emulate this with his prescriptions for "competitive balance", which on balance seem to have worked as you have not had a repeat world series champion this decade. But the greatness of baseball lies in the fact that only 4 teams per league are playing as of October 2.
Baseball's brilliance also lies in the fact that while the regular season is the best at selecting the worthy teams, it is a lousy predictor of who will ultimately reign as champion. Short series are predicated on dominant starting pitching, hot relievers and timely hitting. Baseball is the only sport where pure physicality is not dispositive. Often the "less talented" team will prevail based on key hits and an average pitcher with uncharacteristically good stuff. The only postseason that comes close is the NCAA tournament where a hot team can knock off the better team (see George Mason v. UConn). And while buzzer beaters are nice, nothing beats the walk off home run.
Objectively it is impossible to say that the best team truly wins every year and that is why postseason baseball is the best and most consistent of the playoffs in the major sports.
I cannot say that I have enjoyed a collapse more than the Mets the last few weeks. How stupid can you be to take a team that just wants to go back to South Beach and wake them up. The problem with the Mets all year has been a total lack of focus and leadership. Naturally you blame the manager. You would be wrong to do so. Willie has never gotten a fair shake from the Wilpons, being stuck with coaches he didn't choose and spies from the front office he cannot be held accountable. You have to look first at Omar Minaya.
One of the smart things the Yankees have done the past few years is bring in older players to help mentor the younger up and coming latin stars like Luis Sojo, Jose Vizcaino, Miguel Cairo, Chili Davis, Tim Raines, Ruben Sierra, all good clubhouse guys by the end of their tenure. The clubhouse is also ruled by Jorge Posada's hot temper and iron will. You think a Yankee would be allowed to get away with the antics the Mets displayed? You think Jeter or Posada would allow Cano to stand at home plate while the ball trickles down the base line in a must game? Would never happen.
Earlier in the season many Met fans proclaimed Reyes as the best shortstop in NY, he isn't even the best in his division. Jimmy Rollins, who should be the NL MVP, imposed his will on the stretch run the way Reyes did in the early season before the Mets became disinterested with the season. Rollins, knowing the Mets were down big, stole both second and third in the first inning, Reyes has failed to steal a base since September 15, in fact he had only 1 attempt since then.
A few other thoughts
Sherm Ave Fantasy Football - not to brag but I have rallied the troops after an abysmal 0-2 start to do what the Jets couldn't and square my record at 2-2. I suffered one of the all time worst defeats in the history of Fantasy Football where if you totaled my starters and bench points I still would have lost to my opponents starters. Look out
Boxing - it was great to be able to see a real live fight and not have to drop fifty bucks. Pavlik vs. Taylor was a refreshing trip to the fights of our youth where the two guys actually try to punch each other more than once a round.
Giants - great to see the new D coordinator Steve Spagnoulo exploiting the strengths of his unit by mixing blitz packages and making sure he had more guys rushing than could be blocked. ITs the only way to disguise the awful secondary play. Even Corey Webster can cover for 2-3 seconds. I'm still not sold on Eli, he makes too many dumb mistakes per game. I know his completion pct is up but he has thrown some of the most god awful intercepts I have ever seen and he still would rather try to float a pass off balance rather than step into a throw and take a hit or toss the ball out of bounds and live to fight another day. The offensive line is one fo the most underappreciated units in the game. The border war with the Jets Sunday will allow one team's season to continue and one will come to an end. Two enter, one leaves.
Rutgers - Its hard to believe that Rutgers was ranked as high as it has been based on its name. Yes, I will repeat that, Rutgers has garnered a high ranking based on its name and a Heisman candidate. Until Schiano finds a way to get his defense to use its speed to beat the bigger opponents it could be a long year. They are truly feeling the loss to graduation of an All Big East Nose Tackle and two linebackers who had been in the system for 4 years and understood the defense in and out. Never underestimate experience at the college level.
Don't forget to pick up your copy of Magic, hitting stores October 2. The new Springsteen Cd is an interesting compilation of pop hits, strong guitar driven rock and some 60s infused sound. There is an underlying political tone to the work but you have to real delve into the lyrics to find it, but it lurks within if you so desire. So far I am partial to Long Walk Home and Devil's Arcade. This album took me a few spins until I really appreciated the nuances and now i find myself singing the hooks.
The play in game just ended and I have a few thoughts:
With so much on the line, amazed at how boring the 8th thru 12th innings were
You had to know that the deadlock was ending when the Rockies brought in Jorge Julio, you know you are bad when you can't even pitch in the Mets bullpen.
How about Kaz Matsui in the playoffs, Jose Reyes at the salon frosting his hair.
Matt Holliday doesn't deserve the MVP just for sliding head first into home.
Seriously, who dresses Craig Sager, did he lose a bet as a child, I am happy I don't have TBS HD just so i dont have to see his ridiculous wardrobe in hi def.
Lastly, I don't care what SI says, Trevor Hoffman is not the greatest closer of all time and does not belong in the same sentence as Mariano Rivera.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Punch drunk
It's not like I didn't see it coming...
This team was flawed from the beginning of the year, just look back on all the pre-season picks. It was just about anybody but the Mets in this division.
About six to eight weeks ago, Steve Phillips, that failed GM of the Mets past and yes, I'm still holding a grudge for him not signing John Olerud and getting Todd Ziele instead. Phillips made the claim that the Mets wouldn't make the playoffs and the Rockies would be the wild card.
I smirked at the idiot and I still do because he figured it would be the Braves since they mortgaged their future (Salty and the young SS) for a top tier first baseman in Mark Texeria.
Everyone said it gave Atlanta the best lineup in the league, but I didn't agree, especially after Omar went out and got Luis Castillo for a couple of A-leaguers.
That move gave the Mets the most complete lineup, top to bottom with speed, power and more speed.
But while that was a great move for the present and the future (We better resign him!!!), it didn't address the needs of the team and that's why we're at home...
That and the Mets decided they couldn't beat bottom feeders at home in the final week of the season.
It will be a long off season according to oh Captain, my Captain Willie Randolph and believe I stand behind him all the way. He'll get calls for his job, he'll be criticized for decisions and if there is a smart man in that front office, he'll be answering choke questions in Port St. Lucie next March...
Especially since this wasn't his fault.
The disapperance of Jose Reyes was huge. As he goes, so goes the team but he's not in the top three reasons why I'll be at home in late October, avoiding Sportscenter highlights of the World Series. Here are those reasons...
3. Paul LoDucaLast year, Dukie batting primarily in the No. 2 hole and hit .318 behind Jose Reyes. He had 39 doubles and a .355 on-base percentage. This year, he was moved down in the lineup, but I'm not accepting that as an excuse for batting .273 with 18 doubles and a .312 on-base percentage.
But worse than the numbers was his attitude. I'm not in New York, but apparantly he's on WFAN once a week. He's sniped at Willie all year and has complained that he hasn't come out and argued when Dukie doesn't agree with a call.
Yes, he's got fire and passion, but sometimes that can be to a fault. He's in a contract year and hasn't done anything to have fans like me not call for Ramon Castro behind the plate next year.
2. Carlos Delgado
He had surgury in the off season and was just about right at spring training, then his wife gave birth and he missed a week. When he came back, he wasn't the same and every time he gets close, he gets another injury.
The fact he was a career .280 batter that only hit .265 last year wasn't that bad because he had a .548 slugging percentage and knocked in 114 with 38 home runs.
Delgado hit .258, 24 home runs, 87 RBIs and slugged .448. Willie, to his credit, tried to stick with him as long as possible before moving him down in the lineup, but that wasn't going to do much.
He was the left handed bat to slot between Wright and Alou, he was the continuation of the mid-lineup power and when Alou went down (As should have been expected), Shawn Green decided to play average and Lastings Milledge was out for as long as he was, the fact that Delgado stunk up the joint to high heaven showed its painful head.
1. Omar Minaya
I read Buster Olney after John Maine almost made Mets history and he makes a great point. All the moves made by Omar this year have been horrible.
Simple as that.
Any complaints about the bullpen and its use should be directed to Omar. He's the one who let Chad Bradford go and gave Scott Show-in-wise the same loot. Don't think about the trades he didn't make at the deadline, it's the small stuff like Brian Bannister to the Royals that didn't turn out, then averted attention away from where it was needed.
I need Tom Glavine to not be in a Mets uniform next year. I need Paul LoDuca gone and I need Duaner Sanchez to be healthy and help form the bridge to Billy Wagner. I need Jose Reyes to remember what the first half of the year was like and duplicate it and I need the front office to have faith in Lastings and the other young outfielders.
But most importantly, I need the Giants defense to keep playing like they did against the Eagles on Sunday night so I don't have to think about the Mets until the Winter Meetings.
This team was flawed from the beginning of the year, just look back on all the pre-season picks. It was just about anybody but the Mets in this division.
About six to eight weeks ago, Steve Phillips, that failed GM of the Mets past and yes, I'm still holding a grudge for him not signing John Olerud and getting Todd Ziele instead. Phillips made the claim that the Mets wouldn't make the playoffs and the Rockies would be the wild card.
I smirked at the idiot and I still do because he figured it would be the Braves since they mortgaged their future (Salty and the young SS) for a top tier first baseman in Mark Texeria.
Everyone said it gave Atlanta the best lineup in the league, but I didn't agree, especially after Omar went out and got Luis Castillo for a couple of A-leaguers.
That move gave the Mets the most complete lineup, top to bottom with speed, power and more speed.
But while that was a great move for the present and the future (We better resign him!!!), it didn't address the needs of the team and that's why we're at home...
That and the Mets decided they couldn't beat bottom feeders at home in the final week of the season.
It will be a long off season according to oh Captain, my Captain Willie Randolph and believe I stand behind him all the way. He'll get calls for his job, he'll be criticized for decisions and if there is a smart man in that front office, he'll be answering choke questions in Port St. Lucie next March...
Especially since this wasn't his fault.
The disapperance of Jose Reyes was huge. As he goes, so goes the team but he's not in the top three reasons why I'll be at home in late October, avoiding Sportscenter highlights of the World Series. Here are those reasons...
3. Paul LoDucaLast year, Dukie batting primarily in the No. 2 hole and hit .318 behind Jose Reyes. He had 39 doubles and a .355 on-base percentage. This year, he was moved down in the lineup, but I'm not accepting that as an excuse for batting .273 with 18 doubles and a .312 on-base percentage.
But worse than the numbers was his attitude. I'm not in New York, but apparantly he's on WFAN once a week. He's sniped at Willie all year and has complained that he hasn't come out and argued when Dukie doesn't agree with a call.
Yes, he's got fire and passion, but sometimes that can be to a fault. He's in a contract year and hasn't done anything to have fans like me not call for Ramon Castro behind the plate next year.
2. Carlos Delgado
He had surgury in the off season and was just about right at spring training, then his wife gave birth and he missed a week. When he came back, he wasn't the same and every time he gets close, he gets another injury.
The fact he was a career .280 batter that only hit .265 last year wasn't that bad because he had a .548 slugging percentage and knocked in 114 with 38 home runs.
Delgado hit .258, 24 home runs, 87 RBIs and slugged .448. Willie, to his credit, tried to stick with him as long as possible before moving him down in the lineup, but that wasn't going to do much.
He was the left handed bat to slot between Wright and Alou, he was the continuation of the mid-lineup power and when Alou went down (As should have been expected), Shawn Green decided to play average and Lastings Milledge was out for as long as he was, the fact that Delgado stunk up the joint to high heaven showed its painful head.
1. Omar Minaya
I read Buster Olney after John Maine almost made Mets history and he makes a great point. All the moves made by Omar this year have been horrible.
Simple as that.
Any complaints about the bullpen and its use should be directed to Omar. He's the one who let Chad Bradford go and gave Scott Show-in-wise the same loot. Don't think about the trades he didn't make at the deadline, it's the small stuff like Brian Bannister to the Royals that didn't turn out, then averted attention away from where it was needed.
I need Tom Glavine to not be in a Mets uniform next year. I need Paul LoDuca gone and I need Duaner Sanchez to be healthy and help form the bridge to Billy Wagner. I need Jose Reyes to remember what the first half of the year was like and duplicate it and I need the front office to have faith in Lastings and the other young outfielders.
But most importantly, I need the Giants defense to keep playing like they did against the Eagles on Sunday night so I don't have to think about the Mets until the Winter Meetings.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
This one's for you, Kris
As the Mets pound the Marlins on Saturday in SECOND PLACE, here's Kris' favorite new song...
In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if he wrote or produced it. I was looking for the full version, if there is one but I found it here.
In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if he wrote or produced it. I was looking for the full version, if there is one but I found it here.
Beat the Mets, beat the Mets,
Last place teams defeat the Mets.
Hanging sliders, minor-league speed, guaranteed to waste a seven-run lead.
Because the Met bullpen keeps fading away, October baseball won't be at Shea. Mota . . . Sosa . . . every game is now in doubt.
Can anyone who's on this staff get three men out?
Friday, September 28, 2007
Filowitz's Friday Five
1) Is there anyone in the National League that actually wants to make the playoffs? It doesn’t seem like it. Maybe they have a point – neither the Mets nor the Cubs nor the Brewers nor the Diamondbacks nor the Rockies nor the Padres nor the Phillies look capable of beating Boston, New York, Cleveland, or Los Angeles/Anaheim. Might as well not make it instead of embarrassing yourself in front of the nation, I suppose. And you can’t have your hopes crushed if you never had hope in the first place. So maybe Mets and Cubs fans should be grateful that their teams are falling apart worse than a sandcastle built by FEMA.
2) Does anyone know how many games Tom Brady has missed since he became the starter back in 2002? None. For all the talk of geniuses and model franchises and blah blah blah, it sure does help when your best guy playing the most irreplaceable position is never injured, huh? And is that not more than a touch of luck? Let me put it this way – I doubt anyone looks like a genius if Matt Cassel is your starting QB.
3) It is generally disgusting to me that Boston sports is about to have a phenomenal year. The Red Sox win the AL East. The Patriots look like the best team since the Cowboys of the early 90s. The Celtics get KG and Ray Allen. Giving these people, these insufferably arrogant people who whine and cry all the time and talk smack constantly, who lose horribly and win even worse, to give them all this success? Ugh. It’s exactly how I felt after Bush won his second term.
4) Yes, I’m a Knicks fan. Yes, I’m following the Isiah trial. No, I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’ve got other things to be depressed about, thanks.
5) I know no one cares about anyone else’s fantasy team. But in the Sherman Avenue Block Party league we have going on ESPN, my two starting RBs were Steven Jackson and Deuce McCallister, my QB was Drew Brees, and one of my WRs was Andre Johnson. I’m now left with Brian Leonard, Jerious Norwood, Braylon Edwards, and Chad Pennington. Interns in the back of Stephon Marbury’s truck aren’t fucked more than this team. If I win any more games with this team, I should be arrested for fraud.
2) Does anyone know how many games Tom Brady has missed since he became the starter back in 2002? None. For all the talk of geniuses and model franchises and blah blah blah, it sure does help when your best guy playing the most irreplaceable position is never injured, huh? And is that not more than a touch of luck? Let me put it this way – I doubt anyone looks like a genius if Matt Cassel is your starting QB.
3) It is generally disgusting to me that Boston sports is about to have a phenomenal year. The Red Sox win the AL East. The Patriots look like the best team since the Cowboys of the early 90s. The Celtics get KG and Ray Allen. Giving these people, these insufferably arrogant people who whine and cry all the time and talk smack constantly, who lose horribly and win even worse, to give them all this success? Ugh. It’s exactly how I felt after Bush won his second term.
4) Yes, I’m a Knicks fan. Yes, I’m following the Isiah trial. No, I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’ve got other things to be depressed about, thanks.
5) I know no one cares about anyone else’s fantasy team. But in the Sherman Avenue Block Party league we have going on ESPN, my two starting RBs were Steven Jackson and Deuce McCallister, my QB was Drew Brees, and one of my WRs was Andre Johnson. I’m now left with Brian Leonard, Jerious Norwood, Braylon Edwards, and Chad Pennington. Interns in the back of Stephon Marbury’s truck aren’t fucked more than this team. If I win any more games with this team, I should be arrested for fraud.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Against the ropes
No, this isn't about a bad Meg Ryan film depicting the life of North American boxing promoter Jackie Kallen.
And while this may seem in response to Dan's questions about my feeling at this time, this was something I was thinking about on my own, thank you very much.
With Pedro battling through five innings and more than anything, giving his team a lift like no other in a sloppy 9-6 win over the no-account Florida Marlins, the stage has been set.
Regardless of what the Philthy Phillies have done or will do, this has always been about the Mets collasping down the stretch. Yes, those redheaded children from another mother have won eight straight from the guys in Brooklyn Dodgers Blue and New York Giants Orange.
But this has always been about the boys on the field and the fact they're not performing. I'm not repeating anything anyone else has already said about the subject. The past is the past and let's keep it there, but extract one thing for my final point.
Willie Randolph made a lot of sense when he said the champagne will taste that much sweeter after they get through this. They'll only get through it with better starting pitching and that's why (Drum roll please)
These next two starts for Oliver Perez and John Maine are not only the most important starts of the season, but they're also important for the future of the franchise.
Let that sink in a moment.
What I mean is this: Both Perez and Maine are young starters who were thrust into a primary role last year and were servicable. They've pitched well this year, exceptional to start the year and fading slightly as the season wears on and the innings stack up.
Yes, John Maine has an ERA over 6 since the All-Star break and Oliver can be as frustrating as he is dazzling. However numbers don't lie.
Perez went into today's start with a 14-9 record, 3.43 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 165 innings and only 77 walks, which is huge for someone who everyone talks about BBs being his big flaw.Maine goes into tomorrow's start with a 14-10 record, a 4.04 ERA and 158 Ks in 178 innings. He's also made 30 starts this year, which is 4 more than he's had in his career.
Both are 26 years old and both can, could and should be a big part of the team's future. But if they get bombed and lose this weekend or next week when they face Florida or St. Louis at Shea, the fans, media and management might look in a different direction.
While everyone thinks about who will start in the post season rotation this year, I'm more concerned about next year's staff. We need bullpen help and I would love for Omar Minaya to put on a full search and spend top dollar because he's confident Perez, Maine, Pedro and Mike Pelfry can hold the fort in 08 with three of the four fixed for beyond.
As I write, Perez has given up one run through five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. While David Wright is playing his way out of an MVP award (another error, his 21st of the year), Perez is pitching his way into the postseason rotation and hopefully beyond...
Friday, September 21, 2007
Filowitz's Friday Five
1) I wonder what it's like to be a Mets fan right now. It must be agonizing. It must be this incredible mixture of depression and helplessness, like watching some tragedy from afar where you are rendered unable to do anything about it. It must be like, well, exactly what Martin is feeling right now.
2) Here's something to cheer up Mets fans, and Red Sox fans, too: remember the Tigers last year? They did this exact same thing. They were way ahead of the Central for most of the year. They staged a spectacular collapse, eventually losing the division to the Twins and just barely beating out the White Sox to get into the playoffs. What happened to them? They went to the World Series. Um, and lost, but still.
3) It could be worse - you could be a Cubs fan. They haven't won anything in what may as well be forever. I've never seen a fan base so unwilling to believe in their team, and a fan base with such good reason to feel that way. If they end up losing the division to Milwaukee and only have Rex Grossman to look forward to - well, you don't exactly "look forward" to Rex Grossman, do you?
4) Madlib, Beat Konducta In India (Vol. 3-4) If you don't know, remember who told ya.
5) To all the fantasy owners of Steven Jackson and any member of the Saints offense, let me get Bill Clinton over here: I feel your pain. Oh yes, I feel your pain.
2) Here's something to cheer up Mets fans, and Red Sox fans, too: remember the Tigers last year? They did this exact same thing. They were way ahead of the Central for most of the year. They staged a spectacular collapse, eventually losing the division to the Twins and just barely beating out the White Sox to get into the playoffs. What happened to them? They went to the World Series. Um, and lost, but still.
3) It could be worse - you could be a Cubs fan. They haven't won anything in what may as well be forever. I've never seen a fan base so unwilling to believe in their team, and a fan base with such good reason to feel that way. If they end up losing the division to Milwaukee and only have Rex Grossman to look forward to - well, you don't exactly "look forward" to Rex Grossman, do you?
4) Madlib, Beat Konducta In India (Vol. 3-4) If you don't know, remember who told ya.
5) To all the fantasy owners of Steven Jackson and any member of the Saints offense, let me get Bill Clinton over here: I feel your pain. Oh yes, I feel your pain.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Touch gloves and come out fighting
I wish I was referring to the fight in either of the teams I root for, but alas it's just another boxing reference - a dead sport to title a rant about teams playing dead.
Since I'm on the theme of death, I'll start with my beloved first place Mets. For the past three weeks, ever since they went to Atlanta after losing four straight and swept the dreaded Braves, I've been thinking about just how I would write the eulogy of Atlanta.
Yes Virginia, the Braves are dead and buried and I'm happy to say that the Metropolotians were the ones to do it.
Yeah, you could blame it on the departure of Maddux, Glavine and Leo Mazzone. You could look back to the lack of premier prospects coming up and making a difference. The days of Rafael Furcal, Marcus Giles, Adam LaRoche, Johnny Estrada, Jason Schmidt, Kevin Milwood and John Rocker (Crazy as he was, the guy was a nasty closer) coming up from the minors and fitting in right away are gone.
I'm in Mississippi, 20 minutes from the home of the Braves Double-A franchise and have watched as Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur (who I just hate to look at with that stupid look on his stupid face), and Salty were here for weeks before heading north. I'm not saying the cupboard is bare, but there's no Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones or Steve Avery brewing down here...
You could just blame it on age. Eventually John Smoltz is going to get old - not this year, but soon enough. The Jones boys are the same way and looking back, I'm amazed to realize how many years it was Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux in this rotation.
It was a great run, a record-setting run. One that desereves its own space and time, but not here and not now is the battle cry. The final wound was a three-game sweep at the Ted, half-empyt as usual for a late-season series against the No. 1 division rival, so much so that as I watched from home, I wondered just how close to the field I could have gotten if I was in the ATL on that day.
But alas, while the curse of the Braves may appear to be broken, it has just switched places to another venue that doesn't fit well with my Mets. What was Andruw Jones patroling center field at Turner Field is now Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins snagging grounders up the middle at that band box of a field Citizens Bank Park.
While the Mets may appear to have sluggers, we're a lineup built for Shea and the 390 gaps to left and right center that turn doubles into triples, that score runners from 1st base, that bodes well for all-around players like David Wright (30 HR, 98 RBIs, 31 steals), Carlos Beltran (29 HR, 99 RBIs, 23 of 25 steals) and Jose Reyes (need I say more?).
Short porches bode well for overpaid losers like Pat Burrell, for fat slow sluggers with emmence talent like Ryan Howard and for the Phillies two best players, Rollins and Utley (either of whom could sneak the MVP award away from Wright, the league's front runner).
Everyone talks about what their eight-game win streak against the Mets will mean if the two teams were to met in the NLCS. To which they usually preface or add later at some point, IF THE PHILLIES MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AND REACH THE NLCS.
I should and do say the same thing about the Mets. I mean, we're a pretty good shot to make the playoffs at this point, but with a stockpile of 6-inning pitchers and little to no confidence in anyone between a great starting rotation (Pedro, Glavine, Maine) and Wagner, we might not make it past whoever unless the Phillies do win the wild card, meaning we would get the NL Central winner, teams we've played well against recently.
You would think it would be a joyous day, the day the Braves died. Instead my worries have only shifted north.
As for the Giants, let me just say this - In my preview, I was torn with the belief that the hands of Thor and Loki would help prevent the defense from looking this bad. I would love to add early, but let's be real. They're going to be this bad all year.
The cornerbacks can't defend anyone and we're not gaining any pressure with a four or five-man rush, so it doesn't matter if we can stop the run if you can throw short, medium and long.
The real question becomes, with a Top 5 pick in next year's draft, does Reece look for a running back like the kid from Rutgers or a linebacker, then hope to sign someone like Ashanti Samuels, who's been dying to play for (Insert your favorite unemployed coach here) all his life.
Since I'm on the theme of death, I'll start with my beloved first place Mets. For the past three weeks, ever since they went to Atlanta after losing four straight and swept the dreaded Braves, I've been thinking about just how I would write the eulogy of Atlanta.
Yes Virginia, the Braves are dead and buried and I'm happy to say that the Metropolotians were the ones to do it.
Yeah, you could blame it on the departure of Maddux, Glavine and Leo Mazzone. You could look back to the lack of premier prospects coming up and making a difference. The days of Rafael Furcal, Marcus Giles, Adam LaRoche, Johnny Estrada, Jason Schmidt, Kevin Milwood and John Rocker (Crazy as he was, the guy was a nasty closer) coming up from the minors and fitting in right away are gone.
I'm in Mississippi, 20 minutes from the home of the Braves Double-A franchise and have watched as Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur (who I just hate to look at with that stupid look on his stupid face), and Salty were here for weeks before heading north. I'm not saying the cupboard is bare, but there's no Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones or Steve Avery brewing down here...
You could just blame it on age. Eventually John Smoltz is going to get old - not this year, but soon enough. The Jones boys are the same way and looking back, I'm amazed to realize how many years it was Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux in this rotation.
It was a great run, a record-setting run. One that desereves its own space and time, but not here and not now is the battle cry. The final wound was a three-game sweep at the Ted, half-empyt as usual for a late-season series against the No. 1 division rival, so much so that as I watched from home, I wondered just how close to the field I could have gotten if I was in the ATL on that day.
But alas, while the curse of the Braves may appear to be broken, it has just switched places to another venue that doesn't fit well with my Mets. What was Andruw Jones patroling center field at Turner Field is now Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins snagging grounders up the middle at that band box of a field Citizens Bank Park.
While the Mets may appear to have sluggers, we're a lineup built for Shea and the 390 gaps to left and right center that turn doubles into triples, that score runners from 1st base, that bodes well for all-around players like David Wright (30 HR, 98 RBIs, 31 steals), Carlos Beltran (29 HR, 99 RBIs, 23 of 25 steals) and Jose Reyes (need I say more?).
Short porches bode well for overpaid losers like Pat Burrell, for fat slow sluggers with emmence talent like Ryan Howard and for the Phillies two best players, Rollins and Utley (either of whom could sneak the MVP award away from Wright, the league's front runner).
Everyone talks about what their eight-game win streak against the Mets will mean if the two teams were to met in the NLCS. To which they usually preface or add later at some point, IF THE PHILLIES MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AND REACH THE NLCS.
I should and do say the same thing about the Mets. I mean, we're a pretty good shot to make the playoffs at this point, but with a stockpile of 6-inning pitchers and little to no confidence in anyone between a great starting rotation (Pedro, Glavine, Maine) and Wagner, we might not make it past whoever unless the Phillies do win the wild card, meaning we would get the NL Central winner, teams we've played well against recently.
You would think it would be a joyous day, the day the Braves died. Instead my worries have only shifted north.
As for the Giants, let me just say this - In my preview, I was torn with the belief that the hands of Thor and Loki would help prevent the defense from looking this bad. I would love to add early, but let's be real. They're going to be this bad all year.
The cornerbacks can't defend anyone and we're not gaining any pressure with a four or five-man rush, so it doesn't matter if we can stop the run if you can throw short, medium and long.
The real question becomes, with a Top 5 pick in next year's draft, does Reece look for a running back like the kid from Rutgers or a linebacker, then hope to sign someone like Ashanti Samuels, who's been dying to play for (Insert your favorite unemployed coach here) all his life.
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