Mark Buehrle's performance of setting aside 45 consecutive batters is one of baseball's all-time best pitching feats. This year is the 50th anniversary of Harvey Haddix throwing 12 perfect innings -- and then losing the game -- for the best single game ever pitched. Buerle may have come close to matching Hard-Luck Harvey.
Buehrle did not do it one game, but that may be even tougher than what Haddix did. Mark faced two teams while Harvey dominated one. And while Haddix' dominance could be chalked up to one bad game by the Braves of '59, Buehrle faced the Rays and Twins -- two fairly good offensive teams.
Beuhrle has long been ignored as one of the better pitchers in the game, no more. Watching the White Sox lefty is seeing a pitching clinic. Get the ball and pitch, there is no need to be taking a mid-afternoon stroll around the mound.
Most importantly, however, is the confidence to throw strikes. A pitcher who trusts his stuff will throw it over the plate and have the batter hit it weakly.
Kudos to Buehrle for garnering the credit he has long deserved.
*************************************************************************************
"The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" has come to Queens.
The Good: How about the play on the field. Stringing together some wins and making a run at the Wild Card. For a change both the bats and the pitching staff have made contributions. Despite the injuries, a playoff spot is still within shouting distance.
Top to bottom the club is playing fine baseball. Good starts, timely hits, solid relief and sound defense. And all against teams vying for the same playoff spot. Once again, keep in mind, no other team will be adding the kind of talent to their roster for the stretch like the Mets will -- if the DL starts clearing up.
The Bad: Tony Bernazard taking his shirt off and challenging Minor Leaguers to a fight is as bad as it gets. Most fans would have no idea who the Vice President, Player Development guy is for their team. Yet, Bernazard keeps getting his name in the paper and almost always for the wrong reasons.
On top of that, Tony almost came to blows with Francisco Rodriguez -- one of the few top Mets not on the DL.
The Ugly: Well, few teams can take doing the right thing -- firing Bernazard -- and turn it into a disaster like the Mets did this week. First Fred Wilpon and then Omar Minaya have come out and apologized for attacking Adam Rubin's integrity.
Wilpon said he's not happy with the direction of the team. Is that the first sign for Omar to start packing? The Mets hierarchy has been known to be swayed by public opinion.
*************************************************************************************
Thank you Brett Favre for not completely destroying our fond memories of your days in Green Bay. While not the best quarterback to throw a football, certainly one of the most exciting.
We can forget about the one year with the Jets -- unless you're a Jets fan, of course -- but a year with the Vikings would be hard to overlook.
*************************************************************************************
Two more names from "the list" have come to light. Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz failed a drug test in 2003 according to The New York Times.
This has to really sting Red Sox Nation. While many Yankees have been known steroid users, this would be like finding out Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams were on the juice during the '98 season. Manny and Papi were not bit players, they were the heart and soul of the team.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My Two Cents Worth
It's time for the latest "Idiotic Mets Fans Claim" portion of the program.
While no one can blame Mets fans for being upset at everyone in the organization -- from the Wilpons to Mr. Met -- the reasoning must make a little sense. And there are plenty of legitimate reasons to get on Omar Minaya lately. However, one of the fashionable gripes has been that even the Mets' triple A team -- the Buffalo Bisons -- is in last place, 18 games out of first and 22 games under .500.
Now, let's be somewhat objective about this and have a look at how things work. The big club has been riddled with injuries and replacements are needed. So, the hierarchy has a look at who should be brought up to replace the injured player. Guess who they're going to call? That's right, the best player in the Minors.
Just like in Trickle-Down Economics, if you take away from the top the bottom loses. Only with a baseball club what gets taken away from the top goes to the wasteful DL, instead of wasteful politicians. The ones reaping the benefit of that is the rest of baseball, both in the majors and the minors
*************************************************************************************
It's getting ugly in a hurry in Queens. The Phillies have forgotten that this is baseball and teams are supposed to lose every once in a while, leaving the Mets and the rest of the NL east in the dust.
If the Mets don't get a quick lead the team loses all confidence and the game is all but over. True, this lineup is not high powered enough to create significant comebacks but lying down and playing dead is a serious indictment of Jerry Manuel.
As Mets rooters well know the story in 1969 when Gil Hodges Jr., after looking over the Orioles lineup, asked his father "How are you possibly going to beat these guys?" The Godfather of Mets' baseball replied "Shhh - I've got 25 guys who think they can."
This team does not believe it can comeback, and it's evident every time they fall behind.
The handwriting is also starting to appear on the wall for Omar Minaya, it comes in the form of ink in the paper. Over the past several days both New York tabloids have put forth devastating articles about the GM.
One, by Joel Sherman, claiming the Mets front office has a reputation for not being proactive or returning phone calls. The second, by Adam Rubin, pointing to many problems throughout the organization. As every New York sports fan knows, when the writers start turning on someone, it's the beginning of the end.
*************************************************************************************
Although bringing Roy Halladay to the Bronx would look great on Brian Cashman's resume it is not a smart move to make. Toronto claims that it would be willing to trade the ace to a division foe, and there is no reason to doubt that.
However, nobody likes helping the Yankees and Doc would pitch against the Jays several times over the next year and a half. For the deal to make sense for Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi he would demand a king's ransom, which is something the Yankees are prone to doing.
In this case you must ask yourself this: Do you give up your farm system to bring in a pitcher, albeit the best in the game, who is 32-years-old, has close to 2000 inning on his arm, has never pitched in the postseason and still there are no guarantees that you can beat the Red Sox in the playoffs?
To top it off, Halladay's contract is over after next season, and the Yankees -- just this past off-season -- spent a whole lot of money bringing in CC Sabathia who is supposed to be their ace.
Also, consider that the clubs top prospects, no doubt what Toronto would want, fit right into the needs of the near future. Jorge Posada is not going to be around much longer, enter Francisco Cervelli and top catching prospect Jesus Montero. The outfield could already use a little pick-me-up in the corners; Austin Jackson may very well be that guy in the next year or so.
All this is not including the pitcher -- either Joba or Phil Hughes -- that would also have to be sent north.
It would be nice to bring in the Doc to remedy the club's postseason woes, but all things considered, in this case you're better off taking two aspirin and taking your chances with what you've got.
*************************************************************************************
In a game the other night between the Houston Astros and the L.A. Dodgers there was a play that will no doubt live on in bloopers films for years to come.
Mike Hampton had just been backing up the catcher on a play at the plate. The run scored and Hampton is dejectedly walking back to the mound, Houston catcher Humberto Quintero hands the ball to the pitcher who fires the ball into his glove in frustration. Only he misses. That's right he missed his glove from point blank. The ball rolls into foul territory and another run scores.
Apparently the Colorado school system doesn't teach anger management.
*************************************************************************************
Stewart Cink may have won the British Open and deservedly so. But the tournament will be remembered for Tom Watson.
While no one can blame Mets fans for being upset at everyone in the organization -- from the Wilpons to Mr. Met -- the reasoning must make a little sense. And there are plenty of legitimate reasons to get on Omar Minaya lately. However, one of the fashionable gripes has been that even the Mets' triple A team -- the Buffalo Bisons -- is in last place, 18 games out of first and 22 games under .500.
Now, let's be somewhat objective about this and have a look at how things work. The big club has been riddled with injuries and replacements are needed. So, the hierarchy has a look at who should be brought up to replace the injured player. Guess who they're going to call? That's right, the best player in the Minors.
Just like in Trickle-Down Economics, if you take away from the top the bottom loses. Only with a baseball club what gets taken away from the top goes to the wasteful DL, instead of wasteful politicians. The ones reaping the benefit of that is the rest of baseball, both in the majors and the minors
*************************************************************************************
It's getting ugly in a hurry in Queens. The Phillies have forgotten that this is baseball and teams are supposed to lose every once in a while, leaving the Mets and the rest of the NL east in the dust.
If the Mets don't get a quick lead the team loses all confidence and the game is all but over. True, this lineup is not high powered enough to create significant comebacks but lying down and playing dead is a serious indictment of Jerry Manuel.
As Mets rooters well know the story in 1969 when Gil Hodges Jr., after looking over the Orioles lineup, asked his father "How are you possibly going to beat these guys?" The Godfather of Mets' baseball replied "Shhh - I've got 25 guys who think they can."
This team does not believe it can comeback, and it's evident every time they fall behind.
The handwriting is also starting to appear on the wall for Omar Minaya, it comes in the form of ink in the paper. Over the past several days both New York tabloids have put forth devastating articles about the GM.
One, by Joel Sherman, claiming the Mets front office has a reputation for not being proactive or returning phone calls. The second, by Adam Rubin, pointing to many problems throughout the organization. As every New York sports fan knows, when the writers start turning on someone, it's the beginning of the end.
*************************************************************************************
Although bringing Roy Halladay to the Bronx would look great on Brian Cashman's resume it is not a smart move to make. Toronto claims that it would be willing to trade the ace to a division foe, and there is no reason to doubt that.
However, nobody likes helping the Yankees and Doc would pitch against the Jays several times over the next year and a half. For the deal to make sense for Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi he would demand a king's ransom, which is something the Yankees are prone to doing.
In this case you must ask yourself this: Do you give up your farm system to bring in a pitcher, albeit the best in the game, who is 32-years-old, has close to 2000 inning on his arm, has never pitched in the postseason and still there are no guarantees that you can beat the Red Sox in the playoffs?
To top it off, Halladay's contract is over after next season, and the Yankees -- just this past off-season -- spent a whole lot of money bringing in CC Sabathia who is supposed to be their ace.
Also, consider that the clubs top prospects, no doubt what Toronto would want, fit right into the needs of the near future. Jorge Posada is not going to be around much longer, enter Francisco Cervelli and top catching prospect Jesus Montero. The outfield could already use a little pick-me-up in the corners; Austin Jackson may very well be that guy in the next year or so.
All this is not including the pitcher -- either Joba or Phil Hughes -- that would also have to be sent north.
It would be nice to bring in the Doc to remedy the club's postseason woes, but all things considered, in this case you're better off taking two aspirin and taking your chances with what you've got.
*************************************************************************************
In a game the other night between the Houston Astros and the L.A. Dodgers there was a play that will no doubt live on in bloopers films for years to come.
Mike Hampton had just been backing up the catcher on a play at the plate. The run scored and Hampton is dejectedly walking back to the mound, Houston catcher Humberto Quintero hands the ball to the pitcher who fires the ball into his glove in frustration. Only he misses. That's right he missed his glove from point blank. The ball rolls into foul territory and another run scores.
Apparently the Colorado school system doesn't teach anger management.
*************************************************************************************
Stewart Cink may have won the British Open and deservedly so. But the tournament will be remembered for Tom Watson.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
What's Not To Love About The Break
The All-Star Break is upon us, as is the usual bickering that goes along with it. During the Break you'll hear it all: It's a meaningless game; it's not real baseball; does anyone really care?
The answers to those gripes are slightly different. But, the basic point remains: What's not to like?
These are the days we forget Yankees or Red Sox, Mets or Phillies, Cubs or Cardinals. It's all about baseball. Sure the teams are split American League and National League, but let's be honest that doesn't really matter. The A.L. has won what seems like 30 consecutive All-Star contests yet the N.L. has won its share of World Series, so what does it really prove.
Yes, it is a meaningless game in terms of actual standings -- despite what Bud Selig and Co. will tell you -- but how often do we get the celebrate this game we love? In October there are only a handful of teams and it's way too intense to just sit back and enjoy the game. The regular season is a marathon not an event.
This game provides a stress-free environment to just sit back and enjoy baseball.
Why is it not considered "real baseball?" There is a pitcher, a batter, an umpire, fielders and a scoreboard, just like any other baseball game. In addition to the usual, the best players on the planet are on the field. Sure some of guys are missing due to Steroid use (Manny Ramirez) injury (Evan Longoria) or both (Alex Rodriguez). But, overall the lineups are stacked with some real top-line hitters and pitchers.
Sure we care. Some of the most memorable events in baseball history took place in the Mid-Summer Classic. Some of these accomplishments are still reveled at today. Carl Hubbell faced five straight future Hall of Famers in the second All-Star contest in 1934, and struck them out in order. Have a look at these names: Babe Ruth; Lou Gehrig; Jimmie Foxx; Al Simmons and Joe Cronin. Some of the best batsmen baseball has ever seen.
In the first edition of the game, Babe Ruth hit the first All-Star home run. How great is that.
In 1993 Randy Johnson still had all sorts of control problems, yet was good enough to be considered one of baseball's best. John Kruk of the Phillies was facing Johnson when the fireballer sailed one over the hefty first basemen's head. As the next pitch was coming, Kruk backed out of the box in mock fear. Kruk did the same on the next two pitches as he struck out. That's still one of the funniest moments in baseball.
In 1945 World War II was heading to its conclusion, yet much of baseball's best talent was still in the military. The lack of legitimate All-Stars combined with war time travel restrictions caused the first cancellation of the game. In its place inter-league games were played between teams who shared the same city.
Of course there are also the dubious moments that occurred. The 2002 tie in Milwaukee is still one of Bud Selig's worst moments. In 1970 Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse injuring the young catcher and all but ending a promising career.
Then again just last year, at the only real Yankees Stadium, Josh Hamilton completed his comeback from drugs and injuries in a home run derby for the ages. The game itself went 15 innings and was the last memorable baseball event at the cathedral in the Bronx.
So tonight just sit back and relax. Who wins is of little importance. It's just the game of baseball being played by those who play it best. Who knows we may even see history, or just plain ol' funny. Enjoy.
The answers to those gripes are slightly different. But, the basic point remains: What's not to like?
These are the days we forget Yankees or Red Sox, Mets or Phillies, Cubs or Cardinals. It's all about baseball. Sure the teams are split American League and National League, but let's be honest that doesn't really matter. The A.L. has won what seems like 30 consecutive All-Star contests yet the N.L. has won its share of World Series, so what does it really prove.
Yes, it is a meaningless game in terms of actual standings -- despite what Bud Selig and Co. will tell you -- but how often do we get the celebrate this game we love? In October there are only a handful of teams and it's way too intense to just sit back and enjoy the game. The regular season is a marathon not an event.
This game provides a stress-free environment to just sit back and enjoy baseball.
Why is it not considered "real baseball?" There is a pitcher, a batter, an umpire, fielders and a scoreboard, just like any other baseball game. In addition to the usual, the best players on the planet are on the field. Sure some of guys are missing due to Steroid use (Manny Ramirez) injury (Evan Longoria) or both (Alex Rodriguez). But, overall the lineups are stacked with some real top-line hitters and pitchers.
Sure we care. Some of the most memorable events in baseball history took place in the Mid-Summer Classic. Some of these accomplishments are still reveled at today. Carl Hubbell faced five straight future Hall of Famers in the second All-Star contest in 1934, and struck them out in order. Have a look at these names: Babe Ruth; Lou Gehrig; Jimmie Foxx; Al Simmons and Joe Cronin. Some of the best batsmen baseball has ever seen.
In the first edition of the game, Babe Ruth hit the first All-Star home run. How great is that.
In 1993 Randy Johnson still had all sorts of control problems, yet was good enough to be considered one of baseball's best. John Kruk of the Phillies was facing Johnson when the fireballer sailed one over the hefty first basemen's head. As the next pitch was coming, Kruk backed out of the box in mock fear. Kruk did the same on the next two pitches as he struck out. That's still one of the funniest moments in baseball.
In 1945 World War II was heading to its conclusion, yet much of baseball's best talent was still in the military. The lack of legitimate All-Stars combined with war time travel restrictions caused the first cancellation of the game. In its place inter-league games were played between teams who shared the same city.
Of course there are also the dubious moments that occurred. The 2002 tie in Milwaukee is still one of Bud Selig's worst moments. In 1970 Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse injuring the young catcher and all but ending a promising career.
Then again just last year, at the only real Yankees Stadium, Josh Hamilton completed his comeback from drugs and injuries in a home run derby for the ages. The game itself went 15 innings and was the last memorable baseball event at the cathedral in the Bronx.
So tonight just sit back and relax. Who wins is of little importance. It's just the game of baseball being played by those who play it best. Who knows we may even see history, or just plain ol' funny. Enjoy.
Friday, July 10, 2009
My Two Cents Worth
The Yankees keep on rolling but if they can’t beat Anaheim is it really worth much. We already know this club has issues with top tier teams like the Red Sox and Phillies. If they continue to show weakness against the big boys, many Yankee fans will start to wonder what the playoffs will bring.
Sure a postseason appearance will keep Joe Girardi in the dugout and Brian Cashman in his office as G.M. however a quick first round ouster at the hands of the Angels will not be enough to satisfy fans. A second round drubbing by Boston will only upset them more.
This weekend the Bombers have to put that notion to rest. Sure the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, of California, of the U.S.A. of the G8 are not healthy, Vlad Guerreo and Torii Hunter are on the DL and the pitching staff has been a mess all year. Not to mention losing two out of three to rival Texas this week. The Yanks have had problems in SoCal since 1996. Taking the series going into the break would – at the very least – show there is reason to believe this team can contend in October.
*************************************************************************************
The Carlos Gomez leaping catch will be on the highlight reel of this season. Any time an outfielder steals a home run it’s a tremendous play and good effort. But, every once in a while, there is a defensive play that makes you say, “Wow!” Gomez got his shoulders over the wall to haul it in. Of course the ball was hit by A-Rod, with the bases loaded no less, somehow some way he will always be there when the spotlight is shining.
Speaking of defense, Daniel Murphy has had his share of troubles this season, but his behind-the-back throw against the Dodgers is as nifty and heads-up as it gets.
****************************************************************************************
Although you would never know it listening to Mets fans, the Amazins are still in playoff contention. Sure things are not looking good right now but no other team is going to add Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes down the stretch.
Now there is talk that the Mets might go after Roy Halladay. So, here’s the question: Do you want to give away whatever is left of the farm system for a 32-year-old pitcher, albeit the best in baseball, who has a ton of innings on his arm? Not a smart move for this team. If a club is an ace away, go for it. But this team still has question marks in the bullpen, outside of the ninth inning, and in the back half of the rotation. That’s assuming the crowded DL shrinks, or you can add a lack of power in the line-up to the list of flaws.
**************************************************************************************
The Nets once again cut salary and brought in guys who enjoy passing as much as shooting, clearly another attempt to bring King James to Kings County. (For non-New Yorkers, that’s Brooklyn.) First round pick Terrance Williams models his game after Magic Johnson, if he even resembles Magic the Nets will be all smiles. Williams prides himself on being a point-forward.
Keeping on all things Magic, the Nets traded Vince Carter to Orlando. A move that helps both clubs perfectly. Orlando now has a clutch shooter to go to late in a contest; Games Two and Four of The Finals were lost because of missed shots late. Carter may not have made those attempts but VC is better option than anyone the Magic have. New Jersey in turn brought in a legitimate back-up point-guard, by far the biggest hole in the line-up last season. Rafer Alston is a local product – grew up in Queens and is a proud Yankees fan – and is excited about being here. Also coming north is Courtney Lee, a good young guard who will bring it on defense.
The Nets now have it all when it comes to luring LeBron. Devin Harris is a young point guard who can score and pass. Brook Lopez is a 21-year-old seven-footer who can score, rebound and will only get better on defense. He would be the first sports super-star in Brooklyn since Duke Snider and Dem Bums moved west more than 50 years ago. To top it off LeBron is good buddies with Jay-Z who is a part owner of the Nets.
There is be billboard waiting for you, your highness.
*************************************************************************************
On a parting note, the Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick was one the best sporting events of the year. There are few stages that parallel Wimbledon in all of sports, and to have history on the line just made it that much better. Two tough competitors refusing to go down, what more can we ask for?
Sure a postseason appearance will keep Joe Girardi in the dugout and Brian Cashman in his office as G.M. however a quick first round ouster at the hands of the Angels will not be enough to satisfy fans. A second round drubbing by Boston will only upset them more.
This weekend the Bombers have to put that notion to rest. Sure the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, of California, of the U.S.A. of the G8 are not healthy, Vlad Guerreo and Torii Hunter are on the DL and the pitching staff has been a mess all year. Not to mention losing two out of three to rival Texas this week. The Yanks have had problems in SoCal since 1996. Taking the series going into the break would – at the very least – show there is reason to believe this team can contend in October.
*************************************************************************************
The Carlos Gomez leaping catch will be on the highlight reel of this season. Any time an outfielder steals a home run it’s a tremendous play and good effort. But, every once in a while, there is a defensive play that makes you say, “Wow!” Gomez got his shoulders over the wall to haul it in. Of course the ball was hit by A-Rod, with the bases loaded no less, somehow some way he will always be there when the spotlight is shining.
Speaking of defense, Daniel Murphy has had his share of troubles this season, but his behind-the-back throw against the Dodgers is as nifty and heads-up as it gets.
****************************************************************************************
Although you would never know it listening to Mets fans, the Amazins are still in playoff contention. Sure things are not looking good right now but no other team is going to add Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes down the stretch.
Now there is talk that the Mets might go after Roy Halladay. So, here’s the question: Do you want to give away whatever is left of the farm system for a 32-year-old pitcher, albeit the best in baseball, who has a ton of innings on his arm? Not a smart move for this team. If a club is an ace away, go for it. But this team still has question marks in the bullpen, outside of the ninth inning, and in the back half of the rotation. That’s assuming the crowded DL shrinks, or you can add a lack of power in the line-up to the list of flaws.
**************************************************************************************
The Nets once again cut salary and brought in guys who enjoy passing as much as shooting, clearly another attempt to bring King James to Kings County. (For non-New Yorkers, that’s Brooklyn.) First round pick Terrance Williams models his game after Magic Johnson, if he even resembles Magic the Nets will be all smiles. Williams prides himself on being a point-forward.
Keeping on all things Magic, the Nets traded Vince Carter to Orlando. A move that helps both clubs perfectly. Orlando now has a clutch shooter to go to late in a contest; Games Two and Four of The Finals were lost because of missed shots late. Carter may not have made those attempts but VC is better option than anyone the Magic have. New Jersey in turn brought in a legitimate back-up point-guard, by far the biggest hole in the line-up last season. Rafer Alston is a local product – grew up in Queens and is a proud Yankees fan – and is excited about being here. Also coming north is Courtney Lee, a good young guard who will bring it on defense.
The Nets now have it all when it comes to luring LeBron. Devin Harris is a young point guard who can score and pass. Brook Lopez is a 21-year-old seven-footer who can score, rebound and will only get better on defense. He would be the first sports super-star in Brooklyn since Duke Snider and Dem Bums moved west more than 50 years ago. To top it off LeBron is good buddies with Jay-Z who is a part owner of the Nets.
There is be billboard waiting for you, your highness.
*************************************************************************************
On a parting note, the Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick was one the best sporting events of the year. There are few stages that parallel Wimbledon in all of sports, and to have history on the line just made it that much better. Two tough competitors refusing to go down, what more can we ask for?
Monday, July 6, 2009
My Two Cents Worth
Trading Scott Gomez to Montreal was a move Glen Sather had to make. Gomer makes too much money for what he brings to the ice. Many Rangers' fans would have you believe Scotty is not a first line center. That is incorrect; Gomez would be in the middle of just about any team's top line. However, Scott's ability was severely diminished when the Rangers expected him to be the top player on the club.
The trade of Gomez freed up cap space to get Marian Gaborik, whose only issue is a big one. His health. In the past five years he has only played more than 65 games once. Of course, when healthy he is a top ten forward. Sather and Gaborik both insist he is healthy. For the amount of money given to Gaborik, Sather better be right.
There is still lingering talk of the Rangers being interested in Dany Heatley. If the reports are accurate and Ottawa is asking for Marc Staal and either Ryan Callahan or Brandon Dubinsky, Sather is better off keeping the youngsters to build with. If Slats feels the itch to make another move, how about a solid D-man to pair with Staal.
******************************************************************************
The Yankees have been playing terrific baseball. Solid starting pitching, clutch hitting, even A-Rod has been good when it counts this year, and a bullpen that is flawed but more often than not getting the job done.
Wang going back on the DL is something to worry about. He was expected to be the third starter in the rotation, and if he's out for any length of time it's going to hurt the bullpen. It's important to get Brian Bruney going, long term he is still the best eight inning option.
Alfredo Aceves should be giving pitching classes. Sometimes it is as simple as throwing strikes and trusting your stuff.
*******************************************************************************
Scoring three runs in three games against the Phillies shaky pitching staff, in hitter friendly Citizens Bank Park no less, will not make anyone happy. But what is even more disturbing is the shaky Mets' defense. Giving away outs to a lineup like the Phills is going to cost you dearly.
Johan Santana and Mike Pelfey each pitched great in their last start. If Oliver Perez can somehow get his act together, the Mets will at least have their rotation in order.
The lineup needs a bat, but does it make sense to give up on a top prospect to get a mediocre bat. Omar ought to find out about Shelley Duncan, who the Yanks have no need for, and is currently in the minors.
In 250 plus at bats Duncan has 21 home runs, that's more than double any Met. And among non-DL Mets, Shelley has four times as many round trippers as anyone in Jerry Manuel's regular squad -- part-timer Gary Sheffield has ten. In case you were wondering, Duncan is batting .290.
True, Duncan was awful when he was with the big club early last season. However, in 2007 he hit seven homers on 74 A.B.s and almost as importantly brought energy and enthusiasm to the field and dugout, something this club is desperately lacking.
The trade of Gomez freed up cap space to get Marian Gaborik, whose only issue is a big one. His health. In the past five years he has only played more than 65 games once. Of course, when healthy he is a top ten forward. Sather and Gaborik both insist he is healthy. For the amount of money given to Gaborik, Sather better be right.
There is still lingering talk of the Rangers being interested in Dany Heatley. If the reports are accurate and Ottawa is asking for Marc Staal and either Ryan Callahan or Brandon Dubinsky, Sather is better off keeping the youngsters to build with. If Slats feels the itch to make another move, how about a solid D-man to pair with Staal.
******************************************************************************
The Yankees have been playing terrific baseball. Solid starting pitching, clutch hitting, even A-Rod has been good when it counts this year, and a bullpen that is flawed but more often than not getting the job done.
Wang going back on the DL is something to worry about. He was expected to be the third starter in the rotation, and if he's out for any length of time it's going to hurt the bullpen. It's important to get Brian Bruney going, long term he is still the best eight inning option.
Alfredo Aceves should be giving pitching classes. Sometimes it is as simple as throwing strikes and trusting your stuff.
*******************************************************************************
Scoring three runs in three games against the Phillies shaky pitching staff, in hitter friendly Citizens Bank Park no less, will not make anyone happy. But what is even more disturbing is the shaky Mets' defense. Giving away outs to a lineup like the Phills is going to cost you dearly.
Johan Santana and Mike Pelfey each pitched great in their last start. If Oliver Perez can somehow get his act together, the Mets will at least have their rotation in order.
The lineup needs a bat, but does it make sense to give up on a top prospect to get a mediocre bat. Omar ought to find out about Shelley Duncan, who the Yanks have no need for, and is currently in the minors.
In 250 plus at bats Duncan has 21 home runs, that's more than double any Met. And among non-DL Mets, Shelley has four times as many round trippers as anyone in Jerry Manuel's regular squad -- part-timer Gary Sheffield has ten. In case you were wondering, Duncan is batting .290.
True, Duncan was awful when he was with the big club early last season. However, in 2007 he hit seven homers on 74 A.B.s and almost as importantly brought energy and enthusiasm to the field and dugout, something this club is desperately lacking.
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