The Q & A is still going on. It's pretty cool.
Keith Hernandez showed up 15 minutes late. No one was surprised.
7/22/08
Phillies blogs make me smile
From a great writer (even though he's a Philly fan), Tim Malcolm, in his look at his team and their journey down the stretch and through it's first 99 games:
The MetsDamn. That's good stuff. I wish Mets fans were that optimistic!
And about those Mets. I’d like to think, like most, that they’re too old and worn down and talentless to win the East. But how do they keep finding guys who can contribute past their primes? Fernando Tatis? Sure the bullpen is rough (Billy Wagner’s pain could spell big trouble), but when I see them, I see an offense that can rattle off runs. I see a rotation that can head into the seventh of most games. And I see a bullpen that can piece it together just enough to win. Sound familiar? Yeah, like your 2007 Philies. Who won the East.
Billy Wagner is A-OK
Billy Wagner's MRI results came back negative.
A sigh of relief was just issued from Mets fans everywhere.
The doctors believe the pain he felt was just a muscle spasm or a cramp. "Just" a muscle spasm isn't something to sweep under the rug. Remember that a back spasm kept Wagner out of some important games down the stretch run in 2007.
Hopefully he'll be just fine, and pitch effectively tonight, if need be.
A sigh of relief was just issued from Mets fans everywhere.
The doctors believe the pain he felt was just a muscle spasm or a cramp. "Just" a muscle spasm isn't something to sweep under the rug. Remember that a back spasm kept Wagner out of some important games down the stretch run in 2007.
Hopefully he'll be just fine, and pitch effectively tonight, if need be.
Johan Santana's "big game"
Tonight, Johan Santana faces newly acquired Phillie, Joe Blanton in the first of a three game series at Shea Stadium. Since it's the second half, against the Phillies, and both teams tied for first, it's already being outlined that this is the biggest start of Santana's Mets career.
It seems to me that if he doesn't take a no-hitter into the seventh and finish with a three hit, complete game, it will be deemed a failure by the media, and to many fans.
Joel Sherman wrote this:
If Santana falters, say giving up four runs in six innings, he'll be blasted for "failing" his team, the franchise, the fans.
Can't we just wait and see how he does, see how he comes out and performs in front of his home crowd, against the teams bitter rivals as they're both perched in first place. Let's see how tonight goes before we pass judgement on whether or not he was "right" for the Mets.
It seems to me that if he doesn't take a no-hitter into the seventh and finish with a three hit, complete game, it will be deemed a failure by the media, and to many fans.
Joel Sherman wrote this:
That leaves Santana as the starter the Mets must have work deep into every game as a bullpen saver for all the uncertainty that threatens around him in the rotation. His renown has been as a second-half stalwart and the Mets badly need that guy. Tonight Santana faces Joe Blanton in his Phillie debut, a starter obtained merely to fit this qualification: Be better than Adam Eaton. Blanton does not have the pedigree of an ace and Philadelphia is not expecting that. But the Mets certainly are expecting Santana to be an ace. They certainly are expecting him at home -- at Shea -- to outpitch Blanton, lug the ball pretty darn close to the finish line, if not the finish line itself. It is still just July, but this is why Santana was obtained. So, yes, tonight is a big start for him. big game for the Mets.Sure, it'd be great if he does all those things. And that's taking into account the offense isn't anemic, like when he usually pitches.
If Santana falters, say giving up four runs in six innings, he'll be blasted for "failing" his team, the franchise, the fans.
Can't we just wait and see how he does, see how he comes out and performs in front of his home crowd, against the teams bitter rivals as they're both perched in first place. Let's see how tonight goes before we pass judgement on whether or not he was "right" for the Mets.
Early Morning Madness: Remember what I said yesterday? Forget it edition
Yesterday, I reported that Billy Wagner was going to have an MRI on his shoulder. Then I reported that the MRI was scrapped because he felt all right.
Now, I am reporting that he will have that MRI done on his shoulder.
He did see a doctor yesterday, and the Mets are stressing that this is a "precautionary" MRI.
The Mets have seemed to learn a valuable lesson from their handling on Ryan Church. "If it hurts a little bit, go see a doctor." It looks like they're going to handle each and every ache and pain a player suffers with the utmost care.
I'm still unsure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
If Wagner was to ever go down, the Mets would take a huge blow to the make up of their bullpen. It seems the Mets have that in mind, and rumors are linking the Mets, among other teams, to Oakland closer Huston Street.
I put no credibility into trade rumors unless they are reported by more than a few sources. Otherwise it just seems like something written to appease the fans. I think, as a journalist, that one shouldn't have to do that. You should have enough in your arsenal to write about fact, not rumors.
If you hear rumors, mark them as what they are. Don't say, "The Mets have joined the list of teams expressing interest in Oakland closer Huston Street." But rather, "There are rumors that the Mets might have interest in Huston Street from Oakland." Unless someone comes out and says "Yup! We're pursuing Street," I don't much care.
It's one way or the other...make up your minds.
Now, I am reporting that he will have that MRI done on his shoulder.
He did see a doctor yesterday, and the Mets are stressing that this is a "precautionary" MRI.
The Mets have seemed to learn a valuable lesson from their handling on Ryan Church. "If it hurts a little bit, go see a doctor." It looks like they're going to handle each and every ache and pain a player suffers with the utmost care.
I'm still unsure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
** * **
If Wagner was to ever go down, the Mets would take a huge blow to the make up of their bullpen. It seems the Mets have that in mind, and rumors are linking the Mets, among other teams, to Oakland closer Huston Street.
I put no credibility into trade rumors unless they are reported by more than a few sources. Otherwise it just seems like something written to appease the fans. I think, as a journalist, that one shouldn't have to do that. You should have enough in your arsenal to write about fact, not rumors.
If you hear rumors, mark them as what they are. Don't say, "The Mets have joined the list of teams expressing interest in Oakland closer Huston Street." But rather, "There are rumors that the Mets might have interest in Huston Street from Oakland." Unless someone comes out and says "Yup! We're pursuing Street," I don't much care.
** * **
It's one way or the other...make up your minds.
7/21/08
FJM takes on two Mets related subjects
You know when Ken Tremendous goes out and writes:
Also mentioned: Jerry Manuel.
Please, for the love of the Team Ravioli, read this post.
Let's imagine I am part of a 25-man team that makes frozen 4-cheese ravioli dinners. And every time I'm on a shift, I take my syringe and I expertly inject the pasta with goat cheese (my task) and I have like a 99.4% success rate of successful goat cheese injection, and when my raviolis go on to the next man on my team, ready for edam infusion, they are just perfectly formed and looking tasty and delicious. And by the time they reach the end of the assembly line, they are torn to shreds, leaking gouda, and somehow covered in bat feces -- so bad are the other men on Team Ravioli....as your metaphor in the story for Johan Santana, it's going to be a good article.
Also mentioned: Jerry Manuel.
Please, for the love of the Team Ravioli, read this post.
The NL East gets all the press
Two articles today break down the NL East.
Jayson Stark gets absolutely blasted by Mets fans in his "That's Debatable" column where he breaks down the National League East. (Spoiler: He picked the Phillies to win it) Read the comments for the angry fans from New York.
Here is his case for the Mets:
John Donovan reveals the cons for the teams of the NL East. The Mets is kind of iffy:
Again, as I said this morning, it really looks like it's going to be a fun stretch run. It seems to be a three team dogfight as of now, but all the Braves need is a good run to be right back in it.
I'm going out on a limb and calling the Nationals over. I don't think anyone can disagree with that statement.
Jayson Stark gets absolutely blasted by Mets fans in his "That's Debatable" column where he breaks down the National League East. (Spoiler: He picked the Phillies to win it) Read the comments for the angry fans from New York.
Here is his case for the Mets:
It's September in reverse for the Mets. It took them less than four weeks to slice a 7.5-game Phillies lead to a half-game, just before the All-Star break. And they went from 5.5; out on the 4th of July to a tie for first quicker than you could say, ''10-game winning streak.'' So while there's still a debate about which of these teams is better, there's no doubt who's hotter. Since Jerry Manuel became their manager, the Mets are 19-12. They've averaged more than six runs a game. And they have a much more positive vibe, on and off the field.I'll allow it. I'd rather be the underdog here than the top seat and set up for disaster (again). Everyone is loving the Jerry-vibe.
John Donovan reveals the cons for the teams of the NL East. The Mets is kind of iffy:
BUT ... Johan Santana, as good as he's been (3.10 ERA), hasn't been as dominant as many assumed he'd be. Pedro Martinez (3-2, 6.25) has been awful in his return from injury. The rest of the rotation is barely average. And the bullpen, with a 3.85 ERA, is better only than the Nationals in the East.Last time I checked a 3.10 ERA is nothing to scoff at.
Again, as I said this morning, it really looks like it's going to be a fun stretch run. It seems to be a three team dogfight as of now, but all the Braves need is a good run to be right back in it.
I'm going out on a limb and calling the Nationals over. I don't think anyone can disagree with that statement.
Five reasons the Mets WON'T make the playoffs
Today, I bring you my five reasons the New York Mets will miss out on the playoffs in 2008. Check back tomorrow for the five reasons they WILL make the postseason.
The Mets are tied for first place, but everyone loves a pessimist. Here are the five reasons I think the Mets will fall apart and fail to make the postseason.
And here. We. Go.:
The Mets are tied for first place, but everyone loves a pessimist. Here are the five reasons I think the Mets will fall apart and fail to make the postseason.
And here. We. Go.:
- The Mets don't have starting corner outfielders. Moises Alou is done for the year. Ryan Church can't seem to get, and stay, healthy. A cast of characters has filled in their absences, and done decently, but who thinks they can keep it up? Jerry Manuel isn't even confident, saying, "Those guys have played surprisingly well. I don't know if you can expect that to continue."
- Carlos Delgado will falter. Sure, he's been pretty smoking hot lately, but there's a huge chance he could return to the player we saw the first few months of the year. He'd be a huge liability to the lineup if he goes back to the April/May Delgado.
- The bullpen will fall apart...again. Just like last year.
- Oliver Perez will forget how to pitch...again. He also seems to have turned a corner, but who really thinks that is going to last?
- David Wright won't be able to carry the team this time. He almost pulled it off in 2007, but this one might be too tough for him to overcome.
Anything I miss?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)