If you haven’t gagged on your bagel this morning then I guess you haven’t seen this from Adam Rubin’s Surffin’ The Mets blog:

 Johan Santana says doctors told him it’s the triceps tendon that is causing stiffness in his pitching elbow. With pitching coach Dan Warthen and manager Jerry Manuelalready on the bus for Lakeland, Fla., Santana said he’ll wait until Sunday to map out a plan for pitching. But it’s clear he won’t be in a Grapefruit League game for a while. Santana said he hopes to throw a light bullpen session on Sunday. He then wants to face hitters in a batting-practice-style setting two or three times before entering a game. With potentially two days rest in between each BP, we’re possibly talking two weeks before a game appearance.

<GULP!>

Yes, that is the Mets puke bucket making an early season appearance

Posted under Uncategorized

I love the internet. I love that I can read about any subject I want just by going to a search engine and type it in a little box and have a screen tell me there are 1,345, 756 results of my search. As a kid whenever I went into Manhattan my favorite destination was the out of town newsstand on 42 St. My father went there to get “news from home” in the form of the Sligo Champion and all I wanted was the Boston Globe especially the Sunday Globe which was better than any sports related publication on the planet back in the day.

 

My summer nights centered around waiting the delivery of the Night Owl edition of the NY Daily News that got to the candy store we hung out in around 8PM and everyone lined up to get the “Brooklyn number “-the last three digits of the Aqueduct or Belmont Park handle-and to sip a Manhattan Special and read the sports news of the day.

 

My source for breaking news was the afternoon NY Post. Yes, the Post used to be an afternoon paper and I loved it because it had West Coast boxscores which were like the holy grail of baseball stories. “How did Seaver do last night in LA”? “How many hits did Milner get “? “ Torre hit into two DP’s again, he sucks” all this went on 12 hours or so after the action took place.

 

Where am I going with this? The big media news today is The Rocky Mountain will fold today as soon as it gets its editions on the street and I’m sad that the paper is folding and people are losing their jobs but still I’m awed by the technological revolution that is progressing before our eyes. Now most of this astonishment is due to my age (Fitty going on Fitty One ) and also that my soon to be 96 year old mother shops online and checks out my Facebook page (she doesn’t like my profile pic of me and Madonna’ Madam Tuesaue wax figure) and chats with relatives in Ireland (she has checked out this blog put doesn’t care much for my colorful language and has made it known I’m not so grown that she can’t discipline me to which I told here we could make a big splash on the 6 O’clock News as 50 year old reports mom to Child Services)

 

I love this post by Joe Posanaski who conveys my sentiments of newspapers much better than I ever could. I still buy the Daily News and Post at the ferry terminal while on the way to work out of habit and I get the NY Times and Staten Island Advance delivered to my house which seems now like getting an ice or coal delivery, but I barely read the hard copy papers. As soon as I get to work I sign on my computer and go to my Google Reader for my news of the day and my Daily News becomes a placemat for my cereal bowl and coffee cup.

 

Sure it’s sad when a paper goes under because it’s another part of life’s little pleasures that’s gone but then again when I can sit on my patio on a beautiful summer morning and through the technology of my FiOS router read baseball boxscores from the West Coast on my laptop without my fingers getting news print on them, then that’s what I call progress.          

Posted under Uncategorized

My hands are clammy and my heart is racing a bit as I type this so just bare with me for a moment as this is extremely difficult for me to say, <clears throat, loosens neck mussels> Fred Wilpon, Jeff Wilpon, Saul Katz and Omar Minaya, I-I-I <clears throat again> I apologize for writing vile and nasty things about you for not going after Manny Ramirez. You guys were right and I (along with all the other WE WANT MANNY Mets fans) were wrong.

 

After Manny turned down the Dodgers offer last night, I must say I was stunned. I took a long hard look at Manny and Scott Boras and got past the outstanding right hand bat, the charismatic personality that is Manny Being Manny, the winning records of the teams he has been a member of, the dreds and I saw the Manny that Theo, Larry Lu and John Henry saw, a fucking imbecile.

 

It’s not just Manny but obviously Scott Boras has lost his mind as well. Where does Team Manny think another offer is coming from? San Francisco? Why? Why should Brain Sabean and Larry Baer do better than the Dodgers 2yr/$45 mil deal? Say they went 2yr/$50mil guaranteed are the Dodgers going to top that? No and why in the world would the Giants even make an offer now when they haven’t does so already?

 

It seems like Frank McCourt is dazed and confused over the negotiations:

 

 “We love Manny Ramirez,” said Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt, “And we want Manny back, but we feel we are negotiating against ourselves. When his agent finds those ‘serious offers’ from other clubs, we’ll be happy to re-start the negotiations.

 

“Even with an economy that has substantially eroded since last November, out of respect for Manny and his talents, we actually improved our offer.

 

“So now, we start from scratch.”

 

 

It kills me to say the Mets were right in not going after Manny, I wanted him here baddddddddddddly but after seeing him turn down a deal with the only team that had any interest in him I guess he really is Mindless Manny

Posted under Uncategorized

Before I get into this post I have to remind you that it’s Thursday and of course that means Pro Baseball Central so join me tonight at 9PM EST for Mets talk and a look around MLB. To join in on the show you can call in at (646) 595-4462.

 

I have to agree with Joel Sherman as he points out that we shouldn’t get too wrapped up in spring training results. I know how tough it is though as just seeing the images on line and on TV shows plus the calendar ready to turn to March just makes us giddy knowing that the witch’s tit weather is almost behind us.

 

Sherman also touches a subject that if you say you didn’t think about, you’re full of shit.

 

And with all that what did I do yesterday afternoon? I watched the Giants-Indians on TV. I saw on the channel guide that the game was going to be on MLB Network at 3PM. So I turn to channel 213 on my DirecTV and instead of seeing Tim Linceum and Grady Sizemore I get a tape of guys in flannel uniforms running the bases. Now even though I’m not getting excited about the results of spring training doesn’t mean I won’t watch the games so now I’m in a fit screaming “Ah what the fuck” about 10 times until through the magic of DirecTV Sports Package I go to Sports Time Ohio and there it is, Cactus League baseball. Now remember what I said, don’t get to involved with spring training games<must go to lunch at 1:30 at Mudville 9 on Chambers St to watch Mets-Marlins today on TV> Oh and check out that link to Awful Announcing as they have a list of all the spring training games the MLB Network will show, which is like a game every day just about, but yeah don’t get wrap up in …………………..

 

Yes it’s great that Gimp was hitting and the President of Big Apple Tours (Ryan Church) has as well but let’s not stake out a spot on Broadway for the parade just yet. I will say this though, there were a lot of hits that were to the opposite field which vindicates J-Man’s 80 pitches in 5 minute drill to the point Billy Mays will be pimping the video soon on an infomercial near you.    

 

Mets Geek has a great post on Nick Evans with all the facts and figures you need to say “why no love for Nicky E”

 

Just when I was coming to grips that Manny won’t be a Met and sipping on a large glass of “we have enough offense” Kool Aid, I’m getting palpitations just reading how Manny and Scott Boras are begging the Dodgers to sign him and if he does sign for 1yr or 1 yr with an option it may take me few days to calm down. I’m talking sitting in a closet with no contact with human life kind of sulking. Yeah I agree I got to get out more.

 

Don’t forget PRO BASEBALL CENTRAL tonight 9PM EST tune in and call in (646) 595-4462.

 

  

 

 

 

Posted under Uncategorized

 

As much as I love the Mets, I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with the Boston Red Sox. Part of that comes from Boston being the place my father settle in with his brothers and sister came to the U.S. from Ireland and that I have family there and I love spending summers on Cape Cod. As a kid whenever the Sox played on the Game of the Week or against the Highlanders I always made it my business to take in those games. In his new book It Was Never About The Babe,(published by Skyhorse Publishing) author Jerry M. Gutlon breaks the myths of curses and bad luck that have become folk law in Red Sox Nation.

Gutlon uncovers how misguided anti-Semitism by AL President Ban Johnson towards Harry Frazee (Frazee was not Jewish but Johnson believed he was) that forced Frazee to trade Babe Ruth to the Highlanders. The author also uncovers the racism and wild decisions made by Tom Yawkey under the influence of alcohol that were an embarrassment to the organization and set the franchise back decades.

Now under the guiding hands of Theo Epstein, Larry Luchino and John Henry the Red Sox have become the model franchise in baseball combing statistical work along with good old fashion bird dog scouting and using their vast revenues to build the team on the major league level and keep the farm system fertile.

Even if you are not a Red Sox fan, Gutlon’ book is a great read for any one interested in baseball history.

Posted under Uncategorized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted under Uncategorized

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been consumed by all the Rangers news this morning that I haven’t scratched the surface on the news out of St Lonesome but I am starting to think that Warlord Jerry spent the off season studying psychology  books as early in this camp of ’09 it seems it’s all about the mental prep work as much as the physical.

 

Just from the early dispatches, it looks as though J-Man feels since I have the same cast of characters that ended the season save for the two studs at the back end of the pen, there has to be a different way to motivate this group by going after their weak points (in case you haven’t heard, the Mets choked the last two years, just ask Cole Hamels he’ll tell you)

 

With the bullpen fortified with Putz and Rodriguez, the other big reason for the two season collapse has been the lack of situational hitting and not scoring runs late in the game. The Mets biggest scoring inning last year was the first and the lowest was the ninth, so Manuel has put an emphasis on hitting behind the runner and giving oneself up for the team. It’s clear that J-Man felt the team he took over was a selfish bunch and he wants that mind set erased and he came right out a pointed the finger at the guys he felt fit that category.

 

The player Manuel went after first was Jose Reyes, who it seems was more worried about stealing bases just to pad his stats and was the least grown up of the Big Three of Wright-Beltran-Reyes so saying it was time for Jose to take a little more responsibility around the team really meant time to grow up . So to see what Reyes was made of J-Man declares the Reyes could be the #3 hitter and we all waited for the fallout. Well, we’re still waiting as Reyes came in and said all the right things just like a grown up.

 

Manuel then went on to Gimp Castillo but took a different tact, as everyone associated with the team from the fans, front office, ushers, $iti Field construction workers all felt Castillo needed to shipped out. So Manuel went the opposite praising the second baseman for coming into camp 10 lbs lighter and with a better attitude that moved Manuel to say that Castillo looked like his old Marlins self and would be used in the top spot of the order and so far everyday Manuel finds a way to get a positive quote about Castillo into the Mets news of the day. That makes Gimp a happy camper

 

I guess after watching the baseball version of a gym rat in Daniel Murphy, Manuel knew that even with ordaining Murph as the left fielder the kid would still continue to work his ass off and Murphy’ response of I have to keep working like my job is on the line, proved that Manuel made the right read.

 

Now it’s on to Ryan Church who has the carrot out in front of him by J-Man who stated that Murph was a better hitter than Church and of course that pissed off Church big time. Exactly what Manuel wanted to do, Sometime guys get a bit complacent and need a little nudge but instead of a nudge Manuel gave Church a shove.

 

What coaching comes down to his knowing the personalities of your players as fans we get a bit to wrapped up in the in game strategy when in reality when the game starts there is only so much a coach or manager can do as you can’t hit, pitch or field for your guys. I like what Manuel is trying to do here as he is looking to motivate each player individually to get them to come together collectively as a total team. This game plan might just work.

Posted under Uncategorized

If I were a teammate of Cole Hamels, my hands would be around his neck and I’d be shouting SHUT THE FUCK UP ALLREADY The more Hamels opens his pie hole the more he makes it sound that he can’t believe the Phillies won the World Series and that he can’t believe the more talented Mets lost out to his Phillies.

Let’s hope this is the last day of the Ryan Church as a platoon player stories because I’m bored of it all ready. If it keeps up I’ll start up my sign Manny posts again.

Thank you Joel Sherman for giving us a Freddie Garcia update even though I don’t like what I’m hearing.

Yes Tom Renny is a nice man and a good coach but his firing today is not a shock but a move that is maybe two weeks overdue.  Not only are the Rangers losing at a disturbing pace but they are close to unwatchable. When they get down by two or more goals you might as well turn the dial because there is no fight in these Blueshirts to comeback. So now John Tortorella comes back to the organ-I-zation with a Stanley Cup and a Jack Adams Award on his resume and a 180 degree difference in personality from Renny. I hope Torts makes the Rangers to gassers until they puke in their first practice together.

 

 

 

   

Posted under Uncategorized

If you’re a fan of the show Survivor you know a big part of the game’s strategy is the blindside move, taking out a tribe member when they least expect it, yesterday in Pt. St Lonesome, J-Man came up with his second blind side move of the spring this one more stunning than the Castillo to lead off one when he anointed Daniel Murphy as Every Day Danny and put Ryan Church on notice that right field won’t be all his. Who saw this coming?

 

The one thing I worry about with Manuel’ bombshells that sooner or later he has to stick with one of them or they become hallow threats. If Gimp Castillo can show he’s capable of leading off while Jose Reyes plays Dominican Patriot in the WBC, then stick with it. Last year J-Man was ready to use a starter as a closer when none of the relievers stepped up to take Billy Wags spot and it seems like he would have used John Maine in that role until Maine had to be shut down with injury.

 

Of the two I think the Every Day Danny is the one that will stick, in fact I’d be shocked if Church is not out there everyday as well and Tatis becomes more of a ‘swingman” playing maybe two or three games a week in either outfield corner or an infield corner. Trying to read between the lines I think the Mets want both D-Wright and Jose Reyes to get more time off during the July-August heat to keep them fresh for September. 

 

ESPN is running a nightly Mt Rushmore of sports of all 50 states thru fan voting. David Singer at NY Sportsdog has put a voting poll for Mets fans to vote for their Mt Rushmore. I think the voting ends in a day or two so click over and cast your ballot. My votes went to Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver, Keith Hernandez and of course Ed Kranepool.

 

I’m still bummed out that Mickey Rourke didn’t win Best Actor.

 

 

Posted under Uncategorized

Sometimes I can be mean and nasty( in case you’re new to this blog) and not just when it comes to Jeffey Skill Sets.  I’m enjoying the pain that Highlander fans are going through with their $275 mil dollar albatross of a third baseman, just knowing they have 9 more years of Alex Rodriguez and the fact that Captain Craptastic hates his guts and could be that could be the reason he bolts the Bronx when his contract is up is the bitch to the payback. But I think I have to stop picking on poor defenseless Highlander fans.

 

Yesterday before my son’s basketball game, I sat in the stands with a couple of other fathers who are fans of the Bronx Bastards. Some are the typical fans that think it’s their god given right to have a parade down Broadway every year, and one or two are somewhat reasonable to the point where they can complement the Mets for fixing the biggest need the back of the pen. So any way, my first question to the group was “WOW, what do you think of A-Rod”  as soon as I got the Rod part out, I sat back and watched the fireworks display. Mr. “the only baseball is Highlander baseball” was enraged not that a confidential test was leaked to a reporter or that Rodriguez has told three different stories or even what the effects will be on Rodriguez health ,no his main concern was “this was done to sabotage the Highlander season”  he went on to rant about how all the teams in baseball were “out to get “ the Highlanders and the Red Sox and Mets were two of the teams that are the most jealous of their success and just stupid comment after stupid comment.

It was at that point it dawned on me that has there ever been a more perfect marriage than Highlander fans and Alex Rodriguez? They are two of the same. They are both “me first” types, they never give credit to the opposition, and they believe they should always get what they want. Is there more of a douche than a Highlander fan who says “Anything short of a World Series Championship is unacceptable”?

See I kind of like hanging around Highlander fans as it makes me appreciate being a Mets fan. Our team and organization is far from perfect but it sure beats the shit out the alternative.         

  

Posted under Uncategorized