Jae Seo was one of the Mets better pitchers the second half of last year, and many Mets fans were upset to see Omar Minaya trade him away to L.A. for reliever Duaner Sanchez instead of giving him a chance to compete for a slot in this years rotation.
Jae Seo is now the fifth starter for the Dodgers, but he got into his first game of 2006 last night coming out of the bullpen because LA doesn't need a fifth starter for the first week of the season. Brad Penny had staked the Dodgers to a 5-1 lead over the Braves after five innings when he handed the ball over to Seo in the sixth. Seo started off well but almost blew the game, allowing three runs in three innings, including a two run homer by Adam LaRoche in the eighth. Baez helped the Dodgers hang on though, getting the save in the ninth inning, and the Dodgers beat the Braves 5-4. Smoltz starts the season 0-1, getting tagged for five earned runs in five innings.
The Mets' magic number is 161.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
The Weather Outside Is Delightful
My fellow Mets fans back in New York are suffering through a snowstorm today, but I'm walking around outside without a jacket down here in Greensboro. Yes, I remember why I moved.
SNY on DirecTV Today!
My home computer has been acting funny lately, as it seems the power fan is dying. It makes an annoying noise as it spins, so I keep the computer turned off as much as possible. The problem right now though, is that I need to keep the computer on so that my TiVo, which recieves updates from my wireless network, will be updated today when SNY joins the DirecTV lineup. I'm really looking forward to checking out Brian Bannister pitch tonight on the Mets TV network, complete with commentary by Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez, on Channel 625. Lets Go Mets!
WFAN Online (soon!)
Being a transplanted Mets fan is about to get easier. Sad to say, but since I moved to North Carolina, one of the hardest things has been to be without WFAN. Not only did I listen to most Mets games on the radio, but I also counted on WFAN to bring me the latest sports news, first. Most of the hosts were very baseball-centric, even if more than a few of them were morons. ESPN radio has been streaming for a long time now, but Yankees shill Michael Kay is even more difficult to listen to than Mike and The Mad Dog.
I have heard rumors for a long time that WFAN would start streaming their broadcasts over the Internet, but until now I hadn't seen that published anywhere. Well Matt Cerrone over at
Metsblog says the time for Mike Francesca's daily idiotic comments to reach my computer is about to come, and WFAN will start streaming soon. Now the whole world will get to hear him and his little doggie complain about Billy Wagner "co-opting" Mariano Rivera's trademark entrance song.
I wish this was happening today, because I'd love to hear his reaction when a caller brings up today's Daily News article that states not only did Billy Wagner start using the song two years earlier than Mariano, but that Metallica's manager is a certified Mets fan and season ticket holder who told the Mets they could dangle the opportunity to get on stage with the band as part of their recruitment package to the then-free agent. Conversely, Mr. Rivera is a Christian music fan who doesn't even listen to the band and couldn't care less what song he comes into field with.
Mariano didn't get the chance to use his 'signature' tune last night anyway, as our old buddy Marco Scutaro drove in the winning run for the A's in the 9th inning last night, sending the Yankees to their first defeat of the season.
I have heard rumors for a long time that WFAN would start streaming their broadcasts over the Internet, but until now I hadn't seen that published anywhere. Well Matt Cerrone over at
Metsblog says the time for Mike Francesca's daily idiotic comments to reach my computer is about to come, and WFAN will start streaming soon. Now the whole world will get to hear him and his little doggie complain about Billy Wagner "co-opting" Mariano Rivera's trademark entrance song.
I wish this was happening today, because I'd love to hear his reaction when a caller brings up today's Daily News article that states not only did Billy Wagner start using the song two years earlier than Mariano, but that Metallica's manager is a certified Mets fan and season ticket holder who told the Mets they could dangle the opportunity to get on stage with the band as part of their recruitment package to the then-free agent. Conversely, Mr. Rivera is a Christian music fan who doesn't even listen to the band and couldn't care less what song he comes into field with.
Mariano didn't get the chance to use his 'signature' tune last night anyway, as our old buddy Marco Scutaro drove in the winning run for the A's in the 9th inning last night, sending the Yankees to their first defeat of the season.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
So, How Are The Ex-Mets Doing?
Another day to be glad I'm away from New York Sports Radio. WFAN's Meathead and the Angry Puppy apparently spent all aftrenoon yesterday harping on the Mets and Billy Wagner for playing "Enter Sandman" when he entered the game. Mike feels it was so "lame" for the Mets and Wagner to "co-opt" something "that's a huge Yankee Stadium thing," something that is "part of New York Baseball." They felt that since Billy's on his third team he "has no recognition with that song." Never mind the fact that he's used that entrance song since playing with the Astros and when Billy signed with the Mets, the Phillies' website ran a story with the headline: "Exit Sandman"
I know Mike might be just trying to tweak Mets fans, but for him to spend any amount of time on this is completely ridiculous. This is supposed to be a sports talk show? Did they spend this much time on the subject when Paul "Mr Wonderful" Ordorf stole Hulk Hogan's entrance song in the WWF? I think the Mets should play the song even louder next time if it annoys Franny so much. I think he's the only one who cares.
That's enough on that subject. Let's take a look at how some players of note around the league performed in their respective openers. Of course we pretty much want anyone who used to be a Met fail miserably once they're no longer wearing the orange and blue, with a few notable exceptions: We're thrilled that Michael Piazza homered in his first at-bat as a Padre, helping his new team beat Bonds and The Giants. Said Mike,
"I really got great extension on the ball and I was like, `Man, if that doesn't go out, I might have to consider hanging it up,"
Congrats Mikey. Is retirement really still on your mind? Meanwhile, Mike's teammate Mike Cameron started the season on the DL.
Scott Kazmir got banged around by the Orioles, allowing six earned runs over four innings, but we'll have to wait to see how Zambrano does in his first start Sunday. This will be the year to compare these guys. Mets are going for it this year, and they made that trade for quality innings to come sooner instead of later. If Zambrano outperforms Kazmir this year and the Mets win, the infamous trade will be defendable. Speaking of the Orioles, Kris Benson might not be getting divorced, after all. Whatever. I'm just eager to see how Jorge Julio does in New York, and how Benson and Jae Seo pitch away from NY.
On the flip side, the pitcher-most-likely-to-be-a-future-Met-based-on-his-relatiuonship-with-Rick-Peterson, Barry Zito also got knocked around yesterday, giving up seven runs in two innings in an Opening Day loss to the Yankees.
Speaking of the Yankees, Gary Sheffield is quitting chewing tobacco. This morning, someone on Fox Sports Radio's morning show was reminded of what happened to Pete Harnisch when he tried doing the same thing. Is Prozac on the banned substances list?
I know Mike might be just trying to tweak Mets fans, but for him to spend any amount of time on this is completely ridiculous. This is supposed to be a sports talk show? Did they spend this much time on the subject when Paul "Mr Wonderful" Ordorf stole Hulk Hogan's entrance song in the WWF? I think the Mets should play the song even louder next time if it annoys Franny so much. I think he's the only one who cares.
That's enough on that subject. Let's take a look at how some players of note around the league performed in their respective openers. Of course we pretty much want anyone who used to be a Met fail miserably once they're no longer wearing the orange and blue, with a few notable exceptions: We're thrilled that Michael Piazza homered in his first at-bat as a Padre, helping his new team beat Bonds and The Giants. Said Mike,
"I really got great extension on the ball and I was like, `Man, if that doesn't go out, I might have to consider hanging it up,"
Congrats Mikey. Is retirement really still on your mind? Meanwhile, Mike's teammate Mike Cameron started the season on the DL.
Scott Kazmir got banged around by the Orioles, allowing six earned runs over four innings, but we'll have to wait to see how Zambrano does in his first start Sunday. This will be the year to compare these guys. Mets are going for it this year, and they made that trade for quality innings to come sooner instead of later. If Zambrano outperforms Kazmir this year and the Mets win, the infamous trade will be defendable. Speaking of the Orioles, Kris Benson might not be getting divorced, after all. Whatever. I'm just eager to see how Jorge Julio does in New York, and how Benson and Jae Seo pitch away from NY.
On the flip side, the pitcher-most-likely-to-be-a-future-Met-based-on-his-relatiuonship-with-Rick-Peterson, Barry Zito also got knocked around yesterday, giving up seven runs in two innings in an Opening Day loss to the Yankees.
Speaking of the Yankees, Gary Sheffield is quitting chewing tobacco. This morning, someone on Fox Sports Radio's morning show was reminded of what happened to Pete Harnisch when he tried doing the same thing. Is Prozac on the banned substances list?
More Opening Day Reflections
As is tradition, the Mets opened on a Monday and have a Tuesday off day. I don't know what the players are doing today, but us fans have a day to bask in the afterglow of an Opening Day win. I thought I'd comment on a few more things my friends and I observed at the park yesterday.
The Parking Lot: First of all, $13.00 for parking! I know it goes up every year and I shouldn't really be surprised, but the parking lot itself hasn't changed, so why does the price go up? What a windfall of cash this parking racket must be. How can they really want people to take the train when they are making so much money on the parking. We always park in the lot across the street, under the train trestle, and this year was no different. Missing was the five-dollar-hats-and-shirt- guy. Did he retire? Get transplanted perhaps? I also was surprised to not see any ticket scalpers. Maybe there were really none to be had. Later we were told that the attendance was the largest in Mets Opening Day history. I wish the NL would go back to the good old days, and publish actual attendance, instead of just tickets sold. That made guessing the attendance a lot more fun, and just felt more honest.
Opening Day Ceremonies: The word of the day for the pre-game festivities was 'anticlimactic'. Now, I'm sure it's a real treat for the kids from Copaigue to do their marching band thing on the field of Shea Stadium, but as a fan, it is really boring. Could they at least play some familiar tunes? Having DHL deliver the balls to the mound was just shameful. But more disappointing was the singing of the national anthem by the cast of Walk The Line (is that really a show?) followed by an ultra lame 'pyrotechnics display' and a pathetic military flyover. We were promised jets, but these four planes arrived about three minutes late and moved slower than the Goodyear blimp. C'mon! Get the crowd fired up over here. Jesse Orosco also disappointed. I know his knees are bad but he could have at least thrown the glove up the air. Luckily, the team was better equipped to fire up the crowd. What a pair of ovations for Pedro and David Wright!
Omar must've been feeling good about himself with Nady and LoDuca having great days, but of course Steve Phillips also felt good when Mike Bordick and Bubba Trammell had excellent first games as well. But it was a good day all around, and to cap it all off, leaving tea park we spotted something I haven't seen at Shea in ten years, easy. A guy selling hot pretzels out of a shopping cart. This may not be the most sanitary way to sell bread, but honestly there is no tastier, hotter pretzel than one roasted and sold out of a shopping cart converted into a barbecue. Aramark should take a look at these guys and learn their secret, because tea cold soggy pretzels inside the building are pathetic compared to these gems. Viva La Shopping Cart! Estoy Contento!
The Parking Lot: First of all, $13.00 for parking! I know it goes up every year and I shouldn't really be surprised, but the parking lot itself hasn't changed, so why does the price go up? What a windfall of cash this parking racket must be. How can they really want people to take the train when they are making so much money on the parking. We always park in the lot across the street, under the train trestle, and this year was no different. Missing was the five-dollar-hats-and-shirt- guy. Did he retire? Get transplanted perhaps? I also was surprised to not see any ticket scalpers. Maybe there were really none to be had. Later we were told that the attendance was the largest in Mets Opening Day history. I wish the NL would go back to the good old days, and publish actual attendance, instead of just tickets sold. That made guessing the attendance a lot more fun, and just felt more honest.
Opening Day Ceremonies: The word of the day for the pre-game festivities was 'anticlimactic'. Now, I'm sure it's a real treat for the kids from Copaigue to do their marching band thing on the field of Shea Stadium, but as a fan, it is really boring. Could they at least play some familiar tunes? Having DHL deliver the balls to the mound was just shameful. But more disappointing was the singing of the national anthem by the cast of Walk The Line (is that really a show?) followed by an ultra lame 'pyrotechnics display' and a pathetic military flyover. We were promised jets, but these four planes arrived about three minutes late and moved slower than the Goodyear blimp. C'mon! Get the crowd fired up over here. Jesse Orosco also disappointed. I know his knees are bad but he could have at least thrown the glove up the air. Luckily, the team was better equipped to fire up the crowd. What a pair of ovations for Pedro and David Wright!
Omar must've been feeling good about himself with Nady and LoDuca having great days, but of course Steve Phillips also felt good when Mike Bordick and Bubba Trammell had excellent first games as well. But it was a good day all around, and to cap it all off, leaving tea park we spotted something I haven't seen at Shea in ten years, easy. A guy selling hot pretzels out of a shopping cart. This may not be the most sanitary way to sell bread, but honestly there is no tastier, hotter pretzel than one roasted and sold out of a shopping cart converted into a barbecue. Aramark should take a look at these guys and learn their secret, because tea cold soggy pretzels inside the building are pathetic compared to these gems. Viva La Shopping Cart! Estoy Contento!
Monday, April 03, 2006
What A Game!
It was great to be back in New York this weekend. H&H Bagels, Pizza from Angelo's, and reading the New York sports sections in newspapers I can hold in my hand, instead of on a computer screen.
I caught my first glimpse of SNY this weekend, at my buddy's house, and saw Mets Weekly featuring the authors of Metsblog, Kranepool, MetsGeek and Faith and Fear in Flushing. It is so cool that the Mets have their own channel. And thankfully they announced today an agreement with DirecTV so I'll be able to watch Game 2!
But for today's game we sat in the Upper Deck, section 25. We had a nice view of the action. The crowd was very intese today, the most intense I can remember for a season opener. I was a bit embarrassed by some of my fellow "Mets fans," though, as the extra indulgence of overpriced beer brought out more than a few fights as well as randomly fired epithets and insults. My friend, who has a son approaching his first birthday, was questioning how soon he should bring his kid to a game. I mean, it wasn't everyone, but the loudmouths were in mid-season form. Big props to the dude in the concourse who refused to fight this punk who promised to knock him out before the inning was over.
But enough about the negatives. This team looks really stacked! I'll let other bloggers squabble about the lineup order, 1-7 looks really good however they are placed. Obviously Hernandez still has some learning to do and hopefully it doesn't take too long that Matsui has a shot of winning his job back. Heilman was iffy, saved by an excellent play by Reyes. And Wagner was great, even if he didn't bring the high heat as advertised.
I went straight from Shea to LaGuardia, and am already back in N.C. I can't wait for Wednesday, and the next time I see these Mets in person - April 12 in D.C. Lets Go Mets!
I caught my first glimpse of SNY this weekend, at my buddy's house, and saw Mets Weekly featuring the authors of Metsblog, Kranepool, MetsGeek and Faith and Fear in Flushing. It is so cool that the Mets have their own channel. And thankfully they announced today an agreement with DirecTV so I'll be able to watch Game 2!
But for today's game we sat in the Upper Deck, section 25. We had a nice view of the action. The crowd was very intese today, the most intense I can remember for a season opener. I was a bit embarrassed by some of my fellow "Mets fans," though, as the extra indulgence of overpriced beer brought out more than a few fights as well as randomly fired epithets and insults. My friend, who has a son approaching his first birthday, was questioning how soon he should bring his kid to a game. I mean, it wasn't everyone, but the loudmouths were in mid-season form. Big props to the dude in the concourse who refused to fight this punk who promised to knock him out before the inning was over.
But enough about the negatives. This team looks really stacked! I'll let other bloggers squabble about the lineup order, 1-7 looks really good however they are placed. Obviously Hernandez still has some learning to do and hopefully it doesn't take too long that Matsui has a shot of winning his job back. Heilman was iffy, saved by an excellent play by Reyes. And Wagner was great, even if he didn't bring the high heat as advertised.
I went straight from Shea to LaGuardia, and am already back in N.C. I can't wait for Wednesday, and the next time I see these Mets in person - April 12 in D.C. Lets Go Mets!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Steve Phillips Still Haunting Me
Why does ESPN insist on screwing with Mets fans by having Steve Phillips do color commentary for Mets games? It makes my blood pressure rise every time! He always seems to brag about something he did right (Yes, Steve, we all know you drafted David Wright), but never mentions trading away Jason Bay. Deep down you know he wants to see the Mets fail because he doesn't want to see Omar succeed at what he failed to do.
LoDuca Wants To Visit My Hometown
I grew up in Elmont, NY, and lived there for most of my childhood and young adulthood. Elmont isn't the same as when I grew up, but I know some things still remain, like King Umberto's Pizza, A Cut Above (nee John The Barber), Sapienza Bakery, Covert Avenue School, and Belmont Racetrack.
Paul LoDuca, the new Mets catcher, was born in Brooklyn, but moved to Arizona at age two. Still, he grew up a Mets fan and is excited about playing for his favorite team. He's also excited about living in New York, partially because he's a horse racing nut, and is eager to visit Belmont Racetrack. It's kind of cool to think that a Met is excited about visiting the place I grew up. I hope he's not disappointed, but this is an open letter to Mr. LoDuca that he should stop by Sapienza and grab a box of rainbow cookies and some Italian ices. Mmmmm....
Paul LoDuca, the new Mets catcher, was born in Brooklyn, but moved to Arizona at age two. Still, he grew up a Mets fan and is excited about playing for his favorite team. He's also excited about living in New York, partially because he's a horse racing nut, and is eager to visit Belmont Racetrack. It's kind of cool to think that a Met is excited about visiting the place I grew up. I hope he's not disappointed, but this is an open letter to Mr. LoDuca that he should stop by Sapienza and grab a box of rainbow cookies and some Italian ices. Mmmmm....
Heading To My Church
In a few short hours I'll be boarding a plane to LaGuardia airport to spend a nice weekend in the city, capped off by my favorite holiday of the year - Opening Day. I expect the weather to be lousy, the food to be as terrible as always, and to love every minute of it.
The Mets must be real annoyed right now by the news that Anna Benson is divorcing Kris Benson. It's baseball's worst kept secret that the reason Kris Benson was traded to the Orioles was because his wife was an embarrassment to the organization. Now if Benson has a great year and/or Jorge Julio has a terrible year we can wonder what might have been.
The Mets must be real annoyed right now by the news that Anna Benson is divorcing Kris Benson. It's baseball's worst kept secret that the reason Kris Benson was traded to the Orioles was because his wife was an embarrassment to the organization. Now if Benson has a great year and/or Jorge Julio has a terrible year we can wonder what might have been.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Selig's Coming After The Junkees
Yankees camp should be a fun place to hang out today. Bud Selig will announce today that MLB is launching an investigation into players who've been accused of steroid usage, namely Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, and some guy on the Giants. No one is sure what MLB will do once the investigation proves that players used the illegal substances, but as a Yankees hater you gotta love the circus this will bring to the Bronz Zoo.
This might end up hurting players financially long before any suspensions, if any, are leavied. Already some MLB sponsors have said they don't want any part of promoting Barry Bonds, and I imagine Giambi's and Sheffield's talent agents might also have some free time on their hands while this gets sorted out...
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Who Is Brian Bannister?
At the end of last season, the projected rotation for 2006 included Benson and Seo, with Aaaron Heilman as the odd man out. Now, with Opening Day merely hours away, Heilman again finds himself in the bullpen, now with rookie Brian Bannister coming out of nowhere to claim the fifth spot in the rotation. So who is this guy and where did he come from anyway?
25 year old Brian Bannister was born and raised in Arizona, where he was a high-school star. In college, Brian pitched well enough at USC to be drafted by the Boston Red sox in the 45th round of the 2002 amateur draft. He didn't sign with the Red Sox, though, and instead pitched another season at USC, after which he was drafted by the Mets, this time in the 7th round. Here are his minor league numbers since being drafted by the Mets:
2003 A Brooklyn 4-1 2.15 ERA in 9 games
2004 A Pt. St Lucie 5-7 4.32 ERA in 20 games
2004 AA Binghampton 3-3 4.06 ERA in 8 games
2005 AA Binghamton 9-4 2.56 ERA in 18 games
2005 AAA Norfolk 4-1 3.18 ERA in 8 games
So this guy has only pitched in 8 games above AA, and he still was awarded a starting slot, as Rick Peterson has been impressed with not only his pitching, but also his makeup.
Bannister is a five-pitch righthander who's out-pitch is a nasty curveball, though according to Rotoworld his stuff is "below average." Brian's father, Floyd Bannister, was a left-handed strikeout pitcher for the Astros, Mariners, White Sox, Royals, Angels and Rangers from 1977-1989, pitching to a 91-92 record in that timespan, and Brian's younger brother Brett was drafted by the Mariners last year.
If pitching doesn't work out, Brian is also a professional photographer, owning a studio in Phoenix called Loft 19, where he calls ESPN, Nike, and LPGA his clients.
Photo by Rick Silva/AP
25 year old Brian Bannister was born and raised in Arizona, where he was a high-school star. In college, Brian pitched well enough at USC to be drafted by the Boston Red sox in the 45th round of the 2002 amateur draft. He didn't sign with the Red Sox, though, and instead pitched another season at USC, after which he was drafted by the Mets, this time in the 7th round. Here are his minor league numbers since being drafted by the Mets:
2003 A Brooklyn 4-1 2.15 ERA in 9 games
2004 A Pt. St Lucie 5-7 4.32 ERA in 20 games
2004 AA Binghampton 3-3 4.06 ERA in 8 games
2005 AA Binghamton 9-4 2.56 ERA in 18 games
2005 AAA Norfolk 4-1 3.18 ERA in 8 games
So this guy has only pitched in 8 games above AA, and he still was awarded a starting slot, as Rick Peterson has been impressed with not only his pitching, but also his makeup.
Bannister is a five-pitch righthander who's out-pitch is a nasty curveball, though according to Rotoworld his stuff is "below average." Brian's father, Floyd Bannister, was a left-handed strikeout pitcher for the Astros, Mariners, White Sox, Royals, Angels and Rangers from 1977-1989, pitching to a 91-92 record in that timespan, and Brian's younger brother Brett was drafted by the Mariners last year.
If pitching doesn't work out, Brian is also a professional photographer, owning a studio in Phoenix called Loft 19, where he calls ESPN, Nike, and LPGA his clients.
Photo by Rick Silva/AP
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Tough News
I don't envy Mets management. They recently had to deliver tough news to their players.
1. My prediction for the Mets' Opening Day second basemen officially became "wrong" today as Jeff Keppinger was sent down to AAA. Consolation for me, but certainly not for Jeff, is that he actually put up the best offensive numbers of all players competing for the job this Spring, but Omar and Willie apparently feel that Anderson Hernandez provides a better balance of defense and offense. I still don't think we've heard the last of Keppinger, but it has to be a bit demoralizing for him to get demoted, even though he's done everything that could have been asked of him.
2. Aaron Heilman also got some tough news, as he was officially beat out for the 5th starter's job by Brian Bannister. Heilman was the odd man out at the end of last season even though he was "lights out" as a reliever, but seemed to have been handed the 5th starter job when Anna Benson's husband was shipped off to Baltimore. Heilman had an awesome spring, but Bannister had an even better one, so it's back to the 'pen for Heilman. I feel bad for the guy, but it's also pretty cool that a Mets rookie won out a job in the Spring Training in a year that the club is built to win now, as opposed to a say, a rebuilding year that's more about the future than the present.
On a personal note, I am liking how the rotation is shaping up for my chances of seeing Pedro pitch in D.C. on April 12th. based on what I've read, this seems to be the most likely rotation for the first ten games:
Monday, April 3rd: GLAVINE
Tuesday, April 4th: OFF
Wednesday, Apr 5: ZAMBRANO
Thurs, Apr 6: PEDRO
Fri, Apr 7: TRACHSEL
Sat, Apr 8: GLAVINE
Sun, Apr 9: BANNISTER
Mon, Apr 10: OFF
Tue, Apr 11: ZAMBRANO
Wed, Apr 12: PEDRO
Thurs, Apr 13: GLAVINE
Fri, Apr 14: TRACHSEL
1. My prediction for the Mets' Opening Day second basemen officially became "wrong" today as Jeff Keppinger was sent down to AAA. Consolation for me, but certainly not for Jeff, is that he actually put up the best offensive numbers of all players competing for the job this Spring, but Omar and Willie apparently feel that Anderson Hernandez provides a better balance of defense and offense. I still don't think we've heard the last of Keppinger, but it has to be a bit demoralizing for him to get demoted, even though he's done everything that could have been asked of him.
2. Aaron Heilman also got some tough news, as he was officially beat out for the 5th starter's job by Brian Bannister. Heilman was the odd man out at the end of last season even though he was "lights out" as a reliever, but seemed to have been handed the 5th starter job when Anna Benson's husband was shipped off to Baltimore. Heilman had an awesome spring, but Bannister had an even better one, so it's back to the 'pen for Heilman. I feel bad for the guy, but it's also pretty cool that a Mets rookie won out a job in the Spring Training in a year that the club is built to win now, as opposed to a say, a rebuilding year that's more about the future than the present.
On a personal note, I am liking how the rotation is shaping up for my chances of seeing Pedro pitch in D.C. on April 12th. based on what I've read, this seems to be the most likely rotation for the first ten games:
Monday, April 3rd: GLAVINE
Tuesday, April 4th: OFF
Wednesday, Apr 5: ZAMBRANO
Thurs, Apr 6: PEDRO
Fri, Apr 7: TRACHSEL
Sat, Apr 8: GLAVINE
Sun, Apr 9: BANNISTER
Mon, Apr 10: OFF
Tue, Apr 11: ZAMBRANO
Wed, Apr 12: PEDRO
Thurs, Apr 13: GLAVINE
Fri, Apr 14: TRACHSEL
Monday, March 27, 2006
Pedro Martinez' debut
Pedro Martinez finally pitched in a game yesterday, allowing just one hit over three innings. This puts him on target to pitch in the third game of the season, April 5th vs. the Nationals. There should be a good crowd at Shea that night, for an April Thursday, and Vinny at Metsville says the fans are in for an extra treat that night, because QueensrŸche frontman Geoff Tate will be singing the national anthem.
I haven't heard who will be singing the anthem on Opening Day (though I hope it's not Glenn Close), but all this talk reminds me of the best version I've ever heard, which was during the 1999 playoffs. Believe it or not, it was Cindi Lauper. I can't explain to you exactly what made it so distinctive, but she did an a capella interpretation that was somehow so moving, and so interesting, but still very true to the version we are all accustomed to. Were any of my readers, I mean, were either of my readers in attendance that night that remember that memorable version?
I haven't heard who will be singing the anthem on Opening Day (though I hope it's not Glenn Close), but all this talk reminds me of the best version I've ever heard, which was during the 1999 playoffs. Believe it or not, it was Cindi Lauper. I can't explain to you exactly what made it so distinctive, but she did an a capella interpretation that was somehow so moving, and so interesting, but still very true to the version we are all accustomed to. Were any of my readers, I mean, were either of my readers in attendance that night that remember that memorable version?
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Still no SNY on DirecTV
Another day goes by without an agreement between DirecTV and SNY. Some people are really upset about this, but I just took a look at SNY's programming schedule to see what I'm missing this afternoon:
Where do I start? First of all, BBQ in NYC? That might have held some interest before I moved down South and found out what REAL barbecue tastes like. Next, a show called Inside Poker. I just played poker for the very first time last weekend. I had a good time, but I am not nearly into it enough yet to watch people play it on television. Beach Volleyball. That, I could get into, assuming WC means "womens championship," but I can't be sure. Finally, what the hell is NLL?
Everyone seems to believe there will be an agreement before Opening Day. Based on this afternoon's lineup of programming, I think I can be patient.
| 1:00PM | All Star BBQ* Finals - NYC |
| 2:00PM | Inside Poker 02 |
| 2:30PM | Nissan Postgame Live |
| 3:00PM | WC - FIVB* Beach Volleyball |
| 4:00PM | NLL Game of the Week: Cal @ Edm |
Where do I start? First of all, BBQ in NYC? That might have held some interest before I moved down South and found out what REAL barbecue tastes like. Next, a show called Inside Poker. I just played poker for the very first time last weekend. I had a good time, but I am not nearly into it enough yet to watch people play it on television. Beach Volleyball. That, I could get into, assuming WC means "womens championship," but I can't be sure. Finally, what the hell is NLL?
Everyone seems to believe there will be an agreement before Opening Day. Based on this afternoon's lineup of programming, I think I can be patient.
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