Well, my peeps, I hope you enjoyed my latest article. I may have another one in there by Thursday. I actually purchased a baseball bat for my softball league, which starts very soon. As the probable leadoff man, I have to find my swing again.
Now a few thoughts.
I could use a new DVD. I think the Rob Van Dam One of a Kind one could be on the horizon. The guy is an amazing athlete with his combination of martial arts and deliberate wrestling. Nobody else is like him. His laid back yet cocky demeanor is out of left field. As I've said, I've met him and he is a very cool dude.
Victor Zambrano is a better hitter than he is a pitcher. He and Latroy Hawkins should get together and see how lousy pitching can actually get.
Victor Diaz needs to be here and start for the Mets in right field.
The two most exciting moments in sports are the first 2 rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament and overtime playoff hockey.
The first day of the NFL draft went great for the Jets. I have no idea what Terry Bradway was thinking about with some of the later picks.
Ecclesia was solid yet again. Great Harvest bread was there. I had this cinnamon pecan bread which was great.
It's easy to get lazy with praying and reading the Bible. I know I need to, but sometimes it's just tough.
I'm really looking forward to joining a community group once my job at the Daily Herald winds down in late May, early June. There's just something there I need to feed on.
All the interesting girls I meet have one of three strikes.
1) They don't like country music.
2) They're too young or too old.
3) They have boyfriends.
Number three annoys me in particular...
Monday, April 25, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
This was a tough one to put together, but it's good
Batavia makes it 2 straight over Knights
Kaneland’s 4 errors prove costly as Schmitt tosses complete game
By Adam Bartolo
Daily Herald CorrespondentPosted Thursday, April 21, 2005
Batavia’s baseball team took advantage of its speed, timely hitting and four Kaneland errors to top the Knights 6-3 Wednesday in Batavia.
Leadoff hitter Colin Schweigert ignited the Bulldogs offense all day long. He reached base four times, twice on singles, once on a walk, and another time on an error. He finished with 3 runs scored and 4 stolen bases.
“Coach (Matt) Holm wanted me to learn how to lead off. So I had to watch pitches better,” said Schweigert. “And everything just went right for us today.”
Every time Kaneland scored, the Bulldogs (7-7, 3-2) would immediately counter.
In the bottom of the first, Batavia trailed 1-0. Schweigert reached first base on a fielding error and Danny Schmitt singled. Schweigert went to third and Schmitt advanced to second on the throw. Justin Fitch laced a single to tie the score.
Schmitt, Batavia’s starter, went seven innings and struck out seven. He worked hard to deal with the blustery winds, but kept improving as the game went on. His arsenal of pitches kept the Knights off balance.
“These are the days that the good pitchers really stand out,” said Holm, referring to Schmitt. “It’s when they’re struggling and still have a good game.”
Kaneland starter Matt Weiland didn’t quite have the same good fortune. He too pitched a gutsy game, but he received little help from his fielders, which was most evident in fourth inning.
The Knights (4-9-1, 1-4) had gone ahead 3-2 in the top of the fourth. Kevin McMahon belted a triple over the right fielder and pinch-runner Cory Ellingwood scored on a sacrifice fly by Chris Boroski.
In the bottom of the inning, the first two Bulldogs, Nick Radziwon and Jack Scalcucci, got on base, thanks to two errors. Scalcucci swiped second, putting two runners in scoring position for Nate Barajas. He lined a single to center to bring both runners home, and Batavia led 4-3.
But the damage was far from done. The next batter, Schweigert, hit a bunt single to advance Barajas to second. Schmitt hit a grounder to Weiland, who fired the ball to third base. The ball deflected off the fielder’s glove, loading the bases. Two batters later, Matt Douglas singled to right, bringing home Barajas and Schweigert.
Kaneland coach Kip Rogers seemed upset at his team’s defense.
“Matt pitched a good enough game to keep us around, but our defense didn’t take care of their end of the bargain,” Rogers said.
The Suburban Prairie North Conference opponents will finish their three-game set today in Maple Park.
Kaneland’s 4 errors prove costly as Schmitt tosses complete game
By Adam Bartolo
Daily Herald CorrespondentPosted Thursday, April 21, 2005
Batavia’s baseball team took advantage of its speed, timely hitting and four Kaneland errors to top the Knights 6-3 Wednesday in Batavia.
Leadoff hitter Colin Schweigert ignited the Bulldogs offense all day long. He reached base four times, twice on singles, once on a walk, and another time on an error. He finished with 3 runs scored and 4 stolen bases.
“Coach (Matt) Holm wanted me to learn how to lead off. So I had to watch pitches better,” said Schweigert. “And everything just went right for us today.”
Every time Kaneland scored, the Bulldogs (7-7, 3-2) would immediately counter.
In the bottom of the first, Batavia trailed 1-0. Schweigert reached first base on a fielding error and Danny Schmitt singled. Schweigert went to third and Schmitt advanced to second on the throw. Justin Fitch laced a single to tie the score.
Schmitt, Batavia’s starter, went seven innings and struck out seven. He worked hard to deal with the blustery winds, but kept improving as the game went on. His arsenal of pitches kept the Knights off balance.
“These are the days that the good pitchers really stand out,” said Holm, referring to Schmitt. “It’s when they’re struggling and still have a good game.”
Kaneland starter Matt Weiland didn’t quite have the same good fortune. He too pitched a gutsy game, but he received little help from his fielders, which was most evident in fourth inning.
The Knights (4-9-1, 1-4) had gone ahead 3-2 in the top of the fourth. Kevin McMahon belted a triple over the right fielder and pinch-runner Cory Ellingwood scored on a sacrifice fly by Chris Boroski.
In the bottom of the inning, the first two Bulldogs, Nick Radziwon and Jack Scalcucci, got on base, thanks to two errors. Scalcucci swiped second, putting two runners in scoring position for Nate Barajas. He lined a single to center to bring both runners home, and Batavia led 4-3.
But the damage was far from done. The next batter, Schweigert, hit a bunt single to advance Barajas to second. Schmitt hit a grounder to Weiland, who fired the ball to third base. The ball deflected off the fielder’s glove, loading the bases. Two batters later, Matt Douglas singled to right, bringing home Barajas and Schweigert.
Kaneland coach Kip Rogers seemed upset at his team’s defense.
“Matt pitched a good enough game to keep us around, but our defense didn’t take care of their end of the bargain,” Rogers said.
The Suburban Prairie North Conference opponents will finish their three-game set today in Maple Park.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Heaven's Bells
A knockoff on AC/DC? Yeah, but it basically means the Mets have recalled electrifying relief pitcher Heath Bell and disabled the splendid lefty Felix Heredia! I love this. That's the best move in baseball history since the Yankees got Babe Ruth. In 6.2 innings, Me. Bell struck out 11 batters and didn't allow ONE HIT or ONE WALK! And now he's mowing down Philly in the 9th. Sevn homers, Mets win. If only my fantasy teams were doing this well...
Monday, April 18, 2005
Ecclesia recap
Great service last night. I saw a few people I haven't seen in several months.
Clayton talked about Moses, which is where we'll be for the next two weeks. I was sitting right near where he was speaking. I had my hair combed back (with gel Dad) and had on a silk black t-shirt. When he gets to the story of the plagues, he comes over to me and says "Let my people go."
Now in Ecuador, I played Eve while he was the snake. Now I'm the Pharaoh. Evidently, I qualify to play all the evil characters! I guess Judas Iscariot and King Saul are in store now.
The setup was certainly unique, if not bizarre. The whole floor was covered in Corn Flakes. Apparently, the reference comes out of Exodus 16. I was told it took 40 boxes of cereal to make the whole floor look the way it did.
Afterward, about 10 of us went to Culver, a Dairy Queen knockoff sitdown restaurant, which has good root beer. I just don't trust frozen custard or butterburgers. And the employees wear the absolute worst uniforms I have ever seen in a fast food restaurant. They even make Steak n Shake look halfway decent. The point is though, it was a good time, and it kind of reminded me of the old latter high school days. Those were good days.
Clayton talked about Moses, which is where we'll be for the next two weeks. I was sitting right near where he was speaking. I had my hair combed back (with gel Dad) and had on a silk black t-shirt. When he gets to the story of the plagues, he comes over to me and says "Let my people go."
Now in Ecuador, I played Eve while he was the snake. Now I'm the Pharaoh. Evidently, I qualify to play all the evil characters! I guess Judas Iscariot and King Saul are in store now.
The setup was certainly unique, if not bizarre. The whole floor was covered in Corn Flakes. Apparently, the reference comes out of Exodus 16. I was told it took 40 boxes of cereal to make the whole floor look the way it did.
Afterward, about 10 of us went to Culver, a Dairy Queen knockoff sitdown restaurant, which has good root beer. I just don't trust frozen custard or butterburgers. And the employees wear the absolute worst uniforms I have ever seen in a fast food restaurant. They even make Steak n Shake look halfway decent. The point is though, it was a good time, and it kind of reminded me of the old latter high school days. Those were good days.
Garbage time
Here's a story from Friday at CPK. We had just opened the patio so it was really busy. Around 2 p.m., my tables started to reduce. Finally I'm left with one before I leave. It's a table of 5 people: 2 moms and 3 little kids. And these were picky moms. These are the kinds who say, "If you want another soda now, you have to drink water with dinner."
All kinds of stuff. Two minutes after they ordered, they apologized and told me they wanted their salad immediately. I can't describe the detailes of this salad without getting writer's cramp.
So I close their check and think they're gone. Three minutes later, the bussercomes to me and tells me they want to see me. Apparently the little boy had a Game Boy Advance, which has really small game cartridges. Tey thought they had left one of the games on a plate and that I had thrown it out. So three of us take this full huge can of trash outside the restaurant and start digging through this for a good ten minutes.
Finally we realize after no luck, that even if we find the game, it's ruined anyway. So I go back inside to tell them the bad news. Just as I'm getting there, the boy realizes that the game was in his BACKPACK the whole time!
All I could really do was laugh.
All kinds of stuff. Two minutes after they ordered, they apologized and told me they wanted their salad immediately. I can't describe the detailes of this salad without getting writer's cramp.
So I close their check and think they're gone. Three minutes later, the bussercomes to me and tells me they want to see me. Apparently the little boy had a Game Boy Advance, which has really small game cartridges. Tey thought they had left one of the games on a plate and that I had thrown it out. So three of us take this full huge can of trash outside the restaurant and start digging through this for a good ten minutes.
Finally we realize after no luck, that even if we find the game, it's ruined anyway. So I go back inside to tell them the bad news. Just as I'm getting there, the boy realizes that the game was in his BACKPACK the whole time!
All I could really do was laugh.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
SIX!!!
That's six wins in a row! I'm going to Rookie's to watch today's game with the Mets and Marlins. A.J. Burnett vs Tom Glavine.
It's very encouraging watching this team and how they are coming together so well. I like teams that are resilient and versatile. These guys (Reyes, Beltran, Diaz, Minky (I'm not spelling it out!)) use speed and intelligence as well as natural talent to win. To me, that makes baseball even more fun to watch. Just a thought... How about 157-5? And to quote Carlito... "Dat's kooill!"
And the Yankees are in last. Can you believe it?
Maybe I will stop by and wish my wonderful volleyball teammates good luck... Just maybe...
It's very encouraging watching this team and how they are coming together so well. I like teams that are resilient and versatile. These guys (Reyes, Beltran, Diaz, Minky (I'm not spelling it out!)) use speed and intelligence as well as natural talent to win. To me, that makes baseball even more fun to watch. Just a thought... How about 157-5? And to quote Carlito... "Dat's kooill!"
And the Yankees are in last. Can you believe it?
Maybe I will stop by and wish my wonderful volleyball teammates good luck... Just maybe...
Thursday, April 14, 2005
My latest article
St. Charles East (3-8, 0-1) gave the Daily Herald’s No. 3-ranked Lake Park Lancers a long battle but ultimately came up on the short end of a 5-4 score softball Wednesday in St. Charles.
St. Charles East’s Michelle Snyder took the tough loss. She pitched all nine innings, throwing 155 pitches. She allowed 4 hits, 3 earned runs and struck out three.
Saints coach Eric Ray marveled at Snyder’s performance.
“A lot of heart,” Ray said. “A lot of heart.”
The Lancers (8-1, 3-0) got the early lead by manufacturing a run. Lynsey Ciezki led off the game with a double, advanced to third on a bunt and scored on a groundout. Another run came in on an error and Lake Park led 2-0.
“We always want to score first so we can put pressure on the other team,” said Lake Park coach Cray Allen.
Meanwhile, pitcher Ashley Havertine was having little trouble with the Saints offense. She closed out three of her first five innings by throwing 10 or less pitches.
In the sixth inning, however, Allen lifted Havertine for a reliever.
“Some of our pitchers haven’t gotten much work lately,” Allen said. “I wanted to get both our pitchers some work before we play the tournament in Ohio this weekend.”
All of a sudden the Saints offense came to life. Julie Yonkus and Snyder both knocked RBI doubles to bring the Saints within 3-2.
With runners on second and third, Havertine came back in to pitch. She promptly threw a wild pitch that allowed two runners to cross the plate, giving St. Charles East a 4-3 lead. The Saints were three outs away from an upset win.
But Lake Park had other ideas.
The first two Lancers got on base in the seventh. After Snyder got two outs, an error allowed the tying run to cross the plate.
After a scoreless eighth the Lancers utilized similar tactics that they used to score in the first. Ciezki got on base with an infield single and moved to second on a bunt.
With two outs Stephanie Blagaich lofted a ball that landed in a perfect spot between the second baseman, shortstop and center fielder, bringing Ciezki home.
“I was just trying to put the ball in play with two outs and advance the runner,” Blagaich said.
Blagaich then walked to the mound and struck out the side to end the game.
Despite the disappointing finish, Ray saw this game a step in the right direction for his squad.
“If we can continue to play like that day in and day out, we’re going to do some good things,” Ray said.
— Adam Bartolo
St. Charles East’s Michelle Snyder took the tough loss. She pitched all nine innings, throwing 155 pitches. She allowed 4 hits, 3 earned runs and struck out three.
Saints coach Eric Ray marveled at Snyder’s performance.
“A lot of heart,” Ray said. “A lot of heart.”
The Lancers (8-1, 3-0) got the early lead by manufacturing a run. Lynsey Ciezki led off the game with a double, advanced to third on a bunt and scored on a groundout. Another run came in on an error and Lake Park led 2-0.
“We always want to score first so we can put pressure on the other team,” said Lake Park coach Cray Allen.
Meanwhile, pitcher Ashley Havertine was having little trouble with the Saints offense. She closed out three of her first five innings by throwing 10 or less pitches.
In the sixth inning, however, Allen lifted Havertine for a reliever.
“Some of our pitchers haven’t gotten much work lately,” Allen said. “I wanted to get both our pitchers some work before we play the tournament in Ohio this weekend.”
All of a sudden the Saints offense came to life. Julie Yonkus and Snyder both knocked RBI doubles to bring the Saints within 3-2.
With runners on second and third, Havertine came back in to pitch. She promptly threw a wild pitch that allowed two runners to cross the plate, giving St. Charles East a 4-3 lead. The Saints were three outs away from an upset win.
But Lake Park had other ideas.
The first two Lancers got on base in the seventh. After Snyder got two outs, an error allowed the tying run to cross the plate.
After a scoreless eighth the Lancers utilized similar tactics that they used to score in the first. Ciezki got on base with an infield single and moved to second on a bunt.
With two outs Stephanie Blagaich lofted a ball that landed in a perfect spot between the second baseman, shortstop and center fielder, bringing Ciezki home.
“I was just trying to put the ball in play with two outs and advance the runner,” Blagaich said.
Blagaich then walked to the mound and struck out the side to end the game.
Despite the disappointing finish, Ray saw this game a step in the right direction for his squad.
“If we can continue to play like that day in and day out, we’re going to do some good things,” Ray said.
— Adam Bartolo
A shoot
And since this post is apparently not going to be erased by a faulty system like my last one was, I'd like to take this time to thank you for reading my blog. For the last 6 months, I have filled this space with commentary, writings, feelings, facts, opinions, and rants. This is a rant. This rant will be very direct and very calm. And no comments will be allowed here.
Apparently my beloved volleyball captain Dana has decided she doesn't want to play me in the playoffs this weekend for my team, Order on The Court. Accoring to her, my energy is not making certain people feel comfortable and they want the game on Sunday to be one of peace and tranquility. Apparently these people won't talk to me. They go straight to the powers that be. And so they have simply decided to replace me this weekend in the first playoff game that I would have ever particiapted in.
Now in an environment where everyone wants to be real with each other and everyone wants to do a shoot, this my loyal readers is a shoot. I hate this stinking league's tactics. I hate them for abandoning me. I hate them for not acknowledging how important my role is on that team. I hate them for not talking to me face to face. I hate them for overreacting to people every time someone gets a little upset. I hate them for not accepting the fact that I'm lively when I play. And that they refuse to accept I don't have it in me to just shut up and play. That's not who I am.
And if they think I will just fade away, well, that just ain't happening.
So I think I'll just show up on Sunday. And I won't mind watching my "teammates" get swept right out of the Wheaton Academy fieldhouse.
Dana, you'd better take the $300 you collected from the team that you're going to give to the league commissioner and you had better spend it on recruiting halfway decent players. In other words, someone far better than you. And I promise you, the war has just begun.
Apparently my beloved volleyball captain Dana has decided she doesn't want to play me in the playoffs this weekend for my team, Order on The Court. Accoring to her, my energy is not making certain people feel comfortable and they want the game on Sunday to be one of peace and tranquility. Apparently these people won't talk to me. They go straight to the powers that be. And so they have simply decided to replace me this weekend in the first playoff game that I would have ever particiapted in.
Now in an environment where everyone wants to be real with each other and everyone wants to do a shoot, this my loyal readers is a shoot. I hate this stinking league's tactics. I hate them for abandoning me. I hate them for not acknowledging how important my role is on that team. I hate them for not talking to me face to face. I hate them for overreacting to people every time someone gets a little upset. I hate them for not accepting the fact that I'm lively when I play. And that they refuse to accept I don't have it in me to just shut up and play. That's not who I am.
And if they think I will just fade away, well, that just ain't happening.
So I think I'll just show up on Sunday. And I won't mind watching my "teammates" get swept right out of the Wheaton Academy fieldhouse.
Dana, you'd better take the $300 you collected from the team that you're going to give to the league commissioner and you had better spend it on recruiting halfway decent players. In other words, someone far better than you. And I promise you, the war has just begun.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
2zday, 2zday
Went to a graduate school fair last night up at Judson College. By the way, it was one of the saddest looking college campuses I have ever seen. It's right next to the Elgin Water Works tower and a bunch of trailer homes. It was not exactly Gordon or Wheaton.
Anyway, there were only about 10 schools and a few were seminaries which is not exactly the direction I'm looking at. Some, like Northern Illinois and Webster Universities, were just business representatives. The woman from NIU tried to convince me and show me how my writing, media, and sports management could set me up for an MBA. I still don't see how she got from Point A to Point B. And if I ever decide to go for sports management, I'll be going to Western Illinois, and not Northern. I wound up taking information from 2 schools. Now Roosevelt University and National Louis are not huge schools, but they could help. I mean a Master's is a Master's. I know they are not huge. But they were the only ones there who seemed to have anything relating to what I was interested in.
It's one of those crossroads. I just hope that whatever decision I make over the next months and years is a profitable one, and of course, I don't just mean financially.
If you want good steaks and chops, buy some Adam's Rib Rubb. This is not the Adam you all know and love, but one out of Carolina. Pork chops are incredible with this stuff on it.
I'm up to 5th place in the Daily Herald League. To quote George Costanza, "I"M BACK BABY, I"M BACK!!!!"
Good loss for the Knicks last night to Toronto, who are they are "battling" for NBA draft lottery position. They can finish between 6th and 10th and right now would be 7th. Let's hope they play well for Coach Herb Williams but keep finding ways to lose.
I'm having deep dish pizza for breakfast. Later.
Anyway, there were only about 10 schools and a few were seminaries which is not exactly the direction I'm looking at. Some, like Northern Illinois and Webster Universities, were just business representatives. The woman from NIU tried to convince me and show me how my writing, media, and sports management could set me up for an MBA. I still don't see how she got from Point A to Point B. And if I ever decide to go for sports management, I'll be going to Western Illinois, and not Northern. I wound up taking information from 2 schools. Now Roosevelt University and National Louis are not huge schools, but they could help. I mean a Master's is a Master's. I know they are not huge. But they were the only ones there who seemed to have anything relating to what I was interested in.
It's one of those crossroads. I just hope that whatever decision I make over the next months and years is a profitable one, and of course, I don't just mean financially.
If you want good steaks and chops, buy some Adam's Rib Rubb. This is not the Adam you all know and love, but one out of Carolina. Pork chops are incredible with this stuff on it.
I'm up to 5th place in the Daily Herald League. To quote George Costanza, "I"M BACK BABY, I"M BACK!!!!"
Good loss for the Knicks last night to Toronto, who are they are "battling" for NBA draft lottery position. They can finish between 6th and 10th and right now would be 7th. Let's hope they play well for Coach Herb Williams but keep finding ways to lose.
I'm having deep dish pizza for breakfast. Later.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Quick notes
I haven't been able to publish anything over the last week, so I'll just say a few things right now.
In fantasy basketball, I finished 5th in one league and lost the championship semifinal by ONE POINT! I deserved to win, but now I'm playing for third this week.
Fantasy Baseball has sucked. I lost by 15 to Geddes, mostly because he overachieved and my players were terrible. I made a lot of bad personnel moves, truth be told. Well, it's not going to happen again. I'm in 9th out of 10 in the Daily Herald League. I know it's 1 week in, but it's hard to blimb out of these types of holes. Things are not good.
The Mets are 1-5. At least Pedro's looked really good. This team hasn't been bad as the record says, but nothing really went our way the first 5 games. Hopefully, Shea will be good to us. And it kills me to watch Aaron Heilman fall so far. But I could tell watching him pitch in Norfolk in 2002, something was not quite right. He didn't have that ability to get hitters out even after he got ahead 1 ball, 2 strikes, or 0 balls, 2 strikes. He never out them away. And that's been magnified even more in the majors.
On to good things.
Great win by the Knicks over Indiana in OT.
I'm covering a softball game on Wednesday. Hey Mother Nature, how about some 80 degree weather?
Randy Travis was incredible at Willow Creek Church. His new record is called Passing Through and this one I really recommend. It's funny, I've talked to a few people who say they don't really like country music, but they like him. It's strange because he is so traditional. Ah well, some people just aren't as sophisticated as others...
It's really low to hang up the phone on someone prematurely...
In fantasy basketball, I finished 5th in one league and lost the championship semifinal by ONE POINT! I deserved to win, but now I'm playing for third this week.
Fantasy Baseball has sucked. I lost by 15 to Geddes, mostly because he overachieved and my players were terrible. I made a lot of bad personnel moves, truth be told. Well, it's not going to happen again. I'm in 9th out of 10 in the Daily Herald League. I know it's 1 week in, but it's hard to blimb out of these types of holes. Things are not good.
The Mets are 1-5. At least Pedro's looked really good. This team hasn't been bad as the record says, but nothing really went our way the first 5 games. Hopefully, Shea will be good to us. And it kills me to watch Aaron Heilman fall so far. But I could tell watching him pitch in Norfolk in 2002, something was not quite right. He didn't have that ability to get hitters out even after he got ahead 1 ball, 2 strikes, or 0 balls, 2 strikes. He never out them away. And that's been magnified even more in the majors.
On to good things.
Great win by the Knicks over Indiana in OT.
I'm covering a softball game on Wednesday. Hey Mother Nature, how about some 80 degree weather?
Randy Travis was incredible at Willow Creek Church. His new record is called Passing Through and this one I really recommend. It's funny, I've talked to a few people who say they don't really like country music, but they like him. It's strange because he is so traditional. Ah well, some people just aren't as sophisticated as others...
It's really low to hang up the phone on someone prematurely...
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
So Willie, how's it feel to be a manager?
Are you positive after this latest diaster? This is the best offense the Mets have had that I can remember. And it is the worst pitching I've seen since I played Little League. Glavine can't make it out of the 4th inning. Send him back to the Braves will you please? Koo looks bad, DeJean gives up a grand slam to that SOB Joe Randa.
Omar Minaya has got to get on the phone this morning and do what he can to trade Mike Cameron for pitching. Nothing agaisnt Cameron. But he wants to play center field and that way we can insert Victor Diaz into the starting lineup. Maybe we can trade Cameron to Tampa Bay and get Scott Kazmir back... This bullpen was not a huge concern of mine. I thought someone would step up. But after two days, they are shakier than Katharine Hepburn's head in a helicopter. And now Glavine is looking like the old relic we all expected him to be without Leo and Bobby. Disgusting.
And fantasy baseball blows. Looper and Rivera blow 3 saves between them. Ibanez, who's on both my teams, has done nothing. Abreu is hitting .143 or something like that. Absolutely horrible. Geddes is going to be wiping the floor with me by the end of Wednesday.
But other than that, I'm okay.
Omar Minaya has got to get on the phone this morning and do what he can to trade Mike Cameron for pitching. Nothing agaisnt Cameron. But he wants to play center field and that way we can insert Victor Diaz into the starting lineup. Maybe we can trade Cameron to Tampa Bay and get Scott Kazmir back... This bullpen was not a huge concern of mine. I thought someone would step up. But after two days, they are shakier than Katharine Hepburn's head in a helicopter. And now Glavine is looking like the old relic we all expected him to be without Leo and Bobby. Disgusting.
And fantasy baseball blows. Looper and Rivera blow 3 saves between them. Ibanez, who's on both my teams, has done nothing. Abreu is hitting .143 or something like that. Absolutely horrible. Geddes is going to be wiping the floor with me by the end of Wednesday.
But other than that, I'm okay.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Amazin Amazin Amazin
The Mets blew a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the ninth and lose 7-6 to Cincinnati. I didn't see the game as I was wandering aimlessly around Manhattan all day. And the trip to New York wasn't the best. We spent a lot of money and didn't get a whole lot done. Didn't even get pizza. But thank God I was not in a bar somewhere watching Braden Looper turn into Armando Benitez, Doug Sisk, Jose Mesa, and Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams all rolled into one. It's one game. Apparently most of the new guys looked good. Floyd hit a homer, as did Matsui. Piazza hit well. Reyes showed off his speed. Beltran hit one out. And Pedro dominated innings 2 through 6. But games are 9 innings long. And Met fans will be muttering that to themselves all summer long. Nine innings long... nine innings long...
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Mets roster and musings
And another homerun by Luis Garcia today. But he's on his way to minor league camp so now we can have the immortal Marlon Anderson wearing the orange, blue, and black. Give me a break. Fortunately Mike Cameron's wrist should be fine.
Let's go to pitching. And I want to spend the bulk of this post on this topic. Why did we have to get rid of Matt Ginter? And don't tell me because Mr. Full Autonomy can't afford to swallow Felix Heredia's contract. We have two lefties on the bullpen already. That's enough. Ginter should have been our long reliever out of the pen and insurance for when the next starting pitcher goes down or becomes completely ineffective. But NOOOOOOO. We have to keep the guys we trade for. We've got to keep the guys that have contracts. Not a smart move.
Oh well. Roberto Hernandez, who I think was the only pitcher Leo Mazzone couldn't resurrect, has made the bullpen. And in a big surprise, Manny Aybar has also made the bullpen. He's quietly done a very solid job this spring. A 1.32 ERA in 14 appearances. Not bad. I would like to see Bell and Fortunato, but they have options that they can be sent to the minors, so I guess that's what had to be done.
I didn't think the bullpen would be that much of a problem. But with these guys, I'm now nervous. If Bell Fortunato, and Ginter were there along with DeJean, Koo, Matthews, and Looper, I think that would be the way to go. I would be much more confident with that group.
Oh, remember how excited I was about getting Wilson Valdez on waivers from the White Sox. Well, now we've lost him on waivers to Seattle. Forget a cup of coffee, he couldn't even get a packet of sugar in his 2 days with the Mets.
And New York, I'm coming in on Monday baby! Bagels, pizza, watch out!
Let's go to pitching. And I want to spend the bulk of this post on this topic. Why did we have to get rid of Matt Ginter? And don't tell me because Mr. Full Autonomy can't afford to swallow Felix Heredia's contract. We have two lefties on the bullpen already. That's enough. Ginter should have been our long reliever out of the pen and insurance for when the next starting pitcher goes down or becomes completely ineffective. But NOOOOOOO. We have to keep the guys we trade for. We've got to keep the guys that have contracts. Not a smart move.
Oh well. Roberto Hernandez, who I think was the only pitcher Leo Mazzone couldn't resurrect, has made the bullpen. And in a big surprise, Manny Aybar has also made the bullpen. He's quietly done a very solid job this spring. A 1.32 ERA in 14 appearances. Not bad. I would like to see Bell and Fortunato, but they have options that they can be sent to the minors, so I guess that's what had to be done.
I didn't think the bullpen would be that much of a problem. But with these guys, I'm now nervous. If Bell Fortunato, and Ginter were there along with DeJean, Koo, Matthews, and Looper, I think that would be the way to go. I would be much more confident with that group.
Oh, remember how excited I was about getting Wilson Valdez on waivers from the White Sox. Well, now we've lost him on waivers to Seattle. Forget a cup of coffee, he couldn't even get a packet of sugar in his 2 days with the Mets.
And New York, I'm coming in on Monday baby! Bagels, pizza, watch out!
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