Official 2008 MLB thread

[BlackLantern]

Marlins only have packed houses when big market teams come to town....I remember watching highlights of a Marlins/Brewers game and attendance was 4,000

[Spidey-Bat]

Claudio Vargas on 3-days rest plays the stopper for the Mets. These next two games are imperative for Willie Randolph. I personally believe his fate has already been sealed and they're just waiting for the team to come home. But if they lose these next two (or even just one), Willie supporters will be extinct.

[Darthphere]

Marlins only have packed houses when big market teams come to town....I remember watching highlights of a Marlins/Brewers game and attendance was 4,000

Funny, because I was actually at the Brewers games and I can tell you that the attendance was far more than 4,000.:whatever:

[Alex The Great]

Skin tight leather with a braves logo on it :o
wel bollocks, i thought i saw you on TV.

[Alex The Great]

Funny, because I was actually at the Brewers games and I can tell you that the attendance was far more than 4,000.:whatever:
It's an illusion :ninja:

[NewYorkSpider]

Marlins only have packed houses when big market teams come to town....I remember watching highlights of a Marlins/Brewers game and attendance was 4,000

It was a lot more than that. Probably around 11,000. The Marlins usually have between 10,000 and 16,000 in attendance. Depends on which team they play.

[Alex The Great]

Send Jo Jo to the Minors....please......he gave up like....5 home runs in a game :huh::csad:



and yeah....Atlanta wins 3-1

If we can keep winning we'll be ahead in the NLE. as long as the Marlins have a mid season collapse....:o

[Kingfish]

I would expect them to want Vlad to DH more next year.

I saw his name come up as a possible 1B available. Seems like a guy who would do well in a regular role. If he's on the block I hope the Mets make a move. Willie going will help but they really need a complete overhaul of the team starting with 1B.

BTW, Peter Gammons said on Mike & Mike that he thinks Jim Fregosi would be a good fit for the Mets if/when Randolph is fired. However he's an assistant to Frank Wren (Braves GM) so they may not let him go to manage the Mets (he said they would like for him to have another managerial job.

Vlad has actually made some very good running catches this year. If his knees aren't bothering him, I think they'll be ok with letting him stay in right. The transition will probably continue slowly, but there's no way he'll be happy as a full-time DH.

Morales is definately expendable, and he does have big league power, but the Angels are obviously very stingy with their prospects. At least Stoneman was, don't really know about Reagins yet. I think they'll want a good reliever in exchange for him. Sosa or Heilman won't cut it, so I question whether a deal with the Mets would get done.

And woot-woot, Halos got an All-Star Game. I might actually get to go to one.

[Spidey-Bat]

Vlad has actually made some very good running catches this year. If his knees aren't bothering him, I think they'll be ok with letting him stay in right. The transition will probably continue slowly, but there's no way he'll be happy as a full-time DH.
Think he'll stay beyond 2009 (His $15M option for 09 is a bargain which I assume they'd activate)?

Morales is definately expendable, and he does have big league power, but the Angels are obviously very stingy with their prospects. At least Stoneman was, don't really know about Reagins yet. I think they'll want a good reliever in exchange for him. Sosa or Heilman won't cut it, so I question whether a deal with the Mets would get done.
Sosa was released after rejecting an assignment to AAA. The Mets have a lot of young talent in AA and below. Goes without saying that they're still raw.


Good news for Dodger fans: Andruw Jones is out for 4-6 weeks.

[Erzengel]

We had tickets today for the Yankees vs. the Mariners.

It was a beautiful day in the City and although it took us like 2 hours to get there, bus from NJ, then a subway trip from Port Authority to Yankee Stadium, we made it to the Stadium at the bottom of the 1st Inning.

It was decent seats between Left Field and Third Base that we got off StubHub.com. But seeing this is the last season at this Stadium, it cost us about $125 each. Of course food and drink was expensive, but we had to have the over priced hot dog, pretzel and french fries.

Actually a lot of hits for both teams. Mussina gave up a 3 Run Homer and Farnsworth gave up 2 Run Homer. It was nice to see them Set up Joba Chamberlain for his starting roll.

Giambi started things off for the Yankees giving them a 3 - 0 lead with a 3 Run Homer in the bottom of the 2nd. Abreu hit a 2 Run Homer in the bottom of the 6th.

Yankees went on to beat the Mariners 12 to 6.

Enjoy the pics.

Mussina Pitching
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/XErzengelX/P5240198.jpg

Rodriguez Hitting
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/XErzengelX/P5240199.jpg

Matsui Hitting
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/XErzengelX/P5240201.jpg

Jeter Hitting
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/XErzengelX/P5240202.jpg

Chamberlain Pitching
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/XErzengelX/P5240203.jpg

Yankees Win!!!
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/XErzengelX/P5240208.jpg

New Yankee Stadium
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/XErzengelX/P5240213.jpg

[Kingfish]

Think he'll stay beyond 2009 (His $15M option for 09 is a bargain which I assume they'd activate)?

Right now my gut says yes. Lot of things could change, but I wouldn't be surprised if he finishes as an Angel. Which would be awesome if they could finally get a hat in Cooperstown. Since Carew wears a Twins and Ryan wears a Rangers. Which is bull.

Sosa was released after rejecting an assignment to AAA. The Mets have a lot of young talent in AA and below. Goes without saying that they're still raw.

Wow, I actually missed that, which is surprising considering how much I railed against the guy. Anyway, doubtful they'd trade Morales for prospects, but I think they recognize they have a problematic bullpen right now, so they be willing to deal for a reliable reliever.

[Spidey-Bat]

Right now my gut says yes. Lot of things could change, but I wouldn't be surprised if he finishes as an Angel. Which would be awesome if they could finally get a hat in Cooperstown. Since Carew wears a Twins and Ryan wears a Rangers. Which is bull.
Didn't realize no Angel cap is in the Hall. Ryan as a Ranger is stupid. Like Winfield as a Padre and Reggie as a Yankee.

Wow, I actually missed that, which is surprising considering how much I railed against the guy. Anyway, doubtful they'd trade Morales for prospects, but I think they recognize they have a problematic bullpen right now, so they be willing to deal for a reliable reliever.
Mets actually have some good relief prospects. At the major league level though, they're thin like every other team.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Think he'll stay beyond 2009 (His $15M option for 09 is a bargain which I assume they'd activate)?


Sosa was released after rejecting an assignment to AAA. The Mets have a lot of young talent in AA and below. Goes without saying that they're still raw.


Good news for Dodger fans: Andruw Jones is out for 4-6 weeks.

Jones needs some injections to improve play I think...:bh:

[Kingfish]

Didn't realize no Angel cap is in the Hall. Ryan as a Ranger is stupid. Like Winfield as a Padre and Reggie as a Yankee.

Yep, the Ryan thing has always irked me. 4 of his 7 no-hitters, single season strikeout record, and so forth. He even spent half as many seasons as a Ranger. Even the Astros would have made more sense. Probably has something to do with the ugly ways that he left both teams, though.

Mets actually have some good relief prospects. At the major league level though, they're thin like every other team.

The Angels need an upgrade over Bootcheck, (which admittedly wouldn't be hard at this point) and Justin Spier's kinda stinking up the joint. Sending down O'Day didn't make much sense to me though, he only had one bad outing. Arredondo might be good too.

Maybe they aren't as bad off as I think, but they just look shaky every time out. I keep hoping for the starter to go 8 innings every night.

[Immortalfire]

We had tickets today for the Yankees vs. the Mariners.

It was a beautiful day in the City and although it took us like 2 hours to get there, bus from NJ, then a subway trip from Port Authority to Yankee Stadium, we made it to the Stadium at the bottom of the 1st Inning.

It was decent seats between Left Field and Third Base that we got off StubHub.com. But seeing this is the last season at this Stadium, it cost us about $125 each. Of course food and drink was expensive, but we had to have the over priced hot dog, pretzel and french fries.

Actually a lot of hits for both teams. Mussina gave up a 3 Run Homer and Farnsworth gave up 2 Run Homer. It was nice to see them Set up Joba Chamberlain for his starting roll.

Giambi started things off for the Yankees giving them a 3 - 0 lead with a 3 Run Homer in the bottom of the 2nd. Abreu hit a 2 Run Homer in the bottom of the 6th.

Yankees went on to beat the Mariners 12 to 6.

Enjoy the pics.

No pics of you with some random girl you met. Erz = fail :down

[Erzengel]

My gf gets mad when I do that. :(

[Alex The Great]

Immortalfire speaks the truth, don't be a pansy Erz :cmad::csad::down

[DarthRekal]

Clayton Kershaw Pitching:woot: :up:

[Dodger]

Kershaw in his Major League debut goes 6 strong with 7k's. He gave up two but one of those was due to a bonehead play buy Loney. (dude needs to snap out of his slump!)

Kersh, did very good. I just wish he threw some changeups or anything besides his fastball and curveball. His curveball also isn't fooling anybody. Yeah he might of struck out high schoolers and double A batters, but this is the show kid. He needs something else to compliment that sick curve.

But, still very good first start. Kid has all the makings.

But in typical dodger fashion are batters forgot how to hit and our defense made some stupid errors. How do we expect to compete with he D-backs with this much inconsistency?

[Captain Planet!]

We went from 3rd to 5th in one day. Wow.

[Spidey-Bat]

Willie is meeting with the Wilpons tomorrow. My guess is they'll give him the rest of the month to get over 500. If that doesn't happen, he's gone. If they have another awful homestand or another bad losing streak before then, he'll go shortly after.

[FaT_tONle]

Mets stink... Yankees getting hot.... what's new? Mets gonna end up in third place... Yanks will win the wild card... again. Guess the baseball Gods never favor change except maybe once a century or something.

[NewYorkSpider]

Lets wait and see what the Yanks can do against a better baseball team. The Mariners aren't any good.

Kevin Gregg of the Marlins got a save and a win on the same day. I wonder if that's been done before.

[Spidey-Bat]

Mets stink... Yankees getting hot.... what's new? Mets gonna end up in third place... Yanks will win the wild card... again. Guess the baseball Gods never favor change except maybe once a century or something.

Are you Joe Benigno?

[cyborg ninja 14]

But in typical dodger fashion are batters forgot how to hit and our defense made some stupid errors. How do we expect to compete with he D-backs with this much inconsistency?

Continue said inconsistent play so they may not compete?

[NewYorkSpider]

If the Rays win tonight they'll be the best team in baseball. :dry:

[Alex The Great]

If the Rays win tonight they'll be the best team in baseball. :dry:
Tampa.....Bay?.....Rays?....Best.....I.....you.... ..How?.......They....oh......oh no............The End Is Near :csad:

[Immortalfire]

If the Rays win tonight they'll be the best team in baseball. :dry:

Heaven help us. Or, I guess Heaven is helping them, since they dropped DEVIL from their name and became rays of light..:wow:

[Alex The Great]

It's a conspiracy :ninja:

[BlackLantern]

as Tampa is in the AL and of no concern to me......GO RAYS!!!!

[Alex The Great]

BRAVES :cmad:

[jks]

Knowing the Mets they'll lose 3 of 4 to the Braves this week and score a combined 5 runs in those 4 games.

Ouch, gave the mets too much credit.

[Spidey-Bat]

They scored 9 runs so it evens out.


There was a pre-game conference about the meeting. They discussed the comments Willie made and state of the team. From what they were saying, Willie is on borrowed time. I think they have a date they'll fire him and are just waiting until he has no excuses to make the Mets look bad after he's fired.

[BlackLantern]

the problem is that the Mets don't have anyone to fill the gap if they fire Willie now....they need time to look for a suitable replacement

[Dodger]

Stupid Dodgers :cmad:

Thank god for the Braves. :up:

Oh and Willie didn't get fired. Do we really need to hear this all day? Jeeeez, god forbid we actually blame the players.

[NewYorkSpider]

Jose Reyes has 2 home runs tonight.

[BlackLantern]

Jose is En Fuego....as the kids say....

[Spidey-Bat]

Oh and Willie didn't get fired. Do we really need to hear this all day? Jeeeez, god forbid we actually blame the players.

Players didn't force him to have a racist outburst that caused a distraction.

[Spidey-Bat]

Mets were down 2, tied, then got the lead after 2 innings. It was downhill after that. Beltran missed on a slide that cost 3 runs. Marlins retired 10 straight Mets. In the 9th, the fans were chanting Fire Willie. My dad, who has been a Met fan since 1965, has never seen this much hostility towards a manager. More than Art Howe (who was a complete abomination as a manager). A lot of the radio personalities were off today, so tomorrow the ownership meeting will be ripped (again) for basically doing nothing.

[NewYorkSpider]

I keep thinking that the Mets need to fire him now before they're completely out of it. The Mets have a win now ballclub. If they wait untill the All-Star break they could be 10GB or more. I know a lot of the experts think the Marlins are gonna crumble down the stretch, but they did just sweep the D-Backs who at the time were one of the best teams in baseball. IMO, the Marlins are going to compete in this divison untill September. (And I'm not joking) Willingham will be back in early June and Uggla is hitting the crap out of the ball. Braves finally look like their old selves and the Phillies offense is coming around. I really don't think the Mets need to play the waiting game in a divison like this.

[Dark Donnie]

Phils put up 20 in the Rockies

[Spidey-Bat]

I keep thinking that the Mets need to fire him now before they're completely out of it. The Mets have a win now ballclub. If they wait untill the All-Star break they could be 10GB or more. I know a lot of the experts think the Marlins are gonna crumble down the stretch, but they did just sweep the D-Backs who at the time were one of the best teams in baseball. IMO, the Marlins are going to compete in this divison untill September. (And I'm not joking) Willingham will be back in early June and Uggla is hitting the crap out of the ball. Braves finally look like their old selves and the Phillies offense is coming around. I really don't think the Mets need to play the waiting game in a divison like this.

That's one thing I hate. People say "Team X will fall" or "Team Y will come back". It's probably the case but it's no guarantee; it has to happen. A couple of my friends point to teams that made the playoffs last year with a worse record than the Mets have at the same point in the season. Good for those teams but that doesn't mean anything. All it proves is it's possible to come back from. It has to happen first though.

[NewYorkSpider]

That's one thing I hate. People say "Team X will fall" or "Team Y will come back". It's probably the case but it's no guarantee; it has to happen. A couple of my friends point to teams that made the playoffs last year with a worse record than the Mets have at the same point in the season. Good for those teams but that doesn't mean anything. All it proves is it's possible to come back from. It has to happen first though.

I hope I don't sound like the Mets can't win with Randolph, cause I really don't want to sound like that. I'd just hate for the Mets to continue the mediocre play untill the All-Star break before the Mets front office decides it's time for him to go. Last season had good examples of teams "coming back" or "falling back". Baseball Tonight brought up last seasons divison leaders and compared them to this season. The Mets, Brewers, Dodgers/Padres led at this time last season and none of them made the playoffs. Anything can happen between now and October.

edit: If the Mets get a new manager by All-Star break, start winning and lose the divison by about 1-3 games, the front office will probably get critizied for not doing it sooner. That's what I'm trying to say.

[Spidey-Bat]

I hope I don't sound like the Mets can't win with Randolph, cause I really don't want to sound like that.
Lot of people, including myself, think that. He was out-managed by the self-proclaimed genius Tony La Russa in 2006. Last year they really ****ed up and it didn't help that he came off as completely oblivious as things were coming down.

I'd just hate for the Mets to continue the mediocre play untill the All-Star break before the Mets front office decides it's time for him to go. Last season had good examples of teams "coming back" or "falling back". Baseball Tonight brought up last seasons divison leaders and compared them to this season. The Mets, Brewers, Dodgers/Padres led at this time last season and none of them made the playoffs. Anything can happen between now and October.
The Mets fall into the "falling back" more than the "coming back". They have serious problems. If they screw this year up again, no one will be spared. That includes firing Minaya (which would say a lot since he got Santana in February. He does draft poorly and relies too much on scouting in Latin America).

edit: If the Mets get a new manager by All-Star break, start winning and lose the divison by about 1-3 games, the front office will probably get critizied for not doing it sooner. That's what I'm trying to say.
They'll be heavily criticized tomorrow for not firing him today (lot of big radio personalities were off today). There's a big enough sample size to convince them Willie should go. They're 70-83 since May 26, 2007.




Well, I was completely wrong on Bartolo Colon. Good for him. Jeez, it seems everything the Red Sox touch it turns to gold.

[NewYorkSpider]

Lot of people, including myself, think that. He was out-managed by the self-proclaimed genius Tony La Russa in 2006. Last year they really ****ed up and it didn't help that he came off as completely oblivious as things were coming down.

Yeah, Mets should've won that series. The Cardinals won like 83 games(?) and one of their winning pitchers during that series was Jeff Weaver. I think the Mets also need to shake up the bullpen in the future. One of those pitchers that needs to go is Aaron Heilman. They should trade him somewhere.

The Mets fall into the "falling back" more than the "coming back". They have serious problems. If they screw this year up again, no one will be spared. That includes firing Minaya (which would say a lot since he got Santana in February. He does draft poorly and relies too much on scouting in Latin America).

Yankee fans thought that was going to happen to Cashman for 3 years straight, but it never happened. They'd always give him another chance to redeem himself. But If Minaya scouts to much in Latin America than he does need to go.


They'll be heavily criticized tomorrow for not firing him today (lot of big radio personalities were off today). There's a big enough sample size to convince them Willie should go. They're 70-83 since May 26, 2007.

So when do you think Randolph goes? This of course they keep up the horrible playing. I say by mid-June.


Well, I was completely wrong on Bartolo Colon. Good for him. Jeez, it seems everything the Red Sox touch it turns to gold.

He's pitching decent. I don't think he'll last though.

[Omega Wizard]

wel bollocks, i thought i saw you on TV.
I did get on Braves Vision though. :o

And I was on NASCAR raceday(Speed channel) for the coke 600 :o

[jks]

So what's everyone's all star lineups look like?

NL:

C : Mccann
1B: Pujols
2B: Uggla
SS: Tejada [gets the nod over furcal being injured]
3B: Chipper Jones in the biggest no brainer of the year
OF: Ryan Ludwick, Nate Mcclouth, Aaron Rowand
DH: Lance Berkman [since there will be a DH, this is why pujols gets the start at 1B, being better defensively, otherwise berkman would be running away with it]

[Omega Wizard]

The entire 2008 Atlanta Braves roster ftw.

[Kingfish]

Well, I was completely wrong on Bartolo Colon. Good for him. Jeez, it seems everything the Red Sox touch it turns to gold.

When he came back last year, he started 5-0. It'll catch up to him. At least, if there's any justice in this sport.

[Spidey-Bat]

Yeah, Mets should've won that series. The Cardinals won like 83 games(?) and one of their winning pitchers during that series was Jeff Weaver. I think the Mets also need to shake up the bullpen in the future. One of those pitchers that needs to go is Aaron Heilman. They should trade him somewhere.
Carpenter (their best pitcher) sucked in that series, too.

They're drafted a lot of college relievers (the only type they have drafted). Heilman might be headed to AAA.

Yankee fans thought that was going to happen to Cashman for 3 years straight, but it never happened. They'd always give him another chance to redeem himself. But If Minaya scouts to much in Latin America than he does need to go.
They won't fire Minaya but he needs to change his approach with the farm system. If anyone on this team had even some degree of value, I would suggest him 'blowing up' the team and dumping the veterans on the roster.

So when do you think Randolph goes? This of course they keep up the horrible playing. I say by mid-June.
Barring a horrible homestand, he'll probably hang around until mid-June.

He's pitching decent. I don't think he'll last though.
When he came back last year, he started 5-0. It'll catch up to him. At least, if there's any justice in this sport.
Probably.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Thoughts on Willie: I think the elephant in the room is how he is percieved among his own players, and the fact he continues to misuse his bullpen night after night.

[Raiden]

I think Randolph is probably a lame duck now, since the owner did not guarantee that he'll be here for reminder of the year. Still, he should've been fired, since it seems like the players have given up on him already.

[Spidey-Bat]

Honestly, I believe their post-conference press meeting said "Willie is our manager, but only until we find someone to replace him". When players know a manager is on his way out, they don't listen. Like a substitute teacher. Why listen to them if they're not there for the rest of the year?

[Dark Donnie]

Phillies have put up 42 runs in the last 20 Innings

[Captain Planet!]

8-8, bot 9th, raining hard and the thunder and lightning is coming. This game has been great.

[Erzengel]

Should have called the game sooner. :down

[Dark Donnie]

Josh Hamilton hit a grand slam tonight...another 5 RBI game, what a season...he better be starting in the OF

[Spidey-Bat]

Phillies have put up 42 runs in the last 20 Innings

42 runs in a little over 3 games? It takes the Mets a month to score 42 runs.

[DarthRekal]

stupid Dodgers :csad:

[Kingfish]

Angels win it on a walk-off hit by Matthews. Offense sure isn't making it easy lately.

[Immortalfire]

Braves once again can't win on the road..ugh

[Soundwave]

Josh Hamilton hit a grand slam tonight...another 5 RBI game, what a season...he better be starting in the OF


Makes me feel a lot better about giving up Volquez. Great trade for both teams so far.

[Raiden]

42 runs in a little over 3 games? It takes the Mets a month to score 42 runs.

With the top 3 highest payroll in MLB, you'd think Mets could find players who can hit. Same with Yanks btw.

[Dark Donnie]

42 runs in a little over 3 games? It takes the Mets a month to score 42 runs.

Two of those games were against the lowly Rocks so....

[Spidey-Bat]

With the top 3 highest payroll in MLB, you'd think Mets could find players who can hit. Same with Yanks btw.

The Mets are a pitching-dominant team. At least they're supposed to be.

[Raiden]

The Mets are a pitching-dominant team. At least they're supposed to be.

Having El Duque and Pedro on DL don't make them pitching-dominant anymore, and Santana hasn't been as dominant as he's supposed to be.

[Spidey-Bat]

Having El Duque and Pedro on DL don't make them pitching-dominant anymore, and Santana hasn't been as dominant as he's supposed to be.

April and May are historically his worst seasons. He's on pace for a very good season if he follows his career trends.

Last year he started out strong but declined in the 2nd half because he had a broken nail which limited him to his fastball and change up (and regardless of how good they are, a starting pitcher cannot survive with only 2 pitches, especially no breaking pitch).

[BlackLantern]

Part of me wants Pedro to pull something else and retire so the Mets can free up some cap room and a roster spot...

[Spidey-Bat]

I rather El Duque because he has nothing left.

[BlackLantern]

both of them are on the downside of things.....

[DarthRekal]

dodgers are lookin abysmal again :csad:

[Omega Wizard]

Just saw the story on the guy that saw two no hitters in his only trips to Fenway.
A 1 in 1.4 Mil chance :shock

[amazingfantasy15]

dodgers are lookin abysmal again :csad:

Yup, thanks for the sweep!

[BlackLantern]

and now the Mets can beat up on the Dodgers over the weekend....yay

[Kingfish]

Oh noes. Dice-K is on the DL. Now he might not go 28-0 for the season. What a shame.

[DarthRekal]

:cmad:OMG Broxton sucks

[Bunker]

Go Manny! Always been one of my favorite players, glad to finally see him join the club

[Excel]

Too bad it was not a classic bomb over the monster, but thats Manny...bombing it the other way; mad applause at an opposing stadium...you know how he does it :up:

MmHKV7hp-w

[Spidey-Bat]

The only reason he got a "mad applause" is because Camden Yards always has Boston fans because it's cheaper to go to a game there than Fenway Park.

[Bunker]

I went to a Sox-Mariners game in Seattle 2 years ago, maybe half or 2/3 of the people were Red Sox fans, they come out of the woodwork when the Sox go on the road.

[Kingfish]

It gets to about half and half in Anaheim when they're hear. Incredibly annoying. The most amusing part is the fights that break out.

[Spidey-Bat]

The US should declare war against Red Sox Nation :o

[Excel]

The US should declare war against Red Sox Nation :o

They would lose :o

[Bunker]

We should just have Yankee Nation and Red Sox Nation destroy each other until there's nothing left...

[Spidey-Bat]

They would lose :o

They'd lose because they're nothing but a bunch of drunk New Englanders and some bandwagoners sprinkled around the country.

[DarthRekal]

It gets to about half and half in Anaheim when they're hear. Incredibly annoying. The most amusing part is the fights that break out.
yup they ruined our 50th anniversary game at the coliseum too :cmad:
The US should declare war against Red Sox Nation :o
Draft me!

[Dodger]

:cmad:OMG Broxton sucks

Thank god for the lakers :)

I'm serious when the Lakers win the 'ship, the dodgers can go winless for the rest of the year and I wouldn't kill anybody, cause the Lakers would be the champs. :)

[Spidey-Bat]

How can LA have a team named the Lakers when there is no lake in LA?

[Kingfish]

I'd love to see Sawk Nation get a beat down. The bars would be flooded with people whining about everything being wicked rehtahded.

[Immortalfire]

How can LA have a team named the Lakers when there is no lake in LA?

I too have wondered why the NBA is so against renaming teams after relocation. The Utah Jazz :huh:

[BlackLantern]

Mormons don't allow music......so it is rather odd

[Showtime]

The US should declare war against Red Sox Nation :o

Why? Because the Mets are horrible?

[Bunker]

How can LA have a team named the Lakers when there is no lake in LA?

Because they moved from Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Lakes :huh:

[Spidey-Bat]

Why? Because the Mets are horrible?

The Mets have nothing to do with it. The Red Sox get so much media attention and hype it's become irritating. Plus seeing all these Red Sox fans at away games in Seattle or Texas is annoying since they're most likely bandwagoners.

Because they moved from Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Lakes :huh:

They should have changed the name to the LA Smog or the LA Traffic.

[DarthRekal]

They should have changed the name to the LA Smog or the LA Traffic.
ummm ok:whatever:

sides NY has us beat Traffic wise

they moved here over 40 years ago.. before it was EN VOGUE to have cool names... its called tradition

[Spidey-Bat]

sides NY has us beat Traffic wise

I doubt that. Besides, NYC has much better public transportation.

[DarthRekal]

I doubt that. Besides, NYC has much better public transportation.

it has to have cause of the traffic.. but what does that have to with anything:huh:

[Spidey-Bat]

Iunno

Mark Prior is having season-ending surgery (again).

[Kingfish]

The Mets have nothing to do with it. The Red Sox get so much media attention and hype it's become irritating. Plus seeing all these Red Sox fans at away games in Seattle or Texas is annoying since they're most likely bandwagoners.

Amen. The over coverage on anything Sawk has become ridiculous. Since when did a buried jersey merit that much media attention? Retahded.

[Bunker]

Iunno

Mark Prior is having season-ending surgery (again).

I didn't even know he had a season :huh:

[BlackLantern]

Mets are throwing the Dodgers a nice thumping

[Spidey-Bat]

Santana is dominating as advertised. I wonder how many TV's Hank Steinbrenner has broken watching him pitch.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Jay Bruce = HOF'er:o

[Dark Donnie]

^^^The guy is a beast, he's having no problem making the transition.

[cyborg ninja 14]

^^^The guy is a beast, he's having no problem making the transition.

Why did they keep this guy in AAA for two months? Did Dusty really want Corey Patterson to start that badly?

[cyborg ninja 14]

We should just have Yankee Nation and Red Sox Nation destroy each other until there's nothing left...

Ahem, Yankee universe

[cyborg ninja 14]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3422002
I can't believe Kenny puts up with this idiot.

[BlackLantern]

Someone kill Joe Morgan....Please

[Dark Donnie]

Why did they keep this guy in AAA for two months? Did Dusty really want Corey Patterson to start that badly?

No friggin clue. From the look of it he should have been with the team all year.

[NewYorkSpider]

Why did they keep this guy in AAA for two months? Did Dusty really want Corey Patterson to start that badly?

No friggin clue. From the look of it he should have been with the team all year.

They kept him the minors to prevent him from getting enough service time to qualify for the "Super Two" arbitration under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.


Congrats to Manny on his 500th HR and Johan Santana for his 100th career victory.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Someone kill Joe Morgan....Please

He said that all the Mets fans were at the game to see Joe Torre last night.

[NewYorkSpider]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3422002
I can't believe Kenny puts up with this idiot.


I think Ozzie has become to much of a distraction in the clubhouse. He needs to get the boot.

[cyborg ninja 14]

I think Ozzie has become to much of a distraction in the clubhouse. He needs to get the boot.

Much of what he says should stay in house, although he seems like a parody of himself during every tirade now.

[BlackLantern]

maybe Ozzie needs a break....do what Pinella did...take a year off and chill...Some team is going to want him if he gets the boot from Chicago

[NewYorkSpider]

Instead of going on a tirade he should try motivating his team without yelling and calling them horrible players. He should've told them that they're 5.5 GB of having the best record in baseball and they need to step it up a notch.

[Spidey-Bat]

If Ozzie wasn't such a loose cannon, the Mets and White Sox would do well trading managers.

[Nightmare]

How about those dodgers? Yeah, horrible.

[NewYorkSpider]

Chase Utley is on pace for about 55-60HR. He just hit his 21st HR.

[Spidey-Bat]

Steroids!!!!

[BlackLantern]

How about those dodgers? Yeah, horrible.

what did you expect?? just because Joe Torre shows up doesn't automatically mean you'll be any better right away

[NewYorkSpider]

The Andruw Jones signing was a bust.

Steroids!!!!

I thought I was done hearing that word. :csad:

[BlackLantern]

Andruw Jones is a Fatty McFatFat....

[Bunker]

Did he gain a lot of weight or something? I don't think I've seen him play this year...

[NewYorkSpider]

He gained 20lbs.

[BlackLantern]

Bull**** its more like 25-30

[NewYorkSpider]

Wow. I was taking a guess. No need to get hostile. It's not like i'm gonna go look up to see how much he weighs.

Jay Bruce just hit another HR.

[Spidey-Bat]

Of Utley's 21 HR, 16 have been at home. Jeez, put any half decent player in that park and they're an MVP candidate.

[Bunker]

Damn 25 lbs? He is chubby

[NewYorkSpider]

One of three things is gonna happen. One, Joba is gonna make a succesful transition into the starting roatation and the bullpen in gonna suck. There are so many things that can go wrong with making this move. If they're gonna move Joba into the roatation they need to go out and find a decent set up man. If they think they can stick Farnsworth or Hawkins in there an be successful they're fooling themselves.

Look what I said a couple weeks ago and then look at what happened tonight. I heard the Yankees may try and trade for Brian Fuentes. If the asking price is too high they may try to get Damaso Marte of the Pirates.

[Bunker]

So David Ortiz might be out indefinetly due to a wrist injury hmmmm

[NewYorkSpider]

Link? I haven't read that anywhere. I know he has a wrist injury, but I didn't think it was that bad.

Oliver Perez is getting kicked around by the Giants.

[Bunker]

Don't know if there's a link, but the story's all over Baseball Tonight

[NewYorkSpider]

I haven't watched Baseball Tonight yet.(NHL Finals are on) I'll catch the midnight Baseball Tonight.

[Excel]

****, papis hurt.

Now arent we glad we didnt trade coco??? told ya itd pay to keep him!

[NewYorkSpider]

My dad asked me tonight who was winning the AL East. I said "the Red Sox are leading". Then I had to think about it for a minute that Tampa Bay was actually leading the divison. :o

[Bunker]

A sign of the Apocalypse for sure...

[BlackLantern]

some teams can get better....hopefully Tampa can keep it going...

[Kingfish]

Yep, Papi hits the DL.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8202898/Ortiz-heads-to-disabled-list-with-tendon-tear

[Spidey-Bat]

Oliver Perez sucked tonight. Not surprising since he sucks against the Giants.

[Dodger]

How about those dodgers? Yeah, horrible.


We have problems. But were far from horrible. We have many young players who are just learning how to play the game. The biggest problem I see with the Dodgers is that we don't have a swagger. But, I think that's starting to come around...albeit slowly.

We have the potential to be great. We don't have a bad team, I know what the stats are, but I have been watching the kids (Kemp, Loney, Martin, Kersh, Bills, Brox, Ethier) for about 4 years know (minors), I've seen what they can do. It's just a matter of time. But this is LA and Angelinos don't know about the concept of patience.

what did you expect?? just because Joe Torre shows up doesn't automatically mean you'll be any better right away

Nobody ever saw Torre as the saving grace for the Dodgers. People just knew that he would squash the clubhouse drama and he has. Our saving grace was suppose to be Schmidt and Jones. I admit that I thought these were great signings. Boy, was I wrong. Dead Wrong. :(

I think Ned Colletti (GM) has to be the WORST GM in awhile. Especially after he compared us to the Giants. :cmad:

[Dark Donnie]

Of Utley's 21 HR, 16 have been at home. Jeez, put any half decent player in that park and they're an MVP candidate.

So Utley is half decent now?......just like Rollins to right? Your bias is ridiculous.

Guys having an amazing season. Currently #1 in All-Star voting :up:

[Kingfish]

You have to admit that's a pretty big home-road split.

Like Todd Helton in his heyday. His numbers are somewhat inflated by the park he's in.

[Dark Donnie]

The split is big yes, but to call him a half decent player....he loses all credibility right there.

[Nakon]

Looking forward to today's games for sure :D

[Raiden]

Putting Joba into the rotation is a dumb*** move, but Yanks have been making plenty of such boneheaded decisions lately. Joba may pitch in the 100MPH, but he only has two pitches and it won't be long before hitters figure him out. Besides, Yanks have a week middle relief without Joba, so after he joined the rotation Yanks will have a hard time holding leads.

[Dark Donnie]

Got tickets for the Phils Reds game tonight....sucks I couldn't go Thursday and see Bruce and Bailey :(

[Nakon]

Got tickets for the Phils Reds game tonight....sucks I couldn't go Thursday and see Bruce and Bailey :(That will be very fun. I went to the Colorado Dodgers game last night. Dodgers owned. :yay:

[Spidey-Bat]

So Utley is half decent now?......just like Rollins to right? Your bias is ridiculous.

Guys having an amazing season. Currently #1 in All-Star voting :up:

I didn't mean Utley is half decent. He is an excellent player. My comment was more about how that stadium inflates offensive stats.

[Dark Donnie]

I didn't mean Utley is half decent. He is an excellent player. My comment was more about how that stadium inflates offensive stats.

Gotcha, sorry for the confusion. :up:

[Spidey-Bat]

It's alright. I wasn't very clear in that post.

[Spidey-Bat]

The Great Joba Chamberlain's line tonight in his first ML "start"

2.1 IP, 2 ER, 1 H, 3 K, 4 BB. 62 pitches

[Showtime]

The Mets have nothing to do with it. The Red Sox get so much media attention and hype it's become irritating. Plus seeing all these Red Sox fans at away games in Seattle or Texas is annoying since they're most likely bandwagoners.


It's because they won the World Series last year, and in 2004 and are one of the top teams in baseball this past decade. They get just as much attention as the Yankees did during their run.

In regards to bandwagoners, there are sure a lot, but what you don't realize is these Red Sox fans from Boston travel all over the country to go to these games, they've done several stories about this on ESPN as well as local stations here.

[Spidey-Bat]

It's really just this "Red Sox Nation" ******** that is annoying. Where the hell was 'Red Sox Nation' before 2004? That's right, it didn't exist.

[NewYorkSpider]

The Great Joba Chamberlain's line tonight in his first ML "start"

2.1 IP, 2 ER, 1 H, 3 K, 4 BB. 62 pitches

I was at work during the start of the game. Looks like the walks killed him. He needs to stay in the bullpen where he's been decent.

[Spidey-Bat]

The Yankees should have stuck in him the 8th inning or rotation from Opening Day and keep him there until the last day of the season. The move from the bullpen hurts them and his 2-4 inning starts only exposes the bullpen even more.

If they were smart, they wouldn't restrict him to the set-up role (which is often a BS role) and make him the "bullpen ace". A bullpen ace, a Bill James idea, comes into key situations (like bases loaded, 0-1 outs in a close game. Spots a real closer should come in). He believes though that Mariano Rivera and other closers should be pitching in these situations and not the 9th inning (how often is the game on the line in the 9th anyway?).

[Nakon]

Stupid delay in the 5th with my Cardinals game. At least we're up 5 - 0 :)

Agreeing with Spidey-Bat about how Red-Sox nation just happened suddenly fast AFTER they won the championship. It just happened, they didn't have the big nation before they won the championship.

[Kingfish]

It's really kind of an ESPN invention.

If David Ortiz buys a twinkie, ESPN does a feature on it. Instead of ridiculous fluff pieces about buried jerseys and Sawk fans that go down to Baltimore, maybe they should, you know, show actual highlights.

[Spidey-Bat]

Everything the Red Sox and Yankees do is exaggerated by ESPN. I refuse to watch Baseball Tonight this evening since it will be all about how awesome Joba Chamberlain is and they'll excuse his pathetic "start" as 'first-start jitters'.

[Kingfish]

I stopped watching Baseball Tonight when I realized I was watching twenty minutes of Yankees or Red Sox coverage every night. Every play of their games would carefully analyzed and screened for our pleasure. Followed by one or two plays from every game that didn't involve them. If they had time.

[cyborg ninja 14]

It's really kind of an ESPN invention.

If David Ortiz buys a twinkie, ESPN does a feature on it. Instead of ridiculous fluff pieces about buried jerseys and Sawk fans that go down to Baltimore, maybe they should, you know, show actual highlights.

That would the world's greatest twinkie.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Everything the Red Sox and Yankees do is exaggerated by ESPN. I refuse to watch Baseball Tonight this evening since it will be all about how awesome Joba Chamberlain is and they'll excuse his pathetic "start" as 'first-start jitters'.

I think I know why ESPN sent Kruk on his little adventure to the women's college world series. Keep him away from Joba love.

[Showtime]

It's really just this "Red Sox Nation" ******** that is annoying. Where the hell was 'Red Sox Nation' before 2004? That's right, it didn't exist.

Although I agree it is annoying, it is a genius marketing campaign brought upon to make money for the club across the country and the globe. It was there before 2004, it just didn't exist in name. Seems like sour grapes if you ask me.

[Spidey-Bat]

Although I agree it is annoying, it is a genius marketing campaign brought upon to make money for the club across the country and the globe. It was there before 2004, it just didn't exist in name. Seems like sour grapes if you ask me.

You think I'm jealous the Mets don't have some "Met Nation"? I'm actually glad there is none because it's incredibly obnoxious. Same goes for 'Yankees Universe' which actually irritates me more because A) It tries to be bigger than 'Red Sox Nation' and B) Unlike the Red Sox, they are not the only baseball team in the area.


Smoltz had season-ending shoulder surgery. Wonder if he'll hang up the spikes. HUGE loss for the Braves. 3rd place or bust for them now.

[Erzengel]

What's wrong with the word "fans"? :huh:

[BlackLantern]

What's wrong with the word "fans"? :huh:

apparently that isn't good enough anymore....people with extremely low self-esteem need something more to associate with a sports team that they have absolutely nothing to do with

[Spidey-Bat]

What's wrong with the word "fans"? :huh:

Are you referring to my usage of it? I used quotation marks on fans because I meant it sarcastically.

[Kingfish]

Look at Black Lantern bringing out the claws.

"Red Sox Nation" and "Yankee Universe" are media devices. Ridiculously annoying ones.

Pray that the Cubs don't pull it off this year. Their's would be the most annoying yet.

[Erzengel]

Are you referring to my usage of it? I used quotation marks on fans because I meant it sarcastically.

No. Just like BL said, people who aren't happy with the word "fans" and must think up some collective, pretentious name to set themselves apart from the rest.

[Spidey-Bat]

Look at Black Lantern bringing out the claws.

"Red Sox Nation" and "Yankee Universe" are media devices. Ridiculously annoying ones.

Pray that the Cubs don't pull it off this year. Their's would be the most annoying yet.

If they win the WS, there will be a Cubs Nation.

[Raiden]

Nice to see Pedro back and having a good game. Now if only he can stay injury-free, Mets just might salvage this season.

[Kingfish]

I can imagine it now. The Cubs win the World Series. "Cubs Nation" or "Cubs Dictatorship" or whatever is coined. GhostRider87 pops back in here just to remind us that the Cubs proved all us haters wrong.

See, I don't think anyone really wants that to happen.

[NewYorkSpider]

The Yankees should have stuck in him the 8th inning or rotation from Opening Day and keep him there until the last day of the season. The move from the bullpen hurts them and his 2-4 inning starts only exposes the bullpen even more.

If they were smart, they wouldn't restrict him to the set-up role (which is often a BS role) and make him the "bullpen ace". A bullpen ace, a Bill James idea, comes into key situations (like bases loaded, 0-1 outs in a close game. Spots a real closer should come in). He believes though that Mariano Rivera and other closers should be pitching in these situations and not the 9th inning (how often is the game on the line in the 9th anyway?).


I watched the highlights of the game last night and other than the walks, I thought Chamberlain pitched well. The balk didn't help much either. I think he'll get a few more starts before the Yankees make a decision on where they'll keep him. His next start is against Kansas City who have the worst offense in the Majors. They'll keep working his pitch count up more and he'll be able to pitch deeper into the game and should be a full time starter after the all-star break.

Derek Jeter passes Mickey Mantle on the all-time Yankee hit list tonight.

[Nakon]

The Cardinal game hasn't even started yet because another delay.

So i'm currently watching the Yankee Vs. Toronto game. Yankees are winning this one so far after Toronto owned them last game.

I think i'll switch over to game 6 in NHL finals soon. :D

[Excel]

coco showing he aint afraid to throw down :up:

[bored]

I was all excited to see where somebody I went to high school with* who was projected to get drafted in the Top 10 today went. Poor bastard is gonna be a National :(.


*Aaron Crow

[Excel]

coco showing he aint afraid to throw down :up:

And appearntly neither are Manny and Youk...with eachother :huh::huh:

What the ****?

[Captain Planet!]

I hope this Matusz guy is great. :up:

[Immortalfire]

Chipper cranks out home run #400 :up:

[BlackLantern]

Larry Wayne Jones likes boys

[NewYorkSpider]

I was all excited to see where somebody I went to high school with* who was projected to get drafted in the Top 10 today went. Poor bastard is gonna be a National :(.


*Aaron Crow

I have one person I know with the Indians organazation(Dan Cevete). I think he's in single A right now. The team was undecided on what they wanted to do with him. He had a great spring training. I also have another friend who I recently worked with who has talked to scouts(Braves, Padres and Mets). He's a really good pitcher who needs to work a little on his control. He's thrown multiple no-hitters in High School and even a tournament in Florida. I really hope he gets drafted in the near future. I can't remember the college he goes to. Somewhere in New Jeresy.

[Showtime]

You think I'm jealous the Mets don't have some "Met Nation"? I'm actually glad there is none because it's incredibly obnoxious. Same goes for 'Yankees Universe' which actually irritates me more because A) It tries to be bigger than 'Red Sox Nation' and B) Unlike the Red Sox, they are not the only baseball team in the area.


Smoltz had season-ending shoulder surgery. Wonder if he'll hang up the spikes. HUGE loss for the Braves. 3rd place or bust for them now.

No, you said the reason that Red Sox Nation was created was because of 2004, which is when the Red Sox won the World Series. Red Sox Nation came first as far as I remember, Yankees Universe is some kind of spin-off. It's like Deep Impact and Armegeddon.

[Showtime]

What's wrong with the word "fans"? :huh:

There are yahoos in every group of fans, they just transformed it into a membership based group.

apparently that isn't good enough anymore....people with extremely low self-esteem need something more to associate with a sports team that they have absolutely nothing to do with

So people from Boston that are part of this so called "Red Sox Nation" aren't associated with their local sports team?

Look at Black Lantern bringing out the claws.

"Red Sox Nation" and "Yankee Universe" are media devices. Ridiculously annoying ones.

Pray that the Cubs don't pull it off this year. Their's would be the most annoying yet.

Actually, although Red Sox Nation was first mentioned in 1986 by a Globe Writer. It was something developed by the team to create a sense of connection with Red Sox fans across the country. They are using it to make money, although annoying and I don't buy into it, they are making money.

[Spidey-Bat]

No, you said the reason that Red Sox Nation was created was because of 2004, which is when the Red Sox won the World Series. Red Sox Nation came first as far as I remember, Yankees Universe is some kind of spin-off. It's like Deep Impact and Armegeddon.

Either way, both are stupid, obnoxious, and just a cover-up for all the bandwagoners across the country.

[Dark Donnie]

Boston was alot more lovable when they had the curse, and never won anything. Now that they win at every sport the general public hates them...at least I think so.

[Immortalfire]

That's the way it goes. Good teams are hated because of that; they're good.

[Erzengel]

I think it's more the fans that the actual teams.

[DeGenerate10]

Chipper cranks out home run #400 :up:

Griffey is gonna crank out #600 today. I think Griff is only two years older than Chipper and he has 200 more homers than him. Chipper is a great player but I'd have to say Griffey is the best player of the 90s.

[Spidey-Bat]

As well as the media attention. ESPN is basically "The Yankees/Red Sox Network".

[BlackLantern]

well ESPN is located right in the middle of it here in CT...it kinda permeates everything around here

[omid17]

Guys why did Kevin Y and Manny R start fighting?

[BlackLantern]

^^because Manny is a total DBag and probably started it

[Raiden]

Guys why did Kevin Y and Manny R start fighting?

I heard from Cowherd on ESPN Radio that Kevin was upset Manny did not show up during the brawl until near the end, which he thought Manny did not support him or something.

[jks]

Griffey is gonna crank out #600 today. I think Griff is only two years older than Chipper and he has 200 more homers than him. Chipper is a great player but I'd have to say Griffey is the best player of the 90s.Griffey's first full season was 1989, chipper's was 1995. For griffey to only be 200 hr ahead despite a 6 year playing time advantage says a lot about how good jones is. [they both have been bitten by the injury bug in recent years]

[omid17]

I heard from Cowherd on ESPN Radio that Kevin was upset Manny did not show up during the brawl until near the end, which he thought Manny did not support him or something.thanks Rai

[Captain Planet!]

Guys why did Kevin Y and Manny R start fighting?
EASSPN (hardy har, I made a funny) said Manny was mad at Youkilis because he always throws his helmet and bat whenever he strikes out.

[Excel]

Aka Youk being his usual *****y self...not always bad but when you wear your emotions on your sleeve like him, you tend to piss people off...and Mannsy the most laid back dude on the team; I wanna know what Youk said that made him freak.

[NewYorkSpider]

For all the people who are *****ing about this so called "Red Sox Nation". The term was first used in 1986, but after they won the WS they started using it more.

[DarthRekal]

stupid frickin frackin(can i say that?) dodgers:cmad:

[Nakon]

That's the way it goes. Good teams are hated because of that; they're good.And quite frankley, that will never end. Sadly. :whatever:

[Spidey-Bat]

For all the people who are *****ing about this so called "Red Sox Nation". The term was first used in 1986, but after they won the WS they started using it more.

And in 2005 they made it official and turned it into a money-making scam.


The Met game was bizarre. Breaking pitches (for both sides) were being squeezed but fastballs were consistently called strikes. Santana got hit in the left shoulder trying to bunt. It was called a strike but a complete BS call. It hit him square in the shoulder (didnt deflect off the bat) and he was squaring to bunt. Either he pulls the bat back all the way and let the ball hit him in the face or he moves his head out of the way.

Later a batted ball hit Edgar Gonzalez running from 1st to 2nd, though it turned out good from the Padres since that'd have been a DP and only tie the game. Instead they got 2 hits and went ahead 2-1. In the previous inning, Wright came close to a grand slam. Would have been one in any other park.

[NewYorkSpider]

Hiroki Kuroda just pitched one hell of a game against the Cubs. CG, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K.

[cyborg ninja 14]

I heard from Cowherd on ESPN Radio that Kevin was upset Manny did not show up during the brawl until near the end, which he thought Manny did not support him or something.

Cowherd tends to rush to judgement on things. I wouldn't really take his word.

[NewYorkSpider]

Much better start today for Joba.

4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB. 5 SO.

Posada should've caught that passed ball that Joba threw. Cost us a run. I guess it caught Posada off guard being so high and going 97 MPH. Joba's next start will be against Houston this coming Friday and he's scheduled to throw I think between 85-90 pitches.

Offense is starting to come around as well. Abreu and Giambi both hit HR's today. 41 runs since last Monday. Hopefully we can gain some momentum and catch Boston and Tampa.

[Bunker]

Much better start today for Joba.

4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB. 5 SO.

Posada should've caught that passed ball that Joba threw. Cost us a run. I guess it caught Posada off guard being so high and going 97 MPH. Joba's next start will be against Houston this coming Friday and he's scheduled to throw I think between 85-90 pitches.

Offense is starting to come around as well. Abreu and Giambi both hit HR's today. 41 runs since last Monday. Hopefully we can gain some momentum and catch Boston and Tampa.

Who woulda thought?

[Spidey-Bat]

Mets go 2-5 on this road trip against two of the worst teams in the NL. They should have at least gone 5-2. I believe it's time to cut the bull**** and make stuff happen. They waited for things to fall in place for them last year and got burned.

[NewYorkSpider]

I saw the bullpen blew it again for the Mets. Is Randolph just using it wrong, or does the bullpen suck entirely?

[omid17]

I saw the bullpen blew it again for the Mets. Is Randolph just using it wrong, or does the bullpen suck entirely?imo both

[Spidey-Bat]

I saw the bullpen blew it again for the Mets. Is Randolph just using it wrong, or does the bullpen suck entirely?

It's him. Other than Heilman, the bullpen has been reliable. On this roadtrip they've only had a couple bad outings. First game against the Giants Heilman and Muniz (who got demoted for Pedro) weren't good. Schoeneweis gave up a 3-run homer the 2nd game (they still won. He's been good all year and gets a pass). They were good from the 3rd game against the Giants until today. Sanchez was not good from what I heard (wasn't watching). There were the 2 walk-offs. Schoeneweis did not pitch well but I did not like the decision to intentionally walk Kouzmanoff since he's a free swinger. Feliciano gave up a HR (He didn't implode, just hung a pitch Hairston got all of). I thought Willie bringing in Wagner for a 4 out save today was a bad idea. He's never been good when he has to pitch more than 1 inning. It was a bad, panic move that came back to bite him. In all honesty, when I saw Wagner come in for the 8th, I knew they'd lose.

[Showtime]

Either way, both are stupid, obnoxious, and just a cover-up for all the bandwagoners across the country.

I'll have to agree on some level.

[Showtime]

It's him. Other than Heilman, the bullpen has been reliable. On this roadtrip they've only had a couple bad outings. First game against the Giants Heilman and Muniz (who got demoted for Pedro) weren't good. Schoeneweis gave up a 3-run homer the 2nd game (they still won. He's been good all year and gets a pass). They were good from the 3rd game against the Giants until today. Sanchez was not good from what I heard (wasn't watching). There were the 2 walk-offs. Schoeneweis did not pitch well but I did not like the decision to intentionally walk Kouzmanoff since he's a free swinger. Feliciano gave up a HR (He didn't implode, just hung a pitch Hairston got all of). I thought Willie bringing in Wagner for a 4 out save today was a bad idea. He's never been good when he has to pitch more than 1 inning. It was a bad, panic move that came back to bite him. In all honesty, when I saw Wagner come in for the 8th, I knew they'd lose.

If they did get rid of Randolph, who would be on the short list of candidates?

[Spidey-Bat]

I used to remember the candidates mentioned in papers. The ones I remember were Lee Mazzilli, Jim Fregosi, Bobby Valentine, Jerry Manuel, Ken Oberkfell, and Tom Kelly. Think that's most.

Gary Carter was a possibility but he came off as an ******* with comments on a radio show recently. Wally Backman won't because of his off-field issues. Frank Robinson is a possibility if there's an issue with minority (I've heard MLB has a quota on minority managers). Never heard his name mentioned but Pete Mackanin wouldn't be a bad option (turned the Reds around last year).

[NewYorkSpider]

I was watching a SportsCenter clip on my phone awhile back when I was at work and the Gary Carter thing came up. I can't remember what he said?

I still think Lee Mazzilli would be a good replacement.

[Spidey-Bat]

Carter said on a radio show that he called a guy who worked for the Mets (Jay Horowitz, forget his position with them) to remind them he's available to take over as manager if the spot opens up.

I think Mazzilli would be a good manager but I would hesitate in bringing him mid-season into this mess.

[NewYorkSpider]

Carter said on a radio show that he called a guy who worked for the Mets (Jay Horowitz, forget his position with them) to remind them he's available to take over as manager if the spot opens up.

That's right. Pretty stupid move on his part.

I think Mazzilli would be a good manager but I would hesitate in bringing him mid-season into this mess.

Mazzilli did real well with the Orioles in 2004. They went 78-84. It was an improvement from the year before. Bringing him in would be a risk.

[omid17]

yea i think they should just let Randolf finish this season, i think it's pretty much inevitable that he'll be fired, but the big question is "when?"

[NewYorkSpider]

There's no way that the Mets front office lets Randolph finish the season(if they do they're stupid). He'll be fired if they continue to struggle within this month.

[Showtime]

I used to remember the candidates mentioned in papers. The ones I remember were Lee Mazzilli, Jim Fregosi, Bobby Valentine, Jerry Manuel, Ken Oberkfell, and Tom Kelly. Think that's most.

Gary Carter was a possibility but he came off as an ******* with comments on a radio show recently. Wally Backman won't because of his off-field issues. Frank Robinson is a possibility if there's an issue with minority (I've heard MLB has a quota on minority managers). Never heard his name mentioned but Pete Mackanin wouldn't be a bad option (turned the Reds around last year).

Do you think it would be better to inject some new blood into a managing position for the Mets, AKA Gary Carter, or bring in somebody like Valentine or Kelly?

[Spidey-Bat]

There's no way that the Mets front office lets Randolph finish the season(if they do they're stupid). He'll be fired if they continue to struggle within this month.

The only way he stays is if they go on something like a 20-8 stretch. However, this team can't put together two good weeks let alone one good month of solid baseball. I believe the meeting two weeks ago was a wearing to Randolph and since then Minaya has made an "invisible queue" (interviewing managerial candidates without any outside knowledge in case they need to fire Randolph).

Do you think it would be better to inject some new blood into a managing position for the Mets, AKA Gary Carter, or bring in somebody like Valentine or Kelly?

I think they need to have managing experience. Most guys that have come up have managed on some level (Randolph never did which I thought was a mistake). I think the new manager needs to have a more aggressive attitude. An issue with this team is leadership. None of the position players are taking on that role (Wright is as much as he can but he's not gonna tell a vet what to do), the pitchers can't since they don't play everyday, so I feel that falls on the manager. My preferred option is Jim Fregosi. I would Bobby Valentine to come back but he's an enormous celebrity in Japan and wouldn't come until their season was over. I think Mazzilli would be a good option but I don't know about bringing him into this mess mid-season.

Also to clarify on the game yesterday. Sanchez came in, gave up a bloop that Reyes probably should have caught (I can't really blame him though since it looked tough to get). He got 2 outs and left 2 guys on. Wagner was brought in because a lefty (Gerut) and the pitcher were up. However, Sanchez's best pitch is a circle change which is more effective against lefties than righties. I would have kept him in since he has the guts to get out of jams (Wagner implodes most the time when he gets himself in them).

[NewYorkSpider]

The only way he stays is if they go on something like a 20-8 stretch. However, this team can't put together two good weeks let alone one good month of solid baseball. I believe the meeting two weeks ago was a wearing to Randolph and since then Minaya has made an "invisible queue" (interviewing managerial candidates without any outside knowledge in case they need to fire Randolph).



Now's the time for them to turn it around. They play a struggling D-Backs team tommorow who have won 4 of their last 10 games. Then interleague starts on Friday where they play Texas at home and then the Angels on Monday. The next three series are crucial for the Mets. I believe these next three series will determine the fate of Willie Randolph and the Mets season. The Texas series will be tough for the Mets because the Rangers have scored the most runs in MLB. The starters definitely have too step it up. The LA series will be tough because the Mets haven't really played well on the road.


Yankees lose to the Royals 3-2 today. Rivera gives up the GW HR to Guillen and blows the game. Mussina pitched well into the 7th untill he gave up a two run HR. The offense started to come around this past week, but they were just terrible today. Leaving runners in scoring position is just getting ridiculous. We had 10 hits on Friday and one run. It seems like when are offense comes to play, the pitchers give up 5+ runs. But when are pitchers throw great, are offense is just terrible and we lose late in the game.

Congrats to Griffey Jr. on HR #600.

[Spidey-Bat]

Now's the time for them to turn it around. They play a struggling D-Backs team tommorow who have won 4 of their last 10 games. Then interleague starts on Friday where they play Texas at home and away at Los Angeles(Angels). The next three series are crucial for the Mets. I believe these next three series will determine the fate of Willie Randolph and the Mets season. The Texas series will be tough for the Mets because the Rangers have scored the most runs in MLB. The starters definitely have too step it up. The LA series will be tough because the Mets haven't really played well on the road.

Owings, Haren, and Webb are pitching though. They're also better than the slumping Mets. Texas they'll probably lose 2 of 3. I can see the Angels sweeping them since they are an infinitely better team.

[BlackLantern]

the Mets were supposed to turn it around going to play SF and San Diego....it hurts to see this kind of baseball

[NewYorkSpider]

Owings, Haren, and Webb are pitching though. They're also better than the slumping Mets. Texas they'll probably lose 2 of 3. I can see the Angels sweeping them since they are an infinitely better team.

I didn't even check to see who was pitching for Arizona. Those three pitchers will be tough to beat. The Rangers offense is just unbelievable, especially if Josh Hamilton gets in a groove.

the Mets were supposed to turn it around going to play SF and San Diego....it hurts to see this kind of baseball

I haven't watched the Mets play much this season. Just the series when they played the Yankees. I might watch them Wednesday while I wait for the Yankees to play at Oakland.

[BlackLantern]

I am a Mets fan, I live in CT and have SNY (the Mets owned channel) I want to stab my eyes out lately

[NewYorkSpider]

Mets games are usually on Sundays where I live. I think one channel broadcasts SNY just for that day. Not sure why. My local FOX channel used to broadcast the YES network for Yankee games once in a great while. They don't do that anymore. I have to watch games on MLB.tv now.

Tigers fans will want to stab their eyes out. It's 8-0 in the 2nd inning. :dry: Willis has thrown like 5 BB.

[Spidey-Bat]

WB/CW used to broadcast Met games on the weekends for several years.

[NewYorkSpider]

That's right, it's the WB/CW channel that broadcasts the Mets game. I get Pirates games all the time since I live in PA.

edit: Mark Cuban gets book on Cubs today.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/995235,CST-SPT-cuban09.article

[Dark Donnie]

Griffey hits 600!

[Showtime]

I think they need to have managing experience. Most guys that have come up have managed on some level (Randolph never did which I thought was a mistake). I think the new manager needs to have a more aggressive attitude. An issue with this team is leadership. None of the position players are taking on that role (Wright is as much as he can but he's not gonna tell a vet what to do), the pitchers can't since they don't play everyday, so I feel that falls on the manager. My preferred option is Jim Fregosi.

I love Fregosi, I think he could make some noise. In regards to Valentine, I think his status comes before the team, not that it is intentional, but I think he might not be the best choice. Do you think somebody like Grady Little would be to laid back? I know he has had somewhat of a checkered past, but he has a good record and is well respected.

[Spidey-Bat]

I love Fregosi, I think he could make some noise. In regards to Valentine, I think his status comes before the team, not that it is intentional, but I think he might not be the best choice. Do you think somebody like Grady Little would be to laid back? I know he has had somewhat of a checkered past, but he has a good record and is well respected.

Fans here loved Valentine. The media hated him. He needs the right players and I don't know if this current group would mesh well with him. He'd be an excellent choice as far as his strategic ability though.

I don't really know much about Jim Fregosi. Heard his name mentioned and he seems like the best option.

Grady Little doesn't seem like the right guy to turn around the Mets.

[NewYorkSpider]

What about Cito_Gaston (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cito_Gaston)? He won the World Series with the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993.

[Spidey-Bat]

He hasn't managed for 11 years. I doubt he's interested in managing again since it's been that long.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Congrats to Ken Griffey Jr. on #600. I believe he did it clean:up:

Also I correctly guessed 5 BBs for Willis today, balls in your court Spidey-Bat:o

D-Train '08 fun facts: 11.1 innings, 21 BB, 5 K:woot:

[Spidey-Bat]

Congrats to Ken Griffey Jr. on #600. I believe he did it clean:up:

Also I correctly guessed 5 BBs for Willis today, balls in your court Spidey-Bat:o

D-Train '08 fun facts: 11.1 innings, 21 BB, 5 K:woot:

I feel really bad for Willis since he's a nice guy. Just needs a pitching coach who knows what he's doing. He should go to the Padres or Cardinals.

Here is the root of the Mets problem. There was some charity were a good number of players (including guys like Santana and Wright) as well as Randolph, Minaya, and the owner were at. Minaya said the way the team is playing is not acceptable since he thinks they are better than 500. However, he later said he is satisfied with the effort being put forth by his manager and players, which he feels is a playoff-caliber roster. Don't get how you can accept the effort but not the results when both are lousy.

[Spidey-Bat]

Just when I think the Mets can't fall any more, the trap door opens up.

[NewYorkSpider]

5 straight losses for the Mets. Time for Randolph to go. Not next month, not next week, right now.

D-Train sent to single A. :lmao:

[Spidey-Bat]

5 straight losses for the Mets. Time for Randolph to go. Not next month, not next week, right now.

D-Train sent to single A. :lmao:

He definitely needs to go. It's 8 months overdue.

Poor Dontrelle. Marlins fubar'd him :(

[Darthphere]

He definitely needs to go. It's 8 months overdue.

Poor Dontrelle. Marlins fubar'd him :(

:huh:

The same Marlins who gave the world the likes of Josh Beckett, AJ Burnett, Kevin Brown, Livan Hernandez and Trevor Hoffman, yes it's their fault Dontrelle forgot how to throw the ball.:whatever::huh:

[BlackLantern]

There was talk of why Barry Bonds doesn't have a job and it having something to do with the Mitchell Report, steroids and all that...I honestly think its because Bonds is just and unpleasant person, with his demands for special treatment (recliner, two lockers) and his bad relationship with the press

[Raiden]

5 straight losses for the Mets. Time for Randolph to go. Not next month, not next week, right now.

D-Train sent to single A. :lmao:

I agree, Mets should've wait until end of the season to fire him. They should do it now and maybe the new manager can help salvage what's rest of the season.

[Spidey-Bat]

:huh:

The same Marlins who gave the world the likes of Josh Beckett, AJ Burnett, Kevin Brown, Livan Hernandez and Trevor Hoffman, yes it's their fault Dontrelle forgot how to throw the ball.:whatever::huh:

Trevor Hoffman, Kevin Brown, and Livan Hernandez are irrelevant to Dontrelle since they were in the Marlins organization LONG before Willis. Also, Hoffman has only played 3% of his games with the Marlins and that number is only decreasing. Giving the Marlins credit for him is like giving the Dodgers credit for Pedro Martinez.

What the Marlin did was mess up how Willis pitched.

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-d-trains-mechanics-a-video-analysis/

Read that link. The changes made from 2005 to 2007 were done by the Marlins and are the cause of his decline.

Also, AJ Burnett and to a lesser degree Josh Beckett have bad mechanics.

[Showtime]

Also, AJ Burnett and to a lesser degree Josh Beckett have bad mechanics.

I bet some of the other pitchers in the league might kill for bad mechanics then.

[Spidey-Bat]

I bet some of the other pitchers in the league might kill for bad mechanics then.

Bad mechanics doesn't mean you're a bad pitcher. Beckett's aren't horrible, but he does some things he shouldn't.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3908/joshbeckett1jb5.jpg
Here he brings his elbows up too much. The elbows should be straight with the shoulders. Doing this can cause elbow problems.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/7981/joshbeckett2dv8.jpg
Here he brings his right elbow up too much. Again, it should be level with his shoulders. Doing this is called hyperabduction and can cause elbow problems.

There are many pitchers who have bad mechanics but have been able to stay injury-free for the majority of their careers. Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz are two examples. Beckett probably falls on that side of the borderline.

[Showtime]

I understand what you're saying, but hasn't Willis' entire delivery been pretty dramatic since he came up? He seemed like an injury waiitng to happen from the beginning.

[Spidey-Bat]

Yes he was an injury concern but the changes they made were bad. Changing his timing hurt his velocity and control.

[NewYorkSpider]

Just look at his numbers from 2005-2007.


2005 - 22-10, 55 BB, 170 SO, 2.63 ERA
2006 - 12-12, 83 BB, 160 SO, 3.87 ERA
2007 - 10 -15, 87 BB, 146 SO, 5.17 ERA

His numbers declined rapidly over a three year period. That means his control/velocity changed while he was in Florida.

I hate to see this happen to him. Getting demoted from the Majors all the way to single-A has got to be brutal for him. I hope he can find his magic from the 2005 season.

[Dark Donnie]

I thought they said he could see alot more Innings in Single A then AA? I thought that was the reasoning.

[Excel]

I bet some of the other pitchers in the league might kill for bad mechanics then.

Not this year...4.22 era needs to drop. Until dice k comes back, looks like Mstersons our ace...

[Excel]

I bet some of the other pitchers in the league might kill for bad mechanics then.

Not this year...4.22 era needs to drop. Until dice k comes back, looks like Mstersons our ace...

[tupelohoney]

Pujols almost certainly headed to the DL. I feel like the Cards have been over-performing all year, perhaps the house of cards gets blown down now.

[Spidey-Bat]

I'm so ****ing tired of Billy Wagner. He opens his mouth calls out Perez and vents about how he's frustrated with the team. First save he blows is in Colorado, gives up a home run. This was during their first 5-game skid. Next save he blows he gives up a HR to Tony Clark (pinch hit, 2 outs. Gives Padres lead) in their 4 game skid. Now tonight he gives up a 3-run homer to Mark Reynolds (who had 3 Ks already and swings at everything) which spoils a great outing by Pelfrey. This one was also with 2 outs and a win would have stopped a 5-game skid. If you're gonna open your mouth, back it up and get every big save. Otherwise shut up or retire.