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When the 2009 MLB season comes to a close, the Chicago Cubs have announced that they will shop starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano in hopes of swinging a trade and dumping much of his monstrous contract. The question is, should the Mets be interested in the massive right-hander?

That's the question a friend asked me earlier today, and I said, "Sure. It's not like we have anyone better" -- with the obvious exception of Johan Santana. As far as physical ability goes, Zambrano isn't the 97-99 MPH flamethrower he was four or five seasons ago, but he maintains an effective power sinker that would work nicely at Citi Field. I thought he looked hurt in 2008, but I've seen the life return to his sinker this season. 

The obstacle in the Mets' way would be of the financial variety. By now many of you know that the Wilpons were ripped off by Bernie Madoff, and reports have suggested as much as $700 million in losses. If the actual number is anywhere near that figure, it would be awfully difficult for the Mets to house Zambrano's hefty contract. Only time will tell, I guess. 

Continue reading "Cubs Say They Will Shop Zambrano"

As it stands right now, the Colorado Rockies are 4.5 games ahead of the San Francisco Giants in the National League Wild Card race. The Rockies have been a bit of a surprise team this season, after an unimpressive '08 campaign and the loss of Matt Holliday during the offseason. They've thrived after the firing of Clint Hurdle, as Jim Tracy has pushed the right buttons, rarely ever taking a misstep.

Considering the way they've played in recent months, is a 4.5 game cushion plenty for the Rockies? Can the Giants, Marlins, and Braves kiss their playoff hopes goodbye?

Well, I've never quite been a believer in the Giants. Sure they have Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain at the top of their rotation, but it's difficult to gather momentum with an offense as impotent as theirs. They'd be tough in a short series because of their starting pitching, but I doubt they'll get to that point. 

Continue reading "Have the Rockies locked up the NL Wild Card?"

As if the 2009 season couldn't get any worse for the Metropolitans, Pedro Martinez had to go and embarrass them on national television last night. While Tim Redding (who I can't stand) pitched his ass off for the Mets, their anemic offense couldn't help him out. The Phillies' famously potent lineup was held to just one run...

And the Mets STILL couldn't find a way to win. Pedro, whom the Mets opted to pass on this offseason, went eight strong innings without allowing a single run. Pedro struck out seven, and scattered six hits. He was featuring an 88-92 MPH fastball, a sweeping curve, and an excellent change-up to left-handed hitters. 

Oh well, I guess the Mets' front office was positive that Redding was the better choice this offseason. Another real winner for this sorry organization. 

Continue reading "Pedro sticks it to his old mates"

For the past couple days, that's a question that baseball fans have been asking throughout the country. And what's the answer? Is there an answer? Is it OK for a baseball team to premeditate a celebration as over-the-top as Milwaukee's earlier this week?

Well, this is certainly a matter of perspective. As is often the case when something like this comes up, it's New School vs. Old School. Now I'm admittedly a "New Schooler," but that doesn't mean I'm on board with every aspect of the movement. It's like being a Democrat without a single Republican view -- pretty rare situation to find. 

So what's my take? To be specific, I prefer the Yankees' wedding bouquet celebration to Milwaukee's bowling pin topple. The bouquet thing is subtle in comparison; the toppling pins were a little much for me. I pitched for 15 years of my life, and I know I'd hate it if an opposing team celebrated in that fashion. I think a celebration like that has a home in the NFL (a la the Baltimore Ravens of the past), unfortunately football's hierarchy is so uptight that it cut all of the fun out of scoring.

Continue reading "Was Prince Fielder's Celebration OK?"

I don't intend to go on for too long in this particular post, but I'm just wondering, why did Jeff Wilpon say Jerry Manuel is "his guy," and why is Manuel's managerial job so secure? I understand that injuries have decimated the Mets' roster in 2009, but does that mean it should be impossible for the team to perform well? Does that mean Manuel automatically gets a pass for his personal performance?

The whole situation makes little sense to me. If I were the Mets' front office and management, I'd be looking to start fresh in 2010 -- manager included. Manuel has proven to be a very poor in-game manager, struggling with match-ups and the basics of offensive strategy. His tactics are dated, and his club has lost games as a result of his decision-making. 

Personally, I despise Manuel as a manager. But my personal opinion doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, all that matters is what Omar Minaya and the Wilpons think. 

Continue reading "What has Jerry Manuel done to keep his job?"

The 2009 Major League Baseball season has been a disaster for the New York Mets, and we all know it, so there's little need to beat a dead horse. Let's move on to 2010. Offensively, the necessities appear to be left field and catcher, but the focus of this post will be starting pitching. "Pitching and defense wins championships" they say, so let's see if the Mets will have what it takes...

No. 1 Starter: LHP-Johan Santana

Johan recently had season-ending surgery, but he's expected to be back and ready to go for spring training in '10. Hopefully the surgery will improve Johan's velocity, as he dipped into the 88-90 range during the second half of this year. He was still relatively effective, but nothing like '08 or his days in a Minnesota Twins' uniform. I don't think Santana will be dominant, but I expect him to be a very solid No. 1 starter in 2010. 

Continue reading "2010 Mets' Rotation"

 

Last week Heat Forward Michael Beasley checked into a rehabilitation center in Houston Texas. While it was unclear why the Heat second year man decided to check himself into a rehab center, it was reported that Beasley was going through tremendous stress, possibly some cases of depression. On Wednesday ESPN announced that Beasley broke the NBA’s substance abuse problem.  

J.A. Adande, an ESPN.com senior writer, suggested in his most recent column that Beasley’s unfortunate situation indicated that the NBA age requirement, which forces high school phonemes to attend at least one year of college and be at least nineteen-years-old before entering the draft, serves little purpose.

While the NBA argues that they are only protecting young players from the tear and grind of the NBA life, Adande quarrels that ultimately it is up to the player himself as to whether or not he will be able to endure life in the league.

Continue reading "Michael Beasley's situation sheds light on NBA one and done rule."

The Yankees look good, and i think that it isn't too early to mention magic number. The amount of games they have to play until they can "pop champagne." I'm just putting it out there, there are bigger concerns with the team, oh wait, no there isn't. They look like they will lose to the A's on the opening night of the series. It would have been nice to give them a day off, but having been shut out 3 other times, the last by Atlanta, on June 23rd. But what do you say, go get them again tomorrow. By the way, any combination of 51 wins it for the Yankees. They win that much, the Red Sox's lose that many, the team will be celebrating the championship of their division. I think that A-Rod is playing hurt, because he looks a little slow, and although that is obvious to see, it's worth

Continue reading "It's not too early is it?"

Peanut Butter and Jelly, Woodward and Bernstein and Batman and Robin are all synonymous with good pairings. Unfortunately, the coupling of Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles may be synonymous with nails on a chalkboard.  

After hearing about Vick’s signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, the only thought that came to mind was why?

Why would the Eagles put their franchise at risk with a questionable player in Vick when they already have one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League and a potential hall of famer in Donovan McNabb?

Why would the Eagles enable a media frenzy city and fans that are angrier and bitterer than an old woman at the bank, to dissect, analyze, critique and ridicule every move, play, and word that Vick creates?

Continue reading "Michael Vick and The Eagles make a bad pair."

I hope that Mr. Donnie Walsh goes out there and gets Ramon Sessions. This young baller out of Nevada can be Raja Bell like for Mike D'Antoni's Knicks. No, he won't guard the two, but he can be a good player against the point. Raja Bell might have been a bit of an overstatement, but I really think they need depth at the point. Duhon and Douglass cannot be the full plan. I could see Monta Ellis finding his way with the team. Golden State has depth at his position, and although they are committed to him, I could see them working something out. I just believe that with the team staying the way it is, the season will be just like last year, even with the addition of Hill and Douglass. Nate and David are still unresolved, and training camp is 10 weeks away or there about. I think it's about time

Continue reading "I mean, really Knicks??"