Hawksheart Past Blogs

Baseball is a skilled game. It's America's game; it and high taxes!--- Will Rogers

Here's a few of my blogs from this past year. (Moved from my other site)

Entry for September 28, 2007

Three games! THREE GAMES! This is what? Crunch time! Number One: The most important game is Friday, September 28, 2007! Mets vs. Florida forget the rest! You have to forget the rest. You have to forget the past for it is too painful, and too late to cry about it! You’ll have enough time for that crap in December.
It is indescribable the pain NY Mets Fans are feeling right now. Leading the league in first place by seven games back on September 12th, the Mets have imploded and drag the NY Met fans into an abyss of humilation and degradation! Unfortunately as I have stated in my past blogs, Randolph has managed us into implosion! Soooooo many games given back!!! Such a lack of small ball, forced squeeze plays, runners moving, there was not one aggressive national league squeeze play in 2007 or the 2006 season by the Mets. The amount of speed in our team was misused. Reyes’ stolen bases equaled to an exhausted Reyes and many men left on base. Sixteen times this year with at least a six to seven run lead, the Mets gave those games back to come up with losses. At the time Randolph kept chiming "we’re still in first place". I kept chiming until you’re not due to the lack of serious managerial direction.
All those lost games that were given away by Randolph’s mismanagement of the bullpen and their pitching, are sorely counted right now as the missing clinch to the NL East title. The Phillies did sneak up. Now the Phillies are not coming quietly but roaring, are in contention, tied with us for first place. I feel as if I have been gut punched, not sucker punched cause I saw it coming, too bad Randolph didn’t!
I strongly believe that Jeff Wilpon had every right to state his dissatisfaction with the team, Randolph, and GM Omar Minaya(who signed Randolph for another three years earlier this season). Jeff Wilpon is co-owner along with his father, but at least he has the stones to speak up when necessary! Even if the media said it was bad timing, I say, when was he supposed to speak up in the winter when it’s too late? When did Noah build the Arc? Before the storm!!! Before the storm is when you buckle down and prepare for what’s coming. That’s what the Mets need to do right now!!! Whip that Arc out and hit homeruns two by two!
One last painful statement about this debacle, for all the times I have heard the words from Randolph reminding everyone how he’s been there, he’s experienced, how he’s seen it all before! He forgets to realize he’s seen baseball as a player and a coach. NOT as a manager! Randolph is still a rookie with clay in his eyes, who refuses too clean himself and see that everyone has read the Randolph one dimensional playbook. And if you have any doubt or question, here’s a piece of toast for your stomach to prevent you from heaving; the Nationals are managed by a first year, first time ever manager, former NY Mets third base coach Manny Acta! How’s that for having your scorecard written up for you before the game is even pitched!

Tags: nymets, gutpunched



Entry for September 15, 2007

Last night was a terrible loss to the Philles. The reason for the Mets loss against the Phillies can be debated from various viewpoints. The blame game is easy, Monday morning quarter backing happens, but there is one question I pose to Omar Minaya and the Wilpons, after all they did put this team together, and they are paying individuals to make the decisions on the field. My question is this: How is it that in the bottom of the eighth inning with the game tied 2-2 that two of the fastest runners in baseball don’t score one run? I believe this question really needs to be addressed.
Carlos Gomez is on third base (and he is faster than Reyes) and Reyes (75 stolen bases fast) is on first base, Luis Castillo (who is usually a good number 2 situational hitter) comes up and strikes out. David Wright comes up, is hit by a pitch and now the bases are loaded. Beltran comes up and once again strikes out. The inning is over and no one scored.
Leaving men on base, especially men with tremendous speed, is an error in strategy! Randolph’s predictability is at fault here. It would appear that the other NL managers already know the Randolph playbook. They know he won’t put the pressure on, he won’t squeeze bunt and put the runners in motion, he just sits there and waits for an American League solution.
LoDuca being thrown out the game wasn’t helpful, but the decision to bring in DeFelice instead of Alomar Jr. behind the plate, was just another example of Randolph inexperience. This is like a repetitive nightmare. It happened against the Phillies last night, and in previous games, it has happened against the Braves and this same scenario has occurred against the Dogders. It was the losing difference in 2006 and if it continues will cost us 2007.
I know we’ve been in first place since May, but the playoffs will bring it to a new level and if ground level changes don’t occur I see 2007 turning into 2006. The fact that the Phillies are hungry and still in contention, gives them the ability to quietly steal 1st place.
Tags: mets, phillies


Entry for September 11, 2007

We will always remember our Fallen heroes. God Bless you all my brothers and sisters as you faithfully heed the call of duty and responsibility for public safety and security. God Bless you all.
Tags: 911, nypd, fdny, papd


Entry for July 30, 2007

There was just no explanation for the inexcusable way the Mets lost this game. It is true that any team can lose to any team at any given time. I’m not trying to say that losing to the Nationals was inconceivable, but when you are a competitive ball club playing at home, with the momentum in your favor, it is really hard to fathom that the outcome could turn so dire. Randolph’s idiotic way of using two players for one spot when you have no bench left, particularly when backup catcher Castro had to come in anyway because LoDuca injured his leg, is completely out of the MORON manual. He put in Marlon Anderson using up the last man in his bench. Randolph’s just not able to manage a team when real decisions have to be made, and please don’t tell me he chose Anderson to come in because he didn’t want Castro to bat into a double play. All you had to do was to put both runners in motion. Hernandez from second base and Milledge from first! Castro is a contact hitter he would have gotten bat on ball, but because that’s not the change Randolph went with we’ll never know. What we do know is that Tom Glavine was his only painfully self-inflicted choice of a bat off the bench in the following inning. Let me repeat that TOM GLAVINE the Pitcher! If anyone is wondering why I don’t want Randolph as the NY Met manager, the second game of the doubleheader this past July 28th is all I have to say!
I’ve had my doubts regarding Randolph as Manager that’s not news to anyone, but I have formulated my thesis as to why this is a continual problem. Anyone who has spent 80% of his baseball career in the American League, where the designated hitter is an established crutch, has difficulty understanding the depths that is the National League. Small ball and the mechanics of pitching are an enigma to Randolph. He just doesn’t get it! This all or nothing deal with Randolph just doesn’t hold water, especially when you don’t have that big bopper of a home run hitter, coming in to save the day or what the American League calls the designated hitter.
Last year we saw Randolph’s all or nothing plan fail, as he chose a crippled Cliff Floyd to come up time and time again to hit the home run that never came. This year he applied that thinking by using Julio Franco with the same result. (sidenote: Franco was released by the Mets and on July 18th was picked up by Atlanta who needed him to fill in until they acquired Mark Teixeira which has now made them an even stronger competitor.)
Are we doomed to see the moron manual again this year, to watch Randolph crush a championship run as he puts all the eggs in one small basket? Randolph is probably one the nicest men but he has to stop managing in such a moronic manner.
Tags: moronmanual, randolph, nymets



Entry for July 22, 2007

I’m re-thinking the whole NY Mets deal with the Dodgers and I’ve come back to the same conclusion that I did a few days ago, which is, that Randolph always seems to be in the middle of whether or not the Mets lose this game and why. Shaun Green has good numbers against Penny and on Friday even the announcers for SNY mentioned that the Mets had a good chance against Penny. They hit him well and Shaun Green was the first name they mentioned as a threat. Guess what Randolph decides to do. Place Shaun Green on the bench, the guy didn’t play! Nine times out of ten I’d rather see Shaun Green on the bench, than to see him go constantly up there and ground out to second base or strike out. But here’s an opportunity, Shaun Green has a good average against Penny, against the team that got rid of him, the Dodgers. The same way Marlin Anderson is coming big against the team that released him, Shaun Green has the same deal he can make a difference. Yet Randolph has him riding pine.
When Green was last in LA, Penny accused him of peeking, and of course Shaun Green basically stood there and did nothing. Was this the reason Randolph had him sit it out on the bench? Yet if you have a guy who hits good, who hits hard, against a particular pitcher and you choose to leave him in the bench, aren’t you to blame for the loss?
Now I may sound like I'm constantly picking on Randolph, and you’d be right! I am on Randolph because he is managing in a losing manner, a manner that can cause the Mets to lose every game. Games that truly count. The NY Mets lose because Randolph manages that way.
I will tell you this time last year, 2006, the Mets got to the playoffs in spite of Randolph, because Omar Minaya put a good team together! They went out there and they played. Randolph didn’t have to do a damn thing to do with it. He didn’t have to do anything, because the players played. This year it’s different, there are injuries. Big, BIG injuries, you have to shuffle, you have to deal with struggling batters, you have to manage, and this is when a manager earns his bucks. This year Randolph isn’t earning his salary unless he’s managing to lose.
For every game the Mets lost this year, I can find a bad decision by Randolph as they key to the loss. I tell myself that this will be the last time that I refer to Randolph’s incompetence as a manager, but then he goes and makes a bone head decision and I have to call him on it. Randolph is managing to lose. Every time he makes a decision, it’s the wrong one. For example, waiting too long to go out to the mound and take out your struggling starting pitcher, whose is coming back from a strained hamstring. During the game instead of reasoning he just stands there. The first time the opposing lineup went out there they hit the ball hard, but the outfielders caught it, but then the second time the opposing lineup came up the balls went further, then it was time to get someone warming up in the bullpen, you got a four nothing lead, you can see that your pitcher is struggling, yet Randolph still didn’t have anyone warming up. A manager who doesn’t know when a pitcher needs to be taken out, or needs a breather becomes a constant repetitive problem.
Last year Omar Minaya put a team together,there were injuries but for the most part the team was healthy with a few exceptions back and forth, and the National League East was weaker. This year is different, the Eastern division is stronger, there are injuries, and Randolph has to manage, he has to make key decisions. Almost every decision Randolph has made has cost him a game. So what are the Mets to do you might ask?
They have to get players who will perform and create wins in spite of Randolph’s decision making. Minaya has to make certain trades to create a team that wins regardless of its manager.
There are two moves I would love for Omar Minaya to make. They involve two former Mets, Xavier Nady and Ty Wigginton. First I would get Xavier Nady to play right field, trade Shaun Green or put him in the bench. I know you’re going to say you’re paying a guy that much money to put him in the bench. I say better on the bench than out on the field if he is not going to win you a game. Green is not going to help the team not with his bat or his glove. Even if Moises Alou comes back, you can’t depend on that. If Alou or Pedro Martinez return you can count that as gravy. You need a right-handed bat Nady would be a great fit. Second Ty Wigginton, he can play first, second, short and third, and on top of playing hard core defense, he can hit! We need the ability to score runs. Xavier Nady and Ty Wigginton can give you hits and they both play first, so if you want to sit Delgado out later on in the games, you can. Delgado has been horrible defensively as of late, but we’ll save that for an entirely different blog.
I believe that by acquiring Nady and Wigginton you can create a stronger lineup. You can’t pitch around anyone because you’d be looking at a threatening lineup no matter who was coming up to bat.
As for Manager, I can think of Howard Johnson (Hadji). He has shown what he can do in the minor leagues. His credentials, A championship player(1986), A coach, a minor league manager (Brooklyn Cyclones) and now his is the hitting coach for the NY Mets. Randolph went to many interviews before landing with the Mets; could all eleven or more teams have been wrong to turn him down or did they see something the Mets didn’t?
Tags: mets, randolph, minaya, nady, wiggington



Entry for July 02, 2007

Doing the same action and expecting a different outcome is usually a symptom of insanity. The Mets are stuck in the same loop: go to Franco, he grounds out or go to automatic out Ricky Ledee.
Could someone please explain to me how this equation is going to equal a win; Franco + Ledee + strikeouts/groundouts = productive
I’m finding it hard to believe Omar Minaya is becoming Steve Phillips. After seeing the repetitive routine of Randolph sending up Franco these past couple of weeks, and his complete disregard for national league play, it just doesn’t equal to a World Series team. The understanding that injuries are a part of the game, is not my contention. It is the inability to exercise a change in the dynamic of the team when the current efforts bear no fruit.
Minaya isn’t addressing the problem with the outfield and the lack of hitting is only going to get worse. Teams have already become accustomed to the weak points in the Mets. They capitalize on the lack of production from the bench. They are aware of the gaps in the lineup and pitch around the threats, they all are already intentionally walking Reyes (who in this first half has received more intentional walks than in his entire career) AND it is only the first half of the season.
In late innings the opponent already knows that the Mets don’t have power in their bench, and even if they do in Ramon Castro, Randolph won’t use him. Castro is our only other catcher, but in the ninth inning when the game is on the line, I say it’s worth the risk to put him in, than to continue to go to the non-productive Franco and Ledee.
Speaking of Ledee, I understand the appeal for Franco, and the heart of a veteran that he brings to the team, but please somebody tell me when has Ricky Ledee ever been considered a vital asset to a team? A threat of a hitter? A winner? NEVER! Is this the best that Omar Minaya can bring? I don’t think so. If Omar Minaya believes that his only concern is our pitching then he is not checking the pulse of this team. We will continue to be stuck in the same tree until we get a hard hitting brute to pull us forward.
Tags: mets, franco, ledee, stuck



Entry for June 14, 2007

With last night’s loss I find myself asking a lot of questions. If last year we had Paul LoDuca batting second, and it was working; why change it? Why would you bring up Ricky Ledee when it was clear last year that his best years were behind him? Are you going to tell me that this is the best that Omar Minaya can do with the Wilpon’s money? Look I’m not a manager nor pretend to be, but in life if something works, stick to it. Only change the things that aren’t working. Last year we had Ricky Ledee and that came back with negative results, why would you want to repeat the same mistake? Are you honestly going to tell me that this is best that the Mets organization can come up with? A wasted Ricky Ledee? Omar Minaya what’s going on?
Shawn Green is not the answer either. Last night when Penny, the pitcher for the Dodgers, came up to Green and accused him of stealing signs or locations, Green just stood there and let Penny run at the mouth. STOOD THERE! Instead of showing some fire in return, Green just walked away. He didn’t throw his hat, or yell "you just struck me out what the f*** are you talking about?!" Green could have shown some fire just to get his teammates going. I know Green is not a confrontational player, but someone has to fire this team up, and it shouldn’t always have to fall on LoDuca’s shoulders.
The lack of fire is only a side problem. The lineup is the big 800-pound gorilla on the field. Last year the Mets lineup had 1. Reyes(Switch hitter) 2. LoDuca (righty) 3. Beltran (Switch) 4. Delgado (Lefty) 5. Wright (righty) 6. Floyd (lefty) 7. Nady(righty) 8. Valentin (switch) . With last year’s line up if you were a pitcher, there was no secure way to approach this monster. In late innings, managers couldn’t just place a righty or a lefty because the constant threat of a switch hitter loomed large. This lineup featured speed(Reyes) patience (LoDuca), power (Beltran, Delgado) and for added measures consistency (Wright) unpredictability (Floyd, Nady) and Valentin who gave you all of the above plus maturity.
This year none of the above is intact. The lineup has been compromised one by injury (Valentin, Alou) two by trades (Floyd, Nady), age (Alou). The dynamic of the line up has been compromised, with Lo Duca moved into the number 6 or 7 spot, pitchers walk Reyes because there’s no fear of an ever changing, number two hitter. Beltran and Delgado have been in horrendous slumps. So pitchers view it as take the speed out of the equation (Reyes) and work the corners. The Mets’ batters are constantly going after bad pitches. There is no working the count; most of time they’re swinging for the fences just produces pop-ups and the always painful double play. The Mets have become a one-dimensional line up.
When asked about the slide of losses, Randolph was quoted saying "We feel that when the dust clears, we’ll be where we want to be, If not, that’s life." That’s like a fishing Captain saying, "The ship ain’t sinking it’s just taking in a little water" while lowering his life raft. We are two losses away, balanced against Atlanta and Philly being two wins away from them grabbing, and the Mets losing first place. Randolph’s belief that it’s still early, is a misconception. When the Mets are no longer in first place, what time will it be then? Too late? The All Star break is but a few weeks away and Philly and Atlanta are playing with a new intensity. If the Mets dive down into third place, I guess to Randolph that’s just life. Sounds like Randolph’s just waiting for Torre to retire. As I was once told by a fellow blogger ( Shoutout to Mike W!) "Remove the Yankee spy!"
S.O.S ……Get Bobby Valentine …STOP….Valentine must get out of Japan and back to Queens…STOP… Before we take on too much water….STOP…. This time he won’t have to deal with that boil on his ass, Steve Phillips getting in his way…STOP.
(For all you youngsters this is a telegraph parody or as I call it original text messaging)
Tags: losingstreak, mets, lineup,


Entry for June 06, 2007

Enjoying an early Father’s Day gift from my lovely wife Emma and our kids, I was able to watch a very exciting and enjoyable game the other night. (They gave me the Baseball package on cable.) I got to watch Boston versus Oakland.
There I saw and was completely impressed by Oakland’s ace Dan Haren. I predict the All-Star game’s starting pitcher for the American League (barring injury) will be Dan Haren! All I can say is WOW! Haren’s ability to keep a good hitting team like Boston just stifled for eight innings, just tremendous control! Unfortunately the manager of the A’s, Bob Geren, did not use the right man to close the door. He bought in Alan Embree, an ex-Boston pitcher! Didn’t Geren think Embree’s former teammates knew all his tells, all his pitches? Basically it took away the win from Haren, he ended up with a no decision and with Embree giving Boston a chance, they came in and tied the game. It turned into a great contest but in the eleventh Oakland’s third baseman Eric Chavez hit the winning home run! Exciting Baseball!
I love being able to enjoy a baseball game even without my Mets on the field. I enjoyed watching A’s second baseman Mark Ellis hit for the cycle, Haren’s excellent pitching, and the exciting win in the eleventh.
Boston was tired from the night before, (they played the Yankees in the rain) still gave it all they had. One thing became obvious to me during the game, and that is that Boston will fight, scratch and claw to win. There were no quitters in that dugout. The Boston Red Sox and Oakland A’s have really earned my respect.
Tags: oaklanda's, bostonredsox


Entry for June 04, 2007

Losing two to the Diamondbacks is not a very good way to start the month of June. I believe this is going to be the most challenging month in the New York Mets season. The fact that they are the only team in both the American and National league that have to play every, let me repeat that, EVERY TEAM that made it to the playoffs last year in one month, makes June a tough hill to climb.
On one hand if they do well they’ll be even better than I thought possible! BUT just the fact that last night the lineup was that of second string spring training and only four hits produced one run, and only one ball was hit fair, I’m concerned.
The injuries are already affecting us. Valentin’s knee, David Wright with back spasms, Carlos Beltran with an injured knee, a contusion from the collision with SF Giants Rich Aurilla this past Thursday night. Versus Arizona there were a lot of soft hit balls. Arizona’s pitcher Brandon Webb owned the entire game!
So with the Mets playing strong teams, facing really great pitching, and not having a healthy, full first string lineup I think this month can really take a toll. Every day this month they will be facing top aces, combine that with the fact that the Mets aren’t really hitting home runs at this point and the outlook seems rough. Optimistically I hope that they don’t drop past second place. This month we play the Phillies who are on fire right now, followed by last year’s American League champs the Detroit Tigers, then onto the western division Dodgers, followed by the thorn in my side Yankees at their stadium where umpires go blind, on to the Minnesota Twins with their on target pitching, Oakland and their potent bats, last year's World Champs the St. Louis Cardinals who seem to have found their rhythm, and then capped off by a second round with Philly! That is every team that made it to the playoffs last year in one month! Talk about not having breathing time. This is going to be a tough stretch, let’s see where we end up.
Tags: metsfacetoughjune

Entry for May 26, 2007

Happy Memorial Day!
To the troops and all who have served our beloved country.
May you see the sun and feel its warmth on your backs
May you see God’s blessed sky
and feel the cool breeze of the sea in your face
May you stand side by side
with your beloved brothers and sisters
and know that together you can move mountains
May you find your way home to the embrace of your loved ones
Blessed be the day you arrive at the pearly gates of heaven
Stand tall my brothers and sisters
You fought a good fight
And you gave the most valued gift of all
Your precious life
And to all I say from the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Tags: memorialday



Entry for May 25, 2007

Thursday night… Atlanta… Smoltz Vs. Glavine. I am seething! If this wasn’t a gift wrapped 200th win, courtesy of Randolph and the umpiring crew, I don’t know what is! At the end of the game the final score is Atlanta 2 Mets 1, Atlanta had 5 hits, the Mets had 8. Here’s the thing Willie Randolph in the interview says that they had a lot of chances and that basically one play at the plate, or one bad call isn’t going to make the game. BULLSHIT!!!
Every game means something when you’re playing at the professional level. Every time an Umpire screws up a call it has consequences. Well last night, the umpire was graciously giving Smoltz every call; anything within an inch of the strike zone was called a strike. Suddenly when it was Glavine’s turn to pitch the strike zone was significantly altered. Glavine who is closing in on his 300th win, (he’s at 295, sorry but that’s more impressive than 200) deserved more respect than all the squeezing he got last night. Now I’m not saying Smoltz isn’t a Hall of Famer, both Glavine and Smoltz deserve the respect and an equal strike zone. If you call it a strike for one, you got to call it a strike for the other and that’s not what happened last night. It’s obvious what happened. This was the home crowd, this was home team, and this was the umpires giving Smoltz a gift wrapped 200th win.
Now I’m not going to say that the umpires were the only culprits last night, but there was an incredible pitching duel going on and they didn’t see it or call it correctly. Calling Atlanta LF Matt Diaz safe at second when the ball had already arrived and paid rent or rushing to call David Wright out with bases loaded, who did not swing at ball which was called a strike. I’ve never seen David Wright so angry but who can blame him he was watching the same game I was. The bad calls just kept piling up in Atlanta’s favor. Wright being called out was just one of many straws that had been piling on the camel’s back.
The question is this; Glavine threw 110 pitches in six innings, by the third or fourth inning he was already close to 80 or 90 pitches, way too many squeezed calls. Yet he managed to keep this game close at two runs. Smoltz in the seventh inning had 93 pitches, what a diference a slanted umpire can make!
The salt in the wound is this; in the post game interview according to Manager Willie Randolph, the Mets would have had more opportunities had they wanted it as much as Atlanta. Wanted it more? This from Randolph who doesn’t go out and argue, doesn’t defend his pitchers, heck I don’t think he understands the mental mechanics of pitching but feels totally comfortable turning around and laying blame on his team. Why doesn’t Randolph take responsibility for his decisions? For example, his decision to put in Julio Franco(29 AB,.286 OBP, .276 SLG) in the ninth inning, who can’t hit a lick, whose been in a slump, when he could of put in somebody who can hit, like our backup catcher, 31 year old Ramon Castro, who’s a contact hitter! The times that Castro’s come up to bat as a pinch hitter, he makes contact enough to have solid numbers (41AB, .326 OBP .426 SLG ) considering his few appearances behind the plate. There was also Damion Easley (81AB, .348 OBP, .556 SLG) sitting on the bench, waiting to be utilized. Instead Randolph goes to a 48 year old man who can barely swing at a pitch, but who should be coaching. Who by the way is going to break down as the season wears on him, after all baseball is a marathon. Why would Randolph put in a guy who is struggling at the plate when you have others to choose from? Doesn’t he want the win bad enough? You want to win the game? You defend your pitchers when Umpires are dancing on their strike zone and you use your bench!
Smoltz definitely had something wrong with his leg, several times during the game he was limping around the mound, no one took advantage of that. Smoltz had good command of the ball but his defensive skills were compromised. Randolph didn’t put the plays on, bunt and make him have to run toward first, put on a squeeze, make Smoltz get out of his game. Instead in American league style Randolph put the pressure on everyone to hit home runs, they didn’t focus on the small plays. You have Jose Reyes and Endy Chavez who have incredible speed, when a pitcher is limping, his defense is compromised you use your speed. We should of made Smoltz earn the damn win, not just give it away, which is what Randolph did.
Tags: mets, braves, glavine, smoltz


Entry for May 09, 2007

Today was a good day. Mets 5, Giants 3! Two out of three from San Francisco! There wasn’t a strike too high, or too outside that Umpire Paul Rungee didn’t feel was a ball. Talk about squeezing lemons! Yet John Maine was able to make lemonade and manage to keep fresh the high and tight haircut Mets in the game. With David Wright the leading barber getting the game winning hit.
I was given the opportunity also to watch the Atlanta and San Diego game, where two old golf buddies, Smoltz and Maddux, got to play the game of who can complain more to the umpire. Now I know where they got their whining from, they got it from that old crusty war horse Bobby Cox. The original formidable whiner, Bobby Cox a man who I just don’t like and should be fitted for a pacifier, bib and a rattle. Who knows maybe if I was playing and he were my manager I might respect him, but for now I still don’t like him.
Maddux and Smoltz complained their way through the game tonight. Every whiny complaint directed at the home plate umpire was about not getting their strikes called. (I guess they’ve earned the right to complain because they’re both future Hall of Famers,)
Maddux and Smoltz showed they’re both Masters in the Art of pitching, but I wanted to throw up every time I saw one of these grown men whines like a baby about his strike zone. Neither got a warning nor ejected from the game. I found this amazing considering last year Jose Reyes, who is still a young player, got ejected out of the game, because he stared an umpire down without saying a word! When the umpire was confronted by Randolph his explanation was "I didn’t like the way he was staring at me".
I just don’t get it. I thought this was a game played by men not spoiled rude little pigs! (I’m sorry I couldn’t help it! The deluge of the garbage that passes for news these days, ever since I have been bombarded with Alec Baldwin text messages on the so-called news the phrase has been screaming to be used!) Now back to baseball and my whining.
I guess it is all right to whine and complain about calls, when you got pitchers being spoiled with 28million dollars to not be there half of time. Maybe they are really just all spoiled rude little pigs!
Tags: mets, giants, braves, padres



Entry for May 08, 2007

Diego Corrales was a phenomenal boxer who died yesterday in a motorcycle accident. He was 29 years young. May he rest in peace and may God give his family strength during this sad time.
Here’s a highlight of one his most exciting victories Vs. Jose Luis Castillo. Click the url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imZaiGJgbsw


Tags: diegocorrales



Entry for May 07, 2007

(From my January 6, 2007 Blog)
Loyalty is nonexistent in baseball. Petite was expendable a few years ago when they didn’t even offer him a decent contract. Petite signs with Texas, where he would meet up with the supposed to be retired Roger Clemens. Take note: The Yankees threw Clemens a retirement party, he got a beautiful kiss off send off with a stash of luxurious gifts. Clemens took all that and wiped his ass with it, as he signed a big money contract with Texas. To make it worse he was only with Texas half of the time. How many players do you know sign a contract and are only present on their pitching days? Clemens didn’t have to travel to cities he wasn’t pitching. What the F(*$ is that all about?
Since December 18th I’ve been saying that Clemens would be back with the Stankees. In fact the very same day they signed Andy Petite I knew it was a matter of time. Desperation has been their Modus Operandi for some time. Since their clobbering from the Boston Red Sox who gave them a three game lead, and then spanked them out of the playoffs, they have been squirming in desperation. After Boston won the World Series, the Spankees have done everything under the sun to promote themselves as the best team ever. Every year since then it has been nothing but smoke and mirrors. They would have you believe that they are the only team who’s going to win the World Series. That’s just a joke!
Now the joke is on them. 28 million dollars for a part-time player. Oh excuse me 28 million for their 44-year-old knight in shining armor, their savior. He’s not a team player, just think about how much money he’s going to make and how little he has to pitch.
I’m just beside myself on how ridiculous this garbage really is, and how stupidity is contagious among those in charge of the deals. For the last six years we have been hearing of Yankee World Series Champ propaganda here in New York. Over 200million per year after six years equals nothing but excuses and empty promises. 1st Let’s get rid of A-Rod, he hits 14 home runs in April Vs weak pitching because of bad cold weather, Randy Johnson is gone, Petite is back. Wow last place in late April UNACCEPTABLE! (only in Yankee minds) Early May, screaming "we need a hero", enter a canned ham priced for 28 million. Check that it doesn’t spoil on you, I fear it already has passed it’s expiration date, at least for that price and you know he is less filling too.
Tags: rogerclemens, badbaseballdeals



Entry for April 27, 2007

I’m floored by Randolph’s stupidity! I’ve been trying to stay away from criticizing the Mets manager. The Mets had the same win/loss record as last year until Wednesday, but after watching tonight’s game I’ve had it and they’ve blown it! Randolph just gave away a game. I still don’t understand it. Especially after watching the post game interview, where his answers left me completely speechless and disconcerted. His inability to provide justification for his erroneous decisions during this game were completely infuriating!
Not only did he not use the team that Minaya gave him, but he continues to rely on Julio past his prime Franco who just can’t turn on anything thrown past 90mph. Now let’s hold on a moment because Julio Franco is not the focus of the problem here.
Randolph is the focus of the loss. For example bases loaded one out and your pitcher has thrown 85plus pitches in the bottom of the fifth inning, if there was ever a chance for your bullpen and your bench to win a game this was it. They say it takes 25 men to win, then someone needs to remind this American league style manager that in the National League all 25 men are used. They don’t sit on the bench and waste away. You put them in to pinch run, pinch hit, to double switch to add speed or defense to your line-up in late innings, to complicate the game for your opponent. This might be just one game in late April, but if this is what Randolph’s idea is of getting to the playoff and perhaps a World Series is, then I don’t see us being able to overtake Atlanta.
Atlanta’s Bobby Cox is a National League manager who plays national league strategy. Our former manager Bobby Valentine used to get under Cox skin and out maneuver him by playing National League ball. You change the pitcher to a lefty, I’ll double switch. Bobby Valentine understood the nuances of National league chess. Baseball is strategy and skill. Randolph doesn’t get and isn’t trying or even caring to learn.
One thing about this evening when the bases were loaded in the top of the sixth inning, the manager for the Nationals switched the pitcher. Randolph didn’t seize the opportunity to replace his pitcher who had already thrown 85 plus pitches with a pinch hitter like Endy Chavez, who could’ve hustle in a run or two. Randolph’s post game answer as to why he kept the pitcher Perez in the game was that he felt Perez deserved to go back out to pitch. Randolph didn’t see the need for a change because he believed it was still early in the game. He thought there would be other chances. With the bases loaded and one out and your pitcher due up to hit, is there a better time to pinch hit for him? After 85plus pitches? What was he waiting for? For the Nationals to walk all the guys Home? This is what I mean about Randolph forever being a Stankee who thinks in American League terms.
One last thing…. If there ever is a question to the meaning of the word imbecility one only has to look at Randolph’s lack of action in the top of the eighth. David Wright hits a double, Moises Alou hits another double and scores in David Wright. You’re still down one run. Moises Alou isn’t a fast runner, Endy Chavez runs like lighting and plays Alou’s position. Randolph doesn’t even look at the bench he expected Alou to tag up. Two fly balls later (Green and Valentin) Alou hasn’t moved and Randolph is actually surprised, and blaming Alou for not running. He brings in Franco to pinch hit and Franco popped up to right. Another bad decision, and this is late in the game with Cordero who is undefeated versus the Mets to close for the nationals in the ninth. No more opportunities, no use of the bench, no win! Randolph is no National league manager, this team is in trouble, I sure hope Omar Minaya is taking notes……
Tags: randolph, moron, moves