Archive for April 2008
Celtic ball
30. April 2008 by rich.
The Celtics began their playoff run on Sunday night against the Hawks. I was there at the TD Banknorth Garden. Boy was it insane. No wonder its nicknamed “The Jungle.” The fans are out of control from the opening tip; I honestly have never been in an environment like that before, let alone a playoff environment. It’s been a few years since the Celtics meant anything to Beantown, but right now they mean just about everything…
Speaking of meaning something, what’s the fascination with Gino? (He first pops up at 35 seconds, but watch the whole thing, it’s entertaining)… I was so confused that I googled it when I got home…Evidently it’s just a clip of this dude that they like to play during games @ The Garden…Everyone goes wild. Shake, Shake, Shake…
Kevin Garnett is a maniac; in a good way that is. Just take a look at what he did to Leon Powe, his own teammate, after a thundering dunk against the Hawks in game 1. If this guy isn’t the definition of passion, I don’t know what is. If you look up adrenaline in the dictionary, you’ll see a picture of KG. He just got awarded DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year). A well deserved award I might add. He probably will not get the MVP, merely because his numbers are not MVP numbers, even though he guided the C’s to a 42 game turnaround from last year. Fair? Probably not, but it’s ok, he has his eye on bigger things. This guy is a true professional, and if you can watch him play one of these days. You’re in for a treat.
P.S.
On a side note, I hope Mike Bibby brings his “A” game, because with all that smack he’s been talking, Sam Cassell may have to break out the testicle dance…
-Rich-
“Hey Blue…Or Is it black and blue?”
30. April 2008 by rich.
“Hey Blue…Or Is it black and blue?”With the recent incident in the MLB, the question arises, are umpires safe behind the plate? Sure they have their typical gear: facemask, chest protector, leg guards, and “cup.” But what more can be done? Can more be done? Well sure because both arms are exposed, as well as other awkward areas to cover up such as your thighs and neck region to name a few. Should umpires be bundle up like a hockey goalie? Maybe…Are they crazy to have such a profession? To all their own…But there’s also a certain amount of manliness about being behind the punch out of a 100MPH Joba Chamberlain fastball that just cannot be taken away from these guys. Being an umpire I know personally how scary it can be. And that’s only 18 year olds that are throwing at me. Just getting nicked by a foul tip can provide a bruise or pain for days. It’s not a fun occupation, but one that get’s a nice payday in the end (if you make it to the top, something very few do). For working 6-7 months, MLB umpires start off at $120k and the senior umps get up to $350k…Not a bad payday for hanging out with sluggers, traveling the
United States, and living it up in the meantime.
The occasionally black and blue bruise, bump, or session in the hot tub doesn’t sound too bad after all.
(Obviously this currently referenced case is extreme and luckily happens
very rarely)
We wish Kerwin Danley a speedy recovery. He should be returning to the diamond soon.
-III-
The Wright Stuff!
30. April 2008 by Glendo.
THE WRIGHT STUFF
As of the 28th of April the New York Mets have a record of 13-11. This might not be the kind of start that many Mets fans would have liked to see after the first month of season, especially after horrendous end to last year. This record puts the Mets 1 ½ games behind first place Florida, which shouldn’t worry anyone just yet. What they should worry about is that this team faces a bunch of problems. The Mets seem to have been hit by the injury bug early in the season, Pedro, Alou, and Castro just to name a few are currently on the DL. Slumping slugger Carlos Delgado has not been a fan favorite, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran have been off to a slow start, which is why they are in the bottom third of the league in runs scored. But even with all the problems and question marks the Mets are still right there and have plenty of time to right the ship and try to get back to their ’06 form. For now let’s try to stay away from the traditional negative outlook Mets fans seem to always have and take a look at the positives of the first month.
The trade in the winter with the Washington Nationals that sent Lastings Milledge to the Nats in exchange for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider has turned out to be an excellent trade for the Mets.
Church has been the most consistent player on the team. He leads the team with 20 runs and has 16 RBI’s second only to David Wright 21 RBI’s. Many said Church couldn’t hit lefties, this year you wouldn’t think that. Against LHP Church is hitting .364 with a .432 OBP and .576 SLG, also both his home runs have come off a lefty.
Schneider has also been a pleasant surprise for the Mets. Before going down to injury Schneider was batting .309, well above his career average and had been calling a good game behind the plate.
The prize off-season acquisition Johan Santana has been terrific. Despite one bad start against the Brewers Santana has been money in the bank. He is pitching to a 3.12 ERA with a WHIP of 0.92 and 32 Ks. Santana looks like he is everything he the Mets wanted.
Wagner earned his sixth save in six opportunities Sunday, but his streak of hitless innings ended with an opposite-field single to right with one out in the ninth. The bullpen in general has been pretty good for the Mets so far aside from couple hick ups (Aaron Heilman) here and there. Sanchez is back and is pitching really well not allowing a run so far this season.So not all is bad in Flushing, the Amazins are still one of the better teams in the National League and should compete all year long.
A LOOK AHEAD
The Mets this week will finish off their current home stand against the Pittsburgh Pirates, before heading off to Arizona and Los Angeles. This will be the final trip to Shea for the Pirates who were the Mets first ever opponent in Queens 44 years ago. Pittsburgh beat the Amazins 4-3 on April 17, 1964 in the first ever game at Shea, the Mets came back two days later to shut the Pirates out, 6-0, for their first ever home win at Shea.
