Mets, Yanks opening dates set
15. August 2008 by Glendo.
according to the Daily News
The Mets will play their first game at Citi Field on Tuesday, April 14, against the San Diego Padres, according to Major League Baseball’s draft preliminary schedule for 2009. The new Yankee Stadium will open on April 16 with a game against the Cleveland Indians.
The current Yankee Stadium opened on April18, 1923, with Babe Ruth homering in a 4-1 win over Boston in the first game. The Yankees open next season at Baltimore, then go to Kansas City and Tampa Bay before the home opener.
The Mets start next season at Cincinnati on April 6, then travel to Florida before coming home for a three-game series against the Padres. On the day the new Yankee Stadium opens, the Mets also will be home, playing San Diego at night.
Back on April 17, 1964, the Mets opened Shea Stadium with a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh, which got a home run and four hits from Willie Stargell.
Next season’s MLB schedule opens on April 5 with an ESPN Sunday night broadcast to be determined. The regular season is scheduled to end on Oct. 4. That means if the current postseason format remains intact, Game 7 of the World Series would be on Nov. 5 - the latest ending ever.
The Yankees may have one or two exhibition games at their new ballpark before the official opener. The Mets also may schedule exhibition games at Citi Field but have not made any decisions yet.
Mets look to stay in first
15. August 2008 by Glendo.
After sweeping the last place Nationals, and with the Phillies getting swept by the Dodgers, the Mets are back in first place in the National League East. The Mets have struggled this year with the sub .500 teams, its good to see them dominate a team that they should. Good hitting, starting pitching, and the bullpen was actually good in this series giving up 0 runs.
The Mets move on to Pittsburgh were they face another bad team that they have to beat. They need to take advantage of this part of the schedule. Jerry Manuel, on beating sub-.500 teams, speaking to reporters last night:
“This time of the year, every win is huge, regardless of who it’s against. Teams that are not quite in the race are looking to knock you off, so there’s incentive on both sides. It doesn’t matter who you beat this time of year, you’ve just got to put W’s in the column.”
The Mets will turn to Pelfrey in the opener, as he tries to rebound from his start on Sunday when he gave up 6 runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Marlins. He will go for his team leading 11 victory of the season.
Billy Wagner pitched a scoreless inning in a rehab game last night. Wagner, speaking to reporters following last night’s game, said:
“I think (Friday) will be a big thing – to see how sore, how stiff (the arm is)…I’ll drive back home tonight, wait a day, kind of do some self rehab myself tomorrow. Then I fly out Saturday morning and go out to Pittsburgh. I’ve got pitch a simulated game Saturday, probably around noon, and I’ll go from there. If I bounce back from today and am able to pitch out there, I’ll probably be activated on Monday and go from there.”
It will be good to have Billy back.
MATCHUP
NEW YORK METS (65-56, 1st Place NL East) at Pittsburgh Pirates (55-66, 5th Place NL Central/19GB)
Tonight: Mets (Mike Pelfrey, 10-8, 4.11) at Pirates (Jason Davis, 1-1, 1.38) 7:05pm ET
Saturday: Mets (Pedro Martinez, 3-3, 5.37) at Pirates (Zach Duke, 4-10, 5.10) 7:05pm ET
Sunday: Mets (Johan Santana, 10-7, 2.89) at Pirates (Jeff Karstens, 2-1, 1.23) 1:35pm ET
Monday: Mets (John Maine, 10-7, 3.97) at Pirates (Paul Maholm, 8-7, 3.69) 12:35pm ET
NFL Preview: Giants
15. August 2008 by Glendo.
posted by Matthew QuillenNew York GiantsKey Additions - S Sammy Knight (Mia), LB Danny Clark (Jac), QB David Carr (Car)
Ket Losses - S Gibril Wilson (Oak), LB Kawika Mitchell (Buf), LB Reggie Torbor (Mia), DT William Joseph (Oak)
Offense
Eli Manning had a terrific playoff run although he had low numbers he didn’t make mistakes. Manning has had great stretches before but they only led to terrible ones. If Manning can keep his composure then the Giants Offense would be one of the best in the league. The Giants 7 deep at running back. Before Derrick Ward was injured he proved to be just as good as Brandon Jacobs who at 6’4” and 264 pounds is a big and powerful back. Ahmad Bradshaw was Jacobs counter part last year, he is a small 5’9” 198 pound back with a lot of power. Reuben Droughns is another back that the Giants hope to use so they can come at their opponents in numerous ways. Plaxico Burress had an amazing season last year with only one good ankle. Amani Toomer, and Steve Smith will also make great targets for Manning. If Manning and his receivers can get along on and off the field this year we will see the in the playoffs again this year
Defense
The Giants are also deep at ends which is why Mathias Kiwanuka is still a line backer this season. Jason Tuck is an end but saw some playing time at tackle and linebacker. The Giants dou of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora made quarterbacks pay down the stretch last year. The Giants pass coverage looked great because of the linemen and linebackers pass rush. Corey Webster rebounded his carrer with a great playoff run. The Giants also have high hopes for Kevin Dockery and Terrell Thomas. Sammy Knight was signed to take Gibril Wilson spot at safety.Information by Athlon Sports
