Mets Magic Number is 8

The magic number is any combination of Mets wins and Phillies losses. When that number is reached, the Mets clinch the division, the first time the Braves haven't done so in 14 f'n years.

With that in mind, the Mets went into Wednesday looking at a double header against the 14th reigning NL East champion Atlanta Braves, with a magic number of 10. By 8pm, the Mets made it clear they weren't slowing down, beating the Braves 4-1 and 8-0.

In doing so, two replacement pitchers stepped it up. Dave Williams, pitching 6 solid innings in the first game, got the win. He looked soild, but I have a feeling he will be left off the postseason roster. I am, however, impressed with the fact that Dave has pitched VERY well during the Mets' August pitching dilemma. Who knows, maybe with one more start he can prove he deserves a spot on the roster.

During the second game, Oliver Perez (whom the Mets acquired at the deadline from the Pirates after going 2-11), looked absolutely incredible. Allowing 4 hits over 9 SHUTUOUT innings, Perez looked to be back in form of the 23 year old phenom he was two years ago. He looked confident, and even worked in some off speed pitches and added a little action to his high 90's fastball. I am very excited to see what Perez has to offer going into the postseason, because he seems to have the swagger of an "El Duque"-type big game pitcher. He gets fired up with pitching well, and if he gets off to a hot start: watch out! He doesn't slow down. In the 8th, he was still pitching mid-90's.

The talk on the various blogs on the net tonight are already saying Perez could be worked into a possible ace down the road. I'm not jumping the gun though. I will say, I'm impressed. Oliver Perez could be a force into next year. Let's give him a spring training with Rick Peterson and the Mets supreme pitching staff. Then we'll make a judgment.

Notes:

- Cliff Floyd looked to be in good shape. He was hitting the ball hard, and seemed to miss a HR foul because he was so jacked up. Calm down, Cliff, and soon enough I have a feeling you'll be jackin' homers in October...

- Beltran's hammy problems seem to be a non-factor

- Jose Reyes is incredible. I mean, the guy plays a full game and the first pitch of the second game to the Mets he jacks a HR??? Are you serious? Jose Reyes is on a path to set hall of fame-type numbers over the next 12-15 years.

- Welcome to the Mets, Shawn Green. With your two HR's today, plus an off the wall double, you have proved you deserve your spot in the outfield.

- On the same note, Goodbye, Lastings Milledge, we'll see you in the Spring.

...back soon, I promise...

...and of course by "i promise" i mean "a week or so."

Mets News and Notes

The Mets beat the Colorado Rockies today to complete a 3 game sweep, and to win their 8th straight game at home. Seems good, right? Well all is not completely well in Queens, as the Mets are looking at some problems that could plague them into the postseason:

Earlier in the week, Pedro Martinez hit the DL again after injuring his hamstring pitching one inning against the Phillies. In that inning, Pedro allowed 6 runs and hit two batters in a row with the bases loaded. He calims it was just a cramp, but this only continues his streak of injuries this year. I don't expect to see Pedro get much action until the postseason, as the team would love to have him at 100% and ready to pitch.

The news today was not much better. Tom Glavine is experiencing problems with his hand, and could have a serious blood clot in his shoulder. The worst case scenario would be that Glavine needs season ending surgery, which would put the Mets' pitching in an even worse spot than it already is.

These problems aside, there are some bright spots in the lineup right now. Carlos Delgado seems to be crawling out of his slump after a home run today, and Carlos Beltran is still playing with MVP form.

Also, I look for Brian Bannister to come back to pitch for the Mets, since he is healthy again and has been pitching well for the Norfolk Tides. Oliver Perez, the Mets deadline acqisition, could also see action. He had a strong showing on Saturday, pitching seven innings and allowing only one hit while striking out 11.

So we'll see...

I'm back bitches....and so is football

Well well well...it's that time again, I'm back with a useless post that maybe three people will read. But who gives a damn, here we go.

The Buffalo Bills played a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers this past Saturday, with mixed results from both sides of the ball. I listened to most of the game on the radio since I was working, but here are some thoughts:

- First off, the Panthers looked absolutely incredible on their first drive. They moved the ball down the field with ease against the Bills' defense. No Steve Smith? No Problem! Keyshawn Johnson proved that he will be a force in that offense...

- The Bills' starting offense was then victimized by the Panthers defense...and Kelly Holcomb did his best Todd Collins imitation, proving that he is in no way ready to be a starter in this league.

- J.P. Losman proved enough to me that he is serious this year. I love that Dick Jauron left him in well into the 4th quarter (even though it was the first PS game). He looked crisp at times, and at other times looked like things would be fine after three more PS games. I really believe that the Bills chances on this season hinge more on J.P. than on Willis McGahee. Why? Because for Willis to go, we NEED to have a passing game. I look forward to J.P. getting on the field with Lee Evans and Peerless Price...good things will...er...COULD happen.

- Ashton Youbouty looks like he will be the bomb at CB. He f-ed up a couple coverages, but he is an incredible athlete. I mean, he looks like a receiver with his build. Give this guy another two years max and we could be talking about the biggest steal in the 2006 draft by the Bills.

- Jason Peters, supposedly the future of the O-Line, got schooled by Julius Peppers, but that is understandable. I mean, this guy came out of NOWHERE! He is still learning, and it helps that he has three games left as well.

- Nice to see Kevin Everett make an impact at Tight End. Welcome to Buffalo, finally...and way to represent "Da U!"

- I am dying for Takeo Spikes to get on the field. Easily the most exciting member of the Bills.

- Damn do I miss Eric Moulds. Aw hell, throw Drew Bledsoe in there haha.

- I plan on going to Friday's PS game against the Bengals. Drop me a line if you want to go: 716-472-2395. Most likely I'll just get a ticket on game day.

I'll be back with some news on the Mets now...especially after Pedro looks like he's down again after hurting his hammy and giving up 6 runs in the 1st. Trouble in Queens? I don't think so folks...The Amazin's will work their way out...and you know they're already in the postseason.

Peace.

Off Topic: Summer Time

I know...for the three of you that actually read this blog, you are surprised at the time of day of this post, as well as the fact that this makes three consecutive days with a post. The truth is, I have decided to begin a new column. This will be some heavy stuff, stick with it and give me some time...read on, I want you to. So welcome to:

Off Topic:

I'll be very honest with all my readers tonight. For those of you who have known me well for the past four years, you know this story. For those of you that have known me in different sections of my patchwork college career along the way...I'll fill in the blanks for you.

Two years at Syracuse University was a great time. I met many people that even only sharing time for two short years, will be a part of my life for many years to come. The truth is, I wasn't sure what my purpose was at that point. I was a film major...and it seemed like a great idea. Little did I know that it wouldn't really lead anywhere. That's when I decided it was time for a change.

I ended up back in the town I grew up (for the most part), Orchard Park, NY. It seemed like a good idea to work 40 hrs a week, make some money, and try to squeeze in a full semester of school. Sure, it was at Erie Community College, but still a challenge to a guy that was used to just going to school and filling in the blanks with having a good time....okay...great time.

So life started to suck with the new time schedule...and I missed everyone from Syracuse. Plus, I needed to try to fit back into Orchard Park, NY. I was that guy that went to school for two years and didn't make it. I grew apart from a lot of my friends, but for the ones that stuck with me (you know who you are), they were the only force that got me through it all.

This continued for three whole semesters....seriously. I felt like...this was it. I would be stuck in a Pizzeria/Restaurant my whole life. At that point...letting everyone down...letting your family down...friends...is it worth living?

That was when something woke me up. To this day, I honestly don't know what it was. I can't pinpoint a single event that really changed my attitude. I truly believe it was the culmination of everything that had fallen apart since I graduated high school. Everyone I knew would be getting ready to move on to a "real" job in less than a year. I was starting to hate my job. I was starting to really hate ECC. It was time for a change.

That's when I ended up at the University at Buffalo. Problem solved. Here I am now, writing this article knowing that maybe 5 people will read it...but it doesn't matter. I want this article on my resume. I feel that it is a testament of everything I have went through in the roller coaster that has become my college career. Public Relations/Journalism is my new calling...and you damn well know I can do it. I'm staring down the barrel of at least another year, maybe year and a half of college...but I'll see you in the big time.

Which finally leads me to the new column:

Off Topic:

I'm sure you get by now that this column, which will pop up every few weeks when I feel strongly about something, is straight from the heart. This is me, and how events in sports and other things are affecting my life. So now that you know my story...time for the first "off" topic:

How I wasted my Summer of 2006

Okay, sorry for the tease...It'll be up tomorrow...hope by the end of this column I got your attention...check back by dinner tomorrow for the first edition.

A few things from Training Camp...

Just wanted to get down a few things I've been hearing over the radio and in the paper about Bills Training Camp:

- Coach Dick Jauron has been running what the players call a fairly "easy" camp.

- Even though the excessive heat is keeping the practices short and not too intense, Takeo Spikes has already made it clear that he is back and still a force, cleaning a few young receivers' clocks.

- Peerless Price has been working hard and looks to be making strides towards locking up the number two receiver spot.

- Donte Whitner still isn't signed.

- No one knows who the starting QB will be.

- Angelo Crowell is now a starting LB, taking Jeff Posey's spot.

- Willis McGahee seems to have dropped some weight in an effort to regain some of his speed in order to cut the outside corner faster.

- All they players seem to be getting along and are taking the criticism of their team to be a chip on their shoulder. Regardless of the fact that no one expects anything from the Bills this year, all the players I have heard comment feel they can compete for the playoffs and sneak up on a lot of teams.

- According to Peerless Price, the new offense relies much more on individual talent than set plays. The idea is to use the young, athletic abilities of the team to make plays. The receiving core is lightning fast, and to counter that McGahee and Anthony Thomas should have no problem pounding the ball.

I'd still like to know who our QB is....

Trade Deadline has come and gone...

On a day where I should be going out to Warped Tour, instead I am sitting in my apartment nursing another damn cold. This one's a little more serious, however, lucky for you it gives me time to post an article!

Yesterday's 4pm. MLB trade deadline came and passed without the Mets making a blockbuster deal. It seemed that no deal was going to be made until the team learned that relief pitcher Duaner Sanchez suffered a dislocate shoulder after being involved in a car accident in a taxi. The possibility of Sanchez being out for the season led to GM Omar Minaya making this deal:

The Mets send OF Xavier Nady to Pittsburgh for Relief pitcher Roberto Hernandez and pitcher Oliver Perez.

There are some good and bad sides to this deal. The Bad:

Nady was a good player for the Mets this year. He was setting career numbers for himself and came up with some big hits. I feel bad that he won't be a part of this team down the stretch and unfortunately he will be waiting to make an impact in Pittsburgh for a couple years as they attempt to build a team.

Oliver Perez has yet to prove himself as a consistent pitcher. His potential at 24 years old is incredible, and maybe pitching coach Rick Peterson can fix him. However, for now he will be viewed as a risk. Roberto Hernandez is 41 and sometimes viewed as being done.

The Good:

Hernandez played well for the Mets last year. He can play in New York and knows the team's personnel and their system. He should be able to fill at least part of the void left by Sanchez.

Perez could pay off big time for the Mets. If the team can mold him into a quality starter, then the Mets might have found their soild pitcher as a diamond in the rough. If not, he could be used as a trade piece at a later date. There are plenty of teams out there that want him.

The most important part? Lastings Milledge gets called back up to the Mets. The top prospect for this team is getting another chance, and this time he should have some motivation. He got sent back down once this season, and rumors of being included in a trade were abound. He should consider it a compliment that he was kept on the team, and hopefully it will fuel his fire to play well and provide the team with a spark in the playoffs.

On another note, Carlos Beltran may have taken over David Wright's position as top candidate for NL MVP. Beltran hit two HR this Saturday, and then two more on Sunday, one of which was a Grand Slam, his THIRD in the month of July. He is third in the NL with 32 HR, leads the NL with 94 RBIs, and even adds 14 Stolen bases to the mix. Oh by the way, Beltran finished last season with just 16 HR and 78 RBIs. Looks like he's starting to be worth the money.

Let's Go Mets...

Fantasy Football Already?

In the past few days I have noticed how close to football season it has become. Let's just say we are coming around to the best time of the year: football starts, baseball playoffs, and then before you know it, it's November and the NBA is back! The only downside to this is that I live in the frozen hellhole we have dubbed Buffalo, NY. It's almost August and it will be snowing before I know it.

I'm not going to get into the Bills season preview just yet, since it will be slightly depressing. Instead, I give you some of my Fantasy Football ideas for the upcoming season:

Running Backs:

1. Larry Johnson: I would put Alexander here, but he was just too good last year and I'm not sure how the Seahawks will respond to a Super Bowl loss. LJ is turning into a beast, and The Chiefs are clearly going to ram the ball down opposing teams throats. Trent Green is still enough of a threat at QB to open up the running game as well.

2. Shawn Alexander: Simply not #1 because I feel a bit skeptical. But hey, the guy is reliable and is coming off an MVP season. He'll make any owner happy.

3. LaDanian Tomlinson: Honestly, when I am picking my team this year, LT will probably be my first pick when my turn comes up (if he's there of course). Explosive athlete who gives you receiving yards/TD's as well. Maybe he'll throw a couple TD passes this year as well. One downside is that this could be a big risk. What will the Chargers look like without Drew Brees? If the passing game struggles then LT could shoulder too much of a load in the offense, and I don't want to bring up the injury bug.

Mid-Level Good Picks:

Tiki Barber - C'mon, had a great year last season, and will flourish as Eli matures
Clinton Portis - If the 'Skins succeed, so will Portis
Willis McGahee - I think Willis will have a big year behind an O-Line that keeps improving
Warrick Dunn - Always right up there flying under the radar

Sleepers:

Jamal Lewis - Why Not?
Ahman Green - See Above
LenDale White - Touchdown Machine. Will see more playing time as season goes on

Think Hard Before You Pick:

Edgerrin James - Worth a pick? Probably. But beware of that Arizona O-Line
Reggie Bush - I'm not convinced he'll fit in right away. Plus, He'll be splitting time with Deuce McAllister, who isn't so bad himself.

Quarterbacks:

1. Peyton Manning - No explanation needed

2. Carson Palmer - Stellar Numbers last year, but everyone, and I mean everyone, seems to think he won't be the same coming off the injury. Add in the offseason problems the Bengals are having and there is some concern. However, He still throws the ball to a guy called Chad Johnson.

3. Tom Brady - Hate the guy, but he is more consistent than any QB in the league (exclude superfreak Peyton).

Mid-Level:

Donovan McNabb - You know his numbers will be there.
Matt Hasselbeck - Can he keep up the numbers from last year?
Mike Vick - Passing should improve along with his young receivers, plus you get those rush yards.
Eli Manning - This year should be his jump off.
Jake Delhomme - Throws to Steve Smith

Sleepers:

Matt Leinart/Vince Young - By no means a secret, but I expect both to start by years end.
Jake Plummer - Almost put up MVP numbers last season
Byron Leftwich - If you need a 2nd QB in the middle rounds, this is your guy for sure. Definitely starter material as well.

Think Hard Before You Pick:

Brett Favre - Coming back might turn out to be a mistake. I hope not.
Marc Bulger - This pick could go either way. If you take him, hope Torry Holt stays healthy

Wide Receivers:

1. Steve Smith - The little man should be right up with the league's best again. Has proved he can catch the ball anytime, anywhere.

2. Terrell Owens - Sorry, but it's true. Proven star that always gets the fantasy numbers.

3. Torry Holt - Consistency, even if the Rams are terrible.

4. Chad Johnson - Had to throw him in here.

Mid-Level:

Larry Fitzgerald - Breakout year last year, look for it to continue with a newly charged offense in Arizona.
Marvin Harrison - Easily would be in the top 4 if it wasn't for Reggie Wayne stealing some of those touchdowns.
Plaxico Burress - Look for him to be Eli's go-to guy this year

Sleepers:

Randy Moss - Of course he's not totally a sleeper, but don't forget about Randy out in Oakland. The QB situation out there is not looking good, however.
Michael Jenkins - He'll be there late, and Vick has to throw to someone besides Crumpler, right?
Lee Evans - The Bills will find a way to use his incredible talent somehow.

Think Hard Before You Pick:

Donald Driver - See Favre above.
Matt Jones - This lanky white kid from Jacksonville could be the biggest sleeper pick in the draft. Then again, he could really, really suck.

I'm not going to talk much about the rest:

Tight Ends:
1. Antonio Gates - Duh...
2. Tony Gonzalez - Double Duh...
3. Jeremy Shockey- You get the picture here...

Kickers:
1. Neil Rackers - If the Cardinals hae trouble getting in the end zone, he'll be there again this year.
2. Adam Vinatieri - Yeah...
3. Mike Vanderjagt - Big D will put his foot to good use this season

Defense:
1. Chicago
2. Jacksonville
3. Pittsburgh


Well Folks, good luck. And don't kill me if your team sucks, because mine probably will too when some no name dominates the league and my star RB gets injured. Yeah, it happens every year.



'

New York Knicks: The Strive for Average

Seeing as how the Knicks finished last season as the laughing stock of the NBA, expectations aren't too high this year. To make matters worse, the team didn't even get their draft pick at the top of the order. They did pick up a couple guys who might make an impact.

Renaldo Balkman: This forward from South Carolina was the MVP of the NIT Tourney. He can rebound the ball well, his FG% is high (lots of dunks), and is a defensively minded player. I was angry at first about this pick, not really knowing too much about him. As time went on, I got used to it. Balkman showed great presence in all of the Vegas Summer League games I watched the past few weeks. He looks like he is an NBA ready player, and knows how the game moves. I have been very impressed with his drive, and he could turn out to be a nice find for the team. The media is giving Isiah Thomas a lot of scrutiny for the pick, but I feel it is only because they passed on Marcus Williams, the PG from UConn.

Mardy Collins: The Guard from Temple was the Knicks other late first round pick. Here is a choice I don't agree with. The Knicks Guard Rotation is currently Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, Jalen Rose, and Nate Robinson. Why add another guard to the mix, let alone one I don't think will ever be productive in the league. But what do I know?

With Isiah Thomas now GM and Coach of the Knicks, this season will be a huge turning point for the team. Either he stays and coaches all the players he acquired to a mediocre record, or he's out of town with most likely half of the team. I feel somewhat good about this year for a few reasons:

1) The youngsters look good.

Add Balkman to the Knicks young core of Channing Frye, David Lee, and Nate Robinson and you have something to build on for the future. Frye has gained 20 lbs and should be starting next to Eddy Curry to create quite a big man tandem. David Lee has been getting rave reviews about his play in the summer league, and the Knicks are even getting calls from many NBA execs imquiring about his availability. Robinson, although still cocky and flamboyant, is making strides towards being more of a passing-minded PG.

2) "It might be crazy enough to work."

Those were the words uttered by Isiah after the Knicks acquired Steve Francis at the trade deadline this past season. Francis doesn't seem very happy in New York, and most seem to think there is no way he can get along with Marbury. I think "The Franchise" could be come a trade piece, but deep down I hope he stays. Just imagine if Marbury and Francis both realize they have never won anything playing with a shoot first mentality. They could be the best backcourt tandem in the league. The Knicks are talking about a run and gun offense...imagine those two working the ball up the court.

3) Eddy's Last Chance

Many people, including himself, know this year is the last chance for Eddy Curry. He has been mostly a disappointment in the NBA, and has progressively become more out of shape. Adding to the fact that we gave up that draft pick for him and his huge contract, he has to do something. I believe the talent is there, and if he can drop even just 20 lbs he'd be looking at a good year.

We'll see. 36-46 would make me happy.

See you back here...

CRAZY METS

Two grand slams as part of an 11 run inning....enough said.

Excitement....back with a real article tomorrow.

Are the Mets for Real?

As a Mets fan my entire life, it has been a tough journey along the way. When I was just turning three years old, the Mets won the 1986 World Series. Being raised a Mets fan, this would be the benchmark I would work off of in the future. My parents were both Mets fans, so of course I was paraded around in all sorts of 80's era Mets little clothes. Living through the middle years was the worst, especially watching the team that got scorched in the Series by the Yankees. Living in Buffalo now makes it even harder, since most people in this town think they can just decide to be Yanks fans for the fun of it.

This year has been different though. Mets fans can feel it...the playoffs are coming.

Now this is where a debate arises. Most would say with a 12 game lead in the surprisingly poor NL East would guarantee the playoffs at this point (barring a colossal breakdown, knock on wood). The question is whether or not the Mets are built for the long haul.

First we will look at the internal workings of the team:

Offense: Sure, there have been days the bats are quiet, but for the most part the Mets have been rolling all year. Three players (David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado) have above 20 HR at the halfway point. Jose Reyes leads the league in runs and steals, and Jose Valentin has been a revelation this year, holding up the end of the order. Hitting shouldn't be an issue in the playoffs.

Defense: Fielding has been another fairly bright spot for the Mets this year. From a catching standpoint, Paul Lo Duca has been an improvement from Mike Piazza. Jose Reyes' errors at SS have dropped significantly from last year, and Valentin has been solid at second. Cliff Floyd and Xavier Nady's play has been spotty in the outfield, but there are some players on the bench that can hold it down. Which leads me to...

Bench: The bench players for the Mets this year have been phenomenal this year. Endy Chavez has not only been outstanding in the OF, but his bat has come through in though spots. Julio Franco has not only been a team leader/player coach, but his play backs it up.

Pitching: Ahhh, everyone points to pitching as the piece that could be the downfall of the Mets in the playoffs. The four Mets pitchers who have had solid jobs so far this season have been Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Orlando Hernandez, and Steve Trachsel. When you look at these gentlemen, you would think the team is set...three years ago. The truth is, all four pitchers are getting old, and are injury prone. Pedro has already hit the DL, Glavine has slowed down a touch from his incredible start to the year, and El Duque has been off some days. On the other hand, all three are used to the big game. Even if they slow down by the end of the season, they will be ready for the playoffs, guaranteed. Granted, that fifth spot in the rotation needs to be sealed up...the Mets need another pitcher. I don't even need to say anything about the bullpen, a unit that has been solid throughout the year.

Trades?

Trade rumors are heating up this time of year, and many are talking about the Mets seeking out a pitcher. Among these names are Dontrelle Willis, Livan Hernandez, Barry Zito, and even Greg Maddux. Let's analyze the possibilities:

Dontrelle Willis: Getting ahold of this young gun would not only give the Mets a solid boost into the playoffs, but if they could secure him he could be another piece to add to the young foundation of this team. It seems that it will cost the team Lastings Milledge, however, a possibility I am not sure about. Is a proven starting pitcher worth the cost of your top prospect, not to mention a prospect that is being compared to Willie Mays? (See Scott Kazmir). I believe at this point it could be...as much as it hurts to say it, unless Omar Minaya can work out another deal.

Livan Hernandez: This could be the one pitcher that the Mets could get without giving up Milledge. Mike Pelfrey, the Mets young pitching prospect, could be packaged with a guy like Aaron Heilman. Livan would slide in perfectly to that number three spot, right before his half brother El Duque. This is the one trade that I think will definitely go down. Now if only we could throw in Milledge and have Soriano come over too....hmmm, I'm getting greedy.

Barry Zito: I don't see the Mets searching out Zito, as it has been thought for a year now that they will seek him out in free agency at the end of the season. However, if other teams are putting the pressure on to get him, the Mets might have to pull the trigger.

Greg Maddux: Ok, let's be for real here. Not going to happen. As much as Mets fans salivate over Glavine and Maddux pitching back to back giving a final F you to the Braves, he is too old. This team needs to find a guy that will last through the years after Pedro and Tommy G retire.

The Playoffs:

If and when the Mets get there, they have a few questions to face:

Q: Will this team stay healthy?
A: For the most part, yes. It is mostly a young team. The only guys I am worried about are Delgado and Pedro. Hopefully those guys can take their time on the DL and be fresh for October.

Q: Can the Mets match up against the Cardinals and Astros?
A: Are you serious? Of course they can. The Mets have better hitters from top to bottom (notice I said from top to bottom, I'm not forgetting about Albert Pujols). And they will most likely have home field advantage.

Q: Can the Mets beat the AL contender if they get to the World Series?
A: At this point I am saying no to that. After going 3-6 against the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Yankees (including getting swept by the Sox), it looks like this team has some serious work to do. The Red Sox look like they are ready, and I would love to see a rematch of the 86 series during the 20th anniversary of the win. Now, if the Mets pick up another pitcher, things change a little bit.

This team is still finding its identity, and all the work will hopefully culminate right around September.

More to come...