Monday, February 25, 2008

Duaner - Can't Wait Till You Come Back

It has been bandied about that Duaner Sanchez is throwing quite well in the Sunshine State. This is good news for the Amazin's. I consider Sanchez to be one of the catalyst players who really has an impact on a team -- no matter what numbers are being put up.He has a lot to come back to and should be ready on Opening Day. Let's give a pitcher like him a month or so to get his groove back. Simulated games, bullpen sessions and exhibition games are fine and good, but think of it, for Duaner's case, as a warm-up run before going into a Marathon.Duaner, welcome back. Let's play ball.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Never Mind Ground Hog Day - Spring Begins Today!

Pitchers and catchers reported last week, so, the rest of the puzzle was completed today when position players make their way to Florida (Grapefruit) or Arizona (Cactus).

We really don't need a groundhog in Long Island or Pennsylvania to tell us when spring is here.

It is evident when you see lines of guys doing calisthenics with high numbers on their backs.

I am really getting ready to come out of sports hibernation and looking forward to a strong 2008. We have Santana locked and I have a feeling another deal or two is in the works to shore up another player or two.

Oh, and Fantasy Baseball is becoming a reality this year. In 2007, I signed up to play for the first time in only 1 league. This year, I signed up for 3-4 and may go 5 (always gotta have that guinea pig team.

See you here again soon.

PlayBall

Sunday, February 03, 2008

If It's February, I Smell Baseball

This is a milestone post for me, my 100th...So, without further adieu...

I couldn't wait for the the clock to turn one second after 11:59:59 on January 31. Then, as anyone knows, it is February. For some, it's the second month. For me, it becomes time to get excited (can anyone NEVER be excited) about the upcoming baseball season.

Let me put it in a succinct perspective, February (Spring Training) to Baseball, is like Thursday for a college student (Pub night and the "start" of the weekend).

There are many reasons to get keyed up. I admit, a few posts back I was annoyed that there weren't any big triggers pulled at the Winter meetings.

But Omar Minaya is once again, a genius for waiting it out and bringing in another cannon-arm in Santana. Now that he passed his physical, we are all set for a nice 1-2-3-4-5 PUNCH in the pitching rotation.

So, this brings us to Spring Training, just about a fortnight away. (LORD, I always wanted to use that word, but never had the right timing or opportunity to do so). We've got to start the year off right. New players, new chemistry. We want Johan Santana to do well and be welcomed. I always fear a new player will get the Ed Whitson treatment. After all, the NY fans can be harsh.

But, the deal is fair and competitive. I am glad we were unable to complete the Barry Zito transaction. Johan has Luis Castillo here from the old neighborhood and this will surely help.

I am looking for some good efforts this year. Let's face it, a team like last years is still a playoff team and we must think that way for 08.

Tonight the Giants pulled off an "upset" in the Super Bowl. This is good momentum and inspiration for the Mets. It shows NY can beat a Boston team. Something that may be a foreshadowing of the 2008 World Series (and a rematch of 86 - with the same results).

Play Ball!