Month: May 2008

Why Inter-League Play Is Great

The modern MLB logo was first used in 1969.Image via Wikipedia

I’ve read a lot of blog posts and heard pronouncements from broadcasters that the Subway Series has become a lame, contrived rivalry. I do agree that the Mets and Yankees series itself isn’t the heated rivalry that we looked forward to in 1997.

But every year I look forward to seeing some of the stars of Major League Baseball that I don’t normally get to see. It’s a 162 game season, so there’s plenty of games to deal with the National League East “traditional” rivalries.

For example, last season I couldn’t wait for the Twins to come to town to get a look at Johan Santana and Torii Hunter. Little did I know that Santana would soon become a Met, but the interest was there on my part. I wasn’t thrilled that Santana threw a four-hit shutout against the Mets but it was fun getting to see one of the best pitchers in the game. Continue reading “Why Inter-League Play Is Great”

On Deck: Sunday May 18, 2008 Mets-Yankees

New York Mets (21-19) at New York Yankees (20-23) 8:05pm

Oliver Perez (3-3) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (6-1)

TV: ESPN           Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets can get a two game sweep tonight at Yankee Stadium. But they have to go through Wang to do it, who’s the Yankees ace pitcher. You never know which Perez will show up for the Mets. We’ll just have to see how he looks tonight.

Video: Ken Rosenthal On Delgado Trade

Fox Sports senior baseball writer Ken Rosethal suggests that the Mets and Mariners may trade Carlos Delgado for Richie Sexson. Both players are in the last year of their contracts, neither has a no trade clause, and both are struggling. It sounds like a good idea to get the Mets more right handed power and to shake up the team.

Rosenthal's Full Count
Rosenthal’s Full Count

Video: Ken Rosenthal on Willie Randolph

Fox Sports senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal talks about pressure on Willie Randolph. He says that management wants Randolph to show more leadership and correct clubhouse problems before they become combustible situations. Rosenthal also addresses the Ken Griffey, Jr. and Matt Holliday possible trade scenarios.

Rosenthal's Inside Pitch
Rosenthal’s Inside Pitch

Santana, Mets Top Yankees 7-4

Johan Santana went 7.2 innings for a much needed Mets win today. Willie Randolph might have needed this win more than anyone else to retain his job. As usual, Santana gave up some long balls to Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, and Bobby Abreu. But he powered through to keep the Mets in the game. That’s been his MO this season.

On offense, David Wright and Carlos Beltran had three hits each. Jose Reyes and Wright homered off Kyle Farnsworth in the three run seventh inning that blew the game open for the Mets.

Billy Wagner came in for Santana in the bottom of the eighth to get an unusual four out save. Wagner has said that he doesn’t like to pitch more than one inning but after the last week, the Mets needed to lock down this win.

Box score

Video Highlights

Olney: Willie Randolph Working To Keep Job

ESPN usually keeps their best content from their premier baseball writers as a paid service. Occasionally, they’ll offer up something for free like today’s column from Buster Olney.

Olney talks about how Willie Randolph is in the cross-hairs right now and is managing every day to keep his job. But he also goes on to say that there’s no clear alternative right now.

Read the full story here.