The Mets have played 60 games so far this season.
They got off to a hot start, racing to a 21-9 record after winning the first two games of an early May series against Atlanta (the 14 inning game, and the save by Julio). Since then the team hit a mini-tailspin goin 16-14 over the next 30, needing several miracle comebacks to do it.
So are the Mets a .700 team or a just over .500 team?
Sad to say, but with the starting pitching the way it is and the inexplicable inability to win games for Pedro (though that is probably only temporary) the Mets will be hard pressed to consistently win 3 games or more each time through the rotation. But right now the Mets have a 5 1/2 game lead on Philadelphia and a 9 game lead on the Braves and Nationals (yes, they are tied for third), so hopefully they can find a middle ground and play .550 to .600 ball the rest of the way through.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Mets 10 Diamondbacks 6
The Mets bats are starting to come alive. They've now scored 26 runs in the last 3 games, all of which were victories for the starting pitchers.
The Mets love hitting in Arizona evidently. You might remember the series in late August last year when the Mets swept four games (4-1, 14-1, 18-4 and 3-1). That series was the brief emergence of Mike Jacobs, which allowed us to trade him for Carlos Delgado.
Delgado seems to be breaking out of his slump. His average is still around .250 but his two home runs give him 18, barring injury he should hit 30 again.
Carlos Beltran is also on pace to hit 30 homers. He also hit two last night giving him 17, one more than he had last year. I think having Delgado behind him, instead of Piazza, and being in his second season with the team are contributing factors to his resurgence this year.
David Wright also homered.
Jose Reyes stole his league leading 24th base last night. It was the 116th of his career, tying him with Len Dykstra for fifth on the Mets' all-time list.
Steve Trachsel actually pitched well enough to win (not lose) for once. Though he gave up 6 walks in 5 1/3 innings the Mets had jumped out to such a big early lead he was able to win anyway. I wish that Willie hadn't used Heilman, Sanchez and Wagner. The closest the game got was 3 runs, he could have afforded to give at least one of them 2 days off in a row.
Soler vs. Brandon Webb, this is gonna be a tough one. I can guarantee they won't hit five home runs off Webb's deadly sinker. But hopefully another good outing from Soler can extend the game into the bullpens.
The Mets love hitting in Arizona evidently. You might remember the series in late August last year when the Mets swept four games (4-1, 14-1, 18-4 and 3-1). That series was the brief emergence of Mike Jacobs, which allowed us to trade him for Carlos Delgado.
Delgado seems to be breaking out of his slump. His average is still around .250 but his two home runs give him 18, barring injury he should hit 30 again.
Carlos Beltran is also on pace to hit 30 homers. He also hit two last night giving him 17, one more than he had last year. I think having Delgado behind him, instead of Piazza, and being in his second season with the team are contributing factors to his resurgence this year.
David Wright also homered.
Jose Reyes stole his league leading 24th base last night. It was the 116th of his career, tying him with Len Dykstra for fifth on the Mets' all-time list.
Steve Trachsel actually pitched well enough to win (not lose) for once. Though he gave up 6 walks in 5 1/3 innings the Mets had jumped out to such a big early lead he was able to win anyway. I wish that Willie hadn't used Heilman, Sanchez and Wagner. The closest the game got was 3 runs, he could have afforded to give at least one of them 2 days off in a row.
Soler vs. Brandon Webb, this is gonna be a tough one. I can guarantee they won't hit five home runs off Webb's deadly sinker. But hopefully another good outing from Soler can extend the game into the bullpens.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to my wonderful wife Kate who was crazy enough to marry me and patient enough not to kill me. The idea for this blog started because I'd be sending her several e-mails a day with funny stories so I figured I could just as easily share them with everyone. Then I added posts about hot girls, then baseball season started, and that's how Paul's Poop came to be.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Addition By Subtraction
The Mets have dumped Kaz Matsui on the Colorado Rockies. The Mets get Eli Marrero who is nothing more than a warm body off the bench.
The Mets will pick up the remaining $500,000 or so on Marrero's contract plus send about $4.6m in cash to cover Matsui for this year, the last year of his 3 year, $20.3 million dollar contract.
The Rockies want Matsui to waive the clause in his contract which prevents a team from sending him to the minors, thinking that he needs a few-weeks tuneup. Colorado also would like to him to forego the clauses calling for eight round-trip flights from Tokyo, a car and $25,000 housing and relocation payments. They aren't as concerned with the $125,000 MVP or $50,000 Silver Slugger bonuses.
I'm glad Omar is willing to eat money and admit mistakes. This team is built to win now, we can't be carrying players like Matsui who don't contribute.
I wonder if the Mets will send Marrero down when Nady comes back, probably.
Also, if Valentin settles into the role of starting second baseman and continues his hot hitting will Anderson Hernandez be recalled to serve as a late inning defensive replacement?
The Mets will pick up the remaining $500,000 or so on Marrero's contract plus send about $4.6m in cash to cover Matsui for this year, the last year of his 3 year, $20.3 million dollar contract.
The Rockies want Matsui to waive the clause in his contract which prevents a team from sending him to the minors, thinking that he needs a few-weeks tuneup. Colorado also would like to him to forego the clauses calling for eight round-trip flights from Tokyo, a car and $25,000 housing and relocation payments. They aren't as concerned with the $125,000 MVP or $50,000 Silver Slugger bonuses.
I'm glad Omar is willing to eat money and admit mistakes. This team is built to win now, we can't be carrying players like Matsui who don't contribute.
I wonder if the Mets will send Marrero down when Nady comes back, probably.
Also, if Valentin settles into the role of starting second baseman and continues his hot hitting will Anderson Hernandez be recalled to serve as a late inning defensive replacement?
World Cup Preview
After the United States' historic run to the 2002 quarterfinals big things are expected for the Uncle Sams this year. I don't see it. The team was unlucky enough to draw Group E one of the two Groups of Death in this year's draw. I expected the U.S. to lose to Italy, tie with Czech and beat Ghana. That won't be enough to advance if Italy and Czech both beat Ghana and tie against each other. Enjoy watching our best defender Gooch, tangle with Czech's 6'8" dude who only scores with his head. Enjoy watching Kasey Keller throw up a blank sheet against Ghana. Enjoy watching the Ivory Coast and Togo. Miss Togo already won the pre-tournament Miss World Cup pageant. Maybe the team will keep that streak going.
Everyone seems to be picking Brazil, but not me.
Paul's Poop World Cup prediction is France. They may have no guts on the battlefield but on the soccer field or pitch, those boys can play. They have Zinedine Zidane, one of the best players ever.
They also have a great goal scorer in Theirry Henry (On-ree). He hasn't done too well in previous international competitions but he is anxious to prove his doubters wrong. He also is the frequent target of thrown bananas and "monkey" chants. German police promise to arrest any fans goose stepping at the games, which should help his concentration.
France also has a solid goal keeper in Fabien Barthez.
France will defeat Germany in a crazy semifinal match that has the crowd at a fever pitch, while Germans fans threaten to take over France again. Then in an epic final Ronaldinho cannot break through the suffocating French defense and Les Bleus will be victorious for the second time in the last three World Cups.
I hope you will enjoy the World Cup as I know I will. For two weeks every four years I give myself to swimming and badminton and snowboarding and of course curling. So for these two weeks (ok, a month) I'll get into the world cup. 5.7 billion people can't be wrong. I do like the fact that soccer has no commercials, continuous action is foreign to American sports. Also the fan involvement does make it more exciting. They say every person has two favorite teams in the World Cup, their own, and Brazil. I think it's true, because everyone loves Brazil's fans.
Everyone seems to be picking Brazil, but not me.
Paul's Poop World Cup prediction is France. They may have no guts on the battlefield but on the soccer field or pitch, those boys can play. They have Zinedine Zidane, one of the best players ever.
They also have a great goal scorer in Theirry Henry (On-ree). He hasn't done too well in previous international competitions but he is anxious to prove his doubters wrong. He also is the frequent target of thrown bananas and "monkey" chants. German police promise to arrest any fans goose stepping at the games, which should help his concentration.
France also has a solid goal keeper in Fabien Barthez.
France will defeat Germany in a crazy semifinal match that has the crowd at a fever pitch, while Germans fans threaten to take over France again. Then in an epic final Ronaldinho cannot break through the suffocating French defense and Les Bleus will be victorious for the second time in the last three World Cups.
I hope you will enjoy the World Cup as I know I will. For two weeks every four years I give myself to swimming and badminton and snowboarding and of course curling. So for these two weeks (ok, a month) I'll get into the world cup. 5.7 billion people can't be wrong. I do like the fact that soccer has no commercials, continuous action is foreign to American sports. Also the fan involvement does make it more exciting. They say every person has two favorite teams in the World Cup, their own, and Brazil. I think it's true, because everyone loves Brazil's fans.
Mets 7 Diamondbacks 1
The story of this game was all El Duque. He pitched great. He pitched the second complete game of the season for the Mets. The first one was when Trachsel pitched 4 innings in that rain shortened game against the Phillies. It was only 4 innings, but it was complete, so it counted. Anyway, El Duque allowed only three hits to his former team. And Willie kept him in the game to throw 114 pitches. He would have had a shutout, but gave up a meaningless run in the 9th.
The Mets got an early 1-0 lead, I'd like to see a stat, with the record of teams that score in the top of the first inning.
Then Beltran hit another home run in the third. He has driven in 18 runs in the last 19 games he's played. And he is one shy of matching his home run mark for all of last year.
Endy Chavez continues to play well, driving in three runs. Valentin also had an RBI.
Lastings Milledge got another hit, and made SportsCenter's Top Plays with his ridiculous catch after the ball bounced off his glove. So it was actually a bad play, that he saved and made look good.
The last time through the rotation Pedro and Glavine got killed (12 runs in 10 1/3 innings, 10.45 ERA) but El Duque, Soler and Trachsel gave up 3 runs in 23 innings for a 1.17 ERA.
The Mets got an early 1-0 lead, I'd like to see a stat, with the record of teams that score in the top of the first inning.
Then Beltran hit another home run in the third. He has driven in 18 runs in the last 19 games he's played. And he is one shy of matching his home run mark for all of last year.
Endy Chavez continues to play well, driving in three runs. Valentin also had an RBI.
Lastings Milledge got another hit, and made SportsCenter's Top Plays with his ridiculous catch after the ball bounced off his glove. So it was actually a bad play, that he saved and made look good.
The last time through the rotation Pedro and Glavine got killed (12 runs in 10 1/3 innings, 10.45 ERA) but El Duque, Soler and Trachsel gave up 3 runs in 23 innings for a 1.17 ERA.
Xenophobes at Geno's
English Only at Philly Cheesesteak Joint
By PATRICK WALTERS
Associated Press Writer
June 8, 2006, 1:00 PM CDT
PHILADELPHIA -- Bistec con queso? Not at Geno's Steaks.
An English-only ordering policy has thrust one of Philadelphia's best-known cheesesteak joints into the national immigration debate.
Situated in a South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno's -- which together with its chief rival, Pat's King of Steaks, forms the epicenter of an area described as "ground zero for cheesesteaks" -- has posted small signs telling customers, "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING `SPEAK ENGLISH.'"
"They don't know how lucky they are. All we're asking them to do is learn the English language," said Geno's owner Joseph Vento, 66. "We're out to help these people, but they've got to help themselves, too."
Vento, whose grandparents struggled to learn English after immigrating from Sicily in the 1920s, said he posted the sign about six months ago amid concerns over immigration reform and the increasing number of customers who could not order in English when they wanted Philly's gooey, greasy specialty -- fried steak, sliced or chopped, in a long roll, with cheese and fried onions.
Of course, it's not as if native Philadelphians speak the King's English either. A Philadelphian might order a cheesesteak by saying something like, "Yo, gimme a cheesesteak wit, will youse?" ("Wit," or "with," means with fried onions.) To which the counterman might reply: "Youse want fries widdat?"
The traditionally Italian community near Geno's has become more diverse over the decades. Immigrants from Asia and Latin America have moved in, joining longtime residents and young professionals seeking reasonably priced rowhouses. In the past 10 years, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Mexican immigrants -- many of them here illegally, community leaders say -- have settled in South Philly.
Vento said his staff is glad to help non-native speakers order in English and has never turned someone away because of a language barrier.
But the policy has "really upset a lot of a people," said Brad Baldia of Day Without An Immigrant, a coalition of immigrant groups. "For some people, I think we're just going to say, `Le gusta Pat's.'"
Juntos, a Hispanic neighborhood organization, said it plans to send people to Geno's to try to order in Spanish and may pursue court action, depending on what happens.
"His grandparents encountered the same racism and the same xenophobia," said Peter Bloom, the group's director. "Why would he begin that process over again?"
Vento said he has gotten plenty of criticism and threats. One person told him they hoped one his many neon signs flames out and burns the place down, he said. But he said he plans to hold his ground.
Customers placing orders on a recent morning seemed unfazed.
Angelica Marquez, 22 and originally from Puerto Rico, ordered in well-spoken English, but said some of her relatives struggle with the language. "They always come and just say `cheesesteak,'" Marquez said, adding that the policy "bothers her some" but not enough to keep her away.
When a non-English speaking customer showed up at the window a short time later, a clerk patiently coached him through the process. Eventually, both said "cheesesteak."
Vento, a short, fiery man with a ninth-grade education, arms covered in tattoos and a large diamond ring in his ear, also sells "freedom fries" to protest France's opposition to the Iraq war. He rails against Mumia Abu-Jamal, the black man who was convicted of killing police Officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981 and has become a cause celebre among some death penalty opponents. Memorials to Faulkner are posted at his shop.
Those who market the city, often using images of Geno's and other famous steak shops, are watching with concern.
"I certainly wouldn't want a national audience to think it represented all of the wonderful cheesesteak makers in the whole city," said Meryl Levitz, president and chief executive of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. "This isn't representative of the Philadelphia attitude."
Competitors are seizing on the controversy.
Tony Luke's issued a statement saying it welcomes all customers "whether or not they speak a `wit' of English."
And a manager at Pat's, Kathy Smith, said of Geno's English-only policy: "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. I'd rather listen to the Spanish than the foul language of the college students."
By PATRICK WALTERS
Associated Press Writer
June 8, 2006, 1:00 PM CDT
PHILADELPHIA -- Bistec con queso? Not at Geno's Steaks.
An English-only ordering policy has thrust one of Philadelphia's best-known cheesesteak joints into the national immigration debate.
Situated in a South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno's -- which together with its chief rival, Pat's King of Steaks, forms the epicenter of an area described as "ground zero for cheesesteaks" -- has posted small signs telling customers, "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING `SPEAK ENGLISH.'"
"They don't know how lucky they are. All we're asking them to do is learn the English language," said Geno's owner Joseph Vento, 66. "We're out to help these people, but they've got to help themselves, too."
Vento, whose grandparents struggled to learn English after immigrating from Sicily in the 1920s, said he posted the sign about six months ago amid concerns over immigration reform and the increasing number of customers who could not order in English when they wanted Philly's gooey, greasy specialty -- fried steak, sliced or chopped, in a long roll, with cheese and fried onions.
Of course, it's not as if native Philadelphians speak the King's English either. A Philadelphian might order a cheesesteak by saying something like, "Yo, gimme a cheesesteak wit, will youse?" ("Wit," or "with," means with fried onions.) To which the counterman might reply: "Youse want fries widdat?"
The traditionally Italian community near Geno's has become more diverse over the decades. Immigrants from Asia and Latin America have moved in, joining longtime residents and young professionals seeking reasonably priced rowhouses. In the past 10 years, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Mexican immigrants -- many of them here illegally, community leaders say -- have settled in South Philly.
Vento said his staff is glad to help non-native speakers order in English and has never turned someone away because of a language barrier.
But the policy has "really upset a lot of a people," said Brad Baldia of Day Without An Immigrant, a coalition of immigrant groups. "For some people, I think we're just going to say, `Le gusta Pat's.'"
Juntos, a Hispanic neighborhood organization, said it plans to send people to Geno's to try to order in Spanish and may pursue court action, depending on what happens.
"His grandparents encountered the same racism and the same xenophobia," said Peter Bloom, the group's director. "Why would he begin that process over again?"
Vento said he has gotten plenty of criticism and threats. One person told him they hoped one his many neon signs flames out and burns the place down, he said. But he said he plans to hold his ground.
Customers placing orders on a recent morning seemed unfazed.
Angelica Marquez, 22 and originally from Puerto Rico, ordered in well-spoken English, but said some of her relatives struggle with the language. "They always come and just say `cheesesteak,'" Marquez said, adding that the policy "bothers her some" but not enough to keep her away.
When a non-English speaking customer showed up at the window a short time later, a clerk patiently coached him through the process. Eventually, both said "cheesesteak."
Vento, a short, fiery man with a ninth-grade education, arms covered in tattoos and a large diamond ring in his ear, also sells "freedom fries" to protest France's opposition to the Iraq war. He rails against Mumia Abu-Jamal, the black man who was convicted of killing police Officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981 and has become a cause celebre among some death penalty opponents. Memorials to Faulkner are posted at his shop.
Those who market the city, often using images of Geno's and other famous steak shops, are watching with concern.
"I certainly wouldn't want a national audience to think it represented all of the wonderful cheesesteak makers in the whole city," said Meryl Levitz, president and chief executive of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. "This isn't representative of the Philadelphia attitude."
Competitors are seizing on the controversy.
Tony Luke's issued a statement saying it welcomes all customers "whether or not they speak a `wit' of English."
And a manager at Pat's, Kathy Smith, said of Geno's English-only policy: "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. I'd rather listen to the Spanish than the foul language of the college students."
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Braddy's Little Girl
People Magazine paid $4.1 million dollars for this photo. I am only charging $1. Please send me your checks before viewing this picture.
Mets 9 Dodgers 7
This game got started on the right foot. When Kate woke me up to say goodbye the Mets were already winning 4-1. With two outs, the Mets got five straight hits. After the usual guys (Beltran and Wright), bench players Franco (in for Delgado) and Valentin (I guess he should be considered a starter now, got run scoring hits.
Watching Franco bust it from first base to scored on the double by Valentin was a lot of fun. Now you know why 74 (I mean 47) year olds don't play baseball. After he got back to the dugout trainer Ray Ramirez had to give him a rubdown.
After that Milledge drove home Valentin with a triple of his own. He also hit his second major league home run in the 7th inning to stretch a 7-6 lead to 9-6.
After starting off 1-11 he 7-15 since with 2 homers and 8 RBI. I definitely think the Mets are going to have to keep him in the lineup even after Nady returns from appendicitis.
Milledge also made another fantastic throw, from left field to nail Nomar trying to stretch a single into a double.
Glavine got his league leading 9th win despite pitching poorly. He allowed two homers to Rafael Furcal. He's pitched well and lost or got a no decision plenty of times. He deserved this victory.
Pedro wishes he could get Glavine's run support.
Good work from the bullpen allowed the runs to stand up.
Two out of three from the Dodgers, who are actually the best offensive team in the NL by runs scored, is not a bad series. Now we head to Arizona where El Duque will take on his former mates.
Watching Franco bust it from first base to scored on the double by Valentin was a lot of fun. Now you know why 74 (I mean 47) year olds don't play baseball. After he got back to the dugout trainer Ray Ramirez had to give him a rubdown.
After that Milledge drove home Valentin with a triple of his own. He also hit his second major league home run in the 7th inning to stretch a 7-6 lead to 9-6.
After starting off 1-11 he 7-15 since with 2 homers and 8 RBI. I definitely think the Mets are going to have to keep him in the lineup even after Nady returns from appendicitis.
Milledge also made another fantastic throw, from left field to nail Nomar trying to stretch a single into a double.
Glavine got his league leading 9th win despite pitching poorly. He allowed two homers to Rafael Furcal. He's pitched well and lost or got a no decision plenty of times. He deserved this victory.
Pedro wishes he could get Glavine's run support.
Good work from the bullpen allowed the runs to stand up.
Two out of three from the Dodgers, who are actually the best offensive team in the NL by runs scored, is not a bad series. Now we head to Arizona where El Duque will take on his former mates.
Blogspot Sucks
The site is experiencing major difficulties, for the past few days I've been basically unable to upload pictures, or it would take forever. At other times the site has not been accessible. So I'll try to get my Mets posts out, without photos. But WYB? cannot stand without visual support, so those posts will be put on hold for the time being.
Luck is the Residue of Design
MTV wants you to Spend the Night with Jessica Alba. Sounds good to me. But they actually want you to watch the MTV Movie Awards. Her boyfriend, Cash Warren, gets to spend every night with her. Really.
He's been called the luckiest man alive. But in fact Jessica didn't just pluck some dude of the street, Cash has at least some serious credentials that make his dating one of the hottest women on the planet understandable.
First of all, Cash's dad is Michael Warren. Michael Warren played on two NCAA basketball champions with Lew Alcindor at UCLA. After that he went into a career in acting where he played Bobby Hill on Hill Street Blues.
Warriors point guard Baron Davis was a high school phenom at Crossroads, a swanky arts and sciences school where Hollywood celebrities send their kids. While Davis was getting recruiting attention from all the big schools (he eventually chose UCLA) and leading Crossroads to a state title his backcourt mate was none other than Cash Warren. By the way, Kate Hudson was a high school classmate and friend of Cash and Baron.
Cash used his Hollywood connections to land a job at the William Morris agency. There he met director, Tim Story, the man behind Barbershop. Tim Story also directed Fantastic Four. Director's assistant for that movie? Cash Warren.
Since meeting on that set Alba and Cash have attended awards shows and basketball games together and have been photographed numerous time frolicking on the beach.
Hollywood rumor is that Cash is getting ready to propose. Should they someday get married the newspapers and bloggers will rush to call Cash the luckiest man alive. But we know that luck has little to do with it.
He's been called the luckiest man alive. But in fact Jessica didn't just pluck some dude of the street, Cash has at least some serious credentials that make his dating one of the hottest women on the planet understandable.
First of all, Cash's dad is Michael Warren. Michael Warren played on two NCAA basketball champions with Lew Alcindor at UCLA. After that he went into a career in acting where he played Bobby Hill on Hill Street Blues.
Warriors point guard Baron Davis was a high school phenom at Crossroads, a swanky arts and sciences school where Hollywood celebrities send their kids. While Davis was getting recruiting attention from all the big schools (he eventually chose UCLA) and leading Crossroads to a state title his backcourt mate was none other than Cash Warren. By the way, Kate Hudson was a high school classmate and friend of Cash and Baron.
Cash used his Hollywood connections to land a job at the William Morris agency. There he met director, Tim Story, the man behind Barbershop. Tim Story also directed Fantastic Four. Director's assistant for that movie? Cash Warren.
Since meeting on that set Alba and Cash have attended awards shows and basketball games together and have been photographed numerous time frolicking on the beach.
Hollywood rumor is that Cash is getting ready to propose. Should they someday get married the newspapers and bloggers will rush to call Cash the luckiest man alive. But we know that luck has little to do with it.
Think You Can Do Better?
Stump the Schwab is back for season four, this time on ESPN Classic, and all past show contestants are encouraged to try out for another chance at stumping the master of sports trivia. As long as you were not a FINALIST during any of the previous three seasons, you are eligible to appear as a contestant on season four. In order to try out, you must attend one of our June 2006 open auditions--see below for complete location and date listings.
We also urge everyone to pass along this information to any and all sports trivia buffs who might be interested in auditioning, including friends, family, co-workers, rock stars, farmers, lumberjacks, pirates, astronauts and telemarketers. To get your application and additional information, go to www.espn.com (search: Schwab). Please bring your filled-out application to your casting audition.
Feel free to write back with any questions, and we hope to see you all this June.
Stump the Schwab
Casting Department
stumptheschwab@yahoo.com
CASTING SCHEDULE:
Thursday, June 8 - Dallas Cape Buffalo Grille
17727 Addison Rd
Dallas, TX 75287
972-381-9796
Tuesday, June 13 - Boston Champions @ The Marriott
110 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02116
Thursday, June 15 - Baltimore Shucker's
1629 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
Monday, June 19 - Chicago ESPN Zone
43 East Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Tuesday, June 20 New York The eEmerge Building
28 West 44th Street, 16th fl
New York, NY 10036
5p-9p
Thursday, June 22 Miami Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille
@ The Diplomat Landings
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
Monday, June 26 Atlanta ESPN Zone
3030 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-682-3776
Wednesday, June 28 Philly Fox and Hound
1501 South Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Thursday, June 29 New York ESPN Zone
1472 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-921-3776
We also urge everyone to pass along this information to any and all sports trivia buffs who might be interested in auditioning, including friends, family, co-workers, rock stars, farmers, lumberjacks, pirates, astronauts and telemarketers. To get your application and additional information, go to www.espn.com (search: Schwab). Please bring your filled-out application to your casting audition.
Feel free to write back with any questions, and we hope to see you all this June.
Stump the Schwab
Casting Department
stumptheschwab@yahoo.com
CASTING SCHEDULE:
Thursday, June 8 - Dallas Cape Buffalo Grille
17727 Addison Rd
Dallas, TX 75287
972-381-9796
Tuesday, June 13 - Boston Champions @ The Marriott
110 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02116
Thursday, June 15 - Baltimore Shucker's
1629 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
Monday, June 19 - Chicago ESPN Zone
43 East Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Tuesday, June 20 New York The eEmerge Building
28 West 44th Street, 16th fl
New York, NY 10036
5p-9p
Thursday, June 22 Miami Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille
@ The Diplomat Landings
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
Monday, June 26 Atlanta ESPN Zone
3030 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-682-3776
Wednesday, June 28 Philly Fox and Hound
1501 South Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Thursday, June 29 New York ESPN Zone
1472 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-921-3776
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Whatever Happened To the Cast of Beverly Hills 90210
From today's LA Times:
Whatever Happened to the Class of '90210'?
From "So NoTORIous" to "Celebrity Poker Showdown" — what Brandon, Brenda and company have been doing.
Well before "The O.C.," "Dawson's Creek" and any number of other prime-time teen soap operas, there was the show that inspired them all: "Beverly Hills, 90210," created by Aaron Spelling and Darren Star, the writer who went on to "Sex and the City" fame. The teen drama aired on Fox from 1990 to 2000 — nearly 300 episodes in all. Never mind that the cast member who went on to the greatest post-"90210" success appeared in just 16 episodes: Hilary Swank, who played single mom Carly Reynolds, has since won two Academy Awards. The others, TV's royalty in their day, have had decidedly mixed career results. But with the premiere of Luke Perry's NBC drama "Windfall," and the recent success of Tori Spelling's VH1 sitcom, "So NoTORIous," it's clear that in Hollywood, anything is possible where comebacks are concerned.
---
Actor: Jason Priestley (Brandon)
Who Were They?: The good egg. Brandon Walsh and his family moved to town from the Twin Cities, and being new in town, it wasn't easy to fit in at this swanky ZIP Code. Once he did, though, Brandon served as rock, glue and general go-to guy in times of crisis. Priestley directed several episodes and became an executive producer of the show.
Post-'90210' Peak: 1997's poignant "Love and Death on Long Island," an indie film costarring John Hurt.
Post-'90210' Nadir: In 2002, the avid car racer barely survived a crash into a wall at nearly 180 mph during a warmup lap at the Kentucky Speedway. He was left with a severe concussion, broken back, fractured feet, lacerated nose and bruised eye socket, and underwent reconstructive surgery. It took him three months to learn how to speak again.
Where Are They Now?: Priestley, 36, has appeared on a number of TV shows, including "Tru Calling," "Without a Trace" and the short-lived "Love Monkey"; now he's filming the Canadian miniseries "Everest '82," due out next year. Married (for the second time) in 2005.
The outlook: "As an actor, you never assume that you are going to obtain that type of stardom. You never have the audacity to think you are going to be the flavor of the month. So when it happens, it is confusing, it is scary, it is shocking, but it also in a way validates what you've been doing as an actor. So you grow to appreciate it, enjoy it. It can be a strange experience."
Career Trajectory: Slow but steady
---
Actor: Shannen Doherty (Brenda)
Who Were They?: Brandon's troubled, bratty twin sister. Had a tumultuous on-and-off romance with Dylan, her brother's best friend. (She never recovered after their breakup.) Doherty's reportedly diva-like behavior on the set led to an acrimonious departure from the show in 1994.
Post-'90210' Peak: Starred for three seasons as Prue Halliwell in Aaron Spelling's supernatural WB drama, "Charmed."
Post-'90210' Nadir: Sentenced to anger-management counseling by the Beverly Hills Municipal Court in 1996; convicted of drunk driving in 2001; married for about six months to actor Ashley (son of George) Hamilton; married for five minutes (annulled) to producer Rick Salomon (costar of the Paris Hilton sex tape).
The outlook: Where Are They Now?: Doherty, 35, is reportedly heading to Oxygen network to star in a reality show about toxic relationships. Couldn't get a better expert. "Whenever I get frustrated, I tell myself, 'OK, you could be working at a 7-Eleven right now, so never take for granted what you do for a living.' "
Career Trajectory: Still twitching
---
Actor: Luke Perry (Dylan)
Who Were They?: The bad boy. Dylan was disaffected, always cool and ever mysterious. He also got the most contrived send-off of any character, marrying the daughter of a mobster who had ordered a hit on his father. Eventually, a hit was ordered on Dylan, but the daughter was killed instead, leaving Dylan devastated and prompting him to leave town.
Post-'90210' Peak: Possibly "Windfall," though too soon to tell; otherwise choices are slim, but we'd make it a tie between the reticent gay bird-watcher he played in a "Will & Grace" appearance, and the Krusty the Clown sidekick he played on a "Simpsons" guest spot.
Post-'90210' Nadir: Appearing in a 2004 stage version of "When Harry Met Sally … " in London, promptly eviscerated by tough and nasty Brit critics.
Where Are They Now?: Perry, 40, is starring in NBC's "Windfall," which premieres Thursday and has been granted the network's vaunted 10 p.m. "ER" slot through the summer. The drama follows a group of friends who pool their money and win a record $386-million lottery jackpot. Complications, resentments and rifts inevitably follow.
The outlook: "You know, some actors aren't very gracious; I'm always trying to be gracious and act with a lot of tact…. You'll never catch me throwing a phone."
Career Trajectory: Climbing fast … but from subterranean depths
---
Actor: Jennie Garth (Kelly)
Who Were They?: Spoiled but sweet party girl, caught in a love triangle between Brandon and Dylan. Kelly endured her share of suffering: popping diet pills, cocaine abuse and barely surviving both a fire and a cult. She was also raped (twice), had an alcoholic mother and a mostly absent father.
Post-'90210' Peak: Costarring with Amanda Bynes in the soon-to-be-defunct comedy "What I Like About You" on the soon-to-be-defunct WB network.
Post-'90210' Nadir:Tie: "Celebrity Poker Showdown" and "Beverly Hills 90210: The 10-Year High School Reunion."
Where Are They Now?: Garth, 34, was married for the second time in 2001; mother of two daughters.
The outlook: "I wouldn't be caught dead in Beverly Hills! I love the Valley — it's so normal."
Career Trajectory: In danger of flat-lining
---
Actor: Tori Spelling (Donna)
Who Were They?: The shy virgin. Donna was a materialistic, spoiled clotheshorse, but her reticence and awkwardness made her likable. Her relationship with David came in fits and starts (he cheated on her), but ultimately they committed to each other.
Post-'90210' Peak: With her new, critically acclaimed VH1 comedy, in which she plays a fictionalized version of herself, Tori is back with a vengeance.
Post-'90210' Nadir: Her entire post-"90210" television movie career.
Where Are They Now?: Spelling is 33. "So NoTORIous" is reality show and smart satire rolled into one: an inside look at what it's like to be the daughter of the most successful TV producer of all time. With the ink barely dry on her first marriage certificate, Spelling's divorce from writer-actor Charlie Shanian went through in April, and she married Dean McDermott in May.
The outlook: "I'm really excited to get a pink snowboard. You still have to look cute. I only do sports when I can look cute."
Career Trajectory: Skyrocketing
---
Actor: Ian Ziering (Steve)
Who Were They?: Corvette-driving jock and ladies' man. This rich kid eventually settled down, buying and running his own newspaper, marrying, becoming a father and taking on diaper duty.
Post-'90210' Peak: None
Post-'90210' Nadir: None
Where Are They Now?: Ziering, 42, appeared with buddy Brian Austin Green in 2005's "Domino," directed by Tony Scott and starring Keira Knightley. Divorced former Playboy Playmate Nikki Schieler after five years of marriage.
The outlook: "I've got a few things in the fire. Nothing really that I'd like to discuss as of yet. Until they come to fruition, I don't want to jinx myself. It's just, you know, if slow and steady wins the race, I still feel like I've got legs for a long career in front of me."
Career Trajectory: Career?
---
Actor: Brian Austin Green (David)
Who Were They?: Came from a broken home and always strove to be the coolest kid in the crowd. David was an avid rapper and DJ. He fancied Kelly, until she became his stepsister; dealt with drug and alcohol issues and, like his mother, was diagnosed as manic-depressive. In the final episode, David married Donna.
Post-'90210' Peak: Costarred with Freddie Prinze Jr. in the just-canceled ABC sitcom "Freddie."
Post-'90210' Nadir: None
Where Are They Now?:
Green, 33, is single and has a son named Kassius.
The outlook: "It's hard getting in the room with casting people and the directors. It's a battle, and it could be for a long time. I knew when the show ended that it was going to be something difficult. You know, I've been acting since I was 9. It was difficult getting jobs before '90210.' If I work hard enough, then I'll get a job. If I don't, or if I'm not right for the part, then I won't."
Career Trajectory: Down but not out
---
Actor: Tiffani Thiessen (Valerie)
Who Were They?: Had a fair number of notches on her bedpost, as it were. After the departure of Brenda, pot-smoking Valerie lived with the Walshes and was the new scheming diva in town.
Post-'90210' Peak: Appeared in the mediocre 2002 comedy "Hollywood Ending" — but, still, it's Woody Allen.
Post-'90210' Nadir: Appeared in the 2000 comedy clunker "The Ladies Man," starring "SNL" alum Tim Meadows.
Where Are They Now?: Thiessen, 32, has her own production company, Tit4Tat. Married to actor Brady Smith.
The outlook: "I'm a very free spirit; there are two sides to me, completely. If I could take you into my closet, you'd go, 'Yep, you're right.' It's split right down the middle. I have just as many sweatshirts as I have sweaters. I have just as many jeans as I have black pants."
Career Trajectory: In its death throes
Whatever Happened to the Class of '90210'?
From "So NoTORIous" to "Celebrity Poker Showdown" — what Brandon, Brenda and company have been doing.
Well before "The O.C.," "Dawson's Creek" and any number of other prime-time teen soap operas, there was the show that inspired them all: "Beverly Hills, 90210," created by Aaron Spelling and Darren Star, the writer who went on to "Sex and the City" fame. The teen drama aired on Fox from 1990 to 2000 — nearly 300 episodes in all. Never mind that the cast member who went on to the greatest post-"90210" success appeared in just 16 episodes: Hilary Swank, who played single mom Carly Reynolds, has since won two Academy Awards. The others, TV's royalty in their day, have had decidedly mixed career results. But with the premiere of Luke Perry's NBC drama "Windfall," and the recent success of Tori Spelling's VH1 sitcom, "So NoTORIous," it's clear that in Hollywood, anything is possible where comebacks are concerned.
---
Actor: Jason Priestley (Brandon)
Who Were They?: The good egg. Brandon Walsh and his family moved to town from the Twin Cities, and being new in town, it wasn't easy to fit in at this swanky ZIP Code. Once he did, though, Brandon served as rock, glue and general go-to guy in times of crisis. Priestley directed several episodes and became an executive producer of the show.
Post-'90210' Peak: 1997's poignant "Love and Death on Long Island," an indie film costarring John Hurt.
Post-'90210' Nadir: In 2002, the avid car racer barely survived a crash into a wall at nearly 180 mph during a warmup lap at the Kentucky Speedway. He was left with a severe concussion, broken back, fractured feet, lacerated nose and bruised eye socket, and underwent reconstructive surgery. It took him three months to learn how to speak again.
Where Are They Now?: Priestley, 36, has appeared on a number of TV shows, including "Tru Calling," "Without a Trace" and the short-lived "Love Monkey"; now he's filming the Canadian miniseries "Everest '82," due out next year. Married (for the second time) in 2005.
The outlook: "As an actor, you never assume that you are going to obtain that type of stardom. You never have the audacity to think you are going to be the flavor of the month. So when it happens, it is confusing, it is scary, it is shocking, but it also in a way validates what you've been doing as an actor. So you grow to appreciate it, enjoy it. It can be a strange experience."
Career Trajectory: Slow but steady
---
Actor: Shannen Doherty (Brenda)
Who Were They?: Brandon's troubled, bratty twin sister. Had a tumultuous on-and-off romance with Dylan, her brother's best friend. (She never recovered after their breakup.) Doherty's reportedly diva-like behavior on the set led to an acrimonious departure from the show in 1994.
Post-'90210' Peak: Starred for three seasons as Prue Halliwell in Aaron Spelling's supernatural WB drama, "Charmed."
Post-'90210' Nadir: Sentenced to anger-management counseling by the Beverly Hills Municipal Court in 1996; convicted of drunk driving in 2001; married for about six months to actor Ashley (son of George) Hamilton; married for five minutes (annulled) to producer Rick Salomon (costar of the Paris Hilton sex tape).
The outlook: Where Are They Now?: Doherty, 35, is reportedly heading to Oxygen network to star in a reality show about toxic relationships. Couldn't get a better expert. "Whenever I get frustrated, I tell myself, 'OK, you could be working at a 7-Eleven right now, so never take for granted what you do for a living.' "
Career Trajectory: Still twitching
---
Actor: Luke Perry (Dylan)
Who Were They?: The bad boy. Dylan was disaffected, always cool and ever mysterious. He also got the most contrived send-off of any character, marrying the daughter of a mobster who had ordered a hit on his father. Eventually, a hit was ordered on Dylan, but the daughter was killed instead, leaving Dylan devastated and prompting him to leave town.
Post-'90210' Peak: Possibly "Windfall," though too soon to tell; otherwise choices are slim, but we'd make it a tie between the reticent gay bird-watcher he played in a "Will & Grace" appearance, and the Krusty the Clown sidekick he played on a "Simpsons" guest spot.
Post-'90210' Nadir: Appearing in a 2004 stage version of "When Harry Met Sally … " in London, promptly eviscerated by tough and nasty Brit critics.
Where Are They Now?: Perry, 40, is starring in NBC's "Windfall," which premieres Thursday and has been granted the network's vaunted 10 p.m. "ER" slot through the summer. The drama follows a group of friends who pool their money and win a record $386-million lottery jackpot. Complications, resentments and rifts inevitably follow.
The outlook: "You know, some actors aren't very gracious; I'm always trying to be gracious and act with a lot of tact…. You'll never catch me throwing a phone."
Career Trajectory: Climbing fast … but from subterranean depths
---
Actor: Jennie Garth (Kelly)
Who Were They?: Spoiled but sweet party girl, caught in a love triangle between Brandon and Dylan. Kelly endured her share of suffering: popping diet pills, cocaine abuse and barely surviving both a fire and a cult. She was also raped (twice), had an alcoholic mother and a mostly absent father.
Post-'90210' Peak: Costarring with Amanda Bynes in the soon-to-be-defunct comedy "What I Like About You" on the soon-to-be-defunct WB network.
Post-'90210' Nadir:Tie: "Celebrity Poker Showdown" and "Beverly Hills 90210: The 10-Year High School Reunion."
Where Are They Now?: Garth, 34, was married for the second time in 2001; mother of two daughters.
The outlook: "I wouldn't be caught dead in Beverly Hills! I love the Valley — it's so normal."
Career Trajectory: In danger of flat-lining
---
Actor: Tori Spelling (Donna)
Who Were They?: The shy virgin. Donna was a materialistic, spoiled clotheshorse, but her reticence and awkwardness made her likable. Her relationship with David came in fits and starts (he cheated on her), but ultimately they committed to each other.
Post-'90210' Peak: With her new, critically acclaimed VH1 comedy, in which she plays a fictionalized version of herself, Tori is back with a vengeance.
Post-'90210' Nadir: Her entire post-"90210" television movie career.
Where Are They Now?: Spelling is 33. "So NoTORIous" is reality show and smart satire rolled into one: an inside look at what it's like to be the daughter of the most successful TV producer of all time. With the ink barely dry on her first marriage certificate, Spelling's divorce from writer-actor Charlie Shanian went through in April, and she married Dean McDermott in May.
The outlook: "I'm really excited to get a pink snowboard. You still have to look cute. I only do sports when I can look cute."
Career Trajectory: Skyrocketing
---
Actor: Ian Ziering (Steve)
Who Were They?: Corvette-driving jock and ladies' man. This rich kid eventually settled down, buying and running his own newspaper, marrying, becoming a father and taking on diaper duty.
Post-'90210' Peak: None
Post-'90210' Nadir: None
Where Are They Now?: Ziering, 42, appeared with buddy Brian Austin Green in 2005's "Domino," directed by Tony Scott and starring Keira Knightley. Divorced former Playboy Playmate Nikki Schieler after five years of marriage.
The outlook: "I've got a few things in the fire. Nothing really that I'd like to discuss as of yet. Until they come to fruition, I don't want to jinx myself. It's just, you know, if slow and steady wins the race, I still feel like I've got legs for a long career in front of me."
Career Trajectory: Career?
---
Actor: Brian Austin Green (David)
Who Were They?: Came from a broken home and always strove to be the coolest kid in the crowd. David was an avid rapper and DJ. He fancied Kelly, until she became his stepsister; dealt with drug and alcohol issues and, like his mother, was diagnosed as manic-depressive. In the final episode, David married Donna.
Post-'90210' Peak: Costarred with Freddie Prinze Jr. in the just-canceled ABC sitcom "Freddie."
Post-'90210' Nadir: None
Where Are They Now?:
Green, 33, is single and has a son named Kassius.
The outlook: "It's hard getting in the room with casting people and the directors. It's a battle, and it could be for a long time. I knew when the show ended that it was going to be something difficult. You know, I've been acting since I was 9. It was difficult getting jobs before '90210.' If I work hard enough, then I'll get a job. If I don't, or if I'm not right for the part, then I won't."
Career Trajectory: Down but not out
---
Actor: Tiffani Thiessen (Valerie)
Who Were They?: Had a fair number of notches on her bedpost, as it were. After the departure of Brenda, pot-smoking Valerie lived with the Walshes and was the new scheming diva in town.
Post-'90210' Peak: Appeared in the mediocre 2002 comedy "Hollywood Ending" — but, still, it's Woody Allen.
Post-'90210' Nadir: Appeared in the 2000 comedy clunker "The Ladies Man," starring "SNL" alum Tim Meadows.
Where Are They Now?: Thiessen, 32, has her own production company, Tit4Tat. Married to actor Brady Smith.
The outlook: "I'm a very free spirit; there are two sides to me, completely. If I could take you into my closet, you'd go, 'Yep, you're right.' It's split right down the middle. I have just as many sweatshirts as I have sweaters. I have just as many jeans as I have black pants."
Career Trajectory: In its death throes
We Weren't Hurt
On our way to get baked potato soup in a bread bowl from Panera Bread, Kate and I were in a car accident on Route 17N in Paramus. Traffic was pretty heavy and we were almost completely stopped when BANG! a car hit us from behind and WHAM! we were pushed into the car in front of us. I immediately called the police and they told me to get out and check with the other drivers. It was actually a four car accident. An Indian woman in a BMW SUV was evidently trying to change lanes and with the front left of her car she hit the back of a Range Rover, which hit us and we were pushed into an Audi. The guy in the Audi was a douche. He was waving us off to the side of the road (a bad idea). If at all possible you should never move your car from the scene of an accident until the cops get there. It's the only way they can reconstruct the accident and determine what happened. The Indian woman was apologetic and clearly understood it was all her fault. Her car sustained major damage to the front left.
The Range Rover may have gotten the worst of it because there was substantial damage to her rear and her hood was pushed up from where it hit us.
Kate's car isn't too bad, the rear bumper is badly dented. The spare tire may have saved it from more damage but the entire rear door will probably need replacing.
The front of Kate's car is fine, although the way the douchebag in the Audi was carrying on you'd have thought he'd been injured in the accident, his rear bumper had a minor scratch.
The cops came quickly and were nice and good, taking our info and filling out a report. The cop confirmed that the Indian woman is responsible for the whole thing, so although it will be a hassle to fix the car, it should be covered.
In the book "Blink", it talks about how the mind slows things down in stressful situations. From the time the car hit us in the back until we stopped moving was probably no more than two seconds, but in those two seconds I remember the two sounds of the impact front and back, I remember getting thrown forwards and jerked back, and I remember looking at Kate's face, in shock.
The kicker to the whole story is, for the second straight time, Panera Bread was out of bread bowls.
The Range Rover may have gotten the worst of it because there was substantial damage to her rear and her hood was pushed up from where it hit us.
Kate's car isn't too bad, the rear bumper is badly dented. The spare tire may have saved it from more damage but the entire rear door will probably need replacing.
The front of Kate's car is fine, although the way the douchebag in the Audi was carrying on you'd have thought he'd been injured in the accident, his rear bumper had a minor scratch.
The cops came quickly and were nice and good, taking our info and filling out a report. The cop confirmed that the Indian woman is responsible for the whole thing, so although it will be a hassle to fix the car, it should be covered.
In the book "Blink", it talks about how the mind slows things down in stressful situations. From the time the car hit us in the back until we stopped moving was probably no more than two seconds, but in those two seconds I remember the two sounds of the impact front and back, I remember getting thrown forwards and jerked back, and I remember looking at Kate's face, in shock.
The kicker to the whole story is, for the second straight time, Panera Bread was out of bread bowls.
The Wonders of YouTube
During a Louisville blowout of Tulane (55-7) back in 2004, the television crew for the PAX network was looking for ways to keep the broadcast interesting. They found a few guys in Canadian Olympic jackets claiming to be members of the Canadian National Hide and Seek team. Apparently one of the dude's fathers works for Roots and supplied them with the gear.
Dodgers 8 Mets 5
The Mets still cannot win for Pedro. He even said last night he didn't have his best stuff. "It was a bad day at the office." It was by far his worst start of the season. And it all started with a home run to his former teammate Nomar, son of Ramon. It also must have been interesting for Pedro to see Grady Little again.
Jose Reyes missed the game with a sore wrist, but X-rays showed no break. Then Cliff Floyd hurt his ankle running to third in the second inning.
Carlos Beltran also got a little shaken up diving to make a great catch, but he should be ok.
Lastings Milledge did get another RBI on a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 2.
As long as Valentin is the everyday second baseman we are going to have to deal with bad defense at times.
Glavine tries to salvage the series tonight against Odalis Perez
Jose Reyes missed the game with a sore wrist, but X-rays showed no break. Then Cliff Floyd hurt his ankle running to third in the second inning.
Carlos Beltran also got a little shaken up diving to make a great catch, but he should be ok.
Lastings Milledge did get another RBI on a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 2.
As long as Valentin is the everyday second baseman we are going to have to deal with bad defense at times.
Glavine tries to salvage the series tonight against Odalis Perez
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
I Wish He'd Have Just Apologized
Instead of falling on his sword or blaming his exuberance, Milledge issued a non-apology apology for the hand slapping good time he had with fans after his homer off Armando Benitez.
"It's becoming a big thing, but it's not like I shot somebody or something. "I've already been put out there as a guy with baggage, so people are going to draw their own conclusions."
"You know what? It happened, and if we could replay the game, I don't regret one thing I did. As far as showing up somebody, it might have looked like that. But I'm not here to show up anybody because I haven't put in enough time at the big-league level. So I have no right to show anybody up."
"It's becoming a big thing, but it's not like I shot somebody or something. "I've already been put out there as a guy with baggage, so people are going to draw their own conclusions."
"You know what? It happened, and if we could replay the game, I don't regret one thing I did. As far as showing up somebody, it might have looked like that. But I'm not here to show up anybody because I haven't put in enough time at the big-league level. So I have no right to show anybody up."
If Lou Brown Managed the Mets
He'd have told Milledge, "Nice celebration Hayes, don't ever fuckin do it again."
Mets 4 Dodgers 1
You'll have to forgive me this week, with the Mets on the west coast I can't stay up late enough to even watch the first inning. The recaps will be based on the highlights and what I read in the papers.
Jose Reyes led off the game with his first ever lead off homer. Everytime he hits a homer, I worry about him trying too hard and not hitting enough ground balls.
Delgado added to the lead with a two run homer in the first. A welcome sight for him because it was his first homer since May 21st. He's starting to perk up a bit with the double on Saturday and one on Sunday and now the homer. I knew a slump of that magnitude could not last forever but the Mets really need him to anchor this lineup. He makes Beltran and Wright better hitters.
Soler took the early lead Reyes and Delgado gave him and ran with it. He pitched well, wasn't in trouble, had hitters chasing his curveball and pitched confidently, due to the lead. He's now had one good start, one bad start and one adequate start. The jury remains out on him.
Milledge got two more hits including an RBI single.
I think Willie did the right thing by leaving in Bradford for the 9th inning against three weak/inexperienced right handed hitters. Now he has Heilman, Sanchez and Wagner ready for tonight's game. There was no need to bring in Wagner as long as Bradford didn't get into trouble.
Pedro tonight, Glavine tomorrow (on three day's rest). Should be interesting.
Jose Reyes led off the game with his first ever lead off homer. Everytime he hits a homer, I worry about him trying too hard and not hitting enough ground balls.
Delgado added to the lead with a two run homer in the first. A welcome sight for him because it was his first homer since May 21st. He's starting to perk up a bit with the double on Saturday and one on Sunday and now the homer. I knew a slump of that magnitude could not last forever but the Mets really need him to anchor this lineup. He makes Beltran and Wright better hitters.
Soler took the early lead Reyes and Delgado gave him and ran with it. He pitched well, wasn't in trouble, had hitters chasing his curveball and pitched confidently, due to the lead. He's now had one good start, one bad start and one adequate start. The jury remains out on him.
Milledge got two more hits including an RBI single.
I think Willie did the right thing by leaving in Bradford for the 9th inning against three weak/inexperienced right handed hitters. Now he has Heilman, Sanchez and Wagner ready for tonight's game. There was no need to bring in Wagner as long as Bradford didn't get into trouble.
Pedro tonight, Glavine tomorrow (on three day's rest). Should be interesting.
Monday, June 05, 2006
The Phillies Hate Kids
Mike Lieberthal punches a little girl in the head, makes her cry and doesn't apologize or even ask if she is ok.
Attitude Problem?
Some veterans and observers were put off by Lastings Milledge's celebration of his first major league home run, which happened to tie the game in the bottom of the 10th.
He didn't come out for a curtain call but on his way out to right field in the 11th he slapped hands with fans seated along the first baseline like Cal Ripken did when he broke Gehrig's record.
I agree that the celebration was excessive, and if umps had flags he would have gotten the baseball equivalent of 15 yards. Hopefully, Milledge has learned his lesson about what is and is not acceptable in terms of not showing up or embarrassing the other team.
He called it "a rookie mistake because I didn't want to show anyone up."
Willie Randolph had a conversation with him, "he got a little carried away and I told him, 'Everybody will know your name soon enough.' It won't happen again."
Cliff Floyd told him that if he wants to do stuff like that he has to be prepared to have guys throwing at his head constantly.
Giants manager Felipe Alou echoed those sentiments, "No, I probably never saw that before. The kid was excited, which is understandable. But that's for them to take care of. Otherwise, the big leagues will take care of all of that."
I'm willing to chalk this up to boyish enthusiasm and hope that next time he downplays his celebration, although I'm not all that concerned with whether other teams like him or not, I do want all Mets players to conduct themselves as good sportsmen.
The problem with Milledge is, this pattern of behavior isn't new for him.
In the minor leagues he ignited a bench-clearing brawl after he slid, spikes-high, into Richmond Braves third baseman Jonathan Schuerholz. Also Milledge's "flamboyance" has made him a very unpopular guy among his International League peers.
Maybe yesterday's incident was exactly what was need to set him right, before his career even got going.
He didn't come out for a curtain call but on his way out to right field in the 11th he slapped hands with fans seated along the first baseline like Cal Ripken did when he broke Gehrig's record.
I agree that the celebration was excessive, and if umps had flags he would have gotten the baseball equivalent of 15 yards. Hopefully, Milledge has learned his lesson about what is and is not acceptable in terms of not showing up or embarrassing the other team.
He called it "a rookie mistake because I didn't want to show anyone up."
Willie Randolph had a conversation with him, "he got a little carried away and I told him, 'Everybody will know your name soon enough.' It won't happen again."
Cliff Floyd told him that if he wants to do stuff like that he has to be prepared to have guys throwing at his head constantly.
Giants manager Felipe Alou echoed those sentiments, "No, I probably never saw that before. The kid was excited, which is understandable. But that's for them to take care of. Otherwise, the big leagues will take care of all of that."
I'm willing to chalk this up to boyish enthusiasm and hope that next time he downplays his celebration, although I'm not all that concerned with whether other teams like him or not, I do want all Mets players to conduct themselves as good sportsmen.
The problem with Milledge is, this pattern of behavior isn't new for him.
In the minor leagues he ignited a bench-clearing brawl after he slid, spikes-high, into Richmond Braves third baseman Jonathan Schuerholz. Also Milledge's "flamboyance" has made him a very unpopular guy among his International League peers.
Maybe yesterday's incident was exactly what was need to set him right, before his career even got going.
Tale of Two Scotts
Tall Skott, formerly FatScat, and SkinnyScat, sent out these old school pictures. Look how gigantic his shoulders looked when he was 150 lbs.
I've Got the Month of May
Though the Mets went 16-12 (.571) in the month of May it was a rough month to be a starting pitcher. Mets starters went 6-8 in May. Not bad, but when you consider that Tom Glavine was 5-0, it doesn't look so good anymore. El Duque got the other win in his first start, against Florida.
The bullpen went 10-4, but a couple of those victories should have belonged to the starters. And June has started off in similar fashion. Despite allowing 3 runs in 14 innings combined Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel were both saddled with no decisions.
The bullpen went 10-4, but a couple of those victories should have belonged to the starters. And June has started off in similar fashion. Despite allowing 3 runs in 14 innings combined Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel were both saddled with no decisions.
Dynamite Drop-in
Bob Uecker has a stalker. Kate loves Bob Uecker from his days as George Owens on Mr. Belvedere. Bill loves him as the announcer in Major League, particularly his description of Parkman's shimmy. And my dad loves Uecker because of his theory on catching the knuckleball, "wait for it to stop rolling and pick it up." I enjoy him because of his appearance on a Met broadcast earlier this year. "What keeps you in Milwaukee?" "My parole officer."
Some crazy woman apparently loves the Uke for all those reason. He's seeking a restraining order against her. Uecker says Ann Ladd has been bothering him for six or seven years approaching him at ballparks, staying in the same hotel and sending packages to him at his homes. While not alleging that Ladd has ever threatened him, Uecker contends that her "pattern of harassment has escalated in both frequency and intensity." As evidence, he points to an incident last week in Pittsburgh, when Ladd approached him at a hotel pool and asked if she could wave to him. In letters to Uecker, Ladd has sought a few minutes with the announcer to discuss "two projects" that emphasize "humanitarian factors."
Some crazy woman apparently loves the Uke for all those reason. He's seeking a restraining order against her. Uecker says Ann Ladd has been bothering him for six or seven years approaching him at ballparks, staying in the same hotel and sending packages to him at his homes. While not alleging that Ladd has ever threatened him, Uecker contends that her "pattern of harassment has escalated in both frequency and intensity." As evidence, he points to an incident last week in Pittsburgh, when Ladd approached him at a hotel pool and asked if she could wave to him. In letters to Uecker, Ladd has sought a few minutes with the announcer to discuss "two projects" that emphasize "humanitarian factors."
Sunday, June 04, 2006
He's Hurt, The Big Russian is Hurt
Ok, he's not Russian but this proves that he's not a machine, he's a man. A potentially historic season by Albert Pooh Holes was thwarted by an oblique injury. One third of the way through the season he had 25 homer and 65 RBI (pace for 75 and 195). He definitely won't approach those magic numbers, even if he is only out for two weeks (he could miss as much as a month and a half). It may also hinder his pursuit of a more amazing but more insignificant statistical achivement.
Check out his at bat totals for his career so far:
2001: 590
2002: 590
2003: 591
2004: 592
2005: 591
I could not make this up, but the odds of something like that are astronomical.
Check out his at bat totals for his career so far:
2001: 590
2002: 590
2003: 591
2004: 592
2005: 591
I could not make this up, but the odds of something like that are astronomical.
Giants 7 Mets 6
Ambivalence. That's how I feel about this game.
I'll start with the good. Two home runs by David Wright including one in the 8th inning to tie the game.
And of course the coming out party for Lastings Milledge. Three hits and three RBI. A double that drove in two in the sixth, and the home run in the bottom of the 10th.
That home run was something special. Bottom of the 10th, two strikes, down by 1 against Benitez and he clobbered one to left. I can't imagine better circumstances for a first major league home run. Very exciting look into the future.
One drawback from his day came in the 8th. After Wright homered to tie it, Valentin doubled. Chavez sacrificed to third and Lastings couldn't get the runner home. He did hit a sharp ground ball that could have easily gone through the drawn in infield, but it was hit right at Vizquel.
Valentin kept up his stellar play, hitting a homer to set up Milledge's heroics.
Defense really did the Mets in today. Reyes made an error on an easy double play ball that would have probably clinched the victory in the 8th. The ball just slipped out of his hand.
And the winning run was allowed to reach second when Feliciano threw wide to second base on the sacrifice bunt. They would definitely have had him at second with a good throw. As it was I think Reyes did keep his foot on the bag for a split second once the ball arrived.
The bullpen, especially the best guys, Sanchez and Heilman just did not have it today. Over the past month both guys have been up and down and had trouble stringing together a series of good appearances.
It was pleasant to see the shoe on the other foot as far as Benitez was concerned.
Also nice to see Bonds flail like a dead fish and turn a single by Chavez into a triple.
Mets head out on a 10 game road trip swing starting with three against the red hot Dodgers and ending with three in Philadelphia. Because of Friday's rain out the pitcher for Wednesday's game is up in the air. Either it'll be Glavine on 3 days rest, Oliver making a spot start, or someone from the minor leagues.
I'll start with the good. Two home runs by David Wright including one in the 8th inning to tie the game.
And of course the coming out party for Lastings Milledge. Three hits and three RBI. A double that drove in two in the sixth, and the home run in the bottom of the 10th.
That home run was something special. Bottom of the 10th, two strikes, down by 1 against Benitez and he clobbered one to left. I can't imagine better circumstances for a first major league home run. Very exciting look into the future.
One drawback from his day came in the 8th. After Wright homered to tie it, Valentin doubled. Chavez sacrificed to third and Lastings couldn't get the runner home. He did hit a sharp ground ball that could have easily gone through the drawn in infield, but it was hit right at Vizquel.
Valentin kept up his stellar play, hitting a homer to set up Milledge's heroics.
Defense really did the Mets in today. Reyes made an error on an easy double play ball that would have probably clinched the victory in the 8th. The ball just slipped out of his hand.
And the winning run was allowed to reach second when Feliciano threw wide to second base on the sacrifice bunt. They would definitely have had him at second with a good throw. As it was I think Reyes did keep his foot on the bag for a split second once the ball arrived.
The bullpen, especially the best guys, Sanchez and Heilman just did not have it today. Over the past month both guys have been up and down and had trouble stringing together a series of good appearances.
It was pleasant to see the shoe on the other foot as far as Benitez was concerned.
Also nice to see Bonds flail like a dead fish and turn a single by Chavez into a triple.
Mets head out on a 10 game road trip swing starting with three against the red hot Dodgers and ending with three in Philadelphia. Because of Friday's rain out the pitcher for Wednesday's game is up in the air. Either it'll be Glavine on 3 days rest, Oliver making a spot start, or someone from the minor leagues.