Last night I watched one of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentaries. It was “Without Bias: The Len Bias Story” or something like that. It didn’t blow me away as far as storytelling goes, but it was well done.

Near the end of the program, the documentary quickly reviewed what happened the year Bias died. In 1986, the New England Patriots were stomped by the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX. The Red Sox blew the World Series against the New York Mets. And though the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship that year, Len’s June death began the 1986-87 season. A season the Celtics were unable to repeat as champions without Bias.

Not mentioned by the documentary was the Boston Bruins. The Black and Gold lost in the Division Semi-Finals in 85-86 and 86-87.

Continue reading "Deep 86-ed"

  Do we really blame Carney Lansford for a bunch of over-anxious, free-swinging hitters?  The stats certainly don't lie.  Only the Padres, Pirates, and Astros scored fewer runs than the Giants' 657 runs in 2009.  San Francisco's 122 home runs was second-to-last in the N.L., behind only the Mets, who stroked just 95 homers with a half-injured team in their brand-new, spacious Citi Field. Walks: 392 for the Giants was dead last in the league (the Rockies had 660 walks to lead the league). And that leads us to on-base percentage; where the Giants ranked last at .309!  That is just dismal, anemic, pitiful....any other good adjectives to throw in there?

  Bottom line, this has been a consistent problem for the Giants for several years now. They never really replaced Bonds and Kent - the last time they had a legitimate three-four combination in the batting order.  Yes, they've built up the pitching big time. Yes, Pablo Sandoval can rake. But that's not enough -- we need two or three more hitters like Pablo. Hey, you've got to give up something to get something, and the time is now to part with a starting pitcher, and acquire a bat. It's not the most desirable scenario, but consider the lack of available sticks in free agency. In addition, they will have to invest some money to keep the young guys happy (Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson are due for BIG raises, and I say, give them whatever they want!).

Continue reading "Carney Lansford the Scape Goat for Giants Offensive Struggles"

How ‘bout that?

How about Jason Kubel?  The Twins slugger hit a pair of three-run home runs in his team’s must-win game against Kansas City just to force Game 163, and added a solo shot in the game against the Tigers that decided the AL Central.  For the season, Kubel hit .300 with 28 home runs, 103 RBI’s, and a .907 OPS – all career highs.  Additionally, since taking over in right field when Justin Morneau went on the disabled list and Michael Cuddyer moved to first base, Kubel has not made a single error, giving Manager Ron Gardenhire confidence in his team despite the loss of one of his best players.

Continue reading "Twins-Tigers game was exactly what I wanted"

Can he be decent as a one inning middle reliever in not-so-tight situations? Probably, because he has a 94-99 MPH fastball when he works short appearances. But other than that, this guy is probably closer to a AAA pitcher than a major leaguer. 

Unless you have natural ability the likes of Ubaldo Jimenez, you have to have a BRAIN to be a successful starting pitcher at the game's highest level. Parnell stays on a plain with the opposing hitters' belts, which is an obvious recipe for disaster. He has extreme difficulty shooting the knees, and that's why his 96 MPH heaters get smacked around like 87 or 88. 

Continue reading "Bobby Parnell is NOT a starting pitcher"

That's the question a friend asked me earlier today, and I said, "Sure. It's not like we have anyone better" -- with the obvious exception of Johan Santana. As far as physical ability goes, Zambrano isn't the 97-99 MPH flamethrower he was four or five seasons ago, but he maintains an effective power sinker that would work nicely at Citi Field. I thought he looked hurt in 2008, but I've seen the life return to his sinker this season. 

The obstacle in the Mets' way would be of the financial variety. By now many of you know that the Wilpons were ripped off by Bernie Madoff, and reports have suggested as much as $700 million in losses. If the actual number is anywhere near that figure, it would be awfully difficult for the Mets to house Zambrano's hefty contract. Only time will tell, I guess. 

Continue reading "Cubs Say They Will Shop Zambrano"

And the Mets STILL couldn't find a way to win. Pedro, whom the Mets opted to pass on this offseason, went eight strong innings without allowing a single run. Pedro struck out seven, and scattered six hits. He was featuring an 88-92 MPH fastball, a sweeping curve, and an excellent change-up to left-handed hitters. 

Oh well, I guess the Mets' front office was positive that Redding was the better choice this offseason. Another real winner for this sorry organization. 

Continue reading "Pedro sticks it to his old mates"

The whole situation makes little sense to me. If I were the Mets' front office and management, I'd be looking to start fresh in 2010 -- manager included. Manuel has proven to be a very poor in-game manager, struggling with match-ups and the basics of offensive strategy. His tactics are dated, and his club has lost games as a result of his decision-making. 

Personally, I despise Manuel as a manager. But my personal opinion doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, all that matters is what Omar Minaya and the Wilpons think. 

Continue reading "What has Jerry Manuel done to keep his job"

No. 1 Starter: LHP-Johan Santana

Johan recently had season-ending surgery, but he's expected to be back and ready to go for spring training in '10. Hopefully the surgery will improve Johan's velocity, as he dipped into the 88-90 range during the second half of this year. He was still relatively effective, but nothing like '08 or his days in a Minnesota Twins' uniform. I don't think Santana will be dominant, but I expect him to be a very solid No. 1 starter in 2010. 

Continue reading "2010 Mets Rotation"

Seeing the Cubs, who had a great winning record last season, plus 30 games, thrash around like a wounded animal--is painful enough.  For a die-hard Cubs' fan, you don't want to see the team lose, but put them out of their misery.

The season is over.  The Cubs weren't good enough, and they are making the Cardinals look like the Cubs of last summer.  Records are mirage, except losing ones.  Now Chicago will try to finish the year above .500 and that looks like a struggle.  Players aren't meshing this year according to Lou Piniella, Cubs Mananger.  He said the team chemistry was better last year in published reports. The team also had Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood.  Milton Bradley, who came over with power from the left side, has been a huge disappointment.  He was hot versus the Mets. Batting like .450 in 3 games. That might have raised his average. But when the Cubs needed big hits earlier this season, Bradley was ice cold.  Recently he has made statements that haven't endeared him to home town fans. Well, the season is almost over and you can go home soon.

Continue reading "Cubs Cant Beat Bad Teams At Home"

Continue reading "Barry Zito has been Stellar Since the All-Star Break"