The Mets So Far

We started the season on a high note, looked like we were just gonna run away with things. Things got dicey quickly though, Leo Rodney and Ronny Gant both went down with those nagging injuries at the same time.  Might have been 3 to 4 days but it puts a huge burden on thing when most of the big boys are watching from the dugout. That wasn't bad enough as those two got resolved and back into the line up then Felipe Peralta hit the DL followed closely in the his footsteps was Brutus Mora. Mora's wasn't as long but still long enough to be out for the 15 day period.

I didn't plan on calling anybody up from AAA but with John McInerney committing 8 errors and 2 minus plays already, help was needed to shore up the defense at 2B. Compounding the problem, I didn't think about resetting the rest, defense and pinch hitting categories during the absences. That may have led to a six game slump but not sure.  Definitely didn't help. One thing for sure, the players can't bitch about not getting playing time as everybody except the recent call-up and the backup catcher have 60+ AB's.

Pitching has been relatively good as we lead the NL in that category. Hitting hasn't been robust but with all the DL problems not all that bad. Fielding, the normal mainstay of one of my teams, is one of the worst in the NL leading the way with 27 miscues. Most of those by one bumbling 2B and all the minus plays also. We are good with the plus plays and teams still think they can run against us but that really hasn't panned out all that well for them.

Trace Kennedy became the first casualty of the season after his unusual horrible outings disenfranchised him rather quickly. Dusty Ingram was signed just for that reason and was hurried up from AAA to take his place with good results so far.

The minor league teams started out rather slow this year but their records doesn't exactly reflect that. At AAA, they started with a 2-5 record as it looked abominable for a while until I looked at the lineup. That's what I get for hitting the recommended button in the management console then not looking to see what it did. AA is a surprise as I have nothing to crow about in the way of players but the coaches are making them be the best they can be.  Truthfully the same can be said about High A and Low A also.

The 30 Game Pretender Clause

So it is 30 games or so into the season already. Have the pretenders been put to bed and the real teams awoken? Strange things has been happening for sure.

NL North

The Cubs woke up after a slow start and have taken control. The Brewers are a shouldn't by winning good and losing bad. The Reds just can't get things going but are looking positive. The Pirates are having no luck, like a starter pitching 9 scoreless and hitless innings only to see the performance shattered in extra innings.

NL East

This division is a quagmire at the moment. The Mets have odoriferous offensive DL woes and a manager that forgot to reset the settings because of said issues. Finally calling on AAA to help solve the DL issue a little because John McInerney is stinking up the joint playing 2B. Phils started out hot but have retreated to the norm.  The Braves are on the warpath for a bit but haven't actually excited anyone. The Colonels move to Florida may be working but we are not sold on the idea this season. It is also confusing not seeing the team in the South.

NL South

Interesting things happening here as the pretenders went south. Mexico City got hot but got ballyhooed by the then slumping Mets and haven't recovered. That left an opening for the hot Cards who took advantage. The Astros are even making one of their patented moves in the wake of things. Ivan finally got his 400th win and is working on getting his 100th save and I do believe he will be the only pitcher with more than 200 wins and 100 saves to his credit. That is a great achievement for a relief pitcher.

NL West

These teams are mystifying to say the least. Winning a game at home is more than a relative struggle but put them on the road and they are death defying. What is going to happen here is any ones guess. Dodgers, D'Backs and Giants could wind up in a virtual tie the way things are going. The Padres all ordered NO-NO's but returned them when they found out it caused ED.

AL North

The Jays are playing great ball and the Tigers are playing like they were expected the last three seasons but didn't. The Expos were taken by surprise early but are on the move though winning at home is down right pathetic. The Twinkies are staying close but are well over-shadowed this season we think.

AL East

This division sorts itself out after All-Star break. Look for the Red Sox, Beetles and O's to have a share of first place at one point or another before the Sox pull away as usual. Meanwhile the Senators are stuck in committee one again.

AL South

Things have calmed down considerably with KC being a royal bitch. The Rangers are being mindful this season but seemingly get the job done with respect. Memphis is having a bit of a scheduling problem, 21 home games already.  They are having a tweeting good time as the newcomer figures things out in a most unusual world. The Heads are suppose to be Talking but is sounds more like jibberish.

AL West

The Sky Sox were dismayed last year because of their less than tantalizing start and vowed not to let it happen this year, so far so good. The A's could be repeating last years reprisal, staying close til the stretch then flounder. The Angels said they should win 101 games but hasn't gelled yet, think they slipped the banana peel into the jello instead. VC are just scratching their heads as they are stuck in neutral, pass them a crescent wrench and a bobby pin.

More IFA Money Spent

Oakland nabbed Victor Gomez for $6M.  he is a lefty so his stock was lower than normal along with the off-speed tendency. His right split may not be all that great but does have ML control and some pretty nice pitches.  Good price for a probable ML pitcher.

Grade: B

Knuck made his first foray into the market as he Pedro Castilla for $5M. He fancies himself as a SS and could actually ascertain to the position. Hitting isn't may not be great but does have a little pop and luck on his side. I like the signing but their could be hitch in the contract getting him a date with Sasha Gray.

Grade: B

Upon further review, I still stand by my grading of David Escobar. He might be a big bat but has no place on a ML roster. He can't play a position except DH and even then doesn't have the durability to last long in a lineup. Health is another huge issue and he is already on the PUP list. Now if he hits the DITR list things could change drastically otherwise a career minor league player could ensue. He could in fact play DH at the ML level in the future for 18 games if things fall right.

It is rumored that Mal purchased a Bake-A-Bone to make pancakes for the kids as the neighbor swears by it. We really know he liked the idea for himself as it had an unusual side effect, he trained the wife to sit up and beg.  Also purchased was a Polly Perfect to drive the wife's cat up the wall. That didn't work well as it drove the kids nuts and they shot it with a BB gun and buried it in the back yard.  He also tried out that new convenient convection hotplate but became the first burn victim after not reading the warning label "Pots and Pans get extremely hot".

IFA for Millions

Montreal made off with the signing of Kevin Yosida for $27.6M hard earned bucks.  He makes it hard to believe that he can play LF but we will wait but looks to have a knack at 1B. His trade mark however is hitting the ball over the fence which looks to be a rather easy accomplishment. If it is a decision to walk him, chances are good he will end up on second as he has the speed and showoff ability to swipe when no one is looking.

Grade: A+

The First 10

The first 10 are in the books already. How did things shape up so far and will we see a shake up.

NL North

Nobody is off to fast start. The Brewers vowed a 3-8 start share the lead at 5-5. The Reds are off to their normal slow start. The Cubs just hasn't found themselves. The Pirates cooled off after being thumped by the Cards. Cubs and Reds are suppose to rule this division, so things will change.

NL East

The Phillies are hot winning six in a row even after getting blistered by Atlanta to start things off.  The next series with the Mets will tell the tale as they have showed off an even fortitude.  The Braves looked hot to start but being swept by the Mets is doubting. The Marlins have dug themselves a deep hole fast, first year jitters in a new park. This was suppose to be a Mets-Braves division, do we have an early pretender.

NL South

Mexico City has a chip on their shoulder. It could be a run for the money between a heavy weight division that already shows off two challengers in Houston and St Louis. Knuck is struggling in Tampa Bay so far. How bad did that season 25 injury hurt Ivan as he limps to 400?

NL West

I warned the West about the Giants. Giants looked ready to roll until the Mets came to town. Giants-Dodgers on tap next, this should shape things up for sure. Meanwhile Bruce has the Padres chasing the goat with the Heinekens while Tyler is reffing the chase and oogling the naked chicks. (we think the goat will win)

AL North

The Jays may run away and hide from the rest of the division before the season is over. The Tigers and Twins are trying to keep up. Last years Golden Boys of Summer look to be in a sophomore slump already but the Expos will right themselves we think.

AL East

As predicted, the Red Sox and O's will be trading barbs all season long. Ahh, what the hell, the Red Sox always seem to pull away in the stretch so we will wait.  DC and Dover just can't find the magic.

AL South

KC is off to a fast start again like last years Little Darlings. The silence was broken this year as the Rangers wanted to trade, not sure we have heard the last of that. (just knew that was coming didn't ya) The RedBirds first year looks like a bit of reorganization to see whats what.  Little Rock is still stuck in neutral.

AL West

I can't remember the last time a team started 10-0 like the Sky Sox. This division is a bit of a head scratcher so far. The A's were in Seattle last year and started like a house afire also before reality set in. This year I am not so sure as the reality could be real. The Angels are shell shocked but Colorado Springs started off this way last year and look what happened could it be a bit of a repeat scenario?  I thought VC had a shot above mediocrity but now I am not so sure, it is a rookie season so there are some bugs to work out.

Holy Crap Batman IFA Market

Alex Olivares became the richest IFA ever  with a $32M paycheck from the Houston Astros. Moving into second on the real expensive list is Renyel Manuel of Cincy who got $30M a few years back.  So what did that kind of money but?  Well there are several ways to look at it, quality pitching has been real hard to come by for quite a few seasons now. Comparatively speaking though, well over priced. The first thing that strikes me is his age which causes me to mark a  demerit right off the bat.  Control can get better but not of expectations I think. Splits are already very good which had  good market appeal.  Pitches are decent and can get better with time but I am not sure they will be all that great.  Off-speed and probably neutral in the GB/FB category. Would he go as the #1 pick in the draft, depends but definitely the top 5.

Grade: A-

While the bidding war was going on, Dover signed Luis Mesa for $2.9M. Seems real cheap doesn't it, at least down to Earth.  Well, he is no pitcher and a poor excuse of a 1B if you ask me but could make his living as a DH I think. Does have a good eye, contact and power, hopefully the splits will be better.

Grade: C

David Escobar made headlines after signing a contract with St. Louis for $2.8M. What can he do besides hit the long ball? Absolutely, positively nothing! To a NL team none the less.

Grade: F+

Opening Day Part 2

Humiliation games of the Day: KC blasts Little Rock 14-3 and Chicago blows Pittsburgh 11-1.
Making it look close game of the Day: Baltimore puts up 7 runs in second while Dover score 5 runs late in a 12-7 finish.
Fish Fry in New York: Mets grill Marlins 10-3.
Knucklebones Return Marred: Cards down Rays 8-7 in 13 with a questionable call at the plate..
Miller Shiell hits two run walk off as Giants slip by the D'Backs in the 10th 3-1.

Detroit outlasts Minnesota 4-2.
Colorado Springs upends bhansell63's debut with 6-3 win over Vancouver.