Mets, Yankees, Congress and donuts
My apologies for the tardiness this morning. Got home late last night, after a flight from Orlando to LaGuardia, and took my son to pre-school this morning. It's good to be home, even in the freezing weather.
Spring training usually marks my longest trip of the year. On Monday, February 11th, I flew from LaGuardia to Washington, sitting one row ahead of Senator Charles Schumer. Between my arrival in D.C. that night and my return home last night _ no celebrities on the flight, unfortunately _ I saw two Congressional hearings and five big-league camps. I got to see Roger Clemens dig his own grave on Wednesday the 13th on Capitol HIll, and yesterday, I witnessed him throw batting practice as Congress referred his perjury case to Justice.
So, before I unpack, here are some departing thoughts:
Now, to be clear, in 2006, I loved the energy in the Yankees' clubhouse, and I predicted they would win it all. In 2005, I loved the energy in the Red Sox's clubhouse, and I predicted they would win it all. And last year, I went with "Tigers over Giants" in the World Series. So this is an extremely inexact science.
This year? Both the Mets and Yankees seem to be in a good place, mentally. The Mets appeared hungry to erase the embarrassment of last year's finish, and also energized by the arrival of Johan Santana. In Yankees camp, Joe Girardi is bringing some much-needed energy. It was definitely time for a change in the manager's office.
But the Mets should have the most talent in their division, if not their league, while the Yankees, because they are relying so heavily on young pitching, could easily miss the playoffs. Let's see how the Grapefruit League schedule goes over the next month, and then we'll submit our predictions.
Following up on yestersday's entry, I'm betting Andrew, Jason H. and Tim a box of donuts each _ how about Dunkin?_ that the Astros won't make the playoffs. If anyone else wants in on this, submit your request via blog comment or e-mail by tomorrow night. I'll accept the next 17 Astros advocates, capping it at 20 - just in case some Astros blogger gets a hold of this thing and attempts to bankrupt me.
Then, come October, if the Astros qualify for the postseason, I'll have some donuts to ship out. And if they don't make it, let's arrange for some sort of healthier-equivalent donation to a homeless shelter in Newsday's neighborhood. I can't eat donuts, since I'm still working on my New Year's recommendation.
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Comments (9)
Clemens simply let his powerful ego, extreme stubborness and ridiculous legal advice put him in a very precarious, uneviable situation. Very poorly thought out, Roger. Good luck
Speaking of the Nationals, any chance Nick Johnson could be available in a trade? I believe he's now healthy again from his latest injury and with the Yankees having a need at 1B I can see Johnson possibly returning. The Nationals could use some pitching and the Yanks have some pitching prospects to trade such as Marquez. I know he can never stay healthy, but I always liked Johnson- good OBP and defense- and was upset when he was traded away. And don't the Nationals have Dmitri Young at 1B and he was an All-Star for them last season? I don't know where Johnson fits into the Nationals plans.
Johnson is an excellent candidate to be traded, Jimmy. But I'd bet that the Yankees, unless they're completely mortified by what they see in the next month, will let their current options get a chance into the season. Cashman is still hoarding prospects.
I don't see too much to quibble with in today's blog, from the need to change NYY managers to the real chance they won't make the playoffs this year. I think it's good to go with the kids, let Mussina play out the contract (along with Giambi, etc.) and stock on the prospects. Next year the team will be more experienced, in a real position to make a run at a few free agents (lots of $$$ available) and much younger than they would have been if they signed some veteran dogs. At some point the Yankees needed to do what they are doing this year or risk entering into a long period of drought. Us Yankees fans just need to suck it up. Nick Johnson isn't the answer. He will be hurt by the All-Star break. The Astros have the hitting but without pitching are headed nowhere. If the Mets don't make the playoffs, Randolph is gone - as he should be if that happens. I'd like to see Manny Acta do something in Washington. A good guy.
It wouldn't quite be spring training without a prediction that the Yankees won't make the post-season. I've been reading that forever, and they've managed to defy the odds for 12 straight years.
However, that being said, I believe the Mets will win the World Series this year.
bailey: Who has predicted the Yankees won't make the postseason for the last 12 years? Biggest payroll in baseball isn't exactly "defying the odds".
Perhaps there has been a hack Wallace Mathews column about how A-Rod is bad for clubhouse unity or some such nonsense in the last few years, but I can't think of too many examples of a respectable baseball writer on the local scene or otherwise who has made that prediction.
Did you read that in 1999? In 2004? Maybe, just maybe, last year, but geez what idiot would write that?
That said, every year I predict the Yankees will make the playoffs because I hate them and hope I can provide some type of jinx...
Right on, Joe!
I saw that Jump the Shark website and I have to say, the fans dont know what they're talking about. How anyone thinks that the Sopranos didn't Jump the Shark is beyond me!
I mean from Tony's freaking dream to that dreadful horrible ending, the show was the shark!
Ken, the homies on the streets are gonna owe you a thanks. The Astros would have to play the Knicks in basketball to make the playoffs.
They will be dreadful, with or without him.