Before we discuss Pedro and Joba, I wanted to share a conversation I had last week.
Just for the heck of it, I was curious: Since Roger Clemens was suing Brian McNamee for his testimony in the Mitchell Report, why wouldn't The Rocket sue Mitchell and Bud Selig, too? After all, they're the ones who believed McNamee and published the former Yankee assistant strength coach's allegations.
Now, to be clear: I believe McNamee's allegations of Clemens' illegal PED usage are true and, therefore, that the Mitchell Report's assertions against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner are accurate. I just think it would've been fun to see Selig and, especially, the profoundly conflicted, undeservedly deified Mitchell sweat through some cross-examination.
But after conversing with Barry Langberg, a prominent attorney in the areas of defamation and libel _ check out his bio here _ I fully understand why Clemens targeted McNamee and not Selig and Mitchell.
Explained Sangberg, a big baseball fan: "(Clemens) is a public figure. He may even be a general-purpose public figure. He has to prove constitutional malice.
"You can only sue the ones you have a good case against. He would have a much harder time proving constitutional malice against Major League Baseball and Mitchell. They can use the argument, 'It doesn't matter what we published was false, as long as we didn't know it was false.' It's a hell of a burden.
"With McNamee, if he's lying, he knows it's false. Mitchell can say, 'I was relying on what I thought was good information.'"
If some of you already knew this - I'm thinking of you, Bob Tufts and J-Rock - I apologize. And for those of you who are tired of steroids stuff, well, thanks for letting me scratch an itch on my brain. And now let's move on to last night's pitchers:
It doesn't help the Yankees' cause that their bullpen really does stink right now, besides Mariano Rivera. But, to reiterate, there are plenty of minor-league arms who figure to get their chance before the 2008 season concludes without a playoff berth.
I'll be more excited to watch a Joba start once he has a real, big-boy pitch count, and once he's more comfortable using his secondary pitches. He said he threw just two curveballs, although some of his sliders seemed to have a curveball's "humpback," and there were definitely zero changeups.
If Pedro can stay healthy the rest of the way, the Mets will have a huge confidence boost two out of every five days, on the turns of Martinez and Johan Santana. And John Maine isn't too far behind, in terms of reliability. The Mets know that their best shot at getting an effective Pedro is maximizing his rest between starts. Perhaps they'll even get Pedro that fifth day of rest by occasionally plugging Claudio Vargas back into the rotation. Of course, if Oliver Perez can't right himself, then Vargas will be back in the rotation, anyway.
Do you think Bud Selig should order Griffey to start, as commissioner Bowie Kuhn (insert jeer here) did to Hank Aaron back at the start of the 1974 season, when Aaron was on the road and on the verge of passing Babe Ruth? Or do you not care?
Comments (37)
Good information on the legalities surrounding the Clemens situation. I, too, wish he had sued Selig and Mitchell just for the heck of it. I would have loved seeing Bud squirm on the witness stand when he was questioned about what he knew and when, etc. Maybe we could have finally seen him go down for perjury, even though it would have been a civil trial and perjury is rarely prosecuted in such cases.
No, I don't think Selig should order Griffey to start, although the Reds are being ridiculous, especially considering how many games he's already missed over the years.
I'd like to see Joba throw a full arsenal of pitches and challenge hitters more instead of walking so many batters.
Ken, do you think the Mets sent the wrong guy down in Muniz? He seemed to be very reliable out of the bullpen, unlike Heilman. And Pelfrey has stunk it up too this year. Also, do you think the Mets can possible re-acquire Xaviar Nady if they would include Fernando Martinez in a trade?
Ken, the Yankees are basically giving up this year in a year where let's face it the Wild card in the American League is wide open. I can poke some holes on every team in the AL who are going to make a run to the playoffs. Joba last night seem to not finish off batters when he has 2 strikes. He not going to be a instant success as a starter right now. The bullpen stinks right now except for Rivera. You know my stance about where Joba should pitch.
According to today's NY Post, Murray Chass isn't officially out at the NYT yet. He's on "sick leave" but he won't be returning. I guess old writers/columnists are put out with the trash at night. What a way to end an award winning career. Say what you want about Chass, he deserved a little better exit than this.
Jim is right on Murray Chass. Yes, he was extremely dismissive of sabrmetrics, but I would think 40 years of service counts for something. The Times has wiped Murray off the face of the earth like a Lenin's Tomb photo on May Day.
I too wouldd love to put Mitchell and Selig on the stand and subject them to the same character assassination that the NY Daily News did with Clemens re: sex. But, ....
Here's a good link on libel..http://www.expertlaw.com/library/personal_injury/defamation.html
Why doesn't Griffey sit until the Reds' next nationally televised night home game in 2016. He should play if he is able.
Too much, too fast for Joba... send him to AAA until he gets his groove as a starter. Meantime, give the farmhands their shot.
As for Roger, he is a general-purpose a-hole who can look forward to some long days and spending a vast portion of his career earnings on legal fees.
Keep up the steroid news. I think it has tarnished the records of the game and the culprits should still be reported in your blogs.
I would guess that Clemens made between $150-200 million in salary alone. Probably more. Much is deferred. He certainly has investments. An OJ type ordeal wouldn't even cost $5 million. Clemens is spending less than you would think. With his financial might, he won't miss a million bucks. The better question is who is paying McNamee's legal tab considering he claims he has little or no money?
By the time everything clears out, McNamee will be broke and have to file for bankrupt since he stated that he has little money to work with. Nothing is going to happen to Clemens unless there is overwelming evidence that will senh him to jail. As for McNamee, I don't know what's he doing right now, but I guarantee he desperately trying to find a job to earn some money to support his son.
Jim /Dennis/Ken:
Yes - a real question for an investigative reporter as opposed to what's going on under the sheets (and I have asked the I-team to do so in a few emails) is who is paying the legal bills for McNamee. Law firms that take pro bono cases usually involve issues like death penalty, women's shelters, civil rights, etc. - social issues - not a federal perjury cases that has turned into a defamation suit.
This case has gone on for about a year, with 3 $ 600 plus per hour attorneys and associates. (And Barry Bonds first gave his BALCO testimony in December 2003). Where can I get a deal like that?
So how long will it be before Joba is comfortable with his secondary pitches? You can't start with a one-pitch arsenal, but you can pitch one inning or so. The way he checks off Posada and the veteran catchers is extremely infuriating. Maybe the Yankee brass shouldn't allow him to check off. Giese wasn't awful, so what happens now, the Yankees are a bit short of bench help and need some for inter-league play.
profoundly conflicted, undeservedly deified Mitchell
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Ken, why did the media treat him that way? I could never understand why his conflict(s) of interest were just sort of wiped away and not talked about. I remember the day of the press conference Jon Heyman asked him (sheepishly) about this and Mitchell very melodramatically mentioned his negotiations in Ireland... and that was it. As if that answered everything. Heyman himself seemed convinced, since he immediately and forever after said Mitchell was above reproach. I think one of the most irritating things about the Mitchell Report was Mitchell himself.
Anyway... as for Pedro: where did this velocity come from? The gun had him at 88-92 (92!) all night. He hasn't thrown that hard in four years. And now, post-shoulder surgery, he comes back throwing hard again? Hmm. I'm not saying Pedro was popping HGH or anything while rehabbing in Florida or back home, but it sure is peculiar.
Please count me as the leader of the I hate steroids stories!!! I am just so sick and tired of hearing about it. I knew steroids was rampant in the 90's during the 90's. Was I really the only one besides the players that knew McGwire's forearms weren't natural? Am I really that much smarter than everyone??
As for Pedro...I said it when he got injured. Best thing to happen for the Mets. A tired Pedro is a bad Pedro and hopefully he misses another three weeks in August, so he's healthy for October. The Mets clearly have the best roster, lets just hope Fernando Tatis rubs off on the rest of the players and they start to care.
Ken, Mike and the Mad Dog just bought up a good point. Players like Jeter, A-Rod,etc. care about winning games and getting to the playoffs. This Joba situation is going to bother them a lot. Also just think if Barry Zito was pitching like he is right now wtih the Yanks or the Mets. Everybody will slaughtering him and rip ing him to shredds.
The following is a CNN transcript of an October 29, 2004 interview by Soledad O’Brien with Senator Mitchell that describes his status with the Red Sox. (http://transcripts.cnn.com.TRANSCRIPTS/0410/29/ltm.06.html)
O’BRIEN: On a much lighter note, how about those Red Sox? I understand that you have a little stake in the team?
MITCHELL: Oh, it’s great. I do. Yes, I do. I am involved with the Red Sox. I am a lifelong fan. I grew up in Maine and…
O’BRIEN: A part owner, too, beyond being a fan.
MITCHELL: Yes. Well, not that much of an owner.
O’BRIEN: Well, still more than most people do.
MITCHELL: Yes, no, it was a great success, a great season and a great success.
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Cngressional record...FANS Act
Mr. WATT. The problem is the blue ribbon committee guy is now trying to buy into baseball. So he told me you were losing money, and then he says he wants to buy into the system. It leaves me a little shaky about his judgment and the conclusions he reached.
Mr. SELIG. I don't think so because he's trying to buy a big market franchise, Congressman. He's not trying to buy—I think we've already answered that. And by the way, the only information not turned over to you was, I am told by our people, the bargaining information on revenue sharing and salary, which they believe is confidential. The financial information I'm told has been turned over.
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Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman's time has expired. The Chair would observe that the blue ribbon commission member who is trying to buy into a franchise used to be a Senator, and you know how they are.
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In a Nov. 27 e-mail interview with ESPN.com, Mitchell said, "I do not have, and have never had, any equity interest whatsoever in the Red Sox, past, present, or future."
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Perhaps Mitchell debates himself in his spare time to stay in shape as a negotiator?
Dennis--nobody who writes anything on this board cares anything about what Mike and the Mad Dog think except for you. You need to understand and learn that those two don't have ANY inside knowledge, don't know much more than any average baseball fan, and their opinions mean as much as that fan. They get their opinions from the same place I do--the newspapers I read and from watching games. The big difference, they are on the radio and the rest of us aren't. They are a slight step above Steve Somers and Richard Neer, who know absolutely nothing. What you need to do is don't worry about what they broadcast on their show, form your own opinions and bring them here to discuss. You can do that, can't you?
Sandy you are so right. If you have ever seen M and MD on YES you can actually witness Russo reading newspapers. He offers no analysis, just ranting and raving. No inside knowledge, just half baked supposition. Francesa speaks as if he is the voice of God. He wants to turn Joba into an eventual closer. It doesn't matter that Joba himself wants to be a starter. Francesa knows what's best for Joba and how best to use him. Somers and Neer might know next to nothing but at least they are easier on the senses to listen to on a long drive.
Ken, I know you don't have much confidence in the Mets plans past this year (barren farm system, aging roster, thin free agent crop), so I was wondering what, realistically, the Mets possibly can scrap together for a rotation next year. I'd be completely shocked if the Mets resigned Oliver Perez due to his wildly inconsistent performance and the money he'll likely command on the market. Unless Pedro proves extremely healthy and productive, I don't see the Mets resigning him either. El Duque is as good as gone, too. That leaves us with a rotation of Johan Santana, Johnny Maine, Mike Pelfrey, and possibly Claudio Vargas. With no minor-league pitchers on the horizon (I don't buy Robert Parnell as a legitimate prospect) what exactly can they do? I doubt they'll get into a bidding war for C.C. Sabathia because of how much they already gave up for Santana, and after Sabathia the dropoff for pitchers is significant, and those pitchers will still carry a heavy price tag. Your thoughts?
They are a slight step above Steve Somers and Richard Neer, who know absolutely nothing.
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Sandy, that's more insightful than anything Mike and the Dog have said in their entire history. There was a time when Mike and Chris hated each other, so it should come as no surprise that when you put them together, most people can't stand them.
Sommers looks, sounds and acts like a cartoon. But I think I'd listen to M&MD for six straight days before I could listen to the Schmooz kill the Yankees ad nauseam.
Hey, gang, just got back from an All-Star Game news conference at MLB headquarters. And no, neither Bud nor Mitchell attended. Thanks for keeping things lively.
Catching up:
Gary (and others, including Poppy), I understand your frustrations re: Heilman. I think he has earned a little more time (let's call it two or three more outings) to right himself. He was pretty good during the Florida series last week, then fell apart again, against the Dodgers.
Dennis, first of all, I think the people have spoken re: Mike and the Mad Dog - and I asked you last week to please stop citing them as baseball experts. They are the best sports radio team in the country - but still, we all know much more about baseball than they do. Second of all, the reason I picked the Yankees to miss the playoffs was based largely on the fact that they themselves were thinking bigger picture - that they seemed willing to take an October off. I'm sure the players are frustrated. But tough. They don't make the personnel decisions. Their job is to show up every day and play hard.
For those asking about McNamee's legal bills: First of all, I think McNamee did all right for a while. He got a World Series share in 2000 and a pennant-winner's share in 2001, Clemens and Pettitte took care of him, and he also had (and might still have) Wall Street clients. Second of all, I'm betting these guys aren't exactly crushing McNamee with fees, given all of the free publicity they've received.
baileywalk, I promise you, when Mitchell had his news conference last Dec. 13, I was raising my hand like Tracy Flick in "Election." My question was going to be, "You had four conflicts of interest during this investigation. Which did you find the most difficult to overcome?" Alas, the distinguished Senator didn't call on me.
As for Pedro, we have all earned the right to be suspicious of everyone. But I do know that in spring training, Pedro was ecstatic about his arm strength, and it's not like his arm cost him the last two months.
Bryan, great question about the Mets' rotation next year, and at the risk of copping out, it's just too early to predict. What if Pedro stays healthy the rest of the way? Maybe he's worth signing to a one-year, $10-million deal, with the understanding that he'll make 20-25 starts. Will the A's look to dump Blanton? How about Mussina, if he keeps winning games? I could mention, literally, 100 possibilities, but we're gonna have to reassess at season's end.
I love the schmoozer, he is funny!
Ken, will the Mets try to get Nady? Say, if they offer Fernando Martinez?
Ken, its a good thing Barry Zito didn't sign with the Yanks or the Mets for $126 million because if Zito was pitching like he is right now with either team, everybody would be slaughtering him. Zito would have been call all sorts of names.
Love the question for Mitchell, Ken. It's the equivalent of "Have your stopped beating your wife yet?" He would have responded by saying it was raining in Ireland when his plane landed, but when the doors opened, the sun came out.
Sorry, Gary, I forgot to answer this before. The Mets wouldn't include Martinez in the trade for Santana, so they're not trading him for Xavier Nady. They like Nady, but it might be hard to find a match, given the Mets' weak farm system (and, to reiterate, their desire to retain Nady).
LOL on Mitchell, Jim.
I bet before Mitchell came out for his press conference someone in the back pulled him aside and pointed out to him which guys to call on when the raised their hands. Just like the politicians do.
Dennis maybe the Mets and Yankees knew that Zito was through? And the Giants were desperate.
Ken, also I thought one of the major reasons they signed him was because he was friends with Bonds? And they needed someone in the room as a buffer for him?
Zito liked Bonds, Sandy...at first. Not by the end. But I don't think that's why they signed him. They thought he would be their horse (and, full disclosure, I praised the signing at the time). It has obviously been a full-fledged fiasco.
Ken I'm pretty shocked you like the Zito signing. He hasn't struck out more than 200 batters (and I know you love strikeouts) since 2001 and his ERA hasn't been under 3.00 since 2002.
For that much money, it seemed like one of the worst signings in the history of baseball at the time.
I liked it because of the innings pitched, Richie. Zito was a workhorse, and I figured he'd get better switching over to the NL. What can I tell you? I'm sorry if I let you down.
Ken,
You're right, it may be too early to predict what will happen with the Mets rotation, but it seems there are some near certainties. If Pedro finishes the year strong, they resign him for one year and he gives them 20-25 starts, they're still going to need someone for the other 10-15 starts he'd more than likely miss. At this point, I doubt the Mets have the pieces to get a guy like Joe Blanton, or someone of similar impact. And if they do happen to land a guy such as Blanton, their farm system will be virtually stripped bare, setting them back for years once all their veterans retire or go elsewhere. And all the options that exist in free agency, we have seen, are largely unappetizing because the bar has been set so high by mediocre pitchers getting sizable contracts (Vicente Padilla, Carlos Silva). So, I do agree that it is too early to assess their 2009 rotation right now, but I think you'd agree with me in saying that they will find themselves in an unenviable position.
Yes, that is absolutely a fair statement, Bryan.
One interesting thing about Blanton: Since he is not signed to a multi-year deal and is going through the arbitration process for 2009 and 2010, the A's can't get as much for him as they did for Haren, who offered cost certainty. But given the pitching market, yes, Blanton would still require some significant pieces from the Mets.
Ken as for your apology for letting me down...not accepted!! j/k
But I dont think you give $137 million for inning eaters. Just pay for Trachel or something.
Some team is going to pay dearly for CC Sabathia next season.
When you read about the lack of good pitching you start to think Cashman is doing the right thing stockpiling all the young arms. If some of them pan out the Yankees will be sitting pretty. Missing the playoffs this year seems like a small price to pay. While this plan isn't a sure thing, guys like Zito that seemed to be sure things turned into terrible investments.
Some pitchers are worth the money. Santana is a guy you pay the money for. Of course Cashman didn't think so and so far it hasn't work. Were see what happens. Rich Harden is a guy that will certian be avaliable. But I wouldn't touch him because he he always hurt just like Ben Sheets and Mark Prior. Bronson Arroyo is a pitcher I would go after.
People, read Joel Sherman's blog at nypost.com. Sherman explains why the Yankees are in the situation they are in and how the veterans are not thrill about the way the Joba situation has play out.
The Yankees could have been the favorites over the Braves if they would have traded Jeter, Williams, Pettite, and Rivera. Imagine how many veterans they could have gotten to help. But they would have sucked down the road.
I love what the Yanks did. I mean I'm not a fan of the Mets really anymore because its not the Mets. It hasn't been for awhile. I can only imagine what it would be like to root for Randy Johnson and Gary Sheffield. I guess not much different than rooting for Glavine and Leiter.
How many Yankee fans wanted Mike Mussina shipped out before the season began (let alone the game when he pitched a gopher ball to Manny Ramirez instead of facing Kevin Youkolis) and now he is having a pretty decent season. If only Hughes and Kennedy (and Igawa, Pavano, Vasquez, Wright, Weaver, etc) had done as well.
Meanwhile Greg Maddux threw 7 innings of one-run ball against the high flying Chicago Cubs (a no-decision) and Randy Johnson moved past some crook to become second on the career strikeout list. There isn't much pitching in today's game but some of it is extraordinary.
Pedro Martinez has a .693 lifetime winning percentage, first among
pitchers with 200+ decisions. Only Al Spalding and Spud Chandler have higher with fewer decisions (not sure of what to make of Spalding doing it in the 1870s).
To answer Ken's question about Griffey and Aaron, I'm not sure if it was the same thing. There have been several guys with 600 home runs. It's not that big of a deal outside of Cincinnati (even there it's not a real crowd drawer). Aaron's pursuit of Ruth was the big story for several years, after a winter of him sitting on 713. I think Kuhn made the right decision in ordering him to play two out of three games in Cincinnati (and the wrong in not showing up in Atlanta). But I hope the Reds do play him in some road games (he didn't start in Wednesday's game against the Phillies).
Reminds me of in 1964 when Rocky Colavito was about to hit his 300th home run for Charlie Finley's Kansas City A's. Finley made so much noise about having a Brinks armored car with 300 silver dollars in it that Colavito pressed, didn't hit it at home, and did so on the road.