Hot in the city
So how hot is it here in Chicago? The current temperature at 3:52 p.m. is 94 degrees, but the heat index says it feels like an even 100. The organist here at Wrigley is now playing "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer and Cubs reliever Scott Eyre, showing that being hot is only a frame of mind, shagged flies during batting practice in a team parka.
Not much has changed with the Mets lineup. Jose Reyes is out again, but looks definite for Tuesday in Cincinnati. Pedro Martinez was drinking coffee for the first time in four days -- "Wish me luck," he said -- and then played long toss on the field later with Guy Conti.
What do you think -- is the extended time off for Pedro a good thing in the long run?
Pedro update: He's now having a bullpen session supervised by Guy Conti and pitching coach Rick Peterson. Earlier today, Peterson figured that Martinez would need two sessions and a simulated game before returning to the rotation, so now it appears the process has begun.
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Comments (6)
Time off for Pedro is a great thing. Maybe he will be more rested in Sept. & Oct. As long as the spot starter who takes his place can put up "W"s. If Pelfrey is the real deal and puts up good numbers Pedro can sit longer.
There's no need to tax Pedro when we're still 12 ahead. I'm hoping we get to see Darren Oliver start and kick enough a$$ to strengthen the rotation.
Also, now that Pelfrey's debut is out of the way, the kid will settle down.
http://www.pickmeup.mlblogs.com/
Omar Minaya has received some unfair criticism over time. Most notably, fans were in stitches because he did not acquire righthander Josh Beckett in the offseason. The Red Sox sent Hanley Ramirez to the Marlins in that deal and the prospect has shown himself to be a poor fielding, non defensive shortstop for the Marlins. Ramirez will probably end up in the outfield next year. Could the Mets have offered better? Why? Right now Josh Beckett has given up 27 HOME RUNS FOR THE RED SOX and has an ERA over five at 5.12. WE ARE ONLY IN JULY! It was a good move Omar never made. Another good move never made....trading Steve Trachsel. Omar held on to the veteran and Steve Trachsel has won seven in a row including a gem at Yankee Stadium. Trachsel seems to be at full strength following back surgery. Omar Minaya deserves credit where credit is due. Good call Omar.
The Mets should take as much time with Pedro as they need. Right now with their lead it is much more important to have a healthy Pedro Martinez in September and October than in July and August. It will be good for the development of John Maine and Mike Pelfrey to get turns in the rotation as well. Look at the development of Scott Kazmir as an example. This year is really his first superlative season. The Devil Rays let him develop facing major league hitters and, more importantly, major league umpires. Let Maine and Pelfrey get that kind of experience while Pedro rests what ails him. Its a win-win for the Mets.
Aside from the fact that the Marlins were probably not going to trade Josh Beckett to the Mets after the Delgado trade, I don't know what the big obsession with Beckett was (and continues to be). OK, so he beat the Yanks at Yankee Stadium to clinch the Series. But he's never done anything of note aside from his 2003 Series MVP award. His career mark coming into 2006 was 41-34. If you take away his 15-win season last year, he averages 8 wins a season. He has constant blister problems and finds himself on the DL about as much as Mark Prior. And yet people consider Beckett some sort of stud pitcher. In fact, in an interview after the 2003 Series Beckett referred to himself as the best pitcher in the majors. More like the most delusional pitcher in the majors. I'm not saying there's no upside to him; after all, he's a 26-year old fireballer. But potential will only get you so far, and at some point, Beckett has to start putting up the numbers to go along with all the hype. 11-4 is a start; a 5.12 ERA is not.
Coach Conti,
Tryed to contact you by mail!
Love to hear from you!!!
Christina MATTIS