That best sums up the Mets offense over the last few days townsfolk. Lacking.
That's what you get when you have 9 guys on the DL, including your 1, 3 and clean-up hitter. And also what happens when you run the same back-up players out to the field day-in, day-out, who end up getting exposed as to why they are a back-up. Note to Mets: Cora needs a day-off.
Now Jerry's not to blame here. He can only send up the guys he has sitting on pine to play the game. So where is Omar Minaya in all this? Making deals to right the ship, yes.
Um, no. And now we see DeRosa just got traded to the Cards for a reliever and a player to be named, and we wonder what is going on!
And I can hear Omar's excuse - since the Mets are so injured, the asking price from the [insert MLB team name here] is too high. Duh! Guess what GM, them's the breaks. I find it hard to believe that all of these high-ceiling, Single A players we have in St. Lucie, Kingsport and Brooklyn are going to be future studs. Time to deal.
Game 2 of summer travel ended like game 1. With a loss. Fought back in the 6th by scoring five runs with boys on 2B/3B. Came up short though. Too many errors (fielding and mental). Ten games to go.
6.28.2009
6.27.2009
E6 (and E5 and E3)
Can't win ballgames throwing baseballs everywhere you shouldn't. Book that Dano.
Subway Series 2 for 2009 began last night with the NY Mets getting drubbed 9-1. Errors in the 2nd by Wright, Cora (on a DP ball) and Nick Evans allows 4 runs to score on not too many hard hit balls. A flare to left here, a flare to left there and Pelfrey is standing on the hill trying to plug a leak. Rough.
Game two tonight.
Speaking of E6, etc. - my travel team started summer games this part Thursday. Guess what? The same things apply in youth baseball. Heads up play and the little things (like paying attention to baserunners) go a long way. Lost to a team that we could have beat, and that makes me nuts. Game two this morning against the league hosts, so I'd like to lay some lumber on 'em.
Subway Series 2 for 2009 began last night with the NY Mets getting drubbed 9-1. Errors in the 2nd by Wright, Cora (on a DP ball) and Nick Evans allows 4 runs to score on not too many hard hit balls. A flare to left here, a flare to left there and Pelfrey is standing on the hill trying to plug a leak. Rough.
Game two tonight.
Speaking of E6, etc. - my travel team started summer games this part Thursday. Guess what? The same things apply in youth baseball. Heads up play and the little things (like paying attention to baserunners) go a long way. Lost to a team that we could have beat, and that makes me nuts. Game two this morning against the league hosts, so I'd like to lay some lumber on 'em.
6.26.2009
Page 18
That's what Farrah Fawcett gets when a certain King of Pop dies the same day. That is hard luck.
So since the NY Daily News decided to bury (no pun intended) Ms. Fawcett in the pages, we will salute her here.
Married in the 70's to the Six Million Dollar Man, she starred in Charlie's Angels, made a poster (image on right) that every boy ages 13-17 had hanging on their wall and rose to fame and celebrity, without ever really becoming a big box office draw.
RIP.
6.24.2009
Couldn't Stand the Weather
Borrowed that name from the late, great SRV!
So the sun peaked out for an hour or so late yesterday before retiring for the evening. Today we got clouds, clouds and more clouds; but fear not because all the weatherheads are predicting hot and humid weather (aka the Summer) beginning tomorrow. Can't wait, since I am sporting an odd mood, most likely weather related!
With that, enjoy some video of Mr. Vaughn.
So the sun peaked out for an hour or so late yesterday before retiring for the evening. Today we got clouds, clouds and more clouds; but fear not because all the weatherheads are predicting hot and humid weather (aka the Summer) beginning tomorrow. Can't wait, since I am sporting an odd mood, most likely weather related!
With that, enjoy some video of Mr. Vaughn.
6.21.2009
Happy Dad's Day
To everybody.
Especially SoulSlam's dad Bill, who taught me right from wrong, and for the late Jack Y., my wife's dad.
Especially SoulSlam's dad Bill, who taught me right from wrong, and for the late Jack Y., my wife's dad.
6.20.2009
Something About 40 Days...
and 40 Nights, as in biblical-like weather. Noah was on top of things townsfolk.
But seriously now, enough is enough. I think that last day it didn't rain here in the greater metropolitan area was when it snowed. The weather has been C-R-A-P-P-Y for weeks, and mid-June has the feel of early April.
And so:
Saw this little police blotter item on former world champion mountainbiker Missy Giove (she should be very popular in lock-up)...
Would you dress up as your mom to pull off a scam...
Conan gets mad at Shatner...
Sonic will open first drive-ins in North Jersey!...
Gotta go, check back often!
But seriously now, enough is enough. I think that last day it didn't rain here in the greater metropolitan area was when it snowed. The weather has been C-R-A-P-P-Y for weeks, and mid-June has the feel of early April.
And so:
Saw this little police blotter item on former world champion mountainbiker Missy Giove (she should be very popular in lock-up)...
Would you dress up as your mom to pull off a scam...
Conan gets mad at Shatner...
Sonic will open first drive-ins in North Jersey!...
Gotta go, check back often!
6.19.2009
Conspiracy Theory
SoulSlam is the subject of a town-wide conspiracy theory apparently. My Boys Minors (in-town) baseball team of 9 and 10 year olds won the championship with a final record of 9-1. Won the championship over the #2 seed by a score of 14-8. Now people are saying I stacked my team and since I'm the travel coach I had an unfair advantage. HAHAHA
I do have an advantage townsfolk; it's called 'I know what I'm doing'! I coach baseball, not write line-ups.
HERE'S TO THE CHAMPIONS!!!
I do have an advantage townsfolk; it's called 'I know what I'm doing'! I coach baseball, not write line-ups.
HERE'S TO THE CHAMPIONS!!!
6.15.2009
The Phenom
A couple of weeks ago, SI ran a cover story on a HS sophomore named Bryce Harper from Vegas who is being touted by some as the greatest prospect of all time. Problem for young Bryce? He's not eligible for the draft until he completes HS. So what to do? Forgoe the last couple years of school, get a GED and enroll in a Juco. Well this is the plan apparently
Anyway the article was pretty interesting and the kid is a major talent. But....
Errr, not to sound like a dud, but what if the kid gets hurt or something, mom and dad? I guess Wal-Mart is hiring.
6.14.2009
A Laugher
15-0. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Laughin' outside, cryin' inside. That's SoulSlam.
More to laugh about: Apparently Brian Bruney, excuse me, the legendary Brian Bruney, a jabroni on the DL decided to spout about K-Rod. Of course you should definitely listen to a guy with a lifetime ERA of 4.28 with 13 wins and 10 losses in six seasons. What a tool.
OK wise guy. Here's what Francisco Rodriguez brings: in 8 seasons he has 224 saves, and an ERA of 2.24. Oh, and you may have heard but he has the single season saves record of 62. So if we stack you side by side, he's a proven star closer and you are one step above triple A. And funny, you didn't flap your on the DL gums when Joba was pumping his fist. But that's what Yankees do.
Did you know that anytime a ball comes inside by an opposing team, they are throwing at Yankees. But if a couple of pitches are thrown at Youkilis' head or a Red Sox player gets plunked, it is just some control issues. That's Girardi's (aka Clueless Joe) take anyway. Good job, skip.
Summer baseball update: got my schedule (which is more like an abstract) for summer travel baseball; now comes the fun trying to get all these other teams to play before the end of July. I always marvel that the host team for the league always seems to set themselves up for a powder puff schedule. Maybe I'm looking for a conspiracy.
More to laugh about: Apparently Brian Bruney, excuse me, the legendary Brian Bruney, a jabroni on the DL decided to spout about K-Rod. Of course you should definitely listen to a guy with a lifetime ERA of 4.28 with 13 wins and 10 losses in six seasons. What a tool.
OK wise guy. Here's what Francisco Rodriguez brings: in 8 seasons he has 224 saves, and an ERA of 2.24. Oh, and you may have heard but he has the single season saves record of 62. So if we stack you side by side, he's a proven star closer and you are one step above triple A. And funny, you didn't flap your on the DL gums when Joba was pumping his fist. But that's what Yankees do.
Did you know that anytime a ball comes inside by an opposing team, they are throwing at Yankees. But if a couple of pitches are thrown at Youkilis' head or a Red Sox player gets plunked, it is just some control issues. That's Girardi's (aka Clueless Joe) take anyway. Good job, skip.
Summer baseball update: got my schedule (which is more like an abstract) for summer travel baseball; now comes the fun trying to get all these other teams to play before the end of July. I always marvel that the host team for the league always seems to set themselves up for a powder puff schedule. Maybe I'm looking for a conspiracy.
6.13.2009
He Hate Me
Words that will be always uttered by one Mr. Luis Castillo.
The absolute object of Mets fans wrath last season, he comes into this season about 17lbs. lighter and has done a solid job at 2B and at the plate. But that all changed last night.
In case you missed it, we had bottom 9, Mets up 8-7, K-Rod going for save #17, two outs and two on (first and second). K-Rod gets A-Rod to swing and pop one up to short right. Castillo fades back, then sidesteps, back-pedals and then finally settles under the ball; puts up his glove and makes a one handed catch or so it would seem.
HE DROPS THE BALL.
TWO RUNS SCORE.
THE YANKEES WIN, THE YANKEES WIN.
He is in the permanent doghouse now. Bet on that one. Will never hear the end of it.
And I blame the manager. Lax play because the manager allows it.
And let's not forget the GM, who signed this guy for 4 years, $24M when nobody, and I mean nobody was going to give him that kind of tab.
SoulSlam is not happy this morning.
The absolute object of Mets fans wrath last season, he comes into this season about 17lbs. lighter and has done a solid job at 2B and at the plate. But that all changed last night.
In case you missed it, we had bottom 9, Mets up 8-7, K-Rod going for save #17, two outs and two on (first and second). K-Rod gets A-Rod to swing and pop one up to short right. Castillo fades back, then sidesteps, back-pedals and then finally settles under the ball; puts up his glove and makes a one handed catch or so it would seem.
HE DROPS THE BALL.
TWO RUNS SCORE.
THE YANKEES WIN, THE YANKEES WIN.
He is in the permanent doghouse now. Bet on that one. Will never hear the end of it.
And I blame the manager. Lax play because the manager allows it.
And let's not forget the GM, who signed this guy for 4 years, $24M when nobody, and I mean nobody was going to give him that kind of tab.
SoulSlam is not happy this morning.
6.12.2009
New Manager Time
To the NY Mets: It is time to get a new manager. While Mr. Manuel's amusing wit and sparkle with the media is certainly refreshing, his management of this ballclub is NG. Ken Takahashi? To face Howard and Ibanez (and don't give me that Lefty-Lefty BS). Ryan Church sits the bench when a hit is needed?
And so Omar knows, he should be on the plank as well. How many 30-something middle infield utility players do we need?
I understand that players are hurt. Got it. But you don't play Fernando Martinez over Ryan Church at this point.
So we play 3 against the Yankees - and we have to get 2 out of 3. Phillies play the Bosox, so maybe Boston can spark some magic and sweep (JUST LIKE THE DID TO THE YANKEES!)Papelbon rules.
And so Omar knows, he should be on the plank as well. How many 30-something middle infield utility players do we need?
I understand that players are hurt. Got it. But you don't play Fernando Martinez over Ryan Church at this point.
So we play 3 against the Yankees - and we have to get 2 out of 3. Phillies play the Bosox, so maybe Boston can spark some magic and sweep (JUST LIKE THE DID TO THE YANKEES!)Papelbon rules.
6.10.2009
BIG NY Baseball Week
Couple of days late...maybe I could pay you with some pocket change?
Anyhoo, in the AL, The Evil Empire (aka Yankees) play the Nation (Red Sox) at Fenway for three. Since they've played two, that's the Red Sox in first place, with a perfect record against the NYY this season to date. And I guess 2 2/3 innings isn't exactly what they had in mind when the let Mr. ERA, errr, Wang, pitch tonight.
Over in the National League, Phils visit the Mets at Citifield. Mets win game one, Phils win in 11 in game 2 with some outstanding defense by Jayson Werth to end the 10th. Rubber game tomorrow night.
And this weekend it's the enhanced version of the Mayor's Trophy Game, with the Amazin's visiting the new cathedral of baseball oppulence, Yankee Stadium 2.0. As Longoria said "it's not the same as Yankee Stadium".
Good times.
Anyhoo, in the AL, The Evil Empire (aka Yankees) play the Nation (Red Sox) at Fenway for three. Since they've played two, that's the Red Sox in first place, with a perfect record against the NYY this season to date. And I guess 2 2/3 innings isn't exactly what they had in mind when the let Mr. ERA, errr, Wang, pitch tonight.
Over in the National League, Phils visit the Mets at Citifield. Mets win game one, Phils win in 11 in game 2 with some outstanding defense by Jayson Werth to end the 10th. Rubber game tomorrow night.
And this weekend it's the enhanced version of the Mayor's Trophy Game, with the Amazin's visiting the new cathedral of baseball oppulence, Yankee Stadium 2.0. As Longoria said "it's not the same as Yankee Stadium".
Good times.
6.09.2009
The Pick-Up Artist (NOT!)
Bit of advice, romeo.
Talking up the countergirl at the local corner store while buying a 2 liter Pepsi and then paying with the pennies, nickels and dimes you have in a little sandwich bag is not really the way to go about getting the ladies. She was not impressed. Loser.
Talking up the countergirl at the local corner store while buying a 2 liter Pepsi and then paying with the pennies, nickels and dimes you have in a little sandwich bag is not really the way to go about getting the ladies. She was not impressed. Loser.
6.06.2009
Late Night Post
Not too late though, I have to get some rest.
Now, SoulSlam lives in the town he grew up in. Which is great when somebody wants to walk down memory lane and reminisce about the good old days. And sometimes, you see a person or two (or three) from your youth that you weren't friends with, some of these people might have been running with a different crowd. And you see these people, who ran with what was essentially the wrong crowd, and you say to yourself, and sometimes to their face "don't you wish you paid attention in school now, jerky?". Because it really is amazing how many of these losers continued to be losers, and now are old losers, with no prospects except for that afternoon six-pack.
Funny how life works out.
Now, SoulSlam lives in the town he grew up in. Which is great when somebody wants to walk down memory lane and reminisce about the good old days. And sometimes, you see a person or two (or three) from your youth that you weren't friends with, some of these people might have been running with a different crowd. And you see these people, who ran with what was essentially the wrong crowd, and you say to yourself, and sometimes to their face "don't you wish you paid attention in school now, jerky?". Because it really is amazing how many of these losers continued to be losers, and now are old losers, with no prospects except for that afternoon six-pack.
Funny how life works out.
6.05.2009
A Lot Of Rain
Weather here in N. (as in North) Jersey has been miserable this week. We've had enough rain today to last the rest if June - no kidding. Beautiful weekend is forecast -so maybe the ballfields will dry out so we can play some baseball sometime before next Monday.
Checked my e-mail earlier this evening, and I received a fwd of an e-mail from a local guy who is an assistant coach for a team my in-town crew played earlier this week. Why am I mentioning this? Well, the guy wasn't at the game, but "heard" about something that happened that he deems "poor sportsmanship". Now, I'm not going to get into the whole incident; suffice to say, it didn't happen, and since he wasn't there, what the hey is he complaining for. Thing is, I'm friends with both the head coach and sponsor 9and asst) of the other team, and they never said anything. Now, my in-town team has been running through the rest of the league like Jason Voorhees in a sleep-away camp, and I get the feeling that other teams, particularly the assistant coaches and parental units, don't like playing us. Too bad. I don't care if we win, but we always play hard and aggressive baseball. Rule 1.
And while I have your attention, the MLB Draft is next Tuesday. No secret who's should go first, but you never know until the name is called. Hope the Nats don't screw that up.
And last, GEICO has some new cavemen commercials. I guess the taint of a sitcom, and the Power and Allure of Flo have awakened these bipeds for more TV hilarity.
Checked my e-mail earlier this evening, and I received a fwd of an e-mail from a local guy who is an assistant coach for a team my in-town crew played earlier this week. Why am I mentioning this? Well, the guy wasn't at the game, but "heard" about something that happened that he deems "poor sportsmanship". Now, I'm not going to get into the whole incident; suffice to say, it didn't happen, and since he wasn't there, what the hey is he complaining for. Thing is, I'm friends with both the head coach and sponsor 9and asst) of the other team, and they never said anything. Now, my in-town team has been running through the rest of the league like Jason Voorhees in a sleep-away camp, and I get the feeling that other teams, particularly the assistant coaches and parental units, don't like playing us. Too bad. I don't care if we win, but we always play hard and aggressive baseball. Rule 1.
And while I have your attention, the MLB Draft is next Tuesday. No secret who's should go first, but you never know until the name is called. Hope the Nats don't screw that up.
And last, GEICO has some new cavemen commercials. I guess the taint of a sitcom, and the Power and Allure of Flo have awakened these bipeds for more TV hilarity.
6.02.2009
.500
That's the final winning percentage of my 10U Travel team - 5 wins, 5 losses in the spring season. We're playoff-bound, but it's win or get lost.
We actually had a 5-2 record a month ago, but lost the last three. A little disappointing, but the boys are fine. Considering we were 1-7 last season at this time, we've come a long way. So we play a team who beat us last night by not swinging, and see where it takes us.
Now summer season is approaching - and in summer we play all town teams; no clubs, no $2000 youth baseball teams, so I like what we have on the field.
And in the "where do you find the time" department, me and the guy who coaches 11U have assembled an 8U team for the summer as well. We see a lot of potential in that age group, so we jumped in. It's always baseball around here!
6.01.2009
First of June
That is today, all you followers of the Gregorian Calendar.
Survived the onslaught of bargain-seekers over the weekend, I'm glad to report. The economy even impacted the yard-sale types, but we're slowly coming out of the recession according to people who know such things. Funny how they can never really predict (and avoid) going into one, until we are already there.
Time to go to work.
Survived the onslaught of bargain-seekers over the weekend, I'm glad to report. The economy even impacted the yard-sale types, but we're slowly coming out of the recession according to people who know such things. Funny how they can never really predict (and avoid) going into one, until we are already there.
Time to go to work.