Running MLB Thread 2007 #1

Of course, that refers to their ability to hold leads in the 8th and 9th innings now that they have Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano setting up Bob Wickman...but the Mets are 4-0, so we know you're going to go overboard.

Somehow I think four games in is a tad early to declare the Mets pitching issues solved, though I never really thought Maine would be a problem in the first place.

And as for Ollie Perez, that was damn impressive. Now let's see if he can show some consistency. Maybe that'll finally be enough to get another GM fired in Pittsburgh.

 

It IS all it's cracked up to be, although I've never been to SF (yet). The fans are crazy, especially in the bleachers. The West Coast version of Sox-Yanks ... and, yes, that's a compliment.

Went to the Maddux-Schmidt duel last summer at Chavez Ravine. What an experience.

 

Looks like that debacle in Cleveland will turn out to be even more costly for the Indians. Eric Wedge said after the game that Victor Martinez is headed to the DL.

If it was really that bad, how do they justify trying to play it?

 

Question:

Is Terrmel Sledge going to produce this season or what?

I covered him in the minors and the man could do it all.

 

Especially after Detroit pulled the plug on an afternoon game the day before.

 

Went to KC's home opener.. 80 and sunny. Went to the KC-Detroit game tonight (gratis tickets, first base side, 20 rows off the field).. 35, howling wind, cold as a witch's teat. I'll say this: I had trouble seeing Justin Verlander's heater from my seat. I have no earthly idea how anybody hits that damn thing, especially on a night like tonight. Not that KC really did hit it, but no matter.

And I believe KC's starting rotation has something like a 2.36 ERA so far... I know it's early, but I don't care. Considering the collective ERA's been over 5 for god knows how long, I'll revel in it while I can.

 

Great win tonight. They really torched Atlanta very good with the bats.

I am impressed with how their starting pitchers have done.

 

I remember last season, Joe Morgan saying the radar gun was wrong in Detroit when it clocked Verlander and Zumaya at 100+ mph. Then Verlander goes out and throws exactly 100 mph today in the freezing cold. So it's not a stretch to think those guys could throw it 101-104 mph in the humid heat of August in Motown.

 

It was impressive to watch. Just once, I'd love to stand it just to see what that looks and sounds like. But if Verlander wasn't so damn wild, he probably throws at least 8 innings, and detroit finally wins. Five walks, and he gave way to 80-year old Jose Mesa, who gave up two runs in two minutes.

 

So far, Leyland has mismanaged that bullpen. And, of course, they are all still young.

It should be Rodney then Zumaya at all costs. Grilli is satisfactory and Ledezma is OK. Work Jones out of there and don't touch Mesa unless they have to.

Not sure if it's a loyalty issue with Jones or what, but the guy is done. Rodney and Zumaya need innings.

 

I would mention something about my AL-only fantasy team, but I fear spnited's wrath.

 

Everytime I see Rodney go out there, my stomach does sommersaults. I love the Rodney and then Zumaya idea.