DEFINING MOMENTS

With every championship team there is a game, series, or moment that becomes a statement. A declaration that says they are as good or better than any of the competition.

In the early part of the 1969 season it was evident that The Mets were a much improved team.Tom Seaver was coming into his own, and was widely regarded as a great pitcher. Jerry Koosman was coming off a 19 win rookie season, and the rest of the staff was composed of capable veterans and young studs. the hitting was not great (let"s face it; Agee led the team with a paltry 26); but it was situational and timely. There was little question the team would improve on their 1968 showing.

But it was the July series against the first place Chicago Cubs (highlighted by Seaver"s near perfect game) that made the rest of league take notice. More importantly it was the moment that the team began to believe in themselves. Championship team exude confidence and swagger.

The 2010 Mets need to find that moment. But in order to do that they have to be able to recognize it, grab it, and run with it. I believe that moment must come on the road. We know they can win at home. They know they can win at home. What nobody is sure of is their ability to play on the road.

The Mets hit the road this weekend. I believe we will find out alot about this team"s character and resolve. I think they are capable of winning big this year. This weekend we will find out how much THEY believe it.

So That Explains It!

Oliver Perez has been placed on the 15 day disabled list. Perez and his agent Scott Boros have been fighting The Mets over their desire to reasign (demote) him to Buffalo. They needed space on the roster for the returning Jon Niese. As we know it is part of Ollie's folly that he believes his 6 plus ERA is an asset to the team.
It is more than likely a face saving deal between Boros and The Mets. It says little for the integrity of Perez or his agent.  The Mets , for their part were not left with many options. My take, if upon investigation, the MLB voids this arrangementThe Mets should just cut Perez. Sure they would have to eat his salary, but they will be rid of this distraction. The Mets, for all their problems have a legitimate shot this year. Don't let this side show deflect from the main event.

The Imperfect Game

By now I'm sure you are aware of the horribly inept umpiring call by Jim Joyce that cost Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game. It would have been only the 21st pitching gem in baseball history.
 Shocking?...yes.  Appalling?...definitely.  Wrong?.....no brainer.   Reversible?....NO!...nor should it be.

This is a well worn argument but I'm going to make it anyway. Baseball is not a game of neatly configured minutes, quarters, and (until recently), inches recorded on video tape to be used as evidence. Baseball is a game of beauty and grace for the simple reason that it is played and officiated by human beings who are by definition; imperfect.
We have become a society that is too easily enamored with statistcs and standardized behavior. We want everything neat, explainable, and air tight. Was it fair? Of course not. But since when is anything fair? And while we're at it; if we are going to argue about fairness, what about managerial decisions that cost a pitcher a shut out? Should the manager's judgment be overruled because it was wrong?

Baseball is a game that has always spoken to a more human and forgiving society. It might not be considered cool to say all of this; but through experience I have learned that Mets fans are a pretty bright and open minded bunch of people. I hope this gets you thinking about our game and what it means to us.

Well, that's it for now.


Camille Uliano (MetManiac) 

What Was He Thinking?

I post this as the Padres tie the score in the 9 th inning. Regardless of the final outcome; why can't Jerry let Santana win or lose his own game? I dont get it. And it just confirms my conviction that Manuel over manages, and allows his ego to get in the way of what is farely basic and effective baseball decision making. This is not Quantum Physics or a philosophical discourse. And Jerry's no Socrates or Albert Einstein although he may think he is.

I would say this to Jerry: demonstrate that you have a feel for the game as a game. Don't overthink it. it's not about you! And sad to say Jerry; but as much as we love it; baseball is not going to save the world. The only thing green about  the game is the grass. That's why I contribute money to worthy causes like the Sierra Club, and my two cents to forums like this.

What's your two cents worth Jerry?


Camille Uliano