April 2006
Moving Up
Quick Minor League Update:
The Mets’ 2005 first-round stud, Mike Pelfrey, has been promoted to Double-A Binghamton or as GM Omar Minaya said, "He moved himself up…With the way he’s pitched velocity-wise, command-wise and strikeout-to-walk ratio, he basically moved himself up." Pelfrey was 2-1 with a 1.64 ERA for Single-A St. Lucie this April.
The Fear Of Bonds
First off, for anyone who would care to hear my Cabbie Chat with Pete McCarthy on "Under The Lights" at MLB Radio just click HERE and then click on "Click here to listen to Carl". The Mozilla Browser works best. Every Friday night Pete and his producer Chris Caron will be airing an interview with a different MLBlogger.
I just finished watching the Mets’ first encounter with the Giants and the omnipotent Barry Bonds. And what a disaster it was for our Metropolitans. I love Willie Randolph, I really do- great guy, warm heart and very organized. However, as a tactician his record is open for debate. Tonight was a dreadful game for any Flushing fan to watch. Yeah, I know about giving young managers free passes and I know many Mets’ apologists will argue that most every manager in the NL treats Barry Bonds the same way- WALK him. But, I’m a Met fan and I expect our manager to be just a little bit better than the rest. Basically, Bonds was 0 for 1 with 3 walks, but any box score junkie would miss the whole story unless he watched tonight’s game.
Moises Alou might have had a home run and 5 RBIs, but it was Willie’s fear of Bonds that led to those five runs. From the beginning, Tom Glavine wanted little to do with Mr. Barry, even though for most of the night Bonds looked off balance on the junk that Tommy G did dare to throw his way. With two outs and one on in the first, Glavine nibbled his way to a 3-0 count before intentionally passing Bonds to first. The next batter, Moises Alou promptly deposited a shot over the left field wall and the Mets were already down by three.
In the fourth, Glavine threw junk curve after junk change after junk curve never topping 80 mph on the gun, and the strategy paid off as Bonds grounded weakly to first. Great! Glavine showed he could indeed take advantage of a hobbling Bonds- just keep throwing him junk. The Mets scratched for two in the sixth and we had a ballgame again, 3-2. Then came the deciding 7th.
Glavine gave up a single to Jason Ellison who was sacrificed to second by Randy Winn. With Bonds
lurking and Lance Niekro on deck, it was imperative that Tommy go right at Omar Vizquel to get a second out. This is where Willie started to mismanage. Glavine, who was clearly losing his control back in the sixth, nibbled to no avail, issuing his fifth walk and sending Vizquel to first. Finally, Randolph got Aaron Heilman up in the pen as Lance Niekro stepped to the plate. Glavine quickly fell behind Niekro 3-1. The fear of Bonds was approaching with the prospects of the bases being loaded, so Glavine tossed a meatball changeup right over the heart of the plate that Niekro swatted easily into right center scoring Ellison and sending Vizquel to third, 4-2.
What to do? Bonds walked casually to the plate. Randolph waited a moment and then made the call. Heilman came trotting in from the pen. "O’k", I thought, "gutsy move, Glavine’s clearly done, maybe Heilman can get Barry to try to pull one of his tailing fastballs that gives most lefties fits." This is where Willie acted like every other overly neurotic manager in the NL and decided to have Heilman intentionally walk Barry to load the bases- just what Heilman and every Mets’ fan needed, no room for error and the hot-as-heck Moises Alou coming to the plate. I was livid, doesn’t anyone have any guts anymore? I mean as great as Barry has been in his career, he’s only hitting .222 for godsake! Just the other night 
I watched Aaron "very average" Cook get Barry to tap one back to the mound in a very similar situation and that was in Colorado. Certainly this Aaron would be even harder for Bonds to handle? But NO!!!! Managers rather have Barry beat them with a .526 OBP than with a home run. Seriously, when was the last time you saw a .222 hitter with an OBP over .500— this is insanity! This is even crazier than AL managers playing the Giambi shift (six players on the right side of the diamond). Make the guy beat you! I don’t care if he’s Barry Bonds or Babe Ruth. By constantly refusing to pitch to Barry, Randolph in essence told his entire team that he is Willie Nilly and so should they be. The psychological effect of this fear based thinking was devastating. Not only did Willie zap Heilman of confidence, but now Heilman had to face the Giants’ hottest hitter with the bases loaded and he was barely warmed up. Plus, he had lost the advantage of facing a lefty hitter (who he is clearly more effective against) and in the process supplied Alou with extra motivation. Need I say it, but Moises rifled a shot to center scoring two and icing the ballgame, 6-2.
In a way I’m glad Alou succeeded, because maybe Willie will pitch to Bonds next time. Even at his best, he still only hits a home run every 12 or 13 at bats. I’ll take those odds any day over the ones Heilman was given in this situation. No, I give Heilman a pass on this one, this loss is all on the Mets’ manager. I love ya Willie, I believe in you, but I got to call it like I see it. So, if you’re looking at the box score today and you think the Mets lost because of Alou, realize that the fear of Bonds had just as much to do with it. If this was hockey, I’d give big bad Barry 5 assists.
Carl the Cabbie
A POSITVE Day At Shea
I finally made it to Shea today and what a beautiful day it was- 70 degrees, a swirling 15 mph wind in from left, plenty of sun, and Glavine going for win number 275. I got out the door a little late, but made my connection to the 7 with only a slight hitch, passing right by Queensboro Plaza, but since it was because I was talking Mets baseball with another Shea enthusiast it didn’t bother me one bit. By the time we hit Flushing my new Met buddy had offered me a golden seat right by first base, but I already had an engagement with two Bikram yogis in the left field loge, so I declined for another day. We arrived in our seats in the bottom of the first, a kid gave me the top, so my scorecard was clean. A hot dog, some mustard and I was ready for another Mets’ victory.
From the git-go I could see we were in for a low scoring duel. Glavine and Hudson were working quick and half the Braves’ and Mets’ lineups were either hurt or resting. Through four, Jeff Francoeur had the lone hit and it wasn’t until the sixth that the Mets got anything going when Ramon Castro led
off with a single to left. A Brian Jordan throwing error and a Glavine bunt left men at second and third with one out and Reyes coming up. Hudson was in a jam and Shea was jumpin’. Suddenly, my
gut got queazy and it wasn’t the schnitzel. Hmm, "Castro is so slow…" I thought, but before I could finish my thinking, Reyes popped a medium fly to left. My stomach turned, Castro tagged and I yelled, "Move it Ramon, boogy man, boogy!" Matt Diaz threw a strike to Pratt and Castro was out far too easily. I muttered something a little more profane than "Geez" and reluctantly scratched 7/FDP, 3xH(72) in my scorecard as the rest of Shea sighed and sat.
In between innings, the queaziness churned as I returned to my earlier thought, "Why didn’t Willie pinch run for Castro?" I assured myself that any other Met would have beat Diaz’s throw, no sweat! There was now momentum for the first time in the game and Andruw Jones waltzed to the plate. The Flushing faithful saved all their boos for Mr. Jones, and serenaded him loudly. I wish they had all 
shut up because I felt like they were just motivating him more. The good feelings I had on the 7
train were flooding away. Glavine got behind and the inevitable happened- a shot over the 371 sign in right,1-0 Braves. My mood was dropping, I was getting discouraged. Atlanta tacked on a run in the eighth as Mr. Wright turned into Mr. Wrong when he committed his third error of the day. It’s o’k David, I still love you. "Just one of those days" I explained deflatedly to my Bikram yogini friend. But she wasn’t having that, "You already giving up Carl? Come on it ain’t over" she snorted as she struck a perfect Warrior pose.
"Geez", I muttered to myself, "Have I become one of those pessimistic Mets’ fans that I swore I never would become?" This thought disturbed me and I quickly went into full lotus position and shooed away all those bad Bobby Bonilla boogeymen that I had carried for so long. My other yogi friend spotted a couple of seats in the sun and we moved up for the ninth. I looked around the stadium as Julio Franco strode to the plate to pinch hit. Everyone was standing, hands were clapping, Shea was electric, no one had given up. "To heck with Roberto Alomar, I couldn’t care less about all the Takatsus and Mienkiewiczs who had come before". I was emboldened, this was a new Mets Nation, the spirit was alive. Franco went 63/G, but hey Tony Pena’s kid is pretty darn slick over there at short. Wow, positivity during an out, I was really beginning to enjoy myself. The crowd grew louder as Reyes worked the count. Hudson was reaching back, he was clearly getting tired. A rope to right and Jose was on second. Woodward laced a single to left and Shea was stomping as Reyes crossed the plate. Could it be, Delgado was up, yes it could! Hudson reared back, Carlos got a hold of one the other way, but the 15 mph gust held it at the track and it was now left to David to Wright his ways. No one in the bullpen, this was Timmy’s game. Wright swung under a 92 mph fastball, fouled a couple and then hit it sharply, but to the wrong guy. Pena Jr. slid over to the middle, 64/FO/G and the Braves won 2-1.
Yes, it was quite a day. I know the Braves beat us again, but I felt pretty good. So, we lost. So, David got a little tight at third. So, Wille didn’t listen to my queazy stomach. It’s just one game, we’ll be alright. Glavine looked great, Reyes and Woodward were clutch and the kid who gave me the top of the first got a t-shirt from the laser guns during the stretch in the seventh. My yogic friends were still smiling and you know what, so was I. So, Goodbye old demons, I know these Mets will rise, I got no worries, the next time we face these Braves they’re going to be in for quite a surprise. Gooooooooooo Mets!
Carl The Cabbie
MLBlogosphere Anniversary Poem
Happy Anniversary MLBlogs!
One thing I learned from the very beginning, "If you blog they will come". O’k maybe many of us won’t get as many readers as Tommy Lasorda or David Wright, but baseball blogites will read and comment and comment and read, if for no other reason than we all think we know something and we all like to gather as much baseball-ology as our big bloggerheads can fit. So here’s to Baseball Blogs everywhere:
If there’s anyone who knows about Getting It Wright when it comes to gathering baseballs it’s the Collector, and while Lasorda has his critics, The Royals Optimist is shooing away the cynics; Haren’s Got Some Heat, but Will Carroll’s body’s goin’ to get beat if he keeps eating In-N-Out meat; O’k Red Sox Chick you got some competition cause Boston’s Best Blog is claiming to be New England’s highest on the hog; Crawley’s Cub Kingdom is praying for Prior to become sire, at least before Maddux is ready to retire; RadioMans Korner is hoping for the Braves to return to the days of Bob Horner; James Edgar is Talkin’ Tribe, but Adam Hoge has got Sox Pride; Yes, I know Canadians Love Baseball Too, so here’s hoping the Jays’ can reenact Waterloo; Here’s to Murray Cook for taking care of the Field and to A Brew Crew Coup who thinks the Brewers have got the Central sealed; If you’re tired of this earth than try Jorge Cantu’s World, or Daryl’s Place, but if you want to read about the Astros you better try The Space Race; For the smaller market you got Bucco’s Blog and Deep Fried Fish, but you better visit Brooks Robinson if you want the old-time dish; You want some good info, you got Dugout Joe with a Diary of the down-low and Beck’s Blog which will get you drunk on Tigers’ Grog; Relax with the Tao of Steve who talks D’Backs with aplomb, but it’s Da Bronx who is the Yankees’ fans Bomb; If you’re sitting at Busch instead of out on the links then Obviously You’re Not A Golfer, but if Daddy Raised A Cardinals Fan then it must be All In The Cards, so go root real hard over there at Cardinal Nation; Oh, and if you’ve got Latin in your blood and you don’t want to read about Curt Flood then try La Carrera Espacial in another blog neighborhood (just pretend you’re from Brooklyn and pronounce it neighborhud). Well, it seems I’ve
lost the timing in all my bad rhyming, so I will leave you with one last blog, just another cog in the MLBlog-O-sphere— Remember, here at INSIDE PITCH you’ll never have to hitch, so if you want to hear the baseball straight and you’re up kinda late just holler cause this Cabbie’s always got a tip for you.
Carl The Cabbie
Around The Diamond
Congratulations to the MLBlogosphere on our one year anniversary. For this blogger, it has been and continues to be a great experience. And now onto some random thoughts about the going ons in major league baseball.
Where Have All The Pitchers Gone?
Boy, with the type of offensive outbursts that have been taking place this April you’d think everyone was on steroids or something. Pitchers are always behind the hitters this early in the season, but it seems that they are a little more behind than normal. I mean it’s one thing to see guys like Albert Pujols, Jim Thome and Paul Konerko going deep- I’ll even tip my cap to the sensational numbers Chris Shelton is putting up, but Ty Wigginton with 5 home runs already, and how about pitcher Bronson Arroyo going yard twice in two starts. Elias Sports Bureau has reported that there haven’t been this many home runs hit in the first two weeks of the baseball season since 2001, and haven’t been this many runs scored since 1962.
Could it be that the pitchers are missing their little green pep pills? Maybe the Padres weren’t the only ones to move their fences in this season? (Teams are always pretty low key when reporting any dimensional changes). Maybe we’re in a time capsule and have returned to 1987 when the Rawlings folks in Costa Rica were confusing golf balls for baseballs? Or maybe the simple truth is that pitching in general is just getting worse.
While a few teams around the league have two dominant starters, many don’t even have one. And I can’t think of a team that has three. The days of the A’s with Hudson, Zito and Mulder or the Braves with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz could return though in Chicago if Mark Prior or Kerry Wood can ever get back on the mound to join Greg Maddux and Carlos Zambrano. Wherever the Rocket, Roger Clemens, decides to drive his hummer to this summer should also provide a team with a stellar trio. But, for now we will just have to watch some very mediocre three, four, and five guys try to stem the flood of the seemingly endless procession of home run happy hitters.
Getting Old
Jim Edmonds, one of the best center fielders in the game, has already surpassed his error total (two)
from last season with three crucial misplays in back to back games. Now, his shoulder is ailing again. While many in St. Louis are fretting about Scott Rolen’s health holding up, Cards’ fans might just have to accept that Edmonds days as a great hitter and glovesman are slipping away and fast.
Three On Three
While I was working the other night inputting some St. Lucie data into my computer, I was peripherally watching the Rangers/A’s game. ‘Crack’, I turned and Eric Chavez was rounding the bases after a laser shot off Vincent "launching" Pad-illa. Hmm, wish I had Mr. Chavez on my fantasy team. As I turned back to my computer, ‘Crack’, I thought they were showing an instant
replay, but there was Frank Thomas lumbering around the bases after launching another laser out into the stratosphere. I wasn’t sure if the game was live at this point or if they were just showing highlights. Anyway, I turned back to finish putting Alay Soler’s top of the fifth stats into my program, when I heard ‘Crack’ again. The crowd, which was less than sparse, was making more noise than a sellout at Yankee Stadium. This time Milton Bradley was pumping his fist as he watched a skyrocket leave the park— Back-to-Back-to-Back home runs, seemed too quick to be live. But, then I see Padilla with a dismayed look on his face and I hear the announcer say, "three home runs on three pitches and the A’s have come all the way back to take the lead". Now, I’m not sure about this, but I have never seen three guys hit dingers on three consecutive pitches in my life. Maybe some Elias loving data-head can confirm this for me.
Cabbie Blue Light Special
Lastly, if any fantasy owners are finding slim pickings when looking for a good starting pitcher on the waiver wire, I offer you this Cabbie Blue Light Special:
Ryan Madson- After two very solid seasons as a top set-up man, Madson at 26 is just entering his prime. Madson is a towering presence (6’6") who throws a low to mid-90′s fastball which he offsets with a bedeviling change-up. Madson’s tight curve gives him three legitimate pitches that will help him to get through lineups more than once or twice. He’s off to a good start and has a lineup behind him that can really pack a punch.
Carl the Cabbie
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us NOW…”
Three in the book, only 159 to go and Mets’ fans should be very excited as the
Florida Patsies come to town. This latest group of Metropolitans could be the most imposing lineup in the National League. No longer do we have to hope for Mike Piazza to find the fountain of youth, or for Carlos Beltran to become the second coming of Willie Mays. The days of banking on Doug Mienkiewicz and Mike Cameron as middle of the order sluggers are a distant memory. The 2006 Mets are a force to be reckoned with, and the Braves unbelievable streak of 14 straight divisional titles is in serious jeopardy.
The Shea cynic might ask, "How the heck can anyone forecast after only three measly games?". The optimist might retort, "How you start the season can set the tone for how you finish". However, I am neither, I am an idealist! So, break out the disco beat, cause as far as I’m concerned there "Ain’t no stoppin us NOW, We’re on the move, yeah-ee-a…". It’s been twenty long years since I was able to taste the sweetness; since I was able to partake in the only parade I’ve ever marched in; since I was
able to say that my Mets are the top dog, ain’t no one any better. So, forgive me if I dream a little dream- the dream of Mookie and Mitchell and Doctor K and Mr. Ray, the dream of Mex and Straw, the Kid and rubber armed Jessie pointing to the sky, the dream of the only time I ever witnessed my team win a world series, the dream of 1986.
Sorry, I kind of lost it there for a second. Here are my first thoughts after watching the opening series against the Nationals-
Willie and his crew have enlivened this team with a little extra juice in their blood (and I don’t mean steroids). The spirit is there, the top seven in the order are DANGEROUS, the bullpen is mighty and the starting rotation is just as good as what the Braves have to offer.
Let’s start with the rebuilt bullpen—Duaner Sanchez, Chad Bradford and Aaron Heilman give the Mets their most solid middle relief corps since Doug Sisk, Randy Myers and Roger McDowell donned the baby blue in the 
late 1980′s. Those great Mets’ teams also sported a pretty effective side arming slinger just like Bradford (Terry Leach). With Wags in tow, the Mets have their most dominant closer since Jessie Orosco- no
disrespect intended to Mr. John Franco. Yeah, I know Ryan Zimmerman took Big Bad Billy yard in game two, but the truth is Zimmerman is a helluva hitter, maybe rookie of the year, so I give Wagner a pass on that one. The only guy in the pen who I would chuck is Jorge "look how straight my fastball is" Julio. This guy stinks, and with the exception of 2002 always has. The Mets will figure out soon enough that Julio is nothing more than a mop up man, but no worries, Alay Soler (St. Lucie) is just a phone call away and a pretty good pitcher as Mets’ fans hopefully will find out.
Omar Minaya did a great job fortifying the holes in last season’s lineup and the result is a deadly combination of power and speed. Jose Reyes and David Wright look like the best left side of the infield the Mets have ever had. I was especially pleased with Reyes’ improved patience at the plate in this opening series. Wright looks like an assassin in the batter’s box, Carlos Delgado is our Strawberry, and Cliff Floyd could be the best number six hitter in the league. Beltran- well we’ve never had a player like
him, a switch-hitting gold glove in centerfield with 30/30 ability. Paul Lo Duca finally gives us a catcher who can play defense and a pretty good hitter to boot. Piazza never could have pulled off
that play at the plate (game one) where Alfonso Soriano was thrown out when Lo Duca gracefully recovered the ball as it trickled down his arm and fooled the ump into thinking he never lost it in the first place. Xavier Nady could be the real wild card of this lineup as he enters his prime. He could very easily turn out be what Kevin Mitchell was to the 1986 club. Victor Diaz, old man Julio Franco and veteran Jose Valentin add solid thump off the bench. As long as Anderson Hernandez keeps flashing soft hands at second base, we can more than deal with his anemic bat.
The biggest question for this team will be the state of the starting rotation. Pedro Martinez’s toe, shoulder, back and the rest of his body parts will be under scrutiny all season, but when he’s right there isn’t anyone better. Tom Glavine’s age will constantly be brought up whenever he has a bad streak, but let’s face it, he’s not a hard thrower, never has been, so as long as his mind is right he’ll keep the Mets in games. The same can be said about Steve Trachsel, another control artist with a highly intelligent approach on the mound. If his back holds up, he’ll be fine. 
Victor
Zambrano’s wildness concerns me a bit, but he has more life in his arm than the rest of the rotation combined. If he falters we can always make a deadline deal in July for an upgrade. And lastly, there is young Brian Bannister. His performance in game two might have been the most impressive of all the Mets this week. I’ve been following him for the last three years and I can tell you that composure, intelligence and pure guts will be his trademarks. If you missed his start in game two, think of a young Paul Byrd or if you really want to dream, think Greg Maddux. While his fastball won’t scare anyone, he will frustrate a lot of hitters with a four-pitch arsenal that will keep a lot of hitters off balance.
Here’s to 1969, here’s to 1986, here’s to… do I dare say it? I better hold off, I mean it’s only been three measly games. But, I will say to all Mets’ fans, whether you’re a cynic, an optimist or an idealist, you gotta believe in the magic, cause the way I see it there "Ain’t no stopping us NOW, We’re on the move, yeah-ee-a…".
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!
The little engine that could, George Mason, has been derailed and with their defeat the spotlight of the sports world will shift to opening night of the 2006 baseball season. The Chicago White Sox will begin defense of their title Sunday night at 8:00 PM (EST) against central division rival, the Cleveland Indians. So, here are a few last minute tips for all you fantasy owners as you solidify your opening day rosters.
The Young And The Restless
Three young potential closers chomping at the bit to be their teams’ saviors will have to wait a bit longer for their opportunity. After a solid second half in 2005 and the trade of Danys Baez, Chad Orvella was thought to be the Devil Rays’ closer for 2006, but a new manager came aboard. Unfamiliar with Orvella, all Joe Maddon had to go on was spring training. The sun might have been shining in Florida, but not for Orvella. Chad struggled mightily in his Grapefruit League appearances and it cost him. He’ll begin the year at AAA Durham, while veteran Dan Micelli takes a crack at being the lead fireman. Don’t expect this situation to last, Orvella could very well be the closer by the end of April.
Joey Devine was the opposite of Orvella this spring- he dominated opponents and was clearly their best arm out of the bullpen. For some reason though Bobby Cox remains fixated with Chris Reitsma and his very average arsenal. Joey will open the season as the closer for AAA Richmond. Devine will almost definitely get a shot at some point to live up to his name, but it might not be until May or June.
For some reason the Reds are set on giving everyone and their grandmother a chance at closing for
them except for Ryan Wagner, who might be their best option. After a nice debut at the end of 2003, Wagner seemed to regress the past two years. But, that really isn’t the case. A shoulder injury in July ended his 2005 campaign and the former first rounder (2003) was clearly rushed through the minors by the pitching barren Reds. Ryan is still only 23 years old and has electric stuff. He’ll start the year at AAA Louisville mainly because he has options left. If he continues to build on his strong spring he should return to the major league club the first time one of the Reds’ creaky veteran relievers gets hurt. Don’t be surprised if he emerges as the Reds’ main man by the All-Star break.
Rookie Watch
Drum roll please… here are a few rookie hitters who could make a big splash immediately:
Casey Kotchman (1B)- He has tremendous power and might be the Angels’ second best hitter.
Ryan Zimmerman (3B)- Zimmerman is the first position player since Pete Incaviglia (1986) to be given a starting job with a major league team in the same season he was drafted (2005). This National can clearly rake and could be the David Wright of 2006.
Josh Barfield (2B)- The Padres are all giddy about Jesse’s kid after a monster spring. Barfield has all the tools to succeed and will be hitting in the two hole ahead of Brian Giles- which should boost his fantasy value.
Ian Kinsler (2B)- Kinsler had great success in the minors and has line drive written all over his bat. Playing in one of the friendliest hitters’ parks in the majors, Ameriquest Field, Kinsler could approach 20 home runs.
Valentin’s Day
With Jason Larue beginning the season on the DL, Javier Valentin will be the Reds’ opening day
catcher. A switch-hitter, Valentin murdered righthanded pitching last season- 12 of his 14 home runs were from the left side of the plate where he hit .301 in 183 at bats. If you are weak at catcher, try giving Valentin a shot at least on a platoon basis, as he will garner most of the at bats against righties even after Larue returns.
Play Ball!
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