Baseball in the Greatest City

YANKEES LAST POST

2005-05-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

The New YOrk Yankees are off to their worst start since 1991. They have won two out of the last three and are currently 14-19. The BOss has mad some shocking line up changes including benching long time Yankee Bernie WIlliams. The Orioles are currently running away with the AL East, but as we all know it is very early in the baseball season. I am going to leave you with some pics of the Yanks early 2005 season:

Randy Johnson is the only Yankee pitcher to live up to expectations so far.

Matsui now playing center field has continued to hit.

A Rod is having a huge year, including one game with three home runs and 10 RBI's.

Joe Toree must deal with early season frustration.

LAST METS POST

2005-05-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Mets continued to roll on Monday night beating the CUBS 7-4. This game was delayed for 2.5 hours due to rain and the MEts relied on three home runs, one from Piazza, one from MAtsui, and one from Doug M. Aaron Heilman pitched very well and the Mets are now 18-15 and only 2 games out of first place. I am going to leave you with some pics of the 2005 season so far:

Matsui celebrates a home run.

After missing the first month Cameron is back and hitting .500

Pedro and DOug receive World Series Rings

Cliff FLoyd has been red hot and had a 20 game hitting streak.

Carlos Beltran being Carlos Beltran

New Blogging Tool

2005-05-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is very interesting....

A New State of the Art Baseball Blog Tool

Big Changes For Yanks

2005-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

The New York Yankees are 11-17 and Joe Toree deciding its time to make some line up changes. These include putting Randy Johnson on the DL for a sore groin, and benching long-time Yankee Bernie Williams. Hideki MAtsui will slide over and play center field and second baseman Tony Womack will play left for the Yanks. Robinson Cano will be called up to play second.
Line-up Shake-up

The Yankees have lost their last two games 11-8 and 11-4 to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Yankees are currently 7.5 games out of first place and struggling is an under statement.

The Yankees captain expalins: "We're scoring runs," said Derek Jeter. "Now we've just got to figure out a way to stop them from scoring. We battled back, but they kept scoring every inning."

Mets Take 2 of 3 vs Philly

2005-05-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Jae Seo pitched 7 innings and only gave up one hit on Wednesday night against the Phillies. The Phils had beat the Mets the night befire 10-3. Cliff Floyd extended his twenty game hitting streak by going 2-4 including a home run and 2 rbi. The Mets led 3-0 with two outs in the ninth before Braden Looper gave up back to back home runs to Chasae Utley, and Bobby Abreu. However Looper held on for the save. The Mets are back to 14-14 and only 2.5 games behind the MArlins for first place.

Kris Benson will make his 2005 debut for the Mets on Thursday afternoon when the MEts face Vincente PAdilla. The last time the Mets faced PAdilla they hit 5 home runs against him.

Mets Rotation Update

Kris Benson Update

Current Standings

Yanks Worst Start Since 1991

2005-04-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Yankees have ended April with a 9-14 record their worst since 1991. They are currently 6.5 games behind the Orioles for first place in the AL East. The Yanks have lost three in a row and Friday night Randy Johnson lost a 2-0 games and his record is now 2-2. Johnson pitched a complete game and the Yanks got shut out by Blue Jay pitcher Roy Halladay.

"One mistake cost us the ballgame. ... We lost, so obviously I didn't pitch well enough." Johnson said about his Friday night performance

Jaret Wright Update

APRIL Recap

MAY Preview

Mets Struggle; Drop Last Three

2005-04-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

The New York Mets are now 11-12 and three games behind the MArlins for first place. This record does not look very good but considering they were 0-5 this can be considered a successful month. Most recently the Mets lost on Friday to Livan Hernandez and the Washington NAtionals. Not only did Hernandez pitch 8 innings and only give up 1 earned run but he also hit a home run off of Mets starter Jay Seo.

"I didn't feel like I pitched great," Seo said through his interpreter. "I felt I let my teammates down, especially when the pitcher hit the home run. It changed the mood of the game."

MLB CURRENT STANDINGS
Mets APRIL Results
Mets MAY Preview

Mets win 2 of 3

2005-04-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

the Mets beat the Nationals two out of three times over the weekend and rest ins econd place with a 10-9 record.

Yanks alone in last place

2005-04-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Even though the yanks won on sunday they dropped their two previous games. They are alone in last place with an 8-11 record.

Pedro starts 2-0

2005-04-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Pedro MArtinez led the Mets with 7 strong innings of two hit one run baseball. The Mets got seven runs in the second inning thanks to a grandslam hit by 1B Doug M. The Mets return to .500 and are now 8-8 and 1 game out of first. The Mets will play a weekend seried against the Nationals at Shea.

Read all the Games Details
Update on Kris Benson

Mussina gets first win

2005-04-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Mike Mussina got his first win of the season on Thursday against the Blue Jays. The Yankees won both of the games in Toronto and the Yankees are no 7-9 and 3.0 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East.

Game Details

Sheffield Deals with Pushing Incident in Boston

Devil Rays beat Johnson

2005-04-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Randy Johnson lost 6-2 to the Devil Rays and the Yanks have dropped to 5-9 and are tied for last place in their division. Eduardo Perez hit two home runs against the Big Unit. This quote by RJ sums up the yankees start to the 2005 season:

Something isn't right. We'll get there. I will get there."

Yankees Struggles

Mets Set HR Record In Philly

2005-04-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night the New YOrk Mets hit seven home runs. This was the largest total in team history. Jose Reyes led off the game with a home run and added another one later in the game. Met rookie right fielder Victor Diaz hit two home runs as well. David Wright hit a grand slam, and Mike Piazza and Doug M. added bombs as well. The Mets are now 7-7 and tied for second in the NL East.

Yanks Win Big

2005-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Every member of the Yankees not only had a hit but also scored a run in Mondays win over the Devil Rays. The Yankees sent 17 batters to the plate in the second inning scoring 13 runs. Tino Martinez hit a grand slam and A-Rod had five hits including two home runs and two doubles. Jaret Wright picked up the victory for the Yanks. The teams battle again tonight as Randy Johnson will face Hideo Nomo.

Mets Lose to Phillies

2005-04-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Round 1 of this years New YOrk v. Philly rivalry went the way of the phillies. Pat Burrell hit another home run and the Phills beat the Mets 5-4. Kaz ishii gets the lose for new york and randy wolf gets the win for philly. The game was 5-0 until the Mets score four runs in the ninth thanks to a CLiff FLoyd 3run home run. The teams battle again tonight at 7 when Zambrano throws for the Mets and Padilla for the Phils.

Mets Drop Series Fianle

2005-04-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Mets had their six game winning streak snapped on Sunday. AJ Burnett of the Marlins pitched his second consecutive complete game and beat the Mets 5-2. The Mets were haunted by two errors and three double play balls. The Mets won two of three against the Marlins and after starting 0-5 they have won five of six.

Nationals 8-4
Braves 6-5 1.5
Mets 6-6 2.0
Marlins 6-6 2.0
Phillies 5-6 2.5

Yankees Swept in Baltimore

2005-04-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

The New YOrk Yankees have lost 4 out of their last five and lost all three games against the Orioles this weekend. Kevin Brown lost Sunday 8-4 and the Yankees start the seadon in last place and have a 4-8 record.

Baltimore 8-4
Toronto 8-5 .5
Boston 7-5 1.0
New York 4-8 4.0
Tampa Bay 4-8 4.0

Mets Win 6th in a row

2005-04-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Mets have been on fire winning their last six games after starting the year 0-5. Aaron Heilman who is a 23 year old year old second year player pitched a one hit shutout Friday night against the powerful MArlins. Heilman pitched the game of his life and Mike Piazze had 3 RBIS in a 4-0 victory. On Saturday Pedro Martinez battled against ex-Met Al Lieter and ir appeared through seven innings that Leiter would get the win. However clutch hits by Beltran and Ramon Castro gave the Mets a 4-3 win.

Yanks lose first two in Baltimore

2005-04-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

The Yankees got killed Friday night 8-1 by the Orioles led by Sammy Sosa's home run. Saturday the Yanks lost a one run game and their record is now 4-7.

Johnson gets crushed and Yanks lose

2005-04-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Randy Johnson gave up three home runs and five runs in seven innings as the Red Sox went on to win 8-6. The most interesting play in this game came in the eigth inning when Gary Sheffield was accisntaly bumbed by a spectator and Sheffiled pushed the fan back. The fan was immediatly ejected and the Six went on to the win.

Reyes lifts Mets to 3rd Straight

2005-04-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Kaz Ishii matched Roger Clemens pitch for pitch. The two went seven innings and each only gave up three hits and 0 runs. Ishii has been struggling with the walks but only waled 3 in 7 innings whil striking out 6. Roger Clemens, who has never won in Shea Stadium, had his best outing ever and came away with a no decision. The game went scoreless into the bottom of the 11th. VIctor DIaz started the inning with a walk and moved up to second on Chris Woodwrds sacrifics bunt. Then after getting in fron 3-1 Jose Reyes lined a single up the middle to score the winning and only run of the game. The MEts will go for four in a row tonight against the Astros as 7:10.

Reyes celebrates with manager Willie Randolph. The current NL East standings are:

Braves 5 4 .556 -
Marlins 5 4 .556 -
Nationals 5 4 .556 -
Phillies 4 5 .444 1.0
Mets 3 5 .375 1.5

Giambi and Williams Blast Schilling

2005-04-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Curt Schilling made his 2005 debut on Wed. night and was greated with a big lose. He gave up 5 runs over 5 and 2/3 innings and gave up two home runs in the sixth before he was pulled. The Red SOx offense was quited by JAret Wright who picked up the WIn. Giambi hit his second home run of the year, and Bernie Williams broke out of his slump leading the Yanks to a 5-2 victory. MAriano RIveria came in the ninth and received a large staning ovation from the Red Sox fans becasue Riveria has blown more than half his saves against the Sox. The SOx went quiet in the ninth and Rivera got the save. These are the current standings in the AL East:

Blue Jays 6 3 .667 -
Orioles 5 3 .625 0.5
Yankees 4 4 .500 1.5
Red Sox 3 5 .375 2.5
Devil Rays 3 5 .375 2.5

Yanks lose in Boston

2005-04-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

The BOston Red SOx recived their WOrld SEries rings before Mondays game and then Tim Wakefield pitched a great game to stun the Yanks 8-1. A-ROd made another error and Mussina got beat up for seven runs in five innings only four of which were earned. The only good thing from this game was the standing applause that Mariano RIveria got from all the loyal Red Sox fans at Fenway PArk. The Yanks also have today off and will look to rebound tommorrow night.

Mets Win Second in a Row

2005-04-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

It wasn't pretty but the MEts earned their second consecutive win to start the season 2-5. Tom Glavine started for the MEts in their home opener and went six innings only giving up on earned run. The MEts led the game 3-1 when Glavine came out but by the bottom of the eigth the bullpen had given up the lead and the MEts trailed 4-3 coming to bat in the eight. With one out Victor DIaz walked and pinchhitter MArlon Anderson followed with a single that moved DIaz to third. Then Jose Reyes hit a ball back to the pitcher who would hav had DIaz out at the plate but instead he fired to second to try and start a double play. Reyes beat the throw and the game was tied at 4 with two outs in the eigth. Reyes stole second and scored on an RBI hit by Kaz MAtsui. The Astros walked Carlos Beltran and next batter Ramon Castro hit a fly ball to right that dropped in and gave the MEts the lead. Leading 5-4 in the eigth with two runners on the Astros brought in ex-Met JOhn FRanco who gave up a two RBI hit to Cliff FLoyd and the MEts headed to the ninth up four. Braden Looper came in and got the Astros out one two three. The MEts have the day off today but will look for their third win in a row on Wednesday night.

Yanks Smacked Down in Baltimore

2005-04-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Carl Pavano took a third inning line drive off the bat of Melvin Mora directly to the side of the face. He immedialty left the game and went to the hospital for tests. Rodrigo Lopez dominated the yankees powerful line up and the Orioles won 7-2. The Yankees lost two of the three games in Baltimore are currently have a record of 3 and 3. The only positive to come out of this weekend series in Baltimore for the Yankees was that JAson GIambi belted his first home run.

Update on Pavano

The Mets Win.... The Mets Win

2005-04-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

After loosing their first five games the Mets looked as if 0-6 was on the way. Sundays game featured two of the best pitchers in the National League. John Smoltz struck out 15 Mets and had a 1-0 nothing lead with two outs and one on in the ninth. The Mets were down to their last four outs when Carlos Beltran stepped to the plate in the 8th with two outs and one on. Smotlz threw a slider that hung in the zone and Beltran smakced a two run home run. Beltran broke the flood gates becasue after his home run the Braves went to the bullpen and before the 8th inning was over CLiff FLoyd and David Wright had belted home runs and the mets were up 5-1. PEdro MArtinez threw a complete game 2 hitter and gave the Mets their first win of the season.

"I understood the situation well," Martinez said. "We needed a big performance from me or someone like me. I took it personally. I wanted to pick up my team. ... Everybody was getting antsy. I like to take the responsibility."

The millions of dollars the MEts spent for Beltran and MArtinez payed divendens on Sunday.

Mets Swept In Cincy

2005-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

The season could not possibly start any way worse for the Mets. They are leaving Cincy wirh an 0-3 record and heading to Atlanta where they are almost guranteed to lose. Today was another sad day in the 2005 season for the Mets. Newcomer Kaz Ishii mad his first start for the Mets and walked the first two runners of the game. No big deal the Mets knew he had control problems when they signed him so this was to be expexted. NExt Ishii gets slugger Sean Casey to hit a ball to second basemen KAz MAtsui which should be a sure double play but instead the ball goes right through his legs and a run scored. The Reds scored two in the first and added another in the second after a solo home run by Willie Mo Pena. The Mets offense was stagnant all day as starter Mike Piazza took the day off. The Mets ended up losing 6-1 and the one run was scored on a wild pitch. The game was terrible and honestly I'm getting depressed updating each game becasue the MEts are awful and it is only the first week of the season. They will travel to Atlanta and Victor Zambrano will try to get the win against John Thompson Friday at 7:35. Lets hope for a win so this blog can get more interesting.

All the Details from Thursday's Terrible Game in Cincy

Glavine and Mets Lose Again

2005-04-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

The aftershock from Monday's opener remains and the Mets are starting the 2005 season 0-2. Glavine did not make it through the first three innings facing 22 batters and only retiring 10. The MEts were still in the game trailing by 2 in the eigth inning until reliver Mike DeJean gave up a gran slam to Joe Randa, the same Randa that homered off of Braden Looper to win the game on Monday. And of course the MEts come back to score two in the ninth so they lose 9-5 becasue of the grand slam.

The most important player in this game was home umpire Chuck Meriwether. He and the Mets have not been on good terms for a few years now and he was responsible for two missed calls that gave the game away. Joe Randa had an 0-2 count with two runners on. Glavine through a fastball that was clearly a strike but Meriwether called it a ball. Next pitch Randa doubles driving in two runs. Again in the fourth Ken Griffey Jr. came up with two outs and the bases loaded. On an 0-2 count again the fastball hit the plate and was called a ball. Glavine was visibly upset on the mound and the n ext pitch resulted in a two run single.

Manager Willie Randolph and Chuck Meriwether had many discussions during Wednesday's game.

Mike Cameron update

Red Sox beat Rivera

2005-04-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Mariano Riveria is supposed to be unhittable. At least to all other 30 teams in the lead except the Red Sox. Strecthing back to the post season of 2004 the Red Sox have beaten Rivera six out of the last eleven save opportunities. On Tuesday Riveria allowed a home run in the ninth to tie the game and on Wednesday he had a one run lead going to the ninth again. Except this time the Red SOx got to him for 5 runs.

The ninth started with an unusual walk to Bill Mueller and then Mark Belhorn hit a single between first and second. Johnny Damn singled to right which loaded the bases with nobody out. Riveria then got Trot Nixon to strike out on a change up low and outside and in walked Manny Ramirez. Ramirez hit what shold have been a game ending double play ball to Alex Rodriquez at third base.

Keep in mind this man has the highest sports salary of any profession and his contract alone is worth over $125 million. A-Rod boots the ball and no one is out. This tied the game up and kept the bases loaded for David Ortiz. Ortiz hit a soft grounder that scored around and made an out. Edgar Renteria, who had been 0-10 then hit a two RBI single to protect the lead. The Yankees went quielty in the bottom of then ninth and are shell-shocked by two blown saves in back to back games.
"I'm surprised when it happens one time in a month, so back-to-back, you don't expect that," said manager Joe Torre. "I hope I'm always surprised when this happens."

The Yankees look to rebound on Friday when Jaret Wright will pitch against Sidney Ponson and the Baltimore Orioles.

Jeter got hit in the head

Jeter lifts Yanks to Second Straight

2005-04-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Derek Jeter trots off the field after taking Keith Foulkes pitch in the bottom of the 10th to the stands in left center.

The YAnkees have assured the Red SOx that last year was last year and this is a brand new year. The Bronx Bombers won their second straight over the red sox on TUesday even after MAriano Rivera blew a save opportunity in the 9th inning. Hideki Matsui has proven to be the best Yankee so far with three hits and a home run in both games driving in 5 overall and not to mention the home run saving catch he made on Mon to rob David Millar. Carl Pavano got his first start for the Yankees and went 6 and 2/3 innngs only allowing two runs and left the game with the lead. In the top of the ninth with one out the SOx were trailing 3 to 2 until JAson Varitek slammed a 1-2 fastball over the short fench in right to tie the game. That tie did not last very long. After going 3-0 on Jeter FOulke left a 3-2 fastball out over the plate and Jeter made him pay.

"My job, first and foremost, is to get on base," said Jeter, who instead took the big cut on the high heat. "I knew I hit it well. I didn't know if I hit it high enough. I'm not a home-run hitter."

On Wed. The yankess will go for the sweep at 1:00 pm on ESPN as Wakefield with battle Mussina.

Looper blows Pedros Gem

2005-04-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

For all Mets fans the sight of tuesdays opener was something we have seen too much of. Year after year the frustration and concern lingers even with the signing of Beltran and Pedro. The MEts scored first on a first inning home run by KAz MAtsui. In the bottom of the third PEdro gave up a three run home run to Adam Dunn. After that home run Pedro struck out 9 of the next 10 batters. MEts fans have not seen pitching like this since DOc Gooden of the 1980's. The MEts then ties the game at 3 when Carlos Beltran blasted a 2 run home ren his first as a MEt. Pedro went six innings giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and striking out 12. HE left with a 6-3 lead. By the time the bottom of the ninth came around the Mets led 6-4. Braden Looper, the Mets closer came in and that is when the METs of new became the MEts of old. The first batter to face Looper hit a ball that got through the infiled for a single. Then up walks Adam Dunn again. The Mets spent hundreds of millions of dollars in the offseason but none on the bullpen and that is the teams greatest concern. Looper gives up a 2 run home run to Dunn to tie the game in the ninth, and the next batter Joe Randa homers to win the game. A new year and the MEts still find a way to lose a game they should have won.

Joe Randa's ninth inning game winning home run

Braden Looper said keep hope:"Last year," he said, "I started off great, and we didn't make the playoffs. I started off bad this year, so maybe we'll make it."

Yankees=1 Boston=0

2005-04-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night Randy Johnson proved that the Yankees have recovered from the biggest choke in sports history. They dominated the Red Sox in every aspect of the game and ex-Yankee David Wells was handed the loss and the Sox lost 9-2. Randy Johnson pitched 6 innings and gave up one earned run on 5 hits. That run was the result of a 2-out hit from ex-Met and current Red Sox right fielder Jay Payton. Besides that Johnson looked un-hitable. Newly acquired David Wells went 4.1 innings giving up 4 runs on ten hits. The Yankee offense was powerful including three hits from Matsui and new comer Tony Womack. The most important play of the game came in the second inning when Matsui robbed a two run homer off the bat of Kevin Millar. MAstsui leaped into the left field corner and stretched over the wall to make the catch. IF a Red SOck had hit the ball one of the fans would have caught it. The only guy on the team who got up and didnt get a hit was Bernie Williams. As a team the offensive production was very impressive:

w York Yankees
Hitters AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
D Jeter SS 5 2 2 0 1 0 5 .400
A Rodriguez 3B 6 1 2 1 0 1 6 .333
G Sheffield RF 4 2 1 1 1 0 3 .250
R Sierra DH 5 0 1 1 0 1 4 .200
H Matsui LF 5 3 3 3 0 1 1 .600
J Posada C 4 0 2 0 1 1 1 .500
J Giambi 1B 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 .500
T Martinez 1B 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 .000
B Williams CF 2 0 0 1 2 2 4 .000
B Crosby PR-CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
T Womack 2B 5 0 3 0 0 0 4 .600

Side note: Jason Giambi had one hit and also made one error in the field so while steroids make you able to hit they also make you dumber.

The Yankees will look to go up 2-0 on tuesday when Carl Pavano makes his Yankee debut at 1:05 against Matt Clement.

Trachsel down Ishii in

2005-03-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

Steve Trachsel went down with a herniated disk in his back and is expected to miss up to a couple months. The Mets did not waste any time replacing his spot in the rotation. The Mets traded back-up catcher Jason Philips to the Dodgers in return for Kaz Ishii who is a left handed starter. Ishii becomes the second left hander in the Mets rotation and allows for a much different look.

Kaz Ishii carrer stats

When asked what he knew about the Mets, he said he was aware they had improved this winter and that he was here to "pitch for a ring."

Baseball makes big headlines in the court room

2005-03-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

(From left, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmerio, and Curt Schilling)

Complete Steroid Coverage
Did anyone know that baseball has a steroid problem? Jason Giambi, and his little brother Jeremy have been the only ones to admit using illegal steroids. On Thursday major league players, executives, and representives were ordered to testify at a congressional hearing. As if we havent known for years that players were cheating, Jose Canseco published a book earlier this month commenting on his steroid use and calles out individuals that he knew used as well. Among the most famous is the single season home run hitter and former bash brother of Canseco, Mark McGwire.

Around 11 am on Thursday Jose Canseco, Sammy Sosa, MArk McGwire, Rafael Palmerio, and Curt Schilling. Frank Thomas joined via teleconference. After the panel of players executives such as Commisoner Bud Selig, and union director Donald Fuhr. Each individual gave an opening staement and then was bombarded by questions from the panel about the use of steroids.
Opening Statements
Senator and ex-baseball player Jim Bunning

Also at the hearing were the parents of two high school boys who committed suicide becasue of negative effects from steroids. The parents were the first to speak at the hearing. They called for these role models to start taking responsibilty for their actions and need to teach children that doing the right thing is the most important.

(Donald Hooton, whose son comitted suicide at 16 due to steroids addresses the committee)

Each player was forced to answer questions regarding their personal involvment with steroids and any thing that they had seen in the past. Curt Schilling and Frank Thomas were asked to attend to head up a committee that has veteran players who speak out and want to help form a plan to get steroids out of baseball. In his book, Jose Canseco talks about steroids and the positive effects that they can have if used to their maximum potential. He also gives names of players that he said have been juicing. One player he named was Rafael Palmerio, who denied the allegations in court and asked to be placed on the task force with Schilling and Thomas. Canseco accused McGwire of using a regiment of steroids in which he had to inject the steroids into his buttox once every three days. Its kind of suprising how McGwire broke Roger Marisis homerun record and then wont talk about the past. When posed with a question about steroids and baseball McGwire responed:

"My lawyers have advised me that I cannot answer these questions without jeopardizing my friends, my family or myself. I intend to follow their advice. I'm not here to talk about the past," McGwire said. "I'm here to be positive and talk about the present and the future." Everytime he was asked a question McGwire would say he did not want to talk about the negative side and the past. He sounded like a robot prgrammed by his attorneys not to testify against himself. He looked ridiculous and many people, myself included lost all of the respect for McGwire.

Haha... oh sorry for a second i actually believe McGwire that he never did steroids. Are you kidding me. You put on 45 pounds during ten years in the league, your neck grew about 6 inches, and your biceps about 7 inches. It must have been a lot of hard work and diet. Yeah right. It is a god damn shame that these athletes are so selfish and self-centered that instead of battling for their position fairly, they feel the need to inject steroids. These players should be banned from baseball for life. It has been known for a while that baseball has a serious steroid problem however the current penalty for testing positive is a 10 day suspension and $10,000 fine. Haha..
Players testimony
Basesball Exec. Testimony

This is a complete joke. These "role models" are at the top of their game becasue of lying, cheating, and using illegal drugs. Barry Bonds admitted that he once used a steroid creme without knoeing what it was. Haha.. thses athletes think they are above the law and that they are invivisible. If it were up to me there would an asterik beside every record than any of these men have achieved. In a country where ethical and moral people are hard to come by, it is unfortunate that the people the youth look up to the most, are the worst type of person.

In the 1990's Canseco was on one of baseballs best teams. Rickey Henderson , Canseco, and McGwire were the best top three hitters in the league. Now Canseco has come clean and wants to bring everyone down with him. He does not want to take the fall alone and he wants the truth to come out.

(Bud Selig listens to Canseco's testimony)

"I am saddened that the media and others have chosen to focus on the names in the book rather than the real culprit behind the issue," he said. "MLB did nothing to take it out of the sport. Baseball owners and the players' union ... turned a blind eye to the clear evidence of steroid use in baseball."

After the death of Ken Caminitti, an all-star third baseman who dies before the age of forty due to drugs and steroids, the media has begun to attack baseball even more deservingly so. It is time to clean up the game and get these liars like Bonds and McGwire off of the field and keep them out of the hall of fame. Pete ROse has been banned from baseball for life becasue of betting on his own team. Whats worse betting on yourself, or shooting steroids? Hands down these palyers should no longer play the sport.

Bud Selig and his staff testified that they wish they knew about the problem earlier. Haha... Mr. Selig owned the Milwaukee Brewers in the 90's, he knew about steorids. The lies seemed to pile up in the courtroom and nothing that Selig of Fehr said sounded truthful. Many experts believe that the best thing that could happen would be for these guys to all resign. Selig said, "There's no question there's a problem. And we need to do something about it. The fact of the matter is it's very difficult; there is no tangible evidence."

I mean besides players coming out and admitting to usage and giving names of others who use, your right there is no evidence. There was not enough evidence to convict OJ either.

McGwire's rep is shattered

Where does baseball go from here? Complete ESPN analysis

10 guys to watch in 2005

2005-03-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

As Spring Training winds down the city of New York prepares for another baseball season. The Mets and Yankees have looked good in spring training and the following are players to watch when the season starts.

Mets Top 5 2005 Prospects:

1. Carlos Beltran (CF, 6ft. 1 in, 190lbs, switch hitter, throws right) perhaps the most sought after free agency in the off season. Last year in the national league championship series against the Cardinals Beltran hit 7 home runs during the 7 game series for the Astros. Beltran is originally from Puerto Rico and has ties to Mets GM Omar Minaya which was a large reason as to why he chose the Mets. Beltran is labeled as a five tool player meaning he can field, hit for average, hot for power, steal bases, and also can throw the ball very well. Beltran has assumed the role of the leader in the Mets clubhouse during the preseason and if Queens is going to have a winning team it will rest on his shoulders. Beltran is a career .284 hitter and has finished in the top of the triple crown categories for the past three years. Beltran is 27 and signed a 7 year 119 million dollar contract.

2. Pedro Martinez (RHP, 5 ft. 11 in, 180 lbs, hits right) fresh off of a world series championship Martinez brings much needed support to the MEts starting rotation. He will be the #1 pitcher and brings leadership and charisma to a weak pitching rotation. Pedro went 16-9 last year with a 3.90 era and was third in the AMerican league with 227 strikeouts. Martinez has been criticized in his past about not showing up on time and on being a distraction in the clubhouse. Martinez also has ties with Minaya from the DOminacan Republic and was the first player to show up at Mets Spring training. Pedro is currently 34 years old and signed a four year contract.

3. David Wright (3B, 6ft, 200 lbs, throws right, hits right) Wright is the best third base prospect since the success of Scott Rolen. Wright is 22 years old and made his debut last season with the Mets. Wright was sough after by many teams during the trade deadline but the MEts were hesitant to get rid of such a talented player at the hot corner. In 69 games last year he hit .293 and 14 home runs. Wright was one of the only bright spots for the Mets last season and his development as a fielder is essential for a successful seasaon. Wright is the corner stone of a very young infield and it will be important to watch his fielding percentage during the year. His ability to hit for average and power leave him among the best in the league even at his young age.

4. Mike Piazza (C, 6 ft. 3 in, 215, throws right, hits right) The best hitting catcher of all time needs to bounce back from a below average year. Piazza struggled last year as he split time between catcher and first base. His 378 carrer home runs as a catcher has him as the all time leader. Piazza has struggled defensively throwing out base runners, but he is a carrer .315 hitter and needs to bounce back with a solid season. Piazza is now 36 years old and his knees continue to get weaker and weaker. As long as he is able to produce at the plate he will stay in the line up. At the end of last year Piazza was mentioned in trade rumors to the AL so he could be a DH and never have to play the field. The Mets are willing to give this all-star another shot and his big bat in the middle of the line can help produce runs.

5. Jose Reyes (SS, 6 ft., 175 lbs, switch hitter, throws right) coming off of hamstring problems that have bothered Reyes for the past two years, he is finally 100% healthy. LAst year Reyes played second base and Kaz MAtsui played shortstop. The MEts promised the oppportunity for Matsui to play ss at least one year bringing him in from Japan. It is clear that defensively Reyes is a much better player with a stronger arm and this year he will be back at his natural SS position. At the top of the line-up Reyes is dangerous if he can get on base. He has been learning from Beltran how to steal bases and if he is able to set the table for the middle of the line up the MEts should score a lot of runs. He has the glove and arm to win a gold glove and if he is healthy the Mets will score.

Other Mets to Watch:
Tom Glavine
Kris Benson
Doug Mientkiewicz
Victor Zambrano

Yankees Top 5 Prospects:

1. Randy Johnson ( LHP, 6ft. 10 in, 230lbs, hits right) We all thought that Johnson would be in pin stripes to help the Yankees last year, and even though it came later than expected the Yankeed got their man. Perhaps the most dominating pitcher currently in baseball Johnson provides tha Yankees with the power left hand pitcher that they need. Johnson has been stuck in Arizona with a bad team and posted 16 wins and led the majors with 290 strike outs. He will anchor a much improved Yankees rotation and the only worry about JOhnson is that at 41 years young if his arm will continue to chuck 100 mph fastballs. Over the past three years JOhnson has over 50 wins and the Yankees will rely on his left arm to lead them back to the top.

2. Alex Rodriquez (3B, 6 ft 3 in, 225 lbs, hits right, throws right) after selling his soul to become a third baseman Rodriquez was not satisfied with his performance last year especially during the post season. The natural shortshop switched positions in order to play next to Jeter. Even though A-Rod hit over 100 rbi's his .286 batting average is well below his career average of .305. A rod has said that he feels more comfortable at his new posisition this year. Expect a break-out year for A-rod and winning a championship is all he cares about.

3. Derek Jeter (SS, 6 ft. 3 in, 195 lbs, hits right, throws right) the captain of thew bronx bombers will look to coninue his dominance at short stop in the entire major leagues. Jeter has been the fave of the Yankees for years now and seems to be one of the only real true yankees left. His batting average fell off last year from .315 to .292 however this was due to an early season slump. Jeter rebounded to hit .400 over the last month of the regular season and he is the link that makes the Yankees go. Even though his batting fell off a little Jeter is still the best fielding short stop in all of baseball. After his catch diving into the crowd last year against the Red Sox, JEter earned respect from myself a procalimed yankees hater.

4. Hidkei Matsui (LF, 6 ft. 2 in, 230 lbs, hits left, throws right) perhaps the unsung hero of the yankees. Matsui often goes under the rador but he is the best fundamnental clutch hitter on the team. Matsui hit .300 with over 100 rbis and 30 home runs. Left field in Yankee stadium is one of the hardest places to play and Matsui only had 8 errors all of last season. He is the glue to the yankees line up and while Sheffield and Giambi have been injury prone MAtsui continues to stay healthy and help produce and manufacture runs.

5. Gary Sheffield (RF, 6 ft. , 205 lbs, throws right, hits right) led the yankees with 121 rbis during the regular season last year. Sheffield has been a solid defender and one of the most feared hitter in the AL for the past two season. Last year Sheffield played in the playoffs even though he was suffering from shoulder pain that wouldnt even allow him to drive a car. At 36 it seems as if his body is beginning to fall apart, however Sheffield has feasted on clutch hitting throughout his carerr and he is the last person the opponent wants to face in a close game. Sheffield has a powerful arm and limits baserunners. A five tool player in his younger days, however now Seffield releid heavily on the long ball than speed.

Other Yankees to watch:
Jorge Posada
Tino Martinez
Jason Giambi
Carl Pavano
Jaret Wright

Mets and Yanks Lace Them Up

2005-03-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

Both the New York teams got spring training underway this past week. Even though both teams starters looked very solid, the Mets lost 5-3 and the Yankees tied 2-2.

Yankees Box score
Mets Box Score

The Mets opened the season against the new team the Washington Nationals. The Nationals were created when the Montreal Expo franchise relocated to Washington in the offseason. The Nationals won there opening game beyond home runs from Jose Guillen and Keith Osik. The Mets recieved two solid innings from starter Tom Glavine and Carols Beltran picked up his first hit as a Met.

"It feels good," Beltran said. "The first couple of at-bats I was nervous. But every game I feel that way. That's part of me. But it was nice to get that first hit."

Another good sign for the Mets was the play by the starting infiled. Jose Reyes has been moved back to shortstop this year and Kaz Matsui has made the move to second base. The Mets picked up Doug Mientkiewicz to play 1B and the trio turned two double plays in the first three innings.

Startes Mike Piazza, Cliff FLoyd, and Mike Cameron did not make the trip due to minor health reasons and all plan to be ready for opening day. After getting rained out against the Cardinals on Thursday, Pedro Martinez will get his first start as a Met on Friday against St. Louis.

Randy Johnson was scheduled to start on Thursday against the Pirates however discomfort in his calf kept him out.

"I feel pretty good right now. I'll go about doing the things that I'd normally do," Johnson said. "Why push the envelope when I can still get my work in and throw off the mound? It was going to be two innings, so I'll be ready to throw on Tuesday."

Jason Giambi got three at-bats in his first game of the season recording two walks, and a weak ground out. Giambi has been under scrutiny all off-season after admitting to using illegal steroids.

Tanyan Sturz threw two solid innings for the Bombers, and relivers Paul Quantrill and Tom Gordon looked to be in mid season shape. Hideki Matsui doubled in a run in the first inning to give the Yankees an early lead. The game was called after nine innings due to rain.

While the Mets gear up for baseball season GIambi moves past steroids

2005-02-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

With spring training games just around the corner Joe Torre and Willie Randolph are preparing their teams for a long season. The Mets are excited about big offseason acquistions Pedro Martinez and Carolos Beltran. These players round out a team that is centered around aging Mike Piazza, and rely on a young talented infield with Jose Reyes and David Wright. First year manager Willie Randolph ia excited to get the season underway

"It was good getting a chance to see the team and start thinking about lineups," Randolph said. "I talked to them this morning about what I expect from them. It was small stuff, but it was also getting a sense of what you have. Top to bottom, things couldn't have gone better. Everyone was very positive."

The Mets lineup has been improved greatly since a year ago and leaves the team with a good chance to compete in the difficult NL East. The lineup and rotation for the 2005 Mets:

SS Jose Reyes
2B Kazuo Matsui
CF Carlos Beltran
C Mike Piazza
3B David Wright
LF Cliff Floyd
RF Mike Cameron
1B Doug Mientkiewicz

P Pedro Martinez
P Tom Glavine
P Kris Benson
P Victor Zambrano
P Steve Trachsel

Overall the Mets have had the biggest upgrade of the offseason, however the Yankees might have signed the best pitcher in all of baseball.

Randy Johnson wanted to be a Yankee, and eventhough he wasn't able to join the team against the Red Sox , he will have the chance to beat the Sox on opening day.

Even though the Mets had a louder offseason the Yankees were able to fill many holes are also appear to be much improved from last year. They got the #1 left handed pitcher in the game and picked up a needed versatile second baseman in Tony Womack. Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright are big additions to the rotation and will help the Yankees compete against the hated Red Sox.

However the Yankee making the most noise in the offseason for all the wrong reason is Jason Giambi. Giambi admitted to using illegal steroids and apologized to the entire sport. At this point it looks as if Giambi will be ready to play on opening day.

"I'm expecting to play well. Mentally, I've gone over it in my head that I'll play well," Giambi added. "It depends on how everything goes, but I feel good. I'm not worried about what's going to happen off the field, I'm more worried about what I can do on the field to help us win."

It is uncertain if Giambi will start at first base becasue of the signing of Tino Martinez. The expected lineup for the 2005 Yankees:

2B Tony Womack
SS Derek Jeter
3B Alex Rodriquez
RF Gary Sheffield
LF Hideki MAtsui
CF Bernie Williams
C Jorge Posada
DH Jason Giambi
1B Tino MArtinez

P Randy Johnson
P Mike Mussina
P Carl Pavano
P Jaret Wright
P Kevin Brown

Inside the Life of Jason Giambi
Yankees Preview
Mets Preiew
Interview with Randy Johnson"
Mets Young Guns Stick Together
Jason Giambi Info.

Pitchers and Catchers Report

2005-02-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson are in their new uniforms and spring training has begun.

Mets Shop
Yankees Shop

New York Baseball

2005-02-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

This blog is intended to follow two New York baseball teams from preseason to hopefully postseasan. This blog will offer analysis, in-sight, and opinions about baseball on the field and in the front office.