Yankee Stadium Insider Blog: 2008 Old-Timers Day – 1990’s nostalgia-fest!
Jerry: Jose Is Young And Forgetful
Heard Jerry this afternoon with Mike Francesca.
Jerry was talking about Jose Reyes and basically said (my words) Jose spaces out sometimes as young players do.
That’s nice except one thing. This is Jose’s 6th season. In 2000 Jeter was in his 6th season (5th full season) and about to win his fourth ring. This young player thing doesn’t hold water. Apparently young players can learn the game and stay focused.
So you’re saying, “Mets Police. This is unfair. Jose is only 25. OK fine – that would be like Jeter in 1999, on his way to win a third ring.
At some point this young player thing expires and it’s time to admit he’s a flawed player. The Mets marketing would like you to believe he’s the goods. He’s not. He’s good but not the goods. He’s homegrown and not a Brave or Red Sock or Dodger so that’s a major bonus – I’d rather lose with the homegrowns than win with Rentals.
However, I warn you – he’s a Cylon. Some day, in a clutch spot with everything on the line, he’s going to do something stupid. Not strike out or make an error, that stuff happens, but something stupid.
Mets Walk-offs Has A Cool Post
Hey fellas – go visit http://metswalkoffs.blogspot.com/ which has a cool post about the top moments at Shea. I have to run out now and can’t do a proper sample. Walkoffs you know how to find me, you’re very welcome to do a guest post here if you’d like.
My quickie – the top moment is Terry Pendleton breaking our backs 9/11/87. I was there and won;t ever forget that. You didn’t think I was going to pick something happy?
OK – something happy – Seaver walking in from the bullpen Opening Day 1983. I was there too. Oh wait, The Former Franchise doesn’t love us. Nix that. Pendleton it is.
Maine & Rain
Heard a lot of sports talk today – by the way someone tell 1050 we don’t need an update evry 10 minutes.
There are crazy people out there today:
1. The Santana Moaners. It’s 2008. He pitched 8. 99% of the time people will not blow a three run lead. Stuff happens.
2. The Jerry Bashers. He thought someone could pitch the 9th with under a 27.00 ERA. Calm down.
3. Aguayo Freaks. Yep, I’m sure that if the Mets had won that the back page would have been about runners being thrown out.
One game. Relax.
Even if they lose tonight, relax.
As for tonight, John Maine is on notice. If I don’t see you on the mound in the 6th inning you will get a mean nickname like your pal Four Inning Pedro.
Open to suggestions…hit comments.
Should be an interesting 24 hours with lots of rain in the forecast. Be ready for a long night.
R.I.P. Luz Portobanco (1979 – 2008)
I’m a little late on reporting on this but sad news came earlier this month when it was reported that former Mets minor league pitcher Luz Portobanco was killed in a car accident in his native Nicaragua. he was 28.
I remember Luz when he pitched for the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2001 – he was the starting pitcher for the first ever Cyclones game against Jamestown. Considering the weight of history that moment had, Luz handled it very well. He was one of the leaders of that team, both on and off the field.
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My fondest memory of Luz was in September of that year. The Cyclones had just beaten the Staten Island Yankees in the first round and were set to move on to play Williamsport in the Championship series. The Cha–Cha Slide was all the rage that year and Luz was with his teammates on the field dancing the steps for the crowd (#24 in the picture). It was fun, raucous, and joyful – and seeing Luz and the other players enjoy it so much just increased our enjoyment.
Two days later the towers fell.
That one night at Keyspan will always represent the last moment of pure innocence to me and Luz dancing on the field will be the image I prefer to remember from those days.