The Mets Police

On Monday I write a weekly column for Flushing University.  This is this week’s column.

Castillo.I’m tempted to just hit “save” and end the column right there.What else is there to say, really?I guess you could say “Popped up to Castillo, put it in the books, Mets win!”You could say that but you’d be wrong.The best Mets pitcher right now is some guy named Nieve who as late as Thursday afternoon I was pronouncing “Neeve.”Sheffield goes for an MRI today. Sheff has gone from “why the %#*& did we get this jerk?” to seeming like he’s Ed Kranepool in terms of seniority.Over on the [LINK: https://metspolice.com]Mets Police[/LINK] I’ve been kind of stressed about that 41 pitch inning that Santana threw against the Nats a few weeks back (part of a 120 pitch outing.) Today I’m in “what if he…” mode. Not the good kind.Santana says he’s fine and I’m sure the Mets will support that statement. These are the folks who were good at diagnosing church, Delgado and Reyes, so if they say he’s fine I’m sure he’s about to strike out 21 in a no-hitter.I don’t think Omar should make a trade, unless Fernando Martinez can get you back three starting pitchers, a shortstop who can lead off, a power hitting first baseman, an 8th inning guy and two corner outfielders. If there is anyone that stupid they probably work for the Nationals so Omar should start there.It’s an off day for the Yankees and the Mets which means it’s a Suicide watch day for Mets fans. Carton and Francesca will be spewing something that will make you crazy. This column is panicky enough, you don’t need WFAN’s help. As I always advise on off-days, go outside and read a book. 100 some odd games to go. The Mets might not be able to field 9 healthy players by then. Why worry today?Oh yeah, Castillo. Congratulations Luis, you are in an elite group with Buckner, Pratt, Scoscia and Pendleton. I only have to say one word to get a reaction out of Mets fans. Let’s all groan together…on three….1….2….3…..Castillo. Ugh.

www.metspolice.com
@metspolice

This is a big travel week for me, so I’ve written a few things in advance to keep things going while I’m on planes. A few weeks back the Post referenced Tim Leary, and Tim’s tale still haunts me.   I stumbled across this article from the Times dated April 22, 1981 – and here’s a few things to stir the memories.

The right-hander made the jump from Class AA ball to the major leagues after an impressive spring training in which he pitched 18 innings with four runs (three earned), 13 hits, 13 strikeouts, three walks and a 1.50 earned-run average. He made his first regularseason start on April 12 in Chicago, pitching two innings and striking out three before leaving the game with a muscle strain on the inside of his right elbow. Still Feels Pain


..


Meanwhile, Torre said that John Stearns, the catcher, was still a couple of days away from being ready to play, probably at third base to start. Lee Mazzilli, who missed Sunday’s doubleheader because of a sore back, is feeling better after treatment with cortisone and is expected to play in Pittsburgh tonight.

Stearns at third?  I don’t recall that.  Tim Leary never did become a star with the Mets.   His promise would be fufilled (at least for a while) by a kid named Dwight Gooden a few years later.

Tim’s story would make a great episode of How I Met The Mets if SNY ever takes me up on my wonderful idea.   SNY guys (Matt) I don’t want money, I just want to watch the darn thing.

www.metspolice.com
@metspolice