Die Hard Sports Fan

Last night’s Mets-Braves game was rained out.  It is still raining down in Hotlanta so we don’t know what is going to happen to today’s game.

Worst case scenario, we can watch both Final Four games.  So how is everybody doing in their March Madness brackets?  This was the first year I actually picked all four 1 Seeds to make the Final Four.  Duke was the weakest 2 Seed I’ve ever seen.  But if they are a 2 Seed then everybody else is just garbage.  That was my thought process for actually picking all four 1 Seeds.  The Big East was completely overrated, and I didn’t need to see them get knocked out early to prove it.  Georgetown a 2 Seed?  Pitt a 4 Seed?  UConn a 4 Seed?  Who put the tournament together?  It is very boring when the 1 Seeds run right through it.  It should get better now because two 1 Seeds will lose today.  I have UNC and UCLA in the finals with UNC being crowned king.

Back to baseball, I hope today’s game gets played because the weekend is lost if 2 out of 3 games are postponed.

Mets.com:

Rain falls on Maine in postponement - Marty Noble reported that last night’s Mets vs. Braves game has been officially postponed, and it will be made up as a doubleheader on May 20, 2008.

Maine hopes for no rain this time around - Jon Cooper put together a pre-game analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Rain brings Hudson and Maine to FOX - Mark Bowman pointed out that there is a pretty good pitchers duel in FOX’s Game of the Week after Friday’s rainout.  John Maine will face Tim Hudson in the first Mets-Braves game of ‘08.

Former Met recalls foray in outfield - Jon Cooper got a 1986 story from Roger McDowell.

Pelfrey to miss his turn at Turner Field - Due to last night’s game getting postponed, Mike Pelfrey will not make his season debut against the Braves today according to Jon Cooper.  Pelfrey got bumped to Wednesday at home against the Phillies.

Newsday:

Mets skip over Pelfrey until Wednesday

Facing old teammates nothing new to Glavine

New York Daily News:

Rainout pushes John Maine’s season debut to Saturday

New York Post:

PEL OF A CHANCE - George Willis reminds us how Pelfrey made the ‘08 roster.

LOVE FOR GLAV - Bart Hubbuch found out that the Mets still got love for Tommy.

SANTANA START WON’T BE DELAYED BY RAIN - Bart Hubbuch noted that Johan Santana is still scheduled to pitch tomorrow against John Smoltz.

New York Times:

Rainout Pushes Back Pelfrey’s First Start

The Star-Ledger:

Doppler update

Still raining in the Dirty Dirty

Glavine, Mets rivals once again

Pelfrey skipped in rotation

Rain Out: Enjoy the Day - Jeremy Cothran pointed out that last night’s game was postponed.

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Tonight’s game might not take place due to tornado warnings in and around Atlanta.  They mentioned that the start will most likely be delayed, but they will try to squeeze it in between storms.  This means they may not get enough innings in to make it a game.  I hope they play because I’m looking forward to the pitching dual between John Maine and Tim Hudson.  I’m really excited about these two three-game sets between the NL East rivals that are supposed to be Playoff contenders.  Play ball!

Mets.com:

Mets-Braves series to set tone in East

Shea family to be honored at home - Anthony DiComo noted that, “The Mets will honor the legacy of William A. Shea in a ceremony before their final home opener at Shea Stadium on Tuesday. Thirty members of the Shea family will be on hand to help unveil a new Shea logo, which will hang alongside the team’s three retired numbers, and travel with the Mets to Citi Field next season.”

Glavine to face former mates on FOX - Mark Bowman pointed out that Tom Glavine will pitch against the Mets on Saturday, and Bowman captured Glavine’s thoughts about facing his former team.  I only remember Tommy beating the Braves once as a Met so it’s a good thing he’s not pitching for us this weekend.

El Duque makes Minors rehab start - Marty Noble explains how Orlando Hernandez pitched last night in a Minor League start.

Newsday:

Minaya in no hurry to go outside for rotation help

After great spring, Mets’ Maine starts tonight - David Lennon points out that John Maine is making his 2008 debut tonight against the Braves.

New York Daily News:

Under any name, it’ll still be Shea

Mets, Yanks obsessed with farewells

Brave new world for Glavine, Gotay

El Duque may fill in for Pedro

New York Post:

HERE COMES THE REAL SEASON - Bart Hubbuch is looking forward to the Mets-Braves series this weekend.

WAIVING HAS GOTAY STEAMING - If I was a Met, and they traded me to the Braves I’d be pretty pissed too.  Who would ever want to listen to that tomahawk chop crap?

NEXT WEEK BRINGS AMAZIN’ TEST - Mike Vaccaro wants to know where the Mets will be after playing the Braves and the Phillies.

FIGUEROA CAPS HAPPY JOURNEY BACK TO BIGS

New York Times:

As Goes Maine, So Mets Could Go This Season

The Star-Ledger:

Bunkered down at Turner Field - Jeremy Cothran tells us about the tornado warnings expected tonight in Atlanta.

Mets’ John Maine striving to join baseball’s elite

El Duque solid in rehab stint

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I apologize for not writing the past two days.  One of our Giants Bloggers on Die Hard Giants Fan, Phessional, came up from Jacksonville, FL and stayed at my place for two days.  He moved down there about a year and a half ago and barely comes up here.  We partied like rock stars for two days.  He has to go to an engagement party tonight which is the reason he is here.  Anyway, I went back and got all of the news that I missed in case you haven’t heard it already.

The Mets won their final Spring Training game today and beat the White Sox 3-2.  The Mets will play for real on Monday…finally.

Mets.com:

Mets edge Sox in Civil Rights Game - Justice B. Hill recapped the Civil Rights Game between the White Sox and the Mets.  New York beat Chicago 3-2.  John Maine got the start.

Fans enjoy being part of history - Justice B. Hill gathered the thoughts of baseball fans who attended the Civil Rights Game.

Mets Opening Day outlook - Marty Noble tells us what he thinks about the Mets as they get ready to begin the 2008 season.

Aaron headlines roundtable discussion - On the eve of the Civil Rights Game, a dinner was held to discuss why black athletes are not playing Major League Baseball as much as they used to.

Johan has low-key take on hyped debut - Marty Noble found out that Johan Santana excited, but not nervous, about pitching on Opening Day.

Reyes scores pair of runs for Mets - Spencer Fordin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.  Baltimore beat the Mets by a score of 4-3.  Orlando Hernandez was the starting pitcher.

El Duque’s right foot a wild card - After yesterday’s game, Marty Noble believes that El Duque has the edge over Mike Pelfrey for the final spot in the rotation.

Mets announce three roster moves - Marty Noble reported that the Mets optioned Anderson Hernandez to Triple-A New Orleans, Steven Register was returned to the Rockies, and Ruben Gotay was claimed off waivers by the Braves.

All ends well with Mets’ limo ride - Marty Noble tells us about a voyage that Billy Wagner, Matt Wise, and Jorge Sosa took.

Mets represent diversity - Anthony DiComo discusses the diversity of the Mets as they are about to play in the Civil Rights Game.

Going down to the wire - Anthony DiComo points out that the Mets still have to decide who the bench players will be and who will win the bullpen spots after the next two games.

Perez looks sharp in final spring start - Mark Bowman summarized Thursday’s game between the Mets and the Braves.  New York stomped Atlanta 9-4.  Oliver Perez got the start.

Civil Rights Game special to Randolph - Anthony DiComo explains how Willie Randolph feels about the Mets participating in the Civil Rights Game.

Perez gives Mets a brief scare - Anthony DiComo describes that fall that Perez took on Thursday.

Gotay’s Mets career nearing an end - Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets placed Gotay on outright waivers on Thursday which may be a hint that his tenure as a Met is coming to an end.  DiComo pointed out that the final bench spot may go to Brady Clark or Fernando Tatis.

New parks pay tribute to the past - Marty Noble compliments the Mets and the Yankees for the stadiums that they are building in New York.

Newsday:

Mets’ El Duque scrubs new windup, looks better

Mets cut Gotay, guess who picks him up? Braves

METS SCOUTING REPORT - David Lennon analyzes every aspect of the 2008 Mets.

Randolph’s high-wire act - Johnette Howard believes that Willie is on a short-leash this season.

Yankee Stadium, Shea make their final turns for home in 2008

PRESSURE FROM DAY 1 - David Lennon talks about the expectations of the Mets as they head into the ‘08 season.

CATCHING ON QUICK - Anthony Rieber explains how Brian Schneider is quickly getting used to the fast pace of New York.

ACE OF ACES - David Lennon had a Q&A with Santana.

Pelfrey vs. El Duque for Mets’ fifth spot

WRIGHT ATTITUDE - Jim Baumbach discusses David Wright’s career with Wright.

Devastated Ruben Gotay is put on waivers by Mets

Mets’ Pedro avoids collision, then throws perfectly

Hopeful singers audition to sing anthem at Shea

Late-arrival Tatis may have right timing for Mets - David Lennon believes that Tatis can make the team.

New York Daily News:

El Duque brings back high leg kick

Memories hit Tom Glavine hard

Keith not dialed in on SNY’s plan

Mets might bid Ruben Gotay goodbye

Pedro Martinez to start final home opener at Shea Stadium

Nelson Figueroa is following his dream of being a pro ball player - Vic Ziegel wrote up a Bio on Nelson Figueroa.

Hundreds line up for chance to sing national anthem at Mets game

Mike Pelfrey, El Duque still battling for 5th spot in rotation

New York Post:

KICK BACK - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that El Duque went back to his old form.

GOTAY GOES TO BRAVES

TATIS HAS SHOT AT REDEMPTION

DUQUE CAN NAIL DOWN FIVE SPOT

METS ARE READY FOR REAL THING

RADIO GIG WILL MAKE WAGNER A SHOCK JOCK - Phil Mushnick found out that, “ESPN 1050 Radio has signed Billy Wagner to a weekly say-for-pay spot on Michael Kay’s late-afternoon show, and that, by no later than Aug. 15, is going to cause a problem. Or two.”

THE HUMAN ERASER - Justin Terranova believes that Johan will help the Mets forget about the collapse.

FINAL 25 WON’T BE RUSH JOB

PEDRO’S GOING TO SPEAK UP - According to Bart Hubbuch, Pedro vows to be the vocal leader that the Mets lacked down the stretch during the collapse in ‘07.

IT AIN’T OVER … - Jay Greenberg discusses the glory days.

IF IT’S ‘08, IT’S CUBS’ YEAR - Kevin Kernan wrote up an National League preview.

The New York Times:

Glavine Says He Retains Emotional Bond With the Mets

A Break From the Game for an Inspiring Lesson - Ben Shpigel discusses other aspects of the Civil Rights Game.

Shea in ’64: The Planes Above, the Mets Below

You Can’t Just Blow Up History - Richard Sandomir doesn’t want to see Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium get blown up.

The Star-Ledger:

Walking (and shivering) in Memphis

Pelfrey v. Hernandez: Deciding Round

El Duque looks sharp

Braves scoop up Gotay off waivers

El Duque, Pelfrey to get final look

Gotay placed on waivers

Final decision would be a relief - Jeremy Cothran explains who can fill the last spot in the Bullpen.

Pedro aces stint, vows to be more vocal

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So even though the Mets have been devastated by a wrath of injuries, they managed to win 5 straight games.  It kind of went unnoticed.  Most of them came from late inning heroics.  The Mets are losing to the Indians right now by a score of 8-6 in the 8th inning.  Oliver Perez got the start, and didn’t pitch so well.  Maybe the Mets have another comeback in them…

Mets.com:

Notes: Anderson, Easley good to go - Anthony DiComo noted that Marlon Anderson and Damion Easley are healthy and ready to return.

Minor League Report: Robert Parnell - Anthony DiComo provided a Bio about a right-hander named Robert Parnell.

Pedro to throw sim game on Friday - Anthony DiComo stated that Pedro Martinez will pitch in a simulated game today because yesterday’s game got rained out.

Newsday:

Injury-riddled Mets looking to plug holes - David Lennon chatted with Omar Minaya about the possible replacements for Moises Alou.  Here is what Lennon wrote:

“We’ve already identified teams that have outfield situations that have surpluses,” Minaya said, “and we’ll keep an eye on those.”

The Mets have talked about a possible deal for the Tigers’ Marcus Thames. The Pirates’ Xavier Nady, a solid righthanded bat and a former Met, would be a good fit. On the free-agent front, Kenny Lofton remains unsigned, but Minaya chuckled when someone brought up Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa. “It’s fair to say we’ll go with someone internal right now,” Minaya said.

Pedro spared from rare spring road start by rain

All of Mets’ injuries might hurt Minaya

New York Daily News:

Omar Minaya: No time for Mets to panic

Met spin adds insult to injury - Bob Raissman doesn’t like what the Mets are feeding him about the status of their team.

Omar Minaya: Subs will do just fine - It did not bother me when the Mets re-signed Alou, but it bothers me that they don’t have a legit backup for him knowing he gets hurt all of the time.

Pedro outing rained out

New York Post:

REIGN IN SPRING - Joel Sherman says that the healthy Martinez is stealing the show in Spring Training.

PEP TALK HAS SANCHEZ EAGER TO GET BACK ON MOUND - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Pedro gave Duaner Sanchez a pep talk during lunch this week.  Now, Sanchez is expected to pitch this weekend.

MARTINEZ DEBUT DELAYED

PLAY IT COOL - Bart Hubbuch also wrote about the Mets lack of desire to resolve the injury issues.

New York Times:

Left-Field Question Has the Mets Looking for an Answer

Glavine Says Devastation Isn’t the Word - After a disappointing finale with the Mets, Tom Glavine is happy to be back in a Braves uniform.  I bet he is.  He was a Brave all along.  How many times did he beat the Braves head-to-head?  It seemed like once.  Makes me wonder…

The Star-Ledger:

Health improvements - Lisa Kennelly provided a few quick hits about the Mets.

DON’T PANIC - Matthew Artus tells us why we should not panic about what’s happening to the Mets down in Port St. Lucie.

Mets weigh OF options

Pedro’s first start washed out by rain

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