Bleacher Report - Articles by Jon Z.

The NL East's Medical Mystery: Your New York Mets

Jon Z. — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:17:48 -0400

I'm not a doctor, but I'm thinking I could work for the Mets.

The last time I checked, the calf and lower hamstring were pretty much attached at or near the same location.

Is the recent hamstring tear sidelining Jose Reyes just another injury misdiagnosed by the Mets or is it really a "new" injury? I'm still wondering how Omar Minaya got away with saying that Reyes got off the plane to San Francisco and simply "felt it."

Really?

Are you sure the hammy wasn't torn then? Was an MRI done? Was there any reason why Reyes sat for numerous games without much to say about his injury?

That being said, I really hope that in two weeks we won't hear that Jose injured it stepping off a yacht after a game or hurting it jumping around in his post game celebrations. Jose Gramatico?

The Mets decision making relative to how it has treated medical issues has been utterly ridiculous. Ryan Church took a flight to the thin air of Colorado after a concussion. But remember, he was "cleared" by the Mets to travel.

Is the same person who provides medical clearance for players the same person that shows up to an accident scene and tells everyone that he stayed at a Holiday Inn Express? Or is it the same person who signs players with injury risks past their prime?

For all we know, the Mets diagnosed Reyes with a strain, realized shortly thereafter that it was a tear but didn't want to look stupid sending Jose home so soon. But since Reyes played on the injury, maybe it was "new."

Or maybe they "missed" it.

The same way they missed letting Carlos Delgado travel across the country—only to be flown back with a bum hip. I could have told him that a five hour flight with hip pain would have been uncomfortable.

As much as I'd like them to, I don't need the Mets to keep its fans in the loop on every decision they make. But they should really hire someone to point out and analyze their decisions from a common sense perspective.

Then again, if the organization had common sense, it could save itself a salary.

JZ

The New York Mets: Not the Sharpest Razor in the MLB Toolshed

Jon Z. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:10:46 -0400

I really love baseball. All the stats, the games, and the controversy keep me coming back.

And the Mets really know how to make things interesting.

But come to think of it, I can’t name you more than a handful of third base coaches in the majors. Maybe I’m dumb, but I think that’s the way it should be.

Once you get past the cool name “Razor” Shines, you need to ask yourself this: isn’t it a little odd that your third base coach is always getting called out in broadcasts outside of making a great catch of a foul ball?

Jerry Manuel and Razor Shines both played together at AAA Indianapolis in 1986 and were reunited in 1991 when Manuel returned to manage while Shines was still playing.

Shines was plucked as third base coach shortly after he began managing Philadelphia’s single A affiliate in Clearwater, Florida. (For those of you still intrigued with his major league career, feel free to type his name into the search engine of your choice).

Over the past month, the obvious lack of hustle, poor base running, and plays at the plate have me wondering whether the Mets are more concerned with surrounding their organization with poker buddies or focusing on the necessary fundamentals and decisions required to bring home a championship.

At this point, former has clearly governed at Citi Field.

An Open Letter to Fred Wilpon

Jon Z. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:46:06 -0400

Dear Mr. Wilpon,

I’ve been a fan of the Mets since I watched my first game almost 30 years ago, and I’ve seen many ups and downs over the years. Regardless, I keep coming back though thick and thin.

When news first broke about the potential for a new Mets ballpark, I was excited about what could be in store for the team and the fans. With a number of new stadiums being constructed in other cities, which provide so much more than just a baseball game, I assumed the Mets would set the standard for other franchises to follow.

Then I walked into Citi Field.

The Jackie Robinson rotunda was a nice touch, and the large blue 42 statue has become the place for photos to be taken by kids and adults alike. Make no mistake: Mr. Robinson should be remembered for what he did and for what he stood for, which transcends baseball. In fact, Citi Field did an excellent job preserving Mr. Robinson’s legacy for future generations.

But, what about honoring the team that you own, Mr. Wilpon?

Where are the remnants from 1969, 1986, or any other of the magical moments along the way?

If you haven’t noticed, the Mets have quite a history since their inception, even if they don’t match up with other franchises in World Series trophies. Win or lose, many great players have donned a Mets uniform over the years, and very few teams have the privilege to say that their fanbase is as dedicated.

Was this purely an oversight, or was it because you sold all of Shea's memories to the highest bidder on the Internet?

Steel girders, exposed piping, brick veneer, light concrete, fresh paint, and fancy food merely make a building. However, it takes an appreciation of your franchise to truly make a building a ballpark.

Unfortunately, the Mets have deprived future generations from learning about and understanding why people like me will sit in freezing temperatures to watch your team year in and year out.

Very truly yours,

Jon Z

Scribe

Bleacher Report

Week One Prospect Wrap Up: Tommy Hanson, David Price, and Matt Wieters

Jon Z. — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:46:26 -0400

"The waiting is the hardest part..."―Tom Petty

With the start of the MLB season, the waiting game begins for many top ranked prospects to make their way to the majors.

It's safe to say the "Big Three" on everyone's fantasy radars are catcher Matt Wieters and pitchers Tommy Hanson and David Price.

On Thursday, Hanson struck out 10 Charlotte Knights over 4.1 innings in his first AAA start with the Gwinnett Braves. He also walked two and allowed three hits.

Wow.

The Prospect Bunny also left us a great matchup this weekend. David Price took the mound today for The Durham Bulls, facing Matt Wieters and his Norfolk Tides.

Price lasted 3.2 innings on 74 pitches, allowing a home run (two ER total), four hits, and two walks. He did strike out four.

Wieters went 0-2 with a walk and a strikeout, giving him an 0-5, three K, two BB week and a Bluto Blutarski-esque batting average of .000.

Though it's early in the season, Hanson clearly made the loudest statement in week one.

Stay tuned, and be patient.

Brandon Webb To Miss Next Start For Arizona Diamondbacks

Jon Z. — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:14:24 -0400

This is not the type of news you wanted to hear so early in the season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced that Brandon Webb will miss his next scheduled start Saturday against the Dodgers due to stiffness in his throwing shoulder that he initially felt during his opening day loss to Colorado.

Webb lasted only four innings and gave up six ER.

Apparently, some residual stiffness remained in the shoulder this morning. Webb will be replaced in the rotation by Yusmeiro Petit.

Keep your fingers crossed.

A Pocketful of Buster Posey: San Francisco's Slugging Catcher

Jon Z. — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:03:34 -0400

For over two years, we’ve heard that Matt Wieters is the next must-have backstop in the majors. In fact, many have already selected him as the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year.

But you don’t have him on your fantasy team because someone else does.

So who’s next in line to make a splash behind the plate?

Buster Posey (Gerald Demp III just doesn’t have the same ring to it as Buster).

The fifth overall selection by the San Francisco Giants in 2008, Posey joins a stellar group of recent first round selections: Madison Bumgarner (2007), Tim Alderson (2007) and Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum (2006).

And the farm is still rich in talent.

The right handed Posey slugged .879 in his junior season at Florida State and took home the 2008 Golden Spikes Award, The Johnny Bench Award and has collected various other pieces of hardware throughout his high school, Cape Cod and collegiate career.

In return, the Giants rewarded the former shortstop with a $6.2 million signing bonus.

After being drafted, Posey played in 15 games across three low minor teams and batted a combined .351 with 1 HR and 6 RBI, registering a 1.088 OPS.

He then hit .338 with 15 RBIs in 19 games for the Waikiki Beach Boys of the Hawaiian Winter League for a grand total of .328 with 23 RBIs in 34 games in his first stint playing professional ball.

And he didn’t disappoint in Spring Training either.

While he will continue to develop his catching skills in the minors, it seems as if his bat is ready for the big show. Posey should end up catching what will arguably be the most electric young pitching staff in the majors next year.

Look out Bengie Molina.

In the post Wieters fantasy era, Posey is one player who could transform the catcher position from afterthought to priority for those in keeper leagues.

Mets Clubhouse Shops Rejoice with Gary Sheffield Acquisition

Jon Z. — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:23:02 -0400

“Gary Sheffield had no demands for the Mets and did not specifically discuss his number of at bats with us.” -- Omar Minaya (April 3, 2009)

And if you believe that, I have beachfront property in Montana for all of you.

Maybe I don’t watch enough Met press conferences, or maybe it’s because I’m just never up at 3 a.m. when some moves are being made.

So where does Gary “Cream on the Knees” Sheffield fit in with the Mets?

It looks like the corner outfield positions have just been given some more depth (or is the word confusion?). Of course, Sheffield’s signing is subject to every organization’s three favorite words: “pending a physical.”

Omar’s response to questions about the Tigers eating $14,000,000 and releasing Sheffield were taken about as smoothly as the last time a guy was asked by his wife, “are you staring at her?”

Clearly Sheffield’s numbers are very good over the span of his career. However, he played just six games in the outfield last year.

But he does have 499 home runs, and who wouldn’t want to have a 500th homer hit at Citi Field? Oh, the marketing potential. (I can smell the silk screen ink all the way over here in Jersey).

The Tigers claim that they needed flexibility for the DH spot, which was the reason for Sheffield’s departure, and Sheffield was surprised by the move. Interesting.

Maybe the Mets will catch lightning in a bottle with Sheffield, who hit 19 HRs, 57 RBIs and batted a stellar .225 in 418 ABs last year. However, I’m most concerned with the potential clubhouse ramifications if Sheffield doesn’t produce and fails to “understand his role with the organization” by riding pine more than he thought he would.

But then again, Omar didn’t seem like that was going to be a problem.

Giants Phenom Bumgarner Is No Bum

Jon Z. — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:52:54 -0400

For those of you in keeper leagues, David Price was probably drafted last year. Tommy Hanson was probably the first minor league pitcher off the board this year. So if these guys are already gone this weekend, don’t worry.

Pick Madison Bumgarner.

Bumgarner was the 10^th overall selection by the San Francisco Giants in 2007 and had a 2008 minor league campaign that produced some ridiculous statistics.

How about a K/9 of 10.42, 164 Ks, a 15-3 record and minor-league leading 1.46 ERA?

What’s more impressive is Bumgarner’s control. His K/BB rate was a shade under eight. By way of comparison, elite starters in the majors registered in the 5.2 to 5.6 K/BB range.

And did I mention that he struck out Manny on three pitches this week?

Assuming that injuries don’t slow him down, you’re looking at a left-handed ace in the making that could dominate the National League for years.

At this point, there seems no reason for the Giants to rush his ascension to the majors, so a possible September call up, to get a taste, might be all you see of Bumgarner until 2010.

Surely he is no “sleeper” flying under the radar, and there have been other articles about him on B/R. After all, he is ranked No. 9 by Baseball America and No. 6 by MLB.

But I just liked the title of my article.

Happy drafting.

Why Are Older Players In Professional Sports Still Thriving?

Jon Z. — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:19:24 -0400

“Jimmy Key? What’s he like, 45?” -- Seth Hayes (1997)

They say that 40 is the new 30 and 30 is the new 20.

I’ve always wondered who “they” are, since “they” tend to say a lot of things that make no sense to me.

In an age of high school players entering the NBA and students getting scouted before high school, there’s a growing number of athletes who not only outpace their predecessors in career longevity, but who have maintained a consistently high level of play well past their supposed primes dictate.

How? Well, here are a few possible considerations.

A. “Supplements”

I’ll dispense with the cheap shots first. It would appear that the potency, quality and inability to test and/or detect certain illegal performance-enhancers are a part of the equation. When I open my in-flight magazine and see a 70 year old guy jacked like a 25 year old bodybuilder boasting the effects of HGH supplementation, that’s enough for me.

You know what picture I’m talking about -- the bald guy with glasses and a tank top.

It’s more than just Crisco, Bardol and Vagisil these days. However, I think we can all agree that 100% of athletes in major sports are not and were not taking illegal substances since the beginning.

To do so would be an insult to players past, especially those from decades ago that exceeded expectations for career longevity like George Blanda, Gordie Howe and others.

There must be other explanations. Let’s find out.

B. Training, Nutrition & Technology

Anyone who has read about or played sports decades ago knows that the ability to weight train in certain sports was shunned for years.

Concerns about a decrease in flexibility, injury, and a perceived inability to shoot or pitch effectively hampered one’s ability to maintain strength, which ironically, prevents future injury.

Back then, coaches gave endurance athletes salt tablets before practice. (Some of you reading this are probably scratching your head, but it happened).

Today, you have sport-specific regimens tailored to each athlete, personal trainers (who actually stay out of jail), plyometrics, speed schools, parachutes, etc.

Proper nutrition is literally off the charts these days, and the protein shake of today pales in comparison to products touted 5 years ago. Elite athletes adhere to stricter diets created by nutritionists that focus on mineral and oxygen levels, among other things.

Something tells me that this new method of training and eating trumps burgers, fries and beer, which has been an admitted staple of some the best players from years past. But they still got the job done, so not all is lost.

C. Work Ethic & Talent

When you put aside all the latest compression fabrics, shoes, supplements and other gadgets, it seems to me that the majority of older players continually excelling at a high level is based on work ethic and talent—the type of things that sporting good companies can’t sell you just yet.

As someone who first grew up watching sports in the early 80s and always being interested in sports history, I’ve loved to hear stories of guys who gave their hearts and sometimes, their extremities, to play a game. And I was always intrigued by the fact that players 10 years younger than Jerry Rice couldn’t handle his hill sprint workouts.

In my opinion, with some exceptions, modern players don’t exude the same work ethic that older players had. Too many players expect the world to come to them. Twenty years ago, the phrase “short arming” a pass likely didn’t exist in the sports vernacular. (Here come the fact checkers).

Back in the day, and whatever your day is, players seemed generally tougher. Sure, you always heard about a "lazy" player, but it was relative, and for the most part, players played for the game. They didn’t play for the endorsements, because they weren’t around. And if they were, players did their business on the field first.

Announcers love to use the term “gym rat” these days. To me, it’s simply an exception to the rule of the modern player, as opposed to the standard.

At the end of the day, some people are simply genetic freaks of nature who don’t age as quickly as others, who are able to maintain muscle development into older age, and have the experience to dominate their peers based on better technique and ability.

Just like the guy in the tank top.

"Daddy, What Does Asterisk Mean?"

Jon Z. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:14:34 -0400

After reading Richard Marsh’s article Enough with the Baseball Controversy: Let’s Play Ball (great article, Richard), I too felt that it was time to move on with all the performance-enhancing drug talk surrounding baseball and get on with the 2009 season.

I want to eat a hot dog at Citi Field (even if it’s going to cost me close to $10). I want to frantically check fantasy updates, and I can’t wait to commence with daily arguments about the Mets and those other teams in the area.

However, on Sunday, I was helping coach my daughter’s T-Ball team, and it hit me: After seeing so many A-Rod shirts on so many children, it really made me wonder whether all this performance-enhancing drug talk is so easy to forget.

"Another steroid article?" Bear with me, folks.

As a Mets fan approaching the start of the 2009 season, I’m fortunate that there are no vicious rumors or allegations surrounding this year’s lineup. Even so, they would likely be silenced by the constant talk of two September collapses and a questionable rotation past Johan Santana.

Nice diversion.

So, is it just luck? Could you brush off the fact that your favorite player was linked to or admitted to the use of performance-enhancing drugs? I’m not sure that I could, especially if that player was so dearly loved and looked up to by kids and adults alike.

But maybe I’m just naive, just like Little C in A Bronx Tale was prior to being told by Chaz Palminteri that Mickey Mantle didn’t care about him.

How often do we hear that our favorite quarterback or [insert Hall of Famer] was linked to these substances? (Certainly, the NFL’s drug testing was in place far before MLB “woke up”).

Is it because these players couldn’t possibly have taken them? Now that’s naive.

If and when something like the MLB controversy comes out somewhere else, either about players past or present, we’ll be left discussing the very same issues, and we’ll be stuck assuming that we’ll never know if a person was clean or not.

What I’m struggling with is how all this plays out down the road for future generations, even though we as adults can brush this aside and focus on the games, the stats, the highlights, the blogs, and the articles.

Anyone who has read Ball Four, The Bad Guys Won, or enjoyed North Dallas Forty knows that professional athletes are not angels.

However, the alcohol, greenies, and harder stuff they took didn’t seem to leak into their descriptions as much back then, perhaps because these players weren’t taking true performance-enhancers as we define them today.

Think about how you’ll describe a current player who is finishing his career and might be eligible for Cooperstown in a few years.

I’m ready for, “Daddy, tell me about player X.”

I’m not ready for, “Daddy, did he cheat, too?”

David Price Versus Tom Hanson: Which Major Prospect Will Leave the Minors First?

Jon Z. — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:22:01 -0400

“Prospect -- the act of looking forward; something that is awaited or expected”

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary

I’ve seen various adjectives describing David Price and Tommy Hanson in draft guides and on websites: studs, future aces, etc. Some have even made Tim Lincecum comparisons regarding their potential major league impact.

As for the Lincecum comparison, at this time I must defer to the immortal words of Jason Lee in Mallrats—“Not so fast, Pat Sajak.”

As history has shown, for every franchise gem expected to dominate and who eventually does, there are plenty of players who don’t pan out the way we originally thought. Then again, there are players who seemingly come out of nowhere and dominate for years.

What does that tell you?

Well, if you have only one roster spot for a 6’6” pitcher currently in the minors, who’s the better pick as between Hanson or Price for impacting your 2009 fantasy team?

Like so many other age old discussions amongst friends: bourbon v. vodka, the DH rule and which Godfather movie is better (don’t you dare include III in the discussion), here’s another.

Bio

Hanson: Righty, 23, #677 selection in 2005 draft (22^ndround)

Price: Lefty, 24, #1 overall in 2007 (#568 in 2004 draft, 19^thround)

2008 Stats

Price: A (34.2 IP, 4-0, 1.82 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 37K, 7 BB)

AA (57 IP, 7-0, 1.89 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 55K, 16 BB)

AAA (18 IP, 1-1, 4.50 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, 17K, 9 BB)

MLB (19.2, 1.83 ERA, .97 WHIP, 20K, 4 BB, incl. PS)

Hanson: A (40 IP, 3-1, .90 ERA, .65 WHIP, 49K, 11 BB

AA (98 IP, 8-4, 3.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 114K, 41 BB)

Position Blocks

Bobby Cox has admitted that Hanson is ready to pitch in the majors now, which is quite an accolade. Thus, it would appear that the No. 5 spot currently occupied by Tom Glavine is likely what stands in the way of Hanson’s ascension. Tom Glavine’s body of work for the organization and his recovery from surgery could very well have resulted in a “courtesy” slot from Cox as Glavine ends his career in Atlanta. If injury or poor pitching wreaks havoc on the rotation, it seems reasonable to see Hanson in the bigs sooner than August 1. Jo Jo Reyes doesn't appear to have the upper hand just yet for that rotation spot, though he does have MLB experience.

Rays management has indicated that Price should be up this year.

Should?

I found it odd that more than one fantasy website projected Price as a No. 4 or

No. 5 starter entering this season. In fact, I saw him as high as No. 23 overall on a 5x5 list prior to his demotion, and he’s No. 1 on most every prospect/rookie list out there. Hmmm.

Price was sent to the minors in lieu of Andy Sonnanstine, Jason Hammel, and/or Jeff Niemann. Things look crowded in Tampa. And don’t think that Wade Davis and on-the-mend Jake McGee are far behind. (Did I mention Jeremy Hellickson?)

It probably didn’t help that Price publicly disputed the organization’s criticism that his changeup required further development. Perhaps this is simply an example of the organization protecting its franchise. Or not.

Injury Concerns

Price has experienced elbow soreness in the past, which delayed his Class A Vero Beach debut last year. And while that isn’t indicative of any future injury, it is worth mentioning given Price's status as most everyone’s No. 1 prospect.

So Who Gets There First

In my opinion, Hanson. The road to the majors seems a little smoother for him in 2009, which could result in a quicker promotion and thus, a quicker impact to your fantasy team. And folks, that is really what matters to you.

Price clearly has more experience with 20 MLB innings under his belt, but I figured he would be starting by now.

Thanks for stopping by.

NFL Seeks To Shorten Preseason, Empty Parking Lots Protest

Jon Z. — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:05:13 -0400

"They paved paradise to put up a parking lot..." —Joni Mitchell (1970)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced earlier this week that the NFL is considering a plan to reduce the number of preseason games by as many as two before the 2011 season. However, this proposal has already caused an uproar.

For NFL fans so sensitive to change, this is the type of knee-jerk reaction that could mar the NFL’s reputation for years. Dare I type the acronym that shall not be typed—USFL?

I was told by a seven-year veteran who declined to be identified that he looked forward to playing one series in front of 37 people, taking a shower, and "getting his Goose on" before the third quarter.

Fans and players aside, it’s the 32 NFL franchises that will bear the financial brunt of this change.

"How are we supposed to survive?" questioned Carl Creed, head of the Detroit Parking Authority, responsible for the maintenance of all Ford Field parking lots.

"We rely on parking revenue outside and $17 nachos inside to keep this franchise afloat. The fans that came last week for the Lions/Bengals opening preseason game are just as valuable as those for a Thanksgiving Day game, and so what if they aren’t the actual season ticket holders?”

This proposed rule change has not gone unnoticed in other cities either. In fact, Oakland, Cincinnati, and Kansas City have all voiced their displeasure, insinuating that their teams' failures cannot be attributed to poor drafting, personnel or coaching decisions, but based primarily on August preseason fan attendance.

On March 25, 2009, the Cincinnati Parking Authority (CPA) sought class action status on behalf of all NFL franchise parking lot authorities and filed for injunctive relief in New York Federal Court, seeking a determination that the NFL's proposal be overturned as arbitrary and capricious in violation of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

After both sides burned the midnight oil briefing issues and lining up witnesses, the parties were summoned to an emergency meeting before The Honorable Arthur Van DeLay to discuss the potential for settlement.

While the terms of the settlement have not yet been completely finalized, we have learned that a compromised has been reached, subject to NFL, NFLPA, and CPA approval.

The proposed settlement seeks to add two additional regular season games by 2011 and remove two preseason games.

Ya Gotta Believe This Can't Happen to the New York Mets...Again

Jon Z. — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:17:27 -0400

"Rejuvenation. Rebirth. Everything's blooming. All that crap." -- George Costanza

Spring is upon us Mets fans. As the 2009 season approaches, the old blue and orange (and black, and gray, and white—and sometimes, pinstripes) have to look forward to starting things again. After all, the Mets failed miserably last year.

And the year before that, but who's counting.

As a long time fan, I can't say that getting to the NLCS in 2006 and losing was a total failure.

However, the form letter sent by the ticket office advising that ticket prices were increasing in 2007 based on the organization's "Championship Season" was. (If only Molina batted less than .216 that year. If only the crazy glue hadn't completely dried on Beltran's shoulder.)

So where do we go from here? It would seem that $143,000,000 in payroll should catapult the Mets to the top of the NL East. But we all know the drill by now.

With the season less than two weeks away, I'm not sure what to make of the starting rotation. Sure, Johan should be and has been dominant in his career. I just hope he doesn't hurt his arm pushing his teammates under the bus when they contribute towards another no decision.

Will Pelfrey become the dominant force the organization envisioned or battle shin splints? Will Maine get his delivery right by Opening Day? Will Oliver Perez alternate between striking out 10 and walking 10 with each start? Livan Hernandez?

Stay tuned to SNY and WPIX true believers.

Truth be told, I'm feeling pretty good about the eighth and ninth innings. So much so that I don't care if sportswriters use cheesy lines like "JJ Putz the Mets in Position to Win." And I liked our chances with K Rod even before he pitched in the WBC for an inning plus more than once.

Only time will tell if Daniel Murphy will thrive in the two hole with 131 major league at-bats, whether Luis Castillo's legs will keep up, and whether David Wright will be able to locate Carlos Delgado's glove. And while we are on the topic, should we really expect a repeat performance from Mr. Delgado?

I didn't envision 2009 with a possible platoon in RF. Seriously, who wants a guy like Manny anyway? Good riddance to one of the best right handed hitters in the history of the game. We don't need you.

Damn I miss Mike Piazza.

As for Beltran and Reyes, I can only hope that they will remain healthy. Maybe Reyes will run out a chopper or two. If so, we really have a chance this year.

I just hope that Lucy keeps the football on the ground so Charlie Brown can finally put one through the uprights at Citi Field—even if it costs him $225 per game plus parking.

I'm not emotionally prepared for another collapse. Then again, I said the same thing at the end of the 2007 season.

Keep the faith my friends.