The 2008 baseball season is drawing to a close and there is no shortage of unlikely upsets to be found. Bottom feeder teams have been toppling contenders with some regularity. When the New York Mets (-125) visit the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, there will be no upset. If you’re feeling froggy, you could even join me on the Mets runline (+145), and run all the way to the bank.
I think it’s pretty safe to say that the stronghold that the Braves (67-87) held on the NL East for so many years, has gone on a long bus ride to nowhere. I don’t expect it to return anytime soon. I could throw all kinds of numbers at you, but they wouldn’t do any justice to just how miserable it is to watch this sorry bunch play ball.
Poor Bobby Cox. The Braves’ skipper has always had competitive, talented teams to work with…and now this. Such a drastic drop-off can be best compared to JJ Gold’s videos. For so long his work has been thought-provoking, clever, witty and relevant. His videos have currently been reduced to a naked guy running around his room chasing imaginary lovers. So sad to see the once-mighty fall.
Hi! Have you seen my integrity?
Once you have dedicated a moment or two to mourn the demise of the Braves and JJ Gold, it’s time to move on to a winner. The Mets (86-67) are a half game ahead of Philadelphia for the division lead. They are also fighting to hold off Milwaukee for the final wild card spot if need be. With less than 10 games remaining, they simply must capitalize against the Atlantas of the league. The Braves swept a four game series from N.Y. in May, but the Mets returned the favor with a 3 game sweep in August. They are well on their way to another possible sweep after beating the Braves 9-5 last night.
The Mets will send a familiar face to the mound tonight: Pedro Martinez. Hampered by injuries in this his 16th year, Pedro has the highest ERA of his career (5.47). He’s been getting hit pretty hard in some of his recent starts. An anemic Braves lineup will be just the thing he needs to get back on track. Pedro took a harder hit from Don Zimmer than anyone in the Atlanta lineup should be able to offer.
On the flip side is the Mets’ nucleus of all-star caliber batters.
Jose Reyes (.302 AVG, 18 triples, 52 stolen bases)
David Wright (.294 AVG, 31 HR, 116 RBI)
Carlos Beltran (.281 AVG, 26 HR, 108 RBI)
Carlos Delgado (.266 AVG, 36 HR, 107 RBI)
There may not be four equally impressive teammates anywhere else in the league. Newcomer Daniel Murphy, filling in for the injured Fernando Tatis, is sandwiched between the big boys in the hitting order and looking good so far (.374 AVG). Murphy came up with the go-ahead base hit last night.
These guys have to pound righty Jorge Campillo (7-7 3.79 ERA) and the Braves to avoid early rumblings of another late season collapse. I believe that they will, and I’m going to be greedy about it, taking the Mets runline. Bread needs a new pair of shoes!! (I really do. Mine are falling apart).
Mr. Greedy. That’s me!
I think it’s pretty safe to say that the stronghold that the Braves (67-87) held on the NL East for so many years, has gone on a long bus ride to nowhere. I don’t expect it to return anytime soon. I could throw all kinds of numbers at you, but they wouldn’t do any justice to just how miserable it is to watch this sorry bunch play ball.
Poor Bobby Cox. The Braves’ skipper has always had competitive, talented teams to work with…and now this. Such a drastic drop-off can be best compared to JJ Gold’s videos. For so long his work has been thought-provoking, clever, witty and relevant. His videos have currently been reduced to a naked guy running around his room chasing imaginary lovers. So sad to see the once-mighty fall.
Hi! Have you seen my integrity?
Once you have dedicated a moment or two to mourn the demise of the Braves and JJ Gold, it’s time to move on to a winner. The Mets (86-67) are a half game ahead of Philadelphia for the division lead. They are also fighting to hold off Milwaukee for the final wild card spot if need be. With less than 10 games remaining, they simply must capitalize against the Atlantas of the league. The Braves swept a four game series from N.Y. in May, but the Mets returned the favor with a 3 game sweep in August. They are well on their way to another possible sweep after beating the Braves 9-5 last night.
The Mets will send a familiar face to the mound tonight: Pedro Martinez. Hampered by injuries in this his 16th year, Pedro has the highest ERA of his career (5.47). He’s been getting hit pretty hard in some of his recent starts. An anemic Braves lineup will be just the thing he needs to get back on track. Pedro took a harder hit from Don Zimmer than anyone in the Atlanta lineup should be able to offer.
On the flip side is the Mets’ nucleus of all-star caliber batters.
Jose Reyes (.302 AVG, 18 triples, 52 stolen bases)
David Wright (.294 AVG, 31 HR, 116 RBI)
Carlos Beltran (.281 AVG, 26 HR, 108 RBI)
Carlos Delgado (.266 AVG, 36 HR, 107 RBI)
There may not be four equally impressive teammates anywhere else in the league. Newcomer Daniel Murphy, filling in for the injured Fernando Tatis, is sandwiched between the big boys in the hitting order and looking good so far (.374 AVG). Murphy came up with the go-ahead base hit last night.
These guys have to pound righty Jorge Campillo (7-7 3.79 ERA) and the Braves to avoid early rumblings of another late season collapse. I believe that they will, and I’m going to be greedy about it, taking the Mets runline. Bread needs a new pair of shoes!! (I really do. Mine are falling apart).
Mr. Greedy. That’s me!
