(St. Pete, Sept 20, 2000) The Mets just can't seem to beat these guys, especially in their home park. The Yankees can. But the Mets will have one more chance... maybe the Yanks as well. No interest in that one. Not a bit. Nope. Football season.
(St. Pete, Sept 18, 2000) As Doc struggles with his acquisition of a new home and whatnot, I stand here before you, Johnny B, retired, no life, no prospects. And life is good. Though many who read the sports in NY may think otherwise, life is pretty good for them as well. Both the Jets and Giants are 3-0, the Yanks are cruising, and well, the Mets are at least in. (Hard to believe, but NYers are almost as pitiful as New Englanders when it comes to negativity). The thorn today, of course, is those omnipresent Tommychoppers, purveyors of the Annoying Chant... yeah, you know who I'm talking about. Well, our heros are three back with three at to play at Turner 'Coulda Shoulda Been Aaron' Field.
Perhaps the Mets can exorcise their demons - lets face it, the road to the Series goes through Atlanta. ... this just in ... I done got the game tuned in on Internet Radio ... Mets down 4-0 against Maddux... and it's Bob Murphy with the play by play... could it be any worse? Al says Murphy could make any game boring, and I'm inclined to agree... The word from Mommy B, who listens to (and scores) every Met game, is that they're intimidated by the Braves. Maybe so, but the Mets now have the horses to overcome. They match up well with any team in baseball. The 2000 Braves, of course, have another incredible club. They are a lacking a true closer, as has been the case in recent years. If Rocker wasn't an asshole (or could pitch despite...), and if Smoltz was healthy, well, let's just say his injury LOOMS LARGE!!!
This NL report is brought to you by The Sarasota Brewing Company, who made me drink 4 beers (2 for 1 happy hour, commonplace in these parts) against my better judgement (depends how you define better). And now Greg Maddux has forced me to continue with an Anchor Liberty Ale, my first taste of this brew. Copper colored, a nice pale ale, Danny Gatton on the stereo, well, there's more to life than your team dominating... Sorry.... Just kidding Bunky...
The Cardinals have really asserted themselves. They're in, despite Mark McGwire's status as #2 leadoff/pinch hitter. The Cards have a solid deep pitching staff - they lack a bonafide stopper. A honkin' offense will hopefully take them to the series. And if they face off with the Mets, well, for me it's no-lose. The Giants are in as well. No coincidence, Barry Bonds is on a roll, as is 2b Jeff Kent. Now there's an ex-Met for ya... I think Bonds has a real chance for his 4th MVP award. He is an amazing player, by standards of any era. I like this team a lot - praying the World Series is someone other that the Yankees or the Braves...
If the Cardinals or the Giants make the Series, there'll be no tears here. Guess it's come to this: something must be done to smooth the ($$) playing field. No foolin'...
