First off, I'd like to say happy Fathers Day to all the great dads out there. Don't forget to tell your dads how much you love him, cause you never know the last Fathers Day you'll spend with him. My last Fathers Day celebration was 5 years ago.
The reason I made this blog was to write about baseball, and to get my name out there as an aspiring journalist. I don't have many talents, but the one skill I'd like to believe I have is the ability to write, and to do it well. To captivate minds, draw people in, make them appreciate the fact they took time out of their lives to read the words I put out there. This post won't be about baseball, and I hope everyone who reads this absorbs this message and remember it well.
Sure, everyone knows I'm a baseball fanatic. I could tell you David Wrights records, but I could also tell you about a loving father. I could tell you who gave up the historic record breaking home run to Barry Bonds, but I could tell you what it's like growing up without a father to guide you. I could tell you top prospects and how good they might be, but I could let you know what it's like living in a broken family, one torn apart at the seams from one moment of absolute despair. But I am blessed. You may think I'm crazy, but I'm blessed. Blessed to have known such a brave and loving man. Blessed to have learned so much from him, even though he left me when I was so young. Blessed to know that to this day my dads looking down on me right now. I'm not the best person, I'll be the first to admit it. I can make a list of all of my flaws, and it would be a long one. I just hope he's proud of me. That's all I want, to make him proud that I'm his son. He was a pain in the ass at times, and I'm sure I wasn't the most pleasant person to be around sometimes too. But I miss him every day and I can't wait to see him again. I'll never forget all he did for me.
Hug your dads a little bit tighter today. You've heard the saying, and it's true. You don't know what you've got until it's gone. Be thankful for every thing your father does for you. I'm hoping that sharing this makes everyone appreciate today just a little more. Happy Fathers Day dad.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thoughts on Johan Santana injury/Mets legacy/Farewell
First off, let me start by saying when I post here I attempt to be as professional as possible. This will not be the case here, this post will be downright emotional and probably not the kind you would see in a newspaper, yet it seems necessary so here we go.
Today I have read the news that my favorite pitcher of all time Johan Santana has torn his anterior capsule in his pitching shoulder yet again. This will most likely result in season ending surgery, and thus spell the end of Johan's tenure as a New York Met and possibly his entire career. Emotions pulling away at me from the insides regarding others opinions about Santana has pushed me to write this. Many people are saying that he should just give up, the Mets were wrong to sign him, he is a bust, etc etc etc you know the drill. The fact of the matter is, they are all wrong. Their opinion on Santana is far from reality from numerous aspects, so let us begin.
As I recall following my 8th grade graduation ceremony, my family and I head to the Carmel Diner to celebrate. Me as a young kid, barely into baseball, wanted to catch a Mets game and hope they would win for me. Boy, was I wrong. As I sat there eating my cheeseburger and fries, I had the privilege of watching Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana carve up the Mets lineup like a Thanksgiving turkey and throw a complete game shutout. His circle changeup had me in awe from the beginning and I thought to myself "Man, this guy is incredible" Shortly thereafter I followed his career more and more. I always wanted him on the Mets, but I thought the Twins would never be stupid enough to let such a talent go.....
I woke up during the winter of 07-08 early as I always did in anticipation of the "MLB hot stove" where teams sign free agents and make blockbuster trades hoping for a move to push the Mets over the top. Day after day went by and I saw the Twins were shopping Johan Santana. I thought: "Why the hell would they consider trading him?" Yet when the Mets pulled the trigger, I didn't question it. The Mets have traded for my favorite pitcher and signed him to an extension. My dream has come true.
Fast forward to game 161 of the 2008 season with the Mets needing a win against the Marlins to keep the season alive. Johan Santana took the mound on short rest, coming off a career high pitch count, and pitching with a torn meniscus. Johan Santana fried the fish with a complete game shutout giving the Mets a chance to head back to postseason baseball. Thanks to Oliver Perez, that postseason appearance Johan worked so hard for never came to fruition, but I never forgot the bulldog mentality he brought to the mound. Johan never gave up and he would not quit.
"He struck him out! It has happened! In their 51st season Johan Santana has thrown the first no hitter in New York Mets history!" Indeed he did, truly a moment I will never forget. Johan Santana has etched his name in New York Mets history for eternity. He has broken the curse. The Mets have their no hitter. For a franchise known for terrific pitchers like Doc Gooden, Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, David Cone, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, the list goes on and on but my point is the Mets have never had a no hitter, until now. That memory will always stick with me. Sitting in the same position on my couch from the 5th inning on not moving a muscle. If I needed a drink, I would call my brother to get it for me. My rear end was not leaving that seat even if my house was on fire. Coming off anterior capsule surgery that many thought would ruin Santana's career, he threw a career high 134 pitches and tossed a no hitter. There is that bulldog mentality I admire so much. The man everyone said couldn't do it, did. He defied odds, he believed in himself, and he pretty much made everyone eat their words. But not me. Oh no, I believed in Johan from day one. I've never said a bad word about him, and he made 6/1/12 one of the happiest day of my life.
I would love to go on talking about how great Johan is, but that would simply take way too much time. All I have to say is it was worth it. All of it. Santana has earned his contract and then some. Although I've never met Johan, I know this isn't the end. I know him. He will not quit. He doesn't have an ounce of quit in his body. He'll be back. By God, come hell or high water he will be back. Whether it's with the Mets is another question for another day. If not, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart Johan, you've made a 20 year old feel like a giddy kid again and as I tear up writing this, thank you for the memories. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. God bless you, Johan Santana.
Today I have read the news that my favorite pitcher of all time Johan Santana has torn his anterior capsule in his pitching shoulder yet again. This will most likely result in season ending surgery, and thus spell the end of Johan's tenure as a New York Met and possibly his entire career. Emotions pulling away at me from the insides regarding others opinions about Santana has pushed me to write this. Many people are saying that he should just give up, the Mets were wrong to sign him, he is a bust, etc etc etc you know the drill. The fact of the matter is, they are all wrong. Their opinion on Santana is far from reality from numerous aspects, so let us begin.
As I recall following my 8th grade graduation ceremony, my family and I head to the Carmel Diner to celebrate. Me as a young kid, barely into baseball, wanted to catch a Mets game and hope they would win for me. Boy, was I wrong. As I sat there eating my cheeseburger and fries, I had the privilege of watching Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana carve up the Mets lineup like a Thanksgiving turkey and throw a complete game shutout. His circle changeup had me in awe from the beginning and I thought to myself "Man, this guy is incredible" Shortly thereafter I followed his career more and more. I always wanted him on the Mets, but I thought the Twins would never be stupid enough to let such a talent go.....
I woke up during the winter of 07-08 early as I always did in anticipation of the "MLB hot stove" where teams sign free agents and make blockbuster trades hoping for a move to push the Mets over the top. Day after day went by and I saw the Twins were shopping Johan Santana. I thought: "Why the hell would they consider trading him?" Yet when the Mets pulled the trigger, I didn't question it. The Mets have traded for my favorite pitcher and signed him to an extension. My dream has come true.
Fast forward to game 161 of the 2008 season with the Mets needing a win against the Marlins to keep the season alive. Johan Santana took the mound on short rest, coming off a career high pitch count, and pitching with a torn meniscus. Johan Santana fried the fish with a complete game shutout giving the Mets a chance to head back to postseason baseball. Thanks to Oliver Perez, that postseason appearance Johan worked so hard for never came to fruition, but I never forgot the bulldog mentality he brought to the mound. Johan never gave up and he would not quit.
"He struck him out! It has happened! In their 51st season Johan Santana has thrown the first no hitter in New York Mets history!" Indeed he did, truly a moment I will never forget. Johan Santana has etched his name in New York Mets history for eternity. He has broken the curse. The Mets have their no hitter. For a franchise known for terrific pitchers like Doc Gooden, Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, David Cone, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, the list goes on and on but my point is the Mets have never had a no hitter, until now. That memory will always stick with me. Sitting in the same position on my couch from the 5th inning on not moving a muscle. If I needed a drink, I would call my brother to get it for me. My rear end was not leaving that seat even if my house was on fire. Coming off anterior capsule surgery that many thought would ruin Santana's career, he threw a career high 134 pitches and tossed a no hitter. There is that bulldog mentality I admire so much. The man everyone said couldn't do it, did. He defied odds, he believed in himself, and he pretty much made everyone eat their words. But not me. Oh no, I believed in Johan from day one. I've never said a bad word about him, and he made 6/1/12 one of the happiest day of my life.
I would love to go on talking about how great Johan is, but that would simply take way too much time. All I have to say is it was worth it. All of it. Santana has earned his contract and then some. Although I've never met Johan, I know this isn't the end. I know him. He will not quit. He doesn't have an ounce of quit in his body. He'll be back. By God, come hell or high water he will be back. Whether it's with the Mets is another question for another day. If not, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart Johan, you've made a 20 year old feel like a giddy kid again and as I tear up writing this, thank you for the memories. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. God bless you, Johan Santana.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Why Michael Bourn makes sense for the Mets
The big story of the past week is the New York Mets pursuit of free agent center fielder Michael Bourn. This comes as a surprise to everybody considering the fact that at the start of the offseason, Michael Bourn and the Mets together were only a pipe dream of fans with a chance of slim to none of ever happening. At this point in the offseason though, there's not only a chance Bourn ends up patrolling center in Citi Field, but the Mets are considered the front runners to make a deal.
This comes as no surprise, but the Mets are currently sporting one of the worst outfields in Major League Baseball. Other teams that were interested in Bourn, have already upgraded at the center field position. the Nationals made a trade for Denard Span, the Braves have united the Upton brothers, the Phillies traded for Ben Revere, and the Rangers who were expected to make a run at Bourn stated they are done for the offseason, leaving the Mets as the favorites to sign him along with the Mariners and Indians who have had interest, but have not seriously pursued him. Although Bourn won't instantly turn the Mets into contenders, keep in mind that they are only a year or two away from seriously competing and Bourn will be a great asset to build around. The 2014 free agent class also boasts some attractive outfielders that Sandy Alderson and company can go after to solidify the outfield. The top outfield free agent in 2014 should be Jacoby Ellsbury, yet his injury concerns are a bit troubling. Focusing on 2013, Bourn brings the ability to steal plenty of bases, something the Mets have a desperate need for. His defense, arguably tops in the NL, will play out well in cavernous Citi Field and should take some pressure off lumbering left fielder Lucas Duda and allow him to focus on hitting. The only thing holding the Mets back is the possibility they lose their 11th overall pick. The Mets would have had a protected top 10 pick, but the Pittsburgh Pirates failure to sign first rounder Mark Appel in last years draft puts them in the 9 overall spot, unfortunately pushing the Mets out of the top 10. The Mets will consult with the baseball union to rectify this and allow them to give up a 2nd round pick, not the first. Although this may seem like a lost cause because of the new CBA, Jim Bowden of ESPN stated that should the Mets sign Bourn, he believes the Mets along with the union will likely get the pick protected. Another issue is Bourns age. He's 30 years old and analysis over at Fangraphs shows that players that rely on their speed don't age particularly well, yet some of the players mentioned weren't playing everyday, I don't expect a serious decline for Bourn within the next 3 years. It may come with a few bumps in the road, but if a deal gets done Michael Bourn can be a serious asset for the New York Mets.
So far no signs point to the Michael Bourn saga of the offseason coming to an end anytime soon, as Sandy Alderson and Scott Boras continue to negotiate a possible deal for the fleet footed center fielder. It seems as though the Mets will reluctantly offer a 4 year deal, yet nowhere near the 5 year 75 million dollar deal Bourn was seeking at the start of the offseason. In conclusion, Michael Bourn brings a lot to the table and can only help the Mets as they continue to build a team with potential to compete for years to come. Mets fans can only hope for a compromise that nets them Bourn, but for now they'll have to wait patiently and see if Alderson can work his magic.
This comes as no surprise, but the Mets are currently sporting one of the worst outfields in Major League Baseball. Other teams that were interested in Bourn, have already upgraded at the center field position. the Nationals made a trade for Denard Span, the Braves have united the Upton brothers, the Phillies traded for Ben Revere, and the Rangers who were expected to make a run at Bourn stated they are done for the offseason, leaving the Mets as the favorites to sign him along with the Mariners and Indians who have had interest, but have not seriously pursued him. Although Bourn won't instantly turn the Mets into contenders, keep in mind that they are only a year or two away from seriously competing and Bourn will be a great asset to build around. The 2014 free agent class also boasts some attractive outfielders that Sandy Alderson and company can go after to solidify the outfield. The top outfield free agent in 2014 should be Jacoby Ellsbury, yet his injury concerns are a bit troubling. Focusing on 2013, Bourn brings the ability to steal plenty of bases, something the Mets have a desperate need for. His defense, arguably tops in the NL, will play out well in cavernous Citi Field and should take some pressure off lumbering left fielder Lucas Duda and allow him to focus on hitting. The only thing holding the Mets back is the possibility they lose their 11th overall pick. The Mets would have had a protected top 10 pick, but the Pittsburgh Pirates failure to sign first rounder Mark Appel in last years draft puts them in the 9 overall spot, unfortunately pushing the Mets out of the top 10. The Mets will consult with the baseball union to rectify this and allow them to give up a 2nd round pick, not the first. Although this may seem like a lost cause because of the new CBA, Jim Bowden of ESPN stated that should the Mets sign Bourn, he believes the Mets along with the union will likely get the pick protected. Another issue is Bourns age. He's 30 years old and analysis over at Fangraphs shows that players that rely on their speed don't age particularly well, yet some of the players mentioned weren't playing everyday, I don't expect a serious decline for Bourn within the next 3 years. It may come with a few bumps in the road, but if a deal gets done Michael Bourn can be a serious asset for the New York Mets.
So far no signs point to the Michael Bourn saga of the offseason coming to an end anytime soon, as Sandy Alderson and Scott Boras continue to negotiate a possible deal for the fleet footed center fielder. It seems as though the Mets will reluctantly offer a 4 year deal, yet nowhere near the 5 year 75 million dollar deal Bourn was seeking at the start of the offseason. In conclusion, Michael Bourn brings a lot to the table and can only help the Mets as they continue to build a team with potential to compete for years to come. Mets fans can only hope for a compromise that nets them Bourn, but for now they'll have to wait patiently and see if Alderson can work his magic.
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