Linda was right. The Mets lost some of their offensive momentum after last night's rainout. I went with the odds and would have rather had Glavine on regular four days rest instead of his losing record on three days rest. Glavine lost control in the fourth and the Mets didn't convert key opportunities early in the game and unfortunately lost critical Game 5 4-2. While working on a printing issue on 29, I heard someone cheer and I thought the Mets had done something good but it was Shawn cheering for the Cardinals who had then tied the game at 2. I can't hate Shawn as he referred me to radio telecasts on MLB.com a couple of seasons ago which helped me get through some tough times. He is also a Raiders fan so I kind of feel bad for him during this chaotic season in Oakland.
The Mets now have to win both Games 6 and 7 at Shea to advance to the World Series. Therefore, the Tank's prediction of the Mets in 6 was wrong. However, what has gone right this post-season? The Yankees and Mets both lost momentum in critical rainouts. Former Yankee choke artists Kenny Rogers and Jeff Weaver have pitched well in the post-season. Chris Carpenter pitched poorly in his first outing at Shea (which I hope he repeats again Wednesday evening but yet again not likely.) Momentum is usually key but it hasn't necessarily carried over from one game to the next as the opposing team has won the next game except from Game 2 to 3. I have a better chance of winning the Lottery.
Brooklyn Pete asked me if I have Game 7 tickets but he won't get them because he hasn't given me the number of his lady friend at Fox Sports. (Come on, bro, you're already happily married. Please spread the wealth -- many thanks in advance.) Moreover, I already gave the tickets to Steve. Anyway, I hope there is a Game 7 but no use in getting too revved up too soon.
Tuesday also marked the announcement of Lou Pinella as the Cubs new manager. Linda's nephew thinks A-Rod is going to the Cubs and I hope he is right. There were talks between the Yankees and the Cubs to trade A-Rod to the Cubs before July's trade deadline. As long as the Yankees get some of the Cubs pitching (Zambrano, Prior, or even possibly Wood on the DL), it works for me. I like A-Rod but he and Joe can't co-exist after A-Rod June YES interview comparing Lou Pinella to an "angel" and then Joe Torre's comments in the Sports Illustrated article about A-Rod twirling his wedding ring around his finger. I agree with Steve that he will "hit 60 Home runs and do nothing productive". I actually hope that A-Rod hits 100 home-runs and breaks the home-run record so we can forget about "Steroid Boy" Barry Bonds the sooner the better. I can live with that but I can't cope another extra chaotic season in the Bronx Zoo. Working the Mets and Yankees Crisis Hotlines over the past few weeks has been draining as I try to get some rest for the upcoming NYC Marathon.
A-Rod going to the Cubs will also indirectly help the Mets as the stronger the Cubs are, the worse off the Cardinals, Astros, and rest of the NL Central will be as Sweet Lou will make the Cubs better as he has done with every other team he has been. However, as good as Sweet Lou is as my first winner of the "Mother Teresa Miracle Manager Award" with the D-Rays a few seasons ago, I don't see him taking the Cubs to the World Series anytime soon. If Rangers fans made Mark Messier the "Messiah" after winning a Stanley Cup for the first time in 54 years, what will Cubs fans do if Lou Pinella wins a World Series for the first time in almost 100 years? Sweet Lou won't have to wait to die to become a saint as he will be immediately beatified by Cubs fans of all faiths.
Steve reminded me that Tuesday night was the seventh anniversary of Robin Ventura's "Grand Slam Single". Indentured servants often received their feedback on seven years and ONE DAY according to an old high school textbook so let's hope Wednesday night frees the Mets up a little magic. Granted, this is a medieval tradition but I am keeping it real "Old School".
Posted by The Tank "Keeping the Faith" for the Mets in NY.