FanNation

Joe D: John "Rambo" Maine Shows Heart

When I watched John Maine groove that first pitch right at Felipe Lopez Tuesday, I had to stand up and watch it again as they played it in slow-mo. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. For the first time since forever it seems, a Met pitcher actually threw a purpose pitch. It was revenge from the night before when several Nationals players led by Elijah Dukes heckled the former Mets starter Nelson Figueroa. A livid Figueroa made light of their antics after the game and referred to them as a bunch of “softball girls.”

Dugout Scout: Greg Maddux Scouting Report

Greg Maddux

• Starting Pitcher
• San Diego Padres
• Bats/Throws: Right/Right
• Arm Angle: Three-quarter

Ratings (20-80)

• Overall: 60
• Fastball: 45
• Slider: 50
• Changeup: 75
• Curve: 45
• Fielding: 80
• Range: 80
• Instinct: 80

Overall

Maddux has been one of the most consistent and effective pitchers during his career, which you have to be to win 350 games and four Cy Young awards. Although the 42-year-old doesn’t pitch with the same velocity he once had, he is still successful. He’s posted a 3-3 record with the Padres this year, with a 3.60 ERA - good for an ERA+ of 106.

Mike Silva: Mets and MLB Missing the Boat on Wally Backman

Reality Show Puts Former Mets 2B in Positive Spotlight

This past Sunday Wally Backman made his television debut in New York. It wasn’t the one he has been hoping for since his dismissal from the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, but it will have to do for now.

“Playing for Peanuts” is a reality show about independent minor league baseball. The scene is Albany Georgia where former Mets 2B Wally Backman managed the South Georgia Peanuts in 2007. I am confident that the public will see a show that depicts the ups and downs of independent minor league baseball, but I fear the real story will be ignored by the mainstream media. Furthermore, the answer to the Mets perceived problems could be right in front of their face.

Bill Chuck: A Baseball Column About Nothing

Ten years ago today the most influential sitcom since “I Love Lucy” came to an end. The final episode of “Seinfeld” aired on May 14, 1998 and with it ended a series that may not have exhibited the best acting you will ever see, but certainly some the greatest and most creative writing. And viewed from this corner of the universe it had some of the greatest baseball references ever on a television show.

As the Yankees currently drop further below .500 they need someone to look young Hank Steinbrenner in the face, in the same manner that George Costanza addressed George Steinbrenner (voiced by the incomparable Larry David, but never seen on camera):

• Mr. Steinbrenner: Nice to meet you.
• George: Well, I wish I could say the same, but I must say, with all due respect, I find it very hard to see the logic behind some of the moves you have made with this fine organization. In the past 20 years you have caused myself, and the city of New York, a good deal of distress, as we have watched you take our beloved Yankees and reduce them to a laughing stock, all for the glorification of your massive ego!
• Mr. Steinbrenner: Hire this man!

This news brought a response from Jerry, “Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle … Costanza?!”

Whipple's Baseball Journey: Day 1

Tyson Whipple and his friends Jake and Rookie are on a nine day, nine ballpark trip – with plans of sleeping in their Toyota Corolla and eating peanut butter sandwiches. Tyson will be blogging about his trip daily.

Day 1

It’s 2:33 AM. I met my friends Jake and Rookie, and their morale is surprisingly high for our trip. I guess that’s expected early in the trip. I feel like Sergio Garcia putting to win a major – confused and not sure of myself.