When Players Get it Wright

I'm a military man--21 years, a lot of time away from home, and a 60% disability.

I wouldn't trade those years for anything--people talk about sacrifice, but to the men and women of the armed forces, it is anything but--it is an honor and a privilege.

You hear the guys in the WBC brag about a few weeks of wearing "USA" on their baseball uniform, and how good it makes them feel--and it should...but the men and women of the military do it one better...they get to wear USA on their uniform every day...it means a lot.

I read about Sgt Felix Perez the other day...he is a baseball fan, and he went to the WBC to see his countrymen play for a nation's honor.

Sgt Perez brought a flag to the game--it was given to him by his unit, the famed 82nd Airborne.

Sgt Perez can no longer walk because of injuries suffered in the war, but Sgt Perez can wave a flag.

When the United States beat Puerto Rico in the thrilling come from behind victory, Sgt Perez was waving his flag.

As the players piled into the clubhouse Sgt Perez was allowed in by a patriotic guard.

The players rejoiced with him, supported him, and signed the flag--all the players...then they chatted and chatted and chatted...finally Sgt Perez had to leave.

David Wright found out Sgt Perez was a Mets fan...he also found a way to say thank you to Sgt Perez...with a plane ticket to Los Angeles and tickets to tonight's game.

I hope he brings the flag.

Team USA has a Fighting Chance

Despite being decimated by injury, Team USA, which includes Mets stars David Wright and JJ Putz, is 2 games and 2 days away from winning the World Baseball Classic.

Though American fans have yet to turn out in large numbers, my sneaking suspicion is that tonight's semi-final game against Japan will draw a large TV audience. Should Team USA advance to the final against Korea, the numbers will get even better.

Tonight the American's will face a familiar face in Red Sox righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka.

As Newsday reports, Derek Jeter is ready:

"We face him all the time," Jeter said of Dice-K, who joined the Red Sox in 2007.

"Playing Boston 20 games a year, we see him all the time, so I'm familiar with what he throws. I think at this point in the season, pitching is usually a little ahead of the hitters. So it's going to be a challenge for us."

Thus far the Classic has been up and down--for every upset victory of the Dominican Republic, you get a 5 error Venezuelan fiasco. That said, there have been moments of brilliance, including David Wright's walkoff hit that propelled Team USA past Puerto Rico.

"I don't think I've ever had so many phone calls and messages after a game," Wright said.

"That's something, no matter what team you play for or who your favorite team is in the big leagues, you're talking about representing your country and putting this uniform on and going out there and being able to do that. That would be a memory that lasts a lifetime."

So yes my loyal readers, I will be watching tonight. Thought I am opposed to the WBC from an injury standpoint, the prospects of meaningful baseball on a March Sunday night is just too big a draw.

U-S-A! U-S-A!

Welcome Back Ollie!

Whew! Another Met returns from the World Baseball Classic free from injury.

Mexico was eliminated from the WBC by Cuba, allowing Ollie to come home to la familia--his real family.

His "Classic" was anything but. All told he allowed 7 earned runs and 5 homeruns in 6 2/3rds innings of work.

I did a blow by blow scouting report of his final outing here, and Ollie was not impressive at all.

There were three main things I noticed about Ollie while following him in the WBC.

1. His off-speed and breaking pitches were all over the place
2. His motion is more inconsistent than ever, with varying release points and none of the step back rocking motion that he used with success in the second half of 2008
3. He competed hard--for all his faults, Ollie is a battler

My thoughts on Ollie's return are simple--once he is back in the fold, working with the Mets staff, he'll regain the consistency that will enable him to win a good chunk of games in 2009 and beyond.

He had no trouble reaching the low 90s with his fastball--his issues were all about control.

Reyes and Tatis Due Back

Loyal readers know how much I dislike the WBC.

So while baseball mecca, the Dominican Republic, mourned their shocking upset loss to the Netherlands, I rejoiced.

Two key Mets from that team, Jose Reyes and Fernando Tatis, are set to rejoin the club as early as today.

Both players will play a major role on this year's team and account for about 1,000 of the team's 5,600 or so 2009 at-bats.

So to my Dominican friends, sorry your team got beat...to all Mets fans...yes, we are rejoicing...Jose is back!!!

Mets Morning Ramblings: Plus a MLBN Blooper

It sure has been a crazy beginning to the Mets 2009, and really, a crazy start to 2009 in general.

Freddy Garcia is one or two more bad appearances away from being a non-player on the big club.

Livan Hernandez, a mere afterthought, actually has a chance to be the #5 starter at this point, which is just maddening given his propensity to pitch like crap once the season actually starts.

Daniel Murphy was handed the leftfield job without competition in camp.

Johan Santana is off-schedule, and he and Dan Warthen appear to have a less than perfect relationship.

And yes, my friends, I cannot stand the World Baseball Classic.

The WBC annoys me.

There, I said it--sue me--it sucks, and the fact that it costs the Mets the ST services of so many players is worrisome.

One, I don't want our superstar players getting hurt for "National Pride".

Puerto Rico--I love ya...great place, great people, great beaches, great food--absolutely. But I could care less if you won the WBC.

Dominican? Never been there, but I've heard it's heaven for a baseball fan...non-stop baseball 24 hours a day. But yea, I don't care about your WBC dreams either. Sorry amigos.

If it is in fact true that Johan Santana tweaked his arm preparing to start for Team Venezuela, I will probably not watch a single inning of this year's "classic" out of pure spite.

Even Team USA. OK, I spent my life in the military, hang a flag outside my house every day, and I love the red, white and blue. But will the USA winning the WBC mean a hill of beans to this old Vet? Nope...really could care less.

What I want is this--a fun Spring Training, a bit of competition, a time to get guys in great physical and mental shape, and a chance for the players to bond and work on their defense, new pitches, etc.

I want the Mets to emerge from spring training a cohesively bonded band of brothers. A group ready to play and put everything on the line to bring home a World Seried banner for our new park.

In short, the WBC is messing with our Mets Mojo, and I don't like it one bit.

Am I in a panic? No, a panic is someone like this lady, who called 911 three times because McDonald's ran out of McNuggets.

I am just "concerned", but thankfully the MLB Network provided me with a chuckle over my morning coffee.

Here's a little blooper from the aforementioned MLB Network. Be warned, they drop a live "eff bomb" on-air, so don't run it if you're in a place where that kind of thing is frowned upon. It is a very funny clip.