Tuesday, April 4, 2006By Mike Steffanos
Although it still hurts a little not to have watched the game, it's a good feeling to have a successful debut. I can still remember how I felt last year when Looper gave up those 2 home runs in the ninth.
As for watching the games, I signed up with DirecTV tonight as soon as I heard confirmation on the deal. They'll be installing it Thursday morning, so I'll be missing Wednesday night's game against the Nationals and then I'll be back in the loop. I can live with that.
My take on Tom Glavine this spring was that he was nibbling at the plate and walking too many guys. With 3 walks in 6 innings today, I'm still a little worried. Opening day is a tough game to pitch, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I'll do the same to Aaron Heilman, who obviously struggled with his control today. And I'll extend that to Jose Reyes, who returned to his impatient ways today after doing better this spring. Give him a chance to settle in before we move him down to seventh, especially since we don't have a true leadoff candidate to replace him.
Special Appearances by Floyd and Wagner
I received an email from Helen J. Stoddard, the Special Events Manager for Toys 'R Us, regarding appearances Saturday by Cliff Floyd and Billy Wagner.
Cliff will be at the Paramus store on Route 4. Wagner will be in Times Square store. Both will be this Saturday, April 8, from 6:30 - 8 pm. You have to qualify by purchasing MLB products. For info call the store of the player you wish to see:
- Cliff in Paramus call 201-845-5695.
- Wagner in Times Square call 646-366-8855
Mets.com: Good start for the bullpen
Brain Hoch highlights the successful debut of the Mets bullpen. He quotes Aaron Heilman, who had trouble with his control and attributed it to excess adrenalin:
You can do all you want in Spring Training but when you get out there for the first time and you have the adrenaline going facing hitters, there's not much that can replace that. It definitely helps you to get ready and prepare for the next time.
New York Times: 1 - 0
Ben Shpigel tells the story of opening day.
ESPN: Looking Good in Flushing
Jerry Crasnick also has a nice story on the Mets' win. Great quote from David Wright:
I'll be sitting in bed tonight thinking about the crowd and the energy today. That's what New York baseball is all about. This is what I want to experience in October.
DirecTV and SNY Press Release
For any out there that have any doubts left, check out the official press release on SNY's web site. Thanks to reader "Tom M." for pointing it out to us.
Oh, and a special thanks to Shari from Take the "7" Train and Steve from The Eddie Kranepool Society, and the rest of you out there that didn't take no for an answer, for keeping the heat on until a deal was done.
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Comments (2)
It was a nice game.
1. Glavine beating Livian is not insignificant.
2. While Ahern is here he could see the leadoff spot.
3. I'm looking to see how the Willie vs Beltran thing goes. I dont think there is benefit to Beltran in the #3 spot.
Posted by Ed | April 4, 2006 9:24 AM
1. Glavine pitching decent was significant in itself.
2. I think you leave him eighth until he proves he can actually hit. From what I hear about him, he doesn't get a lot of walks, either.
3. It's taken on a life beyond one spot in the order, hasn't it?
Posted by Mike S. | April 4, 2006 10:25 AM