Even though I did write this posting over a month ago when Tampa Bay was struggling I will stick by my prediction. Yes they are playing much, much better and have some good players. In fact I just looked at the run differential and at 87 runs Tampa Bay is the best in the majors. Regardless of all that I believe they won’t make the playoffs and will finish forth.

Time will tell who is right – good luck.

Merrill

Roy Halladay (groin) tossed a 50-pitch bullpen session Friday and afterward declared himself ready to go.

Doc said his groin discomfort is “completely gone.” Barring some unforeseen setback, he’ll be activated from the disabled list Monday to start against the Rays. He’ll return to a 10-1 record, a 2.53 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.

Somewhat on topic, but almost a new thread……

I saw the Yankees-Braves Tuesday night with co-workers and a client, and I took my son to the Yankees-Braves game last night. Braves win game 1, and the Yankee fans, LOTS of them, sulked and cried like a collective bunch of 3 year old kids. Honesty, it was sad.

However, last night, my 13 (14 in a month) year old son and I had the joy of sitting in a mixed crowd of Yankees and Braves fans. From within the Yankee crowd were enlightening comments about just how the umps were ‘blowing’ the game (use your imagination), we lost track of the F bombs in about the third inning, and watched 3 intoxicated Yankee fans escorted out by police after picking a fight with a guy who was there with his kids. My 13 year old thought it was all pretty funny, but there were a lot of younger kids there as well. No place for that.

And this is where it was weird. They were winning. When losing they cry. However, when winning they prove time and time again why they are the most hated fan base in all sports.

We’ll be there for the Red Sox series this weekend, and while they are a loud bunch, they at least have a respect for the game.

I saw t-shirts all over saying “Got Rings?” Too bad there is no “Got Class?” to go along with a great and storied winning tradition.

The Mets, please. As of tonight they would not even qualify as a Wild Card team.

As I did in ’86, to please my new, Rhode Island, father-in-law I actually rooted for the Sox against the Mets – what I suck up – and the rest of course is history.

I am the Mets secret weapon! (Too bad it doesn’t work like that for the Yankees!)

Neither team will be in the fall classic. (G-D willing)

Mark

Appreciate your comments. I agree with you on the AROD and Jeter predictions. Ichiro – wow what a talent here is a guy who plays on the wrong team in the wrong city. He is GREAT and most people don’t really know that because he plays in Seattle – yes he will do what you suggest.

Albert – great great talent but he needs to stay healthy and 800 dingers is a lot…. I saw no only because of injuries.

Thanks.

Merrill

When I wrote this Halladay was kicking butt and healthy although I love his 10 wins – going on the DL will hurt his chance for sure.

Love Big Papi – he is starting to hit again…… I hope he isn’t 50…

Thanks.

Merrill