K-Rod: From Rat Race to Sausage Race

Guest Columnist: Mitchell Bader

If you guys stay up on your sports (which if you read this blog, I'm sure the answer is yes), then you're aware that the New York Mets recently traded their closer of the last few seasons, Francisco Rodriguez (better known by his nickname, K-Rod). They traded him and cash to the Milwaukee Brewers for 2 players to be named later, and from what I've heard, "later" will be sometime in September. This means that the Mets will most likely be scouting prospects in the Brewers farm system for the time being.

NYDailyNews.com 12/28/2009

The semi-blockbuster move was announced immediately following All-Star Game. Us baseball fans all know that from early July up until the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline is the most hectic stretch of time for general managers. It's the time when they decide whether or not to build for the future, or go for the win right away. This trade is obviously a step in the "win now" direction for the Brewers (who plan to use the single season save record holder as their 8th inning man), but it's a little less defined for the Mets. A clause in K-Rod's contract stated that if he finished 55 games in a Mets uniform this season, he would be owed $17.5 million in 2012. The Mets, looking to cut costs (thanks for the memories, Bernie Madoff) traded their closer in what I think and hope are steps to keeping core players like Jose Reyes and David Wright around for at least another 5 seasons.

Being a Mets fan (which is why East Coast Nick asked me to make a post on this), when K-Rod came over in 2009 I was very excited. He had just set the single season save record of 62 in 2008 with the Anaheim Angeles (who despite their official team name are located nowhere near Los Angeles). The thrill soon wore off as I watched him pitch more and more. I can count on 1 hand the number of clean innings I've seen him throw. His mechanics make me cringe and he never finishes in decent fielding position. His very public altercation with his father-in-law in the Mets clubhouse at Citi Field last season was far from flattering. However, he has been far better than expected this season and can really help a playoff hopeful like the Brewers. This move makes a great deal of sense and my hat goes off to Mets GM Sandy Alderson. I also assume that this move will finally force the Mets to give young power arm Bobby Parnell a legitimate chance to close out games.

Time can only tell what kind of talent the Mets may get back in return, but until then ya gotta believe.

- Mitch, NYC

It’s As Easy As Un Deux Trois

Head Columnist: Nick Rog

AP Photo/Martin Meissner

After the emotional roller coaster that was the USA Brazil quarterfinal game, I wondered would the American women come out flat versus a dangerous French team?  This was a question I asked myself before the 12:00pm eastern time kickoff Wendnesday.  The woman seemed to continue were they left off, with a sense of swagger and loose confidence that put me at ease to start the game.  This feeling was increased when Carla Lloyd passed behind her back at about midfield to Heather O’Reiliy who assisted Lauren Chaney who buried the first goal into the back of the net.  This could be a bloodbath, I thought to myself.  But, my limited soccer knowledge coupled with my nieveness that France was one of the final four teams left in the whole tournament quickly turned against me.  The French went on to dominate the rest of the first half possession as well as shots on goal.  Shot after shot seemed to sail into Hope Solo’s arms or off the crossbars causing many of us watching to hover on the edge of our seats.  The Americans seemed tired, half time was needed before the lead was lost.  Before the half ended there was a ray of hope as the Americans kicked a cross from the left to the right of the field right to the star of the previous game Abby Wambach, they shot actually looked identical but Wambach’s connection was off the lead stayed at 1.  The half came to an end and I was seriously worried about the poor way the Americans seemed to play after the goal was scored.

·      My fear of France scoring was realized in the 55^th minute as Sonia Bompastor struck the ball past Solo to the back of the net.  This is when the substitutions began for the United States.  Amy Rodriguez left the game for Alex Morgan the 22-year-old striker.  The play of the Americans seemed to be improving, this trend continued in the 65^th minute as the seemingly flatfooted Carli Lloyd was taken out for Megan Rapinoe.  The entrance of Rapinoe seemed to make all the difference, she was the shot of energy and poise this US team needed to push forward.  This was capitalized on in the 79^th minute when a corner kick was pushed to the opposite side of the goal where (in my opinion) the most dangerous weapon the US team was waiting [Wambach’s head] to put the Americans up 2-1.   The game was put away just 3 minutes later as Morgan beat out 4 defenders and danced around the French goalie to give the Americans the insurance they needed.  3 goals would be enough to get the Americans to their first final since 1999 (which they won).  They will face Japan on Sunday.

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

·      Although this game wasn’t the comeback story that they game versus Brazil turned out to be, the scrappiness and talent of the team showed through.  The officiating the game was not an issue which was a treat after the quarterfinal match as well.  The French team impressed me greatly. Unlike the Brazilians (and the male French team) they did not flop, at all.  They matched the Americans in their intensity and grit in a game full of collisions and high contact ball.

·      The final is at 2:45 versus Japan in Frankfort, Germany. See you there… on the couch watching ESPN.