Independence Day

A quote: "It's fair to say that, if we're looking for reinforcements right now, some of our DL guys are probably going to be the reinforcements," Minaya said. "If we can get all our guys back healthy, our healthy guys, its going to be hard to make trades that are going to be better than Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado." This is what Omar Manaya said yesterday in Philadelphia. Assume that he is being sincere. If that's the case, then Omar just does not see what most fans see. A team that will not be in anything come August when maybe, just maybe some of the current DL cast come back. Come back healthy? And baseball ready? Now that's asking for a lot. Omar, you are messing up again.

I turned on the TV last evening a few minutes into the game. I saw the left fielder dive and miss the ball. Because the left fielder was wearing a red cap, I figured the Mets were hitting Phillie and seemingly hitting them good. Then Gary Cohen mentioned the name Evans and I knew it was MLB just playing with the teams' attire again to make a few extra bucks. The game was bad because Livan was awful and the team was flat. It was made much worse because the team that should have been in blue, orange, black or white - one of their colors - was in the same color as their opponent, the Phillies. Silly stuff!

Ollie Perez may be ready to come off the DL except for his pitching lines. He sure sounds like he is the Ollie of old. Walks, wildness, done early in the game and unreliable. Sounds like a great addition to the Mets team. Way to go Omar - again!

By the way, did you hear that Omar also said that it's up to Manuel to decide if he wants to bring Ollie up and put him in the rotation. Since when is that the manager's decision, particularly on the Mets. There you go, once again, Omar! Messing up.

I used to have a high regard for Omar. That has faded over the past few years and today I view him as a hanger on. He has 3 more years on his extended contract beginning next season. He is the same as those under performing will paid ballplayers we see so often. Not one bit better.

Let's remember that today is Independence Day and for everything it represents. Watching the Mets in Philadelphia where much of our freedom was administratively conceived and strategically planned in that late 18th century is a plus whether the Mets win or lose. (I hope the Mets win.) All of us won 223 years ago!

Also, it was 70 years ago that Lou Gehrig made his famous "luckiest guy in the world" speech during his day at Yankee Stadium. Listen to the speech. There is bravery, wisdom, honor, and a deep appreciation for friendship in his words. We can only wish to be as strong, courageous and blessed.

Happy 4th!