All-Star Campaigns

Hey everyone, I'm here with some pretty cool news!

MLB.com has launched a pretty sick idea for the All-Star Game in Anaheim. They've set up campaigns for players, in order to help them gain votes and support.

From MLB.com:

Join a campaign
As the 2010 MLB All-Star Game races heat up, it's more important than ever to endorse your favorite players in MLB.com's All-Star Game balloting. Support your favorite stars' campaigns by encouraging friends, family and co-workers to vote, as you strive to earn the status of "Campaign Manager" for your most-liked players.

How it works
After voting, you'll be presented with the option to join a campaign to spread the word to vote via Facebook or e-mail. By joining a campaign, you'll score the following points as you move up the ranks of a player's online campaign staff:

• 25 points just for joining a campaign
• 25 points for every person you get to vote for that player
• 1 pt for each vote you make or help generate for that player

Your campaign status changes daily based on your success:

No. 1 points earner

Campaign Manager

No. 2 points earner

Deputy Campaign Manager

No. 3 points earner

Assistant Campaign Manager

500 points

Senior Campaign Coordinator

350 points

Campaign Coordinator

200 points

Senior Campaign Assistant

100 points

Campaign Assistant

50 points

Senior Campaign Volunteer

25 points

Campaign Volunteer

Pretty cool idea huh? Well for me, I'm campaigning for Nick Swisher (if you couldn't tell), one of my favorite Yankees. With Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter, two of my favorite Yankees, pretty much guaranteed positions on the All-Star team as starters, I'm campaigning for Swish to get a starting outfield role. Swish is a great guy and one of my favorite Yankees. He's enjoying a great season, batting a career high .293 with 11 HR and 42 RBI, and should be noticed for the All-Star Team. Please help us make Nick Swisher an All-Star! Or you can campaign for your own favorite player here.

Enjoy!

Mets discussing trade for Indians' RHP Fausto Carmona

It appears as though the Mets have been internally discussing a trade for Westbrook's teammate Fausto Carmona, who I will be writing about on 6/23. It couldn't come at a better time, as I just finished writing the capsule on Jake Westbrook.

According to MLBTradeRumors' Ben Nicholson-Smith:

"The Mets have discussed Fausto Carmona internally, but have not yet approached the Indians about acquiring the right-hander, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney. (all Twitter links). Carmona, who is enjoying a resurgent season, makes a guaranteed $8.9MM through 2011 at which point the Indians have three consecutive club options. As Olney notes, the affordable options through 2014 make Carmona appealing as long as he is pitching well.

That has certainly been the case so far in 2010. The former 19-game winner has a 3.31 ERA in 92.1 innings with 5.1 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9. Carmona has always been a ground ball pitcher, rather than a strikeout pitcher, and he has a robust 57% ground ball rate that has helped him keep the ball in the park (six homers allowed).

The Mets are looking for top starters, but are unsure that Carmona will adjust smoothly to the pressures of playing in New York, according to an article Olney wrote over the weekend. If they prefer to acquire a veteran on the brink of free agency, they could look to Carmona's teammate, Jake Westbrook, or others such as Kevin Millwood and Ben Sheets."

So it appears as though the Mets are working on putting together a deal for Carmona, but also may trade for Westbrook. The Mets may be looking at Carmona because of his lesser salary of about $4 million to Westbrook's $11 million, his age, 26, as well as his resurgence as a top pitcher. What do you think the Mets should do? Who should they give up? Discuss it in the comments. No matter what happens, we'll have it all here for you!

Mike Axisa lists Jeff Keppinger as possible Yanks trade target

Just as I've been working on my trade target series, Mike Axisa has his own series up at RiverAveBlues, a blog about the Yankees.

In Mike's most recent post, he wrote that the Yankees may be interested in trading for Jeff Keppinger of the Houston Astros to be a bench player. Be sure to check that out here as Mike breaks it down for you.

That's all for now.

Mets 2010 Trade Target: Jake Westbrook

Jake Westbrook, RHP Cleveland Indians
2010 season: 4-4, 4.76 ERA, 85 IP, 1.46 WHIP

A year removed from Tommy John Surgery, Jake Westbrook is back in the big leagues. An above average major league pitcher, Westbrook has a career 67-68 record with a 4.34 ERA, while pitching for the New York Yankees (1 season) and Cleveland Indians (9 seasons). A 21st overall pick in the 1996 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies, Westbrook was traded to the Montreal Expos for Mike Lansing and later traded again to the New York Yankees with Ted Lilly for pitcher Hideki Irabu. Westbrook made his major league debut on June 17, 2000 with the Yankees, going 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA for the season. After being sent down, Westbrook, along with Zach Day and Ricky Ledee were traded to Cleveland for Indians' slugger David Justice. In his career, Westbrook has always hovered around .500, having 9 or more losses in each full season that he has pitched, including a career high 15 losses in 2005. Westbrook's best season was in 2004, the year he made the AL All-Star team, when he went 14-9 with a 3.38 ERA. One can make a case for the amount of losses that Westbrook has each season, due to a poor Cleveland bullpen and lack of run support throughout his tenure. Westbrook is in the final year of a 3-year $33 million contract, which runs out after this year making him a free agent.

This season, with the Indians again struggling, Westbrook, 33, has been made available. Among the most interested reported teams: The New York Mets.

The Mets have been linked to Westbrook this year in trade rumors. While the Mets rotation of Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, Jon Niese, Hisanori Takahashi, and R.A. Dickey has pitched surprisingly well, the Mets reportedly want to put Takahashi back into the bullpen where he has pitched his whole career. Takahashi, originally just a fill-in while John Maine rehabs, has pitched surprisingly well as a starter, going 6-2 with a 3.13 ERA. However, the Mets feel he is more effective in the bullpen. If the Mets want to put him back in the bullpen, this would open up a spot in their rotation for Westbrook. After disappointing seasons from Oliver Perez and Maine, the Mets look to upgrade their rotation as they make a playoff push. They may feel that a trade for Westbrook could improve their chances.

A rotation of Santana, Pelfrey, Niese, Westbrook and Dickey would be a great rotation for the Mets. With Santana being Santana and Pelfrey having a career year, inserting Westbrook, who has been an AL pitcher his whole career, will improve the rotation. It's been a proven that some AL pitchers who move to the NL become better pitchers because they face weaker hitters (see Roy Halladay). The AL has always been portrayed as the stronger league, and it's been proven. Perhaps putting Westbrook into the NL will help to resurrect his career and he will become a much more effective pitcher.

While Westbrook would be a good fit for the Mets, there are some questions as to if he can stay healthy, especially after coming off Tommy John Surgery, and if the Mets will really need him. One reason why the Mets may not need him is because they sent down top prospect Jenrry Mejia yesterday, in order to stretch him out to be a starting pitcher. Perhaps they envision Mejia coming back up mid-season and taking Takahashi's spot in the rotation, therefore having no need for Westbrook. However, I don't think that the Mets envision R.A. Dickey pitching like Cy Young all season, so perhaps they may look to trade for Westbrook just incase Dickey comes back down to earth. A rotation of Santana, Pelfrey, Niese, Westbrook and Mejia, with Dickey and Takahashi in the bullpen would be incredible for the Mets.

Then there is the issue of what to give for Westbrook. I can't imagine the Indians asking for a King's Ransom for him because he's not on the same level as the last two guys they traded in Cliff Lee or CC Sabathia. I could imagine the Mets giving a B minus-level prospect, with a couple of C-level throw ins. An ideal package could include RHP Jeurys Familia as well as C Josh Thole and RHP Tobi Stoner. The Indians would probably require the Mets to pay his $11 million salary. If the Mets can get away with Cleveland paying full salary or paying half, I do the deal. The Mets didn't want to commit $14 million to John Lackey, so why would they want to commit $11 million to Westbrook, who isn't as good? If the Indians are able to get that much talent back, I'd be surprised. While Omar Minaya is subject to make trades, this would be a great deal for the Mets and would drastically improve the rotation.

I think that a trade for Westbrook would make the Mets an ultimate contender. Moving an AL pitcher who has to face the Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Twins, and Angels every year to the NL, where he would face the Nationals, Pirates, Astros, and Diamonbacks would improve Westbrook's stats. The best thing that could happen for Westbrook is to get out of Cleveland, where the bullpen and lack of run support will cost him wins. If traded to the Mets, their powerful bullpen and immense run scoring would help him do better and attribute to success. I could see him going 15-6 with an ERA in the 3.60's in the NL. The Mets should make a push to acquire him, as he would make the rotation much better.

Introducing Jarrod Pasyanos

I'd like to take the time right now to introduce my good friend and now sports partner, Jarrod Pasyanos. Jarrod and I share the same dream: to be a sports journalist or broadcaster. While talking tonight, we decided that it'd be a great idea to work together to try to push for our dreams.

Together, Jarrod and I will update "Said A Source With Familiar Knowledge" as well as Jarrod's blog "Jarrod's Sports Blog." Be on the lookout for better than ever updates and information from two different points of view. As well, be sure to be on the lookout next year, when Jarrod and I take over MSGVarsity for Somers High School, doing broadcasts as well as covering our high school's teams. We're looking forward to a great partnership together.

So please welcome Jarrod and be sure to check out his blog when you can! It's still under construction, but will be up and running soon enough! Be sure to check back later today when I give you the latest in sports!

That's all for now!

- Josh & Jarrod

P.S. If you didn't notice, I changed the name of the blog. I wanted something funny and creative, so I changed it. You'll really only understand it if you follow sports rumors, but no matter! This blog will still bring you everything you need to know!

Breaking News: Mets option RHP Jenrry Mejia to Double-A Binghamton

As reported by MLBTradeRumors' Steve Adams:

"ESPN's Adam Rubin reports that the Mets have optioned Jenrry Mejia to Double-A Binghamton, where he will make the transition back into a starting pitcher.

Mejia, still just 20 years old, worked exclusively as a starter across two minor league levels last season, posting a 3.14 ERA in 94.2 innings (19 starts) and notching an 8.7 K/9 to go along with a 3.7 BB/9. So far, pitching out of the New York bullpen in 2010, he's held his own, though he hasn't pitched quite as well as his 3.25 ERA following today's game suggests. He's allowed 15 free passes in just 27.2 innings of work, while striking out 17.

Much has been made of the Mets' starting pitching woes. After receiving next to nothing from the combination of Oliver Perez and John Maine, they've turned to Hisanori Takahashi and R.A. Dickey, both of whom have excelled to this point in their respective rotation roles. However, it's likely a tall order to expect those trends to continue.

Mejia certainly has the makings of a successful major league starter. Baseball America ranked him as the Mets' top prospect coming into the 2010 season, and ranked him as the #56 prospect in all of baseball. So far this season, he's averaged 95.1mph on his fastball, and has a 66.7% ground-ball rate."

So there you have it folks. There was discussion on SNY while I watching today's Yankee game, where the broadcasters were debating what the Mets were going to do with Mejia down the stretch. There was much debate as to would he be a starter or a reliever, and with Mejia not getting enough innings in, the team has decided to send him down to stretch out his arm and prepare him as a starter. A good move by the Mets for their future. I doubt this is the last we've seen of Mejia this season.

Yankees 2010 Trade Target: David DeJesus

David DeJesus, OF Kansas City Royals
2010 season: 67 G, .331/.403/.494, 5 HR, 31 RBI

David DeJesus is a name familiar to most Yankees fans. DeJesus, in recent years, has been connected to the Yankees through trade rumors. The Brooklyn native is enjoying a breakout season this year, hitting a career high .331 AVG this season with a career high .494 SLG % while playing stellar defense for the Royals. One thing DeJesus has been credited for in his career is being a patient hitter. In his career, the highest season strike out total for DeJesus was 87 K's in 2009. He also draws his walks, having a career high of 64 in 2007, and ranging anywhere from 33 to 64 in his career. His ability to take pitches and have good plate discipline has resulted in a career OBP of .361, meaning he is on base 36% of the time. He's also been a great hitter throughout his career, with a career batting average of .290 on the spot. While not known for his power (career high 13 in 2009) or speed (career high 11 in 2008). Although an average outfielder, he is known for making great plays in the outfield.

DeJesus, 30, brings a lot to the table for the Yankees. A left-handed batter, he can play all three outfield positions and is extremely versatile. He makes $4.7 million this season, and has a club option of $6 million for the 2011 season which the Royals can pick up or decline. So if the contract is declined, the Yankees could always sign him in the offseason. The Royals, 29-40 (4th place in the AL Central) are 11 games out of first place. Sources indicate that they are ready to trade players, hoping to rebuild for the 2011 season. The Yankees could be major players for DeJesus, a graduate of Rutgers University, who they've been linked to and liked in the past. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Royals "are said to be asking for more return than is acceptable to the suitors." He also lists the Yankees, Red Sox, and Padres as suitors for the outfielder.

If it is true that the Royals may be asking for a lot, the Yankees may back out. If the Royals were to ask for one of the catchers, either Montero or Romine, I would say "no thanks." As much of a fine player as DeJesus is, a 30 year-old outfielder who is enjoying a career year is not worth a top prospect, especially when the Yankees have a set outfield as it is. If I were the Yankees, and the Royals approached me about a possible trade for DeJesus, I would give up a B-level prospect, such as RHP Mark Melancon, with a few C-level guys such as 2B David Adams or RHP David Phelps, but no more than that.

Acquiring DeJesus would have to require one of the outfielders, most likely Nick Swisher, or DeJesus, DHing full time. While I think he would be a great fit on this team, being a New York native and a fine player, I would be anxious to see how the Yankees would use him. There is always the question of free agency however, especially with Carl Crawford, who the Yankees covet, most likely to hit the market. Many predict the Yankees will sign Crawford, but on the flip side, with the recent production of the Yankees' outfield this season, many sources have changed their beliefs due to the trio of Gardner-Granderson-Swisher's performance. Acquiring DeJesus would also most likely keep the Yankees from signing Crawford, especially if he continues to keep us his strong play, they would most likely pick up his 2011 option. The only question would be where the Yankees would fit in DeJesus.

I would be in full support of a trade for DeJesus, but only for the right price. A battled veteran, a New York native, and a great hitter, he would help this team pick itself up offensively. While there is a question of uncertainty as to where he would play, I'm sure that the Yankees could find a spot for him.

CC Sabathia & Mark Teixeira = Dominance, win Subway Series Round 2

CC Sabathia had 8 shut-out IP vs the Mets while giving up just 4 hits and getting 6 strike outs. His performance moves the Yankees into sole possession of first place, due to the Tampa's loss to Florida today.
DOMINANCE!























And let's not forget about Mark Teixeira's big grand slam that was the only offense in the game! He's getting hot! 2 HR in the last 2 games!
DOMINANCE!

Yankees 2010 Trade Target: Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn, OF/1B Washington Nationals
2010 season: 66 G, .288/.379/.588, 16 HR, 39 RBI

Just about everyone knows Adam Dunn. Low average, lots of strike outs, lots of home runs. He hits an average of at least 40 home runs per season. His left handed swing would fit perfectly for Yankee Stadium. Seeing as he hit 38 home runs last year in spacious Nationals Park, he would hit at least 60 home runs playing in Yankee Stadium. Could you imagine that ruthian power hitting behind Tex and A-Rod?

However, it's well known that Dunn, 30, is a horrid defensive player. Since right and left field are covered by Swisher and Gardner and first base by Teixeira, it seems as though Dunn would be certain to be the Yankees' designated hitter. DH would be a perfect spot for Dunn, where he could rack up the home runs for the Yankees. The only issue with DHing is that recently Jorge Posada has occupied the DH slot since coming back from a broken foot. While he has been catching lately, he has complained of soreness in that foot while catching nine innings. The Yankees may want to use the DH spot to give Posada days of rest while Francisco Cervelli starts at catcher.

The other obstacle would be what to give the Nationals and if they would trade Dunn. At 31-37 and very much still on contention, the Nationals may be unwilling to trade Dunn. Dunn's at .288 (a career best) with 16 home runs and 39 RBI through 66 games this season while being owed $12 million this year. He's a free agent at the end of the year, and it's been rumored that the Nats are in talks for an extension. Being in contention, the Nationals may not want to trade Dunn, who's been a big part of their 2010 success. However, if they do decide that they want to trade him, I think the Yankees could have to give up a package that would look like this:

OF Colin Curtis
RHP Zach McCallister or Andrew Brackman
1B Juan Miranda
C Austin Romine

That's just what I think could get it done. You'd have to imagine that the Nats would ask for one of the catchers and if it's between Montero and Romine I think I'd rather give up the latter. Montero's been mentioned as one of MLB's best prospects and one of the best hitters in the MiLB. You imagine the Yankees would rather keep Montero. While I think Romine would have to pried away from the Yankees, I think they'd eventually go for it, especially if the team is still offensively struggling. I don't think the Yankees would trade Romine for a rental player, which Dunn could potentially be if the Yankees were to let him walk. I also think Yankee Universe would have an uproar. The Yankees already traded two top prospects in Austin Jackson and Arodys Vizcaino over the winter, so they may be reluctant to deal Romine. If the Yankees can trade for Dunn without giving up one of the catchers I think that they have to do it.

So while it could potentially happen, I think it could be likely that Dunn does end up in the Bronx, especially if the Yankees are still offensively struggling. It'd be tough to give up Romine, but with three other great catching prospects you have to take a chance. The object is to win now.

So will Adam Dunn be wearing pinstripes? Only time will tell as we're six weeks away from the trading deadline.

UPDATE 2:34 PM: The Yankees lead the Mets 5-3, so at least the offense has woke up a little.

Targets for the Yankees/Mets at the deadline

It's only six weeks until Major League Baseball's trading deadline and already, we've heard the Yankees and Mets connected to the big names in pitching with the likes of Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt. While pitching is always key to having a winning team, I don't believe the Yankees need to acquire either Lee or Oswalt. The Yankees have had a fantastic rotation all season, led by Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte. Now, with the emergence of Javier Vazquez breaking out of his two month funk, the rotation has become even better, as Vazquez is 5-3 with a 2.93 ERA in his last eight starts. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are pitching fine as well. All together, the Yankees' rotation has been solid. So, why would the Yankees want to acquire one of Oswalt or Lee when their rotation is already full and is pitching so well? In order for the Yankees to acquire one of the pitchers, someone from the current rotation would have to be traded. While I don't think it's all impossible for the Yankees to trade for Lee or Oswalt, I don't think it's likely, especially when Lee is a free agent at the end of the season. The Mets however, could use either of Lee or Oswalt to bolster their rotation.

What the Yankees really need right now is a bat. In their last 3 games, the Yankees have scored just four runs in their last three games, including yesterday's shut out by the Mets. The Yankees have had their share of offensive woes this year and it's clear they need another bat, especially with Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira struggling for the first three months of this season. It doesn't look like A-Rod or Tex will go back to their 2009 forms this season as they both look lost at the plate, with Teixeira hitting a career low .224 with 10 home runs and Rodriguez with only 8 home runs while battling constant injuries this season. At this point last season, Teixeira had 20 home runs. It's obvious that the Yankees need to acquire a bat, they can't have Kevin Russo and Ramiro Pena playing everyday because, no offense to them, but they aren't going to come up with the big hits to help the Yankees win. The Mets, on the other hand, need pitching help if they want to make it to the postseason.

So while it isn't time to wave the white flag, it is time to consider trading for some offensive and pitching help. I've compiled a list together of a few targets that the Yankees and Mets could be after this season to help wake up the offense. Each day, I'll post a new target who the Yankees or Mets could trade for the spark the offense. Keep on the look out!

(We won't be doing spots on Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt, seeing as we have done them already in the last week.)

Here are the lists of trade targets, as well as the date that capsules will be written on them:

Yankees: Adam Dunn - 6/19
Yankees: David DeJesus - 6/20
Mets: Jake Westbrook - 6/21
Yankees: Lance Berkman - 6/22
Mets: Fausto Carmona - 6/23
Yankees: Josh Willingham - 6/24
Mets: Kevin Millwood - 6/25
Yankees: Brandon League - 6/26
Mets: Jeremy Guthrie - 6/27
Mets: Kelly Johnson - 6/28
Yankees & Mets: Ty Wigginton - 6/29

LAKERS ARE 2009-2010 NBA CHAMPIONS! BACK TO BACK CHAMPS! YES!

I really can't even describe how amazing tonight was. It truly defined Game 7. The Lakers win the championship 83-79, in an intense, nail biting, and great defensive game. I can't even write about this because I'm so ecstatic. A great game played by both sides tonight, as the Boston Celtics played a great series. Kobe gets his fifth championship ring and the Lakers continue to be the best basketball organization in the NBA and win their 16th championship. Congrats to the Lakers and a great 2009-2010 season! GO LAKERS!

You can read about the game here. I've got two finals in the morning and gotta get some rest.

YES! LAKERS WIN!

Why the New York Mets will win the NL East

It pains me to say this, being a die-hard Yankee fan, but it must be said:

The New York Mets are going to be champions of the National League East.

No, I haven't drank or smoked anything funny, and no I wasn't recently dropped on my head. The way the Mets have played recently, being eight games over the .500 mark and .5 games out of first place, has proven to me that these are not the same Mets as last season. After two collapses in a row in 2007 & 2008, the 2009 Mets were a disaster. Injuries left and right, running into bad luck, and scrubs taking the place of super stars. This season however, many analysts, including myself, predicted that the Mets would finish in the cellar of the NL East. The way they've played recently though has made us all look foolish.

The Mets entered this season with low expectations, a questionable rotation, and unknowing when two major components, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran, would return or if they would return. Reyes came back earlier than expected, but it seemed to have no effect. With a pitching rotation coming undone with poor starts and injuries by John Maine and Oliver Perez it seemed as though the 2010 Mets would just be another repeat of the '09 disaster. However, not all hope was lost, thanks to the emergence of Mike Pelfrey and rookie phenoms first baseman Ike Davis and RHP Jenrry Mejia.

Since the beginning of the season, Pelfrey has proven to be the Mets' best pitcher. Compiling a 9-1 record with a 2.39 ERA to this point of the season, Pelfrey has proven he is the Mets' big game pitcher. After ending 2009 with a 10-12 record and an ERA of 5.03, Pelfrey seeked redemption going into this year. Many wondered if he would even make it as the Mets' fifth starter due to his poor spring training. To this point of the season, Pelfrey has made each who thought this face-palm themselves.

Then there was the emergence of Ike Davis. The Mets' top prospect made his debut on April 19, and provided a spark plug for this Mets' team. The young first baseman is currently batting .253 with 8 home runs while currently adjusting to major league pitching. Many argued that Davis should have opened the season with the club, to which Jerry Manuel agreed after he was called up. All Davis has done since his call-up is provide the Mets with acrobatic plays and a towering walk off home run. You can't help but think that he will be in the Rookie of the Year discussion. But there's more...

Enter Jenrry Mejia. The Mets' top pitching prospect who skipped AAA, and went straight to the pros. Oh, by the way, he's only 20. He's pitched to an eye-popping 3.04 ERA out of the bullpen for the Mets, who figure him to be a starter down the road. With all the youth on this team, the future looks bright for these Mets.

And then there are the afterthoughts who've stepped up: Angel Pagan, Jon Niese, Rod Barajas, and R.A. Dickey. Pagan, who enjoyed a nice season last year, is currently filling in for Carlos Beltran. However, due to recent setbacks, Pagan may be more than just a fill-in. He's hitting a surprising .281 in a full time role with 4 dingers on the year while playing outstanding defense. Jon Niese, who was always a Mets top prospect and on their radar has really stepped it up this season, pitching to a 3-2 record with a 3.61 ERA while battling some hamstring issues. Then there's Rod Barajas, who the Mets signed to a minor league contract in spring training. He's slugging at a .257 mark with 11, yes 11, home runs on the year. Getting that production out of a minor league signing is a steal. But wait, what about R.A. Dickey, a journeyman who was called up on May 19 to make a spot start? The knuckle baller is 4-0, (4-0!!!) with a 2.78 ERA. In his career, Dickey's lowest ERA was 4.62! What's more impressive? He's pitching better than Red Sox pitcher John Lackey, who Met fans begged ownership to sign. Feels good saving money right? His emergence in the Mets rotation has been a good luck charm for the Mets. Not so much afterthoughts anymore.

Perhaps the most amazing part of the 2010 Mets' season: 36.2 scoreless innings pitched. For a team with a questionable rotation coming into 2010, that's pretty darn amazing. It all started when they swept the Phillies from May 25-27 without allowing the Phillies to score in all 3 games. Remember, these are the Phillies we're talking about here, the 2009 NL Champions, and they got shut out by...the Mets?! However, this streak game to an end in the 9th inning against the Brewers when Corey Hart hit a walk off home run to beat the Mets. Then there was the 20 inning game against the St. Louis Cardinals, which the Mets won in the 20th inning. If there's one thing to say about these 2010 Mets, it is that they grind out at-bats, have great starting pitching and have great team chemistry this year.

No matter how good these Mets have been this year, they are far from a perfect team. Jason Bay isn't hitting at all. The power bat that the Mets signed for $66 million in the off season has hit just 4, that's right 4, home runs this year after hitting 36 for the Red Sox last year. One could argue that spacious Citi Field could be playing into effect, but that hasn't stopped Rod Barajas and David Wright from hitting 11 and 12 home runs respectively. Obviously there is something wrong with Bay's swing. Jose Reyes has not been the same Jose Reyes from 2008. Then there is the uncertainty of Francisco Rodriguez. While the season save record holder has pitched to a 2-1 record with a 2.36 ERA and 14 saves, he has made Mets fans all but confident when the 9th inning comes around. This year, we've seen him give up runs in the 9th allowing other teams to either win or tie a game. Most prominently, we've seen K-Rod give up the long ball, 3 to be exact to go along with 12 walks. Not what you want from a closer. There's also John Maine, the owner of a 6.13 ERA and who's suffered various shoulder setbacks this season. He's already been bumped from the rotation, and will probably remain in the bullpen when he returns. Daniel Murphy, who tore his MCL is done for the season. And do I really have to even mention Oliver Perez? He's been just dreadful and the Mets put him on the DL just to get him off the team. Sheesh.

There's been many bright spots for this Mets team this year. Chemisty, youth, and good pitching has put the Mets at a 36-28 record.

But even with all these good signs that have pointed to the Mets success this season, there's still one more component that can make this team even better, and not only NL East champions, but a World Series contender as well...
The Mets will trade for an elite starting pitcher.

Both Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt, two of baseball's elite pitchers, are available in trade for the price of who-can-give-the-best prospects. Don't think for a second that the Mets haven't already touched base with the Mariners and Astros.

With the Yankees' recent World Championship, the Mets had been an afterthought in New York City, acting the role of the forgotten team. You can imagine that acquiring Lee or Oswalt would take the spot light off the World Champs and put it on the team in Queens. With the Phillies sliding and the Mets only .5 games behind the Braves for first place, acquiring either of the pitchers to go along with a rotation that would include Johan Santana and Pelfrey would make for the best rotation in the NL East. Not just the NL East, but probably it'd be the best rotation in the National League. The Mets have reportedly touched base with both teams and have been discussing a deal with both sides. Roy Oswalt recently said that he would accept a trade to the Mets due to their strong play lately and chance to contend. Personally, as I've stated before, I think Oswalt would be the best fit for the Mets. Acquiring either would make the Mets a powerhouse team and a force to be reckoned with.

Whether it's Lee or Oswalt, one thing is for sure:

It will get done, and you can bet on it, no matter the cost.

The Mets are already a good team, and adding Lee/Oswalt would only make them a better team. It'd make the Mets true World Series contenders. Adding Lee/Oswalt to a core that already includes Jose Reyes, David Wright, Johan Santana, Ike Davis and Mike Pelfrey would make for a truly outstanding team with great potential. We've seen the Amazin's like never before this year, but be prepared because it's only going to get better.

Get ready baseball fans, introducing your 2010 NL East champs:

The New York Mets.

This is no fluke, this is a comeback.

That is why the New York Mets will win the NL East in 2010.

Lakers pushing for Game 7? UPDATE: Lakers win 89-67

The Lakers currently lead the Celtics 60-42 in the 3rd Quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Finals. A win for the Celtics (meaning a comeback is key!) would make them champions as they currently hold a 3-2 series lead. A Lakers win tonight (yay!) would tie the series 3-3 to go to Game 7 to decide the champion. There's 4:47 remaining in the 3rd, so anything is possible. Here's to hoping the Lakers can push for a Game 7.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE 11:42 - The Los Angeles Lakers have defeated the Boston Celtics 89-67 in a blowout to force a Game 7 to decide the 2010 NBA Champion. Kobe Bryant had 26 points in this game.

Game 7 is Thursday at 9 PM, as the Lakers try to continue their good luck at home. Get ready as Kobe Bryant looks forward to his 5th championship ring.

Halladay gets hammered, Yanks win 8-3. Mets beat Tribe 7-6.

(41-23) Yankees - 8, Phillies - 3 (32-20)
W - CC Sabathia (7-3)
L - Roy Halladay (8-5)
HR: (NYY) Curtis Granderson (5), Nick Swisher (11), Mark Teixeira (10)

The Yankees did what they needed to do. They got to Roy Halladay early, and didn't look back. Halladay came into tonight's game 18-6 with a 2.84 ERA lifetime vs the Yankees, along with bringing in a 8-4 record with a 1.96 ERA on the season. The way he pitched tonight however, didn't make it seem like that was the same pitcher. In the second inning, with Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada on base, Brett Gardner hit a triple to break open a 2-0 Yankee lead. To lead off the bottom of the third, Curtis Granderson sent a pitch sailing into the second deck in right field for a towering home run to give the Yanks an early 3-0 lead. After Mark Teixeira flied out, Robinson Cano reached on a double. The next batter, Nick Swisher, would send out his own bomb, clocking a pitch into the bleachers in right field, staking the Yanks out to a 5-0 lead over Halladay. In the top of the fourth inning it looked like the Phillies were making a comeback. They scored 3 runs off of Sabathia, but those would be the last runs they would score. In the bottom of the fifth, Mark Teixeira would look to regain some runs as he sent a homer just around the foul pole in right field to increase the Yankees lead to 6-3. The Yankees would score again in the bottom of the seventh, when Francisco Cervelli singled home Mark Teixiera and Jorge Posada to make it 8-3. The Yankees would not look back as David Robertson and Chan Ho Park shut down the Phillies for the eighth and ninth to give the Yankees an 8-3 win.

Sabathia pitched 7 innings, giving up 3 runs and 5 hits, but also getting 7 K's while his counterpart Roy Halladay only lasted 6 innings, while giving up 8 hits, 6 runs, 3 home runs, and only getting 5 K's. Many thought that Halladay's success against the Yankees would contribute to a win.

The Phillies only scored 3 runs in tonight's game, they have scored 3 runs or less in their last 21 games. The Phillies continue to slide, now only 2 games over .500 and in the 3rd place. The Yankees moved to 18 games over .500, still tied for 1st and with a Tampa loss tonight, can take over sole position of 1st place. Alex Rodriguez was not in the lineup tonight due to hip tendinitis and is scheduled to play tomorrow.


(36-28) Mets - 7, Indians - 6 (25-28)
W - Johan Santana (5-3)
L - Justin Masterson (2-6)
HR: (NYM) Ike Davis (8)
(CLE) Travis Hafner (8), Shelley Duncan (2)

While I didn't follow this game as closely as I did the Yankee game (c'mon it was Sabathia vs Halladay!) I understand Johan Santana's struggles continued against the tribe. Dating back to 2007 with the Twins, Santana was 0-5 against Cleveland. Through 7 innings today, he gave up 4 runs, 1 HR, 7 hits and only got 1, make that ONE, strikeout. That's very un-Santana like. As for Justin Masterson, he went 7 innings, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits and 1 home run while getting only 2 strike outs. So not a great performance out of either side. In the 9th, Francisco Rodriguez continued to be shaky, giving up a home run to Shelley Duncan to cut the lead to 7-6. Nonetheless, the Mets would hang on for the win. Barring an Atlanta loss, the Mets will be .5 games out of first place. Who woulda thunk it?

7 of the Mets' 12 hits tonight were infield hits.

So a win for both New York teams as they both push towards 1st place. That'll be all for tonight.

You again! Yankees vs Phillies World Series Rematch

Are you ready for the intensity of the Yankees vs Phillies?

Only this time it's not for a world championship, but just for regulation.

Yes, it was only eight months ago that the Yankees defeated the Phillies in Game 6 of the 2009 World Series. Today however, the Yankees play the Phillies for the first time since that World Series game (unless you count Spring Training) and look forward to another victory.

The teams are different. No more are the components that propelled last year's World Champions in World Series MVP Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon. Likewise for the Phightin's. Cliff Lee, perhaps the Phillies post season MVP, has since been traded. But while old faces have since departed, new faces have entered with the same determination in the likes of Curtis Granderson, Javier Vazquez, and most notably, Roy Halladay. Nonetheless, the goal is still the same: Win.

The Phillies, losers of the World Series last year, look for redemption tonight against the Yankees as they send ace Roy Halladay to the mound. Halladay, who was nearly a Yankee but was acquired in the 3-team trade that sent Cliff Lee to Seattle, is without a doubt the best pitcher in baseball, along with being a notorious "Yankee killer." In his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, Halladay is 18-6 with a 2.84 ERA against the Yankees. The Phillies look for Halladay to shut down the Yankees offense in tonight's game.

The Yankees will respond with one of their own: ace left-hander and ALCS MVP, CC Sabathia. Sabathia, who is 6-3 with a 4.01 ERA this season has struggled recently, is arguably one of the game's best pitchers with Halladay. The Yankees will look for CC to keep them in the game, even though it will be difficult to score runs off of Halladay.

Could you truly ask for a better pitching match-up then this? Sabathia vs Halladay has to be the best match-up of the year. This will be a very interesting game tonight. The Yankees are hot right now. They swept the Astros, scored what feels like dozens of runs, and strolled into first place. You can only imagine the momentum carrying the Yankees tonight. The Phillies on the other hand are not hot right now. They've been offensively challenged of late and find themselves in 3rd place in the NL East behind the Mets and Braves. I really can't wait to watch this game!

First pitch 7:05! Yankees vs Phillies World Series Rematch! Sabathia vs Halladay! Who will be the victor? Stay tuned!