Coming off yet another regular season collapse in 2008 the New York Mets are looking to bounce back in 2009.  Trying to shake the monkey that is Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard off their backs and finally live up to their potential and hype.  Following their most recent regular season collapse the Mets took action in the offseason and made some key additions to their roster that could finally get them over the hump barring another catastrophe.

Back in October, the Mets first re-signed GM Omar Minaya to a three year contract extension as well as locked in on Jerry Manual for a two year agreement with a club option for 2011.

The biggest concern the Mets faced coming into the offseason was their bullpen or lack thereof. The Mets sat down with the “Wild Thing” Ricky Vaughn from Major League, as well as Chet “Rocket” Steadman and Henry Rowengartner from Rookie of the Year, no contract agreements could be reached. Instead the Mets settled and signed “K-Rod” Francisco Rodriguez to a three year deal as well as acquired J.J. Putz from Seattle. Obviously I jest about Vaughn, Steadman and 12 year old Rowengartner, and although it would have been humorous to watch, K-Rod and Putz are much better additions. With the addition of K-Rod and Putz in the bullpen, the Mets may just have what it takes to prevent another catastrophic meltdown this year.

Other notable offseason moves included the Mets resigning John Maine to a one year deal as well as the always hot and cold Oliver Perez to another three year headache.  The Mets also exercised their 2009 club option on Cronus, father of time, AKA Carlos Delgado.  Delgado got off to a very slow start last year and I would expect the same from him again. I personally do not see him putting up the same kind of hot streak as last year. I see him rounding out at .260 25 HR and 90 RBI.

One other hot topic around New York this offseason involving the Mets was an offseason non move for Manny Ramirez. As you all know Manny is finally a Dodger again, but there were rumors floating around all offseason involving his possible move to the Amazins’.

More from Joe O’Rourke can be found at Bloggle Heads! which he co-founded.

Related posts:

1. Mets Hot Stove Roundup: The Pilot Light Is Out
2. Mets’ Hot Stove 2009 – Many Holes to Fill
3. New Bullpen, New Ballpark, New York Mets

As one can expect, there are the normal aspects of a season ending program such as the season in review and some of the post season events that had made news. Included in the team by team sections along with the rosters of the Rays and Phillies was a day by day journal of the events of the season that led these two teams to the series.

Surprisingly, most of the program (probably the three quarters of it) has very little to do specifically with the teams who were in the Series, making it even more interesting to baseball fans across the country.

There is truly something for all fans as Red Sox fans could spend time reading the interview with crazy closer Jonathan Papelbon and Royals fans can feel that their team is truly supported during an interview with actor Paul Rudd.

There are many writers in the program that many casual baseball fans have heard of such as Jayson Stark of ESPN.com and George F. Will, an author of many baseball books. During one section, Stark and another columnist named Bob Kalpisch debate which moment is the greatest in World Series history. (Stark points to game seven of the 1960 World Series when Bill Mazeroski homered and led the Pirates to the title and Kapisch points to Bob Gibson’s homerun in game one of the 1988 Series.)

There are also a few satirical stories written to peak those interests. One of these stories compares Francisco Rodriguez to Bobby Thigpen. (Rodriguez broke Thigpen’s record for most saves in a single season in 2008.) One of the comparisons is how each of the players used breaking balls. Rodriguez is said to use breaking balls as his, “go-to pitch,” while Thigpen uses it as his “favorite lover room activity.”

As one might imagine, history is abound during the program as many of the most famous games in World Series history are chronicled. Steve Krasner has a very interesting article entitled “Once in a Lifetime” about the 1918 World Series when the Cubs and Red Sox met in the Series. Krasner looks into the contrast in times as both teams were World Series regulars during this time and after that year, each team entered a nearly century long draught without a title (For the Cubs, it could be more than a century.).

While history no doubt has its place in the program, there is no doubt that much of the focus is on the incredible 2008 season. Jodie Jordan lays out the ten most dominant players in the league as voted by players, coaches and managers with Josh Hamilton finishing first while Pete Williams features the Rays in an attempt to explain the success of the young club.

Another ESPN writer, Jerry Crasnick, has a piece in the program about what it takes to have one of the greatest pitching seasons of all time. Featured in the article are Pedro Martines, Sandy Koufax and Ron Guidry (among others). All of whom, it could be said, experienced a good deal of success on the Major League level.

Their behind the scenes look at members of different organizations provided an interesting look into how baseball teams work behind the scenes. Since they did not only focus on the major members of the front office, the reader is able to better understand the idea that a Major League Baseball team is basically like any other big time business when it is operating off the field.

As one might imagine, there are many pages dedicated to an explanation of the brand new MLB Network. During this piece, the readers learn what thought has gone into the different programming that is going to be offered in a nearly obvious attempt by MLB to try to make the fans believe that they are not creating the network to make some more money.

Overall, the magazine was full of interesting content and boasted some of the best action pictures a baseball fan can ever hope to see. Even compared to last year’s program (which was also filled with great information) this is a step up in terms of the breadth of topics covered throughout the program.

The Grade: 4.75/5

Bill Jordan is a contributor to BaseballReflections.com. He can be reached by e-mail at BillJordaniv@yahoo.com.

Related posts:

1. Reviewing the 2008 All Star Game Program
2. For the First Time in World Series History…
3. 2008 World Series Preview

While there is a lot of information about the Yankees’ history, it’s not so prevalent that other fans would be turned off. The articles that are in there about the Yankees are also respectful of the game, and don’t necessarily tout the Bronx Bombers as the standard that all should attempt to live up to.

As one might imagine, there are many recounts of the greatest moments in All Star Game history. One that many would still remember is depicted from 2001 when Alex Rodriguez (then a shortstop with the Texas Rangers) showed Cal Ripken Jr. from third base to shortstop (his original position) during Ripken’s last Mid Summer Classic.

There is a nice piece featured in the article about how obsessive baseball fans are about collectibles and that it seems to be in the blood of baseball fans more than almost any other group of people. It makes a good point by claiming what other people would keep shards of grass from the one time they got to walk onto their favorite Major League team’s field or are willing to shell out top prices for small pieces of cardboard.

Although there is a feature on George Steinbrenner, it is not surprising that it is a relatively small piece compared to the others since the Boss has really cut off connections to the public over the past few years and his story has been told so many times.

Two of the most interesting and best written pieces in the program are interviews with Derek Jeter and Bob Sheppard (who has been the loudspeaker voice for the Yankees since Abner Doubleday was a young boy). Although Jeter’s interview is somewhat cliché, he always seems to provide an excellent perspective into what it really means to be a Yankee (past the part where those in pinstripes are inevitably making more than everyone else). Sheppard’s interview was very interesting as he has seen so much that the most famous venue in baseball has to offer. His words truly show a love of the game and one can tell that it has truly pained him to have to miss some games over the past few seasons due to a throat condition that has affected both his voice and outer body.

It is no surprise that there is a lengthy piece about the other events that have taken place at Yankee Stadium over the years. From great boxing matches to concerts to the Pope, it all lead basketball great Michael Jordan to say, “All the history and all the memories that have been shared at Yankee Stadium separate it from every other sports venue.”

Perhaps the most eye catching piece in the entire program is a lineup of the best Yankees ever. Overall, the list is not surprising with big names like Yogi Berra at catcher and Lou Gherig at first, but when one notices that Joe DiMaggio is listed as the second person on the bench, they are forced to take a deeper look into the proposed lineup.

Other pieces in the program include a well written, but mostly already known, article on Babe Ruth (which has some really interesting pictures of the Bambino), a piece on the history of baseball in New York (with a strong emphasis on the Negro Leagues) and profiles of all of the players who were named to the 2008 All Star Teams.

Overall, MLB did a great job putting together a tribute program that didn’t go over the edge too much in terms of an emphasis on the featured team or stadium. The publication should be commended for its wide range of articles and information that is sure to peak at least some interest in the minds of all baseball fans.

The Grade: 4.75/5

Bill Jordan is a contributor to BaseballReflections.com. He can be reached by e-mail at BillJordaniv@yahoo.com.

Related posts:

1. Great Moments in All-Star Game History: Part 3 (1990-2008)
2. Great Moments in All-Star Game History: Part 2 (1960-1989)
3. Great Moments in All-Star Game History: Part 1, 1933-1959

“We were tied to the past, and the past wasn’t necessarily something we
wanted to be known for. Nobody’s running from it or hiding from it, and
we’re proud of certain aspects of it, but this is something the
organization was able to really put their arms around. I hope and
expect the fans who come out will see it as a new beginning,” he said.

For more on this selection please go to this article from the Biz of Baseball, which can be found by clicking the following text link.

Tampa Bay Rays – 2008 MLB Organization of the Year

Related posts:

1. NY Mets: A Look Back at 2008 & What to Expect in 2009
2. Reviewing the 2008 World Series Program
3. 2008 World Series Preview

First, I’ll toot my own horn. This was a must win for the Phillies. They needed to win at least 1 out of 2 in Tampa Bay in order to have any chance at winning the series. This was their best chance at doing that with the match up between Kazmir and Hamels. Kazmir showed glimpses of how he pitched in past years when he was the ace of this young Rays rotation. I still say that he walked too many batter, yet only one really hurt him; that was in the first, before giving up Utley’s HR.

I admit that the Phillies surprised me with how well they played after such a long lapse of time between games. That, along with last night’s win, shows me that this will be a competitive

World Series. We haven’t seen many of those in recent years. See this post from right after last year’s World Series and this one today from Tommy Buettner Blogging Sports. It was nice to see Utleytake one deep, but they really need Howard to start hitting if they are going to beat the Rays! That is, unless their big three of Upton, Pena & Longoria keep going 0′fer throughout  the series.

Speaking about the Phillies 2B, Utley; who else thinks he has an ugly swing? Post your thoughts in the comments! Now don’t get me wrong, it’s very effective, but it doesn’t look like it would be.

Now onto the Las Vegas favored Tampa Bay Rays. Outside of the walk and the first inning hanger to Utley, I think Kazmir pitched well. Although, I don’t think he would have walked so many a year ago. He hasn’t been quite the same since those arm problems that had him start this year on the DL. I did enjoy watching Upton throw out a runner at the plate with almost no momentum. It was almost flat footed. The throw was right on the mark on a hop and in plenty of time. Not bad for someone who is a converted outfielder. Too bad he cooled off at the plate in this game. I’ll state the obvious here, in order for the Rays to keep this Cinderella story going is to get the bats of Upton, Pena and Longoria hot once again, but maybe Crawford getting hot could alleviate the burden just a bit.

**By the way, Rays SS Jason Bartlett is buying the US a Taco on Tuesday, October 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m after he stole the first base of the series last night. Bartlett follows in the footsteps of Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury who accomplished this feat in last year’s World Series as seen HERE.**

In closing, who would have thought in spring training that we would see Brad Lidge closing out a World Series game again after his shell shocking performance against the White Sox in 2005 when he was with the Houston Astros? Not to mention how he has converted 47 out of 47 save opportunities this year with 6 of those being in the playoffs.

Going into Game two tonight is James Shields of the Rays against the hitting pitcher, Brett Myers. Personally, I would have saved Meyers to pitch in Philly with the way he’s been swinging the bat in this post season. He has already rattled the cages of CC Sabathia in the NLDS and then had an unheard of 3 RBIs in the NLCS. In fact, no other pitcher has had 3RBIs in a playoff game since prior to 1920. You could look it up! The Rays need to win this game or they’ll have to come up with some magic of their own to win 2 out of 3 in Philly and make this a two game series. Tonight’s pitching match up favors the Rays and I personally expect them to win.

Related posts:

1. For the First Time in World Series History…
2. Philadelphia is One Win Away from Baseball Euphoria!
3. 2008 World Series Preview

Tampa Bay Rays (97-65)

Vs.

Philadelphia Phillies (92-70)

This first area of concern I have is how long the Phillies had to wait for the Rays to eliminate the Red Sox (95-67). It has been a week since the Phillies have played against an opponent as they eliminated the Dodgers (84-78) in 5 games while the Rays needed all 7 games to eliminate the Sox.

The second concern is the rotation match ups. Not the order, but rather how the Phillies 4 match up against the Rays 4. I have the advantage going to the Rays here! But if you want a game by game analysis, I’ll give it a shot below…

Game 1: Hamels vs Kazmir - unless Kazmir pitches with dominance like he has other than this year, I’d have to give this one to Hamels without question.

Game 2: Myers vs Shields - Unless Meyers does to Shields, what he previously did to CC Sabathia, I think Shields finally earns the nickname “big game” with a win on the biggest stage of his career in game 2 of the World Series.

Game 3: Garza vs Moyer - Barring divine intervention, I think the ALCS MVP will win game 3 over the crafty veteran, Moyer.

Game 4: Sonnanstine vs Blanton - Blanton just isn’t as good since leaving Oakland with all that foul ground that helps to keep a pitcher’s ERA down. On the other hand, Sonnanstine is a fine # 3 or 4 pitcher.

The Phillies offense needs to get to the Rays bullpen and fast. This is their best chance to win unless the Rays pitchers finally fold under the pressue of performing in the World Series, but I just don’t see that happening. If, however, this turns into a slugfest, the Phillies will win easily because they have more bats and more veterans that will probably keep their composure under such stress.

My heart wants the Phillies to win, thinking that the Rays look to be here for the long run, but my instincts tell me otherwise. Plus, after seeing what the Rays did to the Red Sox in the ALCS, and I think the Red Sox are a better team than the Phillies, I just can’t see the Rays loosing this unless they choke under the pressure via errors or the bullpen implodes. Both actually can happen, we saw glimpses of it in the ALCS, but they were overcome in the end. Either way, this has the potential of being a great series!

PLAY BALL!

Related posts:

1. Congratulations to the 2009 World Series Champion NY Yankees
2. Reviewing the 2008 World Series Program
3. For the First Time in World Series History…

IRVINE, CALIF., October 20, 2008 – With America hungry for some positive news, Taco Bell® is giving fans an extra tasty incentive to tune into the 2008 Major League Baseball World Series and cheer for action on the base paths as one player will have the opportunity to steal millions of free tacos for America.

Taco Bell, the official Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) of Major League Baseball® (MLB), today announced that its highly successful “Steal A Base, Steal A Taco” promotion will return for a second year during the Fall Classic™. If any player, from either team, during any game, steals the first stolen base of the 2008 World Series, everyone in the U.S. will have the opportunity to enjoy one free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco from Taco Bell.

“Last year we gave away millions of tacos to America, and based on the wild popularity with consumers, we’re bringing back the promotion,” said David Ovens, chief marketing officer, Taco Bell Corp. “With consumer sentiment near all time lows, ‘Steal A Base, Steal A Taco’ is our way of extending the magic of the World Series to everybody by celebrating the game and rewarding fans, no matter which team you root for.”

If the first stolen base occurs during Games 1, 2, 3 or 4, America will be able to get a free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco on Tuesday, October 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time at all participating Taco Bell® locations. If the first base is stolen in Games 5, 6 or 7, America will be able to get their taco on Monday, November 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time at all participating Taco Bell® locations. Baseball fans are invited to visit www.stealabasestealataco.com for more information on how to get their free taco.

Last fall, Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury stole second base in the bottom of the 4th inning of Game 2 at the World Series, becoming the first ever Major League Baseball player to steal millions of tacos for America. With the start of the World Series just days away, baseball fans will undoubtedly ask, “Who will be this year’s Taco Bell hero?”

“Because last year was my first in the big leagues, there were a lot of firsts,” said Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox center fielder. “My first start, first hit, first World Series ring and to top it all off, I had the chance to steal a base that won tacos for America. Winning the World Series was the highlight, but winning tacos for America was pretty cool too.”

Taco Bell has a long history of “Think Outside the Bun®” promotions with Major League Baseball. In addition to last year’s successful “Steal A Base, Steal A Taco” World Series promotion, the company has also placed its famous “Free Taco” target at multiple World Series games. Taco Bell is currently in its fifth year as an Official Sponsor of Major League Baseball.

“The ‘Steal a Base, Steal a Taco’ promotion gives Taco Bell a remarkably creative way to engage with our fans around Baseball’s most important event, the World Series,” said John Brody, Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales and Marketing, Major League Baseball. “This is another example of Taco Bell’s ‘Think Outside the Bun’ philosophy that will connect with the millions of MLB fans across the country.”

Marketing Support

To drive awareness of the “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion, Taco Bell will tag its :15 second Volcano Taco television spots with www.stealabasestealataco.com and the World Series logos. The spots will air beginning Saturday, October 18 and throughout the weekend before the Fall Classic™. A full page ad in USA Today will announce the promotion. “Steal A Base, Steal A Taco” will also benefit a worthy cause – a monetary donation of $20,000 will be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Official Charity of Major League Baseball as well as Taco Bell®, in the name of the player who steals the “free taco” base in the 2008 World Series.

No Purchase Necessary. Subject to Terms and Conditions available in-store and online at www.StealaBaseStealaTaco.com. If a base is stolen during regulation or extra innings play by any player for either MLB® team participating in the 2008 MLB® World Series®, Taco Bell® will offer every person in the U.S. the opportunity to obtain one (1) free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco (Approximate Retail Value 91¢, prices may vary) at participating Taco Bell® restaurants in the United States on the date designated herein. Eligible consumers can obtain their free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 (if base is stolen in Games 1-4 on October 22, 23, 25 or October 26, 2008) OR Monday, November 3, 2008 (if base is stolen in Games 5-7, October 27, 29 or October 30, 2008) (“Redemption Date”) only. To obtain the Free Taco, consumers must visit any participating Taco Bell® restaurant in one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (local time) on the Redemption Date only and request a Free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco. Limit one (1) Free Crunchy Season Beef Taco per person. Void where prohibited. Offer valid at participating Taco Bell® locations. Portions ©2008 Taco Bell Corp.

Related posts:

1. Reviewing the 2008 World Series Program
2. 2008 World Series Preview
3. The Phillies Are Headed to the 2008 World Series!

Starting pitcher and Phillies Ace Cole Hamels, who won two games in this series won the NLCS MVP!

Related posts:

1. Congratulations to the 2009 World Series Champion NY Yankees
2. Phillies Advance to the 2009 World Series
3. Reviewing the 2008 World Series Program

On paper, Boston has the advantage in 5 of the 9 spots in the line up at 2B with Pedroia, DH with Ortiz, 3B with Youkilis (although it’s a slight edge), LF with Bay and RF with Drew. Tampa ’s advantage is at C with Navarro, 1B with Pena, SS with Bartlett and CF with Upton. The last two with only a slight edge (SS and CF).

The advantage between the rotation depends upon which Josh Beckett we see in this series. If he’s the dominant force the post-season is use to seeing, then I give the advantage to Boston with the exception of game 4. If, however, Beckett is only at regular season efficiency (most likely), then I have to give the Rays the advantage here. The only chance that I’m wrong in this analysis is if the youthful Rays staff finally starts to show it’s lack of experience and has a meltdown.

The bullpen or middle relief edge goes to Tampa , but the edge at closer is in Boston’s advantage by far.

I see this series going 6 or 7 games of absolutely exciting baseball! It should not disappoint anyone! The Red Sox and their experience will win out! Play ball!!

Related posts:

1. 2008 World Series Preview
2. Boston Forces Game 7 in the ALCS Against the Rays
3. Live Blogging ALCS Game 6

Let me start off by saying that according to the numbers, this should be an exciting series and a sweep would be extremely disappointing. I expect this to go 6 or 7 games!

I think that the top 6 hitters in each line up are just about equal with each other except for the Phillies reliance on the long ball.

I’d give the Dodgers bench the advantage with Nomar (it’s easier to spell) and Kent over Dobbs and anyone else on the Phillies bench.

I like the Dodgers rotation better than the Phillies if LA goes with the veteran Greg Maddux over the young lefty Clayton Kershaw. Adding Kershaw to the bullpen ala Boston’s rookie starter Justin Masterson, would bolster an already good Dodger bullpen, which I also award the edge to the Dodgers because of their low ERA. The highest ERA (outside of Kershaw or Maddux) of anyone in their bullpen is Chan Ho Park at 3.40

The closer position is a clear advantage for the Phillies with NL comeback player of the year Brad Lidge over either Broxton or Saito (if healthy).

The keys to this series are how well the Phillies middle of the order of Utley, Howard and Burrell hits and if Manny Ramirez can keep up his dominance in the playoffs. On the mound, the Phillies need Brett Myers to pitch like he’s been pitching and not like the way he was when he got sent down to the minors. Likewise, both Moyer and Maddux (if he starts) need to NOT act their age in order for their team to win games three and four respectively.

I’ll have to go with the firepower of the Phillies overpowering the Dodgers and advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

Related posts:

1. My 2009 World Series Prediction
2. 2008 World Series Preview
3. Pete’s Preview and Prediction of the ALCS