Jeff Francoeur had surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb today. The Mets, as they do with all surgeries, said he is expected to be ready for spring training.
Francoeur played with the injury since July 23 when he made a diving catch against the Phillies. It was same game in which in lined into a game-ending triple play.
They have the money and they have the star galaxy, but the Yankees are showing grit and resiliency. They are winning this World Series, with a 27th title within their grasp, despite Mark Teixeira not hitting; despite CC Sabathia not winning a game (all right, that’s semantics because he’s pitched very well); and despite Alex Rodriguez’s miserable start.
Many thought, myself included, this would go seven. Two potent offenses and aces on both teams, how could it not? The Yankees can wrap it up in five games tonight.
Bearing down on title 27
Rattled, Lidge hit Teixeira and Rodriguez delivered.
“There’s no question I’ve never had a bigger hit,” Rodriguez said.
It really is amazing how the momentum of the Series shifted so suddenly. It didn’t take much, either. After losing the first game, the Yankees were behind in Game 2 when Hideki Matsui tied it with a homer. You knew then the Series was going to be tied.
Down in Game 3, Andy Pettitte’s hit off a Cole Hamels curveball, tied that game and set up a big inning. The Series was now slipping away. Then, there was Damon’s play last night, after which you know what would happen next, and now the Yankees are 27 outs away from their 27th title.
That the Yankees came back last night after the Phillies tied the game in the eighth tells you what you need to know about them.
Like them or hate them, and there’s no middle ground, you must respect them. And, fear them.
Game 4: Sabathia vs. Blanton.
Sabathia is a horse. He is 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA in eight starts throwing on short rest. The Phillies decided not to start Cliff Lee on three days rest, instead opting for Joe Blanton. Lee has never worked on short rest.
SABATHIA: Trying to put the hammer down.
Should the Phillies extend this to a seventh game, Sabathia would get that start in New York.
The two most intriguing left-field names are Jason Bay and Matt Holliday, and I’m not high of the Mets getting either. Less desirous names are Vernon Wells and Milton Bradley. Both would be a mistake.
Amid reports Boston is offering Bay $60 million over four years, one would think he’ll stay with the Red Sox. Holliday would want more, and with Albert Pujols saying he wants to remain with the Cardinals, that is contingent on being surrounded with support. That Holliday is gone from St. Louis could be a premature assumption.
F-MART: Is it time for him?
Bradley’s contract calls for two years and $21.5 million, which would be reasonable if he weren’t such a head case and clubhouse cancer. There’s a
Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford and Pat Burrell, and the Angels’ Gary Matthews Jr. remain options. I’m on board for exploring Crawford, but I’m also beginning to wonder if giving the position to Fernando Martinez would be reasonable.
BRADLEY: Just say no.
Yes, the Mets have been accused of rushing players, and Mike Pelfrey and Lastings Milledge are two examples. But, if the Mets don’t seriously upgrade their rotation they aren’t going anywhere anyway.
So, maybe it is time for them to see what they have in Martinez?
Sunday football on the tube.
Up 13-0, it’s too soon to say it will be a blowout. Giants score and we’ve got a game again.
The Green Bay-Minnesota game is the one with the most interest to me. There aren’t too many players as magnetic as Favre. Everybody knew last year, or had to at least suspect it, that the Jets were just a rest stop on the Turnpike for him.
Watch. Enjoy. If you want to comment on anything that would be great. Thanks.
