Opinion

This is a re-post, but activity on the Mets Police  has been way up thanks to the community of bloggers uniting to try to get Opening Night switched to a 1:05 start...so I thought I'd share.

In 2004, the New York Yankees were coming off a heart-breaking World Series loss to the Florida Marlins.

One man in particular got them to that spot in the World Series.

Aaron Boone hit a home run in the 11th inning of Game Seven of the ALCS to send the rival Red Sox packing again. This home run is probably the greatest I remember ever seeing.

The significance that Boone has to the team is not only that home run, but also what happened in the offseason.

Spring training is by far one of the best times of the year.  If any of you have ever had the privilege to attend a spring training game, you have probably walked away feeling better about the game of baseball than when you arrived.

There is just something special about spring training.  Get to the park early in the morning, and watch the team go through their drills.  Mingling with the players, coaches, and fellow fans. 

In my previous piece, I said I tend to gloss over outfielders. If that's true (and it is), I flat out ignore pitching. Those of you looking for sturdy analysis of more than just the super-elite starters and closers should look elsewhere because I'm just going to hit the aces of the aces.

In other words, these are not the previews you're looking for (with a wave of my hand).

It should hopefully be a fun read though...

THE PITCHERS

I continue the all-time tour with the defending AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays.
 
Since we’re dealing with over a century and thousands of players on my lists, I will assume the DH role for both leagues. I will limit the teams to 25 players. I’ll carry 13 batters and 12 pitchers for each team.

You've all had 20 minutes to look at this diagram. Does ANYONE think its correct? No? Good. Welcome to the University of Chicago, lesson one: hate everything—U of C Masters Student and Teaching Assistant.

Josh Ellis is far from the only person to believe this maxim, though he is the author. There seems to be a belief that to be a true fan of a team, you've got to hate it. Every coach is an idiot, no player is worth his contract, the owner is as cheap as it comes—no one is safe from the fury.

The greatest play in MLB history was not a walk-off long ball, nor was it an amazing catch. It was one home run.

A few days after the terrifying and horrible events of September 11, 2001, Mike Piazza hit a game-winning two-run homer.

New York was devastated by the attacks, as was the rest of the country. The Mets-Braves game on Sept. 21 was the first major sporting event after the catastrophe.

This single homer brought the city out of the darkness and tragedy.

As most of us know, there is more to life then sports. Kids grow up watching their favorite athletes, and view them as role models. Baseball is America’s pastime, and arguably its most popular sport. Unfortunately, baseball has been sending a bad message to children.

When Alex Rodriquez got accused of steroids, the baseball world was shocked. Arguably the biggest baseball icon was accused of cheating. When he admitted to using steroids, the media attacked him with questions for a week and eventually the news dwindled down.

After hearing from multiple sources that Jeff Clement might not make the Mariners opening day roster, I starting thinking, what should they do with him? Could they trade him? Could he be the Mariners' full time designated hitter and follow in the footsteps of All-Star Edgar Martinez?

Now, the reasons for him possibly not making the roster, are bold but true. Mariner's manager Don Wakamatsu wants a defensive back-up catcher and Clement is by no means that, so that leaves Rob Johnson.

Read articles like this one at Getoutofmyballpark.com every day

Or at least stop talking about baseball.