Posted on 12/15/2004 7:39:45 AM PST by johnny7
He's not a #1 on most pitching staffs. A #1 is a guy who can pitch every 5th game and get quality starts in most of them. Pedro's ERA when pitching on 4 days rest was about 5.00 last year. If he could pitch every 7 days, he'd be a very good pitcher (tho still limited to about 105 pitches). His stats may improve this year since he's pitching to pitchers instead of DH's. However, his headhunting tendencies may have to be curtailed somewhat as he'll be in the batters box once or twice every start.
His shtick is going to wear thin very quickly in New York. It's one thing to humor along your prima donna when you're in the midst of a pennant race with a serious chance of World Series success. It's quite another when you're 10 games under .500 at the start of September with nothing but next season to look forward to.
I think you are way off base here. It is not the leaving that generates the ire of Red Sox Nation it is listening to millionaires whine about money while saying it is about respect. The difference between the Red Sox offer and the Mets offer was a guarenteed fourth year. According to Pedro respect is defined as a four year contract. I wonder what his definition of loyalty is? We have paid him over 90 million for his last seven years of work. While I don't blame him for getting all he can, PLEASE don't say it is about respect. Pedro had the most loyal and adoring fan base since Larry Bird.
If Veritek or Lowe leave I'm sure you will (mostly) hear respectful conversation. They are not prima-donas and they don't whine about money.
Nomar was a documented clubhouse cancer. Think it was a fluke that the Red Sox started winning big as soon as they ditched his pouting ass? And Clemens is a thug - no loyalty, no honor, just thug. Bad-mouthed Boston to no end. Boston, the town that made him famous. Clemens stopped playing because he was all pissy with Boston brass. So... why am I supposed to hold him in any regard again?
I did not detect anything close to this among Yankees fans, who could have certainly felt jilted about Clemens's alleged "retirement" and subsequent return.
The Yankees couldn't care less - they are all about hired guns. Clemens' snubbing of them was just par for the course. (Besides, it wasn't as if Clemens didn't even acknowledge that he ever played in NY. He never acknowledged (still hasn't to my knowledge) Boston.) In any case, my obligatory Yankees jab: the Yankees are loyal to one thing: spending WHATEVER IT TAKES to win. Boston fans want more loyalty than that.
As for Andy Pettitte, that guy is complete class. I don't think the Yankees have anything to complain about with his departure.
Pedro has seen better days. He is not dominant like he used to be and his durability has never been good. If he can skip every other scheduled start and come out after five innings, then he might do some good for the Mets. Otherwise, he will be just another overpriced flop, which will make him a perfect fit with the rest of the Mets.
How many millions did Pedro already have before he signed this offer? How many millions does one need to live comfortably for the rest of one's life? Why isn't - say - a four year deal for a mere $20 million enough for a pitcher whose best years are almost certainly behind him? Couldn't he scrape by on $20 million, or $10 million, on top of the millions he's already earned?
That’s just a really silly sentiment.
If I offered you $10 million to do your job, and somebody else offered you $20 million to do your job, which offer would you accept?
It's almost as if the writers/fans take it personally. That they, in some silly, childish way, believe that the player is rejecting THEM!
Go figure.
"...As for the Philly fans -- well, as long as they have something to boo, they're pretty happy. Baseball is clearly number two in Philly, while in Boston it seems to be number one..."
It is said that in Boston, we only talk about three things: sports, baseball and the Red Sox. My friend was in the shower when his wife yelled, "We got him!" "Who," he replied, "A-Rod?" "No! Saddam Hussein!"
They actually think the players love their team as much as the fans do. They don't realize that 90% of the Red Sox would rather play for the dreaded Yankees and earn more money.
I agree about Veritek, but with Lowe I think there will be two reactions. The public: thanks for everything. The private: quiet snickering and wishing his new team the best in dealing with that headcase.
What it boils down to with people like Pedro and Lowe is that you aren't just getting a pitcher. The Mets are effectively paying for the privilege of dealing with Pedro's antics; some other team might do the same for Lowe's meltdowns. The 2004 Red Sox were a special team in that they could play SO loosely that they could get past a lot of that. I strongly suspect that will not be the case in most places, and especially not in New York.
"Never mind that the Mets have a snowball's chance in hell of winning next year."
As Letterman said, hey, he gets all this money AND October off. What a deal!
Pedro is a Diva and needs CONSTANT attention. Boston fans have always had a love/hate relationship with him. I don't know anyone who is really sad to see him go.
I can't wait to see Pedro face Yankees pitching during the annual subway series. I'm betting he gets a fastball in the ear his first at bat.
If some other club thinks he's worth more..so be it.
FRegards,
Late 70's early 80's, they were a force to be reckoned with.
Nothing much wrong with the Mets' defense. They do, however, leave a passle of men on base.
They'll trash their beloved 'Tek' should he leave... with Lowe, it'll be quicker.
I had an uncle who lived and breathed for the Sox. 'Ya know what he called Yaz? 'Yasbumski'.
You just proved my point!
You're paying grown men millions of dollars to play a boy's game. Of course all they care about is the money
You can't spend fan loyalty. After he retires do you think he'd stay in the hellholes of the northeast? I'd expect him to move somewhere sensible and live like a king. Florida or maybe Puerto Rico.
It won't matter to him one iota what the fans think of him after he retires. He'llnever see them or think of them again. Their only purpose is to give him millions now so he can retire in style.
I was fortunate to be present at the opening game at Anaheim this season, which was against the Mariners. When Spezio came out to bat he was given a prolonged standing ovation.
What a tribute to Scott, the Angels' fans and the game.
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