Bicycle and Baseball (and a Little Football, Too)
Base10 took another 20 mile ride yesterday morning. Let's just say his groin-area is starting to rebel. I've been doing a cruising speed of about 14 mph, which actuallty isn't bad, but is far from the 18-20 mph that you hope for. Base10's problem is that even with the slightest incline, he has a difficult time. The other problem is that Base10 has been taking his rides in the morning before eating anything. This is terrific for weight loss since your blood sugar level is at its lowest and you immediately burn fat. The problem is what cyclists efer to as bonking. After only a short time you feel like you have run out of steam--not exactly the most enthusiastic ridesm, if you know what I mean. I'm still riding locally to practice basics, but I might take off today. Let's give the groin a rest!

Anyway, Base10 hasn't been writing that much for the last couple of days. Frankly, there hasn't been much happening. Some more comments follow.

Meanwhile, speaking of baseball, the Mets won their game last night against Arizona and the series. Pedro once again pitched beautifully, but was given a no-decision since the Mets were completely shut down by Diamondback pitching. Click here for a recap of last night's game.

The Mets are still in great shape, in spite of some injuries. The Mets are still no. 2 in the NL behind St. Louis and lead the NL East by 4.5 and 5 games ahead of Atlanta and Philly, respectively. They are off today, but face San Francisco over the weekend at Shea and then go on a ten-game roadtrip starting with the Dodgers. Reflecting on the Mets future, there's little to say. Lastings Milledge played really well, and gave fans a tast of things to come. Milledge is filling in for Xavier Nady who underwent an emergency apendectomy earlier in the week. What are the problem areas for the Mets? Well obviously they have a hole in the starting rotation. With Bannister and Maine out, the Mets have brought up Soler (who Base10 thinks has a giant upside but needs more work) and traded the lackluster Jorge Julio to acquire somewhat less lackluster Orlando "el Duque" Hernandez who won his debut. You know what? Doesn't matter. With two quality starters in Pedro and Glavine, and a somewhat lower but acceptable quality starter in Trachsel, they are still in good shape. It's okay so long as the Mets bats produce. What is troubling is the lack of offense during this series, but hopefully this isn't a sign of a deeper trend. Defensively, I can't think of anything the Mets need, other than a second baseman that can both hit and catch. All in all, we're in good shape.

There was a bit of Jets news this week as well. Gang Green made a couple of acquisitions. They signed former long-time Jet nickle back Ray Mickens to a one-year deal. They also signed WR Reggie Newhouse and CB Reed Rayshun. Not exactly the stunning off-season moves you look for in a rebuilding team, but hey, it's an incremental process. In other news, Chad Pennington participated in passing mini-camp. He was throwing in live drills, which is encouraging.

Base10 is actually starting to be cautiously optimistic about the Jets this year. They seem to be making all the right moves. They drafted well grabbing two future star offensive linemen instead of going for glory-boy Matt Leinart, and they seem to
be addressing other needs with these recent acquisitions and grabbing Patrick Ramsey and Kellen Clemens. The question marks? First, Curtis Martin is not getting any younger. Base10 thinks that he can still be productive behind a strong line, but this line will be half-rookie. The rest of the offense seems strong, as does the defense (I don't think John Abraham was such a huge loss). The bigget question mark, of course, is Pennington. If he can throw, they can have a productive season. If he can't, well, look to next year's draft.

Finally, on a sad note, Wayne Chrebet will officially announce his retirement tomorrow. So long, Wayne. We'll miss you. You were always Base10's favorite Jet (well, maybe tied with Vinny).
- posted by Base10 @ 8:51 AM