Switching Horses in the Middle of the World Series

I've already detailed how tough a World Series this is for me as a Mets fan, and in a post last week I wrote about how I was going to pull for the Yankees instead of seeing the Phillies win back-to-back titles.

But a funny thing has happened while watching the first three games of this series, I found myself secretly pulling for the Phils.

I had no intention of doing this, but when A-Rod struck out three times the other night and Jeter hit into a double play I noticed a peculiar smile appearing on my face. In my mind I know I don't want Philly Nation to have the satisfaction of yet another title, but in my heart of hearts I just can't pull for the Yankees.

During the first three games of the series I secretly wanted Mariano Rivera to blow a save in front of the entire nation. I grinned as Utley sent a ball to Utley's Porch of the Bronx. I even went against everything I believe in by cheering for Victorino to throw out Swisher at home plate during last night's rain drenched game.

Why? Call it being a lifelong National Leaguer. Call it rooting for the "underdog." Call it being against evil. Whatever you call it, it's uncomfortable. But with the Phils down two games to one this Mets Lifer is switching horses.

Go National League. (I can't say it)

Chase Utlety Curses NY Fans, Then Loses

Oh, Chase Utley. Didn't you know you were mic'd up?

In case you haven't heard, Chase Utley didn't care for the welcome he received at Yankee Stadium while being introduced at the Home Run Derby last night. The New York fans, the smartest baseball fans in the world, gave Utley a Bronx welcome with a hardy booing.

Chase Utley didn't like it, so he swore at the fans on national television. Utley probably forgot his mic was on (I guess the bulging battery pack clipped to his pants was not reminder enough), and he was probably saying it to joke with the folks next to him, but still the camera was smack in your face. Show some restraint.

Did he honestly think he was going to be welcomed to New York with open arms? Come on. You get paid millions of dollars a year, you're an All Star, you're probably the NL MVP, so I think you should be able to handle some booing. I guess he got his just desserts as Utley finished dead last in the Home Run Derby.

By the way, how on earth did Josh Hamilton lose this thing?

Now Utley did apologize this morning so I guess it's water under the bridge. Just don't expect him to get a standing ovation tonight when the starting lineups are announced.

Even so, I hope he hits a home run tonight because the NL desperately needs to win one of these things.

The Chase

Forget the race for the NL East. Mets stink and I am bored by their apathetic play. I’m more intrigued by a couple of other chases that are kind of flying under the radar right now but I suspect will be big news come September.

First up is the home run race between Chase Utley and the NY Mets. Now fortunately for the Mets, Utley had a single game slump yesterday, going 3-4,with no home runs. And with Beltran and Anderson hitting solo shots (surprise) last night, the Mets took a 12-10 lead on Utley. So with 140 games to go, the Mets have a slight edge right now but if Utley snaps out of his one game slump, he just might win this thing. I’ll be glued to the tellie in September to watch this play out, and you know ESPN will switch to their In Game broadcast to watch Utley’s ABs.

Now this second race doesn’t appear to be nearly as riveting as the home run chase with Utley, but it is worth noting and does involve the gopher ball…specifically the ones served up by Aaron Heilman. With his 4th home run of the season allowed last night, Heilman is 8 behind the Mets’ season total of 12. Odds are, Heilman will lose this race (Unfortunately for Aaron, he doesn’t pitch in every game even though it may appear that way) but I for one, will keep a close eye on this as the season progresses (or digresses depending on how you look at it).

Anyway, don’t get too bummed Mets Lifers. As you can see there are still some really compelling storylines to this 2008/Continuation from 2007 Mets season.

Welcom Back (Not) Chase Utley

I heard the news driving home from work last night on the Willie Randolph Report with Ed Coleman. Chase Utley was returning to the lineup for the Phils. I knew this wasn’t good.

Utley is the new Mets killer, firmly supplanting the still dangerous, but aging, Chipper Jones. I know Pat Burrell has hit a home run in like every game he’s played against the Mets in his career, but that still doesn’t compare to what Utley can do. Every time he comes to the plate, I brace myself for the damage he’s about to cause. I remember two years ago in early September when the Mets were 2 games out of the Wild Card behind Philly, Utley hit 2 home runs off Pedro and the Mets never recovered from that blow.

I am as confident in him to rip the ball as I am in Scott Blowenweis to give up runs. In other words, he’s scares me more than any other player in the National League. And it doesn’t matter who you bring in to face him, righty, lefty, he smacks the ball to all parts of the field, and with power, which is another reason why I hate when he’s hitting. There is really no way to pitch to him. With Burrell, you can at least get him to swing at some bad pitches. His home run last night was a bomb, and the double was no cheapie either. And to think, he just came off a broken hand injury. You’d think it would take a little time to get back into the swing of things. Not Utley, not against the Mets.

For me, he is my most feared hitter. Chase Utley is that good

Bad Break for Phils

All Star second baseman, Chase Utley broke his hand today when he was hit by a pitch in the 5th inning. It is uncertain how long Utley will be out but he was quoted as saying he'd be back before a month.

While I hate the Phillies, I have great respect for Chase Utley and admire the way he plays the game. This is a huge loss for the Phillies. The Mets need to take advantage and create some daylight.

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