IGT 9/15/06: Mets at Bucs-We've waited 18 years for this...

[Willets Point]

... and Pedro's on the mound!

I suppose our opponent is appropriate since the last time the Mets had a serious opportunity to win the NL East they lost to Pittsburgh.

NO. NEW YORK
1. J. Reyes, SS
2. P. Lo Duca, C
3. C. Beltran, CF
4. C. Delgado, 1B
5. D. Wright, 3B
6. C. Floyd, LF
7. S. Green, RF
8. J. Valentin, 2B
9. P. Martinez, P

PITTSBURGH

1. C. Duffy, CF
2. J. Wilson, SS
3. F. Sanchez, 3B
4. J. Bay, LF
5. X. Nady, RF
6. R. Doumit, 1B
7. R. Paulino, C
8. J. Bautista, 2B
9. P. Maholm, P

The #1 song the last time the Mets clinched the NL East.

She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky
Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I'd stare too long
I'd probably break down and cry


Sweet child o' mine
Sweet love of mine


She's got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain
Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
Where as a child I'd hide
And pray for the thunder
And the rain
To quietly pass me by


Sweet child o' mine
Sweet love of mine


Where do we go
Where do we go now
Where do we go
Sweet child o' mine

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Poor X Nady.

The clinch is the big news but I'd trade a loss tonite for a feeling that Pedro is going to be reliable in a few weeks. I understand they won't push him.

[Willets Point]

P. Maholm

I don't know who this is, but on first site I thought of Pat Mahomes. Then I though of Cooby.

[Valadius]

Paul Maholm.

[Valadius]

Here we go!!!

[Willets Point]

Anyone know what the "BOB" patch on the Pirates' uniforms commemorates?

I like the mowed baseball in the grass.

[Willets Point]

Here comes Pedro!

[Valadius]

I'm trying to figure out what the patch is for.

[Valadius]

Calm down Pedro!!!

[Willets Point]

"BOB" is the former mayor of Pittsburgh:

]In addition, the Pirates will honor the memory of City of Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor who passed away on September 1, 2006. Team members will wear official uniform patches marked "BOB" on the left chest of their home and road uniforms for the remainder of the season.

From the Pirates webpage.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I don't give a shit. We'll still win.

[Valadius]

Oh yeah, that's right! And a 26-year-old is the new mayor of Pittsburgh.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Awkard justaposition. I meant I don't give a shit about those two runs, not that I don't give a shit about the passing of Mayor O'Connor.

More...

Mayor honored:

The Pirates will wear specially designed patches on their uniforms in memory of Mayor Bob O'Connor, who passed away last Friday due to brain cancer, starting with the team's next homestand on Monday.

The patch will feature a black background and the name "Bob" in gold lettering, and will be worn on the left chest of the Pirates' uniforms for the remainder of the season.

"Bob was a great Pirates fan, and a strong supporter of the ballclub," said Kevin McClatchy, Pirates CEO and managing general partner. "Among many other things, he did a tremendous job in getting the city ready to host the All-Star Game. Everyone I talked to during that time commented on how great the city looked, and that was because of Bob and his efforts. We thought this would be a fitting tribute in his memory."

The Pirates will also hold a moment of silence in memory of the Mayor during pregame ceremonies on Monday.

[Willets Point]

The Pirates broadcasters just gave a serious update on competitive eating. I'm speechless

[Valadius]

Walk it off Cliffy!

[Willets Point]

Edgy DC wrote: Awkard justaposition. I meant I don't give a shit about those two runs, not that I don't give a shit about the passing of Mayor O'Connor.

I was wondering why so little respect for the dead. Didn't seem like you.

I also didn't realize O'Connor died in office until I read your clip.

[Guest Edgy DC]

That, by the way, is when a slide into first is appropriate.

[Guest Edgy DC]

The Pittsburgh Gazzette wrote: At City Hall last night, the process of succession began when Deputy Mayor Yarone Zober somberly crossed the hall from the mayor's office to council's office. He carried a blue folder containing a letter from acting city solicitor George Specter, advising that the post of mayor was vacant and asking if the council president would accept it. Mr. Ravenstahl, at that point still the president, opened council's door and, his face a portrait of trepidation, wordlessly accepted the folder. He then retreated to council's hallway for several minutes. Meanwhile, city officials gathered in the mayor's conference room. Council members William Peduto, Jim Motznik, Twanda Carlisle and Len Bodack assembled to the left of the conference room desk. Mr. Ravenstahl's current and former staff members gathered on the right. Administration members, including Mr. Skrinjar, Chief of Police Dominic J. Costa and Public Works Director Guy Costa, joined the gathering. Mr. Ravenstahl, with his wife, Erin Lynn, entered from a door that connects with the council chamber. Then he placed his hand on a Bible, and Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Robert C. Gallo administered the oath of office. "I, Luke Ravenstahl, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and of this state, and the charter of the city, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of office to the best of my ability," he repeated after Judge Gallo. Mr. Ravenstahl gave a short speech, calling the day one "of great sorrow and grief for the entire city of Pittsburgh." He ordered flags flown at half-staff and urged residents to pray for and support the O'Connor family. He said nothing about his plans, other than to indicate that he will follow in Mr. O'Connor's footsteps. "His words and actions and deeds will serve as a model to my tenure as mayor of the city of Pittsburgh," he said. "The time will come for Pittsburgh to continue on with its mission. Now is the time for us to look back and reflect on what Mayor Bob O'Connor has meant for the city of Pittsburgh. He will be dearly missed." He took no questions but returned to the Council Chamber, an aide closing the door behind him. "Tonight, we get a new mayor, and the city has to rally around Luke Ravenstahl like it rallied around Bob O'Connor," said Mr. Peduto.

[Guest ScarletKnight41]

2-0 Pirates after two innings.

[Willets Point]

Nice to see Pedro get out of that messy situation with no additional runs scoring.

[Valadius]

Yeah, unlike some pitchers I know...

[Guest Edgy DC]

Tough call at the plate by Jeff Kellogg on Valentin.

[Valadius]

Pedro draws a walk.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Well, Pedro gets the calls instead.

High strike zone tonight.

[Valadius]

Pedro strikes out Jason Bay. Here comes X-Man.

[Guest ScarletKnight41]

2 runs in the bottom of the third give the Pirates a 4-0 lead

[Valadius]

Settle down Pedro!

[Valadius]

10 more K's to 3,000 for Pedro.

[Guest Mr. Zero]

yum. what were those sandwiches they were assembling at the break?

[Guest Mr. Zero]

uh oh. hope pedro's ok.