Mail Time with Marty Noble.

[metirish]

I like Marty and there are always laughs to be had with his Mailbag. I do think Noble gets exasperated with some of the folks that write him , can't blame him though.

This week Marty asks a question.

Sanchez hasn't given up a run in 6 2/3 innings of work so far this season. I seem to remember that he had a 21-scoreless-innings run going before he got hurt. Does that make his official total number of scoreless innings 27 2/3? Also, do you think he will remain as good as he's been?
-- Ben W., Media, Pa.

Your memory is a tad fuzzy, Ben. Sanchez's streak began during the 2006 season. He allowed 19 runs, 16 earned before the injury that ended his season on July 31. No, I don't think he or anyone else will pitch without allowing runs for any extended period. But he seems to be throwing well. He has stuff, backbone and the support of his teammates, manager and fans. When his stamina is where it needs to be, he probably will be a particularly effective reliever. But he'll have his bad days, too.

Now, a question for you: You used the phrasing "innings of work." You are hardly alone in that regard. It seemed at some point last summer, everyone began to think the words "of work" were required if "inning" or "innings" were used. Why? What else can there be? Innings of ice cream? Innings of snoring? Innings are work.

"Innings of work" is like "hours of time" and "miles of distance."

[Guest vtmet]

I don't always agree with Marty (ok, rarely ever agree with Marty); but I'll give him credit, he does answer his mailbag...everytime that I have asked a question, he has answered...

[metirish]

Ben fron PA.........couldn't be , could it?

[Guest vtmet]

I haven't asked him anything lately...and Ben lives in the wrong direction from Shea to be me...

[Guest AG/DC]

He's talking about Ben Grimm.

What's your beef with Noble?

[DocTee]

I always enjoy his mailbag of letters.

[metirish]

Of course it's not our Ben , was going for a laugh , it failed.

[Guest KC]

vt: >>>I don't always agree with Marty (ok, rarely ever agree with Marty)<<<

Seriously?

I'm not eloquent enough to describe what his place is in Mets journalistic
history, but I've certainly never heard anyone say anything bad about him.
Please tell me his stance on players doesn't jibe with your roto team or
something -- because other than that the guy is a New York Mets coverage
icon.

OE: Baseball coverage icon, for that matter.