Odds & Ends: September 25 Edition

Well, I'm certainly glad that the game I went to this weekend was Saturday's offensive explosion and not the Trachsel-paced loss that took place yesterday. Even when the game means absolutely nothing and the important thing is players getting rest while playing just enough to remain sharp for those really important games that start next week, it's hard to watch the team lose and not feel frustrated. I'm thinking that perhaps for this last week of the regular season, I'll write about general Mets and baseball topics rather than the specific meaningless games in September that are taking place. I'm also thinking that this idea might fall by the wayside during those 3 games against the Braves, because I know I won't be able to get myself not to care about whether those are won or lost.

• The great thing about the Mets having such a stellar broadcasting team is that even during relatively boring games, there will be interesting stories and wacky antics to keep the viewer entertained. Keith and Ron's reaction when Gary's microphone went out early in the game was priceless, as was Keith's display of the hot dog he planned on eating between innings after grossing Gary and Ron out by mixing the ketchup and mustard. Plus, there were discussions of popular hairstyles of the '70s and '80s, comments on those people in the stands who brought the Sunday Times with them to read during the game, and recollections of the old days of Kiner's Korner.
• The most exciting moment of the game was the top of the 9th, when pitching prospect Philip Humber made his major-league debut. I was impressed with both his fastball, which consistently clocked in at 92-93 MPH, and his excellent curveball. He seemed a bit nervous, walking a batter due to overthrowing a couple of pitches, but showed good stuff and command and ended the inning with his first big-league strikeout.
• Speaking of Humber, he's one of 5 September call-ups discussed in this Hardball Times piece. "Sleeper candidate" for 2007 Rookie of the Year? I like the sound of that.
• MLB Trade Rumors takes a look at who the Mets have locked in for next year and how they should fill various holes. Suggestions include letting Glavine walk and signing Soriano. I'm not sure I agree with those, and I certainly don't agree with the idea that the Mets are a "win now" team that should sign Moises Alou to a 2-year deal.
• The latest controversial discussion topic (aka the papers have worked the can-they-hit-lefties-angle to death and need something new to obsess over): Should Pedro say no to starting Game 1? Jay Greenberg of the Post says yes, because Martinez "could use at least a first round in which he didn't have to pitch twice" and "never should have been put in this position in the first place." Meanwhile, Wallace Matthews continues to write as though Mr. Met pissed in his cornflakes, taking all sorts of potshots at that spoiled diva Pedro while extolling the virtues of that humble, blue-collar (hey look, his salary is only 7 figures!), durable (averages more than 5 1/3 innings per start!) Steve Trachsel, who must be good because he has lots of wins this year.
• Billy Wagner is one of the nominees for the DHL Delivery Man of the Year award. I'd be shocked if anyone other than Trevor Hoffman wins it, but still pretty cool that Wagner was recognized.

Tonight is the final home game of the regular season. They're giving away those fandini things they keep talking about on WFAN, the Mets will be facing a right-handed rookie, and I'll be bemoaning the fact that somebody has to win that Houston-Philadelphia game taking place tonight.