OH HAPPY DAY!

Forget the loss last night. Forget that Pedro Dos had a bad outing (it happens from time to time). Forget that the bats let Glavine down again. Yesterday was a good day for fans of teams that wear Orange and Blue.

For the Mets, Pedro Uno thew off a mound for the first time. Only 30 pitches. Nothing fast. No breaking stuff. But for the first time he tested his motion, and was happy with the result. He actually threw 5 more pitches than scheduled because he looked so free and easy. The plan now is, assuming he is OK today, for him to throw from the mound again Friday. Then, they will continue on a program of bullpen sessions, stretching him out. First, increase the # of pitches. Then, increase the speed. Then add some breaking balls. He is confident he will be back this year, and that he will be good as new. What a boost he will be to this team. His energy. His talent. I can't wait.

As happy as that news made me, I was happier this morning when I picked up my copy of Newsday (I'm a born and bred LI boy afterall) and saw this headline:

Isles Give Yashin $17.6M Buyout

I practically danced down 47th street on my way to the office. Wang finally woke up and listened to Nolan. The albatross is gone.

I was in favor of the trade when it was made. They needed at the time to make a splash, and they did. He wasn't what we expected given his 10 year contract, but he was a star. The problem was he never made players around him better. Star centers do that. Alexei did not. Peca left in part because of him. Smyth has apparently told confidants that he definitely would not return to the Island if Yashin was still there. So Wang cut the cord and coughed up the money. It will cost $2.2 million per year against the cap for 8 years, but that is a fuck of a lot better than $7 million per year for 4 years. It opens up room to sign Smyth (who will be Captain, assuming he re-signs). Or to make a run at Briere or Drury, or any number of Free Agents. The team will now be rebuilt. Blake is probably gone (no great loss IMNSHO). Odds are they will not make the playoffs this year, unless they can add a couple of guys who can score. But the cloud of Yashin is lfted. Oh Happy Day indeed.

Back to the Mets. A loss hurts. Pedro Dos had a bad outing. Smith was a little shaky. But The Show, Mota and Wags were good. Beltran ran with ease. And Alou, Green and Stache are coming. Don't despair Mets fans.

One last thing, That play by Ruiz on Delgado better get him hit today. I know the papers didn't note it, and no one cared during the game, but that little fucker tried to trip up Delgado after he crossed the plate. He moved his leg. He had time for the throw. I think once the Mets look at the tape they will see this. Oh, and David, next time, how about sliding a little early, or at least try to hit the guy. That was a bad slide that could have led to an injury.