There exists an unwritten rule in modern corporate culture that certain topics remain off limits. This is especially true in New York City, the sports capital of the world.

The average office worker would never consider discussing the inner workings of politics or abortion rights with their boss. Religion, Race, Sexuality are camped firmly outside the realm of acceptable conversation. Feelings can be hurt, prejudices revealed and very important toes stepped on. It's best to remain non-committal when approached on a sensitive topic such as "What do you think about politician X's position on controversial issue #63?

But who doesn't chat up co-workers about the Super Bowl or last night's Knicks game? It's a safe area, right? Sports are harmless and innocent, a casual outside-of-work diversion that almost everyone can agree on.

Continue reading "Why You Should Never Talk Sports At Work In New York"

The first steps toward the '08 Major League Baseball season bring with them a renewed sense of optimism and a number of lingering questions.

Personally I just can't stop smiling about the Mets new ace. So far so good for Mr. Santana as he's said all the right things publicly and seems extra confident about his new team. Thanks to his move to the NL East Johan has the potential to put up a MONSTER season. 30 Games a year against the Nats and Marlins could mean 20 wins and a mid 2 ERA with 250 strikeouts and a  shiny Cy Young for his trouble.  But as a Mets fan I remain skeptical that facing the pitcher three times a game is really a guarantee that Santana will be Koufaxian. But that's just me. I will be more than happy if Santana goes 18-7 with a 3.2 ERA and two or three complete games. That's a lot more than Tom Glavine is gonna give the Braves this season. I do buy the argument that Santana will pitch more innings than any Mets starter has over the past few seasons and by doing so give the team's often beleagured bullpen a much needed rest. That's critical if it's a close race in September.  

Continue reading "Spring! Part I: The Starting Rotation"

Johan Santana…is ours. I still cannot fully comprehend how this happened. How did the cards fall into place, the stars align, and both Epstein and Cashman decide now is a good time to stop winning.
    Regardless of how it happened, and the odds that were defied, he is a Met. The importance of this move cannot be underestimated. Yes he is one man, but one man who eats up innings, like Antonio Alfonseca eats up boulders. He has the ability to win 20 games, post an ERA under 3.00 and take some pressure of the sometimes inconsistent offense.
    Yes, what he can provide is immeasurable, but the division crown should not be considered a mere formality. Let us not forget last year…as much as we want to. Let us consider the decision to offer playoff tickets and alter Shea’s seats in preparation for the playoffs before they are locked up. Now, I wouldn’t say this was the dumbest idea ever but was certainly akin to a person waving a steak at a pit bull who was chained up, only to have the chains break, and then proceed to get viciously mauled. Another terrific example would be the Patriots. They made championship party plans, and trademarked a book named 19-0: The Historic Championship Season only to have their…behinds… placed firmly on the Arizona grass over and over.

Continue reading "Wither the Bullpen?"