Brad

Sorry to hear that. Hope he gets better. I have a friend who's battling csncer for 11 years and it looks like the end is near, sadly.

Harvey pitched almost 7 innings in the clincher on Saturday. I'm not sure what happened between the Yankee game and last Saturday. Perhaps he decided that he needed to regain control of his career from his agent.

Embarrassing game for the Mets on Sunday, mostly due to the Harvey mess. Of course, if the bullpen does its job and the defense is not so terrible, no one might be making as much an issue as it became. Onwards and upwards with a win against the hapless Braves last night.

I'm just finishing up Transit by Anna Seghers, reissued by NYRB Classics. Not sure how I feel about this book. At times I've found it tedious but it presents a good snapshot of what it was like to be -- and still may be like -- to be a refugee trying to get out and the tedium that goes with it.

Sorry to hear this Dan. Our cat Scarr, who was one of the most sweetest cats we ever had, passed away earlier this year. He also had cancer and was just a shadow of what he had been. It was painful to see but we remember the fun we had with him. Brad

Terrific series and agree that Moriarty is well played here.

Mets played some amazing baseball in the last three days against the Nats, including winning one game they probably had no business of winning. Cespedes is playing out of his mind, basically putting the team on his back and taking them to the Division title. It's one of the greatest salary drives I've ever seen. The better he does, the more he prices the Mets out. He probably won't be here next year but we're enjoying the ride the team is on. Mets vs Dodgers should be fun.

I believe the early RVGs had the slip cases, not sure about the later ones. I've kept mine.

Mets problem is the bullpen, particularly the 7th inning. No one has done the job there. Blew the game on Friday in the 7th and yesterday, before taking it back in the bottom of the 7th. They acquired the former Dbacks closer, Addison Reed, yesterday. Remains to see if he can do the job. If not, they will not go far in the playoffs.

Once the Giants get into the playoffs...all bets are off. They know how to win. Just sayin'. They need to get there first, which is by no means assured at this point. No doubt they are battle tested, which is why -- assuming Mets get there (who can forget 7 up with 17 to play in 2007) -- I would almost prefer the Dodgers. Either way, it doesn't matter.

Mets keep on truckin'. They must have thought they were still in Coors Field last night as they bashed the Phillies. If they keep it up, they will face Dodgers or Giants. They were 4-3 vs Dodgers and 3-3 vs Giants. Either will be fine. Thank goodness they don't have to face the NL Central in the first round: they were a combined 3-17 against them.

What if the Emperor picks up?

The whole world is being consumed by over demand, that's just reality.

That's a valuable resource to have off the bench: a pitcher who can hit. Dodgers Giants should be exciting down the stretch because the loser is going home (unless Cubs collapse).

What is your point? Demand is outstripping supply, so they're farming fish. Wild is better obviously but that's the reality.

Mets continue to roll while Nats continue to stumble. Watched the Nats Dodgers game. Vin Scully just keeps rolling along fantastically. He is a treasure.

One of my first Mosaics. Great choice too. Hopefully it stays in print forever.

I missed it. Too bad Sevilla lost.

It's been a few years (about 10) since I've been to London but, yes, it's been changing, and not for the better, in my humble opinion. Thanks for the pics. Look like you were having a great time.

I loved the Select series. Must have about 10 of them; really sorry to see them go.

I see, from the Guardian, that Mourinho is already mixing it up with Benitez, actually Benitez's wife. A real class act Mourinho is.

I will, of course, buy this but I will wait until it actually comes out as I don't want to have to spend the money until it's ready to be shipped.

European season is not that far off. Good thing, now that the Tour de France is done. Waiting to see whether De Gea will be coming to Real and Ramos departing.

Man in Profile: Joseph Mitchell of the New Yorker. It sent me scurrying for some of his works.

Saw it about a year or so ago on TCM. Think Moreau is great in it. For those who missed it, TCM online probably has it for streaming.