Brad

My nephew, who is a painter on the side and does a lot of portraits, says it has done wonders for his business.

I know Facebook was a big concern for Chris (and others), either last year or earlier this year, so I thought this article, The Facebook Resisters, that was in today New York Times would be of interest.

They've already won the division, yes? Yes, and could be the second seed. Not bad. Some QBs take a long while to develop. Maybe he's finally arriving.

Well, I hadn't heard that and the Mets were planning to sign him until the Giants approached them. He wasn't (nor is Torres) a long range plan as the Mets have someone down on the farm waiting to play CF in a couple of years.

If teams cared would they play on artificial grass. There is your answer right there. In most industries, there is something called worker's comp and employee safety. Why should different rules apply here?

I'm not sure I completely agree about Pagan. He had a very good year in 2010 but was hurt a lot this year. He could never really get untracked. One thing he is lacking in is baseball smarts. Makes a lot of questionable decisions on the basepaths.

Your first paragraph is very similar to the posture the Mets took with Reyes. I don't think they ever had any intention of signing him, probably what the Rangers felt about Wilson. In both cases, they let division rivals take away important players.

Gee, I thought a recession was on. Guess I was wrong Now, I know that Pujols doesn't owe anything to the Cards and vice versa. Two championships came during his years there, but it sure would have been nice to see him end his career there. As far as C.J. Wilson, I'm glad Nolan showed a little common sense in refusing to ante up. Giving pitchers five years is nuts. Just because everyone else is doing it, does that mean you should, with the negative financial consequences that entails. Now, maybe it's not a big deal that it's not your money but you can't commit financial suicide. My team, the Mets, made many a bad deal over the years and now they're paying for it. They have to bring expenditures into line with the budget, which ain't good right now.

I think the Senators were on the job training for Gil. When he got to the Mets he realized that he had some great up and coming talent. Met players always speak reverentially of him. They wouldn't have made it without him. Real shame he died so young.

This article appeared in the New York Times today about comments posted by New York policemen on Facebook regarding the West Indian American Day Parade held annually in Brooklyn, which, having talked to a policeman friend, is not a police favorite. The comments speak for themselves I think. If this is not the right section of the Forum, please move it to the Political section.

At first I was doubtful that he belonged but looking at his stats, etc., it's a shame that it happened after his death. Gil, I just can't understand. Hopefully, someday he will get his due but I doubt it. Aside from his playing, a wonderful manager. The Mets don't win in 1969 without his presence. I'll never forget one game where I think McGraw was pitching. He walks out of the dugout and Tug figures he's being taken out, but, no, Gil just keeps on walking. Harrelson figures he's going to get pulled but, no. Gil keeps on walking. He goes to Left field and pulls Cleon Jones. He didn't like the way Cleon was playing and pulled him out, to make a point. Can you see that happening today? Do you think Reyes would have been allowed to pull himself out of the game in his last Mets game with Gil at the helm? Not jolly likely.

Wasn't some of the problems with the old stadium meterological: too rainy or too hot. Also, from watching games on TV, it didn't look like a "welcoming" stadium for baseball. By losing some fans because of travel time, do they gain others? Maybe owneship (Luria I think) is just trying to build up the product so he can sell the team for a tidy profit.

Marlins have apparently signed Reyes, pending a physical. After losing $70 million this year, Mets couldn't afford him.

Bowman made some pretty cool cards, such as this one of Mays.

You're going to get the neighbors knocking on the door for that... After listening to that, however you may describe it, they might ask you to move out.

Think I have that Donruss rookie card!

Got the email too. Haven't ordered in awhile but purchased many a cd from him. I'm guessing it's retirement, hoping anyway.

I can empathize, Dan. That's how I felt about the Billy Martin Yankee reruns in the 1970's and 80's. After the news conference yesterday, Bobby said he would have signed for one year; he just wants a chance to manage again.

I love some of those comments about Reyes on the Philly article. They should get so lucky. If I'm Reyes I want the Phillies in the mix. I thought they were re-signing Rollins anyway.

Another point. Why would a jazz (I don't care what he calls himself) artist who makes his living as a jazz artist make dumb comments to the effect that the medium he plays in is dead. Hello! Wake up dude. That would be like a car company going out and saying, "yeah, cars suck." What an idiot. Nice way to kill your occupation and income

That is the biggest pile of bs I've seen in awhile. Guy needs some therapy. He's got a healthy amount of self loathing going on.

Just because it's two years doesn't mean he'll be gone in two years, particularly if he does a good job. WFAN in NY is carrying his press conference at 530 EST for those who may be interested. It will be available at wfan.com There were several positive articles about the appointment today in the Times, including one about his tenure in Japan. See Brilliant and Bold in Any Language. George Vecsey's column: Valentine in Boston: Now That's Entertainment. The Bats Blog from a couple of days ago: For Red Sox Life Just Got Very Interesting. Regretful Phillips Takes Blame for Feud with Valentine. If you give him half a chance you might be pleasantly surprised. I know that Mets fans (who would love to have him back) and Yankee fans are quite interested as to what he'll do.

Not that this should matter but a BoSox fan I spoke to today was quite happy to have Valentine as a manager so he can kick the players' tails and get them playing how they should.

Dan, I know about taking a step back. We do get caught up too much with our teams sometimes. And I understand you're not wanting to think about Valentine. So, when is your first trip to Wrigley?

Perhaps but are you really willing to give up on the team you've rooted for your whole life? Not sure I could do that.