How about the socks? They OK?
Coming off two straight September collapses and after losing Derek Lowe to the rival Braves, the Mets were ridiculed this past week for - wait for it - a sleeve patch. Yes, fans are outraged by a three-inch square of fabric that the players will wear to commemorate the inaugural season of Citi Field. Shhh. Don't mention the sushi bar or A-Rod's tanning booth.
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky attacked the Yankees for requesting an additional $259 million in tax-exempt bonds, in part for a "steakhouse" and "granite ramps" at their new $1.5-billion stadium. Team president Randy Levine accused Brodsky of political grandstanding on the Yanks' name.
Just remember I'm the guy
who got Manny for free!
It was not a great moment for Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti on Thursday when he had to swallow hard and release Andruw Jones despite owing him $22.1 million. Jones, who looked grossly out of shape last season, batted .158 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 209 at-bats.
Maybe if you put the cards down, Rickey. At his Hall of Fame news conference, Rickey Henderson was asked about Jose Reyes as a base-stealer. "I would love to work with Reyes," the all-time leader said. Of course, that's what he was supposed to be doing as first-base coach before the Mets let him go after the 2007 season.
Or until Bud starts getting sleepy. The owners approved a rule change that says all postseason games will be played to a conclusion, regardless of when they are stopped. Commissioner Bud Selig made the executive call last October when Game 5 of the Series was halted by rain after 5 1/2 innings.
That'll be $354,166 per home run. Or $116,438 for every RBI.
The Phillies' Ryan Howard, who won a record $10 million last year in arbitration, filed again this past week. Howard led the NL with 48 homers and ' RBIs, which is why he could get up to $17 million this time.
Was Jeff Foxworthy too busy?
The Braves had four country singers, including Georgia native Alan Jackson, record videos for Lowe's recruiting visit. He apparently is a big country music fan, and he later signed a four-year, $60-million contract.
Come for Cal, stay for the crab cakes. After signing a two-year, $10-million contract, pitcher Koji Uehara, an eight-time All-Star in Japan, said the Orioles are not a popular team back in his home country. "I believe everybody knows Cal Ripken Jr. played for the Baltimore Orioles," Uehara said through a translator. "I think that's about it.
Big night with Bernie Williams. The Yankees great will perform an acoustic version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" off his upcoming album at the BBWAA dinner next Sunday at the New York Hilton. Greg Maddux, Mike Mussina and David Wright will join the MLB award-winners on the dais. For tickets, call 201-871-5924 or e-mail
Philpepman@cs.com
