IT'S JUST A GAME 4-16-2016

IT'S JUST A GAME

We learned today that the Mets placed pitcher Jacob deGrom on Major League Baseball's bereavement/medical emergency list Saturday due to complications regarding his newborn baby. DeGrom is currently in his hometown of DeLand, Fla., with his wife, Stacey, and son Jaxon.

"It's a real-life situation," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Certainly we take the game of baseball very seriously, but this changes a lot of things. [deGrom is] such a good guy. Stacey, she's outstanding. You just sit here the last few days -- and those guys in there can all tell you, they do the best to stay in touch with him. We're all praying and pulling for him. Unfortunately, it's part of life, and we've got to take care of business."

Sometimes we fans, forget that these players we watch and root for are human beings.  With all the big money in the game , we forget that they have the same problems, worries and have to deal with the details of life as we do. It is situations like this one with Jacob deGrom and his new born that brings that message home.  We should all try and remember that the players are just human.  My prayers and thoughts are with the deGrom family tonight.

MR.HARVEY

I cannot help but wonder if all the hype about Matt Harvey was untrue.  Today he looked like Mike Pelfrey, four good innings and then the wheels came off the wagon.  I hope he finds it, I would hate to think that he has become a four inning pitcher.  Maybe he should look harder for his slider, rather then thinking about a big contract.

SPING READING

I recommend four terrific books to fill your time when the Mets are not playing. They are:

Amazin’ Again - by Greg Prince - Great recap of the 2015 season

Kings of Queens - by Erik Sherman -  Life Beyond Baseball With The ’86 Mets

Down On The Korner: Ralph Kiner and Kiner’s Korner - by Howie Karin and Mark Rosenman*

Welcome to The Show - by Frank Nappi - Third in the Mickey Tussler series.  Read the book , read the series, they are all terrific.

All are available at Amazon and other fine booksellers.

*Preorder at Amazon or order now at sportstalknylive.com and save!