1. Orlando Hernandez topped out at 81 mph in his simulated game. Met officials will spin this by saying it is early still or that Hernandez does not need top-end velocity, relying instead on his variety of pitches and arm angles. But do the Mets really believe they can win with the right-handed version of Jamie Moyer? And if they donât, is it possible that the team that traded for Johan Santana might need to trade for another starter?
2. This was a nice thing the Yankees did at Virginia Tech, a reminder that sports teams and players â if they chose â can make a very positive impact on society.
3. A story appeared yesterday to say the Players Association will look into if there is collusion to keep Barry Bonds from even receiving an offer as a free agent. Good. I think a union should always be diligent in such matters. But is it really hard to believe that you can make a case that Bonds, while still potentially productive, is not someone a team wants to get into business with since he is a 43-year-old who has been breaking down, has one of the worst reputations in sports history and who you know will attract all the worst kind of attention to your organization?