Spring in step of Mets' Maine, who starts tonight -- Sports, Sp...

Maine is going to have a huge year, he is really evolving into a great pitcher who is going to find huge success

Hitting his spot 15 times with his eyes closed?

Grasshopper is ready to snatch the pebble from Peterson's hand.

20-8 205IP 200Ks 3.10 ERA

Are you kidding me? You can't say "sn@tch 9510the pebble"?

Hello my fellow Mets fans...I just read that the Braves just put Mike Hampton on the DL. Not that I wish ill-will to anyone; however, in light of such event, I'd like to offer a perspective on hind sight vs. calculated risk. Lately, everyone seems distraught that we "gave Milledge" away...and even Bannister name was mentioned. Fact of life is there's good trades/ signings and there's bad trades/ signings, you're hoping that in the end the balance falls on your side. For example, the Mets decided not to resign Hampton after the 2000 WS appearance season...He then signed a big contract $121MM with the Rockies and subsequently was traded to the Braves and haven't pitched for them since 2005 due to various injuries...how about that, and here we are bitching about Pedro's signing was bad for the organization. Pedro's records might be deceiving since his arrival has transformed the Mets' philosophy on winning, you can't put $$$ to the intangibles that he brings to this organization. Next, we decided not to match SF offer to Barry Zito...well, so far, he'sa bust in SF. So, my point is, please do not rush into judgement...like the baseball season, there's up and down moments...no teams would go 162-0, so just relax and be happy that you're not a fan of the Marlins.

Last summer I starting comparing John Maine to Gary Cooper in the movie High Noon. Like Gary Cooper, John is quiet and unassuming while going about his job. But he also shows no fear, and isn't afraid to challenge people when the need arises. At times last year when no one else wanted to pick the team up, John would go out and face the bad guys alone and put them in their graves. Well, he's back this spring and he looks even nastier. And he's packing a fastball that doesn't quit.

I've always like John since his call up in July of '06. I frequently catch flax from e-mailers to the local sports talk radio program because of my praise of his efforts and results. But there's no denying his talent and heart. He has been the best pitcher this spring, and is almost unhittable. He's been even better than Santana and Pedro. His fastball has been in the mid 90's and his slider and change-up have improved greatly from last year.

I don't care what anyone says, John is poised to become the Mets version of Josh Beckett. At this point in his career, John is actually a better pitcher than Josh was. The only thing lacking is a World Series MVP and Ring. As long as John stays healthy, he'll be a force in the league for years to come.

http://hopelessmetsfan.blogspot.com/