Yesterday (well, 2 days ago by the time this is posted) was Mother's Day, which I spent out in Greenwich, Connecticut. Since the best gift my brother and I could give my mother was time alone with my brother's two kids, that is just what we did, and headed off to the bar for some sangria. I have had a rocky relationship with sangria in the past (including some actions in Spain, that in a post-9/11 world, could have become an international incident), but I think after a temporary boycott, I can forgive that temptress, and enjoy it once again.

In case you missed it, Andruw Jones has been atrocious this season. So, naturally I just traded for him. Partially because I had a glut of closers, and needed someone resembling a bat, and partially because I read THIS article. I mean, how can you not be inspired by someone with that much desire to improve his current struggling ways? I may even change my team name to the New York Tubbos in honor of Mr. Jones.

My good friend Matt Murphy yesterday discussed the Jason Isringhausen demotion yesterday, but I feel he overlooked one potential contender for future saves in Chris Perez, who is currently in AAA. If you have the space for minor leaguers, he's a good one to stash, as he has posted a 2.16 ERA in 17 games for the Memphis Redbirds this year, with 21 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings pitched. Tony LaRussa is prone to relying on veterans, so Perez may not get a look this year, but in a keeper league, do not be surprised if the Cardinals start 2009 with Perez as the closer.

Fantastic moment in the Mets-Reds game on Sunday, when Dusty Baker and the Reds showed their mastery of baseball by batting out of order, sending David Ross up to the plate instead of the proper hitter, Corey Patterson. While watching it on television, all I could think of was how unbelievably boring and confusing that must have been to be at the game, as the umpires spent a good 20 minutes trying to sort out what was going on. Ultimately, Patterson was called out, and Ross got a second chance to hit. Since I own Ross, I enjoyed the fact that his second at-bat was a single and the fly out to right did not count against him.

Luis Castillo was injured again yesterday with a strained quad, and I have to think of all the moves Omar Minaya has made, nothing can possibly be worse than signing Castillo to a 4 year contract. Was anyone willing to give him more than 2? We're two months into Year 1, and he's already unable to play every day. I think you've done marvelous things, Omar, but that was certainly a head-scratcher.

Homer Bailey watch continues in Cincinnati, although he struggled his last time out, allowing six runs and 11 hits in only 4 1/3 innings. Still, with Matt Belisle toiling away as one of the worst starting pitchers on the major league level, it is only a matter of time before Bailey gets the call. He's got a world of potential, but temper your expectations if he does get the call up. One thing is for certain, with Dusty Baker as the manager, he will get the chance to throw 150 pitches a game.

I did my best to struggle through the writer's block. As I am headed to Preakness next week, I anticipate having quite a few good stories to share, so I hope next week will be more entertaining. I will close here with a request: would the people sitting in Section 23 at the Mets game on Saturday with the giant sandwiches please contact me, and let me know where in Hoboken you got them from? I asked you the town, but did not remember to ask the specific place. Thank you.

See you next time.