John Smoltz could be headed for the DL again. Is this the injury that finally spells the beginning of the end for Smoltz?

I've been thinking a bit about LASIK surgery this week. Mark Hendrickson recently came out and said the reason he has had his early season success (4-1, 3.68, 1.227) was due to the surgery, as it allows his “eyes to relax.” Jason Kendall made similar comments, and has started the season with a .308 batting average, and a .368 on base percentage, seemingly a return to his glory days in Pittsburgh. As for me, I have terrible vision, and have been wearing glasses since I was 8 years old. If Hendrickson (a career scrub), and Kendall (an all-star catcher in 2000 who appeared to bottom out last season) can achieve this success with LASIK, I suspect the only thing holding me back from becoming a Justice on the United States Supreme Court is a simple LASIK procedure.

At the Mets-Braves game yesterday, Carlos Delgado, currently the favorite whipping boy of Mets fans (even me, a notorious non-booer has been tempted to get on him), smacked two homers, including one off the scoreboard.  The fans were begging for a curtain call, but Delgado would not oblige.  Post-game comments indicate that he felt it was inappropriate given the circumstances of the game (the homerun made it 6-3 Mets in the 7th inning), but one has to imagine that the boo-birds played a role in that snub.  It is far from a big deal, and I can understand why Delgado would be angry at the fans, but it’s New York.  You have to have a thicker skin.  I don’t get upset when the crazy person on the train says to me, “Go F*** yourself,” and you should not get mad when the fans boo you for sub-par performance.  New Yorkers are a fickle group; it will not take long to get them back on your side.  My advice to Delgado; next time we call for a curtain call, stick your head out, wave your cap, and enjoy the ride.

The NFL Draft finished yesterday, and I would be remiss if I did not at least mention it a little bit.  Although I was born and raised in New Jersey, and have spent the last six years in New York City, I am a Miami Dolphins fan.  And disregarding the value of their selections, they had the dream draft of anyone who follows college football.  Two of their first three picks were fellow Michigan alums, offensive tackle Jake Long and quarterback Chad Henne.  The draft reminded me of playing NCAA Football on PlayStation, and uploading the draft class into Madden, so you can keep playing with the same players.  I also happen to believe that in three years time, Henne will be the best quarterback from this year’s draft class (I am in the Matt Ryan is overrated camp).

And now is the portion of the program where we turn to the happenings in baseball:

Moises Alou, arguably the most durable player in the history of baseball, was brought back to New York from extended spring training, not to be activated, but to undergo his daily MRI (are there any negative side effects from getting this many MRIs?  I’m concerned).  This time it is on his ankle, which may potentially have a broken/fractured bone.  While no Mets fan truly expected any more than 350 at bats this season from Alou, it is beginning to look more and more like he may have trouble getting above 250 at bats.  His bat is sorely needed in the Mets lineup, and it might be time for Omar Minaya to seek some outside help (I’m sure Xavier Nady would be available).

A report on www.mlb.com indicated that the Giants are currently considering moving Barry Zito to the bullpen in order to right the ship.  Zito was mediocre at best, horrible at worst in 2007, but 2008 has brought nothing but problems.  The best thing you can say about Zito’s first six starts is probably that his WHIP has not yet topped 2.00.  When you have a $126 million dollar middle reliever, that is not encouraging.  Stay optimistic Giants fans, 2013 is right around the corner, when a rotation led by 29 year-olds Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum will lead you to glory.

Starting pitcher and future first ballot Hall of Famer, John Smoltz, left after four innings against the Mets on Sunday with shoulder soreness.  Watching the game, you could see he was not at his sharpest, particularly when Raul Casanova hit a bomb off him.  Despite his Braves allegiance, I have always been a fan of Smoltz, and can vividly remember the showdown between Smoltz and Sammy Sosa in the 2003 National League Division Series, as Smoltz was clearly in pain, but he summoned every last ounce of strength in his arm to retire Sosa on a deep fly ball to center.  Although he is still extremely effective, one cannot help but wonder if this is that final injury that is the beginning of the end for Smoltz.

Scott Kazmir is expected back this weekend from the disabled list.  If you have not set your rosters yet, get him in there.  That is only half the reason I mention this.  The other half is that I want to demonstrate how I have matured over the last few years, as I can now say Kazmir in a sentence without cursing the souls of Jim Duquette and Rick Peterson (I will never get over that trade).  But, lest I dwell on this trade too long, and revert to my old volatile ways, I will end this paragraph.

And finally, this week brings us to “May Day” which should be the first time that you really pay any attention to the standings.  I am a firm believer in letting the first month play out before making any major moves (minor moves are okay), as the incredibly small sample sizes make it difficult to gauge your strengths and weaknesses.  Essentially, prior to May, you’re working solely off of projections, which as of Opening Day mean nothing.  But, now, it is time to get a feel for your team, and address those needs. 

Until next week…