citrin@ucbvax.UUCP (07/03/83)
This baseball trivia has been fun, but let's talk some real baseball. What are the opinions on Cards fans out there on the Keith Hernandez trade? Why was the trade made? Every article I read or person I've spoken to has given a different reason. One reason that I heard had to do with cocaine. Any comments? As for the effect of the trade on the Mets, I expect the Mets to become a winning team next year, perhaps even a contender (stranger things have happenned!). The reason I say this is that Frank Cashen finally has built the team he wants. All that is needed is a little more depth and a manager who can teach the team how to win. George Bamberger was not the one to do it; the ideal choice is Earl Weaver. To see why I'm saying such good things about the Mets, look at their starting lineup: the infield of Hernandez, Brian Giles, Jose Oquendo, and Hubie Brooks is as solid as any in baseball. Hernandez is a Gold Glove winner, and Giles and Oquendo are rookies who should win Gold Gloves one day. All four are also good hitters. The outfield of George Foster, Mookie Wilson, and Darrell Strawberry is acceptable defensively (Wilson is an outstanding center fielder) and potent on offense. Junior Oritz is a good defensive catcher. The main unknown is the pitchers, and the word is that they show a lot of promise. The bench needs to be a little deeper, but Danny Heep and Rusty Staub are a good start. As I said before, all that is necessary is for this team to learn how to win, and a good manager can take care of that. Wayne Citrin (ucbvax!citrin)
smb@ulysses.UUCP (07/05/83)
I think the Hernandez deal was good for the Mets. As usual, their pitching staff is fairly solid, but their hitting is non-existent. (In fact, I hear Seaver is going to sue for non-support....) This is the same pattern they showed in '67 and '68, before the Great Miracle; I wouldn't be surprised if they did suddenly turn into a contender. (It would be lovely to go to another World Series game; my ticket stub from '69 (which I carry in my wallet) is getting a bit bedraggled....)
CSvax:Pucc-H:ad2@pur-ee.UUCP (07/12/83)
The Hernandez trade was very good for both teams. The Mets have always had a problem with hitting. The Cardinals needed two things: pitching, and room for David Green and Andy VanSlyke. Since they acquired Neil Allen, he has started two or three games, and I don't think he has been the loosing pitcher of record yet.