Back with Five-Thought Friday:
1. Is Melky Cabrera a full-time player? I still do not know the answer to that question, but it is important to remember that he is still just 22. And if you think there is not room for him to blossom, consider that over the past two years (thus excluding his brief cameo in 2005) he has played 185 games and hit .277 with a .350 on-base percentage, a .390 slugging percentage, and 11 homers with 80 RBIs.
These are the stats of another switch-hitting Yankee center fielder over the first 185 games of his career: .254 batting average, .340 on-base percentage, .376 slugging percentage, and 11 homers with 79 RBIs. And Bernie Williams already was 24 by the time he reached 185 games played and wound up being an historic Yankee. Is Melky Cabrera going to be Bernie Williams? That is doubtful. It is just a reminder to have patience.
2. No pun intended, but that was a bad break for Carlos Gomez and the Mets when he fractured a gone in his left hand and was lot for at least six weeks. Gomez brought energy, did not look overwhelmed and â if the Mets opted â Gomez was building trade value by not sinking at such a young age in the majors. Here is something to keep in mind, though, Gomez when healthy is going to be brought back to the Mets because his speed, defense and righty bat would be a valuable tool if the Mets make the playoffs.
3. It is just amazing isnât it, that the Mets have not had a 20-game winner since Frank Viola in 1990?
4. The Yankees cannot make a playoff run without major lineup contributions beyond just Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter. So the stirring in recent days by Robinson Cano, Hideki Matsui and Bobby Abreu was important, but only if it continues the rest of the year.
5. It is strange, but I am looking forward to the next time Edwar Ramirez pitches.
