Mon 3 Jul 2006
Cruising out of Toronto headed into Boston…
Whir, backfire
Swept out of Boston rolling through the Bronx…
Sputter, knock, knock
Four game series at home against the Pirates…
Bang, pop, shimmy
Four game Series at home against the Marlins…
Pop, pop, bang
Blue and orange car rolls to a stop. A stoic man gets out and pops the hood and looks around noticing a lone garage, PNC Motors. A mechanic walks out…
Willie: (Eyes squinting from the sun) who are you?
Mechanic: The names Al Symons Break, My friends call me A.S. for short, what seems to be the problem?
Willie: Well everything was running great until about two weeks ago going through Boston and the Bronx. It almost stalled today, I barely made it here. Where am I anyway?
A.S. Break: Well, sir, you are in Pittsburgh. Damn lucky too. This is the last stop for the next 73 at least. Say where ya headed?
Willie: October, I figure, maybe a little further.
A.S. Break: Well, sir, this is a fine machine to do it in. I hadn’t seen one like this in a while. I remember a model like this in 86. Of course I saw a version sorta like it in the 1999-2000 model but this one’s been built much better. What make is this?
Willie: It’s a Minaya. Do you know what’s wrong with it?
A.S. Break: Well I’ll tell you what, that number 7 spark plug has a slight gash in it. The ace starter is worn, so is number 21. That Nady is shaky but usable. That and your out of gas. Looks like this engine really has some power, specally that third base solenoid, they’ve all seen some miles…
Willie: Anything need replacing?
A.S. Break: Well, I’ll call the dealers in Oakland and Florida to see if another starter is available but I doubt it. If there are any, they’re way too pricey. Give me a few days, I’ll give her a tune up, some high octane gas, it’ll be good as new come Friday. I’ll even throw in a free coat of wax; I’ll get that orange paint as shiny as ever. You can pick her up in Chicago on Friday afternoon. She’ll be runnin like a top, I promise you.
Willie: How much will you charge for all that?
A.S. Break: Well, I’ll do it for free if you let me borrow those numbers 5, 15 and 16 parts for a few days…
Let’s hope the All Star Break will be just what the Mets need to catch their breath and finish strong.
53 wins and a 12 game lead at the All-star break. If anybody predicted it in March they would have either been ridiculed as a Mets cheerleader.
Congrats on a great first half guys, get some rest and come back ready to beat the Cubs.
NOTE: I will not be on break this week. Check back often for new posts…
