The Mets Should Be very Careful About Making Trades at the Deadline

 

Needless to say, this season has been a disaster for the Mets.  As of today, their record is 43-60.  I put the blame on David Stearns, whose off-season moves did not work out.  This article by Jason Burgos prompted me to write this entry.  He has a good point in saying that the Mets' farm system is just not producing.  Few minor leaguers can be impact players within a year or two.  There is a temptation to trade players with expiring contracts for prospects.  These include:

Freddy Peralta (SP): Earns an $8 million salary in 2026. He is considered one of the Mets' top trade chips despite a down season.

A.J. Minter (RP): Playing under an $11 million salary. He is an impending free agent expected to move to a contender

.Brooks Raley (RP): Playing on a $4.75 million contract after his 2026 club option was exercised.

Tyrone Taylor (OF): Playing on a one-year, $3.8 million deal and hits free agency at the end of the year.

If you are going to trade them, at least get good players in return.  Last winter, Stearns traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics and got a 17-year-old in return.

I hope the Mets will sign Clay Holmes, who holds a player option for 2027, to an extension.

Stearns should ensure that the Mets have a competitive team for the rest of 2026.  I have several games left on the Sunday package and do not want to see a bunch of minor leaguers.

I Had Shelter for the Storm at Home Last Night

 

Bob Dylan at Forest Hills 2026

The weather forecast for yesterday was terrible, calling for heavy rain, wind, and the possibility of tornadoes.  I grappled all day on whether I should go, as the venue's policy was the show goes on rain or shine.  At about 4 PM, there was heavy rain in Queens.  Although I have been a big Dylan fan for 60 years, I decided to stay home and not have to sit in the rain for hours. I was looking forward to this concert, but safety and comfort must come first. In any event, you barely see Dylan since he hides wearing a hoodie, as seen above.  I was willing to lose the money I spent for the tickets.

Even though events at Yankee Stadium and Jones Beach Theater were postponed, the show went on.  Facebook posts indicated it was delayed, but Dylan and the opening acts played.  Many people also didn't come and complained, but there is nothing we can do.

YouTube Recording

Queens, New York Forest Hills Stadium July 21, 2026

1.	To Be Alone With You (Bob on electric keyboard)
2.	Man In The Long Black Coat (Bob on electric keyboard)
3.	It Ain't Me, Babe (Bob on electric keyboard)
4.	False Prophet (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
5.	I Can Tell (song by Samuel Smith) (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
6.	Black Rider (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
7.	Share Your Love With Me (song by Alfred Braggs and Deadric Malone) (Bob on electric keyboard)
8.	When I Paint My Masterpiece (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
9.	I'll Make It All Up To You (song by Charlie Rich) (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
10.	Crossing the Rubicon (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
11.	Soon After Midnight (Bob on electric keyboard)
12.	Under The Red Sky (Bob on electric keyboard and harp)
13.	I've Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
14.	Goodbye Jimmy Reed (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
15.	I Shall Be Released (Bob on electric keyboard and harp)

Boom Boom by the Animals While Thinking About Freddy Cannon

 

I will request this on Bob Radil's 60s 70s show on Friday

Remembering Freddy Cannon (1937-2026)

 We found out today that Freddy Cannon passed away at age 89.  Back in 2014, I posted his hit Abigail Beecher in this Journal. Today, I am posting the Dedication Song.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by the Platters - Appropriate Oldie of the Day

 

Hopefully, the smoke from the Canadian wildfires will dissipate soon.

Report in the New York Times

Caleb Groen - The Last Jeopardy Superstar of Season 42

Caleb Groen won his 10th game yesterday to qualify as a Jeopardy Superstar.  Most likely, Season 42 will end on Friday, July 24th, so Caleb will be the last big winner of the year.  With his total of just over $300,000, he is already #18 on the all-time winners list for regular-season play.  Most of his victories were runaways.  He will be a formidable contestant in the next Tournament of Champions.

 

I am Not on the Bandwagon for World Cup Soccer and Other Things

 

According to Merriam-Webster, A bandwagon is a popular cause, movement, or trend that attracts growing support. It is most commonly used in the phrase "jump on the bandwagon," which means to adopt a popular trend, activity, or belief simply because it has become fashionable or successful.

It seems that everyone and his brother is following the World Cup Soccer tournament.  But do these people follow soccer at other times?  I never developed an interest in soccer, so I am not following the tournament.  I am not on the bandwagon.

Some other examples:

• The Super Bowl. Many people follow pro football just once a year.  I marginally follow football.  I guess I am so much into baseball that I neglect other sports.
• The Triple Crown of Racing.  So many people follow only the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes.  I was never into horse racing.
• The Knicks' victory parade drew about 2 million spectators.  How many of them followed the Knicks during their losing seasons?  I do follow basketball, but not as closely as baseball.