Janet Mills' Disheartening & Distressing Decision to Drop Out of Maine Democratic Senate Primary

 

This morning, Maine Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign for the U.S. Senate paving the way for Graham Platner to be bestowed with the Democratic Party nomination.

I find Mills' decision disheartening and distressing.

By most accounts, she was a competent, reasonably liked governor. But apparently competence isn't what Democratic Party primary voters want these days. They want red meat (ethically sourced, of course), easy answers and social media clicks. In this respect, Democratic Party voters are no different than the MAGA they purport to despise. This is disheartening.

Aside from being manifestly unqualified for the job, Platner is also a vile anti-Semite, and it would seem Maine Democrats don't care. Indeed, they might very well like him because of it. That is distressing.

Loathe as I am to support a Republican in the age of Trump, if I were living in Maine I would cast my ballot for Susan Collins. It should be said that Collins was among the 7 Republican Senators who voted to impeach Trump during his second impeachment proceeding in 2021 following the events of January 6th and did not vote for Trump in 2024. That she voted to impeach Trump in 2021 and publicly refused to vote for him in 2024 and managed not to have a primary challenger is no small feat.

Trump certainly has no love lost for Collins. A year ago, Trump berated her for not supporting his tariffs against Canada. Last July, Trump took Collins to task for not supporting the so-called Big Beautiful Bill. Back in January, Trump made a profanity laced phone call to Collins when she voted in favor of a Democratic war powers resolution after Trump initiated military action in Venezuela.

Of course, Trump is mercurial. Last month, during a FOX News interview, he called Collins "a good person". Maine Democrats claimed it was proof that Collins was on Trump's team.

At this point, questions remain. Will Maine voters will have the good sense to recognize Collins' independence from Trump and her ability to bring home the bacon? Or will Main voters choose an untested populist demagogue who appeals to people's basest prejudices out of spite not only for Trump but out of spite for competence and getting the job done?

If Janet Mills' competence wasn't enough then who can say it will help Collins?

If that is the case, then I can only hope there are enough decent voters in Maine who will not be fooled by a man who covers a Nazi tattoo because they will see Graham Platner for the bigot that he is.

Concert for Hope & Unity Cancelled in Australia Because Greek Chorus Won't Sing With Jewish Choir

"A Concert for Hope and Unity" which was to take place next month in Sydney, Australia to benefit the victims of the Bondi Beach Chanukah massacre has been cancelled.

Would you like to know why the concert was cancelled?

Because the Australian Hellenic Choir refused to share the same stage with the Sydney Jewish Choral Society. They, ahem, "politically objected."

The proverbial Greek chorus cannot bring itself to help the innocent victims of an act of terrorism because they are Jews and will not share a stage with their fellow choir singers because they are Jews.

The Australian Hellenic Choir does not see members of the Sydney Jewish Choral Society as human beings. So long as this attitude prevails, there can be no hope and no unity.

I wish I were surprised. After all, the greatest surge of anti-Semitism since the end of WWII took place after Jews were massacred on October 7th, including in Australia. So, why would Australia care about the murder of Jews on their own soil any more than they would about the murder of Jews in Israel?

This is yet another example of Jews being expelled from polite society for being Jews. Of course, this is hardly confined to Australia. We are seeing it in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. including the stabbing attack today in the Golders Green section of London.

It is difficult to have much in the way of optimism because things will get worse for Jews the world over and it will likely take years, perhaps decades and maybe even centuries before it gets better.

Why I Doubt Melania Trump is Actually Angry at Jimmy Kimmel for His "Expectant Widow" Joke

(Alex Wong/Getty Images, Randy Holmes/Disney/Getty Images)

First Lady Melania Trump called upon ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel after he made a jest about her being an "expectant widow."

Keep in mind that Kimmel uttered the joke before the White House Correspondents Dinner. Nevertheless, the First Lady said the following:

Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy- his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate. A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him. Enough is enough.  It is time for ABC to take a stand.  How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community.

Sorry, I cannot take this statement with any degree of seriousness notwithstanding the events of Saturday night.

If the First Lady truly decries "hateful and violent rhetoric" then she ought to have a heart-to-heart talk with her husband. Indeed, last night, Kimmel said as much during his monologue:

I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject, I do, and I think a great place to start to dial that back would be to have a conversation with your husband about it

In recent months, Trump has publicly delighted in the deaths of Rob Reiner and Robert Mueller while slandering Renee Good after his ICE goons murdered her in cold blood. Perhaps Trump shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes day and night to spread hate.

As one of millions of Americans who've actually watched Kimmel's April 23rd monologue in its entirety, there is no way that anyone of good faith would conclude that by describing Melania Trump as "an expectant widow" that he was engaging in violent rhetoric. Last I checked, the First Lady is nearly a quarter century younger than the President and the President isn't exactly a picture of health. It is more likely than not that the President will die before the First Lady whatever the cause of death.

But the Trump White House doesn't engage in good faith. Trump has wanted Jimmy Kimmel off the air since it was announced that Stephen Colbert and CBS were parting ways last summer. Last September, there was a concerted effort by the Trump Administration through FCC to remove Kimmel from the airwaves following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. And now, lo and behold, the FCC has now announced plans to review of ABC's broadcast licenses.

The Trump Administration wants another bite at the apple and will keep taking bites until they get Jimmy Kimmel off the air or former FBI Director James Comey behind bars. No sooner than Brendan Carr had announced the FCC review, the DoJ issued another indictment against Comey for seashells. Arranging seashells in the form of "8647" is no more violent rhetoric than calling Melania Trump "an expectant widow."

I also doubt the First Lady is actually angry at the quip. Again, if you watch Kimmel's monologue, prior to the "expectant widow" quip, he makes several jokes about the First Lady in connection with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Considering that the First Lady called an impromptu press conference earlier this month to claim to demand that people stop linking with her with Epstein and Maxwell, it seems to me that this riled her up far more than calling her "an expectant widow."

But Melania Trump is tethered to Donald Trump. So, she will play along with his shenanigans. Otherwise, I don't think she really cares and doesn't think we should either.

Phillies Fire Thomson After 9-19 Start; Name Mattingly Interim Manager

(Former Phillies manager Rob Thomson (l) and Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly (r))

It is really tough being a baseball manager. Just ask Alex Cora who, along with most of his coaches, was abruptly fired as manager of the Boston Red Sox a mere 72 hours ago.

Now Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson has joined Cora on the unemployment line. Of course, Thomson took over a struggling Phillies club in 2022 after Joe Girardi was dismissed with a record of 22-29. All Thomson did was to lead the Phillies to a NL pennant and then three additional post-season appearances including back-to-back NL East titles.

The Phillies extended Thomson's contract through the end of the 2027 season in December 2025.

That was just over four months ago, and Thomson would not survive the month of April.

Being a baseball manager is a tough job because it doesn't take much to lose it. All your success doesn't amount to hill of beans if you hit the skids for a few weeks.

It was speculated that Cora might be in line to succeed Thomson given his connection to Phillies President Dave Dombrowski. However, Cora turned down the job.

Instead, the Phillies looked down the dugout and named bench coach Don Mattingly as the interim manager. Mattingly was hired by the Phillies back in January after spending two seasons as the bench coach for the defending AL champion Toronto Blue Jays. Of course, Mattingly managed in the big leagues for 12 seasons - five with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2011-2015) and seven with the Miami Marlins (2016-2022). Mattingly went to the post-season with the Dodgers thrice between 2013-2015 getting as far as the NLCS in 2013 in which they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals. During his tenure with the Marlins, Mattingly reached the post-season during the COVID shortened 2020 season. Yet some are calling it "nepotism" on the grounds that Mattingly's son Preston is the Phillies GM.

Should the Phillies turn it around and get into the post-season, no one will care about the father-son manager/GM relationship especially if the Phillies win their first World Series title since 2008 which would be Mattingly's first ever ring anywhere. On the other hand, if the Phillies continue to play terribly then people will feel sorry for Rob Thomson who after four years of success was let go during the first sign of trouble.

With this in mind, one wonders of the fate of New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza whose team enters tonight with an identical 9-19 record. In some ways, it is surprising that Mendoza has hung on longer than Thompson. Aside from a 12-game losing streak this season, the Mets have been struggling since last July after owning the best record in MLB. It is astonishing there is more patience in New York than in Philadelphia and, for that matter, Boston.

Then again, Phillies fans would boo both Santa and a child struggling during an Easter Egg hunt. 

Rob Thomson never stood a chance.

Steve Kerr Has No Compassion for Jews Taken Hostage & Slaughtered by Hamas

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has made it loud and clear that he has no compassion for Jews taken hostage and slaughtered by Hamas. In an interview with The New Yorker, Kerr tore into the United States and Israel:

My dad was killed by Iranian proxies forty-two years ago. I have no regard for the Iranian regime whatsoever. But the answer does not lie in starting a war and killing innocent people. Imagine being a parent of one of the one hundred and seventy-five girls who died when their school was bombed. Their loss, their suffering . . . How are they going to feel about America? Violence begets violence. We’ve seen it in Israel and Lebanon as well. There was an opening for Israel to handle their business with the Palestinians diplomatically that would have solidified the Abraham Accords and allowed stronger alliances with Arab countries that would have really cornered Iran. Instead, Israel sought revenge for October 7th and now seventy-two thousand Palestinians have been killed and Israeli settlers are taking over the West Bank illegally, with the approval of Israel’s government and the U.S. Ambassador, Mike Huckabee. That’s not a path to any sort of peace or security for Israel or the rest of the Middle East.

Kerr's father, Malcolm, was the President of American University in Beirut when he was executed by Islamic Jihad terrorists funded by Iran in January 1984.  

Under the circumstances, it is understandable that Kerr identifies with the parents of the 175 schoolgirls who were killed in an American airstrike on Iran. So why does Kerr have no compassion for the families of 1,200 people (mostly Jews) murdered by Hamas on October 7th? All Kerr has to say for October 7th is that Israel should have sought peace with the Palestinians who celebrated the deaths of Jews instead of holding Hamas to account as well as Hezbollah who launched attacks on Israel on October 8th. While there can be no doubt Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israeli forces, like the Hamas run Gaza Ministry of Health, Kerr makes no distinction between Palestinian civilians and Hamas terrorists who not only kidnap, rape and murder Jews but execute fellow Palestinians who do not toe their line.

There is one other important difference between the U.S. airstrike which killed 175 Iranian schoolgirls versus Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7th. The U.S. military did not deliberately target the school much less the schoolgirls while Hamas deliberately targeted civilians on kibbutzim and at the Nova Music Festival. That Kerr is unable or unwilling to make this distinction is telling.

So, do I think these statements should cost Kerr his job? This should not cost him his job any more than his outspokenness against Trump where it concerns ICE. It should be on the basis of the Warriors' performance on the court. Although Kerr has led the Warriors to four NBA Championships, nothing lasts forever. Just ask Alex Cora. The Warriors were 37-45 this year and have missed the playoffs two of the last four seasons since winning their last NBA Title in 2022. Kerr's contract is up and he and the Warriors might mutually part ways.

If Kerr does move on from the Warriors, I am sure there are 29 other NBA teams who would love to have him at courtside. Kerr will one day take his rightful place in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.

But being one of the greatest coaches in NBA history doesn't make you a good person. Whatever low regard he might have for the Iranian regime, he seems to have no trouble parroting propaganda from Iranian proxies like Hamas. That Kerr cannot extend the compassion he has for Iranian families with loved ones killed by an unintentional U.S. airstrike to Israeli families with loved one killed in a deliberate attack by Hamas at the very minimum demonstrates personal animosity towards Jews. 

At best, Steve Kerr is a fool. At worst, Steve Kerr has malice towards Jews. In which case, he is the sort of the person I would stay as far away from as possible.

Jews Kicked Out of WWII Victory Anniversary Rally in Italy

(Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto)

From the Times of Israel:

Several Jews attending a rally in Milan celebrating the anniversary of Italy’s liberation from the Nazis and fascists at the end of World War II were insulted and prevented from continuing along the event’s itinerary on Saturday. Eventually, police urged Jewish participants, marching under the banners of the WWII Jewish Brigade and other Jewish organizations, to leave the event for safety reasons.

“[Yesterday] marked my 50th year joining the April 25 national rally,” Emanuele Fiano, a former MP for the center-left Democratic Party and the son of an Auschwitz survivor, told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Sunday. (In Italy, the war ended a few weeks before the official Victory Day celebrated across Europe on May 8).

“We were kicked out, I can’t describe it in any other way,” he added. “The Jewish Brigade that fought alongside the partisans against the Nazi-fascists, the ‘Left for Israel — two states for two peoples [organization]’, members of the Jewish community, members of the socialist Jewish scout group [Hashomer Hatzair], were all kicked out of a rally that was supposed to celebrate freedom.”

The Jewish participants were harassed by other participants in the parade some of whom chanted, "Long live Hitler!!!"

Yes, people participating in a rally commemorating Italy's liberation from the Nazis were chanting their support for Hitler.

So why exactly did authorities in Milan ask the Jewish groups to leave instead of the people who were harassing them? 

It would seem that it is now a crime to walk while Jewish in Milan.

The hatred which allowed Nazism and fascism to rise in Italy and elsewhere in Europe is back and emboldened by the refusal of the authorities to stop it and instead blame the victims.

Thoughts on The Incident at The White House Correspondents Dinner

(Screenshot of footage of President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump & WHCA President Weijia Jiang before being evacuated by the Secret Service)

As I am sure you are aware by now, last night a gunman fired shots outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel as the White House Correspondents Dinner was getting underway. One Secret Service agent was wounded but is expected to survive his injuries. A suspect, identified as Cole Allen is in custody.

Under the circumstances, it is more than reasonable to conclude that Allen intended to assassinate President Trump and members of his Cabinet. 

I do not believe it is reasonable to conclude that this was staged or planned. They aren't that clever.

Of course, Trump has already used the incident to justify the construction of the White House Ballroom in what was the East Wing as well as to demand that Democrats in Congress fund the Department of Homeland Security.

Both talking points are nonsense. First, the White House Correspondents Association is independent of the White House. Such a dinner should not be held at the White House. To do so would compromise the independence of the press. Second, a fully funded DHS would not have prevented last night's incident.

At this point, we do not know if the suspect had a history of mental illness. But we do know that he obtained numerous weapons. Mentally ill or not, people who are determined to take the life of the President of the United States are unlikely to be deterred by an act of Congress.

I am sure that Trump and his allies will eventually seize upon Allen and his $25 donation to Kamala Harris and his attendance at a No Kings rally to paint all those who oppose him as set on violence. After all, CNN's Dana Bash is doing it for him as evidenced by her interview of Maryland Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin this morning claiming his party's uses of "heated rhetoric" against Trump.

Of course, Bash's question is predicated on the assumption that Trump is a beacon of rationality. Has she forgotten that Trump proclaimed he was glad that Robert Mueller had died? Less than 48 hours ago, Trump platformed claims that former President Obama and Hillary Clinton had committed treason. Does Bash not consider this heated rhetoric?

The truth of the matter is that millions of Americans oppose President Trump, his policies and his behavior and do so peaceably. 

A trial will sort out Cole Allen's responsibility for his actions last night. His actions do not speak for the vast majority of Americans who exercise their First Amendment rights to disagree with our government up to and including the President of the United States.

Red Sox Fire Cora & 5 Coaches; Name Triple-AAA Worcester Skipper Tracy as Interim Manager

During the intermission of the Roger McGuinn concert on Saturday night in Arlington, I learned that the Boston Red Sox had fired Alex Cora as their new manager while also dismissing five of his coaches.

Although the Red Sox had their biggest win of the season with a 17-1 thrashing of the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon (including a 10-run 9th inning), it was not enough to save Cora's job nor that of five of his coaches who were shown the door. Bench coach Ramon Vazquez, hitting coach Peter Fatse, third base coach Kyle Hudson, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson and hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin were dismissed along with Cora. Jason Varitek, who served as the game planning and run prevention coach, will be reassigned to another position within the organization where he has spent the past 30 years with two World Series rings in 2004 and 2007.

Prior to Saturday's win against the O's, the Bosox had lost 6 of their last 7 games including getting swept by the New York Yankees at Fenway Park earlier in the week. They are 10-17 and 8 games back of the Yankees in the AL East. That record is tied for second worst in the AL along with the Kansas City Royals with the Houston Astros sitting at 10-18.

Cora was first hired to manage the Red Sox prior to the 2018 season. In that inaugural season, Cora guided the team to a franchise best 108-54 resulting in a World Series title. The team would dismiss him prior to the 2020 season after his role in the Astros sign-stealing scandal had been revealed. After a single season with Ron Roenicke at the helm. the Red Sox brought Cora back in 2021 and guided them to another post-season appearance reaching the ALCS where they were eliminated by the Astros. The Red Sox returned to the post-season last year with an AL Wild Card berth but would be dispensed with by the Yankees.

Alas, Cora might not be unemployed for very long as speculation abounds that he is waiting in the wings to be the new manager of the Philadelphia Phillies who tonight snapped their 10-game losing streak. Despite the win, the Phillies 9-18 record is currently the worst in MLB. While Phillies President Dave Dombrowski has said that Phillies skipper Rob Thomson is not on the hot seat, Cora's availability might change that equation. After all, it was Dombrowski who hired Cora to manage the Red Sox when he was President of that organization.

Replacing Cora in the dugout is Chad Tracy who has been the manager of the Triple-AAA Worcester Red Sox since 2022. This is not the Chad Tracy who played third base for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins and the Washington Nationals for 10 seasons. This Chad Tracy was a minor league journeyman outfielder in the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles organizations between 2006 and 2014. Between 2015 and 2021, Tracy was in the Los Angeles Angels organization as a minor league manager and later a minor league field coordinator.

Of note, Tracy's father Jim was a big-league manager for 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies. The elder Tracy led the Dodgers to an NL West title in 2004 and the Rockies to a NL Wild Card berth in 2009 after the team started 18-28 under Clint Hurdle. Can the younger Tracy do with the 2026 Red Sox what his father did with the 2009 Rockies? Or can no one turn around this year's edition of the Red Sox?

Roger McGuinn is a Byrd Still in Flight

 

(Roger McGuinn performing on stage at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA on April 25, 2026)

This evening, I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Roger McGuinn in concert at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, just north of Cambridge.

I have been the Regent Theatre previously most recently in May 2025 when I attended a screening of the Jackson C. Frank documentary Blues Run the Game. Tonight, however, was the first time I would attend a concert at this venue.

McGuinn, of course, is best known for his association with The Byrds and his jingly-jangly folk rock guitar riffs on his 12-string Rickenbacker. Prior to this evening, I had seen and heard McGuinn perform live although not as the main act. The first time I saw and heard McGuinn perform live was at the 2000 Boston Folk Festival at UMass Boston where I would also see and hear acts like Richie Havens, Steeleye Spam and The Paperboys (featuring Tom Landa with whom I had attended high school in Thunder Bay). 

Another 19 years would pass before I would be in McGuinn's presence again. This time it would be at New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall where he was part of a 50th anniversary screening of Easy Rider. 

McGuinn, 83, has been touring along the East Coast for the past month or so with one more date scheduled next weekend at Monmouth University before stepping away from the road until he embarks upon a West Coast tour in the fall.

As soon as he hit the stage playing "My Back Pages", it was immediately apparent to me that McGuinn's voice was noticeably weaker than it was when I saw and heard him at Radio City Music Hall nearly 7 years ago. Of course, this is inevitable with the passage of time. No one can realistically expect McGuinn to sing like he sang when he was 23. For his part, McGuinn frequently asked the audience to sing along with him. 

I think the audience was just happy to be in McGuinn's presence and hearing his stories. Interestingly, most of those stories centered around his life before he joined The Byrds. McGuinn told the audience he fell in love with rock 'n roll when he heard "Heartbreak Hotel" on WJJD as a wee lad growing up in Chicago before becoming interested in folk music and learning it at the Old Town School of Folk Music where he would learn songs such as "Well, Well, Well" by Bob Gibson (the folk singer, not the Hall of Fame pitcher), Lead Belly's "Rock Island Line" and Pete Seeger's adaptation of "Turn! Turn! Turn!" from the Book of Ecclesiastes. Eventually McGuinn started writing his own material such as the "Gate of Horn", inspired by a folk club he frequented in Chicago.

McGuinn regaled the audience with stories of his time with the Limeliters and The Chad Mitchell Trio. While with the latter group, he would tour South America at the behest of the Kennedy White House. During this tour, McGuinn was alone near a cliff overlooking the ocean and began writing the chords of what would become "Chestnut Mare", a latter day hit for The Byrds. 

Before joining The Byrds, McGuinn would have a working relationship with Bobby Darin both in L.A, Vegas and later at the Brill Building in New York. It was through Darin that he met Peter Fonda and would later contribute "The Ballad of Easy Rider" to the film of the same name. While working for Darin in NYC, McGuinn would be part of the short-lived band The City Surfers and presented his attempt at surf music called "Beach Ball". The Bee Gees would record a version of this song in Australia. McGuinn quipped he will occasionally get a royalty check for $6. 

McGuinn reminisced about his times with Bob Dylan. As it turned out, Dylan liked basketball and McGuinn had a basketball hoop but didn't own a basketball. This would soon change. Dylan bequeathed McGuinn the first verse of "The Ballad of Easy Rider" and would join him on the Rolling Thunder Revue. It was here that McGuinn got to know Joni Mitchell and asked her if she could spare any songs. Mitchell gave him "Dreamland" which would appear on McGuinn's 1976 solo album Cardiff Rose. 

McGuinn would later reunite with Dylan in the late 1980's via Tom Petty. McGuinn and his wife attended a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert in Tampa where his wife would be struck by a frisbee. While seeking medical attention, Petty appeared on the scene and recognized McGuinn and invited him on stage for a couple of songs. Shortly thereafter, Petty arranged to have McGuinn be Dylan's opening act during a U.K. and European tour. During this time, McGuinn and Petty would co-write "King of the Hill" which would become an expected hit for McGuinn in 1990 after the release of his album Back from Rio. The album would be his first release in more than a decade.

Of course, when people of my age group would hear "King of the Hill" they would say that Roger McGuinn sounds a lot like Tom Petty. I would have to interject and tell them that Tom Petty sounded a lot like Roger McGuinn. For his part, McGuinn said that when he plays "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n Roll Star" many fans tell him they're glad he's playing a Tom Petty song.

McGuinn played a couple of traditional folk songs on the banjo - "This Little Light of Mine" and "The Preacher and The Bear". He saved the bulk of his Byrds material for the end of the show - "You Showed Me" (which became a hit for The Turtles), "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Eight Miles High" which McGuinn did in the style of Andres Segovia with a touch of the Theme to James Bond. Whatever the limitations of his voice, McGuinn has not lost a step with his guitar playing. For the encore, McGuinn played "Chimes of Freedom" and then closed with "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better."

I was pleased to have got the opportunity to see and hear Roger McGuinn perform a full-length concert. He is a Byrd still in flight.

Phillies Extend Losing Streak to 10 Games While Cubs Win 10 in a Row

There are two NL teams going in dramatically different directions - the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs.

On Friday night, the Phillies extended their losing streak to 10 games following a 5-3 loss to the NL East leading Atlanta Braves. The Phillies are in the NL East cellar exactly 10½ games back of the Braves. With the New York Mets having snapped a 12-game losing streak earlier this week and winning 2 of their last 3 games, the spotlight has fallen on the Phillies who entered this season with back-to-back NL East titles and four consecutive post-season appearances including the NL pennant in 2022. 

Have Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner all aged a century in the past few months? Or can the Phils return to Phighting form soon?

Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the spectrum, the Chicago Cubs have won 10 consecutive games following a 6-4 victory over the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers on the strength of a 4 RBI night by shortstop Dansby Swanson. 

During the course of this 10-game winning streak, the Cubs have gone from last place to being tied for first place in the NL Central with the Cincinnati Reds. Indeed, much of the Cubs success has come at the expense of the Phillies beating them six times. The Cubs also had three wins against the Mets during their 12-game losing streak.

The Cubs' last loss took place on April 13th when they fell 13-7 to the Phillies.

In case you're interested, this was also the last time the Phillies won a game.

Ellie Rodriguez Was a 2-Time AL All-Star

 

Former MLB catcher Ellie Rodriguez has passed away at the age of 79.

I remember Rodriguez as the guy who seemingly had a blood feud with Bill "Spaceman" Lee with the pair getting into altercations in Winter Ball and in the big leagues which was detailed in Lee's 1984 autobiography The Wrong Stuff. 

Of course, there was more to Rodriguez's life than those altercations.

Born in Puerto Rico, he moved to New York City with his family as a child and grew up in the Bronx only blocks away from Yankee Stadium. Rodriguez dreamed of being a Yankee and idolized Yogi Berra. He played high school baseball at James Monroe High School. On a personal note, my Dad also attended this same institution. 

Rodriguez was signed by the Kansas City A's prior to the 1964 season. After a single year in the A's organization, the Yankees would select him in the player draft. Rodriguez would earn a cup of coffee with the Bronx Bombers playing 9 games with them in 1968.

In 1969, Rodriguez would find himself back in Kansas City although this time with the Royals who picked him in the expansion draft. While a light hitter, his defensive prowess particularly his ability to throw out runners was enough to earn him a selection as the team's lone representative to the All-Star Game which was held in Washington, D.C. that season though he did not play in the game.

After one more season with the Royals, Kansas City would trade him to the Milwaukee Brewers for fellow catcher Carl Taylor. Rodriguez would hit a career best .285 in 1972 and earn his second AL All-Star Team selection as the Brewers' lone representative to the mid-summer classic that season in Atlanta. But once again, Rodriguez did not get to play.

By 1973, Rodriguez's lack of offensive production and injuries cost him to lose playing time to the up-and-coming Darrell Porter. Following the season, Rodriguez was sent to the California Angels in a 9-player deal which included pitcher Skip Lockwood, outfielder Joe Lahoud joining him in going west in exchange for pitchers Steve Barber and Clyde Wright. 

Rodriguez would play in a career high 140 games in 1974 with career bests in HR (7) and RBI (36). However, during the season the Angels would fire manager Bobby Winkles and replace him with Dick Williams who had led the Oakland A's to back-to-back World Series title until he had a falling out with Charlie Finley. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, Williams took a disliking to him and played him sparingly. Rodriguez attributed this to racial bias on the part of Williams.

Despite a terse relationship with Williams, Rodriguez did have one feather in his cap. On July 1, 1975, Rodriguez was behind the plate when he caught Nolan Ryan's fourth career no-hitter as the Angels bested the Baltimore Orioles 1-0.

Prior to the 1976 season, the Angels dealt Rodriguez to the crosstown Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for his fellow countryman, outfielder Orlando Alvarez. Unfortunately, injuries limited Rodriguez to 36 games. As it turned out, those would be his final games in the big leagues. In 775 career games over 9 seasons, Rodriguez collected 533 hits for a lifetime batting average of .245 with 16 HR and 203 RBI.

Rodriguez would play in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization in 1977 before joining the Mexican League where he played between 1978 and 1982. He would later work as a scout and manager in the semi-independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball while also coaching youth baseball in Puerto Rico. R.I.P.

$1,000 Isn't What It Used To Be But I'll Take It

 

Like many people, I like to gamble. 

I strive to do so in moderation and with minimal risk.

Smoky casinos don't do it for me. I've only been to a casino twice in my life. The first time was in the late 1990s when I was invited to go to the Casino de Hull in Hull, Quebec (across the river from Ottawa). Not having an abundance of money, I didn't play anything and was soon bored out of my mind. I also saw some very desperate people there.

The second time was nearly a decade ago when my friend Christopher Kain and I went to the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island to see Don Rickles perform. It was a depressing and dreary place. As I wrote at the time, "Never have I seen so many walkers, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and canes assembled in one place."

Sadly, Don Rickles was not much longer for this world passing away 7 months later.

I prefer to do my gambling with scratch tickets.

Perhaps once a week (give or take) I like to buy a scratch ticket.

A single scratch ticket usually. I've seen too many people buy dozens of scratch tickets. Naturally, that is their business. But for me that seems too much. For me, less is more.

My favorite is the $2,500 a Week for Life game. Sometimes, I'll buy the $250 a Week for Life or the $1,000 a Week for Life game if the $2,500 a Week for Life is game is unavailable.

The idea I could win those amounts seems a more realistic proposition than playing Mega Millions or Powerball although I do play those games once in a blue moon.

Mind you, the $2,500 a Week for Life isn't actually for life. It is paid out over a 20-year period. Of course, one can take the prize in a single lumpsum. Should I ever get that ticket, I will have to do some thinking as to I would receive such a prize given the tax implications. But I'll cross that bridge should it come.

In the meantime, I do win a fair bit on this game. Usually $15, $20, $50 - a little walking around money. 

As some of you might recall, I won $100 during my most recent visit Walden Pond visit but the store wouldn't give me the money. After alerting the Massachusetts Lottery Commission about the situation, they told me I could redeem my money at any one of their outlets and recommended I go to a grocery store which would be all but guaranteed to have the cash on hand. As such, I was able to redeem my winnings from a nearby grocery store. 

Last month, on a Saturday, I sojourned to Southie to play candlepin bowling. On my way to Southie Bowl, I stopped into the J&J Discount Mini-Mart on West Broadway and bought the $2,500 a Week for Life ticket. There are six winning numbers on the ticket, and one can win up to 15 times.

I began by scratching the right-hand side of the ticket. My excitement was aroused when one of my numbers matched a prize of $400. The next column saw another number with a prize of $100. I was now at $500. The next column saw two more $100 prizes. I was now at $700. 

At this point, I was both disappointed and exhilarated. Given that lottery outlets could not redeem more than $600, I could not collect the money then and there. At the same time, I had not completed scratching the ticket.

The next column saw two more $100 prizes. I was now at $900. The last column gave me one more $100 prize to put me at a grand total of $1,000. Needless to say, I walked out of J&J Mini-Mart considerably happier than I did when I exited Cumberland Farms last November after winning $100.

And then I kept the excitement to myself. Because there was now the logistical detail of collecting the money. Until I collected the money I didn't want to tell anyone. Prior to writing this dispatch, I told Dad about my good fortune.

Those who win between $601 and $103,000 can collect their prize by mail, mobile app or visiting a local lottery office in person. I opted for the latter. However, this meant taking an afternoon off of work which meant I waited more than a month to claim my prize. All winnings must be claimed within one year.

That afternoon came today. I went to the Massachusetts Lottery Commission's headquarters in Dorchester. In very short order, I signed the back of my lottery ticket, filled out a yellow form, produced my state ID and Social Security number and received a check for $950 as 5% state tax is withheld.

Now $1,000 isn't what it used to be nor is $950. It doesn't cover the rent anymore. Of course, I'll have to pay federal tax on it next year. But for the moment I have money I would not otherwise have.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Massachusetts Lottery Commission sells lottery tickets including the $2,500 a Week for Life ticket. Since I was in the neighborhood, I bought a ticket. No dice this time. But there will be other days. Besides, I was still able to quit while I was ahead.

UCLA Student Gov't Calls Appearance by a Surviving Israeli Hostage Omer Shem Tov a "One-Sided Narrative"

Omer Shem Tov was kidnapped by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023 and held hostage for 505 days. 

Since his release over a year ago, Shem Tov has been telling his story and making public appearances. Last May, he even got to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park.

Earlier this month, Shem Tov spoke at UCLA. 

Following the event, UCLA's student government condemned his visit to campus. The Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) issued a statement which read:

Universities must not be complicit in the production or amplification of one-sided narratives that erase systems of oppression and occupation, USAC has, and continues to stand in unwavering solidarity with Palestinian students and all those impacted by state violence and displacement.

Perhaps the USAC would have preferred that UCLA had invited Shem Tov's Hamas captors to speak on campus and regale them with tales of kidnapping, rape and murder.

Now that one would have been a one-sided narrative.

For his part, Shem Tov has issued a statement of his own:

If you are willing to silence a survivor of 505 days in captivity to protect a preconceived narrative, it’s worth pausing.

When a worldview requires you to override your own values, something is misaligned. The hope is that it’s the worldview that changes — because the values are worth keeping.

Alas, when a group of people see fit to condemn a man who was the victim of unspeakable violence it is a demonstration that they have no value system other than hatred and contempt of Jews. In their eyes, Jews are subhuman and thus Shem Tov is unworthy of any compassion and sympathy.

You are either with the hostages, or you are with Hamas. UCLA's student government has chosen Hamas.

Mets Snap 12-Game Losing Streak as Phillies Extend Their Skid to 8 Games

The New York Mets finally got into the win the column for the first time in more than 2 weeks besting the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on a Mark Vientos' single in the 8th inning. Tonight's triumph snapped a 12-game losing streak.

Perhaps the Mets got a lift from the returning Juan Soto. Unfortunately, Francisco Lindor left the game with a calf injury.

But they'll take the W.

Because the Philadelphia Phillies haven't been a winning a lot of games either. The Phillies extended their losing skid to 8 games falling to the Chicago Cubs 7-2. Conversely, the Cubs are enjoying an 8-game winning streak.

The Phillies aren't hitting, pitching or catching the ball. The sorts of things a team needs to do to win ballgames. What jumps out at me is Trea Turner batting .235. That's nearly 70 points below what he hit a year ago to win the NL batting title.

Well, perhaps misery loves company. Both the Mets and Phillies have identical records of 8-16 and are both 8½ games back of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Not to mention both are looking up at the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins.

There is still time to dig out of the hole. But if things don't start changing soon, Mets and Phillies fans will be more interested in watching a wrestling match between Mr. Met and the Phillie Phanatic.

With The Trump Admin Pursuing Criminal Charges Against SPLC Will They Do The Same With The ADL?

I have one further thought about the Trump Administration's pursuit of criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center. 

Is the Anti-Defamation League next?

I pose the question because the FBI severed its association with the SPLC and the ADL on the same day last October. At the time, FBI Director Kash Patel described the ADL as an "extreme group functioning like a terrorist organization."

Needless to say, I found Patel's assertions disturbing:

Keep in mind that Patel isn't some run-of-the-mill social media influencer. He is the top law enforcement official in the country. Instead of taking that role with the seriousness and sobriety it requires, Patel is claiming a long-standing civic organization "functioning" like a terrorist organization. For all intents and purposes, Patel is claiming the ADL is no different than al Qaeda, ISIS or, for that matter, Hezbollah. If that wasn't enough, Patel is also accusing the ADL of "spying on Americans." In so doing, Patel is essentially calling ADL "unAmerican" and othering Jews. Furthermore, Patel is making these claims without evidence.

Irresponsible and reckless statements like this from top public officials give legitimacy to anti-Semitism. It is only a matter of time before someone attacks an ADL office, another Jewish civic institution or a synagogue (like we saw in the UK today) resulting in a mass slaughter. Should such an event come to pass, Patel will undoubtedly condemn the attack. But he will have enabled the conditions to allow such an attack in the first place.

However, in view, of the criminal charges which have now been levied against the SPLC, one must consider the distinct possibility the DoJ may choose to pursue a criminal investigation against the ADL. Who knows? Given Patel's rhetoric perhaps they would see fit to charge the ADL with providing material support to a terrorist organization. A preposterous notion. Then again so is charging the SPLC for financing white supremacist groups.

I hate to say it but there would be less of a political cost in pursuing criminal charges against the ADL. Somehow, I doubt Senator Van Hollen or the ACLU would speak up for the ADL as they have for the SPLC. Unlike the SPLC, the ADL would be on its own should the Trump Admin decide to come after it.

In which case, one can only hope the courts will rein in the efforts of the Trump Admin to go after those who they perceive as enemies of America.

The Trump Admin is Going After The Southern Poverty Law Center Over January 6th

The Trump Administration is going after the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as the DoJ persuaded a grand jury in Alabama to issue indictments concerning wire fraud, money laundering and false statements. Hours earlier, the SPLC publicly disclosed they were under federal investigation.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche (who we must remember was once President Trump's personal lawyer) claims, “The SPLC is manufacturing racism to justify its existence.” Simply put, the DoJ is claiming the SPLC is actually funding white supremacist networks rather than trying to end them.

I don't think these charges are going to withstand the scrutiny of a trial. The Trump Administration will be no more successful in bringing a guilty verdict against the SPLC than it has been with former FBI Director James Comey or New York Attorney General Letitia James let alone Senator Mark Kelly.

As with Comey, James and Kelly, this is an act of retribution on behalf of President Trump, and it will keep both Blanche and embattled FBI Director Kash Patel in good standing with the Oval Office - at least until charges are dismissed or a not guilty verdict is rendered.

From where I sit, Trump's main anger towards the SPLC regards January 6th as they worked closely with the January 6th Committee monitoring groups such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers who were involved with the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The SPLC subsequently condemned the pardons given to those convicted of crimes for their actions on January 6th.

President Trump and members of his administration are certainly entitled to disagree with the SPLC. I am not pleased that the SPLC isn't prepared to call Hamas a terrorist organization and believe they are wrong in this regard. But being wrong isn't a criminal act.

To pursue this action against the SPLC is little more than an effort by the Trump Administration to stifle organizations that would be critical of it and intimidate others from doing the same. We are not a democracy without an independent civil society which is free to criticize the government without fear of reprisal.

What Private Sector Employer Would Hire Ex-Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer?

Today, Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned as President Trump's Secretary of Labor. 

Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican Congresswoman from Oregon, is the third member of President Trump's cabinet who has departed in less than two months. In March, Trump demoted Kristi Noem from Homeland Security to Special Envoy for the Shields of America and earlier this month Trump fired Pam Bondi as Attorney General.

In Chavez-DeRemer's case it was corruption and personal misconduct. Among other things, Chavez-DeRemer allegedly found time to have an extramarital affair with a subordinate, drank on the job while her aides masked personal travel under official government business. Chavez-DeRemer's husband Shawn DeRemer was also barred from the Labor Department's HQ after several female employees accused him of sexual harassment. Chavez-DeRemer was due to meet with the Department's Inspector General concerning the allegations. 

What gets me is that White House Deputy Press Secretary Steven Cheung's explanation that Chavez-Demer was departing the Trump Administration "to take a position in the private sector." Yes, I know the Trump Administration is trying to save face here. But given what has happened at the Department of Labor under her watch what private sector employer would to see fit to hire her?

Well, I suppose she could always work at Fox News or somewhere in the conservative media ecosystem. I cannot imagine anyone else hiring Chavez-Demer.

So, who will be next to be fired or forced out of the Trump Administration?

My money would be on FBI Director Kash Patel, defamation lawsuit or no defamation lawsuit. If Chavez-Demer needed to leave the Trump Administration for drinking on the job and using government resources for personal business, then Patel deserves the same fate for his own behavior in these areas.

Reflections on The Boston Marathon

Today, I took the day off of work to watch the Boston Marathon in person.

It was the first time I had done so since 2022, just under a year after returning the Boston area. Upon looking at my posts, for whatever reason, I did not see fit to write about it at the time. Perhaps I just wanted to experience it and keep the memory for myself. But that isn't like me.

Yet given that the Boston Marathon is an event known all over the world and I've had a chance to view it firsthand on a number of occasions, I think it warrants a few thoughts.

For those who don't know, the Boston Marathon occurs on Patriot's Day which is observed in Massachusetts and in Maine (which was originally part of the Massachusetts colony) as the start of the American Revolution. On that same day, the Boston Red Sox play a home game which starts at 11 a.m. which aside from the Washington Nationals' 11 a.m. start time on the Fourth of July are the only morning games on MLB's schedule.

When I first lived in Boston, I lived in the Fenway neighborhood. Some years, I would go to see the Red Sox play in the morning and then saunter over to Commonwealth Avenue to watch the marathon. In other years, when I was at work, I would walk from Downtown Boston to the Back Bay and take in the marathon from Commonwealth Avenue or even make my way to Boylston Street near the finish line.

I remember the 2012 Boston Marathon as temperatures neared 90 degrees. Not ideal weather in which to run a marathon.

Then came the 2013 Boston Marathon. 

That year, I decided to go to Concord and visit Minuteman National Historical Park and stand on the bridge where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. This may very well saved my life.

While I was there, Mom phoned to tell me of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Yes, in the internet age, Mom knew about the terrorist attack from her living room in Thunder Bay, Ontario earlier than I did as I stood less than 25 miles away.

I immediately made my way home.

It was a tense week as the bombers remained at large and then the whole city was placed on lockdown on Friday until the last bomber was pinned down in Watertown. Much of Boylston Street was shut down for more than a week. I remember watching people in white hazmat suits from Newbury Street. It was right out of a sci-fi movie and every bit as eerie.

Under the circumstances. I was determined to be at the Boston Marathon in 2014 and made good on my vow. But one could not get near Boylston Street. From that year onward, I would watch the marathon near the intersection of Mass and Commonwealth Avenue (as you can see in the picture above) about ½ mile from the finish line.

Of course, I left Boston for a few years. I didn't see the New York Marathon although I saw many of its participants on the Upper West Side. Since returning here, aside from today and in 2022, I have spent most of my Patriot's Day traveling from or to New York. During last year's Boston Marathon, I headed to NYC for my very first business trip.

Today, I probably spent a little over half an hour watching the 130th running of the Boston Marathon. In that time, I probably saw hundreds, perhaps over 1,000 runners. There was a mix of men and women, young and old of all shapes and sizes. Most were running, some walked. Several wore military uniforms. For some, this was not their first race while for others this was the first time they made it over Heartbreak Hill. There were people from all over the world passing by in that short space of time. I'm not sure how they did it, but they did. I have no doubt all of those people spent a lot of time and effort preparing for this race. 

Could I do such a thing? Perhaps if I spent all my waking hours doing so. I've never been much good at running. Never had much speed. Although this is race of endurance. Alas, I am prone to shin splints. Besides I prefer to get my exercise in the swimming pool.

I do remember running a 2K race when I was in the eighth grade. It took place on the campus of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I remember running by one of the campus residences and a fellow opening his window and shouting out at me, "Fuck you, asshole!!!" That wasn't exactly the kind of encouragement I was seeking. Mom did tell me that a couple of runners from Thunder Bay made their way here to compete in this year's event. It turns out one of them also struggled during his first 2K race.

Truth be told, when it comes to running be it the Boston Marathon or a 2K road race, I think I am content to be an observer and a spectator.

Michigan Democrats Oust Jewish Incumbent in Favor of Pro-Hezbollah Candidate for University of Michigan Board of Regents

(Amir Makled on the left & Jordan Acker on the right)

In some very disturbing news, Democrats in Michigan have ousted Jordan Acker, a Jewish pro-Israel member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents in favor of Amir Makled, a candidate who has praised Hezbollah.

Last I checked, Hezbollah is still a terrorist organization.

Acker was targeted by Makled because he opposed efforts by the BDS movement to divest university funds from Israel while also supporting disciplinary actions against anti-Israel students who had occupied the campus. For his positions, Acker's home has been vandalized on multiple occasions.

Of note, Michigan Democrats did renominate Paul Brown. Like Acker, he opposed efforts by the BDS movement to divest university funds from Israel while also supporting disciplinary actions against anti-Israel students who had occupied the campus. 

Yet there was no challenge to Brown's candidacy much less any violence visited upon his home.

Makled targeted Acker because he is Jewish and Michigan Democrats went along with it.

Shame on them!!!

This could be a harbinger of things to come. Michigan Democrats could very well nominate Abdul El-Sayed this August, a man who has made excuses for the pro-Hezbollah attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township.

Even if Michigan Democrats do not nominate El-Sayed, I suspect that both Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow will be very circumspect in whatever support they have for Israel, let alone Michigan's Jewish community so as not to alienate El-Sayed's base of support in the Democratic Party.

If El-Sayed is nominated and wins the general election, it will demonstrate mainstream acceptance of anti-Semitism especially if Maine voters also choose Hamas sympathizer Graham Platner over Susan Collins in that Senate race.

On the other hand, if El-Sayed is nominated, it could also motivate a sliver of Democrats and independents to defect and result in the election of former GOP Congressman Mike Rogers. This would be a Republican gain in what is expected to be a Blue Wave against Trump this November. In which case, a Republican gain is also possible in the University of Michigan Board of Regents election.

As much as I loathe MAGA, this would probably the best possible outcome as it might teach Democrats a lesson that it's not a good idea to support candidates who are pro-Hamas, pro-Hezbollah and anti-American.

Harris Claims Netanyahu "Pulled" Trump Into War with Iran

During an appearance at Michigan Democratic Party event yesterday, 2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris claimed that Israeli Prime Minister "pulled" President Trump into war with Iran.

When Harris says that Bibi pulled Trump into war does she mean by puppet strings?

If she does, then Harris is promoting an anti-Semitic trope. 

Let's keep in mind that it was Harris' campaign who in vetting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate questioned his loyalty to this country on account of his Jewish faith.

Of course, Harris remarks concerning Iran were utterly incoherent. While accusing Netanyahu of pulling Trump into military actions, Harris also claimed Trump was using the war to distract the country from the Epstein files.

So, which is it? Are we at war with Iran because Trump is doing Bibi's bidding or because Trump is trying to distract us from the Epstein files?

Trump's actions in Iran certainly warrant criticism and I have given my share of it. But if Harris and Democrats insist on responding to Trump's demagoguery with demagoguery of their own, they will not inspire my confidence.

It is also difficult to take Harris' claims about Bibi seriously when we consider Trump's public admonition on Friday that Israel refrains from any military action against Lebanon even if fired upon by Hezbollah. 

Yet it would appear that Harris is serious about another White House bid. If this is the case, Harris (and probably every other Democratic Party hopeful) is going to make Israel public enemy number one and, by extension, make it clear that America's Jewish community is not welcome in the Democratic fold unless they renounce Israel.

Unlike 2024, Kamala Harris will not have my vote however revolting Trump, Vance & company are. At this point, I do not trust anyone, Democrat or Republican. Those who do not have my trust are not entitled to my vote.

Mets Lose 10 Straight After 7-4 Start; Is Mendoza Nearing The End of The Line?

The New York Mets have lost their 10th consecutive game falling 4-2 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

The Mets began the 2026 MLB season winning 7 of their first 11 games and actually had a ½ game lead in the NL East following an extra inning victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7th. They are now 7 games back of the Atlanta Braves. During this 10-game skid, the Mets have been outscored 60-16 and shutout thrice.

Although we are scarcely into the second inning of the season, it is reasonable to wonder if Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza is nearing the end of the line.

For starters, the Mets have the second highest payroll in MLB. This means the Mets are expected to win and to win now.

Let us also consider Mendoza himself. Hired prior to the 2024 season on a three-year deal with a club option for 2027, the Mets would earn a NL Wild Card berth and reach the NLCS falling to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. But then there was last year. Things were looking very good for the Mets. In mid-June, the Mets had the best record in MLB with a 45-24 and had a 5½ game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The Mets were not so amazin' going 38-55 the rest of the way. As Mets announcer Gary Cohen put it at the time, "And the Mets agonizing, three-and-a-half-month, slow-motion collapse, is complete."

Of course, the Mets underwent a significant overhaul during the offseason. Pete Alonso signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles with closer Edwin Diaz doing the same with the Dodgers while Jeff McNeil was traded to the Athletics. Brandon Nimmo was shipped to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien. The Mets did acquire the services of former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette but really wanted Kyle Tucker who signed with (who else?) the Dodgers as well as Luis Robert, Jr. from the Chisox not to mention Devin Williams from the crosstown Yankees. They also acquired Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.

Much of this is beyond the control of Mendoza. But Mendoza did lift Peralta in favor of Brooks Raley this afternoon who promptly gave up a pinch hit 3-run HR to Carson Kelly. Losing to the Cubs must add an extra sting when you consider that current Cubs skipper Craig Counsell was their top choice after they dismissed Buck Showalter following the 2023 season, but Counsell didn't want a bite of the Big Apple.

Bichette (.227 1 HR & 9 RBI) and Semien (.216 1 HR & 8 RBI) are struggling at the plate along with Francisco Lindor (.214 1 HR & 1 RBI) and Brett Baty (.190 0 HR & 7 RBI) who are hitting at or the below the Mendoza Line. That would be Mario, not Carlos. Still, Mario Mendoza isn't sitting on the hot seat.

Their pitching hasn't been much better. Although Peralta (1-2 4.05 ERA), Nolan McLean (1-1 2.28 ERA) and Clay Holmes (2-2 1.96 ERA) have pitched serviceably, both David Peterson (0-3 6.41 ERA) and Kodai Senga (0-3 8.83 ERA) have been getting hammered. Williams has been ineffective in the closer role with his 6.75 ERA, and the Mets are now relying on Craig Kimbrel. While Kimbrel is a future Hall of Famer, he has not saved a game since 2024.

As Jeff Passan noted, only four teams in MLB history have reached the post-season following a losing streak of 10 games or longer although one of those teams was the Cleveland Guardians from last season. Indeed, the Guardians were 15½ games back of the Detroit Tigers on Fourth of July weekend only to win the AL Central.

The Mets aren't that deep in the hole, and they are expected to get Juan Soto back off the injury list before the end of the month. Let us also consider that the rest of the NL East outside of the Braves isn't exactly lighting the world on fire. The Philadelphia Phillies, who are coming off four straight post-season appearances including back-to-back NL East titles and the NL pennant in 2022, have had an almost equally disappointing start. The Miami Marlins have lost 7 of their last 8 games following an 8-5 start. Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals could be headed for their 7th straight losing season after winning the World Series in 2019.

So, with a scant 141 games to play, the Mets have time to turn the corner. However, there remains a question if that will happen with Carlos Mendoza in the dugout.