There’s nothing better than rewriting a completed blog post from scratch due to computer error.
I spent my Friday night in Dover, N.J., taking part in the filming of a scene from the upcoming motion picture, “The Wrestler,” starring Mickey Rourke. It chronicles the career of a down-and-out 80s-era pro wrestler who returns to the ring despite the protests of his doctor. For the scene, the crowd at the Baker Theater was to witness the climactic final bout between Rourke’s Randy “The Ram” Robinson and his arch-rival “The Ayatollah.” Before filming began, the crew was sure to point out that “The Ayatollah” was in fact the bad guy and the wrestler that we should boo. Really?
Luckily there’s not much to boo about the Mets these days, as the Amazin’s seem to be rounding into shape as Opening Day comes ever closer. John Maine was dominant again, Johan Santana was strong again and perhaps most importantly, Pedro Martinez will take the mound Sunday for his first exhibition start. As the rotation’s question mark, a strong outing from Pedro will give the Mets and their fans a great deal of confidence heading into the season. Even the position players — once decimated by injury — are coming back to the fold. Luis Castillo got in his first game of the spring today and Carlos Beltran has continued to play center field despite some soreness. Everyone might not be ready for Opening Day — Duque and Duaner in particular — but the Mets are starting to look a lot more like the Mets.
And since things are going well, now seems like an opportune moment for a light-hearted diversion. Adam Rubin in his Daily News Mets blog alerted readers to this moderately frightening “tribute” site to reliever Joe Smith on MySpace. It’s premise is that Joe Smith is God. Yes, that Joe Smith. Yes, that God. Check out this excerpt:
“In a world reeling from war, pestilence and spiritual uncertainty many now find solace in the knowledge that Joe Smith is the supreme baseball being. His pitching is both the Word and the Way. Let the light shine forth from His right hand!”
It’s worth checking out, if only to listen to the somewhat-disturbing Joe Smith poetry. I can’t even imagine what poetic techniques will be employed if Smith doesn’t make the team. For now enjoy the haiku.
