strummer

Mets trade Karim Garcia to the Orioles for Mike DeJean. Well, I see it as a wash, both have underperformed this year (especially DeJean). Hopefully the Mets don't put DeJean in the mix and leave their young relievers (Moreno especially) on the big league ball club.

Lots of 2 game series this week with tons of midweek day games. Phils and Braves play the next 2 nights tied for 1st. Can the Dodgers continue their incredible stretch?

"And what was that?" QUOTE (strummer @ Jul 17 2004, 04:59 PM) The Mets need to make a move or they won't be playing "meaningful games" in September. (Anglesault) I was going to say something here, but I decided against it. I'm sure most of you can figure out what I wanted to say.

That was actually Tim Meadows impersonating Stu. That sketch was hilarious and even the anchors on SC would quote it from time to time after it aired.

Yes, Choken did troll in the baseball threads recently (and repeatedly over the season). But how can you possibly not ban Anglesault then for doing the same thing. I posted something about the Mets this week about how they were playing and he instantly shot back with wise ass remark that served no purpose whatsoever other than to flame. If anyone posts in the TWIB threads with anything remotely postive about the Red Sox, Mets or any team not named the Yankees, he flames them. Now I'm new around here so maybe I should keep quiet but Anglesault ruins the TWIB threads every single week. Ask Alkeiper, who went off on him this week. I hope someone could seriously look into this, because he ruins good baseball discussion each and every week.

Looks like the Phils and Mets will be postponed tomorrow, there are supposed to be storms all day in Flushing. I don't think they will even wait it out, they will probably cancel the game in the morning

Officially when he gave Stephanie McMahon the stinkface later on in the Raw previosuly transcribed.

Mets get destroyed by the Phils again. The Mets need to make a move or they won't be playing "meaningful games" in September. They are in a HORRIFIC team slump and if the Phils win tomorrow, they pretty much bury the Mets. By the way, if the Mets fall out of it, I will root hard for the Phils to win the division over Atlanta.

BTW, SD, are you going to have this week's Observer WWE news and notes? I always appreciate it!

Meltzer is right, Evolution are turning into the biggest babyfaces on Raw. They always make the faces look stupid and end every show gaining the advantage. It's NWO circa 96-97 all over again. Orton is starting to get cheered, and HHH is getting big pops now.

From Meltzer: "The rating for the Raw Divas special last night after Smackdown on Spike TV was a 1.1."

The Mets offensive explosion is officially over as they are getting schooled by Kevin Millwood tonight. Jae Seo pitch very well, but will probably be the tough luck loser.

Definitely agree, Karen is gorgeous. A lot hotter than Carmella.

Forget the name of the movie, but he was in a B movie with Brigette Nielsen and Robert Davi. The story is absurd, as Nielsen shows up one day at a prison wearing practically nothing and somehow is able to seduce the idiot guards and distract them so Chiba can break out of prison. Then Chiba and Nielsen commit various crimes and escape through sewers. Seeing Brigette Nielsen in a halter top, mini-skirt and high heels climbing down a sewer system is one of the most surreal things I've seen in a movie. Chiba then tries to get revenge on the cop that sent him to prison (Davi) and somehow there is an autistic 10 year old girl involved in the plot. I had not heard of Chiba before this movie, so I assume he has done a lot better than this Edit: The movie is called Body Count and was released in 1995.

That was kind of a cheap win by the Mets tonight. A win is a win, but other than the strong performance by the pen, I really don't think they played that well. Stanton looked his best for the whole season and Moreno looked tremendous. Piazza's bat is SLOW, he needs to break out soon, his OBP is under .400 for I believe the first time this season. His BA is well below .300 also, after getting up around .330 last month. Plus, he hasn't hit a homerun in 19 games, Ouch. The pen was the story for the Mets tonight, hopefully they can build off that.

Very true, but he is also lucky that he is now on an actual Major League roster. His last good year was 1991! Hopefully he does not last long.

ugh, Mets call up Scott Erickson and he will start Friday v the Phils. Get ready for James Baldwin v 2.0 At least they demoted Ginter, who was growing on my nerves lately. I see the Phils putting up some real crooked number against Erickson. Thome and Abreu are probably drooling at the chance of facing "Tops out at 84 MPH" Mister Lisa Guerrero.

Scherer at PWInsider said that no one in the lockeroon actually believes Undertaker will put over JBL at Summerslam. He might job to him, but won't put him over. I thought UT and JBL were friends?

Found this at lordsofpain. I assume it's legit. "Last night on Raw three of the contestants who have moved into the semi-finals appeared to showcase themselves and promote the “Casting Special” this Thursday night on Spike TV. According to numerous sources, several of the girls who are in the semi-finals for this have expressed displeasure with the appearance of Candice Michelle Beckman, Carmella Decesare and Nina Hardin on last night’s edition of the show. None of the girls involved with the contest who did not appear on Raw were contacted or informed prior to what aired yesterday. Many of the talent featured as semi-finalists know one another, and are surprised and dismayed that the three were given air time. One agency representative, name and firm withheld by request, when contacted concerning these reports and rumors went on record to say “I am sure it is just a misunderstanding between some of the girls and the WWE regarding last night’s show. I am sure everyone is extremely excited about this Thursday’s show on Spike TV.” We at Lordsofpain.net have offered complete anonymity to all parties involved as not to affect their chances on Thursday and in upcoming weeks. Still, if there is displeasure within the ranks of the semi-finalists it could call into question the validity of the chosen finalists on this Thursday’s Casting Special. Many are expressing concern over the fact that Candice and Nina are represented by the same agent, one who has a previous standing relationship with the WWE. Also, speculation has it that Carmella, who was the 2004 Playboy Playmate of the Year, was coached on how to act during her appearance. This rumor has led some involved to believe that Carmella might already have the contest locked in place before the finalists are even chosen. The WWE has a long-standing working relationship with Playboy, which adds substance to the possibility she is already the “Chosen one.” The Diva’s Search has been fueled almost entirely by professional models and actresses, as previously reported, and many of them are supposedly unhappy with the unprofessional way the WWE has handled their selves. It has reached a point where one rumor reads that some are questioning sabotaging them selves on air to be removed with some degree of grace. According to all reports at least two prominent contestants are already thinking of backing out. Signed nondisclosure agreements prevent any of the girls from going on record regarding their displeasures, but it is becoming readily apparent that if one of the larger name talents walks away (Which according to one source is more likely than not) from the project, she will take other displeased members of the group with her. The validity of the search notwithstanding, some have expressed that the attitude and professionalism of the company in this matter has been lacking. There is fear that some of the more notable contestants involved could be exploited for their previous work and then unceremoniously cut. If there is no chance that one could win the contest, the celebrities in the running do not wish to have their names used to promote both the company and the new star the Diva Search will make. Rumor has it that as of this morning, the WWE was scrambling to appease some of the parties whom had expressed concern. Another fear is the risk of losing on the show, which could be potentially damaging to a model or actresses career. Until more sources can be reached and asked to comment on the situation much of this story will have to be treated as a rumor. Still, we at Lordsofpain.net have spoken to sources that have confirmed both the gravity and soundness of the story, though for obvious reasons none were willing to expose themselves. At this time, the WWE could not be reached for comment regarding this issue. We here at Lordsofpain.net will continue to follow this matter as it unfolds." Steven Schaeffer

Oh and I noticed that almost every pic promoting the contest on wwe.com is of Carmella. She has been the face of the contest for the company.

It's obvious Angle is done as GM now. The board fires him for being too power hungry and for interfering in matches. The new GM re-hires all the divas, gives Cena another shot at the US title, and forces Kurt back in the ring against Eddy at Summerslam for costing him the title. Sounds like Stephanie is going to make a galant return. I can't think of anyone else, but the new GM will definitely be a face.

Don't know if there should be a separate thread for this, but word is Jimy Williams will be fired tomorrow. Ken Rosenthal said it on Sporting News Radio and they were just talking about it on WFAN

In 96, on WCW Saturday Night they did these vignettes of Chris Benoit and Woman going out on dates and stuff. One of them featured Benoit and Woman drinking wine at a restaurant with Woman taunting Kevin Sullivan. Now on TV they never said Woman was married to Sullivan, but in this vignette she was saying real insider stuff, like "I'm not taking this anymore Kevin, I'm a new woman" and "I know what you say to the boys in the bar after the show". I was not on the Net at the time, so I had no idea what she was talking about. In another one, Benoit and Woman are both drunk, stumbling around, laughing and heading up to a hotel room (implying they were going to go have sex). Again they were taunting Sullivan. What was the point of this? Because they were doing a storyline where Benoit and Woman were like suspicious of each other and constantly bickering, and then the next minute he's banging her? Can anyone explain?

Most Suprising Draws Honky Tonk Man (1987-88) Incredibly weak in the ring, but drew big money headlining the B House Shows in 87-88. Without a doubt, the most suprising draw in WWE history in my opinion, although he only did it for a about a year and a half. Jim Duggan (1988-89) solely based on his program with Andre that did good business in 88 on top of the card. They actually sold out MSG while on top. Again, very short term, but suprising that someone with as little talent as Duggan (at least the WWE Duggan) could draw any big house. Yokozuna (1993) Drew pretty good money with his run on top in 93, even did good business with Tatanka of all people. Yoko was not that good in the ring, never spoke, but yet was able to be a pretty decent draw Most Disappointing Draws Rick Steamboat (1989) They guy I had in mind when thinking of this topic. Tremendous in-ring worker, great psychology, timing, transition etc. Had the every man's type charisma combined with the talent to play a perfect babyface. Was very over in 89 NWA, but was not super, super over like a legendary guy on top should be. In fact, I noticed on Flair's DVD that in the Clash leading up to their match, that Flair was getting bigger pops than Steamboat. All the talent in the world, but BOMBED on top. As Meltzer said once at WC message board, Flair drew against Luger before the Steamboat program, and drew against Funk after the Steamboat program, but couldn't draw against Ricky, which probably killed his run on top for the rest of his career. Bret Hart (1992) Tough choice, but thought I would include his first run. 1992 was the worst year in WWE financial history. It was the transition period from 7 minute Hulk Hogan matches, to long, drawn out, psychology driven matches from Bret. Certainly not all his fault that business bombed in 92. He was in a tough position having to follow Hogan and get the fans hooked on "wrestling" again. The wrestlers got smaller due to the Steroid Trial and Bret was put in a real unenviable position of trying to get the fans to take to a "normal looking" champion. Could also include his run from Nov. 95 to March 96 as the buyrate for WM 12 tanked. Tough choice and I know a lot will disagree. Shawn Michaels (1996) His wrestling ability is debated on this board almost constantly. Many here say he is overrated. But I think we could agree that he does have talent (how much is certainly debatable) and certainly had the charisma. His "boyhood dream" reign in 96 tanked ratings and did not have great buyrates. House Show business picked up during his reign, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. His program with Vader essentially killed Vader's heat as Vader was made to look like a complete idiot at Summerslam 96. Fact is while Shawn was champ, people watched the NWO on Nitro. Any others to add to the lists?

Definitely agree Loss. Rude from 87-early 90 was treated as more of a cartoonish character in the WWF. His promos, the porn star moustache, the dancing and grinding just screamed MIDCARD at that time in WWF (it wasn't his fault, he was told to play the "Playboy" gimmick over the top)His IC title win in 89 was played up as a HUGE fluke by the announcers. It wasn't until he cut his hair and started acting seriously, that he gained credibility. Even with that, I don't think any of the fanbase in 90 thought he had a SHOT IN HELL of beating Warrior at Summerslam. The WCW Rude was cocky but could back it up and he was immediatley put over Sting in their feud to give him instant crediblity. I remember as a kid being shocked at the no nonsense Rude when watching WCW, it was definitely not the same character he played in WWF.