Limerick Friday #589: An Ode To Staying In Your Lane -- Day 1,217

 

Cry me a river

You self-ulcer giver

Just do your job

You complaining slob

And maybe you can spare my liver

Let's not be lax

When we discuss Max

Don't be jaded

He's worth more traded

If we're dealing in facts

"Invasion" was an unexpected boon

It's intensity was in tune

The show had me gripping

As rum I was sipping

Now season two's coming soon

The temp is hot

And ready or not

The second half is here

Put the first half in the rear

If the Mets are to have a shot

Precious is the norm

For those who can't perform

So everyone get ready

'Cuz here comes the petty

When job seats start getting warm

Last time ...

Day 1,216, Quasi-Quarantine: Examining An Underperforming Mets Infield At The Break

Earlier this week, we examined the sorry state of the Mets outfield, so today we'll tackle the infield.

Over at first, Pete Alonso has battled injuries, but he has still crushed 26 home runs and leads the team in RBIs (62). He only has seven doubles, but has scored 50 runs and even stolen three bags. Those are significant positives.

Unfortunately, the "Polar Bear" is only hitting .211 and grounded into 10 double plays, and his streakiness has killed the Mets at times. Fair or not, he's often the only power threat in the lineup, and that pressure has seemed to take its toll at times in 2023. Though he's improved over the years as a defender, he does have four errors at the break.

Among the most disappointing Mets has been the reigning NL batting champ, Jeff McNeill. Sporting a .253 average, it's certainly not because the second baseman has added power. He has 13 doubles, a triple, and three home runs, scoring just 37 runs and driving in 26. 

After striking out 61 times in all of 2022, "Squirrel" already has 42 strikeouts in 89 games. He has five steals without being caught, but his inability to keep innings alive (he's also grounded into four double plays) has stymied the New York offense way too often. McNeill has also been uncharacterically poor in the field (three errors), especially when placed in the outfield.

Third base has been a difficult spot once again this year for the Mets. Eduardo Escobar was a non-factor (.236, nine extra-base hits in 40 games) before being traded away to make room for rookie Brett Baty. The youngster has had some nice moments, hitting .244 with 13 extra-base hits, 27 runs, and 21 RBIs in 209 first-half at bats. However, he has struck out 62 times with just 20 walks, with poor slugging (.354) and OPS (.669) lines while grounding into six double plays.

I believe New York thought Baty would be more of a contact hitter with occasional power, but the early returns aren't supporting that. He's also committed five errors in the field, but he has been stronger defensively than anticipated. It's hard to be down on Baty's future, but he's been asked to play a key position for an alleged contender, and more is needed, right or wrong.

Despite a furious finish to the first half, shortstop Francisco Lindor only raised his average to .239. To be fair, he leads the team in doubles (20) and runs (56) and has added 19 homers and 60 RBIs, to go with 13 steals (caught just once). 

Among the better defensive shortstops in the league, Lindor committed six errors in the first half. He has grounded into six double plays -- seemingly at very key moments -- but all signs point to him finding his equilibrium at the plate in the second half.

Behind the plate, Francisco Alvarez has been a revelation, overcoming some cold spots to launch 17 home runs and carry the team on occasion. He's only hitting .239, but you can see his maturation as a hitter. He has 35 RBIs and 30 runs, though he's struck out 58 times and grounded into eight double plays in 66 games. 

Despite a team-leading eight errors, Alvarez has been much better than advertised behind the plate as well, though his skill in nailing baserunners is a work in progress. His own baserunning could use some work, too, but he deserves to hit higher in the lineup -- although putting him second in the order makes very little sense to me.

New York has had a short bench this year, with guys like Mark Vientos, Danny Mendick, Tim Locastro, and others going up and down from Triple-A Syracuse. The mainstays (for the most part) have been utility infielder Luis Guillorme and catcher Omar Narvaez. 

Guillorme was sent down to the  minors at one point and has a .250 average in 92 at bats. Known for his glove and as a 2022 fan favorite, he has committed three errors this season. Narvaez has battled injury and Alvarez's emergence, leading him to hit just .184 in 38 first-half at bats, to go with two errors.

Just a note here to say that I think that, in some ways, the team misses the steady presence of catcher Tomas Nido. The veteran backstop was hitting just .125 in 56 at bats before being sidelined by an eye injury and designated for assignment, but the lack of his leadership and handling of pitchers is felt in some quarters.

Some of the players mentioned above -- McNeill in particular -- are likely to return to the mean in the second half, but one wonders whether too big of a hole has already been dug for the Mets. The trade deadline and how quickly prospects like Vientos and Ronny Mauricio are called up should tell a lot about how New York feels about its chances down the stretch.

Day 1,215, Quasi-Quarantine: Magical Realism, Alternate History, And Takedown Of Colonialism Collide In "Babel"

"History isn't a premade tapestry that we've got to suffer, a closed world with no exit. We can form it. Make it. We just have to choose to make it."

A sprawling, fantastical tale, "Babel" underpins discussions of colonialism and racism through the creation of a silver industrial revolution, ascribing magical properties to silver that is unlocked only through foreign translations.

If that sounds complicated, it's because it is, and R.F. Kuang doesn't duck any hard work in weaving these disparate threads. Cantonese student Robin Swift arrives at the Royal Institute of Translation -- nicknamed "Babel" -- and joins a cohort of students with similar backgrounds. As the quartet falls in love with Oxford, cracks in the facade begin to appear and a secret society beckons.

"Bit by bit London grew to feel less overwhelming, less like a belching, contorted pit of monsters that might swallow him at any corner and more like a navigable maze whose tricks and turns he could anticipate."

As we slide toward a fairly predictable ending, Swift and his allies seek to avert a war by sacrificing their discipline, their home, and their future. Along the way, however, the author struggles to ascribe more than shared sacrifice to the cohort's relationships. 

Kuang spends little to no time exploring attractions and emotions shared between the foursome, a seemingly odd decision based on the actions of college students. As well, it felt confusing that the cohort -- brilliant by all indications -- struggled to cohere any sort of plan to deal with a traumatic event over the course of six weeks at sea.

"But they could not touch that abyss of grief. It was too early yet to give it a name, to shape and tame it with words, and any attempt would crush them. They could only wipe the blood from their skin and try to keep breathing."

However, something was bound to be lost in the -- forgive me -- translation with so many different themes and storylines in play. The overall result is a stunning achievement by Kuang, who manages to build a grim, compelling, and emotional story out of reams of silver threads.

"It revealed more than the power of translation. It revealed the sheer dependence of the British, who, astonishingly, could not manage to do basic things like bake bread or get safely from one place to another without words stolen from other countries."

Day 1,214, Quasi-Quarantine: The Sorry State Of The Mets Outfield At The All-Star Break

One of the more disappointing positions on a team full of first-half disappointments has been the Mets' outfield. The harsh reality is, outside of center fielder Brandon Nimmo, this position group is manned by older players who should be fourth outfielders at this stage of their careers.

Every regular outfielder is at least 30 years old, with Tommy Pham at 35, Sterling Marte and Mark Canha both 34, and Nimmo at 30 years old. While some degradation is expected as players age, the Mets did not account for some of the precipitious dropoffs, and while one could definitely argue that they should have, the team does not have good alternate options at the ready.

We'll start with Nimmo, who is in the first year of a massive $162 million deal. After a strong start, he limped into the All-Star break hitting .266. He's first on the team in walks (46), second in runs (52), third in RBIs (41), and fourth in home runs (13), but the price he's paying for added power is a team-leading 92 strikeouts -- after striking out just 116 times all of last year.

Despite a lot of talk about Nimmo's speed and added base-stealing ability, he has exactly three steals this year. He's also been a little more uneven in the field, but the biggest concern remains at the plate, where his aggression this year is leading to some wasted at bats and Ks.

In right field, the nice way to put it is that Sterling Marte has been a problem. He's hitting .256 but the numbers feel kind to him here. Marte's got just 13 extra-base hits in 301 at bats, scoring a respectable 37 runs, but knocking in just 28. He has 23 steals in 27 attempts, but his .309 OBP, .645 OPS, and eight double plays make him nearly unplayable in the second spot in the lineup. He still plays a respectable right field, but is probably best suited as a spot starter at this stage of his career.

Over in left, Mark Canha is hitting just .245 with 14 doubles, a triple, and six homers, scoring 27 runs and driving in 28. He's walked 28 times to 44 strikeouts, but isn't getting hit by pitches, which has kept his OBP at .345. Last year, Canha was drilled 28 times, but has been hit by pitch on just seven occasions thus far in 2023. He does have six steals without being caught this year.

After grounding into just three double plays last year, he's been doubled up eight times already this year. Canha remains an important defensive presence; his only error has come at third base, and his versatility is big for the Mets, as he has played first, third, both corner outfield spots, and DH at times.

While Canha has been the primary left fielder, he has yielded time to Pham, who has been just short of a revelation. Pacing the team with a .277 average, Pham has contributed 14 doubles and nine homers to boot. He's scored 25 runs and driven in 34 while adding 10 steals in 11 attempts, giving the Mets a rare consistent force in the lineup. Defensively, he has committed three errors, making him an iffy proposition at times in the field.

Pham's patient approach at the plate screams "professional hitter," and it's a bit frightening to think where the team might be without him. Whether he can keep it up for an entire season is the biggest remaining question.

In reserve, Jeff McNeill has become a liability in the outfield and should see time almost exclusively at second base in the second half. While there is some hope internally that prospects Mark Vientos or Ronny Mauricio -- both infielders to this point -- can be stretched into occasional outfielders, the truth is that no answers are available on the current roster.

Getting 33 total home runs from the outfield so far is not a disaster, but the plummeting averages and struggles to get on base do not bode well for a second-half turnaround. Nimmo + three fourth outfielders is not a recipe for success, so it'll be interesting to see what the Mets are willing or capable of doing at the trade deadline to fortify the position.

Day 1,213, Quasi-Quarantine: The Dolphins Go Back To The Well With Another Project Tight End/Wideout

I promise I'll stop mentioning the lack of offensive linemen at some point. But, yeah, so Miami ignored the beef again, opting for a 'tweener receiver/tight end -- a move that has rarely panned out for the 'Fins. Let's hope that sixth-rounder (197th overall) Elijah Higgins is the exception to that rule.

The pluses: Draft guru Dana Brugler described Higgins as having an NFL body with good fluidity to his movements. Despite his size (6-3, 235 pounds), he is described as decelerating well and maintaining good balance, managing to serve as a "competitive blocker" while still being good after the catch.

Brugler assigned him a fifth-round grade as the No. 23 wide receiver in the draft, so Higgins represents good value for where the Dolphins got him. Using a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, 35-inch vertical, and 10-6 broad jump, he led Stanford in receiving as both a junior (45 for 500, four touchdowns) and senior (59 for 704, two touchdowns). Higgins earned honorable-mention All-Pac-12 honors in his final campaign.

The negatives: A ratio of 10 drops and six touchdowns in his career is suboptimal, and Brugler noted that Higgins can lose focus when presented with physicality in the second line of defense. The youngster was also not a difference-maker in the red zone at the college level, recording a single score there as a senior. Brugler also identified sharpening his routes, reducing fumbles, and resolving "position confusion" as challenges for Higgins.

The bottom line: With Mike Gesicki lost to free agency, there is a potential opportunity for a "hybrid" move tight end -- or even a bigger slot wideout -- in Miami's offense. From an optimistic standpoint, Higgins could represent a mismatch for safeties and linebackers, taking advantage of underneath opportunities created when Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle stretch defenses. From a pessimistic standpoint, we saw how poor-blocking tight ends have next to no role in coach Mike McDaniel's offense, so it's hard to see a path to a significant contribution for a raw 'tweener. But the sixth round is where personnel departments can roll the dice without a lot of risk, making Higgins at least an interesting dude to follow in training camp.

Limerick Friday #588: Hide All Your British Isles -- Day 1,210

 

London was intense

Dublin was tense

Glasgow was gritty

But for my favorite city

Edinburgh made the most sense

After turmoil and strife

And pitchers under the knife

Clues are there

Something's in the air

The Mets showing signs of life

Voices were raised

But sites were praised

Coffee by the cup

The steps they added up

Upon so much cool shit we gazed

Summer races

At staggering paces

Travel and heat

It can't be beat

For its many facets and faces

Think of all that business

That we're gonna win us

Or maybe not

What else ya got?

I'll be over here with a Guinness

Last time ...

Day 1,209, Quasi-Quarantine: "The Backstreets" Explores Existential And Physical Effects Of Calculated Racism In China

 

"Everyone was a wanderer in the universe and that the ideas of fame, power, and respect were always just a shadow that could vanish at a moment's notice."

Steeped in surreality, "The Backstreets" documents the stark racism involved in Uyghur existence in Xinjiang. Writer Perhat Tursun -- who has been disappeared by Chinese authorities -- has created a multilayered book that ascribes important symbolism to colors, numbers, and anthropomorphization.

With no dialogue, the story takes place entirely inside the narrator's mind, which slowly breaks down under the pressure of childhood abuse, loneliness, racism, sexual frustration, and homelessness. Based on hope and desperation, the narrator embarks on a quest to find a room, having drawn mysterious importance from a list of numbers found on an abandoned piece of paper.

"People seem to be endlessly searching for miracles in the world, but when they find one it angers them."

A line is repeated throughout the tale, capturing the narrator's frame of mind as he pursues belonging around every corner and within every alley. "I don't know anyone in this strange city, so it's impossible for me to be friends or enemies with anyone," he thinks. The dislocation captured in this statement permeates the entire book.

"The Backstreets" proceeds at a frantic pace occasionally interrupted by jumps in chronology, making vital observations about pollution of both environment and souls. This eerie, haunting book helps form an essential source of context in the ongoing genocide of the Uyghur people in China.

"To eradicate the threat that comes from the infinity of the universe, humans have broken it up into the small parts where they live -- giving it borders and standards."

Day 1,208, Quasi-Quarantine: Lego Hero Renders "The Shining" In Brick

The Overlook has never looked better in this Lego homage to Stephen King and "The Shining."

So good.

Day 1,206, Quasi-Quarantine: Smiling Through The Pain

 

After more than a week and a half away from work, I'm channeling Hide the Pain Harold in a big way on this holiday eve Monday.

Blessedly, my colleagues are scarce today. 

May it ever be so.

Limerick Friday #587: All Signs Point To Escaping The Country -- Day 1,189

By the most generous of views

Just finding way to lose

Baserunning like the blind

Fielding of the worst kind

The Mets make me reach for booze

Ineptitude abounds

Direction confounds

"Hark, what do I hear?"

As I loom over a beer

Oh, just incompetence sounds

He pulled every grammatical lever

Of punctuation he always said "Never!"

To Cormac McCarthy, rest in peace

His legacy will never cease

America's best novelist ever

Consistency they lack

Step forward, step back

In the standings they fall

With sloppy ball

Will Buck end up getting the sack?

As quality we keep wreckin'

'Tis time to leave, I reckon

Pour me black gold

Watch the drama unfold

As the British Isles beckon

Last time ...

Day 1,188, Quasi-Quarantine: Choosing Speed Over Everything, Miami Drafts A Lightning-Quick, Undersized Running Back

Once more eschewing the offensive line after targeting South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith in the second round, Miami returned to the SEC in the next round, tabbing Texas A&M running back De'Von Achane with the 84th overall pick.

In his initial rankings, draft analyst Dane Brugler considered Achane the No. 48 overall player, and at draft time Brugler had him rated the No. 67 overall player and fourth-best running back in the draft, assigning him a second-/third-round grade.

The pluses: Achane was the only Power 5 player in the land to score rushing, receiving, and returning, and he led the SEC and was fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 161. In his last two seasons at A&M, he rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding 60 receptions and four receiving scores, to go with two kickoff return touchdowns.

A three-team track All-American in college, Achane's calling card is speed. He was clocked at 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time recorded at the scouting combine. 

Most analysts are quick to point out that Achane is not just a track star playing football, with the youngster displaying a toughness that many track standouts don't find on the gridiron. He only fumbled twice in his career, and after a foot injury sidelined him for two games, he refused to shut down his season and just prep for the draft. Instead, he returned for the season finale, torching LSU for 215 yards and forcing 16 missed tackles in a monumental upset.

Achane is credited with uncanny acceleration that allows him to be patient as a runner, following his blocks until he finds a crease he can exploit instantly. He makes quick reads, excels on counter plays, and is a threat in the passing game and on special teams.

The negatives: Measuring 5-8, 188 pounds, Achane is not built to withstand a heavy workload, perhaps evidenced by a foot injury that sidelined him for part of his final season at Texas A&M. He also was only a one-year starter in college before skipping his final campaign.

Scouts questioned Achane's refinement as an inside runner, pass catcher, and pass blocker. He struggled to run through contact or finish carries with power, leading some to wonder whether he profiles best as a wide receiver -- in fact, some teams evaluated him as a wideout for the draft.

The bottom line: Listen, a player of Achane's versatility and explosion is going to find touches in any offense somehow. Yet with Raheem Mostert, Jeff Fuller, Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin -- and maybe even Dalvin Cook? -- returning to the Dolphins backfield, workload and role are questions for Achane.

Throwing his huge potential as a returner into the mix, Achane reminds me of NC State alum Nyheim Hines, who has carved out essential roles in Indianapolis and Buffalo in the NFL. There are separate questions related to why Miami ignored the offensive line with their first two selections and whether Achane represents a luxury pick, but the reality is that coach Mike McDaniel has proven that he is going to stockpile as many speedy offensive weapons as he can -- and from that standpoint, many are giddy about the myriad ways Achane could be employed as yet another game-breaker on South Beach.

Day 1,187, Quasi-Quarantine: "Biography Of X" Is A Stunning, Omnigenre Exploration Of Perspective And Identity

 

"Anyone who was ever fortunate enough to be a part of X's life had to accept this hazard -- she lived in a play without intermission in which she'd cast herself in every role."

A sprawling, hyper-ambitious work, "Biography of X" pivots from genre to genre as the story demands. The result is a stunning read that compels the reader to question narration and the nature of biography itself.

"I desired her beyond reason, beyond self-protection, beyond common sense, and it is just as difficult to call that love from afar as it is not to call it love when within it."

Catherine Lacy also manages to weave disturbing elements of contemporary society into the work, with references to "The Great Disunion" and "South First!" as part an alternate history. These allusions are unexpected but adeptly handled, lending a weight to the overall story.

" ... Though most of the time I did not question the illusion I lived within, there were moments when I could see our life clearly and knew that everything was beautiful and nothing was right."

On top of this historical undercurrent, Lacey builds a tale of grief management and a commentary on the lens that love forces us to view the world through. "Biography of X" is almost overwhelming in its sheer number of layers, but is well worth the work required to consider it holistically.

"At the morgue they weighed her body, measured it, measured each limb, weighed each organ, determined the cause of death. They gave me a document that described her body in the most discrete terms, as if we could ever say for certain where she ended and where the world began."

Day 1,186, Quasi-Quarantine: Take Me Out To The Y'all Game

 

We've talked a bit about the five stages of Five County Stadium recently, so it was awesome to make a return visit for a Carolina Mudcats game on a jersey-giveaway day.

The Muddies took on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, but lost 8-2 when they left some poor bastard named Yujanyer Herrera in to get shelled way after he was shot. Herrera gave up six hits, four walks, and seven earned runs in two and two-thirds innings. We felt bad for him.

But otherwise, you can't beat Mango Tango Foxtrot and round nachos Tostitos as a belated birthday gift on a beautiful day.

Day 1,185, Quasi-Quarantine: Ready Or Not, Here Comes The Summer

 

It's time to set the alarm clock slightly later and adjust to the absence of carpool, disgruntled children, and hectic morning routines. Even for just a few blissful months.

I'll take it. Thanks, Undertones.

Day 1,181, Quasi-Quarantine: It's Past Time For The Mets To Trade Vogey For A Hoagie

OK, so New York has a ton of problems right now. Well, yes, the city itself is currently glowing orange amidst smoke from Canadian forest fires, so I should clarify that I'm referring to the Mets. And one of the biggest of those problems -- literally and figuratively -- is Daniel Vogelbach.

I've been an unabashed "Vogey" fan for purely name- and Farley-related reasons, but he's hitting .203 with seven extra-base hits, driving in just 14 runs all season. Due largely to his pure ineptitude, the Mets rank 27th in baseball in designated hitter OPS (.669) more than 60 games into the campaign.

As of today, he has exactly four hits in his last 44 at-bats, including a single extra-base hit. Overall, the Mets are one of just seven teams with fewer than four players with more than five homers.

You're starting to see the problem, right? On a team bereft of pure power sources outside of Pete Alonso, Vogelbach can provide no protection for the "Polar Bear," and not just from a power standpoint, but from a, like, making-contact-with-the-ball standpoint.

Vogelbach was brought in as part of a disastrous trade deadline for New York last year, which also saw a horrific trade for another failed DH option in Darren Ruf. Vogelbach was swapped for reliever Colin Holderman, who, of course, has posted a 2.74 ERA for the Pirates, striking out 27 batters in 23 innings. Think the Mets could use a 6-7 righty out of the 'pen about now?

Exacerbating the issue is the presence of three highly-thought-of rookies in catcher Francisco Alvarez, third baseman Brett Baty, and first- and third baseman Mark Vientos. Only Baty is a lefty like Vogelbach, but manager Buck Showalter would rather bury Vientos on the bench and play multiple players out of position in an effort to manufacture offense instead of acknowledging the reality that Vogelbach is unplayable at this point.

The only logical way forward is to give Vogelbach's at bats to Vientos and Baty (letting the latter DH on occasion and letting Eduardo Escobar handle third), try to flip Vogelbach for a low- to mid-tier volume reliever, and call Luis Guillorme back up to the bigs.

Because the stubborness and refusal to embrace what the data and our eyes are telling us are quickly morphing this situation from a Vogey problem to a Showalter problem.

Day 1,180, Quasi-Quarantine: Unreliable Narration, Tragic Irish Demons Dominate "Old God's Time"

 

"Things happened to people, and some people were required to lift great weights that crushed if you faltered just for a moment. It was his job not to falter. But every day he faltered. Every day he was crushed, and rose again the following morn like a cartoon figure."

Questionable memories and an unreliable narrator dominate the latest novel from Sebastian Barry, as "Old God's Time" follows a retired Irish detective as he attempts to find peace after a lifetime of loss.

As Tom Kettle is drawn back into an investigation that kindles remembrances of what has become of his family and how shared childhood traumas have reverberated in pain over the years. The bulwark of an old castle on the island's shore isn't enough of a haven to protect Kettle from the strain of his own legacy.

"He cradled the memory of his wife as if she were still a living being. As if no one had been crushed, no one had been hurried from the halls of life, and the power of his love could effect that, could hold her buoyant and eternal in the embrace of an ordinary day."

Presiding over a master class in pacing, Barry handles horrific content with as much grace and elegance as possible. The beauty and brutality of pastoral Ireland function as characters in this book populated with ghosts and unicorns, making "Old God's Time" a painful but rewarding read.

"He stood at the picture window and the sea was a million grey dinner plates below, surging in the channel. Spinning and dipping, each one a circus trick, a clown's trick."

Day 1,179, Quasi-Quarantine: The 'Fins Target a Raw Corner Prospect With First 2023 Draft Pick

While most assumed Miami would pull the trigger on an offensive lineman with its No. 51 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 'Fins instead used their second-rounder on South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith.

In February, the 6-1, 180-pounder was considered the No. 51 overall player (exactly where he ended up being picked!) by draft analyst Dane Brugler, who tabbed him as the No. 4 corner at that point. Post-combine, Brugler had him as the No. 66 overall player and the No. 10 cornerback, assigning him a second-/third-round grade. 

The pluses: A capable tackler who plays with swagger, Smith uses explosive athleticism (4.43-yard 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical) to play the boundary or the nickel. A three-year starter at South Carolina, he led the SEC in pass breakups with 14 in 2021. Smith exhibits good closing burst that makes him a better fit for a zone scheme -- the preferred system of new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

The negatives: The lanky Smith can get overpowered by stronger receivers, which can lead to grabbiness -- he was flagged 11 times last year. He struggles to get off blocks, still has work to do in anticipating routes, and has the phrases "wild tendencies" and "unrefined technique" in his scouting report -- sub-optimal for a second-round selection.

Smith recorded just 27 tackles, six pass breakups, and a single interception as a redshirt junior, failing to build on the previous season that saw him emerge as a major draft prospect. He blocked a field goal, but does not have a ton of special-teams experience. Smith missed a game with a concussion and opted out of his team's bowl game, giving the sense that he did not close his college career in top form.

The bottom line: Smith is the kind of draft selection who looks better in the context of who will be coaching him. He's a strong fit for a Fangio scheme, and the Dolphins have a heavy need at this spot based on Byron Jones's mysterious (and potentially career-ending) injury, Xavien Howard's gradual decline, and the number of reserve defensive backs coming off of injury.

Will Fangio be able to help Smith translate his rare traits into consistent contributions? Will the youngster find enough reps behind Howard, Jaylen Ramsey, Kader Kohou, and potentially Nik Needham? 

There is a sense that there were more polished talents available in this coveted second-round position, and the lack of investment in offensive linemen was frustrating. However, Miami has been awful at drafting along the OL anyway, so it's certainly understandable to use the choice on a high-ceiling cornerback. Whether Smith represents not only the right position to invest in but the right corner to invest in will be a very interesting storyline to follow this year and beyond.

Day 1,178, Quasi-Quarantine: The Wolfpack Ends A Promising Campaign With A Whimper

 

After a seriously promising start on Friday that saw the team knock off Campbell, the NC State baseball team got bounced out of the NCAA Tournament. To honor a classically up-and-down campaign, the Pack lost both games in the double-elimination regional in vastly different ways.

In the Saturday evening game, the Wolfpack lost 6-3, clawing back from a six-run deficit to repeatedly threaten host South Carolina with hard-hit balls. Despite out-hitting the Gamecocks 12-8, State hit into three double plays and left a dozen runners on base in a frustrating defeat.

On Sunday, the Pack had nothing, giving up runs in each of the first four innings to fall behind 8-0 before eventually losing 11-1. NC State ace and one-time College World Series hero Sam Highfill gave up seven hits and five runs in just two-and-a-third innings. The Wolfpack drilled 11 more hits, but grounded into four more double plays and managed to go 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

With most feeling this NC State team left a lot of meat on the bone, the criticism of manager Elliott Avent feels different this year. A lack of situational awareness plagued the Pack all year, and with rumors about a very busy transfer portal looming, Avent & Co. are in for a dramatic offseason.

Limerick Friday #586: Bidding Adieu To The Precious Pair Of "Ted Lasso" And "Barry" -- Day 1,175

 

The corniness was strong 

And maybe a little long

But how to end a show

Like freaking "Ted Lasso"?

Cherished every tear and song

Guidance is manic

Leadership by panic

Unilateral decisions

To universal derision

Can we find a manager mechanic?

Starters are coming around

A modicum of offense found

The Metsies showing life

Amidst the injury and strife

But I still miss that trumpet sound

Good beyond any reason or rhyme

But it was finally time

To end the best show on TV

At least according to me

"Barry," you were simply sublime

It's been a minute

But ya gotta be in it

Pack in the postseason

The NCAA finally shows reason

Now just go freaking win it

Last time ...

Day 1,174, Quasi-Quarantine: The Five Stages Of Five County Stadium

 

This New Yorker cartoon resonated with me in a big way. Discovering and sharing the Carolina Mudcats with my son has been an amazing way to feel like a kid again. Looking forward to many more trips to see them play this summer.

Go Muddies (HEDBERT!!!).