Summer Ends But Real Fun Just Beginning

By Andrew O'Brien

August 28, 2009

As most of you know the summer has ended and although that may spark some frowns, for sports afficionados its a much anticipated time because football season is right around the corner.  Odd for me to say this because for the past four years I have been glued to the edge of my lazy boy waiting to see how the New York Mets would squander an apparent insurmountable division lead, but that all seems so distant now.  The Mets are 16.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East and 14 games back in the Wild Card race so the playoffs seem all but impossible in their first season at their new home, Citi Field. 

As dissapointing as it may seem, the Mets lived Murphy's Law this season and in my few years of watching sports, I can honestly say I have never seen or heard of a team that has experienced so much diversity and tough luck over the course of a single season.  Things began to fall apart in May when slugger Carlos Delgado went on the disabled list.  It was all downhill from here, and before you knew it, the Mets were running out their Triple-A affiliate to play in the big leagues.  The season is almost over, and all I can hope for is a fresh start in 2010. 

On the contrary, never have I looked forward to football season more than I do this year.  Well, I take that back.  I was extremely excited last season too.  Being a Jaguars and Gators fan, I think I am in for an exciting ride this fall.  The Gators have a lot of work ahead of them, and regardless of being preseason number one, that doesn't mean anything.  Afterall, its whoever is ranked number one at the end of the season that means everything. 

As for the Jags, well they had a tough season last year plagued by injuries and underperforming players.  With a new look, the Jags look to get back to basics with a solid offensive line and a quarterback in David Garrard who needs to manage games, not play superhero.  The Jaguars elected not to bring back veteran Fred Taylor during the offseason, and hope youngster Maurice Jones-Drew can anchor an effective running game.

In other sports-related news, Michael Vick made his much-awaited debut last night for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Vick was a perfect 4-for-4 and also lined up as a slot receiver on one play.