Overheard and overread.

Overread? That isn't even a word.


1. I paraphrase Keith Hernandez during today's Mets-Braves game. Two on, two out, tie game, top of the 8th, 2-0 pitch to Kelly Johnson with Edgar Renteria on deck:

"Renteria is a clutch, veteran hitter. The strategy here is to make the rookie beat you, but don't let the veteran beat you."

On cue, Johnson drills a game-winning three-run homerun on the next pitch.

Congratulations to the Mets for making the rookie beat you.

For future reference, I suggest an ever better strategy: Get the batter out.


2. Sportsline's "glog" of the Yankees-Sox game:

"Dice-K came up and in to A-Rod and knicked him. Perhaps this was a better result for Red Sox fans than a strikeout in some ways."

This is a constant source of befuddlement.

Why do fans cheer when a pitcher on their team beans an opposing player?

Why do fans boo when a player on their team is hit by a pitch?

It's a baserunner, people. The baserunner may become a run if he eventually touches home plate. Runs are how baseball games are won.

If the fans of a team cheer when their pitcher puts an opposing player on base, then they deserve what they get.

Sure enough, Giambi doubles in two runs.

Is that a better result for Red Sox fans?

Go ahead, Dice-K, be my guest.

Hit Yankee batters all night long.

Hit four in a row and it's a cheap run.