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Big game tonight
2008-04-09 21:05:00
On alot of fronts tonight's about as big a game as the 7th game in a 162 game season can be. No it's not a must win game, but it is pivitol in the direction this team will take. It's said that a team takes on the personality of it's manager, well Willie's even keeled approach has equated in to a malaise over this team in which they always feel there's a tomorrow. So many times last year, we heard from Willie that were still in first and we'll get them tomorrow until we weren't. You would think that the collapse would wake this team out of it's deep slumber but through the first week of the season they cont. to sleep walk. Win, Lose or Draw tonight could be a turning point in many ways for this team, if they can't find the fire in their belly to come out ready to fight, then we may begin to see the winds of change at Shea. I'm not saying drastic, unrealistic changes but the wheels will begin to turn and the subtle minor moves will start taking place. Lets face it this club...
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Did we keep the wrong lefty; Show Vs Rincon
2008-04-09 19:52:00
As a fan I've been wrong more times then not, but for whatever the reason I've decided to spew my opinion about the Mets for everyone to see as a hobby. I try to hold myself accountable and when I reversed myself or change my opinion admit it openly. This spring I thought Schoeneweis was going to be a solid performer in the pen, I believed that he played through an injury and based on a solid Aug.- Sept. along with a strong spring he had turned the corner. But once the season started Schoeneweis looked like the same old un-dependable reliever that killed the team the first half of last year. Whats more concerning is his pattern, he is awful at Shea Stadium, he might be one of those guys that just can't handle the NY pressure; Kenny Rodgers, Carl Pavano.....But Willie absolutely uses this guy wrong and he's as much to blame, I said yesterday that Willie has failed to make adjustments. Schoeneweis has proven that he is a LOOGY, regardless of whether he has been a starter or long r...
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Here comes the cavalry.......Duaner
2008-04-09 06:58:00
Duaner Sanchez took a big step toward returning to the Mets tonight by pitching two scoreless innings in Port St. Lucie. Duaner still hasn't pitched back-to-back innings but has pitched three times this week, and with the shape of the bull pen that might be enough to make it back to the majors. Duaner is heading to AAA where they'll probably pitch him on back-to-back days and if he's effective Dirty will be returning to the big house. What a great addition he will be if he's ready, my biggest concern is that he's trying to rush it.....Duaner Sanchez, who tossed two scoreless innings tonight for St. Lucie, is expected to move to Triple-A New Orleans. … source Daily Post

Feliciano excused
2008-04-09 06:06:00
There was a significant amount of speculation about why Pedro Feliciano wasn't used in today's game. Most thought that he must have been hurt, it seemed like the only logical explanation for why the pens best lefty wasn't used in the teams home opener. Feliciano was late returning from a leave of absence to take care of a personal matter.....There was a reason, far removed from baseball strategy, why Pedro Feliciano did not see action in Tuesday's home opener, even with the rest of the Mets bullpen crumbling around him. Feliciano had traveled home to Puerto Rico on Monday to deal with what he called "family issues," and a canceled flight prevented him from making it back to Queens on time to pitch in the middle innings. source MLB.com

Castillo should be fine
2008-04-09 05:37:00
Luis Castillo left today's game early because his knee stiffened up. Castillo said that it was more of a precautionary measure in the cold weather then anything to be concerned with. Castillo's bat so far this season is more of a concern then his knees are, while I think four years was a little long for him I don't think it was a bad contract. By years end Castillo will be an asset to this team for many of his intangible attributes...The original plan for the Mets was to try and sign David Eckstein as an energizer bunny to play second. But Eckstein’s initial reaction was that he wanted more than the Mets were willing to give and was still trying to be an everyday shortstop. The market, however, dwindled on Eckstein and he ended up having to sign for just one year with the Blue Jays for $4.5 million. By then, the Mets had already panicked into giving Castillo way too much and -– more important -– for too long. source NY Post
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El Duque Injured
2008-04-09 04:23:00
I'm not surprised by this, in fact I predicted it; it's the whole reason I thought the Mets should have signed another starter this off-season. My argument was clear, Pedro and El Duque are too fragile to rely on for an entire season and Pelfrey hasn't proven he's major league ready. The one surprise is that all three concerns have already effected the team; both Pedro and El Duque are on the DL and Pelfry looks worse then he did last year. One of the reasons they decided to not bring in another starter was that they thought El Duque would be back soon, well with him coming back to NY for an MRI on the foot that hampered him all spring I don't think we'll seeing him soon if ever. Remember El Duque changed his delivery to take some pressure off the foot and after getting shelled he decided to push through the pain with his old delivery, I wondered at the time how long his foot would hold-up looks like it was two rehab starts. I gotten give the guy credit at 40 something he's ...
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No Sir the ship will be fine......as the band plays on
2008-04-08 22:00:00
What a pathetic showing, their is absolutely no justification for this performance, the Mets as a whole put on the field today. The 2008 NY Mets treated their fans on an opening day to a loss to 45 y/o Jamie Moyer. What a way to erase the lingering thoughts of last years colossal collapse, swept by the Braves and falling apart on opening day to the Phillies. Great way to usher out Shea..Moyer a pitcher who had an ERA of 5.01 and has started this year with an ERA 7.36. What did the Mets offense do against him, in six innings two runs on four hits and three walks. The team started off well taking an 0-2 lead on a solo homer by Delgado and an RBI by Church. But this team just as it did all of last year can't get clutch hits or stay in any type of groove. I've heard many fans say that they've been unlucky hitting but I feel it's a lack of execution. When they need a fly ball, they roll over on a ball and when they need a single they swing for the fences ended up flying out. ...
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Ready to Brawl
2008-04-08 18:33:00
This series has the potential to get ugly, which may be exactly what the Mets need. The team has always been criticized for not having that fiery clubhouse leader and not playing with a sense of urgency. Entering spring training after the collapse that seemed to be a trait of the past, even quiet Carlos Beltran was firing off comments about the Mets being the team to beat. The Phillies retorted with comments that things could get physical."There are guys in the [Phillies] locker room the other day suggestingthere will be a brawl - b-r-a-w-l," Stark told Philadelphia radio station WPEN at the time. After the Braves series I'm not convinced that, that sense of urgency is there, so having this type of intense series might be exactly what this team needs. Here is a response from one Met to the Phillies challenges..."We're not a bunch of fighters on this team, but we're not going to run away from anything, either," one Met said when reminded of Stark's report. source NY Post
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Manuel Talking Trash
2008-04-08 18:10:00
After yesterday's Phillies game Mgr. Charlie Manuel took a shot at the Mets before he said his club wouldn't be talking to the media before the start of the series with the Mets. For someone who says he isn't going to be talking, Manuel does a pretty good job of trash talking. Nothing like a division rivalry to get the juices flowing......"As long as we whip them, we don't have to make a big deal out of it," manager Charlie Manuel said yesterday after the Phillies' 5-3 win over the Reds at Great American Ball Park. "They'll talk, we'll hit. That's the only way I see it." source Philadelphia Daily News
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Wise on the DL
2008-04-08 17:35:00
David Lennon is reporting that Matt Wise has been placed on the DL and Carlos Muniz has been recalled to replace him. It was reported that Wise had a bruise on his pitching forearm, I'm hoping their being extra careful since he has history of arm trouble. The team is high on Muniz, the kid is jumping several pitchers with major league experience to fill the spot.Anyway, before we get going, some news. Matt Wise was placed on the disabled list today with what the Mets are calling a contusion of the right forearm. But let's not forget that this guy has had three elbow surgeries, so at this point would it be surprising if he has to go under the knife again? I don't think so. To fill his spot, the Mets called up Carlos Muniz from Triple-A Tidewater, I mean, New Orleans. source Newsday

Stokes & Collazo pitch in NO
2008-04-08 06:44:00
Brian Stokes started tonight for the Zephyrs, I'm surprised that the organization keeps pushing the issue of him starting. They obviously like his stuff but Stokes is a much better reliever then a starter. Stokes pitched four innings tonight in which he allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Stokes pitched two clean innings to start the game, it was in his second two innings that he allowed a run in each. Last year with the Rays he had solid numbers as a reliever, it was when he was a starter that he struggled. I can see Stokes making a decent ROOGY or middle reliever but not a starter. Willie Collazo is obviously being groomed as a long reliever. Collazo took over for Stokes and pitched three innings in which he allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out two.
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No... I like the View
2008-04-08 00:58:00
I work nights and the WFAN's on most of the time, by the way not that anybody listens to me but they should team the Moose & the Bull, it would be like the old days of the Sweater & the Schmooze. Anyway all night long I heard callers and the hosts tell us Mets fans to calm down and come in off the ledge.While I'm not ready to jump yet, I'm very comfortable out here because I'm use to the view. For those of us who have pulled our hair out over the two game sweep by the Braves, it has absolutely nothing to do with it being the fifth game of the season. This is a compilation that started Oct. 20, 2006 when it seemed like all the magic was used up in one spectacular catch. What a special season 2006 was, it seemed like no matter what happened the team was going to win.But just as we've heard utter by so many players before "we'll get them next time" and suddenly that special season was a disappointment. And while the team was somewhat successful in 2007 it wasn't the same...
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Ahhhhh....And order is restored in the world
2008-04-06 21:21:00
Now this feels like old times, like hearing an old song in which your body subconsciously starts to naturally move before your mind can even think. I've sat watching the last two games and while they've put a huge dent in my pre-season optimism, it hasn't surprised me at all, in fact this is exactly what I've grown to expect over the years from these series. In Atlanta it must have felt like bizarro world took over as their super heros were stymied, but Ahhh... Yes, early in this season least order has been restored in the world.......Lets take a look at game one in which our most consistent pitcher behind Johan Santana, John Maine took the mound. We were looking for Maine to prove that the top three starters can solidify the rotation, well Maine barely made it out of the fourth and was knocked around the entire outing. For a strikeout pitcher, when Maine wasn't getting knocked around he was consistently wild walking way more then usual. But then our bull pen which had been dom...
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Wise Shelved
2008-04-06 20:55:00
While it's not being considered anything serious Matt Wise has been unavailable over the weekend. Wise has appeared in two games so far and has mixed results. In his first outing of the year he allowed two hits while striking out one, in only .01 of an inning in which he was pulled for a lefty match-up. In his second and last outing Wise went from looking dominant to being the goat of an extra inning game. In that inning Wise made the first two batters look foolish in striking them out and then got ahead 0-2 before giving up a homerun on a change-up that flattened out. I think Wise could be the sleeper of this bull-pen but he has an up hill battle climb in gaining Willie's confidence. Last year, just after Wise hit the batter in the head, the Mets came to town and Wise walked multi- batters in a row. Wise had a strong spring and Willie commenting on him, praising the pitcher for his stuff but also reference the meltdown. Hopefully, it's nothing serious and this doesn't add t...

The age argument
2008-04-05 22:53:00
I was in total agreement during the first half of this decade with Mets detractors that said the team was too old. I grew sick of the team constantly bringing in wash-up veterans who broke down or were ineffective. Back then the team was always in last place and either fielded a group of no-names or guys who would have played in All-Star games 10 years prior.But I keep hearing people say that this team is old and that they're concerned about the age of the group. While I think this team is built to win now and do have some older players, I don't agree that this team is old.....Here's an index I was always taught and by using it I just don't see this team as old.....Type A: Phenom - under 26 and productiveType B: Peak Years- 26-32 y/o player matures along with their body and skills fully developedType C: Productive years - 32- 36 y/o player knows how to play the game and is still productiveType D: Baseball Old - 36- retire.. players getting by on his caginess until they retireSo ...

Rough outing for Duaner
2008-04-05 22:41:00
In his first rehab outing against single A level hitters, Duaner Sanchez allowed two solo home runs in one inning of work. After working so hard to try and make the team I wonder how much of this outing was a hang over from not being ready. Yes, single A guys are free swingers, trying to make a name for themselves against an elite set-up man but Duaner shouldn't be hit like that against this caliber guys. Duaner will have to prove he can be effective on back to back days against AAA guys before he can be recalled.......
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Alou's in the batting cage
2008-04-05 21:50:00
David Lennon of Newsday is reporting that Moises Alou is already swinging a bat. There's still no time frame on when Alou will be returning from his hernia surgery but the fact that he's already engaging in baseball activities is a good sign.....Moises Alou (hernia) is swinging a bat at home in the Dominican Republic and there is no report date yet for him in Port St. Lucie. Seems to be an encouraging sign, though. source Newsday
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Armas' start
2008-04-05 21:07:00
Tony Armas Jr started last night for New Orleans, Armas looks to be an insurance policy with all the question marks about the rotation. Armas could end up being either the long man so that a guy like Sosa could be moved into the rotation or he could become the fifth starter. In his first outing he pitched 5 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits and no walks while striking out two. Not bad for a guy who is considered strictly depth, in his first start and is still getting in game shape.....
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Rosenthal on Garcia
2008-04-05 20:50:00
Ken Rosenthal of Fox sports in his latest post still believes that Freddy Garcia will land in Shea when he's ready to pitch. Garcia is looking to return sometime around June-July and could be a nice boost to the rotation especially if their still struggling to fill the back end of the rotation.....Come June or July, the Mets still figure to be the No. 1 choice of free-agent right-hander Freddy Garcia, who is recovering from major shoulder surgery. Garcia is good friends with Santana, a fellow Venezuelan, and they share the same agents. When Garcia visited the Mets camp this spring, Pedro Martinez grabbed a piece of paper, waved to Garcia and jokingly demanded that Mets GM Omar Minaya give him a pen, saying, "Here's the contract, here's the contract." ... source Fox Sports

The Pitching Picture will be alot clearer this weekend
2008-04-04 21:44:00
The Mets should have alot of their pitching questions answered this weekend, we'll know whether they need to rush out for a starter or can sit back and wait for the injured to recover.1) John Maine pitches tonight, if he looks anywhere near the pitcher from spring training the Mets have a big three rotation which should keep things calm. 2) We may not hear about this but I'm sure Omar will and that is how El Duque feels after last nights start. If that Bunion is screaming there will be some concern.3) Mike Pelfrey pitches Saturday, if he can prove himself a serviceable fifth starter then the team is only covering Pedro's spot but if he gets rocked the urgency returns. 4) Tony Armas Jr. starts for the Zephyrs tonight, his start should let us know where he's at, when he's ready he's probably as good as most of the others being talked about. 5) Claudio Vargas will either sign a major league deal with another team or that was a negotiation ploy and he'll settle for our minor leag...
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Mack's back: top ten prospect's
2008-04-04 20:47:00
Mack is back, the popular author of Macks Mets and minor league Mets guru has re-opened a site called The Mack Attack. Mack updates his top prospect list monthly and here's the top 10 of April's list. For more great insight into the Mets system check out Mack's site........Mack’s Top Mets Prospect List – April 20081. OF Fernando Martinez/Binghamton – Okay, I’ve seen him. And he’s much smaller than I expected, but boy, what a swing! I just don’t think this kid is going to spend much more time in the minors. He carried himself both on and off the field like a 25 year old. 2. SP Jon Niese/Binghamton – Another guy who really appreciated being in the “real” Mets ST locker room, Niese looks like the next starter that gets a shot at the Mets rotation, probably at the 2009 ST. Of cource, if the Mets sign OP and Pedro, Niese is buh-bye. 3. SS Ruben Tejada - I had Tejada at 10th last month, but then I saw him practice at ST. This guy has impressed everyone in camp and wil...
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Pitching Front
2008-04-04 17:50:00
Last night Orlando Hernandez made his first rehab start and all reports are that he had a solid performance. Hernandez pitched five innings in which he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk, while striking out six. El Duque stated that he wasn't quite there with his control despite only walking one and would need 2-3 more starts to be ready to start the season."It's a little tough, but I think day to day it's getting better," Hernandez said, referring to the bunion on his right foot. "I need to throw, I need to work out." source Adam Rubin/Daily NewsOmar Minaya, by all reports is being patient as he gauges El Duque's progress and the internal options for the rotation; Pelfrey, Figgy, Sosa. Reports indicate that he has spoken to Claudio Vargas' agent but it doesn't appear to be a match, Vargas' team believes they can land a major league deal and Omar is only offering a minor league deal. Yesterday, Ken Davidoff of Newsday speculated on Robinson Tejada and today David Len...
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Is Delgado's new approach worth the trade off
2008-04-04 03:21:00
Carlos Delgado is clearly attempting to go to the opposite field, in altering his swing so far this season he has been successful. Delgado is already hitting .250 a mark he struggled to hit all of last year. His increased success has resulted in more patience at the plate which is evident by his two walks in three games. Last year during the darkest days of his slump Delgado was pressing and guessing badly on balls way out of the strike zone, as he attempted to get his bat around on the inside fastball. The more he hits to the left side of the field the less teams will be able to use the over shift against him. When Delgado first went into the slump it appeared to be unlucky hitting right into the shift, as things got worse he pressed and his mechanics deteriorated. So if the shift is off Delgado should have more success getting on base but there maybe a draw back to this approach. Remember Shawn Green was once a 40 HR hitter who adjusted his swing to compensate for age and injuries...
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Stark's on Vargas
2008-04-04 00:49:00
Jayson Stark of ESPN is reporting that the Mets are pursuing Claudio Vargas but not to plug into the rotation. Omar is apparently attempting to land Vargas as another arm in the pool of starting pitchers in New Orleans. The organization definitely needs to build depth after the Santana trade, it takes approx. 10-13 starters to make it through a season; 1) Johan 2) Pedro 3) Perez 4) Maine 5) El Duque 6) Pelfrey 7) Figgy 8) Sosa 9) Armas 10) Stokes 11) Heilman 12) Schoeneweis (19 starts in '04') 13) Field That's all the guys with major league starts then there's Bostick and Collazo who are working as starters in New Orleans and have experience as major league relievers. The Mets have always been accused of rushing prospects and could do it again by using Niese or Parnell. If anyone can talk a veteran player into accepting a minor league deal it's Omar. The Mets continue to pursue one of GM Omar Minaya's old pitchers from Montreal, Claudio Vargas, in the wake of Pedro Martinez's...

Church looking for Nady like results
2008-04-03 22:01:00
Prior to the '06' season Omar Minaya sent Mike Cameron to San Diego for then little known outfielder Xavier Nady. Most fans viewed the deal as a salary dump and perceived that Omar sold low because it was known that "Cammy" wanted out after being moved from center, which essentially killed any leverage Omar had in the market. But Omar tried to convince us all spring, of that year that Nady was more then a platoon type outfielder and he had really wanted him. In just half a season "Xman" became a fan favorite with his blue collar, gritty approach to baseball. He wasn't the flashest fielder and struggled with runners in scoring position but Nady is still discussed as a perfect fit for this team each time we need an outfielder.The similarities between Nady and Church 's plight are striking. Church was acquired in the Lastings Milledge deal which was perceived as selling low because of Milledge's baggage. Brian Schneider as the defensive catcher and pitcher's guru has had more atte...
More About: Results

Here's a reclamation project
2008-04-03 18:37:00
Ken Davidoff of Newsday makes a case for the Mets obtaining Robinson Tejada. The Rangers DFA the 26 y/o right handed pitcher, who has played the last three years in the majors. He has pitched in the rotation and the pen, but over the last two seasons as his mechanics have deteriorated so have his numbers. His best year came as a 23 y/o rookie, he appeared in 26 gms ( 13 starts) for the Phillies in which he compiled a record of 4-3 with an ERA 3.57. I've never heard of this guy but I'm guessing were going to hear alot of these names until somebody steps up and takes control of the bottom of the rotation. Ollie looked great last night which should re-store all our confidence that we have the big three, but that still leave two spots. Will guys from within the organization be able to fill those spots or will they need to sign someone. Maybe a guy Tejada will be brought in on a minor league deal as insurance in New Orleans in case someone else goes down or someone faulters.........So ...
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Available Arms...
2008-04-03 05:33:00
Well the discussion over whether the Mets will obtain a pitcher has once again begun, with Pedro and El Duque on the DL along Peflrey looking shaky it would make sense for them to pick-up another pitcher. But as Ron Darling said during tonight's game it should be a pitcher who could start or work out of the pen, for when everyone returns. Of the waived players the most obvious fit is Claudio Vargas who has worked as a long man and a starter, here is a post I completed when he was waived. I've also heard a few people mention recently released Woody Williams, but he doesn't seem appealing to me, he's over 40 and discussing retirement. Looking at the the ESPN free agent list, the best of whats left is Jeff Weaver who had a great comeback in the NL under a good pitching coach, but is strictly a starter and has had more bad years then good, besides he was horrible in NY. Russ Ortiz, Thomson and Milton aren't better options then Figueroa, Sosa and Armas so why bother. How about Ramon...
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Figueroa's a nice story
2008-04-03 02:57:00
As most of us expected Pedro Martinez was placed on the DL and is projected to miss 4-6 wks. with a strained hamstring. Nelson Figueroa was recalled to replace Pedro and while I'm not comfortable with the rotation, absolutely no one else deserves a chance more then Figgy. If you haven't read the feel good piece about the 911 tee shirts he designed and donated the proceeds to victims and family members in need it's a must read.The NY native's career was derailed before it ever got off the ground due to injuries, the once highly touted prospect of the Mets organization was not willing to give up his dream. He has played in the independent league ( Long Island Ducks), Korea, Mexico and winter ball. Regardless of what country he played in Figgy was successful, for a full look at his recent success take a look at this post and then a full bio I completed when he was first invited. Figgy looked pretty good throughout camp and was part of the last cut in spring training after he strugg...
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Stokes clears waivers
2008-04-02 23:06:00
Brian Stokes has made it through waivers and is expected to remain with the organization in New Orleans. Stokes will join the Zeph's rotation, he has spent most of his career as a starter but had his best major league success out of the pen. Stokes throws very hard and the change of speed to his change-up is significant, his struggles have been a result of location. I can see him as a Heath Bell type of insurance policy reliever.......Brian Stokes, who lost out on the final bullpen spot that went to Joe Smith, cleared waivers. He’s expected to work in Triple-A New Orleans’ rotation. source Daily News

Don't blame Wise
2008-04-02 21:51:00
So far this season I really like the moves Willie has been making with the bullpen and believe me that's a big statement. In prior seasons I have killed him for his handling of the pen, falling in love with one arm until it's burnt or leaving a guy out their way too long to see what he has. It seemed like last year he was so sure he would make the playoffs that he was willing to burn games to test pitchers ( especially Mota). Now confidence is a big part of winning but cockiness can kill a team and while Willie has never come across to me as cocky, the way he treated games last year almost bordered on it or at least took them for granted. But so far this year he has been great with managing the staff, picking match-ups and rotating relievers. In both games his decisions have had a sense of urgency but that is also going to save the pitchers arms while not letting them get rusty. Matt Wise looked great in the 10th inning, in which he struck out the first two and then got two strike...
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