Our blog has now been renamed "Queens Qrew," and as such will be relocated to a new web location. Click here to go there. It's queensqrew.blogspot.com by the way. All the old posts are set up there, and you can comment and everything. If everything works right, we should have a new color theme (think Mets) up there pretty soon, as well.
We'll see you there.
One note: If you'd like to vote on our blog, please do it on this page. For comments, however, please use the new blog.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What'd You Expect
The Mets just lost two out of three games to the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies, which places them 4 games out of first place. Well, what did you expect? The Phillies are a good team - they currently have the second-best record in the major leagues (behind the Dodgers). Their pitching, while not great, is good enought that when combined with their amazing offense, good defense (they have the best Fielding % in the National League) and fine baserunning makes for a pretty darn good team. (By the way, they're also defending World Champions.)
So the Mets can live with losing this series. Especially the way they did. Missing key performers Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado, it certainly wouldn't've been inconceivable for the Mets to have been embarrassed by the Phillies in the 3-game set. They absolutely were not. The Phillies only outscored the Mets by three runs over the whole series, and both of the Mets losses were in extra innings.
As such, this series lose was excusable. But they can't start duplicating it with regularity. Especially facing a tough stretch of division-leading and other good teams, the Mets cannot let down their guard and just wait to start winning when the big boys come back. They're not playing the Washington Nationals this weekend - their opponent is the revamped version of the New York Yankees, and anything less than a stellar effort by the Mets will likely result in their figuratively being torn to shreds.
But, with their good starting pitching, better base-running, and just a bit of clutch-hitting by the big bats, they should withstand their obstacles.
So the Mets can live with losing this series. Especially the way they did. Missing key performers Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado, it certainly wouldn't've been inconceivable for the Mets to have been embarrassed by the Phillies in the 3-game set. They absolutely were not. The Phillies only outscored the Mets by three runs over the whole series, and both of the Mets losses were in extra innings.
As such, this series lose was excusable. But they can't start duplicating it with regularity. Especially facing a tough stretch of division-leading and other good teams, the Mets cannot let down their guard and just wait to start winning when the big boys come back. They're not playing the Washington Nationals this weekend - their opponent is the revamped version of the New York Yankees, and anything less than a stellar effort by the Mets will likely result in their figuratively being torn to shreds.
But, with their good starting pitching, better base-running, and just a bit of clutch-hitting by the big bats, they should withstand their obstacles.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Those Tricksters
Our poll of "Until Carlos Delgado's return, who should man first base?" ended in a tie between Fernando Tatis and Jeremy Reed. The Mets, in a move that has a lot fo merit, turned erstwhile outfielder Daniel Murphy into a first baseman, essentially nullifying our poll. Considering it leaves leftfield to Gary Sheffield, who has become the team's cleanup hitter, the position change makes a lot of sense.
Meanwhile, the Mets stand 3 games behind the division-leading Phillies after splitting the first two games of their weekend series with the Nats. With a injury-plagued team, the Mets are struggling to put out a major-league caliber lineup every night, which probably has a lot to do with their being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates this week.
But help is on the way. Ryan Church, who had been out with a strained right hamstring, should be coming off of the disabled list on Sunday, and should provide a defensive upgrade, at the very least.
Here's the key for the Mets: With key offensive contributors like Messrs. Delgado and Reyes sidelined by injury, the way to victory for the Mets essentially lies with the starting pitching. The offense is weak, but with quality pitching by Santana, Pelfrey and Co., the offense should perform well enough to win most of the time.
And that's good enough.
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New Poll: Our new poll asks you to select the two outfielders who you believe should be flanking Carlos Beltran in the outfield. The options are Gary Sheffield, Ryan Church, Fernando Tatis and Fernando Martinez. Please only pick two.
Meanwhile, the Mets stand 3 games behind the division-leading Phillies after splitting the first two games of their weekend series with the Nats. With a injury-plagued team, the Mets are struggling to put out a major-league caliber lineup every night, which probably has a lot to do with their being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates this week.
But help is on the way. Ryan Church, who had been out with a strained right hamstring, should be coming off of the disabled list on Sunday, and should provide a defensive upgrade, at the very least.
Here's the key for the Mets: With key offensive contributors like Messrs. Delgado and Reyes sidelined by injury, the way to victory for the Mets essentially lies with the starting pitching. The offense is weak, but with quality pitching by Santana, Pelfrey and Co., the offense should perform well enough to win most of the time.
And that's good enough.
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New Poll: Our new poll asks you to select the two outfielders who you believe should be flanking Carlos Beltran in the outfield. The options are Gary Sheffield, Ryan Church, Fernando Tatis and Fernando Martinez. Please only pick two.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Predictable Success
Baseball is fickle, every fan of the game knows that. The 1962 Mets, considered by many to be the worst team of all time won 1/4 of their games.
A .250 winning percentage is obscenely low, and a .700 winning percentage is exceedingly high. As such, when two ballclubs play a game, even if one has significantly more talent than the other, you can never predict the outcome with real certainty.
That being said, the Mets' sweep of the Washington Nationals was hardly unpredictable (see this). Even though they were missing a few key players, the Mets outclassed the Nats. Gary Sheffield was bashing the ball, Messrs. Maine, Hernandez, and Santana pitched quite well, and the team as a whole played like they meant it.
The Mets even did well in regard to video review, with Sheffield and Murphy's blasts being ruled home runs.
Additionally, your "Met Fan" blogger made his way to Citi Field for the first time on Memorial Day, and was sitting in exactly the wrong spot to have a live opinion on Gary Sheffield's home run.
But you can't mess with a sweep that knocks the Mets into first place.
A .250 winning percentage is obscenely low, and a .700 winning percentage is exceedingly high. As such, when two ballclubs play a game, even if one has significantly more talent than the other, you can never predict the outcome with real certainty.
That being said, the Mets' sweep of the Washington Nationals was hardly unpredictable (see this). Even though they were missing a few key players, the Mets outclassed the Nats. Gary Sheffield was bashing the ball, Messrs. Maine, Hernandez, and Santana pitched quite well, and the team as a whole played like they meant it.
The Mets even did well in regard to video review, with Sheffield and Murphy's blasts being ruled home runs.
Additionally, your "Met Fan" blogger made his way to Citi Field for the first time on Memorial Day, and was sitting in exactly the wrong spot to have a live opinion on Gary Sheffield's home run.
But you can't mess with a sweep that knocks the Mets into first place.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
What a Welcome
The Mets are surely expecting an easy go of it when they commence a three-game series with the cellar-dwelling Washington Nationals tomorrow evening. And after winning two of three games over the weekend from the powerhouse Boston Red Sox you can harldy blame them if that's how they feel.
The Mets entered Boston down in the doldrums, reeling after four straight losses on the left coast to the Giants and Dodgers. The Mets certainly should have expected to lose two out of three to the Red Sox in Boston. But instead, they went out, performed and surprised everyone, including (I bet) themselves in taking the series from the defending AL East Champions.
It started on Friday night when Johan Santana out-dueled Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Mets emerged as victors by a count of 5 to
Saturday night's win was certainly dramatic. Down to their last out against one of the premier relief aces in baseball, Sox closer Johnathan Papelbon, the Mets came back to win with the power of Omir Santos, the discernment of the umpiring crew, and the gloves of David Wright, Ramon Martinez, Luis Castillo and Daniel Murphy (left-to-right). (Parenthetically, I think Daniel Murphy is using Carlos Delgado's glove when playing first base. As such, perhaps he deserves the credit! I wonder if Bill James would give him a win share for the use of his glove. If so, he may be the first player ever to earn a win share while on the Disabled List.)
Sunday's game was a notably bad one for the Mets' pitching. The 12 runs they allowed tied the team's season high. The hitting was alright, including another home run for a Met catcher, this time Ramon Castro.
All in all, the Mets are 23-20, and 1.5 games out of first place, and if they want to show that they are a playoff-caliber team, they will have to take advantage of the next two weeks, when they will face the Nationals, Marlins and Pirates, all of whom are struggling.
The Mets entered Boston down in the doldrums, reeling after four straight losses on the left coast to the Giants and Dodgers. The Mets certainly should have expected to lose two out of three to the Red Sox in Boston. But instead, they went out, performed and surprised everyone, including (I bet) themselves in taking the series from the defending AL East Champions.
It started on Friday night when Johan Santana out-dueled Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Mets emerged as victors by a count of 5 to
Saturday night's win was certainly dramatic. Down to their last out against one of the premier relief aces in baseball, Sox closer Johnathan Papelbon, the Mets came back to win with the power of Omir Santos, the discernment of the umpiring crew, and the gloves of David Wright, Ramon Martinez, Luis Castillo and Daniel Murphy (left-to-right). (Parenthetically, I think Daniel Murphy is using Carlos Delgado's glove when playing first base. As such, perhaps he deserves the credit! I wonder if Bill James would give him a win share for the use of his glove. If so, he may be the first player ever to earn a win share while on the Disabled List.)
Sunday's game was a notably bad one for the Mets' pitching. The 12 runs they allowed tied the team's season high. The hitting was alright, including another home run for a Met catcher, this time Ramon Castro.
All in all, the Mets are 23-20, and 1.5 games out of first place, and if they want to show that they are a playoff-caliber team, they will have to take advantage of the next two weeks, when they will face the Nationals, Marlins and Pirates, all of whom are struggling.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Glad to be back
After our unexcused absence of the last few week's, we at this blog are glad to announce that there is a new poll up. Enjoy.
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Today, Sunday May 17th, 2009, the New York Mets are in first place.
If you're just tuning into the season (which you had better not be - but if you are), after hearing that statement, you probably figure that Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, John Maine and Livan Hernandez have all pitched rather well. You probably think that the Mets' bullpen has been everything it wasn't in 2008. You probably think that Reyes and Murphy have gotten on base consistently and Wright, Delgado, Beltran and Church have been driving them in. You probably think that they have played well defensively.
Frankly, you're probably wrong.
Oh, not on every count, certainly not. Johan Santana has pitched even better than expected. Beltran and Wright have hit like All-Stars. But on the whole, the Mets journey to first place has not gone as planned.
Oliver Perez pitched his way onto the disabled list and Carlos Delgado is injured, as well. Jose Reyes has missed the last three games with a tight calf.
The secret for the Mets success has a lot to do with the success of the role players. Fernando Tatis, Gary Sheffield, Alex Cora and Ramon Castro have all been effective. Johnathan Niese and Nelson Figueroa have each contributed a quality start. And the regulars, even when less than expected (see Ryan Church) have been good enough.
And when you've got your number 3 starter and your cleanup hitter on the disabled list and you're still in first place, that's about all you can hope for.
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Today, Sunday May 17th, 2009, the New York Mets are in first place.
If you're just tuning into the season (which you had better not be - but if you are), after hearing that statement, you probably figure that Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, John Maine and Livan Hernandez have all pitched rather well. You probably think that the Mets' bullpen has been everything it wasn't in 2008. You probably think that Reyes and Murphy have gotten on base consistently and Wright, Delgado, Beltran and Church have been driving them in. You probably think that they have played well defensively.
Frankly, you're probably wrong.
Oh, not on every count, certainly not. Johan Santana has pitched even better than expected. Beltran and Wright have hit like All-Stars. But on the whole, the Mets journey to first place has not gone as planned.
Oliver Perez pitched his way onto the disabled list and Carlos Delgado is injured, as well. Jose Reyes has missed the last three games with a tight calf.
The secret for the Mets success has a lot to do with the success of the role players. Fernando Tatis, Gary Sheffield, Alex Cora and Ramon Castro have all been effective. Johnathan Niese and Nelson Figueroa have each contributed a quality start. And the regulars, even when less than expected (see Ryan Church) have been good enough.
And when you've got your number 3 starter and your cleanup hitter on the disabled list and you're still in first place, that's about all you can hope for.
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Long Summer or a Rough Start?
When you look at where the Mets stand on April 24, 15 games into the 2009 baseball season, things look really bad. The Mets are 6 and 9 and already 5 games behind the out-of-nowhere Florida Marlins. The starting pitching (with one noticeable exception) has been terrible. Clutch hitting is out of style. The season is over.
Or is it? There's no denying that the starting pitching has been horrid, but when they turn it around - and they probably will - there is no saying what this team can do. True, the hitting - particularly clutch - has been weak. But you have to remember: For crying out loud, we're 2 and a half weeks into the season.
Tell me: All the people who have been decrying the Mets for what they've done in their first 15 games, have they signed on Zack Greinke and Johan Santana as unanimous Cy Young award winners for 2009? All you people who think that John Maine and Oliver Perez will keep getting blown out of these ballgames - are you banking on Carlos Beltran winning the batting title?
I think not. Bashing the starting pitching early is particularly stupid. Remember Mike Pelfrey last year? Remember everybody bashing Johan Santana for his average start? He won the ERA crown.
The fact is that it's way too early to make good judgment less than 5% of the way into the season.
That's how I'm seeing things! Got a problem?
Or is it? There's no denying that the starting pitching has been horrid, but when they turn it around - and they probably will - there is no saying what this team can do. True, the hitting - particularly clutch - has been weak. But you have to remember: For crying out loud, we're 2 and a half weeks into the season.
Tell me: All the people who have been decrying the Mets for what they've done in their first 15 games, have they signed on Zack Greinke and Johan Santana as unanimous Cy Young award winners for 2009? All you people who think that John Maine and Oliver Perez will keep getting blown out of these ballgames - are you banking on Carlos Beltran winning the batting title?
I think not. Bashing the starting pitching early is particularly stupid. Remember Mike Pelfrey last year? Remember everybody bashing Johan Santana for his average start? He won the ERA crown.
The fact is that it's way too early to make good judgment less than 5% of the way into the season.
That's how I'm seeing things! Got a problem?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
What's up Doc?
Nothing much. The Mets signed my nephew.
Gary Sheffield, the nephew of former Mets pitching phenom Dwight Gooden, and a major league superstar himself, has signed with the Mets.
Sheffield, 40, leaves behind a checkered past with seven teams (most recently the Tigers), and joins the Mets as a DH in the National League. Though he's played plenty of outfield in the (somewhat more distant) past, Sheffield has played just 39 games in the outfield over the past 3 seasons.
Presumably, Sheffield would displace Ryan Church in right field for (at minimum) the games against left-handed starting pitching. Since Sheffield's signing, it has become apparent that Church may serve as understudy in left- and center-field in addition to whatever work he gets in right.
At the very least, this deal provides the Mets with an experienced right-handed bat who would be available for pinch-hitting duties.
Gary Sheffield, the nephew of former Mets pitching phenom Dwight Gooden, and a major league superstar himself, has signed with the Mets.
Sheffield, 40, leaves behind a checkered past with seven teams (most recently the Tigers), and joins the Mets as a DH in the National League. Though he's played plenty of outfield in the (somewhat more distant) past, Sheffield has played just 39 games in the outfield over the past 3 seasons.
Presumably, Sheffield would displace Ryan Church in right field for (at minimum) the games against left-handed starting pitching. Since Sheffield's signing, it has become apparent that Church may serve as understudy in left- and center-field in addition to whatever work he gets in right.
At the very least, this deal provides the Mets with an experienced right-handed bat who would be available for pinch-hitting duties.
Friday, April 3, 2009
As Opening Day Nears
As Opening Day nears, it seems as though Jerry Manuel will have Luis Castillo batting eighth, the arguments otherwise (which can be found here) notwithstanding. Jose Reyes will bat in his customary leadoff spot, and Daniel Murphy will bat second. The third slot in the batting order's duty will be split by David Wright and Carlos Beltran, while the other will bat fifth. Carlos Delgado will bat cleanup. Ryan Church and the catching tandem of Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro will round out the top eight spots in the order; the pitcher will bat ninth.
It is unclear as to whether Luis Castillo would bat second in games that Daniel Murphy does not play. Should he not, the two-hole would probably be manned by Fernando Tatis.
Here is the Starting Lineup with last year's statistics: (BA/OBP/SLG/HR/RBI)
1. SS Jose Reyes (.297/.358/.475/16/68)
2. LF Daniel Murphy (.313/.397/.473/2/17) in 131 at-bats/
LF Fernando Tatis (.297/.369/.484/11/47) in 273 at-bats
3. 3B David Wright (.302/.390/.534/33/124)
4. 1B Carlos Delgado (.271/.353/.518/38/115)
5. CF Carlos Beltran (.284/.376/.500/27/112)
6. RF Ryan Church (.276/.346/.439/12/49) in 319 at-bats
7. C Brian Schneider (.257/.339/.367/9/38) in 335 at-bats/
C Ramon Castro (.245/.312/.441/7/24) in 143 at-bats
8. 2B Luis Castillo (.245/.355/.305/3/28) in 199 at-bats
It's a solid lineup, which, coupled with the quality rotation and great bullpen should comprise the team to beat in the National League East.
It is unclear as to whether Luis Castillo would bat second in games that Daniel Murphy does not play. Should he not, the two-hole would probably be manned by Fernando Tatis.
Here is the Starting Lineup with last year's statistics: (BA/OBP/SLG/HR/RBI)
1. SS Jose Reyes (.297/.358/.475/16/68)
2. LF Daniel Murphy (.313/.397/.473/2/17) in 131 at-bats/
LF Fernando Tatis (.297/.369/.484/11/47) in 273 at-bats
3. 3B David Wright (.302/.390/.534/33/124)
4. 1B Carlos Delgado (.271/.353/.518/38/115)
5. CF Carlos Beltran (.284/.376/.500/27/112)
6. RF Ryan Church (.276/.346/.439/12/49) in 319 at-bats
7. C Brian Schneider (.257/.339/.367/9/38) in 335 at-bats/
C Ramon Castro (.245/.312/.441/7/24) in 143 at-bats
8. 2B Luis Castillo (.245/.355/.305/3/28) in 199 at-bats
It's a solid lineup, which, coupled with the quality rotation and great bullpen should comprise the team to beat in the National League East.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Mystery Solved
The answer to yesterday's post regarding David Wright's wearing number 4 in the World Baseball Classic, as opposed to his customary 5 is quite simple. Team USA manager is wearing number 5.
Today, John Maine pitched ineffectively in his second straight start. As an integral component to the Mets machine, his performance will have to be markedly better come April.
Today, John Maine pitched ineffectively in his second straight start. As an integral component to the Mets machine, his performance will have to be markedly better come April.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Interesting WBC Note
Weirdly enough, David Wright, who wears number 5 when he plays for the Mets, is wearing number 4 in the World Baseball Classic.
When I first noticed this, I figured that it was because somebody else was wearing number 5 on the USA team, but as is evidenced here, that is not the case.
If anybody knows the reason, please post it in the comments.
When I first noticed this, I figured that it was because somebody else was wearing number 5 on the USA team, but as is evidenced here, that is not the case.
If anybody knows the reason, please post it in the comments.
Santana Update
Johan Santana's ability to pitch on Opening Day is still uncertain. Supposedly, if everything goes according to schedule, he will make it. Of course, that's a very big "if."
If you've been watching the pre-season games and have been wondering why there are so many ballplayers you've never heard of, and why some stars aren't playing at all, it's about time you've heard: there's a World Baseball Classic this year.
If you've been watching the pre-season games and have been wondering why there are so many ballplayers you've never heard of, and why some stars aren't playing at all, it's about time you've heard: there's a World Baseball Classic this year.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Poll Results
Unanimously, the voters chose Manny Ramirez as the Mets best option for starting left-fielder for 2009.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thoughts on the Batting Order
Mets.com reports that Jerry Manuel may elect to have Jose Reyes bat third this year, in which case his customary leadoff slot would be manned by Luis Castillo. Carlos Beltran, who might otherwise bat fifth, would bat second, and David Wright and Carlos Delgado would probably bat third and fourth, respectively.
When I first got wind of this, I didn't think it was much of an idea. But it's growing on me. One major component is Luis Castillo. He has plenty of experience leading off in his career, and truthfully, that's probably the only slot in the batting order where he could be of significant value.
You see, Luis usually has a high on-base percentage and a very low slugging percentage. As such, the lower he bats in the batting order, the lower his value. If he bats second or seventh, his lack of extra-base power and related comparative inability to drive runs in will be a hole in the batting order. If he bats leadoff, his extra-base power is not a weakness. His ability to get on base and steal bases will be just what the doctor ordered (if not quite on par what Jose Reyes would provide) for the one-hole.
Having Jose Reyes bat third instead of second might just be necessary because Manuel wants Beltran to bat second. The benefit of that would be that the two lesser hitters (Castillo and Reyes) would each be protected by the two greater threats (Beltran and Wright/Delgado).
If this does occur, presumably Ryan Church would bat sixth, Daniel Murphy/Fernando Tatis sixth, and Brian Schneider/Ramon Castro eighth.
Otherwise, you might see Luis Castillo at the bottom of the order with Murphy or Church batting second.
When you get down to it, however, it's all a guessing game. Not only don't you really know if Castillo will bat better with Reyes or Beltran behind him, you don't really know if Castillo will produce in 2009. Or Beltran. Or the rest of them.
When I first got wind of this, I didn't think it was much of an idea. But it's growing on me. One major component is Luis Castillo. He has plenty of experience leading off in his career, and truthfully, that's probably the only slot in the batting order where he could be of significant value.
You see, Luis usually has a high on-base percentage and a very low slugging percentage. As such, the lower he bats in the batting order, the lower his value. If he bats second or seventh, his lack of extra-base power and related comparative inability to drive runs in will be a hole in the batting order. If he bats leadoff, his extra-base power is not a weakness. His ability to get on base and steal bases will be just what the doctor ordered (if not quite on par what Jose Reyes would provide) for the one-hole.
Having Jose Reyes bat third instead of second might just be necessary because Manuel wants Beltran to bat second. The benefit of that would be that the two lesser hitters (Castillo and Reyes) would each be protected by the two greater threats (Beltran and Wright/Delgado).
If this does occur, presumably Ryan Church would bat sixth, Daniel Murphy/Fernando Tatis sixth, and Brian Schneider/Ramon Castro eighth.
Otherwise, you might see Luis Castillo at the bottom of the order with Murphy or Church batting second.
When you get down to it, however, it's all a guessing game. Not only don't you really know if Castillo will bat better with Reyes or Beltran behind him, you don't really know if Castillo will produce in 2009. Or Beltran. Or the rest of them.
Monday, February 9, 2009
For Shame!!
After reports that he had tested positive for steroids in 2003, today Alex Rodriguez admitted to using the illegal substances when he was with the Rangers from 2001-2003.
The effects of cheating: He posted his first, third and fifth-highest home run totals in those years. Those three years were also his three best in terms of games played. However, his reputation, weak all along, has now crumbled to a heap which journeymen players the likes of Steve Trachsel and Todd Zeile (and so many others) can now look down at.
Shame on you, Alex.
The effects of cheating: He posted his first, third and fifth-highest home run totals in those years. Those three years were also his three best in terms of games played. However, his reputation, weak all along, has now crumbled to a heap which journeymen players the likes of Steve Trachsel and Todd Zeile (and so many others) can now look down at.
Shame on you, Alex.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Poll
In our previous poll, "Which available pitcher should the Mets target this offseason," the winner was Derek Lowe. In second place was Jake Peavy, and third place went to Oliver Perez. CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett garnered nary a vote. Interstingly enough, they are now both Yankees. I feel rather certain that Sabathia was not voted for because of his large pricetag, and Burnett, because of his injury-laden past.
The new poll asks who you want to be the starting left-fielder for the Mets in the 2009 season. Choices include Daniel Murphy, Nick Evans, Manny Ramirez and Fernando Tatis.
The new poll asks who you want to be the starting left-fielder for the Mets in the 2009 season. Choices include Daniel Murphy, Nick Evans, Manny Ramirez and Fernando Tatis.
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