There was speculation that Valentine simmered down because he wanted to prove to the Mets that he could succeed and control his comportment.
The Shard Valentine's Down With Dating, London, Wed Conjure some amore/utter disdain at this mid-week 'speed-hating' session.
"I remember when he managed Texas, people said, 'This guy isn't a leadoff hitter,' " Agbayani said, referring to Valentine and Downing.
Deep down, Valentine probably knows better.
"He really felt like he let the team down," Valentine said.
The 5-1 favourite, Ping Pong Sivola, was close up when falling at Valentine's, bringing down Bible Lord.
He stood up and watched Valentine strut down the length of the room, a swath of gray-and-white striped silk floating behind her.
Although reliable in most situations, this otherwise flawless system for gift giving breaks down on Valentine's Day as Valentine's gifts also must be emblematic of your romantic connection to the recipient (without being creepy, that is).
"It's just easier to be a Met fan when the Yankee fan isn't telling them to be quiet and sit down," said Valentine.
"You probably can't see it," said Mr. Bransdon, a 29-year-old financial analyst in New York, "but there's this little clock in my head ticking down toward Valentine's Day".
