The San Francisco 49ers have released former Jets WR Braylon Edwards. He had 15 receptions for 181 yards for San Francisco in 2011.
His minimal productivity and personal problems have had their impact in 2011. I truly feel that Edwards could be a nice addition to a team in the postseason. While he is NOT a #1 receiver, he has the talent to be a solid #2 or #3 receiver on a playoff team with his experience. However, he must avoid problems in the future if he wants more chances. The ability I saw from him on the Jets in 2010 convinces me that he is a good complimentary player, but not a superstar.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Beating the 'Boys
On Sunday January 1st, the New York Giants will play Dallas again for the NFC East title.
Unlikely to play: Osi Umenyiora
It all comes down to this. If the Giants can beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night, they win the NFC East and make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
All this for a team discounted in August.
Unlikely to play: Osi Umenyiora
It all comes down to this. If the Giants can beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night, they win the NFC East and make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
All this for a team discounted in August.
Cash and Burn
I have finally come to the realization that the Yankees NEED to fire Brian Cashman.
Cashman hasn't had a successful offseason in quite some time and gets credit for the Dynasty created by Gene Michael. He constantly misses out on free agents that they need, while re-signing players that should have no place on the team:
Freddy Garcia sucked in 2011, constantly losing to playoff teams, good teams, or .500 teams. He's back.
Nick Swisher can't get a postseason hit to save his life. He's still here.
AJ Burnett is far too inconsistant. Still here.
And Jesus Montero has NO POSITION. Guess what? Still here.
Of these people, I feel that only AJ and Swisher are capable of improving for next season.
Cashman thusfar in 2011 has made NO effort to improve the decrepit bench, the overrated offense, or the inconsistent rotation.
And yet somehow, he is still here.
Cashman hasn't had a successful offseason in quite some time and gets credit for the Dynasty created by Gene Michael. He constantly misses out on free agents that they need, while re-signing players that should have no place on the team:
Freddy Garcia sucked in 2011, constantly losing to playoff teams, good teams, or .500 teams. He's back.
Nick Swisher can't get a postseason hit to save his life. He's still here.
AJ Burnett is far too inconsistant. Still here.
And Jesus Montero has NO POSITION. Guess what? Still here.
Of these people, I feel that only AJ and Swisher are capable of improving for next season.
Cashman thusfar in 2011 has made NO effort to improve the decrepit bench, the overrated offense, or the inconsistent rotation.
And yet somehow, he is still here.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
NBA Game 1!
At long last, the first Knicks game of 2011. After the lockout, the free agent frenzy, and the preseason, the games have begun.
Melo scored 32 points, Tyson Chandler made a few free throws to put the game at 102-101 with under 3:00 remaining. Kevin Garnett was hit with a penalty, missed a free throw, and committed a number of fouls.
With 2:11 left, the game was tied at 102 with an offensive rebound, and the Knicks had a real chance at beating the Celtics. Melo made a jump shot, 104-102! Marquis Daniels made a layup, tied at 104. With 59 seconds left, D'Antoni called a timeout. Carmelo made 2 free throws to put it at 106-104 with 16 seconds to go! Carmelo Anthony is certainly going to be player of the game if the Knicks win!
Marquis Daniels missed a 3-pointer with 4.4 seconds remaining! Paul Pierce is well missed!
Boston and New York used timeouts, and Daniels was pulled for Keyon Dooling. On their last legs, the Celtics called on Kevin Garnett to make a 14 foot jumper. He set, and...
...he missed. Just like that, the Knicks defeated the Celtics 106-104 on Christmas Day.
Melo scored 32 points, Tyson Chandler made a few free throws to put the game at 102-101 with under 3:00 remaining. Kevin Garnett was hit with a penalty, missed a free throw, and committed a number of fouls.
With 2:11 left, the game was tied at 102 with an offensive rebound, and the Knicks had a real chance at beating the Celtics. Melo made a jump shot, 104-102! Marquis Daniels made a layup, tied at 104. With 59 seconds left, D'Antoni called a timeout. Carmelo made 2 free throws to put it at 106-104 with 16 seconds to go! Carmelo Anthony is certainly going to be player of the game if the Knicks win!
Marquis Daniels missed a 3-pointer with 4.4 seconds remaining! Paul Pierce is well missed!
Boston and New York used timeouts, and Daniels was pulled for Keyon Dooling. On their last legs, the Celtics called on Kevin Garnett to make a 14 foot jumper. He set, and...
...he missed. Just like that, the Knicks defeated the Celtics 106-104 on Christmas Day.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
BILLIEVE!
It's about time! The Bills defense shut down the Broncos.
1st Quarter
The Broncos ran a long series of plays before Tebow ran for a 1-yard touchdown. 7-0 Broncos.
2nd Quarter
Buffalo's is first drive ended with Dave Rayner actually MAKING a field goal (a Christmas miracle!)
Britton Colquitt punted to Leodis McKelvin, who returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. This is the longest punt return for a touchdown in Bills history. 10-7 Bills!
After two runs by Willis McGahee, and then Tim Tebow ran for no gain.
Then Fitzpatrick passed for 33 yards. Spiller ran for a 4 yard touchdown. 17-7.
3rd Quarter
The Broncos ran a series of running plays and Tebow passed for a few yards, including a 17 yarder for a touchdown. 17-14 Bills.
Fitzpatrick and Spiller interchanges passing and running plays until Fitz was sacked at the Denver 7 yard line, forcing Rayner to make a 25 yard field goal. 20-14. Rayner finally had a groove!
And then, Rayner made ANOTHER 25 yarder. 23-14!
Tim Tebow tried in vain to run, but was eventually forced to pass and was intercepted by Justin Rodgers.
4th Quarter
After only a few tries by Fitzpatrick, the Bills settled for a 29 yard field goal. 26-14.
Tim Tebow was forced to pass, and was intercepted by Jairus Byrd and returned 37 yards for a touchdown. 33-14.
Because the Bills' defense was on fire today, Tebow passed again and was intercepted by Spencer Johnson. 40-14.
That was the game. While the Bills have not ended Tebowmania, they did beat the Broncos.
1st Quarter
The Broncos ran a long series of plays before Tebow ran for a 1-yard touchdown. 7-0 Broncos.
2nd Quarter
Buffalo's is first drive ended with Dave Rayner actually MAKING a field goal (a Christmas miracle!)
Britton Colquitt punted to Leodis McKelvin, who returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. This is the longest punt return for a touchdown in Bills history. 10-7 Bills!
After two runs by Willis McGahee, and then Tim Tebow ran for no gain.
Then Fitzpatrick passed for 33 yards. Spiller ran for a 4 yard touchdown. 17-7.
3rd Quarter
The Broncos ran a series of running plays and Tebow passed for a few yards, including a 17 yarder for a touchdown. 17-14 Bills.
Fitzpatrick and Spiller interchanges passing and running plays until Fitz was sacked at the Denver 7 yard line, forcing Rayner to make a 25 yard field goal. 20-14. Rayner finally had a groove!
And then, Rayner made ANOTHER 25 yarder. 23-14!
Tim Tebow tried in vain to run, but was eventually forced to pass and was intercepted by Justin Rodgers.
4th Quarter
After only a few tries by Fitzpatrick, the Bills settled for a 29 yard field goal. 26-14.
Tim Tebow was forced to pass, and was intercepted by Jairus Byrd and returned 37 yards for a touchdown. 33-14.
Because the Bills' defense was on fire today, Tebow passed again and was intercepted by Spencer Johnson. 40-14.
That was the game. While the Bills have not ended Tebowmania, they did beat the Broncos.
I'm Back, Back In The New York Groove!
On Christmas Eve, the Jets and Giants faced off in what I was sure was the last hope for any Giants playoff aspirations...
1st Quarter
Big Blue led off with a rushing attack that failed when Eli Manning was called for a delay of game and Big Blue ceded more yards than it gained. With their last hope, Eli Manning threw an 11-yard pass to Devin Thomas.
After being forced to punt, Jeremy Kerley came up with a 22-yard return which put the ball on the Jets' 47 yard line.
Mark Sanchez threw an 8-yard pass to Shonn Greene, who then ran it 4 yards before Sanchez passed to LT for 5 yards. But, te Jets had 12 men on the field, and therefore were penalized 5 yards.
After this, the Jets ran a series of pass and short run plays until Sanchez threw a 5 yarder to Josh Baker for a touchdown. 7-0 Jets.
Jerrel Jernigan runs back the kickoff 31 yards. After a failed pass play, Ahmad Bradshaw ran it 3 yards. But, David Harris then sacked Eli Manning for -5 yards, forcing Weatherford to punt for 42 yards.
Sanchez threw an 8 yarder to former Giant Plaxico Burress, and then Shonn Greene and Kerley ran it for 9 yards. After a series of incompletions by Sanchez, Conley punted for 39 yards.
The Giants began with incompletions before Manning passed to Brandon Jacobs, who then ran it for 13 yards. Killdrive attempted to pass, but ultimately had Bradshaw run for 4 yards, before calling for Eli to attempt to hit Hakeem Nicks. This failed as well, forcing Weatherford to punt for 47 yards. LT ran 6 yards before Sanchez passed to him for 3 more yards, and Nick Bellore was called for holding for a loss of 10 yards.
With half of a minute remaining, Conley punted for 51 yards, and Will Blackmon returned it 11 yards. Conley punted again for 39 yards returned 3 yards by Antrel Rolle. With 11 seconds remaining, Eli threw a 5 yard pass to DJ Ware.
2nd Quarter
The second quarter began with a 20 yard pass from Eli to Hakeem Nicks, but Ahmad Bradshaw lost a yard on his failed run. Eli attempted to pass to Ramses Barden, but soon went to Victor Cruz for 29 yards. Eli missed Travis Beckum and settled for a 21 yard FG by Tynes. 10-7. The Jets passed and ran, and passed, and ran, but eventually settled for a field gaol attempt, which Folk missed.
3rd Quarter
Easily the most boring quarter, but with 19 seconds remaining, Bradshaw ran 14 yards for a touchdown. 17-7 Giants.
4th Quarter
Sanchez led off with an interception of 31 yards by Kenny Phillips. Eli was sacked after two failed running plays, and the Giants settled for a 36 yard field goal by Tynes. 20-7 Giants.
Greene ran for -1 yard, and Sanchez threw a 13 yarder to Dustin Keller, and then a 9 yarder after some incompletions. But Deon Grant was penalized for pass interference.
Shonn Greene ran for 3 yards, but Plax was penalized 10 yards for pass interference. Sanchez passed a few times, but then ran and fumbled as Jacquin Williams recovered for the Giants.
Eli threw an interception and Sanchez ran a 1 yard TD. 20-14. Sanchez was sacked for a saftey by Canty. 22-14
Bradshaw ran, 29-14. Game over.
1st Quarter
Big Blue led off with a rushing attack that failed when Eli Manning was called for a delay of game and Big Blue ceded more yards than it gained. With their last hope, Eli Manning threw an 11-yard pass to Devin Thomas.
After being forced to punt, Jeremy Kerley came up with a 22-yard return which put the ball on the Jets' 47 yard line.
Mark Sanchez threw an 8-yard pass to Shonn Greene, who then ran it 4 yards before Sanchez passed to LT for 5 yards. But, te Jets had 12 men on the field, and therefore were penalized 5 yards.
After this, the Jets ran a series of pass and short run plays until Sanchez threw a 5 yarder to Josh Baker for a touchdown. 7-0 Jets.
Jerrel Jernigan runs back the kickoff 31 yards. After a failed pass play, Ahmad Bradshaw ran it 3 yards. But, David Harris then sacked Eli Manning for -5 yards, forcing Weatherford to punt for 42 yards.
Sanchez threw an 8 yarder to former Giant Plaxico Burress, and then Shonn Greene and Kerley ran it for 9 yards. After a series of incompletions by Sanchez, Conley punted for 39 yards.
The Giants began with incompletions before Manning passed to Brandon Jacobs, who then ran it for 13 yards. Killdrive attempted to pass, but ultimately had Bradshaw run for 4 yards, before calling for Eli to attempt to hit Hakeem Nicks. This failed as well, forcing Weatherford to punt for 47 yards. LT ran 6 yards before Sanchez passed to him for 3 more yards, and Nick Bellore was called for holding for a loss of 10 yards.
With half of a minute remaining, Conley punted for 51 yards, and Will Blackmon returned it 11 yards. Conley punted again for 39 yards returned 3 yards by Antrel Rolle. With 11 seconds remaining, Eli threw a 5 yard pass to DJ Ware.
2nd Quarter
The second quarter began with a 20 yard pass from Eli to Hakeem Nicks, but Ahmad Bradshaw lost a yard on his failed run. Eli attempted to pass to Ramses Barden, but soon went to Victor Cruz for 29 yards. Eli missed Travis Beckum and settled for a 21 yard FG by Tynes. 10-7. The Jets passed and ran, and passed, and ran, but eventually settled for a field gaol attempt, which Folk missed.
3rd Quarter
Easily the most boring quarter, but with 19 seconds remaining, Bradshaw ran 14 yards for a touchdown. 17-7 Giants.
4th Quarter
Sanchez led off with an interception of 31 yards by Kenny Phillips. Eli was sacked after two failed running plays, and the Giants settled for a 36 yard field goal by Tynes. 20-7 Giants.
Greene ran for -1 yard, and Sanchez threw a 13 yarder to Dustin Keller, and then a 9 yarder after some incompletions. But Deon Grant was penalized for pass interference.
Shonn Greene ran for 3 yards, but Plax was penalized 10 yards for pass interference. Sanchez passed a few times, but then ran and fumbled as Jacquin Williams recovered for the Giants.
Eli threw an interception and Sanchez ran a 1 yard TD. 20-14. Sanchez was sacked for a saftey by Canty. 22-14
Bradshaw ran, 29-14. Game over.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Hot Stove
The St. Louis Cardinals have signed former Mets RF Carlos Beltran to a 2-year, $26,000,000 deal.
Jason Marquis signed a 1-year, $3,000,000 deal with the Twins.
The A's have traded LHP Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals.
Jason Marquis signed a 1-year, $3,000,000 deal with the Twins.
The A's have traded LHP Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals.
The Perfect Plan for the Phantastic Phour
In 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies had seemingly the best rotation in baseball, having signed Cliff Lee, and with Roy Oswalt, 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, and "Mr. DOCtober" Roy Halladay.
However, this "dream team" phailed due to their lack of offense and generally atrocious bullpen.
Once their postseason aspirations were silenced, GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. declined the options on Brad Lidge, off a terrible year, and ace Roy Oswalt.
Now into December, both remain unsigned, and with Papelbon as closer (sealing off all chances of a reunion between them and Lidge), and Rollins resigned, Oswalt is the biggest-name unsigned on the 2011 Phillies.
Now, the Phillies have an all-star rotation set with Doc, Cole, and Cliff Lee. However, you can never have too many great pitchers.
Oswalt (9-10, 2.69 ERA in 2011) is more than willing to return to the Phillies for the 2012 season, and I can see GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. re-signing him.
The Phillies have their share of unsigned free agents as January approaches:
*Oswalt
*Ross Gload
*Raul Ibanez
*Ryan Madson
Ibanez will not be back, Gload will only return if Ryan Howard is not ready for the season opener, and Madson seems a longshot to return with the signing of Papelbon.
But Oswalt deserves to be back.
He may have been the worst Phillies starter in 2011, but if HE is your worst pitcher, you are in FABULOUS shape!
Both sides are familiar with each other, and if he can stay healthy, he is a surefire 15 game winner. Oswalt, who also hit .079 with 2 RBIs and 4 walks, is a great fit for the Phillies in 2012.
So if you can hear me,
Mr. Amaro,
PLEASE BRING BACK ROY OSWALT!
However, this "dream team" phailed due to their lack of offense and generally atrocious bullpen.
Once their postseason aspirations were silenced, GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. declined the options on Brad Lidge, off a terrible year, and ace Roy Oswalt.
Now into December, both remain unsigned, and with Papelbon as closer (sealing off all chances of a reunion between them and Lidge), and Rollins resigned, Oswalt is the biggest-name unsigned on the 2011 Phillies.
Now, the Phillies have an all-star rotation set with Doc, Cole, and Cliff Lee. However, you can never have too many great pitchers.
Oswalt (9-10, 2.69 ERA in 2011) is more than willing to return to the Phillies for the 2012 season, and I can see GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. re-signing him.
The Phillies have their share of unsigned free agents as January approaches:
*Oswalt
*Ross Gload
*Raul Ibanez
*Ryan Madson
Ibanez will not be back, Gload will only return if Ryan Howard is not ready for the season opener, and Madson seems a longshot to return with the signing of Papelbon.
But Oswalt deserves to be back.
He may have been the worst Phillies starter in 2011, but if HE is your worst pitcher, you are in FABULOUS shape!
Both sides are familiar with each other, and if he can stay healthy, he is a surefire 15 game winner. Oswalt, who also hit .079 with 2 RBIs and 4 walks, is a great fit for the Phillies in 2012.
So if you can hear me,
Mr. Amaro,
PLEASE BRING BACK ROY OSWALT!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Hot Stove
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed OF Jason Kubel (.273 12 homers 58 RBIs) to a 2-year, $15,000,000 deal.
RHP Frank Francisco (1-4, 3.55 ERA with 17 saves) has signed a 2-year deal with the Mets, (meaning they finally did something to improve their bullpen!)
In a surprising move, the Washington Nationals, seemingly in rebuilding mode, have signed OF Mike Cameron to a minor league deal. He hit .203 with 9 homers and 27 RBIs in 2011 with the Red Sox and Marlins (mostly Marlins though). This move benefits the Nationals, but with the team seemingly in a rebuilding mode, he may not be on the team for the entire season.
The Brewers have been awarded posting rights to Japanese OF Norichika Aoki.
The San Francisco Giants have signed backup C Eli Whiteside (.197 4 homers and 17 RBIs in 2011) to a 1-year, $600,000 deal.
RHP Frank Francisco (1-4, 3.55 ERA with 17 saves) has signed a 2-year deal with the Mets, (meaning they finally did something to improve their bullpen!)
In a surprising move, the Washington Nationals, seemingly in rebuilding mode, have signed OF Mike Cameron to a minor league deal. He hit .203 with 9 homers and 27 RBIs in 2011 with the Red Sox and Marlins (mostly Marlins though). This move benefits the Nationals, but with the team seemingly in a rebuilding mode, he may not be on the team for the entire season.
The Brewers have been awarded posting rights to Japanese OF Norichika Aoki.
The San Francisco Giants have signed backup C Eli Whiteside (.197 4 homers and 17 RBIs in 2011) to a 1-year, $600,000 deal.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
A Double Slap
It's no secret that the Mets pitching sucked in 2011. No ace, only one pitcher with a winning record (Gee), and a bad bullpen.
Yet that is only half of the coin.
Here are the stats throughout the 2011 season:
Mike Pelfrey: 6/55 (.109)- although he had 2 doubles, 1 run scored, 4 walks, and 4 RBIs.
Chris Capuano: 4/56 (.071)- 2 runs scored, 2 doubles.
Dillon Gee: 5/46 (.109)- 3 runs scored, 4 RBIs, 2 walks.
R.A. Dickey: 8/59 (.136)- 2 RBIs, 1 walk.
Jon Niese: 3/49 (.061)- 1 triple, 1 run scored, 4 walks. *Injured
Chris Young: 3/9 (.333)- 3 hits, 2 RBIs, 1 run in first game only!* Injured
Niese legs out a triple!
These stats indicate how DEPLORABLE the Mets pitchers were at the plate in 2011.
If Johan returns he can certainly add to this tremendously, but Gee, Pelfrey, and Dickey (not so much though) NEED to step it up.
You know, one of the reasons I decided to watch the Mets in 2011 was to see pitchers hit. Now, I know that pitchers are the worst hitters amoung positions, and I respect that. However, Mets pitchers were SO DAMN TERRIBLE in 2011, that they certainly TAKE THE CAKE!
Now, let me clairify. I'm NOT asking for a Silver Slugger worthy staff member here (although it would be wonderful), but I AM suggesting that the pitchers improve their game in 2012.
On both sides of the coin.
Capuano strikes out with the bases loaded.
Yet that is only half of the coin.
Here are the stats throughout the 2011 season:
Mike Pelfrey: 6/55 (.109)- although he had 2 doubles, 1 run scored, 4 walks, and 4 RBIs.
Chris Capuano: 4/56 (.071)- 2 runs scored, 2 doubles.
Dillon Gee: 5/46 (.109)- 3 runs scored, 4 RBIs, 2 walks.
R.A. Dickey: 8/59 (.136)- 2 RBIs, 1 walk.
Jon Niese: 3/49 (.061)- 1 triple, 1 run scored, 4 walks. *Injured
Chris Young: 3/9 (.333)- 3 hits, 2 RBIs, 1 run in first game only!* Injured
Niese legs out a triple!
These stats indicate how DEPLORABLE the Mets pitchers were at the plate in 2011.
If Johan returns he can certainly add to this tremendously, but Gee, Pelfrey, and Dickey (not so much though) NEED to step it up.
You know, one of the reasons I decided to watch the Mets in 2011 was to see pitchers hit. Now, I know that pitchers are the worst hitters amoung positions, and I respect that. However, Mets pitchers were SO DAMN TERRIBLE in 2011, that they certainly TAKE THE CAKE!
Now, let me clairify. I'm NOT asking for a Silver Slugger worthy staff member here (although it would be wonderful), but I AM suggesting that the pitchers improve their game in 2012.
On both sides of the coin.
Capuano strikes out with the bases loaded.
Get Rollin' Along!
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed SS Jimmy Rollins to a 3-year, $33,000,000 contract.
Rollins (.268, 16 homers and 63 RBIs) added a small spark to a blatantly awful Phillies offense last season. Although the then-32-year-old did miss 34 games on the DL in 2011, he provided a very solid presence in the decrepit Philadelphia offense.
With this signing, the Shortstop market has been virtually wiped out, with Reyes, Rollins, and Scutaro all signed.
I like this move, it benefits the Phillies, giving them a quality shortstop at low risk, lower cost, and keeps the Phans happy.
Rollins (.268, 16 homers and 63 RBIs) added a small spark to a blatantly awful Phillies offense last season. Although the then-32-year-old did miss 34 games on the DL in 2011, he provided a very solid presence in the decrepit Philadelphia offense.
With this signing, the Shortstop market has been virtually wiped out, with Reyes, Rollins, and Scutaro all signed.
I like this move, it benefits the Phillies, giving them a quality shortstop at low risk, lower cost, and keeps the Phans happy.
The Time Is Wright
The New York Mets are in dire need of rebuilding.
They have three key pieces which can earn them solid pitchers are:
David Wright
Johan Santana (when healthy)
Jason Bay
All three of them need to be traded before 2013. They can earn good prospects for the Mets to use in the near future.
A future without Wilpon.
They have three key pieces which can earn them solid pitchers are:
David Wright
Johan Santana (when healthy)
Jason Bay
All three of them need to be traded before 2013. They can earn good prospects for the Mets to use in the near future.
A future without Wilpon.
Why the Giants are Finished (And What They Can Do)
For quite some time, I was very optimistic, refusing to believe that the New York Giants were as bad as they seemed.
Today I revoke that defense.
They are not making the playoffs in 2011, (not that many people expected them to, although I did).
There are a number of personnel that are in danger of being let go or fired:
Kevin Gilbride
Perry Fewell
Brandon Jacobs
David Baas
to name a few.
The Giants need to sweep the remainder of the season (which they won't) in order to make the playoffs.
HOWEVER...
Throughout this season, there have been some constants:
*Eli Manning
*Special Teams
*Tom Coughlin
Coughlin has believed in this team since day 1. The team was ravaged early, fought back, but couldn't win enough.
The defense was SOFT, the offense was solid, and the coaching was great, but at the end of the day, the team was never built to win the division. It wasn't the offseason moves, it wasn't the players, it was in fact the injuries.
In 2012, the Giants will definitely have a new look, but the eternal question still remains,
Will they ever be good again?
Today I revoke that defense.
They are not making the playoffs in 2011, (not that many people expected them to, although I did).
There are a number of personnel that are in danger of being let go or fired:
Kevin Gilbride
Perry Fewell
Brandon Jacobs
David Baas
to name a few.
The Giants need to sweep the remainder of the season (which they won't) in order to make the playoffs.
HOWEVER...
Throughout this season, there have been some constants:
*Eli Manning
*Special Teams
*Tom Coughlin
Coughlin has believed in this team since day 1. The team was ravaged early, fought back, but couldn't win enough.
The defense was SOFT, the offense was solid, and the coaching was great, but at the end of the day, the team was never built to win the division. It wasn't the offseason moves, it wasn't the players, it was in fact the injuries.
In 2012, the Giants will definitely have a new look, but the eternal question still remains,
Will they ever be good again?
Saturday, December 17, 2011
ATTENTION!!!!!
The 2011-2012 New York Knicks' season will begin on Christmas Day (12/25). Anyone interested write game reviews should contact me at:
rkordziel@yahoo.com
Please make the subject 'Knicks' or 'Basketball' to prevent the e-mail from being deleted, as quite often these are sent to my spam folder.
Requirements
*All game reviews must be received by the date after the game or before the next game.
*Profanity-laced articles are not encouraged BUT not prohibited.
*Any images used that are taken from the Internet must be attributed unless in public domain.
Games start on Dec. 25! It's time to get back...
...in the New York Groove!
rkordziel@yahoo.com
Please make the subject 'Knicks' or 'Basketball' to prevent the e-mail from being deleted, as quite often these are sent to my spam folder.
Requirements
*All game reviews must be received by the date after the game or before the next game.
*Profanity-laced articles are not encouraged BUT not prohibited.
*Any images used that are taken from the Internet must be attributed unless in public domain.
Games start on Dec. 25! It's time to get back...
...in the New York Groove!
Hot Stove!
The Padres have traded RHP Mat Latos to the Reds.
The Rockies have signed OF Michael Cuddyer to a three-year, $30,000,000 deal.
The Cleveland Indians have signed Aaron Cunningham, Felix Pie, and Jose Lopez.
The Phillies signed LHP Dontrelle Willis to a 1-year $850,000,000 deal.
OF Josh Willingham has signed a 3-year, $21,000,000 deal with the Twins.
LHP J.C. Romero has signed a 1-year, $750,000 deal with the Cardinals.
The Red Sox have traded INF Jed Lowrie to the Astros for Mark Melancon.
The Rockies have signed OF Michael Cuddyer to a three-year, $30,000,000 deal.
The Cleveland Indians have signed Aaron Cunningham, Felix Pie, and Jose Lopez.
The Phillies signed LHP Dontrelle Willis to a 1-year $850,000,000 deal.
OF Josh Willingham has signed a 3-year, $21,000,000 deal with the Twins.
LHP J.C. Romero has signed a 1-year, $750,000 deal with the Cardinals.
The Red Sox have traded INF Jed Lowrie to the Astros for Mark Melancon.
A Case for Kellen
It's his third team in 2011. Former Jets QB Kellen Clemens is now a member of the St. Louis Rams and will serve as a backup.
Rather than keep defending him and wishing him well when he could very well be a Bill next month, I am going to write my case for him being a backup.
In 2006, the Jets drafted QB Kellen Clemens to back up Chad Pennington and eventually succeed him. When Pennington was injured in 2006 and most of 2007, he was given his chance to shine and didn't do so. After that, he was pushed aside for Brett Favre and later Mark Sanchez, eventually ceding his backup role to Mark Brunell and Kevin O'Connell, barely returning in 2010 as a third-string after O'Connell's injury. In 2008, he served as the Jets impromptu place kicker, but never was called to kick.
After the lockout, the Jets let Clemens walk away as a free agent and he signed with Washington, who in turn cut him and he signed with the Texans, who cut him And now he finds himself on the Rams.
His career stats may not be impressive (5 TD vs. 11 INT), 1,686 passing yards, with no real highlights. I feel he has the stuff to be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, and may one day be a Superbowl champion on a team, even if he serves as the backup QB or holder for field goals.
Kellen Clemens may have been a draft bust in 2006, but his ability (albeit as a backup) is one I feel could be worthy of a Superbowl caliber team.
Rather than keep defending him and wishing him well when he could very well be a Bill next month, I am going to write my case for him being a backup.
In 2006, the Jets drafted QB Kellen Clemens to back up Chad Pennington and eventually succeed him. When Pennington was injured in 2006 and most of 2007, he was given his chance to shine and didn't do so. After that, he was pushed aside for Brett Favre and later Mark Sanchez, eventually ceding his backup role to Mark Brunell and Kevin O'Connell, barely returning in 2010 as a third-string after O'Connell's injury. In 2008, he served as the Jets impromptu place kicker, but never was called to kick.
After the lockout, the Jets let Clemens walk away as a free agent and he signed with Washington, who in turn cut him and he signed with the Texans, who cut him And now he finds himself on the Rams.
His career stats may not be impressive (5 TD vs. 11 INT), 1,686 passing yards, with no real highlights. I feel he has the stuff to be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, and may one day be a Superbowl champion on a team, even if he serves as the backup QB or holder for field goals.
Kellen Clemens may have been a draft bust in 2006, but his ability (albeit as a backup) is one I feel could be worthy of a Superbowl caliber team.
Terry Francona,
Gone.
Theo Epstein,
Gone.
Jason Varitek,
Gone from playing.
Free agent C Jason Varitek, who has played for the Red Sox since 1995, and team captain since 2005, has been informed by GM Ben Cherington that he will not be offered a position on the team in 2012. The Red Sox have Salty, and Ryan Lavarway, as well as newly signed Kelly Shoppach in 2012, and Varitek (.221 11 homers 36 RBIs) will not fit in with the club.
I have been worried about this since the collapse of the Sox and Epstein's firing, since Theo barely brought him back at all last season.
Though many fans are happy, albeit remembering his importance during their last two World Series runs, I am very disappointed. He was one of the few BOSOX players that I like(d). I will always remember him for his championships, his great seasons, his desire to win, and his brawl with A-Rod in 2004.
Gone.
Theo Epstein,
Gone.
Jason Varitek,
Gone from playing.
Free agent C Jason Varitek, who has played for the Red Sox since 1995, and team captain since 2005, has been informed by GM Ben Cherington that he will not be offered a position on the team in 2012. The Red Sox have Salty, and Ryan Lavarway, as well as newly signed Kelly Shoppach in 2012, and Varitek (.221 11 homers 36 RBIs) will not fit in with the club.
I have been worried about this since the collapse of the Sox and Epstein's firing, since Theo barely brought him back at all last season.
Though many fans are happy, albeit remembering his importance during their last two World Series runs, I am very disappointed. He was one of the few BOSOX players that I like(d). I will always remember him for his championships, his great seasons, his desire to win, and his brawl with A-Rod in 2004.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Quick Fix: Yankees Free Agency Moves (That Need to Be Carried Out)
The New York Yankees receive much criticism for "monopolizing" the free agency market, signing the best free agents to huge money long-term deals.
This year is different, here we are in December and they are still as bad (or worse) then they were last season.
However, the new additions to the ballclub should be...
1) Héctor NoesÃ, #4 Starter
2) Manny Banuelos, lefty specialist
3) Omar Vizquel, utility infielder
With Jesus Montero as DH to succeed Posada, a revamped bench, and Andruw Jones replacing Nick Swisher, (in moves not yet made), the Yankees need only to sign the veteran infielder to complete the team for 2012. He can be a valuable and cheap addition to the Yankees decrepit bench.
This year is different, here we are in December and they are still as bad (or worse) then they were last season.
However, the new additions to the ballclub should be...
1) Héctor NoesÃ, #4 Starter
2) Manny Banuelos, lefty specialist
3) Omar Vizquel, utility infielder
With Jesus Montero as DH to succeed Posada, a revamped bench, and Andruw Jones replacing Nick Swisher, (in moves not yet made), the Yankees need only to sign the veteran infielder to complete the team for 2012. He can be a valuable and cheap addition to the Yankees decrepit bench.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Swishing It Up
After 1 spectacular season, 2 solid ones, and three horrendous postseasons, the Yankees triggered their option on RF Nick Swisher. Their reasons were simple:
1) They like him
2) Can you find someone better?
I can't argue with the first claim.
The second one is dubious.
His stats during three seasons in New York are:
424/1590 H/AB
81 home runs
256 RBIs
1-time All-Star
However, in 24 postseason games, he has been a complete disaster, hitting only .169 in THREE YEARS!
The Yankees deserve an upgrade, but they aren't willing to commit to Carlos Beltran because of health reasons, and the right fielder market this season is weak, topping off with Beltran, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, and (don't get me started about!) J.D. Drew.
But then you get to a familiar face, a borderline Hall of Famer, and a man whom I have liked since the Yankee Dynasty began.
Andruw Jones
The 10-time Gold Glove centerfielder could be a valuable piece of the Yankees if he is placed in right field. He is the youngest man to ever homer in the World Series (1996 Game 3 at the age of 19 off of Andy Pettitte)!
He has proved that he can be an excellent fielder and hitter, and is familiar with the Yankees and the players, so why not try it?
What have they got to lose?
Oh, yes, there's that?
Swisher strikes out with the bases loaded in game 5 of the 2011 ALDS. Not to be confused with him striking out with the bases loaded in the 2009 ALDS.
1) They like him
2) Can you find someone better?
I can't argue with the first claim.
The second one is dubious.
His stats during three seasons in New York are:
424/1590 H/AB
81 home runs
256 RBIs
1-time All-Star
However, in 24 postseason games, he has been a complete disaster, hitting only .169 in THREE YEARS!
The Yankees deserve an upgrade, but they aren't willing to commit to Carlos Beltran because of health reasons, and the right fielder market this season is weak, topping off with Beltran, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, and (don't get me started about!) J.D. Drew.
But then you get to a familiar face, a borderline Hall of Famer, and a man whom I have liked since the Yankee Dynasty began.
Andruw Jones
The 10-time Gold Glove centerfielder could be a valuable piece of the Yankees if he is placed in right field. He is the youngest man to ever homer in the World Series (1996 Game 3 at the age of 19 off of Andy Pettitte)!
He has proved that he can be an excellent fielder and hitter, and is familiar with the Yankees and the players, so why not try it?
What have they got to lose?
Oh, yes, there's that?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Why Andy Pettitte is a Hall of Famer
Former Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte may not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He may not seem like a guy who is worthy of consideration.
Pettitte in the 1996 World Series.
But yet he should get in.
Career stats:
*Win-Loss: 240-138 (.635)
*3.88 ERA
*2-time 21 game winner (1996, 2003)
*Career 19-10 Postseason record (Most wins all-time)
*1995 Rookie of the Year
*26 career hits (5 in American League)
*2005 NL MVP
*5-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009)
*Won the most games of any pitcher from 2000-2009 (beating out names such as Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson)
Although he was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs during a small portion of his career, (claiming it was used in 2002 to heal from an injury and 2004). These were not his 21-win seasons nor was his performance during those years a career best. It seems as if they had little to no effect at all on his performance. Although this revelation disappointed me greatly, it still does not detract from his Hall of Fame candidacy in my opinion. His ability to maintain his high level of performance up to the age of 38 as well as maintain his consistency of never having a losing season during his 16-year long career, prove that his durability and dependability are that of a winner and Hall of Famer.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7109661&c_id=mlb (copy and paste in browser to view clip).
Andy Pettitte may not (and probably won't) get into the Hall on the first ballot (in 2016), but eventually he should go into the Hall of Fame for his performance (especially his postseason performance).
Pettitte in the 1996 World Series.
But yet he should get in.
Career stats:
*Win-Loss: 240-138 (.635)
*3.88 ERA
*2-time 21 game winner (1996, 2003)
*Career 19-10 Postseason record (Most wins all-time)
*1995 Rookie of the Year
*26 career hits (5 in American League)
*2005 NL MVP
*5-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009)
*Won the most games of any pitcher from 2000-2009 (beating out names such as Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson)
Although he was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs during a small portion of his career, (claiming it was used in 2002 to heal from an injury and 2004). These were not his 21-win seasons nor was his performance during those years a career best. It seems as if they had little to no effect at all on his performance. Although this revelation disappointed me greatly, it still does not detract from his Hall of Fame candidacy in my opinion. His ability to maintain his high level of performance up to the age of 38 as well as maintain his consistency of never having a losing season during his 16-year long career, prove that his durability and dependability are that of a winner and Hall of Famer.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7109661&c_id=mlb (copy and paste in browser to view clip).
Andy Pettitte may not (and probably won't) get into the Hall on the first ballot (in 2016), but eventually he should go into the Hall of Fame for his performance (especially his postseason performance).
Why Jesus Should Be Cut Loose
The Yankees highly-touted rookie Jesus Montero MUST be traded!
The Yankees need decent pitchers, which thusfar only Nova and CC have proven to be. Phil Hughes, if healthy, can be a solid #3 starter, and 'Failing Fred' CAN'T BEAT GOOD TEAMS!
That leaves two spots for Hector Noesi and someone else to take. That is not the only reason that he needs to be cut, however.
The reasons are as follows...
*He has no position (can't catch)
*Can't play good enough defense
*He is a hot chip on the market now
The Yankees need 3 things:
*A future Shortstop (Nunez)
*A future third baseman (Ramiro Pena)
*PITCHING!!!!!!!!!!!!
In April of 2012, A-Rod, Jeter, and Montero should rotate as the designated hitter, but come August, will it be down to two?
The Yankees need decent pitchers, which thusfar only Nova and CC have proven to be. Phil Hughes, if healthy, can be a solid #3 starter, and 'Failing Fred' CAN'T BEAT GOOD TEAMS!
That leaves two spots for Hector Noesi and someone else to take. That is not the only reason that he needs to be cut, however.
The reasons are as follows...
*He has no position (can't catch)
*Can't play good enough defense
*He is a hot chip on the market now
The Yankees need 3 things:
*A future Shortstop (Nunez)
*A future third baseman (Ramiro Pena)
*PITCHING!!!!!!!!!!!!
In April of 2012, A-Rod, Jeter, and Montero should rotate as the designated hitter, but come August, will it be down to two?
Monday, December 12, 2011
(Re-)Charging the Defense
With the news today that the Dolphins have finally fired head coach Tony Sparano, a move long overdue, the annual coaching changes begin. Bad or underachieving teams who's coaches are contenders in 2011 are:
Jim Caldwell (Colts)
Mike Shanahan (Redskins)
Leslie Fraizer (Vikings)
Raheem Morris (Bucs)
Pat Shurmur (Browns)
And of course, Steve Spagnuolo.
Now picture Jerry Reese, he has a team which ranks low in defense, a coordinator who is constantly being ridiculed, and a fan favorite, former coordinator who is on the hot seat.
What would you do?
So, Mr. Reese...
...Do you hear what I hear?
Jim Caldwell (Colts)
Mike Shanahan (Redskins)
Leslie Fraizer (Vikings)
Raheem Morris (Bucs)
Pat Shurmur (Browns)
And of course, Steve Spagnuolo.
Now picture Jerry Reese, he has a team which ranks low in defense, a coordinator who is constantly being ridiculed, and a fan favorite, former coordinator who is on the hot seat.
What would you do?
So, Mr. Reese...
...Do you hear what I hear?
Saving the Season!
The beginning of December. A must win game for the New York Giants. One of the greatest games you will ever see.
The Giants (6-6) met with the division rivals, the hated Dallas Cowboys (7-5). The result was a thrilling Sunday night game that has placed the Giants one step closer to the playoffs.
It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done.
1st Quarter
Tony Romo was sacked by JPP for a safety with about 9:45 to go. 2-0 G-Men!
Shortly after, the Giants' drive ended in a 23 yard field goal by Tynes. 5-0.
John Phillips catches a 12 yarder from Romo, 7-5 after extra point.
From here it got interesting.
Brandon Jacobs runs in for a touchdown of 1 yard. 12-7 after Tynes' field goal, but Laurent Robinson answers back with a 9-yard touchdown reception from Romo. Extra point is good, 14-12 Dallas.
With just over a minute left, Lawrence Tynes makes a 26-yard field goal. 15-14 Giants! With 15 seconds left, Dan Bailey makes a 49-yard field goal to give Dallas the lead going into halftime.
3rd Quarter
With 7 minutes remaining, Dan Bailey drills another 49-yarder. 20-15 Dallas.
With 4:30 left, Mario Manningham catches a 47 yarder from Eli. Tynes' kick is good, 22-20 Giants!
4th Quarter
A bleak start with a 6 yard touchdown reception to Miles Austin and 50 yarder to Dez Bryant had me cursing at the television, as it was now 34-22. But I didn't bELIeve, so Manning and the offense helped my unbelief by completing an 8 yarder to TE Jake Ballard to leave the score at 29-34 Dallas.
But that wasn't the best part.
With just under 1:00 left, Brandon Jacobs ran for a 1-yard touchdown, followed by DJ Ware's 2-point conversion, and the Giants took a 37-34 lead.
With the win, the Giants improved to 7-6 and into a first-place tie with Dallas in the NFC East.
The Giants (6-6) met with the division rivals, the hated Dallas Cowboys (7-5). The result was a thrilling Sunday night game that has placed the Giants one step closer to the playoffs.
It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done.
1st Quarter
Tony Romo was sacked by JPP for a safety with about 9:45 to go. 2-0 G-Men!
Shortly after, the Giants' drive ended in a 23 yard field goal by Tynes. 5-0.
John Phillips catches a 12 yarder from Romo, 7-5 after extra point.
From here it got interesting.
Brandon Jacobs runs in for a touchdown of 1 yard. 12-7 after Tynes' field goal, but Laurent Robinson answers back with a 9-yard touchdown reception from Romo. Extra point is good, 14-12 Dallas.
With just over a minute left, Lawrence Tynes makes a 26-yard field goal. 15-14 Giants! With 15 seconds left, Dan Bailey makes a 49-yard field goal to give Dallas the lead going into halftime.
3rd Quarter
With 7 minutes remaining, Dan Bailey drills another 49-yarder. 20-15 Dallas.
With 4:30 left, Mario Manningham catches a 47 yarder from Eli. Tynes' kick is good, 22-20 Giants!
4th Quarter
A bleak start with a 6 yard touchdown reception to Miles Austin and 50 yarder to Dez Bryant had me cursing at the television, as it was now 34-22. But I didn't bELIeve, so Manning and the offense helped my unbelief by completing an 8 yarder to TE Jake Ballard to leave the score at 29-34 Dallas.
But that wasn't the best part.
With just under 1:00 left, Brandon Jacobs ran for a 1-yard touchdown, followed by DJ Ware's 2-point conversion, and the Giants took a 37-34 lead.
With the win, the Giants improved to 7-6 and into a first-place tie with Dallas in the NFC East.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
NFL WEEK 14
Let's start with the Jets.
I can use two words to describe the Jets performance on Sunday afternoon: TOTAL DOMINATION!
They needed to dominate the Chiefs and they got it done.
First Quarter
The game was held scoreless until Mark Sanchez ran in the endzone for a 1 yard touchdown. Nick Folk's extra point was good. 7-0 Jets!
Four minutes later Ryan Succop kicked a 53-yard field goal. 7-3 Jets. That was it for the first quarter.
Second Quarter
All Jets!
Mark Sanchez threw a 4-yard pass to WR Santonio Holmes. Folk's extra point is good. 14-3 Jets.
After a long drive that ended with just under four minutes remaining. Shonn Greene ran 7 yards for a touchdown. 21-3 Jets.
With just over a minute left in the half, LT scored on a 19-yard pass from Sanchez' Folk's extra point is good. 28-3.
3rd Quarter
A dull moment. Only a 3 yard touchdown run by Mark Sanchez. Folk's kick is good, 35-3.
4th Quarter
A 'last gasp' for the Chiefs resulted in a 24-yard touchdown pass to Jerheme Urban. Succop's extra point is good. 35-10 Jets.
By this point, Sanchez has been beaten and bruised, so backup QB Mark Brunell comes in to relieve him!!!!!!! Brunell did not throw a touchdown or interception. With about 3:30 left, Sione Pouha gets a safety on RB Jackie Battle. 37-10.
That was the game.
The Jets needed to dominate and they most certainly did! I give credit to Mark Sanchez, Mark Brunell, Shonn Greene, the entire defense, and Nick Folk. This was one of the best games I have seen all season!
I can use two words to describe the Jets performance on Sunday afternoon: TOTAL DOMINATION!
They needed to dominate the Chiefs and they got it done.
First Quarter
The game was held scoreless until Mark Sanchez ran in the endzone for a 1 yard touchdown. Nick Folk's extra point was good. 7-0 Jets!
Four minutes later Ryan Succop kicked a 53-yard field goal. 7-3 Jets. That was it for the first quarter.
Second Quarter
All Jets!
Mark Sanchez threw a 4-yard pass to WR Santonio Holmes. Folk's extra point is good. 14-3 Jets.
After a long drive that ended with just under four minutes remaining. Shonn Greene ran 7 yards for a touchdown. 21-3 Jets.
With just over a minute left in the half, LT scored on a 19-yard pass from Sanchez' Folk's extra point is good. 28-3.
3rd Quarter
A dull moment. Only a 3 yard touchdown run by Mark Sanchez. Folk's kick is good, 35-3.
4th Quarter
A 'last gasp' for the Chiefs resulted in a 24-yard touchdown pass to Jerheme Urban. Succop's extra point is good. 35-10 Jets.
By this point, Sanchez has been beaten and bruised, so backup QB Mark Brunell comes in to relieve him!!!!!!! Brunell did not throw a touchdown or interception. With about 3:30 left, Sione Pouha gets a safety on RB Jackie Battle. 37-10.
That was the game.
The Jets needed to dominate and they most certainly did! I give credit to Mark Sanchez, Mark Brunell, Shonn Greene, the entire defense, and Nick Folk. This was one of the best games I have seen all season!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
How to Be Loved By Yankee Fans!
"Find out what you love, go do it, do it better than anybody else, and you'll find that there will be all kinds of people who will love you for it. If you do it well, if you do it dependably, if you can be counted on, if you can be trusted, if your stuff is great, if your work is great, there will be people who will love you more than you ever dreamed."
Adapted from a quote by Rush Limbaugh.
The New York media and fans, (myself included) receive tons of criticism for being hard on players and coaches. We are often called out for being "too harsh" and as a reason why some athletes hate to or never will play for a New York team.
But we also love our homies.
Who chanted "Paul O'Neill", when it looked like he was playing his final game at Yankee Stadium in 2001?
The New York media and fans love those athletes who perform well and consistently give their all.
Is that too much to ask?
Adapted from a quote by Rush Limbaugh.
The New York media and fans, (myself included) receive tons of criticism for being hard on players and coaches. We are often called out for being "too harsh" and as a reason why some athletes hate to or never will play for a New York team.
But we also love our homies.
Who chanted "Paul O'Neill", when it looked like he was playing his final game at Yankee Stadium in 2001?
The New York media and fans love those athletes who perform well and consistently give their all.
Is that too much to ask?
The Bam-Tino!
I know this is a bit late, but...
Former Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez deserves to be in the Hall of Fame!
Career Stats:
*271 Career Average
*339 Homers
*1,271 RBIs
*2-time All Star
*4-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
*1997 Home Run Derby Champion
In addition to,
*Many all star and gold glove SNUBS!
*Saving the Yankees' asses with a home run in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series (the game is most remembered for Jeter's Mr. November home run though).
* A Grand Slam in the 1998 World Series
"SWUNG ON AND DRILLED DEEP TO RIGHT, THERE IT GOES! THAT BALL IS...GONE! A GRAND SLAM, INTO THE UPPER DECK, FOR TINO MARTINEZ! AND THE YANKEES LEAD, 9-5! SEVEN RUNS, IN THE SEVENTH INNING, IN THE FIRST GAME, OF THE BEST OF SEVEN WORLD SERIES, OH WHAT A HOME RUN, FOR TINO MARTINEZ!" (Michael Kay)
My bias toward the Dynastic Yankees will NOT be satisfied without Tino in the Hall of Fame! The Yankees have not seen the likes of clutch hitters since the Dynasty ended.
Former Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez deserves to be in the Hall of Fame!
Career Stats:
*271 Career Average
*339 Homers
*1,271 RBIs
*2-time All Star
*4-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
*1997 Home Run Derby Champion
In addition to,
*Many all star and gold glove SNUBS!
*Saving the Yankees' asses with a home run in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series (the game is most remembered for Jeter's Mr. November home run though).
* A Grand Slam in the 1998 World Series
"SWUNG ON AND DRILLED DEEP TO RIGHT, THERE IT GOES! THAT BALL IS...GONE! A GRAND SLAM, INTO THE UPPER DECK, FOR TINO MARTINEZ! AND THE YANKEES LEAD, 9-5! SEVEN RUNS, IN THE SEVENTH INNING, IN THE FIRST GAME, OF THE BEST OF SEVEN WORLD SERIES, OH WHAT A HOME RUN, FOR TINO MARTINEZ!" (Michael Kay)
My bias toward the Dynastic Yankees will NOT be satisfied without Tino in the Hall of Fame! The Yankees have not seen the likes of clutch hitters since the Dynasty ended.
Roping Them In
On Sunday, the New York Giants will face off against the Dallas Cowboys for the first time in 2011...
At last, my LONG awaited matchup has come. I have been waiting to watch the Giants get revenge on the Cowboys since they were beaten back last year. With a Pro Bowl-caliber Tony Romo, who seems to be less inconsistent than in previous years, and a Cowboys team that is atop the NFC East (7-5), this will be a thrilling matchup. As I stated before, the New York Giants can make the playoffs if they sweep the season series against Dallas and beat Washington.
The Giants will be without (major):
Mark Herzlich
Osi Umenyiora
David Baas (surprised?)
Spencer Paysinger
Probable:
Ahmad Bradshaw
Brandon Jacobs
Mario Manningham
Michael Boley
Dave Tollefson
Prince Amukamara
Doubtful:
Kenny Phillips
If Bradshaw, Boley and Prince get in, the Giants are fine. They MUST beat Dallas to have a chance to make the playoffs, and I know that they can.
Remember this? That is what we need tomorrow.
At last, my LONG awaited matchup has come. I have been waiting to watch the Giants get revenge on the Cowboys since they were beaten back last year. With a Pro Bowl-caliber Tony Romo, who seems to be less inconsistent than in previous years, and a Cowboys team that is atop the NFC East (7-5), this will be a thrilling matchup. As I stated before, the New York Giants can make the playoffs if they sweep the season series against Dallas and beat Washington.
The Giants will be without (major):
Mark Herzlich
Osi Umenyiora
David Baas (surprised?)
Spencer Paysinger
Probable:
Ahmad Bradshaw
Brandon Jacobs
Mario Manningham
Michael Boley
Dave Tollefson
Prince Amukamara
Doubtful:
Kenny Phillips
If Bradshaw, Boley and Prince get in, the Giants are fine. They MUST beat Dallas to have a chance to make the playoffs, and I know that they can.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Hot Stove
In addition to Pujols, several other moves occurred today...
The Angels also signed SP C.J. Wilson to a 5-year, $77,000,000 deal.
Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) has ACCEPTED the Brewers' offer of arbritration. He was 23/26 in saves with the Mets and served as a setup man for the Brewers in 2011.
His agent (Boras) has stated that Rodriguez wouldn't neccesarily be in Milwaukee on opening day. It is widely expected that he will be traded soon.
Former Cardinals VP Jeff Luhnow has been hired by the Astros as GM.
Kelley Johnson has accepted the Blue Jays' offers of arbritration.
David Ortiz has accepted the Red Sox' arbritration offer.
Still here to kill the Yankees decrepit pitching...
The Angeles have also signed former Yankees RP LaTroy Hawkins to a 1-year, $3,000,000 deal. He pitched very well to a 2.42 ERA in 2011.
Nate McLouth and Erik Bedard have been signed by the Pirates to one-year deals at $1.75 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
And the Colorado Rockies have traded RP Houston Street to the San Diego Padres.
The Angels also signed SP C.J. Wilson to a 5-year, $77,000,000 deal.
Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) has ACCEPTED the Brewers' offer of arbritration. He was 23/26 in saves with the Mets and served as a setup man for the Brewers in 2011.
His agent (Boras) has stated that Rodriguez wouldn't neccesarily be in Milwaukee on opening day. It is widely expected that he will be traded soon.
Former Cardinals VP Jeff Luhnow has been hired by the Astros as GM.
Kelley Johnson has accepted the Blue Jays' offers of arbritration.
David Ortiz has accepted the Red Sox' arbritration offer.
The Angeles have also signed former Yankees RP LaTroy Hawkins to a 1-year, $3,000,000 deal. He pitched very well to a 2.42 ERA in 2011.
Nate McLouth and Erik Bedard have been signed by the Pirates to one-year deals at $1.75 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
And the Colorado Rockies have traded RP Houston Street to the San Diego Padres.
King Albert
Albert Pujols has signed a 10-year, $254,000,000 deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Pujols won two chamionships in St. Louis in 2006 and 2011.
With the three of the "Core Four" free agents off of the market now, the last remaining is Prince Fielder.
I honestly did not see this happening at any time at all. Ever. Pujols has ruined his reputation as a "one-team player". The move to the American League, however, may benefit both the Cardinals and the Angels in the long run, with a move to DH on the part of Pujols.
Pujols after hitting his third home run in the 2011 World Series Game 3.
With the three of the "Core Four" free agents off of the market now, the last remaining is Prince Fielder.
I honestly did not see this happening at any time at all. Ever. Pujols has ruined his reputation as a "one-team player". The move to the American League, however, may benefit both the Cardinals and the Angels in the long run, with a move to DH on the part of Pujols.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Believing In Burnout
Following a disastrous 2008 season marred with injury, underperforming, and old, backup quality players in starting roles, the Yankees broke the bank, signing SP CC Sabathia, 1B Mark Teixeira, and SP AJ Burnett.
CC went 19-8; Tex hit .292 with 39 homers and 122 RBIs; and Burnett went 13-9 with a 4.04 ERA.
Since then, Sabathia has been the Yankees ace, Teixeira has been a gold glove winner and very fine first baseman (despite his lack of postseason hitting).
Burnett has been an overrated Kevin Brown.
Brown was washed up by the time he came. Burnett, though not finished, was signed to beat the Red Sox, and thus far has one ONE AND ONLY ONE game against them (the victory coming this past season).
Granted, it is not all his fault. His performance against the Red Sox back in April was fairly solid, as were most of his starts this past season, but with little run support combined with the dreaded "bad inning", well, you know what happens next.
Let's not forget that although we are likely stuck with him for another two seasons, he did win a World Series game, and was the first, and thusfar the only Yankee to strike out four batters in an inning.
I know he can turn it around, he is a player who wants to win, and everyone on the team wants him to win. While he may be a goner after his deal is up, he can be an ace when on top of his game.
CC went 19-8; Tex hit .292 with 39 homers and 122 RBIs; and Burnett went 13-9 with a 4.04 ERA.
Since then, Sabathia has been the Yankees ace, Teixeira has been a gold glove winner and very fine first baseman (despite his lack of postseason hitting).
Burnett has been an overrated Kevin Brown.
Brown was washed up by the time he came. Burnett, though not finished, was signed to beat the Red Sox, and thus far has one ONE AND ONLY ONE game against them (the victory coming this past season).
Granted, it is not all his fault. His performance against the Red Sox back in April was fairly solid, as were most of his starts this past season, but with little run support combined with the dreaded "bad inning", well, you know what happens next.
Let's not forget that although we are likely stuck with him for another two seasons, he did win a World Series game, and was the first, and thusfar the only Yankee to strike out four batters in an inning.
I know he can turn it around, he is a player who wants to win, and everyone on the team wants him to win. While he may be a goner after his deal is up, he can be an ace when on top of his game.
Mama Mia[mi]!
The Miami Marlins (still as hated as their predecessor, the Florida Marlins!) have now signed...Mark Buehrle.
Buehrle will be leaving the White Sox for the first time in his career. He was 161-119 as a White Sock, including a World Series championship, no-hitter and a perfect game. He will be joining manager Ozzie Guillen once again.
I must say before my rant here, I have hated the Marlins since they beat the Yankees in the 2003 World Series, and that hatred has been building up ever since: John Buck's grand slam vs. the Mets on Opening Day 2011; signing Jose Reyes, etc.
The Marlins have now signed:
*Buehrle
*Reyes
*Heath Bell
in addition to speaking with numerous others. Now, I have no problem with them signing the players, however, I do have a problem with the general managers (Williams and Alderson) who have let their respective players sign elsewhere.
Buehrle will be leaving the White Sox for the first time in his career. He was 161-119 as a White Sock, including a World Series championship, no-hitter and a perfect game. He will be joining manager Ozzie Guillen once again.
I must say before my rant here, I have hated the Marlins since they beat the Yankees in the 2003 World Series, and that hatred has been building up ever since: John Buck's grand slam vs. the Mets on Opening Day 2011; signing Jose Reyes, etc.
The Marlins have now signed:
*Buehrle
*Reyes
*Heath Bell
in addition to speaking with numerous others. Now, I have no problem with them signing the players, however, I do have a problem with the general managers (Williams and Alderson) who have let their respective players sign elsewhere.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Mets 2012: What the Team Should Look Like (If I Had My Way)
M E T S
Y N E U
T A C
I M K
R S
E
But Soon It Can Be Better
Ruben Tejada will now assume all Shortstop duties in 2012, meaning Justin Turner will stay at second base.
The team should now look like this:
1B Davis
2B Turner
SS Tejada
3B Murphy
RF Duda
CF Pagan/Scott Hairston
LF Bay
C Thole/Nickeas
P
Pelfrey
Gee
Jenry Mejia (if healthy)
Beato
Dickey
Y N E U
T A C
I M K
R S
E
But Soon It Can Be Better
Ruben Tejada will now assume all Shortstop duties in 2012, meaning Justin Turner will stay at second base.
The team should now look like this:
1B Davis
2B Turner
SS Tejada
3B Murphy
RF Duda
CF Pagan/Scott Hairston
LF Bay
C Thole/Nickeas
P
Pelfrey
Gee
Jenry Mejia (if healthy)
Beato
Dickey
No Way, José!
It's official, free-agent SS José Reyes has signed a 6-year, $106,000,000 deal with the Miami Marlins.
The Mets rebuilding era begins now. They have no pitching, terrible catching, and no offense besides David Wright.
Which begins my next rant...
Wright MUST be traded before 2013, along with Johan Santana and Jason Bay. The Mets will not e a good team again for some time, so dumping the icons now to bring in new ones will benefit them in the long run. Tim Byrdak will be lost by 2013, and new farm talent and rookies will come in handy when the Phillies and Braves finally fall from grace and the Mets will be good again.
Call me crazy now.
Thank me in 10 years.
The Mets rebuilding era begins now. They have no pitching, terrible catching, and no offense besides David Wright.
Which begins my next rant...
Wright MUST be traded before 2013, along with Johan Santana and Jason Bay. The Mets will not e a good team again for some time, so dumping the icons now to bring in new ones will benefit them in the long run. Tim Byrdak will be lost by 2013, and new farm talent and rookies will come in handy when the Phillies and Braves finally fall from grace and the Mets will be good again.
Call me crazy now.
Thank me in 10 years.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Why Hector Noesi Makes Sense
RHP Hector Noesi, who went 2-2 with a 4.47 ERA and 45 K's in 2011, is a great choice as their fourth starter.
Behind Sabathia, Nova, and Burnett, Hector Noesi could lock up a spot for 2012 with a good spring training. Phil Hughes, who was extremely erratic in 2011 (5-5, 5.79 ERA) after his injury, looks like a guy whom could be valuable as a starter, and ANYONE is better than "Failing Fred".
Noesi can prove to be a valuable addition to a Yankee rotation that struggled to beat good teams on a consistent basis. Even ace pitcher CC Sabathia struggled against the Red Sox and faded down the stretch. With Ivan Nova being the first Yankee to pitch good enough against the Red Sox to help the team win, (the win was credited to Robertson), until August. Noesi can be used in place of Freddy Garcia or AJ Burnett in critical games, skipping around AJ and Freddy when the Yankees need to beat a decent team, good team, playoff team, or .500 team, (all teams that Freddy Garcia struggled to beat and/or lost to consistently).
That is a reason why the Yankees do NOT need C.J. Wilson (AJ Burnett)*, Yu Davish (Hideki Irabu)**, or Mark Buehrle (Carl Pavano)*** off of the free agent market.
*Overrated pitcher/makeshift #2 starter
**Japanese/Asian free agent underperformer-(although Irabu had a great year in 1998 and I did like him)
***Great pitcher who will not work well with the Yankees but will go on to have a successful career with other teams before and after a stint on the Yankees
Behind Sabathia, Nova, and Burnett, Hector Noesi could lock up a spot for 2012 with a good spring training. Phil Hughes, who was extremely erratic in 2011 (5-5, 5.79 ERA) after his injury, looks like a guy whom could be valuable as a starter, and ANYONE is better than "Failing Fred".
That is a reason why the Yankees do NOT need C.J. Wilson (AJ Burnett)*, Yu Davish (Hideki Irabu)**, or Mark Buehrle (Carl Pavano)*** off of the free agent market.
*Overrated pitcher/makeshift #2 starter
**Japanese/Asian free agent underperformer-(although Irabu had a great year in 1998 and I did like him)
***Great pitcher who will not work well with the Yankees but will go on to have a successful career with other teams before and after a stint on the Yankees
How The Giants Can Make The Playoffs
I refuse to believe that the New York Giants have sealed their destiny because of these past four losses.
That being said, I have a plan for them to win.
I never expected them to defeat the Packers in the first place, although the loss had me hanging on the edge of my seat, heart racing, and the most excited I had been about a potential victory in quite some time, maybe even since Superbowl XLII! (Coincidence, two undefeated teams vs. the
underdog Giants...)
The Giants (6-6), absolutely, positively, NEED to win three of their next four games.
*Dec. 11 @ Dallas
*Dec. 18 @ Washington
*Jan. 1 vs. Dallas
If that plan works out, the Giants will finish with a 9-7 record, but with Washington and Philly out of contention, and the Jets in the other conference, they will make the playoffs.
That being said, I have a plan for them to win.
I never expected them to defeat the Packers in the first place, although the loss had me hanging on the edge of my seat, heart racing, and the most excited I had been about a potential victory in quite some time, maybe even since Superbowl XLII! (Coincidence, two undefeated teams vs. the
underdog Giants...)
The Giants (6-6), absolutely, positively, NEED to win three of their next four games.
*Dec. 11 @ Dallas
*Dec. 18 @ Washington
*Jan. 1 vs. Dallas
If that plan works out, the Giants will finish with a 9-7 record, but with Washington and Philly out of contention, and the Jets in the other conference, they will make the playoffs.
Keep on Keeping On
Free agent 41-year-old Craig Counsell, coming off one of the worst seasons in the history of Major League Baseball, still intends to play in 2012.
Counsell, who at one point had an 0-45 skid at the plate, and really brings no value to any team, will face a hard reality if no one wants him in 2012. He hit .178 with 1 homer and 7 RBIs last season.
I remember Counsell best for his tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the 2001 World Series against the Yankees, he also scored the winning run of the 1997 World Series. The 2-time World Series champion and 2001 NLCS MVP will have a tough time finding a team this winter, even in a limited bench role, although he does have the second best career fielding percentage of all second basemen in the league.
That is why he should retire or accept a coaching role in 2012. Even I, with my bias toward old athletes, do not think he should return. Knowing that he will likely not get more than a non-roster invite to spring training may convince him otherwise, but we will have to wait and see...
Counsell celebrates after the Diamondbacks go to the World Series in 2001.
Counsell, who at one point had an 0-45 skid at the plate, and really brings no value to any team, will face a hard reality if no one wants him in 2012. He hit .178 with 1 homer and 7 RBIs last season.
I remember Counsell best for his tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the 2001 World Series against the Yankees, he also scored the winning run of the 1997 World Series. The 2-time World Series champion and 2001 NLCS MVP will have a tough time finding a team this winter, even in a limited bench role, although he does have the second best career fielding percentage of all second basemen in the league.
That is why he should retire or accept a coaching role in 2012. Even I, with my bias toward old athletes, do not think he should return. Knowing that he will likely not get more than a non-roster invite to spring training may convince him otherwise, but we will have to wait and see...
Friday, December 2, 2011
Left Hand Man
Throughout the 2011 season, the New York Yankees' only left handed relief pitcher was Boone Logan, and he was a disaster when it came to retiring left-handed hitters.
Logan reacts after giving up a home run to lefty Jacoby Ellsbury last season.
Damaso Marte, who spent the entire season on the DL, and was supposed to have been interchanged with Logan, was released by the Yankees and is likely to retire soon.
One thing that Joe Girardi likes is the lefty-lefty matchups of pitcher-batter. Last season, lefties hit .260 off him last season, and if they have to face guys like David Ortiz, they need a solid lefty out of the bullpen. Boone Logan is not that guy.
No indication has been given as to if Logan will return, and as the days go on, it appears increasingly likely that he will be gone.
The market for left-handed pitchers this offseason is barely halfway decent. These are the big[ger] name free agent left handed relief pitchers this season:
*Mike Gonzalez
*Darren Oliver
*Arthur Rhodes
*J.C. Romero
*George Sherrill
*Jamie Moyer
With Rhodes and Oliver being over 40 years old, and the Yankees seemingly not interested in older pitchers, Moyer, in addition to age, being a risky signing, and the Yankees having already signed and cut Romero, Mike Gonzalez is the best fit for the Yankees among free agents.
My instinct tells me that the Yankees need to delve into the depths of their minor league system, often called one of the best in baseball, to find another reliever.
The Yankees have Manny Banuelos waiting in the wings, after an extremely successful minor league season last year in both AA and AAA. Along with Gonzalez, Banuelos can be a solid lefty presence in the bullpen for 2012.
Damaso Marte, who spent the entire season on the DL, and was supposed to have been interchanged with Logan, was released by the Yankees and is likely to retire soon.
One thing that Joe Girardi likes is the lefty-lefty matchups of pitcher-batter. Last season, lefties hit .260 off him last season, and if they have to face guys like David Ortiz, they need a solid lefty out of the bullpen. Boone Logan is not that guy.
No indication has been given as to if Logan will return, and as the days go on, it appears increasingly likely that he will be gone.
The market for left-handed pitchers this offseason is barely halfway decent. These are the big[ger] name free agent left handed relief pitchers this season:
*Mike Gonzalez
*Darren Oliver
*Arthur Rhodes
*J.C. Romero
*George Sherrill
*Jamie Moyer
With Rhodes and Oliver being over 40 years old, and the Yankees seemingly not interested in older pitchers, Moyer, in addition to age, being a risky signing, and the Yankees having already signed and cut Romero, Mike Gonzalez is the best fit for the Yankees among free agents.
My instinct tells me that the Yankees need to delve into the depths of their minor league system, often called one of the best in baseball, to find another reliever.
The Yankees have Manny Banuelos waiting in the wings, after an extremely successful minor league season last year in both AA and AAA. Along with Gonzalez, Banuelos can be a solid lefty presence in the bullpen for 2012.
Hot Stove!
Former Mets GM Omar Minaya has been hired by the San Diego Padres. (Poor saps!)
Former Mets P Chris Capuano (11-12, 4.55 ERA) has signed a 2-year, $10,000,000 deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Former Mets RP Heath Bell has agreed to a 3-year deal for an undisclosed amount.
Former Mets P Chris Capuano (11-12, 4.55 ERA) has signed a 2-year, $10,000,000 deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Former Mets RP Heath Bell has agreed to a 3-year deal for an undisclosed amount.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Bern, Baby Bern!
Former Yankees CF Bernie Williams appears on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 2012.
Williams at Old Timers' Day in 2011. He refuses to be called an "old timer."
As a longtime fan of the Yankees, and a sportswriter who is openly biased toward the Dynastic Yankees, I would love for no one to make the Hall of Fame in 2012 more than Bernie.
In 1996, Bernie was a young centerfielder on a team of rookies and young folk that defeated the defending World Champion Atlanta Braves in 6 games to capture its first World Championship since 1978. In 1996, the ALCS MVP hit .474 with 2 homers.
In 1998, Williams hit .339, capturing the AL Batting title and an AL Gold Glove in the outfield. He was the first player in history to win a gold glove, batting title, and World Series ring in the same year.
"Bern, Baby Bern!" (John Sterling)
He was an integral part of their World Series championship teams in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. In my opinion, Williams and Andruw Jones were THE best centerfielders in baseball.
At his retirement, he was second all-time in doubles, fourth in walks, fifth in hits and extra base hits, and 6th in both homers and RBIs.
His career stats (2,076 games):
2,336 hits
449 doubles
287 homers
147 stolen bases
5-time All-Star (1997-2001)
4-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
4-time Gold Glove winner (1997-2000)
Silver Slugger Winner (2002)
1996 ALCS MVP
The Yankees threw their longtime centerfielder out the back door after the 2006 season despite his desire to remain on the team in a reserve role.
I absolutely LOVED Bernie when he played for the Yankees, he was (and still is) one of my favorite Yankees of all-time, and I was overjoyed when he made his long-overdue Old Timers' Day debut in 2011.
His career stats, postseason play, speed, and defense, show me that he is a Hall of Fame worthy player. In 2010, when the Yankees acquired CF Curtis Granderson, they finally had a player who could be the "new" Bernie Williams, (with apologies to Melky, Damon, and Bubba Crosby, all of whom I liked).
The complete ballot includes these other newcomers:
Ruben Sierra
Bill Mueller
Tim Salmon
Vinny Castilla
Terry Mulholland
Brad Radke
Jeromy Burnitz
Brian Jordan
Eric Young
Javy Lopez
Tony Womack
Phil Nevin
Now, after reading that list, is there anyone else first-ballot worthy besides Bernie?
Exactly.
That is why I feel Bernie Williams will be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012.
As a longtime fan of the Yankees, and a sportswriter who is openly biased toward the Dynastic Yankees, I would love for no one to make the Hall of Fame in 2012 more than Bernie.
In 1996, Bernie was a young centerfielder on a team of rookies and young folk that defeated the defending World Champion Atlanta Braves in 6 games to capture its first World Championship since 1978. In 1996, the ALCS MVP hit .474 with 2 homers.
In 1998, Williams hit .339, capturing the AL Batting title and an AL Gold Glove in the outfield. He was the first player in history to win a gold glove, batting title, and World Series ring in the same year.
He was an integral part of their World Series championship teams in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. In my opinion, Williams and Andruw Jones were THE best centerfielders in baseball.
At his retirement, he was second all-time in doubles, fourth in walks, fifth in hits and extra base hits, and 6th in both homers and RBIs.
His career stats (2,076 games):
2,336 hits
449 doubles
287 homers
147 stolen bases
5-time All-Star (1997-2001)
4-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
4-time Gold Glove winner (1997-2000)
Silver Slugger Winner (2002)
1996 ALCS MVP
The Yankees threw their longtime centerfielder out the back door after the 2006 season despite his desire to remain on the team in a reserve role.
I absolutely LOVED Bernie when he played for the Yankees, he was (and still is) one of my favorite Yankees of all-time, and I was overjoyed when he made his long-overdue Old Timers' Day debut in 2011.
His career stats, postseason play, speed, and defense, show me that he is a Hall of Fame worthy player. In 2010, when the Yankees acquired CF Curtis Granderson, they finally had a player who could be the "new" Bernie Williams, (with apologies to Melky, Damon, and Bubba Crosby, all of whom I liked).
The complete ballot includes these other newcomers:
Ruben Sierra
Bill Mueller
Tim Salmon
Vinny Castilla
Terry Mulholland
Brad Radke
Jeromy Burnitz
Brian Jordan
Eric Young
Javy Lopez
Tony Womack
Phil Nevin
Now, after reading that list, is there anyone else first-ballot worthy besides Bernie?
Exactly.
That is why I feel Bernie Williams will be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012.
Managing the Mess
No, not the New York Mess (Mets)!
Bobby Valentine, former manager of the New York Mets, now faces the challenge of fixing the Boston Red Sox, fresh off the greatest collapse since the 2007 Mets.
Officially given a 2-year deal as manager, he is the perfect man for the job ahead.
Valentine can transform the Red Sox from a beer-drinking bunch to a group of winners. With the talent that the Sox have in Beckett, Lester, Bard, free-agent Big Papi as DH, and Captain Varitek on the bench, the Sox have a powerful, World Series-caliber team.
Bobby Valentine, former manager of the New York Mets, now faces the challenge of fixing the Boston Red Sox, fresh off the greatest collapse since the 2007 Mets.
Officially given a 2-year deal as manager, he is the perfect man for the job ahead.
Valentine can transform the Red Sox from a beer-drinking bunch to a group of winners. With the talent that the Sox have in Beckett, Lester, Bard, free-agent Big Papi as DH, and Captain Varitek on the bench, the Sox have a powerful, World Series-caliber team.
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