O Captain, My Captain!

Longtime Boston Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek has announced his retirement after 15 seasons with the team.

Varitek embraces Jon Lester after his no-hitter in 2008, Varitek's record fourth caught.

Varitek hit .221 with 11 homers and 36 RBIs off the bench in 2011. He played in a limited role, mostly when Tim Wakefield and Josh Beckett pitched. He hit .256 with 193 home runs and 757 RBIs over his 15-year career.

This move was forthcoming. With his colleague Tim Wakefield retiring and the direction in which the Red Sox are headed, this move was one I expected but hated to admit.

While Varitek is nowhere near Hall of Famer worthy in any respect, (unlike the previously mentioned Wakefield), in his prime he was one of the best catchers in the game and he holds the major league record with four no-hitters caught, (Hideo Nomo in 2001, Derek Lowe in 2002, Clay Buchholz in 2007, and Jon Lester in 2008).

I genuinely liked Jason Varitek and hoped he would return for another season.

He's the Mann!

Mario Manningham MUST return to the Giants in 2012 and beyond!

He is an integral part of the Giants offense and deserves to return on a 2 or 3 year deal. As a solid third wide receiver. The chemistry between him and Eli as well as his past performances proves his worth to the G-Men is far superior than it is to any other team.

Jerry Reese, I IMPLORE,

Bring back Mario Manningham!!!

Hot Stove!

Former New York Mets OF Mike Cameron has announced his retirement after 17 seasons in the major leagues. Cameron hit just .203 in 2011 but did manage to hit 9 home runs and drive in 27 runs. Cameron spent a total of 2 seasons patrolling right field for the Mets, a stint defined by his collision with Carlos Beltran in 2005 in San Diego.

Cameron rounds third after hitting a home run.

The End of An Era

After 17 seasons in Boston, RHP Tim Wakefield has announced his retirement from professional baseball.

"Although the Boston Red Sox and the fans here in New England will tell you that they were five outs away in the eighth inning, leading by three...AS BOONE HITS IT TO DEEP LEFT! THAT MIGHT SEND THE YANKEES TO THE WORLD SERIES! BOONE A HERO IN GAME SEVEN!" (Joe Buck)


Wake went 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA in 23 starts and a few relief appearances in 2011. He was 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts in his career.

Wakefield was one of the few Red Sox players that I really, genuinely liked. I have fond memories of him, such as Aaron Boone's home run, both championships he helped the Sox win, and his willingness to do anything to help his team win. He was constantly bounced from starter to reliever, used as a setup guy, and even sometimes a closer. He was a genuine good guy who did much charitable work and I will miss seeing him play against the Yankees.

Now, folks, it is customary to ask this after a player retires: Will he make the Hall of Fame?

On first glance, that question seems like a joke. However, look at these career stats:

*Record (W-L): 200-180 (Third all-time in Red Sox history, behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens)
*Career ERA: 4.41
*2,156 strikeouts
*1-time All Star (2009, aged 42)-second oldest All Star ever named (Satchel Paige was 45).

*Red Sox career leader in innings pitched, games started as a pitcher, home runs allowed, walks allowed, hits allowed, losses, earned runs allowed, wild pitches, hit batsmen, and batters faced.

*7th on all time hit batters list
*.121 career batting average with 1 home run in 1993 for the Pirates.
*1995 American League comeback player of the year
*2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner
*2-time World Series Champion (the only two Red Sox championships since 1918)

Now consider this. Wakefield went through at least SEVEN (7) different catchers (talk about lack of consistency), as well as 11 different pitching coaches as well as many different bullpen coaches as he was alternated between starter and reliever.

John Cumberland: 1995-Jul 19, 1995
Al Nipper: July 19, 1995-May 1, 1996
Sammy Ellis: May 1, 1996-1996
Joe Kerrigan: 1997-August 16, 2001
John Cumberland: August 16, 2001-September 4, 2001
Ralph Treuel: September 4, 2001-2001
Tony Cloninger: 2002
Goose Gregson (Interim): April 5, 2003-April 22, 2003
Tony Cloninger: April 23, 2003-May 29, 2003
Goose Gregson (Interim): May 30, 2003-June 8, 2003
Dave Wallace: June 9, 2003-2005
Al Nipper (Interim): 2006-August 8, 2006
Dave Wallace: August 8, 2006-2006
John Farrell: 2007-2010
Curt Young: 2011

But you must also remember this.

Knuckleballers are a special type of pitcher. They can lose a game based on wild pitches, and are erratic, throwing 8 shutout innings, only to blow the lead in the ninth inning based on weather, (as weather can control where a knuckleball goes due to the pitch's lack of velocity).

Now, let's compare here,

Through the 1978 season, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro had won 197 games and lost 171.

Wake, on the other hand, had fashioned a record of 151-134.

So Niekro, going into what would seem to be the twilight of any career, was 26 games over .500. From age 40 through 48 he was an additional 18 games over .500

Now, Wakefield since hitting age 40 has gone 32-25, (as of 2009).

Now the first thing people will notice that Phil is plus-46 in the win column and is also plus-37 in the loss column.

Under the age of 40, Phil Niekro made 86 additional appearances, 83 of which were starts.

He also had an additional 83 decisions, which is not surprising when you see that as a product of his era Niekro had 245 career complete games to Wakefield’s 62.

Part of the strength of Phil Niekro’s case is that he is one of only 16 players with 3,000-plus strikeouts. But when you look at Phil vs. Wakefield in a head-to-head comparison, Wake strikes out 6.1/nine for his career, Niekro only 5.6/nine innings of work. Also remember that we are in the Steroid Era, where big, juiced up hitters like Rafael Palmiero and Jason Giambi tear up pitchers in blow out games using their "artificial" talent.

In 17 seasons, Wakefield averaged 13 wins per year, and a .535 winning percentage. Niekro's winning percentage is .537.

Wake only led the league in losses once, whereas Niekro did it four times (1977-1980). Both pitchers averaged about 78 walks per season, (more than Hall of Famer Goose Gossage).

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/181212-mr-wakefieldits-the-hall-on-line-one

Info courtesy of Paging Wakefield: It's the Hall on Line One? by David Allan of Bleacherreport.com.

The BOSOX will undoubtedly reitre his number 49, and induct him into their hall of fame. But, when it all comes down to it...

Tim Wakefield should go to the Hall of Fame, and as a longtime Yankee fan,

I couldn't argue against it.

Hot Stove!

The New York Yankees have dealt troubled starting pitcher A.J. Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the deal, they received RHP Diego Montero and Exicardo Cayones. GRAND SLAM!!! I wish Burnett all the best and hope he can revive his career in Pittsburgh.

LHP Hideki Okijima failed his physical and will be released by the Yankees.

Time Warner Cable has FINALLY agreed to end the Madison Square Garden (MSG) Network blackout.

And finally, the Yankees will likely sign washed up outfielder Raul Ibanez and washed-up infielder Eric Chavez. They cannot hit, have a terrible arms, cannot play defense, and sre just plain old. These deals make NO SENSE and they will hurt the Yankees in the long run!

Chavez breaks his foot running. I know, it's hard for a 33 year old PRO ATHLETE to run...(yeah right...)

Lin-Sane In The Membrane!

The New York Knicks have been saved by Point Guard Jeremy Lin. With the Knicks falling to the point of no return, "Linsanity" seems to have saved their season. At 14-15 (hopefully going to .500 tonight), they are 8th in the Eastern Conference, but sailing along now with "Linsanity" in full swing. If Jeremy Lin, Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudomire can work in a system and if the Knicks' defense can step up even slightly, this NBA season will bring about the beginning of a new era, a renaissance in New York Basketball.

One Last Look

With the rise of Lin-sanity, the end of the football season, and the NHL season well underway, let us not forget (but how could we?) that baseball is right around the corner.

But while most teams have their rosters set, a few free agents left could benefit the Yankees and the Mets...

Yankees
Eric Chavez is as good as retired. The Yankees have Ramiro Pena and Eduardo Nunez to replace him.

Jo-Jo Reyes, a lefty specialist, could provide a cheap, well-needed boost to the Yankees bullpen. If the Yankees don't see him as a solution, Arthur Rhodes could be picked up cheap and traded by July if need be.

Mets
The Mets bullpen hasn't gotten much better, save for Jon Rauch. Jason Isringhausen should return on a 1-year deal to help boost the pitching staff for 2012. Xavier Nady could also be a quality addition to the Mets, as the former Met and Yankee would be great off of the bench and could be found cheaply. If Nady won't do, then former Red Sox Shortstop and 2010 World Series MVP Edgar Renteria, a longtime favorite of mine, could serve as a backup infielder or pinch hitter off of the bench. And lastly, if Johan Santana is not healthy by opening day, re-signing Chris Young to a minor-league deal as a NON-ROSTER INVITEE could serve the Mets well, as he is a proven hitter and pitcher if he can remain healthy throughout the coming season.

Even though we may have reached the "bargain bin" free agents, if you will call them that, there are many of these types of players who can deliver in New York, and are worth a small gamble with the possibility of a huge reward.

NFL Offseason News

Once again, Fat Albert Hay Hay Haynesworth has been cut, this time by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 25 tackles in six games as a Buck. He improved, but still needs to get better if he wants a permenant home.

ESPN announced that Ron Jaworski will NOT return to Monday Night Football in 2012 and instead will serve as an analyst (on shows such as Mike and Mike in the Morning and Sunday NFL Countdown).

Colts owner Jim Irsay said that Peyton Manning will be allowed to decide his own future in Indy.

NFL Offseason

In a shocking move, the New York Jets announced that they will NOT fire Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh. He has one-year left on his contract. They have also hired Karl Dunbar as the new D-Line coach.

As expected, Randy Moss will return to the NFL IN 2012, if anyone signs him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired Giants QB coach Mike Sullivan as Offensive Coordinator.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has announced that he is willing to restructure his contract to remain on the team. He is 5th among all-time rushing leaders in Giants history.

The Debate Rages!

The media is having a field day with these Yankees designated hitter rumors. Many names such as Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, and Raúl Ibañez are being thrown around as possibilities. But the Yankees don't need any of them.

The Yankees have A-Rod (37 in July), Derek Jeter (38 in June), and Andruw Jones (35 in April) who could benefit from a rotating DH spot. An open DH spot could also be used to play injured players such as A-Rod (we all know it inevitable), or even a bench player with a lot of power, if one comes out of spring training, (maybe Austin Romine or, if healthy, Francisco Cervelli, who has shown tremendous ability with runners in scoring position.

If the Yankees don't make a move for a DH, DON'T BE ALARMED!

They have plenty lined up for a rotating role already.

Free Agent Safties in 2012

Bryan Scott: He will be back on the Bills in 2012.

James Ihedigbo: He will be back on the Patriots in 2012.

Deon Grant: The Giants saftey is as good as gone.

Derrick Martin: Grant's replacement, back in 2012 on a short-term deal.

Jim Leonhard: The Pro Bowl-caliber safety is gone after two consecutive season-ending injuries. The Jets will delve into the draft for a new safety.

Brodney Pool: He barely made it back last season. Enough said.

Free Agent Cornerbacks in 2012

Carlos Rogers: Duh! Back in 2012 and beyond.

Terrell Thomas: Jerry Reese has already begun contract negotiations with him and he will be back in 2012 and beyond.

Reggie Corner: The Bills will bring him back in 2012.

Will Blackmon: Possible to return to Giants in 2012.

Michael Coe: Gone

Aaron Ross: No way at all he will be back! GOOD RIDDENCE!

Justin Tryon: Back on short-term deal.

Donald Strickland: Gone

Bruce Johnson: Ruptured his achillies in August. Done in New York.

Marquice Cole: Likely gone.

Free Agent Linebackers in 2012

Andra Davis: Goodbye Buffalo.

Kirk Morrison: Possibly back in Buffalo.

Reggie Torbor: Back in Buffalo in 2012.

Chase Blackburn: He will be back on a 1-year tender. Can he do it again in 2012?

Jonathan Goff: His return can be summed up in five words: Mark Herzlich and Greg Jones.

Bryan Thomas: A solid player who may return to the Jets in 2012 but whose spot is not guaranteed.

Jamaal Westerman: Probably back in 2012, but not a lock.

Aaron Maybin: Not a lock, but if he can come cheap, he is probably back.

Free Agent Defensive Linemen

Robert Matthis: Goodbye Indy!

Sione Pouha: A great nose tackle is hard to find in the NFL today, so why would the Jets get rid of one? Back in 2012 as one of the FIRST re-signings.

Andre Carter: New England's defensive woes won't hinder his return.

Shaun Ellis: I'm BEGGING you, Mr. Tannenbaum! Back in Green and White after a subpar season in 2011.

Dave Tollefson: Giants ALL THE WAY! No way he leaves.

Rocky Bernard: Gone. Adios. See ya. Giants don't need him anyway.

Jimmy Kennedy: Tom Coughlin wanted him for a reason. He will be back in 2012, believe me on that.

Free Agent Punters/Kickers in 2012

Rian Lindell: Will return after the disaster that was the Dave Rayner experiment. (Adios Dave!)

Mike Nugent: The former Jet will be back in Cincinnati next season and beyond.

Nick Folk: If they brought him back after his PATHETIC 2010 season, they WILL bring him back after his WONDERFUL 2011 season.

Notable NFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen in 2012

Demetrius Bell: Buffalo's-Line stunk it up during the second half, and couldn't protect Fitz. He will be back, as his injury clearly decimated their O-Line.

Kareem McKenzie: Will return to the Giants in 2012 on a 2 or 3-year deal.

Robert Turner: Jets will let him walk after their offesive and defensive troubles in 2011.

Stacy Andrews: He will not be back on Blue Blue in 2012 after blod clots were found.

Chad Reinhart (restricted) and Kraig Urbik: The guards and backup centers will be back in 2012.

Notable NFL Free Agent Tight Ends in 2012

Jermichael Finley: The Packers would be idiots to let him walk, enough said.

Scott Chandler: Completely expendable. I cannot see him in Buffalo with their better free agents commanding time and money.

Jeremy Shockey: He is nearing the end, but still has some gas in the tank. He will not return to Carolina, however.

Jake Ballard (Exclusive rights free agent): Will be back in Blue come September, his ACL scaring others away.

Bear Pascoe (Restricted): Same Ballard, back in Blue.

Matthew Mulligan (restricted): Likely gone from the Jets.

Notable Free Agent Wide Receivers

Vincent Jackson: The Chargers star had a great year, his third 1,000 yard one to be exact. His injuries have kept the Chargers from signing him long-term, but the stats speak for themselves. He won't be "bolting" out of San Diego anytime soon.

Wes Welker: Butterfinger jokes aside, the Patriots receiver had another phenomenal year in 2011 except for the dropped Super Bowl pass. He will be in New England in 2012.

Reggie Wayne: The Colts star struggled like the rest of the team, but should remain in 2012, though many expect him gone.

DeSean Jackson: The Giants' foe had a strong year in 2011, but is unhappy about his current deal and wanted an extension last season. The disasterous season for Philly probably put the nail in the coffin for a DeSean-Philly return.

Stevie Johnson: The Bills extended QB Fitz and RB Freddy Jackson in part to allow them to focus solely on Stevie this offseason. He works extremely well with Fitzpatrick, but was also seeking an extention last season, but talks broke down. He CANNOT be lost in free agency!!!!

Mario Manningham: He had a quiet season save for his Tyree-esque catch in the Superbowl, partly due to injuries, but still managed a solid year. He MUST be retained! (Do you hear me Jerry?!)

Ruvell Martin and Roscoe Parrish: May return, but with the money commanded by Stevie, as well as their "expendability" as is probably seen by GM Buddy Nix, they are not locks for the 2012 roster.

Domenik Hixon: I cannot see both him and Manningham on the Giants in 2012. He is the odd man out.

Braylon Edwards: He only played half of a season (if that), but can be a solid second or third option on a contending team.

Devin Thomas: Will return to the G-Men in 2012.

Plaxico Burress: Kiss him goodbye, New York. The former Giant turned Jet will not be in New York AT ALL in 2012.

Deion Branch: The former Superbowl MVP should return to New England. He probably won't however.

Derek Hagan: Will not return to Oakland.

Steve Smith: Back in Blue? (Pretty Please, Mr. Reese?)

Jerricho Cotchery: The former Jet will not be in Pittsburgh in 2012. His window of opportunity may be closing if he can't remain healthy and put up solid numbers.

Notable Free Agent Running Backs in 2012

Ray Rice: The Ravens would be idiots to even let him talk to other teams. He will be tagged and back in 2012.

Matt Forte: I can't see the Bears letting him walk and barring any setbacks he will be getting a large contract from DA BEARS soon.

Marshawn Lynch: The former Bill had a solid year with an average of 4.5 yards per carry. A re-signing with Seattle seems imminent.

Peyton Hillis: Averaging only 3.6 yards per carry, he was not as effective as previously, but seems like a guy whom the Browns like and may return if the price is right.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: Many teams may look into him, but the Pats RB will be back in Boston in 2012.

Arian Foster: Oft-injured in 2011, he may be nearing the end with Houston if they want him to take a pay cut.

LT: The future Hall of Famer had a solid year, but was restricted by Schotty and Rex Ryan as they tried to experiment with Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight. He will not return and may retire after all.

Ronnie Brown: The Eagles have a talented group of guys and would be fools to let Brown walk, however, their bust of a season may make GM Howie Roseman think otherwise.

Hot Stove!

The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to sign RHP Luis Ayala to a 1-year, $925,000 contract with a $1,000,000 option for 2013 ($100,000 buyout). Ayala went 2-2 with an outstanding 2.09 ERA in 2011. His sidearm delivery made him both vulnerable and at times untouchable. This move can be a grand slam for the O's. I wish him well in Baltimore.

The Orioles will also sign former Yankees first baseman and designated hitter Nick Johnson. The oft-injured Yankee played last in 2010 and hit .201 in 225 plate appearances in the minors last season.

Johnson winces in pain after fouling a ball off of his leg. (He was probably later placed on the disabled list...

And fianlly, according to WEEI.com's Alex Speier, Red Sox GM Ben Cherington will decide on the futures of P Tim Wakefield and Captain/catcher Jason Varitek sometime next week. They are the longest-tenured Red Sox in team history. It is widely accepted that both will retire, however, nothing is definite.

Hot Stove!

The New York Yankees have signed 1B/DH Russell Branyan to a minor league contract. He will earn $750,000 if added to the roster for 2012. Branyan hit .197 with 5 homers and 14 RBIs with the Angels and Diamondbacks last season playing first base, third base, and as designated hitter.

They have also signed RHP Manny Delcarmen and Dewayne Wise to minor league deals.

The Yankees are also in serious trade talks about RHP A.J. Burnett. According to the New York Post, the Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the teams interested.

Branyan after hitting the longest home run in the New Yankee Stadium.

Why George Steinbrenner is A Hall of Famer

George M. Steinbrenner III, also known as "The Boss" for his seemingly totalitarian tenure as owner of the Yankees, deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Steinbrenner, though heavily criticized during his tenure, revolutionized free agency and turned the Bronx Bombers from a rock-botton, backward franchise under CBS into a team which consistently was at the top of the standings. After Steinbrenner took over in 1973, the Yankees went on to win seven World Championships (1977, 1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009), as well as a number of American League pennants. He was instrumental in the commissioning of the New Yankee Stadium and the creation of the YES Network.

Along with his Yankees success, he also donated a large amount of money to different childrens charities, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Salvation Army. He maintained such a relationship with his empolyees that once when pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre was undergoing cancer treatment, he went above and beyond to make sure he was able to watch games in his hospital room.

Steinbrenner did many good deeds in and out of the Yankee organization, and turned the team back into a group of winners, and so...

...he is a Hall of Famer.

NFL Hot Stove!

The New York Jets have signed WR Patrick Turner to a 1-year, $615,000 contract. He had 8 receptions for 96 yards and 1 touchdown in 15 games. He is a solid 3rd Wide Receiver and this deal works out for both sides.

Turner scores his lone touchdown of the 2011 season.

NFL Hot Stove!

The Buffalo Bills have re-signed K Rian Lindell to a contract extension. Terms were not immediately disclosed. He played well until a shoulder injury in November sidelined him for the season. This deal helps the Bills, bringing back a quality kicker early, letting them focus on more important positions and players to re-sign.

They have also hired former Colts assistant Pete Metzelaars as their Tight Ends Coach.

Former Ravens RB Ricky Williams has announced his retirment.

And finally, New York Giants TE Travis Beckumtore his ACL during the Super Bowl. It is unknown if he will be prepared for next season.

Notable NFL Free Agent QBs

Now that the NFL season is over, it is time to talk about the free agency period. This offseason will be FAR less hectic than last year's, and so it will be more beneficial to teams with many key free agents.

The market for quarterbacks this year will be solid. Headlined by Pro Bowlers Drew Brees and Alex Smith, the list also includes:

Richard Bartel – ARI
Chris Redman ATL
Jake Delhomme - CLE
Kyle Orton - DEN
Brady Quinn – DEN
Shaun Hill - DET
Drew Stanton – DET
Matt Flynn – GB
Tyler Palko – KC
Chad Henne – MIA
Brian Hoyer – NE
Chase Daniel – NO
Drew Brees – NO
Sage Rosenfels - NYG*
Mark Brunell – NYJ*
Kevin O’Connell – NYJ*
Kyle Boller – OAK
Jason Campbell - OAK
Charlie Batch – PIT
Byron Leftwich – PIT
Dennis Dixon – PIT
Charlie Whitehurst – SEA
David Carr – NYG*
Alex Smith – SF
A.J. Feeley - STL
Josh Johnson – TB
Vince Young – PHI
Rex Grossman – WAS
David Garrard - JAC

Of the four starred quarterbacks currently in New York, I feel that David Carr is the only one who will be here next season. Carr will sign a 1-year deal for a small ammount to return to the G-Men for 2012.

Carr fills in for Eli Manning in 2009.

Giants 2011: A Season In Review

The Superbowl XLVI Champion New York Giants have a talented group of players that led them to their fourth championship. Now, they must deal with who to re-sign and who to let go.

Offense
While there is no question that they have a starting quarterback for the next number of years to come, backup QB David Carr should return on a 1-year deal. He is a proven backup who knows the system and even though he doesn't play much, if at all, if Manning ever was unable to play, whether from injury, illness or whatnot, Carr would be comfortable in that role.

Wide receivers Domenik Hixon, Devin Thomas, and Mario Manningham should all return. Manningham had 39 receptions for 523 yards in 2011. They work well with Eli and provide a DEEP receiving core. Of the Giants 3 free agents receivers, however, Hixon is the most likely to be let go.

Manningham MUST return!

With Jake Ballard's injury, as well as the evolving position of the tight end, Bear Pascoe is likely to return on a short term deal.

Steve Weatherford is likely to sign a long term deal this offseason.

Offensive Tackles Kareem McKenzie and Tony Ogoh could be re-signed, but Ogoh is the most likely to be let go though.

Guard Stacy Andrews, however, is probably gone. After his diagnosis with a pulmonary embolism, with his career and even life in danger, he will not be back in 2012.

With the Giants defensive woes last season, Rocky Bernard will be gone, but Jimmy Kennedy, the troubled defensive tackle, will return on a 1-year deal unless his legal issues get in the way.

Defensive End Dave Tollefson is likely to be back on a short-term deal.

The linebaking core struggled in 2011, and as a result, ILB Jonathan Goff, who spent the entire season on IR, will not return in 2012, as Greg Jones and Mark Herzlich filled in admirably in Goff's absence. OLB Chase Blackburn, who was cut once and barely returned this season, proved he CAN turn around, and while it is not certain, he may receive a 1-year tender.

Now, the cornerbacks last season were AWFUL. They couldn't make a stop or a catch, and therefore, Aaron Ross, Michael Coe, and Brian Jackson will probably all be gone in 2012. However, Will Blackmon may sign a tender, Justin Tyron should be kept, and Terrell Thomas, who spent the entire season on IR but is progressing quickly and will be ready for training camp, MUST return!

That brings me to the safteies. The most criticized position all season, (at least by me). Stong saftey Deon Grant should not return in 2012, instead being replaced by Tyler Sash. Derrick Martin, however, may return on a short-term deal or tender.

Deon Grant cannot intercept Ryan Fitzpatrick and surrenders a touchdown.

A Super Finish!

The New York Giants have done it! They defeated the Patriots 21-17.

The game began with a saftey by the Giants on Tom Brady after an intentional grounding penalty. They followed this with a long drive ending in a 2 yard touchdown to Victor Cruz. 9-0 G-Men.

2nd Quarter
A short Patriots drive ended on a 29 yard field goal by Gostkowski. 9-3 G-Men. After this, a long Patriots drive ended in a 4-yard touchdown from Brady to Danny Woodhead. 10-9 Pats.

3rd Quarter
A long Patriots drive gave them a 17-9 lead with a touchdown to Aaron Hernandez. But, Lawrence Tynes kicked a 38 yard field goal with about 7 minutes left. 17-12 Pats. With 40 seconds left, Lawrence Tynes kicked a 33 yard field goal. 17-15 Pats.

4th Quarter
The fourth quarter was a long, non-scoring game until Bradshaw ran for a 6 yard touchdown. 21-17 Giants.

The Pats tried in vain to put themselves back on top, but in the end, the Giants proved a formidable foe once again.

Bill Parcells- The Hall of Famer

The Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot has been announced. The induction will take place in August 2012 and among the many notable names is former Giants coach Bill Parcells.

Parcells officially retired in 2006 with a record of 183-138-1. He led the Giants to Super Bowls XXI and XXV. "The Big Tuna" was a 2-time coach of the year and the image of his gatorade dunking after Super Bowl XXI, the first coach to be so "honored" is immortal in Giants and NFL history.

In 1990, he led the Giants to a 10-0 start before losing Phil Simms to injury. Despite this, they narrowly defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-19 to capture another title. After this he retired due to health problems, however, he un-retired and returned to coach the Jets and after retiring again, came back to coach the Cowboys after Jerry Jones convinced him to pull a Brett Favre again, and he coached the Cowboys. He finally retired in 2007 and accepted a position as Executive VP with the Dolphins, earning him the nickname "Football Czar", until 2010.

Parcells is a no-doubt, first ballot Hall of Famer.

Super Bowl Sunday!

At last, the long-awaited day is upon us. On Sunday, the New York Giants will face the New England Patriots in Superbowl XLVI...

The New York Giants will have everybody ready for the biggest game of the season, including RB Ahmad Bradshaw, LB Mark Herzlich and TE Jake Ballard. The Patriots only question mark is TE Rob Gronkowski, and everyone expects him to play, including myself.

The Giants offense has stood the test of time. QB Eli Manning and RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs provide stability and balance between the running and passing game, so the issue here will be which style of play will be more effective against the Patriots.

Their defense, meanwhile, has been the most remarkable turnaround of the season. With the Core Four of Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Matthias Kiwanuka playing extraordinarily well, and the offensive line as healthy as ever, facing the Patriots, whose defense has been terrible all year, and has forced the offense to make them come back in many games.

The only thing the Pats have going for them is that their offense, led by Tom "Terrific" Brady, Wes Welker, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Rob Gronkowski, albeit injured. Their defense has been bad all year, even with DE Shaun Ellis, one of my favorite players, playing okay.

The Giants also have an edge in special teams, as weird as that may seem. Patriots have a rookie LS in Danny Aiken, K Stephen Gostkowski, and P Zoltan Mesko led the special teams for New England. The Giants have an exceptional punter (one of the best in the league) in Steve Weatherford, the best long snapper in football in Zak DeOssie, (who can also double as a linebacker if absolutely necessary), and the most UNDERRATED kicker in football in Lawrence Tynes.

The Patriots are favored, they have a bad defense, and are facing (what is now) a great defense. Their offense may be bad, but the Giants are, all-in-all, the most complete, and therefore, I feel, the better team.

This analysis seems to suggest only one outcome:

I will be watching the Giants parade down the canyon of heroes on Tuesday.

Hot Stove

The Nationals have agreed to a 1-year deal with RHP Edwin Jackson. He went 12-9 last season, won a game in the NLCS, but got hammered in the 2011 World Series. For a team that needs to rebuild, this move is pretty solid, but if Jackson isn't able to hold up his accuracy, he will be in for a very early retirement.

RHP Livan Hernandez has signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros. The former Met was 8-13 with a 4.47 ERA in 2011, the first year he failed to pitched at least 200 innings in his career. This move keeps Hernandez, one of the greatest hitting pitchers of the deignated hitter era, in the National League.