The Executive Emergence

In 2010, as the Buffalo Bills were in the midst of their slide that ended with a 4-12 record and a record 11th consecutive losing season, it was none other than Chan Gailey and Buddy Nix who were the subject of my wrath. The Bills were notorious for losing their great free agents and replacing them with mediocre players until another great one came along and the cycle repeated itself.

However, by the end of the 2011 season, by which time I had already developed a rift with Jerry Reese, Mike Tannenbaum, Sandy Alderson, and Brian Cashman, over losing players and a precived lack of tending to their own free agents, Buddy Nix was on a roll.He extended star RB Fred Jackson, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, and sat through hard-fought negotiations with Pro Bowl WR Stevie Johnson, while also adding great defensive presence Mario Williams.

Meanwhile, Cashman continued to let much-needed talent slip by his fingers, Alderson was chained up by the Wilpon situation, Reese and Tannenbaum had lost many of my favorite players all-time for their respective organizations.

And then there was one.

Nix stood alone as the only general manager who made an effort to retain the critical pieces that can make the Bills a winning team in a period closer than you may think.

Buddy Nix has so far re-signed all of his free agents except offensive lineman Chad Rinehart and Kraig Urbik (who are both RFA's), as well as added notable players such as Mark Anderson and Mario Williams to beef up the decrepit 2011 Bills defense.

If the Buffalo Bills offense can stay healthy next season, and their offense clicks, the Buffalo Bills will be a force to be reckoned with not only in the AFC East, or even the American Football Conference as a whole.

They will be a force in the National Football League, and emerge from the basement as a playoff contender.

Thank you, Mr. Nix, at being the only GM who cared enough to make his team better through retaining his own talent.

Why Freddy is Finished (in New York)

The New York Yankees have only days to release their starting rotation for 2012, one that will not include 'Failing Fred' Garcia.

With Sabathia, Pineda, Hughes, Nova, and Kuroda the likely rotation for 2012, Freddy will be driven out of New York via trade.

Failing Fred was 12-8 last season, but was pummeled by .500 or better teams (such as the Red Sox, Rangers, and even the Blue Jays). He lost his only playoff start against the Tigers in October which seemed to signal the last day for Fred as a Yankee.

But, Garcia was re-signed to a 1-year deal in November, to the chargin of myself and other fans who saw his risk as FAR outreaching the POSSIBLE reward of a decent year.

Freddy Garcia was at one time (2001-ish) a solid pitcher, but his lack of velocity and inability to fool some great hitters with his offspeed pitches led to this.

He may be able to find a job at the back end of a rotation in a weak division such as the American League Central, but not here in New York.

The End of An Era

Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has signed a contract with the San Francisco 49ers. This marks the end of any possible respect I might have had left for GM Jerry Reese!

Do I even have to state my feelings on this? In just a few short moments, Jerry Reese went from being one of my favorite general managers to being one of my LEAST favorites!

The G-Men will NOT repeat as champions unless they learn a lesson. YOU CANNOT KEEP LETTING CHAMPIONSHIP CALLIBER PLAYERS WALK AS FREE AGENTS!

I have a feeling this will come back to haunt them in the end...

Better 'Safe' Than Sorry

The Super Bowl champion Giants safeties were mediocre in 2011 and overall preformed at a low, relatively ineffective level. The G-Men need a somewhat retooled defense if they expect to repeat in 2012.

With Deon Grant expected to retire following Super Bowl XLVI, his only career Super Bowl championship in 10 seasons, the Giants must lay low and replace him with Tyler Sash. If Reese drafts a safety this year, he should be placed opposite Sash and Antrel Rolle MUST be traded immediately!

This would not only free up cap space, it would allow the G-Men to improve their defense.

NFL Free Agency

The Saint Louis Rams have signed former Giants WR Steve Smith to a 1-year deal, and former Jets TE Matthew Mulligan to a 2-year deal. Both were disappointments in 2011. The Jets have Keller and can easily find a replacement for Mulligan, and Smith will once again be forced to prove his worth if he wants a long-term contract.

Per Patriots owner Robert Kraft and ESPN Boston writer Mike Reiss, Matt Light is expected to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons, all in New England. Light won three Super Bowl championships with the Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) and has played 152 games in his NFL career.

NFL Hot Stove

The Chicago Bears have signed RB Michael Bush to a 4-year, $14,000,000 contract ($7,000,000 guaranteed).

BenJarvus Green-Ellis has signed a 3-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. He accumulated 667 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2011.

The Buffalo Bills signed DE Mark Anderson to a 4-year, $27,000,000 deal with $8,000,000 guaranteed.

The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed QB Alex Smith to a 3-year, $16,500,000 deal.

All is Not Lost...

According to what Giants 101 writer Dan Benton says "There remains a glimmer of hope for Jacobs, however. There have been rumbling[s] of late that B-Jac could possibly return to the Giants on a one-year deal, and that a jersey change (to #29) is in order. Whether or not that comes to fruition remains to be seen, but a source recently shared these words with Giants 101 as it relates to Jacobs: "Once a Giant, always a Giant."

That would make me ELATED!!!

I have learned to live with the departure of Manningham, but losing Jacobs would be UNBEARABLE!

Tell me truly I implore...

Mr. Reese,

The time is right!

Brandon Jacobs breaks through the Redskins defense.

NFL Free Agency News

The New York Jets have traded a fourth round draft pick for QB Tim Tebow. The Jets will likely have either Mark Sanchez or Tebow on the team in 2012, but not both. This seems to seal the fate of Mark Brunell, not likely to return for a third season.

The Bills have re-signed S Bryan Scott.

The National Football League and Roger Goodell have suspended Saints head coach Sean Payton for the entire 2012 season without pay. He also took away their second round draft picks in 2012 and 2013. Payton will lose $7,500,000.

Hines Ward has announced his retirement after 14 seasons. He was released prior to the start of free agency and now awaits his Hall of Fame invitation.

My Kind of Offense

Now, if you read this blog regularly you will have undoubtedly read my posts on the style of offense that I prefer...

A BALANCED offense.

I define a balanced offense as one that can perform at a high level whether passing OR running. The Buffalo Bills are a good example (with Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson). I have written a number of articles about the New York Jets and how they NEED a new running back. Since they have decided to keep Mark Sanchez until further notice with his extension, they need to find a new rusher to compliment that.

As I have stated before, the Jets are unlikely to retain Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, and with the disappointing Shonn Greene still under contract, they could use a good running back.

The process I have concocted will require a LOT of time to do, however, it would make Gang Green elite.

The Jets need to make Joe McKnight their starting running back for 2012, while relegating Shonn Greene to third string duties (like McKnight was in 2011).

Then, they need to sign a burly, tough, fullback-like man, two-time Superbowl Champion, and a quality backup rusher.

Brandon Jacobs would be a SLAM DUNK signing for Gang Green and if Joe McKnight can fill the void left by LT, (which I am MORE than confident that he will), the Jets will be set at running back.

Rocky Mountain High? Elway's Committment a huge one.

Well, the news is out, future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning has elected to sign with the Denver Broncos!

The Broncos, fresh off an 8-8 season which saw them advance to the AFC wild divisional round before a crushing loss to the Patriots, have made their move and will undoubtedly trade Tim Tebow, who has three years and a plethora of money left on his deal.

This is a shocker, but I feel that John Elway will enjoy having a prolific passing quarterback. Tebow WILL be a success somewhere, I know it.

Adios, Señor!

Former Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez has decided on retirement after 13 seasons. Vazquez was 165-160 in his career. Vazquez made his debut with the Montreal Expos in 1998 and was the opposing pitcher during David Cone's perfect game on July 18, 1999, which is one of the best games I have ever seen.

Vazquez spent two seasons in New York. In 2004, he allowed the loss that sparked the greatest comeback in baseball history as the Red Sox came back from a 3-0 defecit to advance to the World Series. Afterwards, he returned to New York in 2010 and was even worse, alternating from starter to reliever. In his Yankee career he was 24-20 over two seasons.

With his strong finish in 2011, he is making the right decision to leave on top after his spectacular September.

Hot Stove

The San Francisco 49ers have signed former Giants WR Mario Manningham to a 2-year contract. Terms were not immediately disclosed.

The Arizona Cardinals have decided to pay Kevin Kolb his $7,000,000 roster bonus, ending their pursuit of Peyton Manning.

The New York Jets will play their luck in free agency with safeties. Jim Leonhard, Brodney Pool, and Eric Smith are all free agents.

Yankees BREAKING NEWS!

LHP Andy Pettitte has announced he will make a comeback in 2012 with the New York Yankees. The boarderline Hall of Fame candidate is 240-138 in his career.

Pettitte signed a 1-year deal worth $2,500,000. He is expected to begin the season in the minors and join later on. This can only add to his Hall of Fame candidacy.

Pettitte was an integral part of the World Championship teams in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009.

I am THRILLED! Andy Pettitte was one of the best pitchers in Yankee history.

NFL Hot Stove

The New York Giants have agreed to re-sign QB David Carr. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

Fixing the Knicks

It's always the same, it's just a shame, that's all.

Once again, the New York Knicks are teetering on the edge of another losing season. They are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

Now, I am going to examine their current roster.

The Knicks are in need of a better Center. Tyson Chandler has just not gotten it done in New York, and it shows. From here on out, Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan should be playing to see which one of them can claim the starting job for next season.

Carmelo Anthony seems to have worn out his welcome in New York. Anthony still has time left on his contract, which means he will have to be traded for the Knicks to be free of him. Jared Jefferies' contract is set to expire after this season and it is clausable that he too will be gone, however, it is not a given as he has been solid in his Knicks tenure.

Rookie guards Iman Shumpert and Jeremy Lin are safe, esspecially with the play of the Knicks when "Linsanity" was in full effect.

The Knicks need an overhaul, and that will spell trouble for some older players, as they are looking towards the future.

Not in the New York Groove!

Breaking news! New York Knicks' head coach Mike D'Antony has RESIGNED, liklely amid the threat of losing his job. There had been speculation that he and Carmelo Anthony didn't get along, but the recent play of the Knicks is the most likely reason for his resignation.

The Knicks are 18-24 thusfar in 2011-2012.

D'Antoni was a coach who always prided himself on offense. While the Knicks' offense certainly has the potential to be an electrifying one with Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and Jeremy Lin, it never took shape. They have not won a game in March so far, and I believe that one reason for the team's overall failure was that it lacked a coach with a significant amount of defensive expertise.

NFL Hot Stove!

The New York Jets have signed LB Bryan Thomas to a 1-year contract. Terms were not immediately disclosed.

The New York Giants have announced that CBs Michael Coe and Justin Tryon. Both deals' terms were not disclosed. This provides backup if T2 is not healthy.

Free agency is under way in 2012!

WR Vincent Jackson has signed a 5-year, $55,000,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with $26,000,000 in guaranteed money, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

NFL Hot Stove Breaking News!

The defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants have released 2007 draft bust, CB Aaron Ross! He won two Super Bowl rings despite his less than stellar performance during his Giants tenure.

Ross fails to deflect or intercept a pass from Drew Brees during the Saints' 62-point blowout of Big Blue.

This was an obvious move as Ross was the first choice to leave after the season.

In accordance, they have re-signed CB Terrell Thomas to a 4-year, $28,000,000 contract with $11,000,000 guaranteed money.

The Oakland Raiders have released former Giants TE Kevin Boss. This may begin the eventual reunion, as the G-Men need a tight end and they would be a great fit to re-sign Boss as he is familiar with the system.

Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has stated he would be willing to join the New York Jets. I would be thrilled if he stayed in New York!

The Giants have also added coaches Matt Rhule and Lunda Wells, who have replaced Jack Bicknell, Jr. and Kevin M. Gilbride respectively.

The New York Jets have signed NT Sione Pouha to a 3-year, $15,000,000 contract.

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a 1-year contract with future Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss. Moss originally stated he would pull a Brett Favre in February.

BREAKING!

The New York Giants have RELEASED RB Brandon Jacobs! He was due a $5.5 million bonus in 2012.

I am INFURIATED! This organization CANNOT expect to build a dynasty if they are continuously cutting their championship-winning players!

Jerry Reese is really PISSING ME OFF! How do you expect to keep winning if they keep cutting players!!!

Jets 2012: Righting the Wrong and Repairing the Rift

The Jets have many needs for 2012. I have already written about the desire for a new right tackle, and a new running back. Now, I must focus on their defense.

The Jets defense was a disappointment in 2011 and I was not surprised AT ALL.

With Sione Pouha lined up at Nose Tackle instead of Defensive End, the Jets can then move Muhammad Wilkerson to defensive tackle and re-sign a familiar face, reconciling a divorce that should never have occurred.

Shaun Ellis, longtime defensive end who was betrayed by Mike Tannenbaum in 2011, MUST return to man the end spot once again as he did SO well for 11 consecutive seasons. With Ellis, Pouha, Wilkerson, a new right tackle such as Mike Adams, and D'Brickashaw, the Jets could be a force to be reckoned with not only in the East, but the entire American Football Conference.

So, Mr. Tannenbaum...

Are you ready to win?

"Tackling" the Draft: New York Jets 2012

The New York Jets had many positions that needed improvement in 2011, but perhaps none more obvious than right tackle. Wayne Hunter was re-signed to a 1-year deal after the lockout and it quickly became known that the move was a mistake. Hunter was drafted in 2008 as a projected successor to Damien Woody were he to retire, which he finally did following the 2010 season. The Jets soon realized that they did NOT have a successor prepared and now is the time to rewrite the wrong from 2008.

The Jets have the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft and with it can and should select Mike Adams from Ohio State University. I truly feel he can be THE guy, the successor to Damien Woody that the Jets so desperately need to find.

However, the catch is that Hunter is guaranteed to make $2,450,000 in 2012 regardless. This is too much money to absorb and so GM Mike Tannenbaun, who made the big mistake of re-signing Hunter last season, will have to either work out some sort of trade to send Hunter out of New York, or have another player, (say, Mark Sanchez?), agree to restructure their contract to offset the balance of the cost if Gang Green is to absorb Hunter's 2012 salary.

Not "Running" The Risk

Literally.

The New York Jets have a huge offseason ahead of them and one area that they were blatantly awful in last season was the running game.

In order to be a successful team you need either:

1) A clearly defined primary offensive scheme (running or passing, whichever works).

2) A balanced running and passing game (the Bills before Fred Jackson's injury).

The Jets had neither of these in 2011 and while you can blame Brian Schottenheimer all you want, that will not fix the Jets problem.

Now, let it be known here and now that I prefer the latter from a team. That way, if a star running back or quarterback gets hurt, the team is not completely crippled. Some prime examples of this scheme are the reigning Super Bowl Champion Giants, or the aforementioned Bills.

Now, I know that Mark Sanchez isn't particularly popular at the moment, and I also know that the Jets MAY possibly be in the running for the recently-released Peyton Manning. However, Sanchez was tremendous in 2010 and I am more than willing to see what he can do with a better offensive scheme and an entire offseason to work with rather than a mad-dash to get training camp in. With that being said, however, a quality rusher wouldn't hurt at all either.

The Jets may be interested in delving into the market to find a rusher for the future, and this year's market is tremendous, topping off with Peyton Hillis, Michael Bush, and Matt Forte. With future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson not returning, and Shonn Greene not living up to expectations, Joe McKnight and any of the above players could make a great rushing core. The Jets could use McKnight and a free agent signee of choice as the primary and secondary rushers, and then make Greene the third running back.

Bringing Back Brandon

Many commentators and fans alike are of the popular opinion that longtime Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will not return in 2012.

The Giants had the 29th ranked run game in the league in 2011, largely due to a foot injury to Ahmad Bradshaw that slowed him down, the lack of a competent kick returner, and Brandon Jacobs' ineffectiveness early on. In fact, B-Jac was so ineffective, I called him out by name in a November 2011 article, (SEE: "You May Be Right...", Monday, November 28, 2011).

However, after that article was published, B-Jac began his turn around, including his longest run of the 2011 season, at 14 yards, which continued into the playoffs.

Jacobs is also a durable team player. For the past two seasons, he has been willing to restructure his contract to help the Giants with salary cap restraints, and was the driving force behind Ahmad Bradshaw's return when he gave up some of his potential earnings to help bring his companion back for 2011 and beyond. In his seven year long career, he has never played less than 11 games (which he played in 2007), including two years (2005, 2010) in which he played all 16 games.

Jacobs may not be a speedy player, but he is notorious for breaking tackles and pushing through defenses to get the key yardage for a touchdown or critical first down in a game. He also holds the Giants franchise record with 56 career rushing touchdowns.

Brandon Jacobs is one of the genuine team players in the league today and not only does he DESERVE to receive a guaranteed contract for 2012 and beyond, he has more than EARNED one.

Jacobs sets the Giants' franchise record with his 56th career rushing touchdown.

NFL Hot Stove

The Buffalo Bills have finally signed WR Stevie Johnson to a 5-year, $36,250,000 contract. This was right on time and I commend GM Buddy Nix for his work both leading up to this deal (extending Jackson and Fitz) and during the negotiations. A new era in Buffalo is upon us!

The New York Giants have used the franchise tag on P Steve Weatherford. He will earn about $2,500,000 in 2012 if he stays under the tag, and is the third punter in NFL history to receive the tag from any team.

The Patriots have tagged WR Wes Welker.

Hot Stove!

Former Tigers 2B Carlos Guillen has announced his retirement after 14 seasons in the major leagues. The oft-injured Guillen hit .232 over 38 games. He hit .285 for his career and hit .353 in the 2006 World Series for Detroit.

The Pirates have signed OF Andrew McCutchen to a 6-year, $51,500,000 contract extention through the 2017 season with a club option for 2018. He hit .259 with 23 home runs and 89 RBIs in 2011 with 23 steals.