Would someone please help the Knicks find a groove! Timofy Mozgov appears to be useless. Landry Fields on the other hand is a great draft. A little raw (see soft fouls) but his determination and touch are wonderful. If Amar'e does that little hokey pokey dance of his he's going to get a lot more shots and free throws. But it is important that we see him drive to the basket also. Probably the weakest point is his defense. Once in foul trouble it appears he plays off. Yeah, no one wants to foul out in the 3rd quarter but at least put those long arms straight up. Felton gets too wild which leads to a lot of turnovers. The Knicks turnover the ball more than 20 times a game and that is just unacceptable. A few of these turnovers are just stupid. Hopefully, it is a matter of team chemistry which will soon come together. Anyone find Wilson Chandler's tooth yet?
The Nets have won 3 games, all comebacks. It shows something though: they don't stop playing. I love the Outlaw / Morrow point threat. And if Favors can put a few more points and boards up, Devon Harris will have someone else to share the spotlight with. Altogether, the Nets team has the potential to climb out of the cellar this year. Brook Lopez is a great player and when he finds himself again, the Nets won't have to look to their bench so quickly. Granted, with Kris Humphries coming off the bench like he did last night (13 pts 18 rbs), it wouldn't be such a bad thing. This might be the Nets year to finish over .500!!
Giants look to face the derailed Cowboys. This game won't be as close as the other meetings.
Jets vs. Browns could be the game of the week. An inspired Browns (3-5) led by Colt McCoy look to shake things up for the Jets (6-2). McCoy took down Brady last week and is looking for another AFC East victory. The Jets are behind Rex looking to show that they are the dominant force in the East if not the entire AFC. Braylon Edwards comes home but to what results? I pick the Jets. If their defensive slumber snaps which it will with a healthy Revis, the Jets should take an early lead and hold on.
Dear Mr. Cashman,
Do whatever you have to in order for Cliff to come to New York. Also, can you dump Burnett??
Sincerely,
A Yankees Fan
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Keep 'em or dump 'em
The Daily News today had a nice layout of prominent Yankee faces this season with the title mentioned above. Let's go down the list and review the names and make the decision.
Joe Girardi
Keep him. He's not a bad manager. A little quirky at times, but good with the media and good with his players. Next year, he should have better tools to play with in order to manufacture #28.
Robinson Cano
Dump him. Na I'm just kidding. Keep him of course. Trading him for any player in the league would be a mistake. Homegrown talent, has a great glove, great power, and a lovely smile. Overall the best player on the team right now. Possibly in the league. If he doesn't get MVP and a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, I'll be sorely displeased. He did everything the Yanks needed him to do besides hit 7 home runs a game.
Derek Jeter
Keep him. Okay, so he didn't bat +.300 this year, but I'm gonna say it's not a decline in age as much as it is a year without Yankee-aided stats. The early offseason pays off for him as he needs the rest and the time to work on his swing. He finished with 179, the same as 2008, albeit fewer at-bats. A four year deal that goes down like this: "Hey Jeet, you get to spend two years playing on the field. The last two, you spend time DH-ing. That is if you're not doing any photo shoots as the Face of the Yankees."
Mark Teixeira
Keep him. But would someone please help the guy get started earlier. Another putrid April is unbearable. Other than that, I love the guy. Gold Glove repeat? I think so. The only reason any of the infield has committed so few errors is because the guy at first has a net for a glove.
Alex Rodriguez
Keep him. But don't always sit him in clean up next year. Perhaps put him behind Cano. After the stellar year Cano had, it would be easy for pitchers to walk him to face Alex. That's probably not gonna work nor will it happen, but A-Rod definitely has a few more years left swinging the bat.
Brett Gardner
Keep him. Speed, defense, and at some times, a solid singles hitter. But this year, he should spend about 200+ hours learning how to put a bunt down. And in 2011, he lays down a bunt once every 10 at-bats, is successful in 4, he's got a great average booster as well as putting himself on base.
Curtis Granderson
There's no way you can trade him now so you're gonna have to keep him. But at the same time, I wish he would work on his throws a bit. He had that great double play earlier in the year and a few great dives towards the end. If he worked on his throw, perhaps Andrus wouldn't have tagged. Doesn't matter. Next March, Kevin Long helps him get his swing in the groove earlier, and we finally see all that production we were promised.
Nick Swisher
Keep him. Teach him some plate discipline and how to bunt and you've got probably you're best outfielder. Keep him healthy, too. But please, stop him from doing those All-Star campaigns.
Jorge Posada
Keep him. But only on a two year contract. Just long enough for Austin Romine or Jesus Montero to come up and replace him. He plays another year behind home plate splitting time. The next year full time DH with an occasional start, like in interleague. He retires after 2012 and has his jersey retired by the Yankees.
That rounds out our starting fielders, on to reserves.
Ramiro Pena
Keep him. Great, versatile glove. And if he works on his batting, he becomes a great give-alex-and-jeter-a-day-off guy. I love his attitude and work ethic.
Francisco Cervelli
Keep him for the next two years. Like Posada, we're just waiting for Romine or Montero. Once they get the call and prove they can be viable hitters, we're not gonna need Cervelli or Posada anymore.
Greg Golson
Keep him. In a year or two, either they let him start playing more. Or they get some trade value out of him. That one awesome throw alone is worth letting him play the outfield in the 9th inning of every game.
Marcus Thames
Keep him. One year deal. Don't ever let this guy field. He's got a decent off the bench bat. And is pretty potent on flame throwing righties.
Austin Kearns
Dump him. Looks like Cashman is gonna have a long winter ahead of him. After last year's offseason acquirement fiascos of Johnson, Winn, and Park, he tried to fix his mistakes with Berkman, Kearns, and Wood. Other than Wood, the rest was of little help. So that makes him 1 for 6 (excluding Thames). Good luck Brian.
Lance Berkman
Dump him. Sure, having him play 1st after Mark got injured seemed prudent. But he doesn't wanna stay and play part time DH and reserve 1st basemen. Grant him his wish and let him go. Assuming the Yankees find another washed up player who can't field anymore, we won't miss him anyways.
Nick Johnson
He's still around? Get rid of him. Now. Useless.
Starting Pitching!!!
CC Sabathia
Keep him. Stellar year. Mediocre post-season performance but it's hard to ask a guy to carry a team. He needs some support behind him. I'll explain later
A. J. Burnett
DUMP HIM!!!! Swallow the salary. Get rid of him, even if it costs the Yanks 60 million. This guy is an embarrassment. You can't expect to win any game he starts because you never know when he's gonna open up the hitting buffet.
Andy Pettite
Age doesn't seem to affect his control or his calmness on the mound. The groin injury was a sign though. I'd leave this up to him. If he wants to come back for another year, then let him do it. He's a great 3rd pitcher and his postseason ERA was great! But he is getting old, so 1 year deal for now. Two at most. Three if you're Brian Cashman.
Phil Hughes
Keep him. Develop that changeup and use it more. The future of the yankees is in his hands. He's got a great fastball and decent curve. It's his third pitch he needs to work on. Watching him throughout the year, I feel he can develop that third pitch and from there, it's all gravy.
Didn't we have a fifth starter? Who was it. Ivan Nova? Dustin Moseley? Sergio Mitre? No, those are spot starters and long relievers. Then who was it? Oh, I know. . .
Javier Vazquez
Dump him. I'd rather not talk about this, but after hitting three guys in a row, someone needs to give him the boot. Round 2 wasn't better than Round 1 for Javy. Possibly, the worst move made by Cashman. Just take your money and leave Mr. Vazquez.
And now, relief corps!
Joba Chamberlain
Dump him. I'm sure we can make some decent trades for this guy. He's got good stuff, but he deserves to be a starting pitcher. Send him somewhere for some prospects or something. Good luck Joba!
David Robertson
Keep him. Overlook that 5 run outing and you see he's not a bad reliever. Certainly, no Rolaids Reliever of the Year but he's definitely worth keeping around, if only for another year or two.
Damaso Marte
Keep him. He's undergoing shoulder surgery now. It'd take anyone a year to recover after that stellar World Series last November. He deserves his chance.
Boone Logan
Keep him. But let him get his work in. See if he is not only a lefty specialist but also a righty's nightmare.
Kerry Wood
Keep him. Best pickup this year! He's got a lot of life in his 33 year old arm. Perhaps he's the bridge not just between the 7th inning and Mariano but between Mariano and the future closer. Just don't let him grow the 'stache again.
Sergio Mitre
Dump him. He had a great time but there's no real need for him now. He's proven he can get back on the horse after Tommy John surgery. Perhaps there is a future out there for him as a starter again. Just not with the Yankees.
Dustin Moseley
Keep him. Not a bad sport starter and perhaps he can be of some trade value in July. He's earned himself another pinstripe year, at least for me.
Ivan Nova
Keep him. Starter number 5. CC, [insert C. Lee here], Pettite, Hughes, and Nova. Young arm, needs some work. I'm willing to let him try it rather than Vazquez or anyone else.
Mariano Rivera
KEEP HIM!!! Let him retire when he is good and done. Still an outstanding closer. A true Living Legend.
Good luck Mr. Cashman. I hope you make wise choices this time around. And if you need it, my wallet is always available to help you get Cliff Lee. And if you have the time, see if Greinke is interested.
Joe Girardi
Keep him. He's not a bad manager. A little quirky at times, but good with the media and good with his players. Next year, he should have better tools to play with in order to manufacture #28.
Robinson Cano
Dump him. Na I'm just kidding. Keep him of course. Trading him for any player in the league would be a mistake. Homegrown talent, has a great glove, great power, and a lovely smile. Overall the best player on the team right now. Possibly in the league. If he doesn't get MVP and a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, I'll be sorely displeased. He did everything the Yanks needed him to do besides hit 7 home runs a game.
Derek Jeter
Keep him. Okay, so he didn't bat +.300 this year, but I'm gonna say it's not a decline in age as much as it is a year without Yankee-aided stats. The early offseason pays off for him as he needs the rest and the time to work on his swing. He finished with 179, the same as 2008, albeit fewer at-bats. A four year deal that goes down like this: "Hey Jeet, you get to spend two years playing on the field. The last two, you spend time DH-ing. That is if you're not doing any photo shoots as the Face of the Yankees."
Mark Teixeira
Keep him. But would someone please help the guy get started earlier. Another putrid April is unbearable. Other than that, I love the guy. Gold Glove repeat? I think so. The only reason any of the infield has committed so few errors is because the guy at first has a net for a glove.
Alex Rodriguez
Keep him. But don't always sit him in clean up next year. Perhaps put him behind Cano. After the stellar year Cano had, it would be easy for pitchers to walk him to face Alex. That's probably not gonna work nor will it happen, but A-Rod definitely has a few more years left swinging the bat.
Brett Gardner
Keep him. Speed, defense, and at some times, a solid singles hitter. But this year, he should spend about 200+ hours learning how to put a bunt down. And in 2011, he lays down a bunt once every 10 at-bats, is successful in 4, he's got a great average booster as well as putting himself on base.
Curtis Granderson
There's no way you can trade him now so you're gonna have to keep him. But at the same time, I wish he would work on his throws a bit. He had that great double play earlier in the year and a few great dives towards the end. If he worked on his throw, perhaps Andrus wouldn't have tagged. Doesn't matter. Next March, Kevin Long helps him get his swing in the groove earlier, and we finally see all that production we were promised.
Nick Swisher
Keep him. Teach him some plate discipline and how to bunt and you've got probably you're best outfielder. Keep him healthy, too. But please, stop him from doing those All-Star campaigns.
Jorge Posada
Keep him. But only on a two year contract. Just long enough for Austin Romine or Jesus Montero to come up and replace him. He plays another year behind home plate splitting time. The next year full time DH with an occasional start, like in interleague. He retires after 2012 and has his jersey retired by the Yankees.
That rounds out our starting fielders, on to reserves.
Ramiro Pena
Keep him. Great, versatile glove. And if he works on his batting, he becomes a great give-alex-and-jeter-a-day-off guy. I love his attitude and work ethic.
Francisco Cervelli
Keep him for the next two years. Like Posada, we're just waiting for Romine or Montero. Once they get the call and prove they can be viable hitters, we're not gonna need Cervelli or Posada anymore.
Greg Golson
Keep him. In a year or two, either they let him start playing more. Or they get some trade value out of him. That one awesome throw alone is worth letting him play the outfield in the 9th inning of every game.
Marcus Thames
Keep him. One year deal. Don't ever let this guy field. He's got a decent off the bench bat. And is pretty potent on flame throwing righties.
Austin Kearns
Dump him. Looks like Cashman is gonna have a long winter ahead of him. After last year's offseason acquirement fiascos of Johnson, Winn, and Park, he tried to fix his mistakes with Berkman, Kearns, and Wood. Other than Wood, the rest was of little help. So that makes him 1 for 6 (excluding Thames). Good luck Brian.
Lance Berkman
Dump him. Sure, having him play 1st after Mark got injured seemed prudent. But he doesn't wanna stay and play part time DH and reserve 1st basemen. Grant him his wish and let him go. Assuming the Yankees find another washed up player who can't field anymore, we won't miss him anyways.
Nick Johnson
He's still around? Get rid of him. Now. Useless.
Starting Pitching!!!
CC Sabathia
Keep him. Stellar year. Mediocre post-season performance but it's hard to ask a guy to carry a team. He needs some support behind him. I'll explain later
A. J. Burnett
DUMP HIM!!!! Swallow the salary. Get rid of him, even if it costs the Yanks 60 million. This guy is an embarrassment. You can't expect to win any game he starts because you never know when he's gonna open up the hitting buffet.
Andy Pettite
Age doesn't seem to affect his control or his calmness on the mound. The groin injury was a sign though. I'd leave this up to him. If he wants to come back for another year, then let him do it. He's a great 3rd pitcher and his postseason ERA was great! But he is getting old, so 1 year deal for now. Two at most. Three if you're Brian Cashman.
Phil Hughes
Keep him. Develop that changeup and use it more. The future of the yankees is in his hands. He's got a great fastball and decent curve. It's his third pitch he needs to work on. Watching him throughout the year, I feel he can develop that third pitch and from there, it's all gravy.
Didn't we have a fifth starter? Who was it. Ivan Nova? Dustin Moseley? Sergio Mitre? No, those are spot starters and long relievers. Then who was it? Oh, I know. . .
Javier Vazquez
Dump him. I'd rather not talk about this, but after hitting three guys in a row, someone needs to give him the boot. Round 2 wasn't better than Round 1 for Javy. Possibly, the worst move made by Cashman. Just take your money and leave Mr. Vazquez.
And now, relief corps!
Joba Chamberlain
Dump him. I'm sure we can make some decent trades for this guy. He's got good stuff, but he deserves to be a starting pitcher. Send him somewhere for some prospects or something. Good luck Joba!
David Robertson
Keep him. Overlook that 5 run outing and you see he's not a bad reliever. Certainly, no Rolaids Reliever of the Year but he's definitely worth keeping around, if only for another year or two.
Damaso Marte
Keep him. He's undergoing shoulder surgery now. It'd take anyone a year to recover after that stellar World Series last November. He deserves his chance.
Boone Logan
Keep him. But let him get his work in. See if he is not only a lefty specialist but also a righty's nightmare.
Kerry Wood
Keep him. Best pickup this year! He's got a lot of life in his 33 year old arm. Perhaps he's the bridge not just between the 7th inning and Mariano but between Mariano and the future closer. Just don't let him grow the 'stache again.
Sergio Mitre
Dump him. He had a great time but there's no real need for him now. He's proven he can get back on the horse after Tommy John surgery. Perhaps there is a future out there for him as a starter again. Just not with the Yankees.
Dustin Moseley
Keep him. Not a bad sport starter and perhaps he can be of some trade value in July. He's earned himself another pinstripe year, at least for me.
Ivan Nova
Keep him. Starter number 5. CC, [insert C. Lee here], Pettite, Hughes, and Nova. Young arm, needs some work. I'm willing to let him try it rather than Vazquez or anyone else.
Mariano Rivera
KEEP HIM!!! Let him retire when he is good and done. Still an outstanding closer. A true Living Legend.
Good luck Mr. Cashman. I hope you make wise choices this time around. And if you need it, my wallet is always available to help you get Cliff Lee. And if you have the time, see if Greinke is interested.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
It's Go Time
Yankees have to win. And I truly believe they will. Yankees in 7. Giants lose tonight, win series in 6. What a wonderful World Series that'll be!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Last Chance
Texas is finally gonna clinch. I swear. There is no way Cliff Lee is not pumped up to the max to throw his best playoff game yet. David Price likewise is gonna be at his best. Regardless of the winner, the Yankees look primed to do some damage. Both clubs aces won't pitch on friday which leaves CC pitching against CJ Wilson or BIg Lame James Shields. I wouldn't doubt it if the Rays advance that they have Garza start before Shields. If it's Texas, which I sure hope it is, CJ WIlson will have a lot harder time shutting out the Yankees than he did the Rays.
If I had to choose an NLDS MVP, I'd pick Curtis Granderson. The Yankees came in not sure of what each player was capable of. Fortunately, a few guys brought out their best. Granderson hit .455 (5-11) with two extra base hits and three RBIs. If he keeps that up, the next opponent is gonna need some great defense to get through the bottom of the lineup. With only Brett Gardner hitting under .270, and the two DHs batting .364, this Yankee lineup is so scary. Let's say Gardner finds a nice stroke or lays down some better bunts, he'll pick up 2 hits a game. That should round off the most solid offense and defense in the playoffs. I can't wait. . .
Robinson Cano for MVP
I was right about Philly sweeping and the Giants winning the series 3-1. Why can't the Rays lose already? Unfortunately, I wasn't so accurate with the Football predictions
Football Week 5
Giants over Houston. (Post)
I wrote about this earlier. Again, Eli threw for almost 300 yards and the Giants rushed for 117. A couple of sacks for Tuck and a big W for the G-Men.
Jacksonville over Buffalo. Buffalo is now 0-5. Pitiful.
Baltimore over Denver aka Flacco over Orton. (Post) Rice did most of the scoring after Flacco turned the ball over to him. Orton threw well but the running game was disappointing.
Colts over Chiefs. Wow, Peyton threw 1 INT and 0 TDs. Chiefs still lost as apparently Vinatieri and Succop kicked the ball around all day.
Packers over Redskins. Not only was I wrong about this one but Rodgers got hit in the head and is possibly out for next week.
Rams over Lions. (Post) Did not see that blowout coming. Lions 44 points won't happen against the Giants.
Panthers over Chicago sans Cutler. (Post) Matt Forte stepped it up and rushed for 2 TDs to help the Bears succeed without Cutler.
Bengals over Tampa Bay. (Post) An analyst commented that the Bengals had a lot of star power but no substance. Poor Ochocinco had 3 catches for 20 yards. And Revis wasn't around!
Hawks over Browns. No brainer.
New Orleans over Cardinals. (Post) The strangest game of the week. Brees needs to step it up.
Dallas over Titans. I hope I'm wrong. . . And I'm glad I was wrong. Dallas is now 1-3 going to face the 1-3 Vikings
San Diego over Raiders. (Post) Another odd game. Rivers threw for over 400 yards and 2 TDs but special teams gave them back.
Eagles over San Fran. Kolb has some potential, but again, if I'm wrong, I wouldn't mind. . . Kolb had a 103.3 Passer Rating with 1 TD. Mikell's fumble recovery for a TD opened the gap which apparently the Eagles needed. Alex Smith threw a 3rd TD with 2:02 in the 4th yet took the loss.
and
J-E-T-S over Vikings. I blame the rain for the sloppy offense in the first half. Favre sparked up in the 4th but Sanchez wasn't gonna back down so easily. He showed some cool as he threw from the pocket right into the middle. The two Viking safeties had trouble keeping Edwards's hands off the ball on those square in routes. After Sanchez's completion, the two star backs ran in an insurance TD. They needed it. Jets go to 4-1 with no turnovers in 4 games. Keep it up.
Overall:
7-14
Post:
5-14
If I had to choose an NLDS MVP, I'd pick Curtis Granderson. The Yankees came in not sure of what each player was capable of. Fortunately, a few guys brought out their best. Granderson hit .455 (5-11) with two extra base hits and three RBIs. If he keeps that up, the next opponent is gonna need some great defense to get through the bottom of the lineup. With only Brett Gardner hitting under .270, and the two DHs batting .364, this Yankee lineup is so scary. Let's say Gardner finds a nice stroke or lays down some better bunts, he'll pick up 2 hits a game. That should round off the most solid offense and defense in the playoffs. I can't wait. . .
Robinson Cano for MVP
I was right about Philly sweeping and the Giants winning the series 3-1. Why can't the Rays lose already? Unfortunately, I wasn't so accurate with the Football predictions
Football Week 5
Giants over Houston. (Post)
I wrote about this earlier. Again, Eli threw for almost 300 yards and the Giants rushed for 117. A couple of sacks for Tuck and a big W for the G-Men.
Jacksonville over Buffalo. Buffalo is now 0-5. Pitiful.
Baltimore over Denver aka Flacco over Orton. (Post) Rice did most of the scoring after Flacco turned the ball over to him. Orton threw well but the running game was disappointing.
Colts over Chiefs. Wow, Peyton threw 1 INT and 0 TDs. Chiefs still lost as apparently Vinatieri and Succop kicked the ball around all day.
Packers over Redskins. Not only was I wrong about this one but Rodgers got hit in the head and is possibly out for next week.
Rams over Lions. (Post) Did not see that blowout coming. Lions 44 points won't happen against the Giants.
Panthers over Chicago sans Cutler. (Post) Matt Forte stepped it up and rushed for 2 TDs to help the Bears succeed without Cutler.
Bengals over Tampa Bay. (Post) An analyst commented that the Bengals had a lot of star power but no substance. Poor Ochocinco had 3 catches for 20 yards. And Revis wasn't around!
Hawks over Browns. No brainer.
New Orleans over Cardinals. (Post) The strangest game of the week. Brees needs to step it up.
Dallas over Titans. I hope I'm wrong. . . And I'm glad I was wrong. Dallas is now 1-3 going to face the 1-3 Vikings
San Diego over Raiders. (Post) Another odd game. Rivers threw for over 400 yards and 2 TDs but special teams gave them back.
Eagles over San Fran. Kolb has some potential, but again, if I'm wrong, I wouldn't mind. . . Kolb had a 103.3 Passer Rating with 1 TD. Mikell's fumble recovery for a TD opened the gap which apparently the Eagles needed. Alex Smith threw a 3rd TD with 2:02 in the 4th yet took the loss.
and
J-E-T-S over Vikings. I blame the rain for the sloppy offense in the first half. Favre sparked up in the 4th but Sanchez wasn't gonna back down so easily. He showed some cool as he threw from the pocket right into the middle. The two Viking safeties had trouble keeping Edwards's hands off the ball on those square in routes. After Sanchez's completion, the two star backs ran in an insurance TD. They needed it. Jets go to 4-1 with no turnovers in 4 games. Keep it up.
Overall:
7-14
Post:
5-14
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Recap and Predictions
I don't usually say this but I'm glad I was wrong. I called the Yankees to win 3-1, but they did it 3-0. Can't be mad. I just assumed that one game the Twins might decide to hit with runners in scoring position. Guess not. As a Yankee fan, I don't care who they face next. The three pitchers this series showed they aren't afraid of anyone and they can get it done. What was better to watch: Andy Pettite showing dominance after his recent lapse or Phil Hughes shutting out the Twins over 7?
So recap: Told you there wasn't gonna be a no hitter in the Phillies Reds matchup. The Reds led off with a home run. But sure enough, they blew it. Phillies win and I'm 1 - 1 on the day. Phil Hughes had them guessing all night with his fastball. Four relievers were used. That makes me 2 - 2. Giants blew it and Atlanta won. 3 - 3! The Rays still suck even if they won. 4 - 4!!
Today, Phillies sweep. Rangers close out the series. And the Giants win in Turner Field.
Robinson Cano for MVP
Football Week 5
After a few weeks you kinda get the feel for teams. So I put together my picks. I'll let you know when my pick is the same as The Post.
Giants over Houston. (Post)
Jacksonville over Buffalo.
Baltimore over Denver aka Flacco over Orton. (Post)
Colts over Chiefs.
Packers over Redskins.
Rams over Lions. (Post)
Panthers over Chicago sans Cutler. (Post)
Bengals over Tampa Bay. (Post)
Hawks over Browns.
New Orleans over Cardinals. (Post)
Dallas over Titans. I hope I'm wrong.
San Diego over Raiders. (Post)
Eagles over San Fran. Kolb has some potential, but again, if I'm wrong, I wouldn't mind.
and
J-E-T-S over Vikings.
I don't care if Moss is back. So is Revis and Holmes. . . Cromartie named his most recent kid Jerzie which was a great idea. Now he can remember her name, where she lives, and where he got the mom pregnant all at once! . . . I don't care what Brett Favre does off the field. As an athlete, all he should be worried about is how many yards, TDs, and Ints he throws.
So recap: Told you there wasn't gonna be a no hitter in the Phillies Reds matchup. The Reds led off with a home run. But sure enough, they blew it. Phillies win and I'm 1 - 1 on the day. Phil Hughes had them guessing all night with his fastball. Four relievers were used. That makes me 2 - 2. Giants blew it and Atlanta won. 3 - 3! The Rays still suck even if they won. 4 - 4!!
Today, Phillies sweep. Rangers close out the series. And the Giants win in Turner Field.
Robinson Cano for MVP
Football Week 5
After a few weeks you kinda get the feel for teams. So I put together my picks. I'll let you know when my pick is the same as The Post.
Giants over Houston. (Post)
Jacksonville over Buffalo.
Baltimore over Denver aka Flacco over Orton. (Post)
Colts over Chiefs.
Packers over Redskins.
Rams over Lions. (Post)
Panthers over Chicago sans Cutler. (Post)
Bengals over Tampa Bay. (Post)
Hawks over Browns.
New Orleans over Cardinals. (Post)
Dallas over Titans. I hope I'm wrong.
San Diego over Raiders. (Post)
Eagles over San Fran. Kolb has some potential, but again, if I'm wrong, I wouldn't mind.
and
J-E-T-S over Vikings.
I don't care if Moss is back. So is Revis and Holmes. . . Cromartie named his most recent kid Jerzie which was a great idea. Now he can remember her name, where she lives, and where he got the mom pregnant all at once! . . . I don't care what Brett Favre does off the field. As an athlete, all he should be worried about is how many yards, TDs, and Ints he throws.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Division Series!
2-0 for the Yanks. I expect Hughes to return home, be focused and keep the Twins to 2 runs through 6, especially since they have never seen him before. That action fastball is gonna have them guessing all night. The 'pen will be working tomorrow night, guaranteed. I really liked what the TBS announcers called Mo' yesterday. After Granderson singled in Gardner for an insurance run, one of the voices claimed, "As if Girardi needs any more insurance with an insurance policy that wears number 42." Witty.
If the Reds weren't so dismayed by that no-no the other night, I'd pick them to win over the Phils. Of course I don't know what goes on in the clubhouse between games. Looking at how the Reds superstars have hit him, there will be no no hitter. But the playoffs are playoffs. I'm gonna have to go with the Phillies on this one, even if I don't wanna.
Talk about being accurate. David Wells called 3 for 3 yesterday for the games. Another analyst commenting on the Atlanta at Giants said, "This game is going to be a boring one, little action." That depends on what action is to you. Personally, I love seeing Lincecum deal: 14 Ks! For the rest of the rotation I'm not so sure for either team. Giants lose tonight but take the series 3-1.
The Rays suck!
Man, I love when people agree with me. Eli "should feast on NFL's worst pass D" (the Daily News fantasy report). Arian Foster and the Houstons are gonna run on the Giant's all day. Hopefully, the Giants know that. Schaub isn't a fan of getting knocked out so he'll probably keep it short and hand off, perhaps even screen, more than usual. I'd still pick the Giants to win.
Jets look unstoppable. But the Favre and Moss connection could be deadly. No comment.
If the Reds weren't so dismayed by that no-no the other night, I'd pick them to win over the Phils. Of course I don't know what goes on in the clubhouse between games. Looking at how the Reds superstars have hit him, there will be no no hitter. But the playoffs are playoffs. I'm gonna have to go with the Phillies on this one, even if I don't wanna.
Talk about being accurate. David Wells called 3 for 3 yesterday for the games. Another analyst commenting on the Atlanta at Giants said, "This game is going to be a boring one, little action." That depends on what action is to you. Personally, I love seeing Lincecum deal: 14 Ks! For the rest of the rotation I'm not so sure for either team. Giants lose tonight but take the series 3-1.
The Rays suck!
Man, I love when people agree with me. Eli "should feast on NFL's worst pass D" (the Daily News fantasy report). Arian Foster and the Houstons are gonna run on the Giant's all day. Hopefully, the Giants know that. Schaub isn't a fan of getting knocked out so he'll probably keep it short and hand off, perhaps even screen, more than usual. I'd still pick the Giants to win.
Jets look unstoppable. But the Favre and Moss connection could be deadly. No comment.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Here come the G-Men!
"This is what we're used to seeing from the Giants. . . These are the Giants of 2007!" I cannot recall how many times the announcers proclaimed such comments but was it ever true. Big Blue's Defense was unstoppable the first half against the Bears. Jay Cutler didn't know which way they were coming because they came from every direction. Last week Eli threw with his left hand. This week, Cutler threw with neither hand. It is most unfortunate that the Giants' offense could not collect on the wonderful opportunities provided in the first half.
On a positive note, when the offense finally decided to come into the game in the second half. It was absolutely wonderful watching them move so quickly downfield. How quickly? I changed the channel for a commercial break and before I had changed it back, the Giants had scored to make it 17-3. Eli seems to be hitting his targets just a little off. Don't panic though. He'll have a great week against Houston and Dallas: each team total is two interceptions and none were pretty. Detroit will be a stat booster.
If the D shows up next week, Schaub won't have a chance to pass 150 yards in the air. Arian Foster is the x factor. We've seen teams run on the Giants. But we're hoping for Tuck and Umenyiora to bring that same intensity that limited Chicago to 59 rushing yards. On Halloween, the Giants have a bye. This will provide a good time to measure how they stand and whether their record is 5-2 or 4-3. Anything less is unacceptable.
On a positive note, when the offense finally decided to come into the game in the second half. It was absolutely wonderful watching them move so quickly downfield. How quickly? I changed the channel for a commercial break and before I had changed it back, the Giants had scored to make it 17-3. Eli seems to be hitting his targets just a little off. Don't panic though. He'll have a great week against Houston and Dallas: each team total is two interceptions and none were pretty. Detroit will be a stat booster.
If the D shows up next week, Schaub won't have a chance to pass 150 yards in the air. Arian Foster is the x factor. We've seen teams run on the Giants. But we're hoping for Tuck and Umenyiora to bring that same intensity that limited Chicago to 59 rushing yards. On Halloween, the Giants have a bye. This will provide a good time to measure how they stand and whether their record is 5-2 or 4-3. Anything less is unacceptable.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Yankees vs. Twins in the ALDS
Assuming the Yankees don't clinch the division, they will face the Minnesota Twins. Which might be a good thing for Jeter who's mere ten home runs are appalling. Except for that 414 foot shot off of Duensing earlier this year. Or Gardner, who hit one of his five against Scott Baker. Baker has been lowering his ERA since his August 22 start against the Angels. Liriano on the other hand has not allowed the Yanks a home run this year.
For Yankee pitching, CC hasn't faced the Twins since last years ALDS. But there is no doubt in my mind that he won't be as sharp as he was against them last year. If not better. The extra rest will certainly allow CC to come into Game 1 with fire. Assuming that Joe Girardi hears our prayers and allows Pettite to start Game 2 over Burnett, the Twins will find it hard to manufacture anything against him. Pettite has allowed only two RBIs by the twins this year. For Game 3, I'd take Phil Hughes and then let Nova start the 4th. By that time, the Yanks will be facing the back end of the Twins rotation. Who you might ask? Nick Blackburn!! Nick likes to trade wins and losses like he's on the floor at Wall Street. He's 10-11 this year with a 5.55 ERA. Hopefully, he'll be trading only once and it will be for a loss against the Yanks in October.
What else is there to say? If A-Rod hits his 30th home run in the next 4 games, he'll have another 30-100 season. With Teixeira already there, Cano could join him with two more. Three infielders with 30-100? Potent.
Mariano shakes off the dust and gets back to form. CC and Pettite shut down both sides of the plate. And my man Phil shows that the Yankee farm system is still great!
AH, baseball in October. Here we go!
For Yankee pitching, CC hasn't faced the Twins since last years ALDS. But there is no doubt in my mind that he won't be as sharp as he was against them last year. If not better. The extra rest will certainly allow CC to come into Game 1 with fire. Assuming that Joe Girardi hears our prayers and allows Pettite to start Game 2 over Burnett, the Twins will find it hard to manufacture anything against him. Pettite has allowed only two RBIs by the twins this year. For Game 3, I'd take Phil Hughes and then let Nova start the 4th. By that time, the Yanks will be facing the back end of the Twins rotation. Who you might ask? Nick Blackburn!! Nick likes to trade wins and losses like he's on the floor at Wall Street. He's 10-11 this year with a 5.55 ERA. Hopefully, he'll be trading only once and it will be for a loss against the Yanks in October.
What else is there to say? If A-Rod hits his 30th home run in the next 4 games, he'll have another 30-100 season. With Teixeira already there, Cano could join him with two more. Three infielders with 30-100? Potent.
Mariano shakes off the dust and gets back to form. CC and Pettite shut down both sides of the plate. And my man Phil shows that the Yankee farm system is still great!
AH, baseball in October. Here we go!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Must Try!
If you're a guy out there and you've seen those hydro razor commercials and think their ad campaign makes no sense, I can relate. But I tried that razor of theirs today. WOW! The smoothest shave I've ever had. After a post shave scrub, the feeling on my face makes me think I should be out there now doing something completely awesome. You have to try it.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Post Season Preview
The Yankees enter their last nine games uncertain on who they will face in the playoffs. For the fans, we enter uncertain if they will compete at the level we expect. Something is different than last year. There is no guarantee that the Yanks can come back. All those walk-off wins spoiled us, as we were able to stay tuned to the last out because you never knew if A-Rod was gonna hit another 9th inning home run so easily. But now, more often than not, with the Yanks down in the ninth inning, top or bottom, we've seen runners in scoring position with one out only to be followed by a double play game ender. Most unfortunate, most disappointing. But there's no reason to lose all faith just yet. CC didn't look so sharp last night but he was sharp enough to win 20 games this year. And A-Rod isn't as headline grabbing clutch, yet he still batted in 113. If you give them a chance, I think the Yanks are gonna take us back to the fall classic once again.
Let's look at the possible match ups.
Yanks vs. Texas Rangers
With Texas all but wrapping up the West, we should expect to see Cliff Lee, Tommy Hunter, Nelson Cruz, and fan favorite Vlad Guerrero. And yes, that last series was saddening. But I don't see the division series getting too close.
Although Yankees fans are probably gonna have to wait a few more months til Lee is in pinstripes, and undoubtedly Cashman wants him here, we'll get a great preview of his post season fire one more time. As if the Yanks could only think of one person they'd like not to see in the playoffs while those World Series games replay on Yankees Encore, CC Sabathia poses the same threat to the Rangers. Of the three infielders that have faced him before, they are a combined 1 for 7. Kinsler, who hasn't seen CC before is batting .378 against lefties this year. The outfield isn't looking too sharp either, especially as Hamilton tries to recover in time. Even if he does play, there is no assurance he'll hit at the .361 pace he had going until September.
With Pettite back, you can expect him to perform almost if not as well as he did this year. He's getting old true, but that only guarantees that what he's doing is the same thing he's been doing all year. Too old to tweak his stuff or to develop problems with his pitches. If I were a betting man, I'd have to put the line down on 7 innings at least with sparse hits and leaves the game with only allowing 2 or less.
Burnett! Ah, can we have Nova start in place of him? I know his last outing looked great but he's so unpredictable. The only thing I hate watching more than him pitch is Javier Vazquez hitting three batters in a row. Nova, on the other hand, is sharp through the first half. I suggest Girardi pull him at the first sign of trouble. And trust me, you'll know when trouble comes. But if you can save the bullpen the first few games and have them cover the second half of a Nova start, we'd be in better shape than a Burnett Bummer. Of course that won't happen, but we're all allowed opinions.
Batting should offer a little more assurance. Against C. J. WIlson, the Yanks infield is hitting .286 against him. Unfortunately, the outfield can't say the same. But this was before Granderson found his groove. And I am confident in Gardner pulling it together. Though I should say, if he worked on his bunting a bit more, he'd be a much threatening player.
Tommy Hunter's last outing against the Yanks rendered a no-decision after 5 innings. He gave up 2 earned runs but struck out 8. That last number is daunting. Imagine if he had pitched another 2 innings? Then what, his SOs are up to 10.
Overall, Yanks take the series 3-1.
I'll get to the Twins scenario later.
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