Remarks and Resolutions

There are four full days left in this year. I am looking forward to 2009 and a new beginning. Hopefully the year in sports will be a fulfilling and fantastic one for fans. I had some unbelievable surprises (Giants winning the Superbowl) and utter disappointments (Yankees missing the post-season). As a fan, I also experienced the intrepid rise and remarkable run from my team (Kansas’ national championship) and another quick outing in the playoffs (Houston Rockets). Ohio State limped out of the game against LSU in January and flopped again this fall. The Cowboys were on fire early, only to erase their NFC East lead late. And the Devils and Kings went nowhere as the final puck dropped and the Stanley Cup traveled elsewhere.
Here are a few problems I would like to see resolved in 2009. There are some necessary changes needed this New Year in sports.

The Yankees are moving into a new home come April. It’s time for second baseman, Robinson Cano, to step into his own. He was never a solid player defensively, but there is no excuse for his lackluster play last season. His bat needs to come alive again like it was under Joe Torre. His so-called mentor, Larry Bowa, is gone so somebody needs to take Cano under his wing and remind him of his gifted ability to hit the ball. The Yankees need him for the future. If it takes Joe Girardi benching him, Jeter calling him out in the press or fan backlash, this guy has to change his attitude.

The Mets must sign Manny Ramirez. Manny will always be Manny, but why not see what he can bring to the Mets? It does not matter what happened in the past with Boston. Ramirez showed what he could do when he is motivated in leading the L.A. Dodgers into the playoffs. He carried L.A. on his back last year and I can only imagine what he would have done for N.Y. had Omar Minaya signed him at the trade deadline. Maybe the Mets would have eeked their way into the post-season. Maybe not. All I know is the Mets are desperate for a right-handed bat to take the pressure of David Right. Manny is capable of becoming a leader in the clubhouse. We all know the Mets need a leader who isn’t afraid to take a stand. Sign Manny for two years. It won’t be a mistake.

The Cowboys have to resolve their coaching issue. Wade Phillips is a players’ coach. Owner, Jerry Jones, has already stated Phillips will lead Dallas in 2009, but we all know Jones changes his mind. Tony Romo is the franchise quarterback and is not going anywhere. Romo and T.O. can play nice together, and the Cowboys are loaded with talent. They still need to add a few defensive players and solidify their offense. But addressing the head coaching issue is number one. Personally, I would like to see Bill Cowher take over in Dallas. Since there is little chance of Cowher packing up and moving to Texas, I think Phillips should stay. For whatever reason, Wade is making it as a coach in Dallas. Jason Garrett is his gifted and intelligent assistant coach. I don’t think he’s the man to take over quite yet. Wade should be given the autonomy to make more decisions on offense and I think the Cowboys will work things out.

The Rockets keep doing the same thing year in and out. I thought the addition of Ron Artest would spark this team into the Western Conference finals. Right now, it does not look like that will be the case. Clearly, Yao Ming is the cornerstone of this Houston team. He’s the best center the NBA has to offer. Tracy McGrady wants to be the star, but he needs to come to terms with the fact he is hindered by injuries every season. McGrady’s knee problem has to be addressed. If Tracy can’t be a consistent contributor, the Rockets need to move on and find a viable replacement. I would like to see their younger players get more court time in the New Year.

The Giants’ Superbowl victory couldn’t possibly be topped. If they go on to win back-to-back Superbowls, you could argue this team is a dynasty. It is so rare in the NFL today to repeat titles. The Patriots did it but no other team has really been as dominant since. The Giants have the chance to do that in February. The AFC is wide-open. Any team that gets into the playoffs could make it all the way. I feel the Giants will return to the big game in Tampa and win it all again. Tom Coughlin is my choice for coach of the year. The Giants need to let go of Plaxico Burress once and for all next year. No more third or fourth chances for number 17. Without Plaxico, the Giants are weaker. But sometimes being weaker makes a team stronger, and that will be the case with New York once Burress is finally out of their minds.

The Jets need to find a quarterback. And Brett Favre needs to retire.

The Devils always seem to play second fiddle to the cross-town Rangers. New Jersey skates under the radar all season and when they do make headlines, it’s for losing playoff games. Last night was a nice Devil victory over the Rangers. I think this team has made necessary adjustments already in 2008 and I hope that continues next year. It will be a difficult climb come playoff time but the Devils are a legitimate team. I’ve been a proponent all year for Zach Parise and in 2009, I believe he should get his due respect.

Ohio State’s number one New Year’s resolution should be the grooming of Terrell Pryor and the re-establishment of the running game. The Buckeyes are traditionally a dominating defensive team that likes to run the ball. I say go with what you do best. The Buckeyes are best playing to their strengths and with Pryor they should return to the top of the Big 10. Jim Tressel needs to recruit players that fit the Ohio State system. That includes prolific runners and defensive playmakers.

Parting points: There were some good bowl games yesterday. I was pleased to see Pat White win his fourth bowl game for West Virginia in four years playing for the Mountaineers. The Florida State Seminoles completely crushed Wisconsin in the first meeting between the two. And, congrats to Cal in their Emerald Bowl win over Miami.