College basketball’s greatest rivalry rears its riveting head tonight at Cameron Indoor Stadium’s home of the Duke Blue Devils. The ACC bragging rights are at stake when the 20-3 home team drops the ball against 21-2 North Carolina. Both blue teams come into the game with identical 7-2 conference records and each wants the prize presented to them tonight. N.C. and Duke have both been ranked in the top 5 this season. The game will be played at the highest level considering the circumstances and meaning of the matchup.
In recent years, the Tar Heels have come out on top, including four consecutive contests. North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough, the defending national player of the year, will play his final rivalry game as a senior this evening. Hansbrough has not lost at Cameron in his college career. North Carolina might have the upper hand again this season as the Tobacco Road showdown beckons. They are more well-balanced than Coach K’s Duke crew. The Blue Devils dwell and thrive on hitting the outside shot. Duke banks 35% from the 3 point range and really is a one-dimensional team in that aspect. They do have the home court advantage and are looking to bounce back after two discouraging defeats to the hands of Wake Forest and Clemson. The Devils need to defend against the powerhouse Carolina team. They also should try to control the tempo of the game while keeping turnovers to a minimum. Duke can compete and stay in this game against the strength of the Tar Heels if they are successful rebounding the ball. The Blue Devil’s intense perimeter shooter, Greg Paulus, needs to come up big for Coach K. The entire Duke squad is small and may struggle against Carolina’s Ed Davis and Dean Thompson. Davis and Thompson’s sheer size will impact and dictate the offense for Roy William’s winning team. The senior shooter, Danny Green, and point guards Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson bring their best each and every time out. All three N.C. stars are grinders and Ellington may be the best of the bunch. He has been playing exceptionally well lately. Look for key substitutes, Bobby Frasor and Will Graves to also make a difference for the men in powder blue.
The visiting team faces their own challenges however. The majority of the crowd will be rooting for Duke. I am sure some N.C. faithful will take the eight mile trip to Cameron but the Tar Heels are up against history tonight. Whenever Duke meets N.C., there are bound to be clashes. The 2008/09 Duke team can catch teams off guard with their aggressive attacking style. They are well-coached and have one of the best juniors in the nation in point guard, Jon Scheyer.
With first place on the line in this rivalry-week, a thrilling game is probable. The schools have a hatred for each other unlike any other NCAA basketball rivalry. It’s the rich Duke kids against the N.C. boys. Sometimes it’s hard to believe how close in proximity the institutions really are. They seem worlds apart off the court, even if Coack K and Roy Williams recruit a lot of the same players. That only amplifies the annual game. I always enjoy a heated rival college game and Duke-UNC is as good as February basketball with Final Four implications gets. Both teams are number one seed material, but that will not be the case after tonight’s outcome. The tournament committee will not select two ACC teams as top seeds come Selection Sunday. I’m geared up for a goosebump game-winning, buzzer-beater tonight. Those are the moments that make college basketball special and worthwhile. This game is no rinky dink rivalry; it’s the real deal. Will Hansbrough pull of the UNC senior sweep?
Parting points: It’s nice to see Troy Aikman is going to graduate UCLA with a degree in Sociology. Congrats to my boy Troy.
It’s also nice to see Brett Favre retire…well, we will see how long he will stay retired anyway.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Your Yankees
Baseball season can’t come soon enough. I’m really anticipating an incredible year in New York, especially on the AL side. The Yankees assembled a club this winter with unlimited potential. The Bombers are my preseason AL champion favorites. I do think this year’s version of the pinstripes will excel and return to the playoffs after being absence in 2008. I am going to try to break down each team position-by-position throughout the next month. I begin with my favorite team. The Yankees will tackle the task of downplaying distractions surrounding the steroid saga this summer.
The starting lineup options for manager, Joe Girardi couldn’t be any more enticing really (unless perhaps Manny were manning the outfield instead of Melky). The most puzzling predicament for the second-year skipper will be creating the batting order, especially the first five. A stable lineup is crucial because too many different arrangements could result in inconsistent efforts. I always considered Derek Jeter an ideal leadoff man, but he isn’t really the team’s true table-setter. Derek hits well and is good in getting on base but he works well out of the two slot best because of his knack for run production. He can advance the leadoff man effectively and usually avoids being doubled up. LF, Johnny Damon should bat first because he is an experienced and patient player. Damon struck out more often than he walked in 2008, but still managed a .303 average at the plate. On the field, Damon’s arm is uninspiring and poses problems at times. He is a veteran, however, who can still run down fly balls and get to hard-hit grounders efficiently enough Jeter is a solid, sure-handed and slick shortstop. He does lack range and gets knocked for his defense but still has that signature spin move unmatched in all of baseball. Derek’s bat more than makes up for any defensive lapses he will endure. The captain obviously isn’t going anywhere and boasts a career 1,002 RBIs as a Bomber He is responsible for being the leader on and off the field.
Alex Rodriguez or the newly acquired, Mark Teixeria, will hit third. I think Girardi will go with Teixeria because Mark will be protected and see better pitches with Alex hitting behind him. The addition of Teixeria to the infield will have immeasurable affect on NY’s defense. He makes all the plays at first base and will make other infielders look good by stopping errant throws. Mark can scoop any bad hops heaped his way. A switch hitter, he nailed 33 homeruns last year for two teams and those totals warrant a huge winter contract. I’d love to see #25 hit the first Yankee Stadium long-ball. Arod is going to go yard more than any other slugger on the team, so placing him at cleanup makes perfect sense. It would be nice if he cleaned up off the field too. Alex will be facing a different type of distraction as the takes the field in pinstripes this year. Rodriguez’s skills shouldn’t be questioned no matter how often he used PEDs in the past. His mental game and ability to handle pressure are another story entirely. Unfortunately he will likely face questions about it for the rest of his career and his teammates will suffer and struggle to defend him.
Robinson Cano, the starting 2B, might figure into the number 5 spot, but it would not be a surprise if he hit lower. Cano is playing in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic. Rumors about his off-season conditioning are notable. He supposedly dropped some weight and his hitting and seeing the ball better than ever. I expect his .271 average to climb as the pressure is shifted to other players and the new starting pitchers. He scored only 70 runs last year. Cano should cross the plate 100 times in 2009. Jorge Posada’s health concerns me. The catcher’s bat is the reason the Yankees need him in the lineup though. Posada stubbornly wants to remain the NY backstop but isn’t going to be the same catcher he was earlier in his career when Giradi was schooling him. Jose Molina makes a sufficient backup for Posada, but he is too slow and sluggish offensively.
Xavier Nady is not an everyday LF. He will see the majority of the time in left and is a consistent bottom-of -the-order bat for NY. Nady quietly hit 97 RBIs for a .305 average in limited at-bats during the past year. He earned a one year $6.65 million deal to return for the Bombers in 2009. The X-man comes back mostly as an insurance policy if young Brett Gardner doesn’t pan out or if Nick Swisher decides to go in a slump. Swisher was signed this off season as one of the Yankees’ first moves. I am sure he will ride the pine or see most of his appearances as a late-game fill in or pinch hitter. He can makes things happen and is better than average off the bench, so I like his presence. He’s good enough to be considered a starter on any other team but after Teixeria was signed, those plans were squashed. The Yankees committed to Cabrera as their CF. Melky bats ninth in this impressive NY lineup. As far as CF goes historically for the Yankees, Cabrera does not deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as past players. But the Yankees do not need him to be great and do not want to give up on this very average player.
The Yankee rotation is set and well-rounded. C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettitte are the starters. Phil Hughes could be a spot starter or compete for a spot, but will pitch from the pen. He joins fellow righty relievers, Alfredo Aceves, Humberto Sanchez, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, David Robertson and Ian Kennedy. Damaso Marte and Phil Coke are the only left-handed specialists. I cite that as the main pitching weakness if all the starters are healthy. The Yankees should sign another lefty and maybe another backup catcher.
Mariano Rivera returns as the shut-down closer and Hideki Matsui completes the Yankees as the DH and occasional outfielder.
Parting points: “Hate Me” by Blue October
The starting lineup options for manager, Joe Girardi couldn’t be any more enticing really (unless perhaps Manny were manning the outfield instead of Melky). The most puzzling predicament for the second-year skipper will be creating the batting order, especially the first five. A stable lineup is crucial because too many different arrangements could result in inconsistent efforts. I always considered Derek Jeter an ideal leadoff man, but he isn’t really the team’s true table-setter. Derek hits well and is good in getting on base but he works well out of the two slot best because of his knack for run production. He can advance the leadoff man effectively and usually avoids being doubled up. LF, Johnny Damon should bat first because he is an experienced and patient player. Damon struck out more often than he walked in 2008, but still managed a .303 average at the plate. On the field, Damon’s arm is uninspiring and poses problems at times. He is a veteran, however, who can still run down fly balls and get to hard-hit grounders efficiently enough Jeter is a solid, sure-handed and slick shortstop. He does lack range and gets knocked for his defense but still has that signature spin move unmatched in all of baseball. Derek’s bat more than makes up for any defensive lapses he will endure. The captain obviously isn’t going anywhere and boasts a career 1,002 RBIs as a Bomber He is responsible for being the leader on and off the field.
Alex Rodriguez or the newly acquired, Mark Teixeria, will hit third. I think Girardi will go with Teixeria because Mark will be protected and see better pitches with Alex hitting behind him. The addition of Teixeria to the infield will have immeasurable affect on NY’s defense. He makes all the plays at first base and will make other infielders look good by stopping errant throws. Mark can scoop any bad hops heaped his way. A switch hitter, he nailed 33 homeruns last year for two teams and those totals warrant a huge winter contract. I’d love to see #25 hit the first Yankee Stadium long-ball. Arod is going to go yard more than any other slugger on the team, so placing him at cleanup makes perfect sense. It would be nice if he cleaned up off the field too. Alex will be facing a different type of distraction as the takes the field in pinstripes this year. Rodriguez’s skills shouldn’t be questioned no matter how often he used PEDs in the past. His mental game and ability to handle pressure are another story entirely. Unfortunately he will likely face questions about it for the rest of his career and his teammates will suffer and struggle to defend him.
Robinson Cano, the starting 2B, might figure into the number 5 spot, but it would not be a surprise if he hit lower. Cano is playing in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic. Rumors about his off-season conditioning are notable. He supposedly dropped some weight and his hitting and seeing the ball better than ever. I expect his .271 average to climb as the pressure is shifted to other players and the new starting pitchers. He scored only 70 runs last year. Cano should cross the plate 100 times in 2009. Jorge Posada’s health concerns me. The catcher’s bat is the reason the Yankees need him in the lineup though. Posada stubbornly wants to remain the NY backstop but isn’t going to be the same catcher he was earlier in his career when Giradi was schooling him. Jose Molina makes a sufficient backup for Posada, but he is too slow and sluggish offensively.
Xavier Nady is not an everyday LF. He will see the majority of the time in left and is a consistent bottom-of -the-order bat for NY. Nady quietly hit 97 RBIs for a .305 average in limited at-bats during the past year. He earned a one year $6.65 million deal to return for the Bombers in 2009. The X-man comes back mostly as an insurance policy if young Brett Gardner doesn’t pan out or if Nick Swisher decides to go in a slump. Swisher was signed this off season as one of the Yankees’ first moves. I am sure he will ride the pine or see most of his appearances as a late-game fill in or pinch hitter. He can makes things happen and is better than average off the bench, so I like his presence. He’s good enough to be considered a starter on any other team but after Teixeria was signed, those plans were squashed. The Yankees committed to Cabrera as their CF. Melky bats ninth in this impressive NY lineup. As far as CF goes historically for the Yankees, Cabrera does not deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as past players. But the Yankees do not need him to be great and do not want to give up on this very average player.
The Yankee rotation is set and well-rounded. C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettitte are the starters. Phil Hughes could be a spot starter or compete for a spot, but will pitch from the pen. He joins fellow righty relievers, Alfredo Aceves, Humberto Sanchez, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, David Robertson and Ian Kennedy. Damaso Marte and Phil Coke are the only left-handed specialists. I cite that as the main pitching weakness if all the starters are healthy. The Yankees should sign another lefty and maybe another backup catcher.
Mariano Rivera returns as the shut-down closer and Hideki Matsui completes the Yankees as the DH and occasional outfielder.
Parting points: “Hate Me” by Blue October
Monday, February 9, 2009
Nifty Nine
I’m mixing it up a little this MLB season. Instead of playing fantasy baseball online, I am going to follow the seasonal statistics of several players loosely chosen by me. The criteria for selection was quite simply. I chose one player from each of the nine positions. They all have one thing in common. Their first and last names begin with the same letter. Thus, I present my All Alliteration Team for 2009:
1B: Billy Butler (Kansas City Royals)
2B: Placido Polanco (Detroit Tigers)
3B: Edwin Encarnacion (Cincinnati Reds)
SS: Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies)
RF: Gabe Gross (Tampa Bay Rays)
CF: Alfredo Amezaga (Florida Marlins)
LF: Skip Schumacher (St. Louis Cardinals)
C: Taylor Teagarden (Texas Rangers)
P: Boof Bonser (Minnesota Twins)
I will be checking in with my team throughout the year, so stay tuned for some updates.
Parting points: Arod comes clean, the reeling Rangers play the Devils tonight and football season is finally over. Bring on March madness.
1B: Billy Butler (Kansas City Royals)
2B: Placido Polanco (Detroit Tigers)
3B: Edwin Encarnacion (Cincinnati Reds)
SS: Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies)
RF: Gabe Gross (Tampa Bay Rays)
CF: Alfredo Amezaga (Florida Marlins)
LF: Skip Schumacher (St. Louis Cardinals)
C: Taylor Teagarden (Texas Rangers)
P: Boof Bonser (Minnesota Twins)
I will be checking in with my team throughout the year, so stay tuned for some updates.
Parting points: Arod comes clean, the reeling Rangers play the Devils tonight and football season is finally over. Bring on March madness.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Arod Accused
I don’t know why I’m surprised, but I am. This morning, reports came out that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for anabolic steroids in 2003. The arrogant ARod always acted as if he could never be associated with steroid use, and I was foolish enough to believe him. It is so disappointing to hear another player I respected for his talent to be a cheater. Besides Alex, Derek Jeter is the only other player I never would have suspected succumbed to steroids.
Rodriguez earned the MVP in 2003 while he slugged his way through the American League as a Texas Ranger. The fallout from these reports are going to be enormous. Arod has had hard enough a time playing for the Yankees and is one of the most hated players in baseball. This will only add to the hatred and he is sure to hear more boos than he has in the past. Not only is this bad news for the Yankees, but it’s bad publicity for Major League Baseball. One of the game’s biggest stars and most talented athlete is a cheater and a liar. Steroid use during this era has ruined baseball for everybody. I considered Alex a true player with God given ability. His workout regime and daily grind in the gym was admirable. No one could ever knock Alex for his work ethic. Only now can we see he is really a fraud and a fake. Steroid use, however little or much, is wrong. I am against any type of performance-enhancing substance in any sport. If you need an edge to get ahead, you should not be playing the game.
I am not sure how often he used or to what extend he abused steroids, but it doesn’t matter. Arod might shatter a number of baseball records and he is already a future Hall of Famer. Of course there were no penalties for steroid use in 2003, this morning’s report about the Yankee third baseman is still damaging. Alex hasn’t made any comments yet. He only stated to the press that he has nothing to say about the matter. I would advice him to be honest right away before this issue progresses into a massive mess. Alex should learn from Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds and Rafael Palmeiro. The repressions are going to be a distraction all season for the Yankees, and that is what concerns me most. It’s one thing for Rodriguez to under perform. It’s entirely different for him to be considered a liar. Who is going to trust the man now that he’s been linked to the never-ending steroid abusers.
Today I learned my lesson. You cannot put your faith and trust in anyone. I know nobody is perfect, but I really believed Alex to be a clean player. The joke’s on me and I am sure hundreds of other former Arod supporters.
Parting points: “Nightswimming” by R.E.M. in my CD player and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” by Charles Dickens on my bookshelf.
Rodriguez earned the MVP in 2003 while he slugged his way through the American League as a Texas Ranger. The fallout from these reports are going to be enormous. Arod has had hard enough a time playing for the Yankees and is one of the most hated players in baseball. This will only add to the hatred and he is sure to hear more boos than he has in the past. Not only is this bad news for the Yankees, but it’s bad publicity for Major League Baseball. One of the game’s biggest stars and most talented athlete is a cheater and a liar. Steroid use during this era has ruined baseball for everybody. I considered Alex a true player with God given ability. His workout regime and daily grind in the gym was admirable. No one could ever knock Alex for his work ethic. Only now can we see he is really a fraud and a fake. Steroid use, however little or much, is wrong. I am against any type of performance-enhancing substance in any sport. If you need an edge to get ahead, you should not be playing the game.
I am not sure how often he used or to what extend he abused steroids, but it doesn’t matter. Arod might shatter a number of baseball records and he is already a future Hall of Famer. Of course there were no penalties for steroid use in 2003, this morning’s report about the Yankee third baseman is still damaging. Alex hasn’t made any comments yet. He only stated to the press that he has nothing to say about the matter. I would advice him to be honest right away before this issue progresses into a massive mess. Alex should learn from Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds and Rafael Palmeiro. The repressions are going to be a distraction all season for the Yankees, and that is what concerns me most. It’s one thing for Rodriguez to under perform. It’s entirely different for him to be considered a liar. Who is going to trust the man now that he’s been linked to the never-ending steroid abusers.
Today I learned my lesson. You cannot put your faith and trust in anyone. I know nobody is perfect, but I really believed Alex to be a clean player. The joke’s on me and I am sure hundreds of other former Arod supporters.
Parting points: “Nightswimming” by R.E.M. in my CD player and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” by Charles Dickens on my bookshelf.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Signs of Spring’s Swings
"The Germans wore gray, you wore blue”- Rick Blaine, Casablanca
The doldrums of winter are slowly ending and the blue and gray boys of summer are ready to bring their signature swings. Signs of Spring are around the corner. I can almost hear the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowds.
Eight days from now pitchers and catchers report for Spring ball. In 20 days, the Yankees will play their first Spring training game against Toronto. 25 men will compete to make the final rosters and be a part of history on Opening Day at the new stadium. Whether they are returning, refined mainstays in pinstripes or novices vying for a spot, players assume the same annual assignment. Shiny baseballs will spin and be tossed with ease. Fresh-cut grass will take on the familiar feel of a fine Spring afternoon. Dugout discussions will involve intimate intonations. The sandlot shadows will situation seductively as silhouettes shag flies in the outfield. Rosin bags will be released and relegated to round mounds, batting gloves broken in, leathers laced and bases placed. Ballplayers will start the daily drudgery of energetic and endless exercise and wind sprints. Jumping jacks, leg lunches, stretches, sit-ups and crunches will become an everyday affair once again.
I love baseball when the games count in the standings and have meaning most of all. But to truly grasp the greatness of the game at its most beautiful, the unreal essence of baseball is unleashed during Spring training.
The Yankees should make it to the 2009 Fall Classic. On paper, they have the best team in the league. Here are five things I think need to occur for the Bombers to be in the World Series:
1. The pitching staff must be healthy. Winning teams do so because they have a strong and enduring starting rotation. The Yankees went out of their way this off-season to spend money on quality arms. The staff is solidified but the names and stats mean nothing if they are not healthy. Injuries are inevitable in baseball and the Yankees are not immune to them. They must keep their pitchers in prime condition throughout the summer. Wang is coming off an injury and Burnett has a reputation for being on the DL annually. Hopefully both can avoid a DL stint in 2009. C.C. Sabathia is the team’s number one but it may take time to get him acclimated and comfortable with pitching in N.Y. He should be able to settle down by the early Spring into a routine and familiar setting. It’s hard to predict the kind of year Andy Pettitte will provide in pinstripes. Joba Chamberlain has no prior seasons to compare to. Both pitchers could very well determine which direction the Bombers are headed early in the year. The number four and five starters, Chamberlain and Pettitte need to give an all out effort and win double digit games if the Yankees expect to be a force in the competitive AL East.
2. Coaching is huge. People say coaching in baseball is overrated. I tend to think it is highly undervalued. Managers do make a difference even if they are not the ones hitting or fielding the ball. The mere presence of a leader in the dugout and a decision maker is just as important as the players’ skills when push comes to shove in the post-season. Baseball players cannot always motivate themselves to perform at their highest levels. They often tire out late in the season and need a manager to pick them up. The role of Joe Girardi will be vital during the final stretch and he has to keep the players focused on their long-term goals.
3. Back to basics should be the team motto. The Yankees of the 90’s could beat you in so many different ways. From bunting to base-stealing, they rediscovered the fundamentals. The tactics and maneuvers used by those championship teams were not rocket science and they did work best when executed correctly. The Yankees need to concentrate on fielding and hitting the cutoffs correctly on defense. They should not rely solely on the long ball when at the plate. Base hits count for production too. There was nothing more splendid than a Paul O’Neill line drive to score the go-ahead run in the 90’s.
4. Robinson Cano has to play better and smarter baseball. Mistakes are expected but Robinson has too much potential being wasted. He could be the team MVP if he stopped slacking off. Cano came around late in 2008 and I think he will bounce back with a more productive season this year. It is time for him to revive himself and emerge as a mature player. The absence of Larry Bowa may have hurt him, but Jeter is a role model he could look to for support. He needs someone to ignite that fire he showed his first year here.
5. Mark Texeira needs to be the player we expect he will. Everyone has high expectations for the new first baseman. I think he will exceed them and be a fine player for a long time in N.Y. I figured out he reminds me a lot of Robin Ventura for some reason. Both seem to embody class and pure talent. Tex has a snappy glove like Robin did at third base. Both are not flashy with the bat but are capable of big hits. Jorge Posada isn’t going to be the same player so I think Tex will make up for some of his production. He will definitely be better than Giambi in the field and at the plate, I am sure pitchers will try to avoid throwing him anything he can drill.
Parting points: “Mad, bad and dangerous to know. That was him and that is me”- Dylan McKay
Song of the day: “Santa Monica” by Everclear
The doldrums of winter are slowly ending and the blue and gray boys of summer are ready to bring their signature swings. Signs of Spring are around the corner. I can almost hear the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowds.
Eight days from now pitchers and catchers report for Spring ball. In 20 days, the Yankees will play their first Spring training game against Toronto. 25 men will compete to make the final rosters and be a part of history on Opening Day at the new stadium. Whether they are returning, refined mainstays in pinstripes or novices vying for a spot, players assume the same annual assignment. Shiny baseballs will spin and be tossed with ease. Fresh-cut grass will take on the familiar feel of a fine Spring afternoon. Dugout discussions will involve intimate intonations. The sandlot shadows will situation seductively as silhouettes shag flies in the outfield. Rosin bags will be released and relegated to round mounds, batting gloves broken in, leathers laced and bases placed. Ballplayers will start the daily drudgery of energetic and endless exercise and wind sprints. Jumping jacks, leg lunches, stretches, sit-ups and crunches will become an everyday affair once again.
I love baseball when the games count in the standings and have meaning most of all. But to truly grasp the greatness of the game at its most beautiful, the unreal essence of baseball is unleashed during Spring training.
The Yankees should make it to the 2009 Fall Classic. On paper, they have the best team in the league. Here are five things I think need to occur for the Bombers to be in the World Series:
1. The pitching staff must be healthy. Winning teams do so because they have a strong and enduring starting rotation. The Yankees went out of their way this off-season to spend money on quality arms. The staff is solidified but the names and stats mean nothing if they are not healthy. Injuries are inevitable in baseball and the Yankees are not immune to them. They must keep their pitchers in prime condition throughout the summer. Wang is coming off an injury and Burnett has a reputation for being on the DL annually. Hopefully both can avoid a DL stint in 2009. C.C. Sabathia is the team’s number one but it may take time to get him acclimated and comfortable with pitching in N.Y. He should be able to settle down by the early Spring into a routine and familiar setting. It’s hard to predict the kind of year Andy Pettitte will provide in pinstripes. Joba Chamberlain has no prior seasons to compare to. Both pitchers could very well determine which direction the Bombers are headed early in the year. The number four and five starters, Chamberlain and Pettitte need to give an all out effort and win double digit games if the Yankees expect to be a force in the competitive AL East.
2. Coaching is huge. People say coaching in baseball is overrated. I tend to think it is highly undervalued. Managers do make a difference even if they are not the ones hitting or fielding the ball. The mere presence of a leader in the dugout and a decision maker is just as important as the players’ skills when push comes to shove in the post-season. Baseball players cannot always motivate themselves to perform at their highest levels. They often tire out late in the season and need a manager to pick them up. The role of Joe Girardi will be vital during the final stretch and he has to keep the players focused on their long-term goals.
3. Back to basics should be the team motto. The Yankees of the 90’s could beat you in so many different ways. From bunting to base-stealing, they rediscovered the fundamentals. The tactics and maneuvers used by those championship teams were not rocket science and they did work best when executed correctly. The Yankees need to concentrate on fielding and hitting the cutoffs correctly on defense. They should not rely solely on the long ball when at the plate. Base hits count for production too. There was nothing more splendid than a Paul O’Neill line drive to score the go-ahead run in the 90’s.
4. Robinson Cano has to play better and smarter baseball. Mistakes are expected but Robinson has too much potential being wasted. He could be the team MVP if he stopped slacking off. Cano came around late in 2008 and I think he will bounce back with a more productive season this year. It is time for him to revive himself and emerge as a mature player. The absence of Larry Bowa may have hurt him, but Jeter is a role model he could look to for support. He needs someone to ignite that fire he showed his first year here.
5. Mark Texeira needs to be the player we expect he will. Everyone has high expectations for the new first baseman. I think he will exceed them and be a fine player for a long time in N.Y. I figured out he reminds me a lot of Robin Ventura for some reason. Both seem to embody class and pure talent. Tex has a snappy glove like Robin did at third base. Both are not flashy with the bat but are capable of big hits. Jorge Posada isn’t going to be the same player so I think Tex will make up for some of his production. He will definitely be better than Giambi in the field and at the plate, I am sure pitchers will try to avoid throwing him anything he can drill.
Parting points: “Mad, bad and dangerous to know. That was him and that is me”- Dylan McKay
Song of the day: “Santa Monica” by Everclear
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Committed Class
Today is National Signing Day for high school football players declaring for college next season. Twenty two players were committed to Ohio State by July 4th. Five of the incoming freshman are defensive backs. It’s clear Jim Tressel recruited for a strong and speedy secondary defense. The Buckeyes boast the best of this year’s recruits. Here’s a look at a few of the verbal commitments heading for the Horseshoe.
Corey Brown- CB/WR, Gateway SHS, Monroeville, PA
Brown is the number one recruit in my opinion. It will be fascinating to see how Tressel will use the 6’1 smooth, sound Pennsylvania native. He will likely install him as a supportive defensive back because of Brown’s physicality and usefulness as a tackle. Corey knows how to use his body to defend against the pass, breakup throws and intercept the ball. Offensively, he is also good because he can gain separation on most routine routes and play calls. He is somewhat limited with speed but projects to be a force in college like he was for Gateway.
Dorian Bell- LB, Gateway SHS, Monroeville, PA
Bell was Brown’s teammate in high school and both will play in Ohio next season. Bell is a very athletic lineback with great tackling technique. He is an experienced blitzer with capabilities from all three line backing positions. Dorian’s lateral speed, finesse and blocking knowledge allow him to be adaptable. He knows the basics of the position and can attack the quarterback in a hurry. Because he can get to the quarterback quickly, he’s a threat but scouts worry about his durability. Bell led Gateway in tackles and sacks as a junior. Western Pennsylvania fans are familiar with his greatness as an incredible high school football player who could have chosen to play for any BCS team.
Marlon Brown- WR, Harding Academy, Memphis, TN
Marlon has good size and strength. He’s an explosive receiver with good hands. Scouts are impressed and like his concentration but feel he needs to work on blocking ability. The PARADE All-American should improve his 2008 numbers as a Buckeye. Brown has 1,785 all purpose yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Ohio State lost a few good seniors to the NFL so they should be able to use Brown on a limited basis.
Duron Carter- WR, St.Thomas Aquinas HS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The son of former NFL star, Cris Carer, Duron is similar in size and skills to his father. I am excited about him playing for Ohio State. He should also be of help in filling the WR void left over from 2008. Carter is not a deep threat but is competitive and clever. He is a smart player with intangible tools. The receiver played for an elite program in Florida. St. Thomas Aquinas won back-to-back state titles. In 2007, Duron led the all wideouts in Class 5A. His Raiders finished last season with a perfect 15-0 regular season. He scored 13 touchdowns totaling 726 yards.
Jaamal Berry- RB, Miami Palmetto
Berry has power, toughness and vision. Those three reasons are guaranteed to make him a true Buckeye. He is the state of Florida’s top rated rusher. Jaamal takes short strides for big gains, especially after contact. He can get down field in a hurry with his quickness and upper body strength. The soft-handed back injured his wrist during his senior year but claims he is healthy. Berry is a the total package with the ability to beat you outside and between tackles. I think he will be a stronger back than Beanie Wells, although used less often because of his built. Without Berry in the backfield, Miami Palmetto was stymied so he is clearly a game changer and playmaker.
Jamie Wood- DB/WR, Pickerington Central, OH
Wood can play on both sides of the ball. He was the team captain for Pickerington and I like that he will stay in Ohio. The 190 lb, 6’2 dual-threat caught 25 passes for 548 yards and 8 touchdowns in his junior season. He also had 65 tackles, broke up 12 passes and snatched one interception.
Adam Bellamy- DT/OG, Aurora, OH
The massive offensive star can open up holes for rushers and is projected as mostly an offensive lineman for Ohio State. Even though he has played on defense, Bellamy is best in the guard position on offense. He was ranked number 23 nationally at the position with his 6’4 frame amassing 275 lbs. Tressel intends to utilize Adam as a run stopper.
Parting points: Kobe had some night at MSG with those 61 points Monday. Can LeBron top him tonight?
Congrats to Adam Graves. The Rangers finally retired his number 9 jersey last night.
Corey Brown- CB/WR, Gateway SHS, Monroeville, PA
Brown is the number one recruit in my opinion. It will be fascinating to see how Tressel will use the 6’1 smooth, sound Pennsylvania native. He will likely install him as a supportive defensive back because of Brown’s physicality and usefulness as a tackle. Corey knows how to use his body to defend against the pass, breakup throws and intercept the ball. Offensively, he is also good because he can gain separation on most routine routes and play calls. He is somewhat limited with speed but projects to be a force in college like he was for Gateway.
Dorian Bell- LB, Gateway SHS, Monroeville, PA
Bell was Brown’s teammate in high school and both will play in Ohio next season. Bell is a very athletic lineback with great tackling technique. He is an experienced blitzer with capabilities from all three line backing positions. Dorian’s lateral speed, finesse and blocking knowledge allow him to be adaptable. He knows the basics of the position and can attack the quarterback in a hurry. Because he can get to the quarterback quickly, he’s a threat but scouts worry about his durability. Bell led Gateway in tackles and sacks as a junior. Western Pennsylvania fans are familiar with his greatness as an incredible high school football player who could have chosen to play for any BCS team.
Marlon Brown- WR, Harding Academy, Memphis, TN
Marlon has good size and strength. He’s an explosive receiver with good hands. Scouts are impressed and like his concentration but feel he needs to work on blocking ability. The PARADE All-American should improve his 2008 numbers as a Buckeye. Brown has 1,785 all purpose yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Ohio State lost a few good seniors to the NFL so they should be able to use Brown on a limited basis.
Duron Carter- WR, St.Thomas Aquinas HS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The son of former NFL star, Cris Carer, Duron is similar in size and skills to his father. I am excited about him playing for Ohio State. He should also be of help in filling the WR void left over from 2008. Carter is not a deep threat but is competitive and clever. He is a smart player with intangible tools. The receiver played for an elite program in Florida. St. Thomas Aquinas won back-to-back state titles. In 2007, Duron led the all wideouts in Class 5A. His Raiders finished last season with a perfect 15-0 regular season. He scored 13 touchdowns totaling 726 yards.
Jaamal Berry- RB, Miami Palmetto
Berry has power, toughness and vision. Those three reasons are guaranteed to make him a true Buckeye. He is the state of Florida’s top rated rusher. Jaamal takes short strides for big gains, especially after contact. He can get down field in a hurry with his quickness and upper body strength. The soft-handed back injured his wrist during his senior year but claims he is healthy. Berry is a the total package with the ability to beat you outside and between tackles. I think he will be a stronger back than Beanie Wells, although used less often because of his built. Without Berry in the backfield, Miami Palmetto was stymied so he is clearly a game changer and playmaker.
Jamie Wood- DB/WR, Pickerington Central, OH
Wood can play on both sides of the ball. He was the team captain for Pickerington and I like that he will stay in Ohio. The 190 lb, 6’2 dual-threat caught 25 passes for 548 yards and 8 touchdowns in his junior season. He also had 65 tackles, broke up 12 passes and snatched one interception.
Adam Bellamy- DT/OG, Aurora, OH
The massive offensive star can open up holes for rushers and is projected as mostly an offensive lineman for Ohio State. Even though he has played on defense, Bellamy is best in the guard position on offense. He was ranked number 23 nationally at the position with his 6’4 frame amassing 275 lbs. Tressel intends to utilize Adam as a run stopper.
Parting points: Kobe had some night at MSG with those 61 points Monday. Can LeBron top him tonight?
Congrats to Adam Graves. The Rangers finally retired his number 9 jersey last night.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Harrison, Holmes Hoist History
Santonio’s Snag Seals Steelers’ Sixth Superbowl
Happy Steelers fans are celebrating with pride and grandeur today in Steelernation. I am sure the streets are lined with black and gold following perhaps the most exciting Superbowl ever. Superbowl 43’s fourth quarter was unquestionably the most breath-taking, best of all time.
The former Buckeye, Santonio Holmes, burned and bruised the birds with the deciding blow in the game’s final 35 seconds. Ben Roethlesberger and the Steelers were heavily favored but found themselves suddenly trailing by three points late in the erratic final quarter. The Terrible Towels of Tampa tentatively were turned down as fans held their breath waiting for Ben to lead Pittsburgh back. He delivered with a 78 yard drive into the Cardinal Red Zone. Holmes quickly and quietly clawed his way to the end zone. His six yard snatch on second and goal was astounding. As Holmes stabbed his feet into the turf and fell forward with lunging limbs, Raymond James Stadium erupted. The Steelers held a 27-23 lead in another surprising turn of events in an evening featuring several.
What more could we football fans desire than the combination of incredible plays, remarkable runs and unforgettable catches that embodied Superbowl 43? The fames Fitzgerald was great. Holmes was even better. Fitzgerald, the talented receiver for Arizona, was held scoreless and was almost as invisible as a good Superbowl commercial in the first three quarters. Only in Arizona’s awesome fourth quarter did Kurt Warner hook up with his favorite target. Warned showed why he deserves to be in Canton someday. He outperformed Roethlesberger even though he suffered the loss. Warner’s biggest mistake was a sloppy and costly one. The interception before halftime was a miscue and James Harrison took advantage of it by returning the pick 100 yards. The Superbowl record is one for the ages and one I will definitely remember for years to come.
The Cardinals defense kept their team in the game in the second half, especially the third quarter. The held Pittsburgh in check by limiting them to a field goal and giving Warner’s offense a chance in the last fifteen minutes. Things unraveled for Pittsburgh’s number one rated defense. The secondary was exposed down the middle and Warner took advantage by using the entire field to find his receivers. Kurt’s quick releases, good protection and keen eyesight allowed Arizona to get ahead for what looked like the franchise’s first Superbowl. Ike Taylor was beaten on a Fitzgerald slant route and before anyone knew what was happening, the Cardinals were winning the game.
But, this is where Ben stepped up and the Steelers offense deserves the most credit. They capitalized on an opportunity to take over the game for good. Holmes shifted into the highest gear of any player on the field. Roethlesberger was his relentless self. Either player could have been awarded the MVP but it was the wide receiver who eventually took home the honor with a career game. Ben shuffled through defenders and averted the pass rush with the grit and grace of a seasoned quarterback. Holmes and Roethlesberger were able to connect the dots and reach the end zone when it mattered most. Holmes’ extension on the final catch was a true treat. Ben’s escapability behind center is unlike any other in his position, even if he isn’t the swiftest looking.
Before the game, everyone was picking the Steelers to have a ho-hum win. The hasty Cardinals humbled the Pittsburgh defense and gathered themselves together to ignite a comeback. Arizona was not the better team but they showed they were no pushovers either. Their magic season came to an end but they have a lot to be proud of. Had the Cardinals won the game, it would have been the greatest comeback in Superbowl history. Warner was the gifted play caller who garnered and gained ground gradually in the fourth quarter. I thought for sure the Steel curtain would crash and collapse in the end, but the dramatic drive declared a six-time Superbowl champion.
The Steelers delusional defense disappointed me and I was shocked Willie Parker was a non-factor as a running back. In fact, both running games were almost absent. Last night’s game produced the lowest rushing yards in any Superbowl. I do not even recall seeing Tim Hightower on the field and if Edgerran James was handed the ball more than a dozen times, I would be surprised. The running game was clearly the glaring component missing. Parker was shut down and could not penetrate the Cardinal defense with any success. James never was able to permeate the solid Pittsburgh line either. Because they were forced to abandon the run, the Steelers had to rely on the pass. That makes the win even more impressive to me. Ben was well-positioned, strong and drilled the perfect throw to his best weapon in the end.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Push
Happy Steelers fans are celebrating with pride and grandeur today in Steelernation. I am sure the streets are lined with black and gold following perhaps the most exciting Superbowl ever. Superbowl 43’s fourth quarter was unquestionably the most breath-taking, best of all time.
The former Buckeye, Santonio Holmes, burned and bruised the birds with the deciding blow in the game’s final 35 seconds. Ben Roethlesberger and the Steelers were heavily favored but found themselves suddenly trailing by three points late in the erratic final quarter. The Terrible Towels of Tampa tentatively were turned down as fans held their breath waiting for Ben to lead Pittsburgh back. He delivered with a 78 yard drive into the Cardinal Red Zone. Holmes quickly and quietly clawed his way to the end zone. His six yard snatch on second and goal was astounding. As Holmes stabbed his feet into the turf and fell forward with lunging limbs, Raymond James Stadium erupted. The Steelers held a 27-23 lead in another surprising turn of events in an evening featuring several.
What more could we football fans desire than the combination of incredible plays, remarkable runs and unforgettable catches that embodied Superbowl 43? The fames Fitzgerald was great. Holmes was even better. Fitzgerald, the talented receiver for Arizona, was held scoreless and was almost as invisible as a good Superbowl commercial in the first three quarters. Only in Arizona’s awesome fourth quarter did Kurt Warner hook up with his favorite target. Warned showed why he deserves to be in Canton someday. He outperformed Roethlesberger even though he suffered the loss. Warner’s biggest mistake was a sloppy and costly one. The interception before halftime was a miscue and James Harrison took advantage of it by returning the pick 100 yards. The Superbowl record is one for the ages and one I will definitely remember for years to come.
The Cardinals defense kept their team in the game in the second half, especially the third quarter. The held Pittsburgh in check by limiting them to a field goal and giving Warner’s offense a chance in the last fifteen minutes. Things unraveled for Pittsburgh’s number one rated defense. The secondary was exposed down the middle and Warner took advantage by using the entire field to find his receivers. Kurt’s quick releases, good protection and keen eyesight allowed Arizona to get ahead for what looked like the franchise’s first Superbowl. Ike Taylor was beaten on a Fitzgerald slant route and before anyone knew what was happening, the Cardinals were winning the game.
But, this is where Ben stepped up and the Steelers offense deserves the most credit. They capitalized on an opportunity to take over the game for good. Holmes shifted into the highest gear of any player on the field. Roethlesberger was his relentless self. Either player could have been awarded the MVP but it was the wide receiver who eventually took home the honor with a career game. Ben shuffled through defenders and averted the pass rush with the grit and grace of a seasoned quarterback. Holmes and Roethlesberger were able to connect the dots and reach the end zone when it mattered most. Holmes’ extension on the final catch was a true treat. Ben’s escapability behind center is unlike any other in his position, even if he isn’t the swiftest looking.
Before the game, everyone was picking the Steelers to have a ho-hum win. The hasty Cardinals humbled the Pittsburgh defense and gathered themselves together to ignite a comeback. Arizona was not the better team but they showed they were no pushovers either. Their magic season came to an end but they have a lot to be proud of. Had the Cardinals won the game, it would have been the greatest comeback in Superbowl history. Warner was the gifted play caller who garnered and gained ground gradually in the fourth quarter. I thought for sure the Steel curtain would crash and collapse in the end, but the dramatic drive declared a six-time Superbowl champion.
The Steelers delusional defense disappointed me and I was shocked Willie Parker was a non-factor as a running back. In fact, both running games were almost absent. Last night’s game produced the lowest rushing yards in any Superbowl. I do not even recall seeing Tim Hightower on the field and if Edgerran James was handed the ball more than a dozen times, I would be surprised. The running game was clearly the glaring component missing. Parker was shut down and could not penetrate the Cardinal defense with any success. James never was able to permeate the solid Pittsburgh line either. Because they were forced to abandon the run, the Steelers had to rely on the pass. That makes the win even more impressive to me. Ben was well-positioned, strong and drilled the perfect throw to his best weapon in the end.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Push
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