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.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Bronx Bound
Anyone up for “Win George Steinbrenner’s Money”? Yes, it’s a knock-off version of “Win Ben Stein’s Money” on the Game Show Network. Okay, seriously now…
I have already expressed how ecstatic I am Mark Teixeira is going to be donning the pinstripes in 2009 and beyond. I am sure writers and fans will have a tremendous time trying to spell Mark’s surname. I thought the general rule was “i” before “e”, except after “c”? I guess those language laws do not apply to the latest long-baller.
I compare the signing of Mark Teixeira with the exhilaration of acquiring Tino Martinez from Seattle in 1996. The fan reaction is much different, but I believe the impact and fan insanity will be the same. Mark and Tino are likable players with just enough pizzazz to pull off being fan favorites. Tino was the most adored fan favorite during the great Yankees dynasties. Heck, I even named my cat after the man. If I were to adopt another animal, I would consider naming him “Tex” or maybe “Markie”. Ok, now I am getting out of hand...
It is hard to criticize signing Tex, even with the steep price tag tagging along. Good players come at high costs and aren’t easy to find. Teixeira is the only really good free agent first baseman on the market this year and on the near horizon. The Yankees were smart to act this winter instead of holding out for someone better next year. The had a glaring weakness in the infield at first base and Mark is the best is baseball at the position. Yes, Albert Pujols puts up better offensive numbers for the Cardinals, but Tex is so solid and has endless potential.
New York needs Mark for his bat, glove and demeanor. He won’t make headlines the way headcase, Manny Ramirez, would have. Teixeira won’t be targeted for illegal steroid use like former Yankee first bagger, Jason Giambi. Instead, he will simply take the field everyday and flash his two-time Gold Glove winning arm. He will step to the plate three to four times every game and find some way to get on base 1/3 of the time. Mark will likely hit third in front of Alex Rodriguez. He does not have glaring speed, but the Yankees don’t need Mark to steal bases. Fans will appreciate this player’s work ethic and good-guy attitude. He has a Jeter-like character with a little less charm. He has that baby face to go along with the former attributes. Mark Teixeria will be in the Bronx for the next eight seasons and I cannot think of a better way to open the new stadium than seeing him take the field opening day. He has the talent to be mentioned in the same sentences as the great Yankee first basemen—Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez and even Lou Gehrig.
Parting points: “Just keep staring at the sun, pray for summer’s end”- Foo Fighters
I have already expressed how ecstatic I am Mark Teixeira is going to be donning the pinstripes in 2009 and beyond. I am sure writers and fans will have a tremendous time trying to spell Mark’s surname. I thought the general rule was “i” before “e”, except after “c”? I guess those language laws do not apply to the latest long-baller.
I compare the signing of Mark Teixeira with the exhilaration of acquiring Tino Martinez from Seattle in 1996. The fan reaction is much different, but I believe the impact and fan insanity will be the same. Mark and Tino are likable players with just enough pizzazz to pull off being fan favorites. Tino was the most adored fan favorite during the great Yankees dynasties. Heck, I even named my cat after the man. If I were to adopt another animal, I would consider naming him “Tex” or maybe “Markie”. Ok, now I am getting out of hand...
It is hard to criticize signing Tex, even with the steep price tag tagging along. Good players come at high costs and aren’t easy to find. Teixeira is the only really good free agent first baseman on the market this year and on the near horizon. The Yankees were smart to act this winter instead of holding out for someone better next year. The had a glaring weakness in the infield at first base and Mark is the best is baseball at the position. Yes, Albert Pujols puts up better offensive numbers for the Cardinals, but Tex is so solid and has endless potential.
New York needs Mark for his bat, glove and demeanor. He won’t make headlines the way headcase, Manny Ramirez, would have. Teixeira won’t be targeted for illegal steroid use like former Yankee first bagger, Jason Giambi. Instead, he will simply take the field everyday and flash his two-time Gold Glove winning arm. He will step to the plate three to four times every game and find some way to get on base 1/3 of the time. Mark will likely hit third in front of Alex Rodriguez. He does not have glaring speed, but the Yankees don’t need Mark to steal bases. Fans will appreciate this player’s work ethic and good-guy attitude. He has a Jeter-like character with a little less charm. He has that baby face to go along with the former attributes. Mark Teixeria will be in the Bronx for the next eight seasons and I cannot think of a better way to open the new stadium than seeing him take the field opening day. He has the talent to be mentioned in the same sentences as the great Yankee first basemen—Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez and even Lou Gehrig.
Parting points: “Just keep staring at the sun, pray for summer’s end”- Foo Fighters
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Scorching Scorers
I enjoy a crisply-played defensive game in any sport. Sometimes it’s a required relief to witness wild scoring performances. Especially during a high-paced and heightened hockey game, scoring offenses are optimal. Nothing compares to the physicality of well-played hockey as players impeccably deliver the puck by penetrating defenders to the net. The New Jersey Devils are on fire outscoring opponents with scorching fervor. New Jersey ranked 11th in the NHL, as of Sunday, with 95 goals. They are averaging roughly 3 goals per game, led by Zach Parise and Patrick Elias. The Devils’ two leading scorers have placed 18 and 16 pucks in opposing nets, respectively. Parise and Elias are shoo-ins all-stars and deserve much credit for the Devils’ 19-9-3 record.
Scott Clemmenson is New Jersey’s backup net minder. His four stopped saves in Sunday’s shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers sealed the Devil’s 19th victory. Coach, Brent Sutter, has New Jersey within two points of the Flyers in the Atlantic Division. The New York Rangers are still at the head of the class, but s much is going right for the Devils. The amount of multi-goal games by Elias and Parise is most impressive. Patrick tied club leader, John MacLean, for most multipoint games in last week’s contest versus Ottawa. Parise reached his own milestone in a short career Sunday with his 199th career point. In the Ottawa game, Parise gave credit to teammate, Travis Zajac, after he was wrongly credited with the goal. The gesture shows how classy and true Parise is as a player and teammate. Parise is an excellent winger with the ability to rack up assists. The Devils are an unselfish bunch and have been able to find a nice mix on the front line. Even with players sidelined due to injury and illness, Sutter’s crew has meshed fittingly. Clemmenson has stepped up and was especially electrifying in the Philadelphia shootout. Scott had 27 saves in regulation and 3 in the shootout.
What I liked most about the Flyers-Devils game was the final goal. Zajac masterfully slid the puck past Flyer goalie, Antero Niittymaki. He did it with a nifty fake and took advantage of Niittymaki’s positioning near the back end of the goal. The Devils led the game 2-0 and coughed up the lead to force the shootout. The way they won the game by not allowing Philadelphia to prevail shows what this team is. The Devils are 2-1-1 against Philly this year. They are that good, and tonight I look forward to seeing them skate against the Boston Bruins. The game is at the Rock and last year, the Bruins visited twice. Twice the games were overtime Devils wins, so this could be a thriller again. New Jersey is looking for their 4th win in a row against a Boston team that surprisingly leads the Eastern Conference. With the steady defense of Colin White, Paul Martin, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Jay Leach, I like their chances. Leach is somewhat of a newcomer but is a tough player quickly gaining experience. He is now a regular for Sutter. Dainius Zubrus, Brian Gionta, Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo and David Clarkson are all effective players against a Boston team looking to ploy and scheme their way to a road win. Andy Greene, Johnny Oduya and Mike Mottau have defensive skills to battle the Bruins. Look for Sutter to shake things up with Bryce Salvador missing time on defense and John Madden out with the flu. All in all, New Jersey hockey is scorching and hot during a very, very cold December so far.
Parting points: Christmas comes early for Yankee fans. New York signed Mark Teixeira FINALLY. They now have the best offensive infield in all baseball. How good will Mark look in pinstripes? I just cannot wait to see.
Good Nolan Ryan article to check out: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=499547
Scott Clemmenson is New Jersey’s backup net minder. His four stopped saves in Sunday’s shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers sealed the Devil’s 19th victory. Coach, Brent Sutter, has New Jersey within two points of the Flyers in the Atlantic Division. The New York Rangers are still at the head of the class, but s much is going right for the Devils. The amount of multi-goal games by Elias and Parise is most impressive. Patrick tied club leader, John MacLean, for most multipoint games in last week’s contest versus Ottawa. Parise reached his own milestone in a short career Sunday with his 199th career point. In the Ottawa game, Parise gave credit to teammate, Travis Zajac, after he was wrongly credited with the goal. The gesture shows how classy and true Parise is as a player and teammate. Parise is an excellent winger with the ability to rack up assists. The Devils are an unselfish bunch and have been able to find a nice mix on the front line. Even with players sidelined due to injury and illness, Sutter’s crew has meshed fittingly. Clemmenson has stepped up and was especially electrifying in the Philadelphia shootout. Scott had 27 saves in regulation and 3 in the shootout.
What I liked most about the Flyers-Devils game was the final goal. Zajac masterfully slid the puck past Flyer goalie, Antero Niittymaki. He did it with a nifty fake and took advantage of Niittymaki’s positioning near the back end of the goal. The Devils led the game 2-0 and coughed up the lead to force the shootout. The way they won the game by not allowing Philadelphia to prevail shows what this team is. The Devils are 2-1-1 against Philly this year. They are that good, and tonight I look forward to seeing them skate against the Boston Bruins. The game is at the Rock and last year, the Bruins visited twice. Twice the games were overtime Devils wins, so this could be a thriller again. New Jersey is looking for their 4th win in a row against a Boston team that surprisingly leads the Eastern Conference. With the steady defense of Colin White, Paul Martin, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Jay Leach, I like their chances. Leach is somewhat of a newcomer but is a tough player quickly gaining experience. He is now a regular for Sutter. Dainius Zubrus, Brian Gionta, Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo and David Clarkson are all effective players against a Boston team looking to ploy and scheme their way to a road win. Andy Greene, Johnny Oduya and Mike Mottau have defensive skills to battle the Bruins. Look for Sutter to shake things up with Bryce Salvador missing time on defense and John Madden out with the flu. All in all, New Jersey hockey is scorching and hot during a very, very cold December so far.
Parting points: Christmas comes early for Yankee fans. New York signed Mark Teixeira FINALLY. They now have the best offensive infield in all baseball. How good will Mark look in pinstripes? I just cannot wait to see.
Good Nolan Ryan article to check out: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=499547
Saturday, December 20, 2008
"Five Frozen Flings, Four Falling Favres…"
Five days until Christmas and Sunday’s NFC prime-time showdown will be a frozen fling-fest. Temperatures in New York will not be friendly to foes or footballers from home. Eli Manning and the Big Blue front five men will find a frigid Panthers defense.
Out on the west coast, Brett Favre has to find a way to win a game for the Jets. This is the fourth trip west for New York and each of the three previous games were losses. The Seattle Seahawks will try hard to hand the falling Jets their fourth failure on their coast.
All talk in New York this month has been centered on the free falling football teams. The Jets and Giants were headed on a collision course to the championship in February only a month ago. Both teams were on top of their respective divisions and only expected to excel from there. December delivered cold blows to not only residents but also to the football teams. The Jets are coming off a win against Buffalo they should have lost. If not for a blundering Dick Jauron coaching call late in the fourth quarter, the Jets would have walked out of the Meadowlands losers of three straight games. The Gang Green team who defeated the Patriots in Foxboro and the undefeated Titans in Tennessee has been transformed into a defensive-less, mistake-filled, Grinch green. And the New York Giants went down twice to division rivals the Eagles and Cowboys. The Giants are missing rumbling back, Brandon Jacobs, due to knee problems. The offensive line that once looked as solid as any in the league suddenly could not defend the likes of DeMarcus Ware and the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday night. Eli Manning ate turf eight times during the loss to Dallas. Are the New York teams caving or can they bounce back to finish the month on the up?
The Jets are sending seven players to the ProBowl in Hawaii, including Brett Favre. Kris Jenkins was the frontrunner for the team MVP during the first ten weeks of the season. No one is even looking his way now. He has been merely invisible. The entire Jets’ defense has been a non-effective no factor. Brett Favre is opening up the pass more often and making fewer mistakes, but it is not enough. Thomas Jones continues to run well and Eric Mangini needs to get him the ball on more plays. Sunday the Jets are playing in Seattle against one of the toughest teams to face on the road. In addition, the game is Seattle head coach, Mike Holgrem’s, final one. It will be an emotional afternoon when the Seahawks take the field, so the Jets need to limit mistakes and take the crowd out of the game early. Seattle has nothing to play for but will probably bask in playing the spoiler role. The Jets need to win the final two games. They control their own destiny. If they win out, they go to the playoffs as AFC East champions. A loss and a Miami win means the Jets will have to play the Dolphins for the division in week 17. If I were Eric Mangini, I wouldn’t even want that to be a possibility. Chad Pennington returning to New York to knock the Jets out of the playoffs would be the end of his tenure here.
The Giants are not in dire need of a win. However, beating Carolina at home this Sunday night would give them home field throughout the playoffs. It would also cool off the red hot Panthers and retrieve the confidence of the Giants fans. Brandon Jacobs is not 100 percent but he will play. The key to beating Carolina is controlling the line of scrimmage and their powerful dual running attack. Jonathan Stewart and Deangelo Williams are arguably the best backfield in the NFC. The Giants defense has the ability and talent to limit their breakaways. I am confident the Giants will get the job done, but look for a close game. The weather could be the x factor and advantageous to the Giants. The Panthers are not a very good road team either. In the NFL, home field advantage in the playoffs sometimes does not matter as much as getting “hot” at the right time. Right now, the Panthers are a hotter team. But I like the chances against a shaky Jake Delhomme calling plays. And I think the secondary is sufficient enough to cover the slick, Steve Smith at wide receiver.
How much difference a month makes! I am still trying to figure out how the Jets looked so poorly this month. Their weaknesses are glaring. Even if this team creeps into the playoffs, I can’t see them beating teams with strong-armed quarterbacks. The Jets will have to go through Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Jay Cutler or Kerry Collins. The Giants are definitely beatable, as Philadelphia and Dallas proved. The Cowboys are hot right now and a meeting in the post-season would be scary. The Giants need to run the ball or they will not be successful. If Brandon Jacobs is a no-go, Eli Manning needs to be crafty. He has the receivers at his disposal to make big plays but his frozen fingers might be a problem. He tends to fold under those circumstances. Manning must learn to throw the ball with more muscle.
Parting points: Shout-out to my father because tomorrow is his birthday. Happy birthday, dad, and a Happy winter to all.
Out on the west coast, Brett Favre has to find a way to win a game for the Jets. This is the fourth trip west for New York and each of the three previous games were losses. The Seattle Seahawks will try hard to hand the falling Jets their fourth failure on their coast.
All talk in New York this month has been centered on the free falling football teams. The Jets and Giants were headed on a collision course to the championship in February only a month ago. Both teams were on top of their respective divisions and only expected to excel from there. December delivered cold blows to not only residents but also to the football teams. The Jets are coming off a win against Buffalo they should have lost. If not for a blundering Dick Jauron coaching call late in the fourth quarter, the Jets would have walked out of the Meadowlands losers of three straight games. The Gang Green team who defeated the Patriots in Foxboro and the undefeated Titans in Tennessee has been transformed into a defensive-less, mistake-filled, Grinch green. And the New York Giants went down twice to division rivals the Eagles and Cowboys. The Giants are missing rumbling back, Brandon Jacobs, due to knee problems. The offensive line that once looked as solid as any in the league suddenly could not defend the likes of DeMarcus Ware and the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday night. Eli Manning ate turf eight times during the loss to Dallas. Are the New York teams caving or can they bounce back to finish the month on the up?
The Jets are sending seven players to the ProBowl in Hawaii, including Brett Favre. Kris Jenkins was the frontrunner for the team MVP during the first ten weeks of the season. No one is even looking his way now. He has been merely invisible. The entire Jets’ defense has been a non-effective no factor. Brett Favre is opening up the pass more often and making fewer mistakes, but it is not enough. Thomas Jones continues to run well and Eric Mangini needs to get him the ball on more plays. Sunday the Jets are playing in Seattle against one of the toughest teams to face on the road. In addition, the game is Seattle head coach, Mike Holgrem’s, final one. It will be an emotional afternoon when the Seahawks take the field, so the Jets need to limit mistakes and take the crowd out of the game early. Seattle has nothing to play for but will probably bask in playing the spoiler role. The Jets need to win the final two games. They control their own destiny. If they win out, they go to the playoffs as AFC East champions. A loss and a Miami win means the Jets will have to play the Dolphins for the division in week 17. If I were Eric Mangini, I wouldn’t even want that to be a possibility. Chad Pennington returning to New York to knock the Jets out of the playoffs would be the end of his tenure here.
The Giants are not in dire need of a win. However, beating Carolina at home this Sunday night would give them home field throughout the playoffs. It would also cool off the red hot Panthers and retrieve the confidence of the Giants fans. Brandon Jacobs is not 100 percent but he will play. The key to beating Carolina is controlling the line of scrimmage and their powerful dual running attack. Jonathan Stewart and Deangelo Williams are arguably the best backfield in the NFC. The Giants defense has the ability and talent to limit their breakaways. I am confident the Giants will get the job done, but look for a close game. The weather could be the x factor and advantageous to the Giants. The Panthers are not a very good road team either. In the NFL, home field advantage in the playoffs sometimes does not matter as much as getting “hot” at the right time. Right now, the Panthers are a hotter team. But I like the chances against a shaky Jake Delhomme calling plays. And I think the secondary is sufficient enough to cover the slick, Steve Smith at wide receiver.
How much difference a month makes! I am still trying to figure out how the Jets looked so poorly this month. Their weaknesses are glaring. Even if this team creeps into the playoffs, I can’t see them beating teams with strong-armed quarterbacks. The Jets will have to go through Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Jay Cutler or Kerry Collins. The Giants are definitely beatable, as Philadelphia and Dallas proved. The Cowboys are hot right now and a meeting in the post-season would be scary. The Giants need to run the ball or they will not be successful. If Brandon Jacobs is a no-go, Eli Manning needs to be crafty. He has the receivers at his disposal to make big plays but his frozen fingers might be a problem. He tends to fold under those circumstances. Manning must learn to throw the ball with more muscle.
Parting points: Shout-out to my father because tomorrow is his birthday. Happy birthday, dad, and a Happy winter to all.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Caroling
(To the tune of “Santa Clause Is Coming Tonight”)
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Right down free agency lane
With bat and glove, he will be here
Riding on the NY trains
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright
Hang your pinstripes and say a prayer
Cause Teixeira would be so right
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Swinging on free agency lane
He’s got a strong arm to play first base
For several years to come
Hear those chants, applause and praise
What a beautiful sight
Put on your Yankee hat to cover your head
Because Teixeira would be so right
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Swinging on free agency lane
Cashman doesn’t care what he spends to get him
He obviously has no shame
Steinbrenner knows he can outspend Boston
The figures will be out of sight
He’ll fill Boras’ wallet with Christmas cheer
Cause Teixeira would be so right
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Swinging on free agency lane
He’ll come around when the stadium opens
It’s baseball season again
The switch hitter will outshine all
He can bat left or right
Let’s give thanks to free agency
Cause Teixeira would be so right
Parting points: I don’t care for winter but thought I would get myself in the Christmas spirit. I am a big proponent of signing Mark Teixeira as you can tell. I hope the Yankees outbid the other teams interested. They need the 28 year old.
Song of the day: AFI’s “Miss Murder”.
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Right down free agency lane
With bat and glove, he will be here
Riding on the NY trains
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright
Hang your pinstripes and say a prayer
Cause Teixeira would be so right
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Swinging on free agency lane
He’s got a strong arm to play first base
For several years to come
Hear those chants, applause and praise
What a beautiful sight
Put on your Yankee hat to cover your head
Because Teixeira would be so right
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Swinging on free agency lane
Cashman doesn’t care what he spends to get him
He obviously has no shame
Steinbrenner knows he can outspend Boston
The figures will be out of sight
He’ll fill Boras’ wallet with Christmas cheer
Cause Teixeira would be so right
Here comes Teixeira, here comes Teixeira
Swinging on free agency lane
He’ll come around when the stadium opens
It’s baseball season again
The switch hitter will outshine all
He can bat left or right
Let’s give thanks to free agency
Cause Teixeira would be so right
Parting points: I don’t care for winter but thought I would get myself in the Christmas spirit. I am a big proponent of signing Mark Teixeira as you can tell. I hope the Yankees outbid the other teams interested. They need the 28 year old.
Song of the day: AFI’s “Miss Murder”.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Goodbye Greed
I have a New Year’s wish for our sports nation. In 2009, I’d like to see the end of the greedy athlete. You know the ones I am talking about. This year, greed has been the dominant theme in all sports. From money-hungry owners, ego-driven managers and selfish, me-first athletes, I’ve had entirely enough. Is it too much to ask in this day and age for a mature, responsible, gracious and selfless megastar?
Professional athletes are some of the most motivated and dedicated people, but they can also be so ignorant and self-absorbed. Too many people are losing their jobs, being laid off, forced to sell their homes or declare bankruptcy. Athletes are lucky and take their talent and fame for granted too often. They seem to always want more, more, more and seldom do they see the large picture. Ordinary people are simply struggling to survive. Meanwhile, athletes are driving drunk, doing drugs, carrying weapons, assaulting each other and refusing to play if they don’t get their way. They complain about being underpaid, under appreciated and misunderstood.
As a sports lover and absolute fanatic, it appalls me to read stories every day about greedy athletes. It is true athletes work hard and deserve their day in the sun. You can’t knock them for showing off their skills. But every now and then, I’d like to see one just not be in the spotlight for a negative reason. Focus should be on the field, not off. Sport and society go hand-in-hand and I’m afraid I can say the same for both in 2008---greed has taken over.
Parting points: I watched 61 about the Roger Maris-Mickey Mantle 1961 homerun race. It’s one of my favorite movies and I just remember Maris and Elston Howard both passed away on December 14th in different years.
How about them Cowboys?!
Professional athletes are some of the most motivated and dedicated people, but they can also be so ignorant and self-absorbed. Too many people are losing their jobs, being laid off, forced to sell their homes or declare bankruptcy. Athletes are lucky and take their talent and fame for granted too often. They seem to always want more, more, more and seldom do they see the large picture. Ordinary people are simply struggling to survive. Meanwhile, athletes are driving drunk, doing drugs, carrying weapons, assaulting each other and refusing to play if they don’t get their way. They complain about being underpaid, under appreciated and misunderstood.
As a sports lover and absolute fanatic, it appalls me to read stories every day about greedy athletes. It is true athletes work hard and deserve their day in the sun. You can’t knock them for showing off their skills. But every now and then, I’d like to see one just not be in the spotlight for a negative reason. Focus should be on the field, not off. Sport and society go hand-in-hand and I’m afraid I can say the same for both in 2008---greed has taken over.
Parting points: I watched 61 about the Roger Maris-Mickey Mantle 1961 homerun race. It’s one of my favorite movies and I just remember Maris and Elston Howard both passed away on December 14th in different years.
How about them Cowboys?!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Newsworthy Nicknames
C.C., A.J., J.J., and K-Rod are the nicknames New Yorkers will soon become acquainted with. Baseball fans may or may not know much about the four free agent signings that sparked the Las Vegas winter meetings this week. They soon will be muddled with the monikers as each takes the mound in March. Nicknames are shortened ways to identify a person. They are supposed to be friendly, unique callings or christenings. I like nicknames and think each of the players acquired will have a unique “calling” for their team in 2009.
C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are both legitimate aces. Sabathia carried the Brewers on his bulging back last fall. Without C.C.’s mound presence, it’s highly likely Milwaukee would have missed the post-season. The hefty hurler will command respect from the other Yankee starters. Sabathia is number one and I assume A.J. is number two for Joe Girardi’s staff. The Sabathia signing is a sure-thing as long as he can endure the New York media and press. I think C.C. will win twenty games next season and live up to his big time contract of $160 million over seven years. I still think the Yankees were better off going after Johan Santana in 2007’s off-season, but C.C. is capable of just as much. He is a workhorse with all the key pitches. I worry only about him coming through in big spots, such as defeating Boston or in the playoffs. His past seasons with the Indians in the post-season were less than spectacular. Sabathia was solid during the 2008 playoffs considering the low run support he received.
Burnett is a hard to figure out. He was arguably the second best pitcher available on the Hot Stove. Derek Lowe is older than A.J., but was probably the better choice for his durability. Jake Peavy also has more quality pitches than Burnett, but indicated to his agent he would have preferred remaining in the National League. The best part about A.J. in pinstripes is he will no longer be pitching against them. In Toronto last season, he and Roy Halladay baffled the Bombers all year. Burnett in particular has a knack for striking out hitters, especially ones from New York. The Bluejays will have to acquire another starter to fill Burnett’s role and that is a good thing of the Yankees. But I worry about Burnett’s health. Signing him for five years at $80 plus million is a risk for Brian Cashman. Burnett has not proven he can stay healthy all year and his ERA is unusually high for a pitcher who whiffs hitters as often as Burnett. I am sure he will be effective enough to win over a dozen times in 2009. But, don’t look for A.J. to be the stopper he was last season.
As far as the Metropolitans go, Omar Minaya deserves an A plus for his off-season so far. The Mets boasted the post-season’s worst setup-closer combination last season. Now, you could argue they have the best in all of baseball, let alone the National League. With Kerry Wood switching from the National League Cubs to the American League Indians, the Cubs no longer can claim they have a better bullpen. The Met added two more relievers in addition to K-Rod and J.J. Putz too. Now all they need is another solid starter, preferably a lefty and a right-handed bat for the outfield.
Obtaining K-Rod for three years at the price they did, the Mets got a bargain. Granted there were no other offers out there for Rodriguez but credit Minaya for pulling off a good deal. K-Rod is ten times better than most closers in baseball and with J.J. setting him up, the game is shortened to at least seven innings. J.J. was a shut-down closer for Seattle so the move to setting up should not be a problem. He was injured last year and played for a team that lost more games than they won. I expect Putz to bounce back beautifully. He throws smoke when he is on and Mets’ fans should enjoy seeing him take the ball at the new Citifield.
Both New York teams still have work to do but they were the only clubs making noise at the winter meetings. Despite a few minor signings and trades, the Mets and Yankees were the clear winners. Nicknames or not, 2009 will be an exciting time for baseball in the Big Apple.
Parting points: Tonight the Heisman trophy will be handed out to the best college football player. The three quarterbacks are all well-deserving. I think Tim Tebow is the best all around player but have a suspicion Colt McCoy will win out. Texas seemed to get the shaft this year and a McCoy Heisman selection would make up for some of that.
Song of the day: REM’s “Losing My Religion”.
C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are both legitimate aces. Sabathia carried the Brewers on his bulging back last fall. Without C.C.’s mound presence, it’s highly likely Milwaukee would have missed the post-season. The hefty hurler will command respect from the other Yankee starters. Sabathia is number one and I assume A.J. is number two for Joe Girardi’s staff. The Sabathia signing is a sure-thing as long as he can endure the New York media and press. I think C.C. will win twenty games next season and live up to his big time contract of $160 million over seven years. I still think the Yankees were better off going after Johan Santana in 2007’s off-season, but C.C. is capable of just as much. He is a workhorse with all the key pitches. I worry only about him coming through in big spots, such as defeating Boston or in the playoffs. His past seasons with the Indians in the post-season were less than spectacular. Sabathia was solid during the 2008 playoffs considering the low run support he received.
Burnett is a hard to figure out. He was arguably the second best pitcher available on the Hot Stove. Derek Lowe is older than A.J., but was probably the better choice for his durability. Jake Peavy also has more quality pitches than Burnett, but indicated to his agent he would have preferred remaining in the National League. The best part about A.J. in pinstripes is he will no longer be pitching against them. In Toronto last season, he and Roy Halladay baffled the Bombers all year. Burnett in particular has a knack for striking out hitters, especially ones from New York. The Bluejays will have to acquire another starter to fill Burnett’s role and that is a good thing of the Yankees. But I worry about Burnett’s health. Signing him for five years at $80 plus million is a risk for Brian Cashman. Burnett has not proven he can stay healthy all year and his ERA is unusually high for a pitcher who whiffs hitters as often as Burnett. I am sure he will be effective enough to win over a dozen times in 2009. But, don’t look for A.J. to be the stopper he was last season.
As far as the Metropolitans go, Omar Minaya deserves an A plus for his off-season so far. The Mets boasted the post-season’s worst setup-closer combination last season. Now, you could argue they have the best in all of baseball, let alone the National League. With Kerry Wood switching from the National League Cubs to the American League Indians, the Cubs no longer can claim they have a better bullpen. The Met added two more relievers in addition to K-Rod and J.J. Putz too. Now all they need is another solid starter, preferably a lefty and a right-handed bat for the outfield.
Obtaining K-Rod for three years at the price they did, the Mets got a bargain. Granted there were no other offers out there for Rodriguez but credit Minaya for pulling off a good deal. K-Rod is ten times better than most closers in baseball and with J.J. setting him up, the game is shortened to at least seven innings. J.J. was a shut-down closer for Seattle so the move to setting up should not be a problem. He was injured last year and played for a team that lost more games than they won. I expect Putz to bounce back beautifully. He throws smoke when he is on and Mets’ fans should enjoy seeing him take the ball at the new Citifield.
Both New York teams still have work to do but they were the only clubs making noise at the winter meetings. Despite a few minor signings and trades, the Mets and Yankees were the clear winners. Nicknames or not, 2009 will be an exciting time for baseball in the Big Apple.
Parting points: Tonight the Heisman trophy will be handed out to the best college football player. The three quarterbacks are all well-deserving. I think Tim Tebow is the best all around player but have a suspicion Colt McCoy will win out. Texas seemed to get the shaft this year and a McCoy Heisman selection would make up for some of that.
Song of the day: REM’s “Losing My Religion”.
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