Sorry about the lack of posts. The holidays have kept me hopping with family stuff.
The four-part series I composed for MMAJunkie.com concluded on Friday. Part III focused on how Hamill's fatal flaw and other distractions led to disaster against Rich Franklin. Hamill's camp's stern response to their fighter was this: Kill or be killed. Part IV gets into how to tap inside Hamill's inner beast for tonight's fight with Reese Andy and the latest on "Hamill" The Movie.
I'm off to check out UFC 92 at a buddy's house and will be back within a day or two to dissect what's annually the UFC's biggest event (think WrestleMania or Starrcade during pro wrestling's golden age when those shows actually meant something).
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Matt Hamill: Raw (Part 2 of 4)
Part II of my four-part series on Matt Hamill is live on MMAJunkie.com. There are a lot of reasons to root for this man, and lots more to the story that will be revealed this week.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Hammer Time and random thoughts
A few random thoughts on what's been a snowy weekend in the New York metropolitan area:
MMAJunkie.com posted Part I of four-part series we titled "Matt Hamill: Raw."
"The Hammer" is a light-heavyweight contender in the UFC. What makes him worthy of him being the choice of Junkie's first spotlight in what we hope becomes a regular series? Hamill is hearing-impaired, but that's only the beginning of a remarkable story where he's not only had to overcome a handicap, but internal conflict. Furthermore, one group deemed Hamill worthy of a biographical movie. From what I've learned about Hamill, there's a much bigger story than initially expected.
I've been on hiatus — I'm enjoying vacation from MLB and YES until the end of the year — but I'm still covering the Yankees. I missed Thursday's big party for CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett at Yankee Stadium, but both subjects provided plenty of reading material. Sabathia's story is fascinating not due to his success on the mound, but for Brian Cashman's relentless pursuit of the burly left-hander and his willingness to do whatever is takes to win.
My favorite anecdote was when he called his agent and told he and his people to stop badgering the Brewers because they were starting him on three days' rest four straight turns. Listen, CC told them, we're fighting for our playoff lives. Damn the lucrative free agent contract. Worry about that in the offseason. This is a horse who demands the ball in big spots and puts the team over himself. Sabathia is the Yankees' bona fine ace, but he won't have to do everything alone. On his side are Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and (maybe) Andy Pettitte.
Of course, Burnett will be riding shotgun with Sabathia as the Yankees' No. 2 starter (if not No. 3 behind Wang). Cashman took a huge risk with Burnett, who produced his finest season that preceeded an offseason in which he was eligible to opt out of his contract. There's also, of course, his unsettling history with injuries, which along with his guaranteed five-year deal worth $82.5 million harbored haunting comparisions to Carl Pavano.
I'm not in favor of giving Burnett that amount of money for five years, but let's be fair, Pavano neither half the talent Burnett nor a fraction of the attitude. There really cannot be a bigger waste that the four years and $40 million Cashman dumped into Pavano's lazy lap — and that includes Kei Igawa. The latter simply stinks, but at least he tried and didn't embarrass himself or the organization off the field.
Things are far from perfect in Rangers camp, but Tom Renney's crew took two out of three games out west with their lost a hard-faught 3-2 defeat to the Sharks, the NHL's best team at a wicked 26-4-3. They also lost out on Mats Sundin, who accepted more money (surprise) to go to Vancouver. Sundin would have provided needed offensive punch and leadership responsibility to take the load off Chris Drury, but the bright side is that now the Rangers can focus on what's really hurting them once the NHL roster freeze is lifted on December 27.
That, folks, is defense. One blueliner, Marc Staal, is above zero in the plus-minus department (plus-6). Dan Girardi (3-13-16, minus-1) could be better, but has been solid, but after that, whoa boy. Wade Redden, owner of a six-year pact worth $39 million, is minus-4 with two goals and one on the power play, which is why he was brought to New York in the first place.
Here's the best, er, worst part: Michal Rozsival and Dmitri Kalinin, are a combined minus-27. Kalinin, an offseason import, has been shades of (gulp) Marek Malik. Rozsival inked a four-year deal worth $20 million, but he's playing like a fat cat and don't think fans haven't noticed. Rozsival has taken the dishonor previously owned by Malik as the Garden's most hated.
MMAJunkie.com posted Part I of four-part series we titled "Matt Hamill: Raw."
"The Hammer" is a light-heavyweight contender in the UFC. What makes him worthy of him being the choice of Junkie's first spotlight in what we hope becomes a regular series? Hamill is hearing-impaired, but that's only the beginning of a remarkable story where he's not only had to overcome a handicap, but internal conflict. Furthermore, one group deemed Hamill worthy of a biographical movie. From what I've learned about Hamill, there's a much bigger story than initially expected.
I've been on hiatus — I'm enjoying vacation from MLB and YES until the end of the year — but I'm still covering the Yankees. I missed Thursday's big party for CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett at Yankee Stadium, but both subjects provided plenty of reading material. Sabathia's story is fascinating not due to his success on the mound, but for Brian Cashman's relentless pursuit of the burly left-hander and his willingness to do whatever is takes to win.
My favorite anecdote was when he called his agent and told he and his people to stop badgering the Brewers because they were starting him on three days' rest four straight turns. Listen, CC told them, we're fighting for our playoff lives. Damn the lucrative free agent contract. Worry about that in the offseason. This is a horse who demands the ball in big spots and puts the team over himself. Sabathia is the Yankees' bona fine ace, but he won't have to do everything alone. On his side are Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and (maybe) Andy Pettitte.
Of course, Burnett will be riding shotgun with Sabathia as the Yankees' No. 2 starter (if not No. 3 behind Wang). Cashman took a huge risk with Burnett, who produced his finest season that preceeded an offseason in which he was eligible to opt out of his contract. There's also, of course, his unsettling history with injuries, which along with his guaranteed five-year deal worth $82.5 million harbored haunting comparisions to Carl Pavano.
I'm not in favor of giving Burnett that amount of money for five years, but let's be fair, Pavano neither half the talent Burnett nor a fraction of the attitude. There really cannot be a bigger waste that the four years and $40 million Cashman dumped into Pavano's lazy lap — and that includes Kei Igawa. The latter simply stinks, but at least he tried and didn't embarrass himself or the organization off the field.
Things are far from perfect in Rangers camp, but Tom Renney's crew took two out of three games out west with their lost a hard-faught 3-2 defeat to the Sharks, the NHL's best team at a wicked 26-4-3. They also lost out on Mats Sundin, who accepted more money (surprise) to go to Vancouver. Sundin would have provided needed offensive punch and leadership responsibility to take the load off Chris Drury, but the bright side is that now the Rangers can focus on what's really hurting them once the NHL roster freeze is lifted on December 27.
That, folks, is defense. One blueliner, Marc Staal, is above zero in the plus-minus department (plus-6). Dan Girardi (3-13-16, minus-1) could be better, but has been solid, but after that, whoa boy. Wade Redden, owner of a six-year pact worth $39 million, is minus-4 with two goals and one on the power play, which is why he was brought to New York in the first place.
Here's the best, er, worst part: Michal Rozsival and Dmitri Kalinin, are a combined minus-27. Kalinin, an offseason import, has been shades of (gulp) Marek Malik. Rozsival inked a four-year deal worth $20 million, but he's playing like a fat cat and don't think fans haven't noticed. Rozsival has taken the dishonor previously owned by Malik as the Garden's most hated.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Catching up
Finally back in a blogging groove. Since Moose called it quits, business has picked up. Where should I start?
How about CC Sabathia, who is a physical and some minor legal stuff from officially becoming a New York Yankee? Brian Cashman and Co. had their eyes on the prize and nothing, neither Sabathia's preference for California nor swinging a bat, and especially a few dollars and cents, was going to stop him. Cashman's dogged pursuit — he flew from Las Vegas to San Francisco to meet with Sabathia and his wife near the couple's Vallejo, Calif., home — apparently was the clincher.
Oh, there's also the $160 MILLION in Yankee money over seven years Sabathia will receive. Nobody in their right mind can turn down that amount of money. Let's hope Sabathia's heart is really in New York City and he show that at age 28 he's in the prime of his career. His pitching numbers the past two seasons are 19-7, 3.21 ERA, 241 IP and 209 strikeouts in 2007 (that won him a Cy Young). The following year, he went a combined 17-10, 2.70, 235 IP and 251 Ks. Don't forget how he carried the
Brewers on his broad shoulders to their first playoff appearance since 1982.
There are risks with Sabathia. The Yankees have more work to do, writes Steven Goldman, and long-term contracts have historically not worked out well, writes Joe Auriemma. I would have liked to seen the Yankees give Mark Teixeira the mega bucks and bring Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, Jon Garland and the like on board. But I have no gripes with CC in pinstriped either. This guy is a proven horse who is only getting better. I see him doing great things in the Bronx. The numbers may not show it, but you will see Sabathia wear his heart on his sleeve.
There is trouble brewing in Rangers camp, to the point where Jonathan Ragus of Ranger Nation is calling for Tom Renney's head. That's not the solution. Renney is a good coach who's gotten the Rangers to the playoffs every full season under his leadership, but before the start of the season I wrote that the Rangers either get to the Eastern Conference Finals or only then would Renney be in serious trouble. That said, Renney has made some strange decisions of late and recently angered the normally placid Henrik Lundqvist. Hopefully this won't blow up into a bad soap opera.
I wrapped up a "Where are they now?" feature with Jerald Sowell for Jets Confidential last week and awaiting my next assignment. Jerald was as tough as they come, but one game needed his teammate and idol, Curtis Martin, to tell him not to give up on him.
The UFC is busy this month beginning with tonight's "Fight to the Troops" and Saturday's Ultimate Fighter Finale. I have Phillipe Nover defeating Efrain Escudero and Vinny Magalhaes over Ryan Bader. Some other good fighters are on this show from the promising (Anthony Johnson) to the ticking time bomb (Junie Browning). Browning is billed as "The Lunatic." You think?
Browning's coach tried to see his protege from a different point of view during our conversation awhile back. Browning is currently training with Xtreme Couture. If "The Natural" can't straighten him out, no one can. Frank Mir certainly couldn't handle him.
Speaking of Mir, he gets a shot at Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and the interim heavyweight championship at the year's biggest show Dec. 28. A ton of great fights on this card, including Matt Hamill Vs. Reese Andy. I have a four-part series on "The Hammer" debuting next week with new information on his movie project and why people care about him besides his inspiring plight as a deaf fighter.
How about CC Sabathia, who is a physical and some minor legal stuff from officially becoming a New York Yankee? Brian Cashman and Co. had their eyes on the prize and nothing, neither Sabathia's preference for California nor swinging a bat, and especially a few dollars and cents, was going to stop him. Cashman's dogged pursuit — he flew from Las Vegas to San Francisco to meet with Sabathia and his wife near the couple's Vallejo, Calif., home — apparently was the clincher.
Oh, there's also the $160 MILLION in Yankee money over seven years Sabathia will receive. Nobody in their right mind can turn down that amount of money. Let's hope Sabathia's heart is really in New York City and he show that at age 28 he's in the prime of his career. His pitching numbers the past two seasons are 19-7, 3.21 ERA, 241 IP and 209 strikeouts in 2007 (that won him a Cy Young). The following year, he went a combined 17-10, 2.70, 235 IP and 251 Ks. Don't forget how he carried the
Brewers on his broad shoulders to their first playoff appearance since 1982.
There are risks with Sabathia. The Yankees have more work to do, writes Steven Goldman, and long-term contracts have historically not worked out well, writes Joe Auriemma. I would have liked to seen the Yankees give Mark Teixeira the mega bucks and bring Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, Jon Garland and the like on board. But I have no gripes with CC in pinstriped either. This guy is a proven horse who is only getting better. I see him doing great things in the Bronx. The numbers may not show it, but you will see Sabathia wear his heart on his sleeve.
There is trouble brewing in Rangers camp, to the point where Jonathan Ragus of Ranger Nation is calling for Tom Renney's head. That's not the solution. Renney is a good coach who's gotten the Rangers to the playoffs every full season under his leadership, but before the start of the season I wrote that the Rangers either get to the Eastern Conference Finals or only then would Renney be in serious trouble. That said, Renney has made some strange decisions of late and recently angered the normally placid Henrik Lundqvist. Hopefully this won't blow up into a bad soap opera.
I wrapped up a "Where are they now?" feature with Jerald Sowell for Jets Confidential last week and awaiting my next assignment. Jerald was as tough as they come, but one game needed his teammate and idol, Curtis Martin, to tell him not to give up on him.
The UFC is busy this month beginning with tonight's "Fight to the Troops" and Saturday's Ultimate Fighter Finale. I have Phillipe Nover defeating Efrain Escudero and Vinny Magalhaes over Ryan Bader. Some other good fighters are on this show from the promising (Anthony Johnson) to the ticking time bomb (Junie Browning). Browning is billed as "The Lunatic." You think?
Browning's coach tried to see his protege from a different point of view during our conversation awhile back. Browning is currently training with Xtreme Couture. If "The Natural" can't straighten him out, no one can. Frank Mir certainly couldn't handle him.
Speaking of Mir, he gets a shot at Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and the interim heavyweight championship at the year's biggest show Dec. 28. A ton of great fights on this card, including Matt Hamill Vs. Reese Andy. I have a four-part series on "The Hammer" debuting next week with new information on his movie project and why people care about him besides his inspiring plight as a deaf fighter.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Great job, Moose
Mike Mussina formally retired yesterday, leaving baseball when he still had plenty left. I covered his revelation that his mind was made up in January, his accomplishments on the field and his immediate future right here.
When Mussina played in Baltimore, and first came to New York, he was surly and very difficult. I didn't know him then, but the Mussina I got to know was very engaging and absolutely hilarious. It seemed like every day, especially during Spring Training, he'd hold court telling stories about baseball or pop culture (he's a big fan of everything '80s, T-shirts, movies, music, you name it). Every time I'd laugh out loud, even he didn't intend to be funny. He was also supremely intelligent, gave you excellent answers and was always honest (except in the case of his retirement plans), if you broke through the wall he'd put up.
Mussina had a way of making general conversations very entertaining and putting some in their place. A few of my favorite anecdotes that show both emotions:
2004: We were at Mussina's locker discussing a big upcoming series against the Red Sox when Moose was scheduled to face Pedro Martinez. A reporter was about to ask him about that when Moose cut him off. "No, no, no, no, no ... no Boston questions I apologize." After some small talk the reporter asked, "How come you don't want to talk Boston." Mussina replied with emphasis, "Because ... I don't!" Then he turned to the reporter's notepad, made a writing gesture and repeated slowly, "Be-cause I don't."
Also in '04: When was revealed Mussina would start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Twins, we gathered around his locker and a reported asked if it was an honor opening the Yankees' latest championship quest. Moose turned around and smugly replied, "Yes." Following about 15-20 seconds of silence, the reporter enunciated, "Whyyyy?"
Also in '04, shortly before the playoffs, this story courtesy of my old YES colleague Will Weiss: A local TV reporter interviewed Mussina shortly after Bernie Willams' walk-off home run clinched the AL East. The reporter started the interview by asking: “Mike, you’ve been outspoken this season, complaining about the trip to Japan, you struggled through an injury…” Mussina cut the reporter off and said, “How do you know I’ve been complaining? You’ve been here like 10 minutes all year.” The reporter looked back at the cameraman and asked to start over.
Spring Training 2005: I approach Mussina for a one-on-one. Silly me told him it would be generic questions. He replied, "Then you'll get generic answers." Lesson learned and thought confirmed: Moose is really not a bad guy. I don't remember what we discussed, but we snuck in a few '80s topics.
Later in '05: Reporters wanted to know about Mussina's rehab from an injury. He hadn't thrown yet, and when he was approached for about the fifth time, he raised his voice in mock frustration, "What do you waaaant!" He then gave a demonstration of how he got dressed without any discomfort. It was one of those you had to be there moments.
Spring Training 2006: We do another exclusive about a day when I first arrived to Tampa and approached Mussina and John Flaherty to say hello. Moose extended his hand and told me, "Good to see ya." One question I asked is why he chose "The Zoo" by the Scorpions as his entrance theme. He said, and I paraphrase, "Around here is a zoo. There's always something going on, especially when you least expect it, so you need to be on your toes at all times."
2008: A group gathers around Mussina's locker to ask about Manny Ramirez, his longtime tormentor, being traded to the Dodgers and how it would impact the AL East race. He warmed up, but initially wasn't in the mood at first. "I don't knoooow," he whined. Once we warmed up, it was his usual impeccable analysis and honest appraisal. Later that season, after Yankee Stadium's final game. Moose and I exchanged friendly looks and a handshake. I thanked him for everything and wished him the best in whatever he chose to do next. He gave me a look of appreciation, which in hindsight told me he was out the door without looking back.
Thanks Moose. You were a master on the mound and thoroughly entertaining. Enjoy the quiet life and here's hoping we catch up in Cooperstown.
When Mussina played in Baltimore, and first came to New York, he was surly and very difficult. I didn't know him then, but the Mussina I got to know was very engaging and absolutely hilarious. It seemed like every day, especially during Spring Training, he'd hold court telling stories about baseball or pop culture (he's a big fan of everything '80s, T-shirts, movies, music, you name it). Every time I'd laugh out loud, even he didn't intend to be funny. He was also supremely intelligent, gave you excellent answers and was always honest (except in the case of his retirement plans), if you broke through the wall he'd put up.
Mussina had a way of making general conversations very entertaining and putting some in their place. A few of my favorite anecdotes that show both emotions:
2004: We were at Mussina's locker discussing a big upcoming series against the Red Sox when Moose was scheduled to face Pedro Martinez. A reporter was about to ask him about that when Moose cut him off. "No, no, no, no, no ... no Boston questions I apologize." After some small talk the reporter asked, "How come you don't want to talk Boston." Mussina replied with emphasis, "Because ... I don't!" Then he turned to the reporter's notepad, made a writing gesture and repeated slowly, "Be-cause I don't."
Also in '04: When was revealed Mussina would start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Twins, we gathered around his locker and a reported asked if it was an honor opening the Yankees' latest championship quest. Moose turned around and smugly replied, "Yes." Following about 15-20 seconds of silence, the reporter enunciated, "Whyyyy?"
Also in '04, shortly before the playoffs, this story courtesy of my old YES colleague Will Weiss: A local TV reporter interviewed Mussina shortly after Bernie Willams' walk-off home run clinched the AL East. The reporter started the interview by asking: “Mike, you’ve been outspoken this season, complaining about the trip to Japan, you struggled through an injury…” Mussina cut the reporter off and said, “How do you know I’ve been complaining? You’ve been here like 10 minutes all year.” The reporter looked back at the cameraman and asked to start over.
Spring Training 2005: I approach Mussina for a one-on-one. Silly me told him it would be generic questions. He replied, "Then you'll get generic answers." Lesson learned and thought confirmed: Moose is really not a bad guy. I don't remember what we discussed, but we snuck in a few '80s topics.
Later in '05: Reporters wanted to know about Mussina's rehab from an injury. He hadn't thrown yet, and when he was approached for about the fifth time, he raised his voice in mock frustration, "What do you waaaant!" He then gave a demonstration of how he got dressed without any discomfort. It was one of those you had to be there moments.
Spring Training 2006: We do another exclusive about a day when I first arrived to Tampa and approached Mussina and John Flaherty to say hello. Moose extended his hand and told me, "Good to see ya." One question I asked is why he chose "The Zoo" by the Scorpions as his entrance theme. He said, and I paraphrase, "Around here is a zoo. There's always something going on, especially when you least expect it, so you need to be on your toes at all times."
2008: A group gathers around Mussina's locker to ask about Manny Ramirez, his longtime tormentor, being traded to the Dodgers and how it would impact the AL East race. He warmed up, but initially wasn't in the mood at first. "I don't knoooow," he whined. Once we warmed up, it was his usual impeccable analysis and honest appraisal. Later that season, after Yankee Stadium's final game. Moose and I exchanged friendly looks and a handshake. I thanked him for everything and wished him the best in whatever he chose to do next. He gave me a look of appreciation, which in hindsight told me he was out the door without looking back.
Thanks Moose. You were a master on the mound and thoroughly entertaining. Enjoy the quiet life and here's hoping we catch up in Cooperstown.
Friday, November 14, 2008
What offseason?
Only in baseball, only in New York. Newsday's Shaun Powell said it best: "Here in New York, the 'hot stove' puts football on the back burner." In a week when the Jets earned their biggest win of the season and the Giants are 8-1, the Yankees stole back page copy hours before open bidding on free agents began.
Nick Swisher is a Yankee, acquired from the White Sox for Wilson Betemit, and Minor Leaguers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez. The deal received acclaim from many outlets, including my colleague Steven Goldman. Basically, the Yankees received a poor man's Mark Teixeria, a cheaper and more versatile player who's can handle first base and the corner outfield spots. Logic suggests the Yankees are out of the Teixeria running, but these are the Yankees and they have money, no matter how much they throw at CC Sabathia. I love Teixeria's game and he'd be a great fit in the Bronx, but there's no guarantee he'd want to come here. In Swisher, you for the moment solve your problem at first base and can make an all-out blitz for Sabathia.
Speaking of CC, it's obvious the Yankees want him — badly. Odds are they will get him because they'll trump Johan Santana's crazy contract and the depressing economy will price everyone else out. But again, no gurantees. Sabathia's heart may rule his head enough for him to walk away from Yankee zillions, billions and trillions for him to sign with a National League team on the west coast. Should that happen, so be it, says Yankees manager Joe Girardi. There are other options available.
The Yankees have a new first base coach and Tony Pena will sit alongside Girardi as his bench coach in 2009. Girardi better hope the Yankees do not stumble out of the gate. Should the Steinbrenners decide to act impulsively, Pena, the 2003 AL Manager of the Year with the Royals, is an interim skipper in waiting.
Will Mike Mussina retire? Probably. But he's still making up his mind. We'll supposedly find out next week.
Swisher will be introduced to writers via a conference call as soon as today. I'll have his reaction after it happens.
Nick Swisher is a Yankee, acquired from the White Sox for Wilson Betemit, and Minor Leaguers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez. The deal received acclaim from many outlets, including my colleague Steven Goldman. Basically, the Yankees received a poor man's Mark Teixeria, a cheaper and more versatile player who's can handle first base and the corner outfield spots. Logic suggests the Yankees are out of the Teixeria running, but these are the Yankees and they have money, no matter how much they throw at CC Sabathia. I love Teixeria's game and he'd be a great fit in the Bronx, but there's no guarantee he'd want to come here. In Swisher, you for the moment solve your problem at first base and can make an all-out blitz for Sabathia.
Speaking of CC, it's obvious the Yankees want him — badly. Odds are they will get him because they'll trump Johan Santana's crazy contract and the depressing economy will price everyone else out. But again, no gurantees. Sabathia's heart may rule his head enough for him to walk away from Yankee zillions, billions and trillions for him to sign with a National League team on the west coast. Should that happen, so be it, says Yankees manager Joe Girardi. There are other options available.
The Yankees have a new first base coach and Tony Pena will sit alongside Girardi as his bench coach in 2009. Girardi better hope the Yankees do not stumble out of the gate. Should the Steinbrenners decide to act impulsively, Pena, the 2003 AL Manager of the Year with the Royals, is an interim skipper in waiting.
Will Mike Mussina retire? Probably. But he's still making up his mind. We'll supposedly find out next week.
Swisher will be introduced to writers via a conference call as soon as today. I'll have his reaction after it happens.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Memo to Jones: Retire
Saturday night I covered my first live boxing event in 11 years, my first assignment for TheSweetScience.com. Roy Jones Jr. was on the receiving end of a pummeling from Joe Calzaghe. It pained me to watch it, even more to write it, because I grew up a fan of Roy Jones. He's another of too many examples of those holding on way too long for both pride and another payday. What's really sad is that guys like Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe are still going at it, in their late 30s-early 40s and a barrage of punches from brain damage.
Jones is better than that. He's set up for life after boxing and still has his wits about him. He took a beating Saturday at Madison Square Garden and should bow out right now. See for yourself this Saturday on HBO, or DVR it if you're watching UFC 91.
I started my career covering boxing and attended George Foreman-Shannon Briggs in Atlantic City in November of 1997. The Garden crowd was electric and there was a serious buzz well before the fight, which was turned up an octave when a large contingent from Wales cheered the arrival of Calzaghe, their countryman. Ten minutes later, Jones was shown on Garden Vision and was booed vociferously.
MMA is pushing boxing away from the spotlight of the big hype, throw a party package, but the Sweet Science still gets plenty of attention. The Garden was at or close to a sellout - the 400 section went unsold - and at least 100 media credentials were issued.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Another step back for Leben
I wrote this on October 23 about Chris Leben in response to backlash over Junie Browning:
I bet you these same people hated Chris Leben, who after causing chaos on TUF got busted for DUI and spent 35 days in jail. Today, he's turned it around and put up a credible effort in a loss to Michael Bisping. You hope Leben can keep out of trouble and you hope Browning can follow a similar path, minus the DUI.
My MMAJunkie.com colleagues reported on Monday that Leben was suspended for nine months and fined one-third of his fight purse for failing a drug test. Leben, who dropped a unanimous-decision loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 89, tested positive for the steroid Stanozolol, synthetic anabolic steroid popular in bodybuilding. He'll be eligible to return to the UFC in July.
"I've really done everything I can to turn my life around, and this is a huge setback for me, but it is something I will have to deal with," Leben stated. "During my time off from fighting, I want to speak to kids about the dangers of using performance enhancing agents and let them know it just doesn’t get you ahead in life. Of course this is a hard hit for me monetarily, but more so this is embarrassing for me and for all of my fans. I apologize to the UFC and everyone who supported me in my fight in England. I hope to work through this and get back to fighting soon."
Memo to Chris: Get your life back together, lick this thing and get through to those kids. They look up to you and will listen to you. But first, it's your move.
I bet you these same people hated Chris Leben, who after causing chaos on TUF got busted for DUI and spent 35 days in jail. Today, he's turned it around and put up a credible effort in a loss to Michael Bisping. You hope Leben can keep out of trouble and you hope Browning can follow a similar path, minus the DUI.
My MMAJunkie.com colleagues reported on Monday that Leben was suspended for nine months and fined one-third of his fight purse for failing a drug test. Leben, who dropped a unanimous-decision loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 89, tested positive for the steroid Stanozolol, synthetic anabolic steroid popular in bodybuilding. He'll be eligible to return to the UFC in July.
"I've really done everything I can to turn my life around, and this is a huge setback for me, but it is something I will have to deal with," Leben stated. "During my time off from fighting, I want to speak to kids about the dangers of using performance enhancing agents and let them know it just doesn’t get you ahead in life. Of course this is a hard hit for me monetarily, but more so this is embarrassing for me and for all of my fans. I apologize to the UFC and everyone who supported me in my fight in England. I hope to work through this and get back to fighting soon."
Memo to Chris: Get your life back together, lick this thing and get through to those kids. They look up to you and will listen to you. But first, it's your move.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
One more shot for Pavano?
According to today's New York Daily News, it's not speculation. A source told Mark Feinsand that Brian Cashman that Carl Pavano — yes, him — coming back to the Yankees after four years of misery is a realistic possibility.
It's easy to pan Cashman for considering this. Whispers I heard and off during Pavano's tenure in the Bronx was that the general manager wanted to erase the mistake he made on December 20, 2004, when he gave Pavano $39.9 million over four years.
I decided to play devil's advocate and write why bringing him back may not be a bad idea — as long as it's handled correctly. What nobody talks about is that other teams made a big push for Pavano after he won 18 games and became a free agent. The Yankees just happened to strike fool's gold, so saying that it was a big mistake is using 20-20 hindsight.
Would I do handstands if Pavano is back? No. And I would not be surprised if the majority of you disagree. But you're not making a large commitment to him this time. Pitching is at such a premium, you need to have plans A through Z in place. You'd also hope that Pavano has finally grown up, but that's another story for another time.
It's easy to pan Cashman for considering this. Whispers I heard and off during Pavano's tenure in the Bronx was that the general manager wanted to erase the mistake he made on December 20, 2004, when he gave Pavano $39.9 million over four years.
I decided to play devil's advocate and write why bringing him back may not be a bad idea — as long as it's handled correctly. What nobody talks about is that other teams made a big push for Pavano after he won 18 games and became a free agent. The Yankees just happened to strike fool's gold, so saying that it was a big mistake is using 20-20 hindsight.
Would I do handstands if Pavano is back? No. And I would not be surprised if the majority of you disagree. But you're not making a large commitment to him this time. Pitching is at such a premium, you need to have plans A through Z in place. You'd also hope that Pavano has finally grown up, but that's another story for another time.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
They hate Junie
My feature on Junie Browning is causing a stir, as expected. Fans hate this guy and his attitude. One even wondered how I wrote this with a straight face. I wrote this with a straight face because that's my job, to tell the other person's side of the story whether I like it or not.
I bet you these same people hated Chris Leben, who after causing chaos on TUF got busted for DUI and spent 35 days in jail. Today, he's turned it around and put up a credible effort in a loss to Michael Bisping. You hope Leben can keep out of trouble and you hope Browning can follow a similar path, minus the DUI.
I bet you these same people hated Chris Leben, who after causing chaos on TUF got busted for DUI and spent 35 days in jail. Today, he's turned it around and put up a credible effort in a loss to Michael Bisping. You hope Leben can keep out of trouble and you hope Browning can follow a similar path, minus the DUI.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
One-on-one with Junie
Junie Browning is the Chris Leben of this season of "The Ultimate Fighter." He's a friggin' nut, and that's why many of the episodes have been centered around him, his shenanigans and his drunken stupidity. I spoke with TUF's newest lightning rod for a story coming out tomorrow, and I remain in one piece.
Browning gets his chance to back up his smack in tonight's episode when coach Frank Mir pits him against Rolando Delgado. What you've seen to this point hasn't been trick production. Browning pretty much admitted he is who you've seen, but also a bit misunderstood.
Those following TUF may think there's no hope for Browning, but Leben turned his life around and lost this past Saturday only because Michael Bispbig is at another level. Browning was honest, saying that being trapped inside a house in Las Vegas and not being able to go anywhere except the gym drove him further insane. Even should he lose tonight, losers have been brought back on the show in the past. One such fighter was Leben.
Browning gets his chance to back up his smack in tonight's episode when coach Frank Mir pits him against Rolando Delgado. What you've seen to this point hasn't been trick production. Browning pretty much admitted he is who you've seen, but also a bit misunderstood.
Those following TUF may think there's no hope for Browning, but Leben turned his life around and lost this past Saturday only because Michael Bispbig is at another level. Browning was honest, saying that being trapped inside a house in Las Vegas and not being able to go anywhere except the gym drove him further insane. Even should he lose tonight, losers have been brought back on the show in the past. One such fighter was Leben.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Elite XC and the XFL
Great line from Yahoo! Sports MMA columnist Kevin Iole. You can read his mailbag here.
It would have been far better off to let [Kimbo] Slice fight off-television fights and develop his mixed martial arts game rather than exploit him for a quick buck and, as it appears has happened, permanently ruin him. He only seems to have gimmick appeal now.
In 2001 I lived through the bloody disaster that was the XFL as a WWF employee. It was bad enough the WWF forced its sports-entertainment brand down the throats of those looking to see if it can produce a legit alternative to the NFL. The worst was that first it launched one year after it was founded when it needed at least a good two-three years to properly build a front office, its franchises and thoroughly evaluate both talent and a business plan.
Then, instead of changing perception and creating a reputation on a small cable network with a niche audience, it signed with NBC, which gave it a prime-time slot Saturday nights. The league ended up a catastrophic embarrassment and died a painful death.
I'm not saying Elite XC is the XFL; the former can brag about a collection of great fights. But their big mistake — and CBS bought into this — was forcing a cult creation down everyone's throats without any regard for the total package. Look at Strikeforce: They're on NBC during the overnight on Saturday/Sunday. They're building a program. Look at the Tampa Bay Rays. Since their inaugural season, they finished out of last place only twice, but learned after the 1999 season that the quick fix never works. They stayed patient and built a program, and they're in the World Series.
There would have been no harm in developing Kimbo slowly and getting your marketing department to promote around Robbie Lawler, Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, Eddie Alvarez. Instead, the public was force-fed a fighter who needed seasoning and its core audience has its intelligence insulted.
It would have been far better off to let [Kimbo] Slice fight off-television fights and develop his mixed martial arts game rather than exploit him for a quick buck and, as it appears has happened, permanently ruin him. He only seems to have gimmick appeal now.
In 2001 I lived through the bloody disaster that was the XFL as a WWF employee. It was bad enough the WWF forced its sports-entertainment brand down the throats of those looking to see if it can produce a legit alternative to the NFL. The worst was that first it launched one year after it was founded when it needed at least a good two-three years to properly build a front office, its franchises and thoroughly evaluate both talent and a business plan.
Then, instead of changing perception and creating a reputation on a small cable network with a niche audience, it signed with NBC, which gave it a prime-time slot Saturday nights. The league ended up a catastrophic embarrassment and died a painful death.
I'm not saying Elite XC is the XFL; the former can brag about a collection of great fights. But their big mistake — and CBS bought into this — was forcing a cult creation down everyone's throats without any regard for the total package. Look at Strikeforce: They're on NBC during the overnight on Saturday/Sunday. They're building a program. Look at the Tampa Bay Rays. Since their inaugural season, they finished out of last place only twice, but learned after the 1999 season that the quick fix never works. They stayed patient and built a program, and they're in the World Series.
There would have been no harm in developing Kimbo slowly and getting your marketing department to promote around Robbie Lawler, Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, Eddie Alvarez. Instead, the public was force-fed a fighter who needed seasoning and its core audience has its intelligence insulted.
Live without Avery
My latest Rangers blog on what it's like to have Sean Avery as an enemy. It's not fun, but the Rangers won't see him again until February 6 in Dallas. They have their own camp to tend to.
And an addendum to my previous post: I want to see Strikeforce and Affliction succeed. You cannot have the UFC as MMA's sole entity. In the late 1990s and earlier this decade, professional wrestling reached its peak thanks to the "Monday Night Wars" between WWE (nee the WWF) and WCW. The competition was healthy with each company going overboard to out-do the other to win that night's ratings race. It was a lot of fun before WCW's tunnel vision and stupidity sunk its ship. Once Vince McMahon bought the remains and spit on the grave, the industry has since tanked.
The UFC needs sustained competition, and Strikeforce and Affliction needs to remember the old marathon and not a sprint expression. An industry insider sees Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields going to Affliction, and Gina Carano-Cris Cyborg happening somewhere, someday. You have to give reasons for Dana White to no longer brush you off as no-clue posers and treat you as a legit threat.
And an addendum to my previous post: I want to see Strikeforce and Affliction succeed. You cannot have the UFC as MMA's sole entity. In the late 1990s and earlier this decade, professional wrestling reached its peak thanks to the "Monday Night Wars" between WWE (nee the WWF) and WCW. The competition was healthy with each company going overboard to out-do the other to win that night's ratings race. It was a lot of fun before WCW's tunnel vision and stupidity sunk its ship. Once Vince McMahon bought the remains and spit on the grave, the industry has since tanked.
The UFC needs sustained competition, and Strikeforce and Affliction needs to remember the old marathon and not a sprint expression. An industry insider sees Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields going to Affliction, and Gina Carano-Cris Cyborg happening somewhere, someday. You have to give reasons for Dana White to no longer brush you off as no-clue posers and treat you as a legit threat.
Only Elite XC can screw this up
With deals with CBS and Showtime, the latter a major shareholder, Elite XC had the exposure other failed challengers to the Ultimate Fighting Championship lacked, but lost more than $55 million in its two years of operation.
And now, thanks to incompetence, it's all gone. Elite XC, despite producing seven of the 10 most-watched MMA matches in U.S. history, will fold by the end of this week. (My MMAJunkie colleague Steve Sievert has the story first reported on GracieFighter.com.) What this means is Robbie Lawler, the promotion's best pound-for-pound male fighter in my view, won't defend his middleweight title against Joey Villasenor Nov. 8 in Reno, Nev. It also means Gina Carano vs. Cristiane Cyborg, easily the most anticipated MMA fight behind Randy Couture-Brock Lesnar, won't happen unless UFC president Dana White has a change of heart over female fighters.
The promotion signed its death warrant with the controversy surrounding Seth Petruzelli's 14-second knockout of the inflated Kimbo Slice. The way the whole thing was handled, from Slice getting paid not to back out in light of Ken Shamrock's injury (Shamrock should not have been fighting to begin with), to Petruzelli's allegations that he was bribed to trade punches with Elite XC's meal ticket, was a joke. The company's shady denials apparently sunk any hope of a bailout from Showtime.
Good riddance. Elite XC was an absolute farce. Their CBS broadcasts were plastic with all involved drunk on Kool Aid. Gus Johnson is a very good football and basketball commentator who took jiu-jitsu to help him study the MMA world, but came across like a shrieking idiot when he compared Petruzelli's win to Rocky over Apollo — this after he and his broadcast partners pumped up Kimbo as a stand-up guy when in fact he demanded money not to pull out. The UFC's lone two competitors, Affliction and Strikeforce, better digest this and take it as a lesson on how not to do things. In the latter's case, they have a graveyard shift TV deal with NBC and would be wise to continue building a program while avoiding the big bang too soon.
I wish White would open the UFC to women. Carano and Cyborg deserve better. As Yahoo! Sports' Dave Meltzer wrote, Carano's match with Kelly Kobold on that Slice undercard added more new viewers than any MMA match on television in the States White may want to study that and reconsider, but it appears as if impressive welterweight champion Jake Shields would be welcomed into the UFC fold. I'd love to see Shields against Georges St. Pierre, B.J. Penn or Anderson Silva if his game continues to develop at a rapid rate.
Meanwhile, you have to watch White's take on Kimbo vs. Petruzelli. Not only is he dead on, he's very colorful and most entertaining.
And now, thanks to incompetence, it's all gone. Elite XC, despite producing seven of the 10 most-watched MMA matches in U.S. history, will fold by the end of this week. (My MMAJunkie colleague Steve Sievert has the story first reported on GracieFighter.com.) What this means is Robbie Lawler, the promotion's best pound-for-pound male fighter in my view, won't defend his middleweight title against Joey Villasenor Nov. 8 in Reno, Nev. It also means Gina Carano vs. Cristiane Cyborg, easily the most anticipated MMA fight behind Randy Couture-Brock Lesnar, won't happen unless UFC president Dana White has a change of heart over female fighters.
The promotion signed its death warrant with the controversy surrounding Seth Petruzelli's 14-second knockout of the inflated Kimbo Slice. The way the whole thing was handled, from Slice getting paid not to back out in light of Ken Shamrock's injury (Shamrock should not have been fighting to begin with), to Petruzelli's allegations that he was bribed to trade punches with Elite XC's meal ticket, was a joke. The company's shady denials apparently sunk any hope of a bailout from Showtime.
Good riddance. Elite XC was an absolute farce. Their CBS broadcasts were plastic with all involved drunk on Kool Aid. Gus Johnson is a very good football and basketball commentator who took jiu-jitsu to help him study the MMA world, but came across like a shrieking idiot when he compared Petruzelli's win to Rocky over Apollo — this after he and his broadcast partners pumped up Kimbo as a stand-up guy when in fact he demanded money not to pull out. The UFC's lone two competitors, Affliction and Strikeforce, better digest this and take it as a lesson on how not to do things. In the latter's case, they have a graveyard shift TV deal with NBC and would be wise to continue building a program while avoiding the big bang too soon.
I wish White would open the UFC to women. Carano and Cyborg deserve better. As Yahoo! Sports' Dave Meltzer wrote, Carano's match with Kelly Kobold on that Slice undercard added more new viewers than any MMA match on television in the States White may want to study that and reconsider, but it appears as if impressive welterweight champion Jake Shields would be welcomed into the UFC fold. I'd love to see Shields against Georges St. Pierre, B.J. Penn or Anderson Silva if his game continues to develop at a rapid rate.
Meanwhile, you have to watch White's take on Kimbo vs. Petruzelli. Not only is he dead on, he's very colorful and most entertaining.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Dean of Mean
Here's the link to my feature on Keith Jardine, with great insight from trainer Greg Jackson.
Ranger Danger?
Not at all, but there's no excuse to never put forth your best effort. The Rangers' unbeaten streak to start the season ended Wednesday, but it's not the fact they lost, but how they lost that angered coach Tom Renney. A big reason why the Yankees failed to make the playoffs is that they took way too many nights off, swinging at every pitch and playing while looking at the clock. By the time Joe Girardi nipped this in the bud (read: Robinson Cano), it was too late. Renney and the Rangers vets know victories aren't earned by your name or merely stepping on the ice.
Coming out tonight for MMAJunkie.com is a feature on Keith Jardine and his fight against Brandon Vera at UFC 89 this Saturday in Birmingham, England. Jardine's trainer, Greg Jackson, provided me an excellent interview, which serves as the crux of the piece. "The Dean of Mean" himself also knows how important this fight is. He's 2-2 in his last four fights. His wins were specatular, his losses two devastating knockouts both lasting less than a minute. The first loss came to Houston Alexander, an opponent Jardine complained wasn't marquee enough and stepped into the octagon thinking it'd be a breeze. Both parties promise a different Jardine on Saturday, one that we'll all have to watch to find out. I'll post the link once the story is live.
I completed my first article for Jets Confidential this week. The monthly publication devoted to all things Gang Green has hired me to compose monthly "Where are they now?" features. Dedric Ward was a popular wide receiver and special teams player who posted his best years as a Jet. He's a disciple of his college coach, Terry Allen, and the legendary Bill Parcells, and provided insight to the philosophy he applies today.
“A lot of times you have coaches that think they have all the answers and will do it their way regardless of what the players think,” Ward said. “But I think if you take the player’s opinion into consideration, it’s only going to be best for everybody in the long run.”
Ward doesn't get any press, but it's a safe bet that he's a big part of why the Cardinals are 4-2 and off their biggest win since forever, an overtime thriller over the Cowboys.
_______________________
Coming out tonight for MMAJunkie.com is a feature on Keith Jardine and his fight against Brandon Vera at UFC 89 this Saturday in Birmingham, England. Jardine's trainer, Greg Jackson, provided me an excellent interview, which serves as the crux of the piece. "The Dean of Mean" himself also knows how important this fight is. He's 2-2 in his last four fights. His wins were specatular, his losses two devastating knockouts both lasting less than a minute. The first loss came to Houston Alexander, an opponent Jardine complained wasn't marquee enough and stepped into the octagon thinking it'd be a breeze. Both parties promise a different Jardine on Saturday, one that we'll all have to watch to find out. I'll post the link once the story is live.
_______________________
I completed my first article for Jets Confidential this week. The monthly publication devoted to all things Gang Green has hired me to compose monthly "Where are they now?" features. Dedric Ward was a popular wide receiver and special teams player who posted his best years as a Jet. He's a disciple of his college coach, Terry Allen, and the legendary Bill Parcells, and provided insight to the philosophy he applies today.
“A lot of times you have coaches that think they have all the answers and will do it their way regardless of what the players think,” Ward said. “But I think if you take the player’s opinion into consideration, it’s only going to be best for everybody in the long run.”
Ward doesn't get any press, but it's a safe bet that he's a big part of why the Cardinals are 4-2 and off their biggest win since forever, an overtime thriller over the Cowboys.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Will they ever learn?
"If you don't learn from history, you'll relive it."
Those words came from my natural science professor my freshman year in college, about the only words I remember from that particular class. It's a life lesson applied by many, but apparently not by those whose upcoming opponents are the New York Giants.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Corey Williams is the latest to provide the Giants bulletin board fodder and more fuel for their disrespect angle that carried them to a Super Bowl championship last season. The Browns host the Giants Monday night. Williams, for reasons known only to himself, had this to say about Brandon Jacobs:
"If we can come out and hit him in the mouth from the jump, he tends to slow down and do some tip-toeing," Williams said. "You've got to swarm him, swarm to the ball."
Jacobs is 10th in the NFL in rushing (380 yards), averages 5.8 yards per carry (good for fifth) and makes his living running over people. Think Williams has been paying attention? In a word, no.
"He's a good back who runs hard and has speed, but we're gonna get the job done regardless," Williams continued. "I'm gonna try to knock his head off. ... His whole attitude is to knock our head off when he's running the ball. I'm trying to get him before he gets me. He's a pretty good overall running back, but once you go to putting that wood on him, go to really hitting him, not letting him run wild like he wants to do, he's a totally different running back. He'll start tip-toeing, shutting it down.
"We came real close to beating the Giants in the NFC title game," continued Williams, a member of the Packers team the Giants stunned in January. "We were hitting (Jacobs), and he was slowing it down. He left the game. They let the (Ahmad) Bradshaw kid come in. He's really the one who killed us."
Judging by the recent past, Williams and the Browns are in serious trouble. There are enough problems in the Dawg Pound. The Browns, expected by many to contend in the AFC North, are 1-3. Their coach, former Giants assistant Romeo Crennel, is on the hot seat. Their All-Pro tight end, Kellen Winslow, was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. Quarterback Derek Anderson, a revelation last season, has been a dud and is looking at Brady Quinn in his rear view mirror.
And now Williams decides to sound off. Maybe he's looking to fire up his group of underachievers, but his comments and timing are downright stupid. Want proof? Ask these two who had their pregame words for a postgame meal:
Ronde Barber
His Tampa Bay Buccaneers headed to the playoffs, Tiki's brother told his twin on Sirius Satellite Radio, "Of course we want to play the Giants. They [win] ugly, [Jeremy] Shockey's hurt and Eli [Manning] has been inconsistent."
Result: The teams met in the first round of the playoffs, where the Giants won 24-14 in Tampa by holding the Bucs to 166 yards before their late 88-yard drive.
Patrick Crayton
This is my favorite. Leave it not to Terrell Owens, but Crayton, of all people, to run his trap days before the 13-3 Cowboys hosted the Giants in an NFC Divisional Playoff Game.
"It's funny that those guys talk, every time we get ready to play them," Crayton said. "What I have learned is when players have to talk about another team like that, either they are scared or they are trying to talk themselves into believing they can do it. I think they are trying to talk themselves up into believing they can do it.
"Tampa Bay didn't even have all their wideouts. I think (the Giants) realize we are not Tampa Bay. We don't have Tampa Bay's personnel. I think across the board, I think we are a little bit better than Tampa Bay."
Crayton also dissed Jacobs. OK, Jacobs did say the Giants would "whup" the Cowboys' butts. Instead, Dallas destroyed them, 45-35, in Week 1. That should have been enough, but you're not a Dallas Cowboy if you don't have a big mouth.
"Jacobs is a talker. (Michael) Strahan does it but he doesn't do it directly. He does it indirectly. Go back and listen to some of his stuff.
"He even talked after the first game. I think it was like a Wednesday. He was like, 'I wish they were flying in today, I'd go wait at the airport for them.' Just little stuff like that. We showed up and you weren't there. And when we got to Giants Stadium, you still weren't there."
Result: Crayton dropped two huge passes, one slanting across from the left sideline on third-and-13 from the Dallas 17 with at least 20 yards of open field in front of him, and muffed a punt. He finished with three catches for 27 yards in the overconfident Cowboys' humiliating 21-17 loss. Furthermore, owner Jerry Jones, who had NFC Championship Game tickets printed, stood on the sideline looking like he just ingested two-week-old meat.
If I left anything out, by all means drop me a line.
Those words came from my natural science professor my freshman year in college, about the only words I remember from that particular class. It's a life lesson applied by many, but apparently not by those whose upcoming opponents are the New York Giants.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Corey Williams is the latest to provide the Giants bulletin board fodder and more fuel for their disrespect angle that carried them to a Super Bowl championship last season. The Browns host the Giants Monday night. Williams, for reasons known only to himself, had this to say about Brandon Jacobs:
"If we can come out and hit him in the mouth from the jump, he tends to slow down and do some tip-toeing," Williams said. "You've got to swarm him, swarm to the ball."
Jacobs is 10th in the NFL in rushing (380 yards), averages 5.8 yards per carry (good for fifth) and makes his living running over people. Think Williams has been paying attention? In a word, no.
"He's a good back who runs hard and has speed, but we're gonna get the job done regardless," Williams continued. "I'm gonna try to knock his head off. ... His whole attitude is to knock our head off when he's running the ball. I'm trying to get him before he gets me. He's a pretty good overall running back, but once you go to putting that wood on him, go to really hitting him, not letting him run wild like he wants to do, he's a totally different running back. He'll start tip-toeing, shutting it down.
"We came real close to beating the Giants in the NFC title game," continued Williams, a member of the Packers team the Giants stunned in January. "We were hitting (Jacobs), and he was slowing it down. He left the game. They let the (Ahmad) Bradshaw kid come in. He's really the one who killed us."
Judging by the recent past, Williams and the Browns are in serious trouble. There are enough problems in the Dawg Pound. The Browns, expected by many to contend in the AFC North, are 1-3. Their coach, former Giants assistant Romeo Crennel, is on the hot seat. Their All-Pro tight end, Kellen Winslow, was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. Quarterback Derek Anderson, a revelation last season, has been a dud and is looking at Brady Quinn in his rear view mirror.
And now Williams decides to sound off. Maybe he's looking to fire up his group of underachievers, but his comments and timing are downright stupid. Want proof? Ask these two who had their pregame words for a postgame meal:
Ronde Barber
His Tampa Bay Buccaneers headed to the playoffs, Tiki's brother told his twin on Sirius Satellite Radio, "Of course we want to play the Giants. They [win] ugly, [Jeremy] Shockey's hurt and Eli [Manning] has been inconsistent."
Result: The teams met in the first round of the playoffs, where the Giants won 24-14 in Tampa by holding the Bucs to 166 yards before their late 88-yard drive.
Patrick Crayton
This is my favorite. Leave it not to Terrell Owens, but Crayton, of all people, to run his trap days before the 13-3 Cowboys hosted the Giants in an NFC Divisional Playoff Game.
"It's funny that those guys talk, every time we get ready to play them," Crayton said. "What I have learned is when players have to talk about another team like that, either they are scared or they are trying to talk themselves into believing they can do it. I think they are trying to talk themselves up into believing they can do it.
"Tampa Bay didn't even have all their wideouts. I think (the Giants) realize we are not Tampa Bay. We don't have Tampa Bay's personnel. I think across the board, I think we are a little bit better than Tampa Bay."
Crayton also dissed Jacobs. OK, Jacobs did say the Giants would "whup" the Cowboys' butts. Instead, Dallas destroyed them, 45-35, in Week 1. That should have been enough, but you're not a Dallas Cowboy if you don't have a big mouth.
"Jacobs is a talker. (Michael) Strahan does it but he doesn't do it directly. He does it indirectly. Go back and listen to some of his stuff.
"He even talked after the first game. I think it was like a Wednesday. He was like, 'I wish they were flying in today, I'd go wait at the airport for them.' Just little stuff like that. We showed up and you weren't there. And when we got to Giants Stadium, you still weren't there."
Result: Crayton dropped two huge passes, one slanting across from the left sideline on third-and-13 from the Dallas 17 with at least 20 yards of open field in front of him, and muffed a punt. He finished with three catches for 27 yards in the overconfident Cowboys' humiliating 21-17 loss. Furthermore, owner Jerry Jones, who had NFC Championship Game tickets printed, stood on the sideline looking like he just ingested two-week-old meat.
If I left anything out, by all means drop me a line.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Your 2008-09 New York Rangers
The Rangers set their roster for the start of their season this weekend in Prague and named Chris Drury the 25th captain in franchise history. This blog has reaction from Drury, a look at team revamped from a year ago. And suddenly, Petr Prucha has an attitude problem.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Be thankful Cashman is still in NY
Not only am I happy Brian Cashman decided to stay on as Yankees senior vice president and general manager, he manned up to all the adversity, perception, meddling and belly-aching he deals with about 1,000 times more than the average working citizen. My favorite Cash quote from his Wednesday press conference was this:
"For a long time we've been old and everybody knows that, right? Now when you start to fix it, people are like, 'Oh my God! You missed the playoffs! Off with his head.' I accept it and I'm not running from it, I'm not going to let that story off with the head stay. I plan on making it different, and if I don't I'll say I'm sorry in the end if I'm not right."
Perceptions change instantly, and in this town a nanosecond. If the Yankees are winning, Cashman is a genius. If they struggle, like they did many times this past season, he's a moron. It was amazing how many people took to YES' message boards with calls for Cashman's and Joe Girardi's heads. Was this a disappointing season? Absolutely. Was it a terrible season. No. The Yankees won 89 games, which more than half the teams in Major League Baseball will kill for. Furthermore, the Yankees haven't made it past the first round of the playoffs since 2004 — and that year they blew an 0-3 ALCS lead to, of all teams, the Red Sox. Cashman has his list of hits and misses, and more than ever it's critical he's right far more often than he's wrong. That means no more Carl Pavanos and Kei Igawas.
Many decisions made in sports, i.e. Cashman not trading for Johan Santana, take years to fully and fairly evaluate. Take the time you need, but once you settle on your opinion, stick with it. Don't fluctuate with the ebb and flow and think that firing people is always the answer. Nothing is a guarantee, but I still believe years from now Phil Hughes will be a frontline starter, and I can almost assure you Santana's days as an elite starter will be numbered.
Cashman's vision is building a program, not go all in, maybe win it all and then deal with years of living in the dark ages. He's the right man for the job and Yankees fans better learn to appreciate him. Just try and comprehend the level of chaos in the Yanks' front office if Cashman decided to say, "The hell with you" and begin anew.
Instead, he's determined to write an entirely new story.
"For a long time we've been old and everybody knows that, right? Now when you start to fix it, people are like, 'Oh my God! You missed the playoffs! Off with his head.' I accept it and I'm not running from it, I'm not going to let that story off with the head stay. I plan on making it different, and if I don't I'll say I'm sorry in the end if I'm not right."
Perceptions change instantly, and in this town a nanosecond. If the Yankees are winning, Cashman is a genius. If they struggle, like they did many times this past season, he's a moron. It was amazing how many people took to YES' message boards with calls for Cashman's and Joe Girardi's heads. Was this a disappointing season? Absolutely. Was it a terrible season. No. The Yankees won 89 games, which more than half the teams in Major League Baseball will kill for. Furthermore, the Yankees haven't made it past the first round of the playoffs since 2004 — and that year they blew an 0-3 ALCS lead to, of all teams, the Red Sox. Cashman has his list of hits and misses, and more than ever it's critical he's right far more often than he's wrong. That means no more Carl Pavanos and Kei Igawas.
Many decisions made in sports, i.e. Cashman not trading for Johan Santana, take years to fully and fairly evaluate. Take the time you need, but once you settle on your opinion, stick with it. Don't fluctuate with the ebb and flow and think that firing people is always the answer. Nothing is a guarantee, but I still believe years from now Phil Hughes will be a frontline starter, and I can almost assure you Santana's days as an elite starter will be numbered.
Cashman's vision is building a program, not go all in, maybe win it all and then deal with years of living in the dark ages. He's the right man for the job and Yankees fans better learn to appreciate him. Just try and comprehend the level of chaos in the Yanks' front office if Cashman decided to say, "The hell with you" and begin anew.
Instead, he's determined to write an entirely new story.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
From grass to ice - with hardwood in between
The Yankees' season is officially over, one which Derek Jeter called a failure, but it's only the beginning of what promises to be an eventful offseason. With both Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium dark in October — and with dates with a wrecking ball — the Giants and Jets are suddenly front and center. That means more people will be paying attention Plaxico Burress' insubordination and Brett's New York Jets — and the minute detail of the undefeated, first-place Giants' quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
Less people will notice, or even care, that the Rangers begin their regular season Saturday in Prague against the Tampa Bay Lightening. I'll be posting random thoughts on the team on my Blue Lines Blog throughout a campaign where it's essentially the Eastern Conference Finals or bust.
On the YES end, some exciting projects are in the works with the New Jersey Nets, that is until the Yankees sign a top-shelf free agent or swing a major trade.
Less people will notice, or even care, that the Rangers begin their regular season Saturday in Prague against the Tampa Bay Lightening. I'll be posting random thoughts on the team on my Blue Lines Blog throughout a campaign where it's essentially the Eastern Conference Finals or bust.
On the YES end, some exciting projects are in the works with the New Jersey Nets, that is until the Yankees sign a top-shelf free agent or swing a major trade.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Stadium sings its swan song
Beautiful music was created Sunday night in the Bronx. It wasn't a sad farewell to Yankee Stadium, it was
a celebration. Bernie Williams received the largest ovation of the evening and it was a memorable marathon day for the fans.
Maybe I don't make six figures, but nights like this is one of many reasons why I decided to get into the journalism business.
Including Sunday night, my Stadium memories are plentiful: Playoff games in 1997, 1998, and 2004-2006. Alex Rodriguez driving in 10 runs. Bernie's final regular season home game as a Yankee (to date, anyway), when he served as acting manager. Randy Johnson besting Tim Wakefield, 1-0 on September 11, 2005. Welcoming back Bobby Murcer on Opening Day 2007 and ghost writing his exclusive column. Josh Hamilton's incredible performance at the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game the following night.
Personally, two stand out: Walking the Stadium with my dad, "The Walk" as we called it, talking Yankees history. And playing our guessing game during the handful of Old Timers' Days we attended, trying to beat each other on naming the player before he's announced to the crowd.
a celebration. Bernie Williams received the largest ovation of the evening and it was a memorable marathon day for the fans.
Maybe I don't make six figures, but nights like this is one of many reasons why I decided to get into the journalism business.
Including Sunday night, my Stadium memories are plentiful: Playoff games in 1997, 1998, and 2004-2006. Alex Rodriguez driving in 10 runs. Bernie's final regular season home game as a Yankee (to date, anyway), when he served as acting manager. Randy Johnson besting Tim Wakefield, 1-0 on September 11, 2005. Welcoming back Bobby Murcer on Opening Day 2007 and ghost writing his exclusive column. Josh Hamilton's incredible performance at the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game the following night.
Personally, two stand out: Walking the Stadium with my dad, "The Walk" as we called it, talking Yankees history. And playing our guessing game during the handful of Old Timers' Days we attended, trying to beat each other on naming the player before he's announced to the crowd.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Posada: Leave Joba in the pen
The Yankees' starting rotation needs reinforcements, but if you ask Jorge Posada, Joba Chamberlain isn't part of the solution.
"Leave him in the bullpen," Posada said.
Can't the Yankees just nip this in the bud? Just like Joe Girardi finally putting Robinson Cano in his place, too many issues lingered and festered for way too long. I'm only being fair, but Joe Torre never let that happen.
Meanwhile, on to a much more important situation. A good friend of mine has started his journey towards a second bone-marrow transplant. Please keep Mike Coyne in your prayers.
"Leave him in the bullpen," Posada said.
Can't the Yankees just nip this in the bud? Just like Joe Girardi finally putting Robinson Cano in his place, too many issues lingered and festered for way too long. I'm only being fair, but Joe Torre never let that happen.
Meanwhile, on to a much more important situation. A good friend of mine has started his journey towards a second bone-marrow transplant. Please keep Mike Coyne in your prayers.
Friday, September 12, 2008
The final countdown
It won't hit me for awhile, but in nine days, Yankee Stadium will be closed forever. Yeah, a fabulous new ballpark is opening next season, but the old House that Ruth Built has meant so much to so many, for so long.
I'll have my say, as will players old and new, on September 21, but for these next nine days it's the fans' chance to share their thoughts. A few weeks ago, my mother suggested a story about a patient of hers — she's an office manager for a chiropractic center — whose father was once an advance scout for the Yankees. This week I caught up with Robert Cuccinello, a retired detective from the Nassau County Police Department. As one reader put it, "These unknown human stories woven into all the big stuff are some of the most interesting ones for me."
Robert is a great guy and it's proof how much of an emotional impact a team and Yankee Stadium can have on people.
Meanwhile, David Justice pulled no punches in our latest column. He's been saying all season the Yankees weren't a championship caliber team, but little did we know they weren't even a playoff caliber team. It's been easy for fans to blame Joe Girardi, Brian Cashman and Alex Rodriguez, but Derek Jeter is essentially Teflon.
David played with Jeter in 2000 and 2001. He knows he has the respect of the team, which is why he urged the Yankees captain to be much more vocal. Forget this lead by example stuff. "He knows what it takes to win. Express it. He has the respect of each of his teammates, so vocalize it," he writes.
Easier said than done. It's also easy for the casual fan to forget that Justice owns two World Series rings and played in six World Series. The man's a winner and he was never afraid to call anyone out. Neither of us suggest Jeter is afraid, but some of the younger players — read Robinson Cano — need to be scared straight. "They're kids," said Crash Davis. "Scare 'em."
I'll have my say, as will players old and new, on September 21, but for these next nine days it's the fans' chance to share their thoughts. A few weeks ago, my mother suggested a story about a patient of hers — she's an office manager for a chiropractic center — whose father was once an advance scout for the Yankees. This week I caught up with Robert Cuccinello, a retired detective from the Nassau County Police Department. As one reader put it, "These unknown human stories woven into all the big stuff are some of the most interesting ones for me."
Robert is a great guy and it's proof how much of an emotional impact a team and Yankee Stadium can have on people.
Meanwhile, David Justice pulled no punches in our latest column. He's been saying all season the Yankees weren't a championship caliber team, but little did we know they weren't even a playoff caliber team. It's been easy for fans to blame Joe Girardi, Brian Cashman and Alex Rodriguez, but Derek Jeter is essentially Teflon.
David played with Jeter in 2000 and 2001. He knows he has the respect of the team, which is why he urged the Yankees captain to be much more vocal. Forget this lead by example stuff. "He knows what it takes to win. Express it. He has the respect of each of his teammates, so vocalize it," he writes.
Easier said than done. It's also easy for the casual fan to forget that Justice owns two World Series rings and played in six World Series. The man's a winner and he was never afraid to call anyone out. Neither of us suggest Jeter is afraid, but some of the younger players — read Robinson Cano — need to be scared straight. "They're kids," said Crash Davis. "Scare 'em."
Monday, September 8, 2008
Matt Serra: "I want to retire Matt Hughes"
My debut article for MMAjunkie.com, a popular Mixed Martial Arts Web site, tells the story of former welterweight champion Matt Serra. A fellow Long Islander, Serra and I talked about an array of topics during our 30-plus minute conversation, during which he made it clear more than once that he wants to not only fight Matt Hughes, but retire him. This feature was also syndicated on Yahoo! Sports as part of a content-partnership deal between the two sites.
One of the great things about MMA is that it features the theatrics of boxing and professional wrestling, but not only has a triangle choke hold on the public (unlike the former), but it's for lack of a better term, "real" (unlike the latter). Look, I may not be as big a wrestling fan than I was in the past, but "fake" is a dirty word . The difference is that while pro wrestling's results are pre-determined, and the industry promotes itself as sports entertainment, it's more real that anyone — especially the ignorant — can possibly imagine. The average person, even many who are supremely conditioned, wouldn't last 30 seconds training with a pro wrestler or a mixed martial artist.
Getting back to the point, what happens inside an MMA ring — the octagon — is real from start to finish. And the hype to each fight tells a compelling story and makes you give a damn about each fighter. Each has a story, a rival, a vendetta, and the UFC does a tremendous job of striking the emotional cords of their audience.
One of the great things about MMA is that it features the theatrics of boxing and professional wrestling, but not only has a triangle choke hold on the public (unlike the former), but it's for lack of a better term, "real" (unlike the latter). Look, I may not be as big a wrestling fan than I was in the past, but "fake" is a dirty word . The difference is that while pro wrestling's results are pre-determined, and the industry promotes itself as sports entertainment, it's more real that anyone — especially the ignorant — can possibly imagine. The average person, even many who are supremely conditioned, wouldn't last 30 seconds training with a pro wrestler or a mixed martial artist.
Getting back to the point, what happens inside an MMA ring — the octagon — is real from start to finish. And the hype to each fight tells a compelling story and makes you give a damn about each fighter. Each has a story, a rival, a vendetta, and the UFC does a tremendous job of striking the emotional cords of their audience.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Update: Justice's state of the Yankees
My latest column with David Justice expands upon my views in my previous post. His take on Joba Chamberlain: The Yankees' future closer.
What would you do with Joba? How is he more valuable, as a frontline starter or perhaps the only one who'd come remotely close to stepping into Mariano Rivera's spot?
What would you do with Joba? How is he more valuable, as a frontline starter or perhaps the only one who'd come remotely close to stepping into Mariano Rivera's spot?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Pertinent questions for 2009
I'm finally back in the blogosphere after laying low the last couple of weeks. First was my son's first birthday party, which brought a three-day weekend, quality time with family and friends, and serious bonding time. Then there was Labor Day, which afforded three more days of R&R, BBQ and father-son bonding.
Since melting against the Red Sox and Blue Jays, the Yankees broke out the lumber in wins over the Tigers and Rays. Exciting right? In a word, no.
The season is over. I know what Yogi Berra said and I'm aware that on this date in 1995, the Yankees were 7 1/2 games back in the Wild Card race and seven entering tonight's action, and remember what the Phillies and Rockies did last season. Thirteen years ago, however, the Yankees were a different team. They were gritty & gutty, down & dirty. So were the 2007 Phillies. So were the 2007 Rockies, who won the National League pennant.
This season? The Yankees are old, banged-up with no sense of fundamentals, right now incapable of putting together an extended winning streak and a sum about 1/4th its parts on paper. Watching the Yankees pound the ball against the Tigers and Rays made me wonder where this was against Tim Wakefield and Paul Byrd. And if I received a nickel for every time Alex Rodriguez struck out, popped up or grounded into a double play with runners in scoring position, I'd apply for early retirement.
If I'm wrong I'll say I'm wrong, because anything truly can happen. But I'm sticking with my word: Forget about this year. This team is in store for a major reconstruction. Some decisions are easy. First, this should beJason Giambi's final season in pinstripes. Second, I don't care if Carl Pavano goes 6-0. If - and that's a big if - you want him back, you offer him one year and that's it. Third and fourth, Jorge Posada will be back behind the plate and Chien-Ming Wang as the Yankees' ace.
Other decisions aren't as easy and need more time to digest:
Andy Pettitte: Stay or Go?
The crew from Dugout Central debated this topic in their weekly point-counterpoint segment for YESNetwork.com (Stay | Go). In two stints with the Yankees, Andy Pettitte has started 31 playoff games, won four World Series and has been right guy on the mound for a plethora of big regular season contests. Today, he's 36, enduring a down season and is signed only through the end of this campaign for $16 million. There's talk that Pettitte's best days are behind him and he's no longer a "big-game" pitcher, and his performance in Game 1 of that crucial three-game series against the Red Sox last month (six runs, 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched) supported that statement.
On the surface, it's easy to say part ways with Pettitte - who may not want to pitch anymore, anyway - make room for at least one young pitcher and save as much money as possible to make an all-out push for CC Sabathia. I've also heard a few times that you can never have enough pitching. And wasn't Mike Mussina supposed to be washed-up? Last I looked he has 17 wins and is the MVP of this otherwise disappointing Yankees team.
What about Moose?
Speaking of Mussina, one of few compelling storylines left in 2008 is whether Mussina (17-7) will win 20 games for the first time in his career. Al Leiter broke it down Tuesday night on YES, and The Journal News' Peter Abraham presented it in writing:
"The Yankees have days off scheduled for Sept. 11 and Sept. 22. If Mike Mussina pitches every five days he would get starts on Sept. 7 (Seattle), Sept. 12 (Tampa Bay), Sept. 17 (Chicago), Sept. 23 (Toronto) and Sept. 28 (Boston). If the Yankees stick with a five-man rotation, Mussina would get only four starts. At 17-7, this could have a direct impact on whether he wins 20 games for the first time."
What will help Mussina is the removal of Sidney Ponson from the rotation. If Sir Sidney (18 runs in 9 2/3 innings over his last three starts) is skipped, Moose would be lined up to start the season finale in Boston. As Abraham indicates, Joe Girardi has been stubbornly loyal to Ponson, even getting testy with reporters (again) when it was suggested Ponson's spot would be in jeopardy. Why not show some gratitude to Mussina, especially if he doesn't return next season?
Would you re-sign Mussina for another year? Like Pettitte, it makes for a healthy debate. He won't flirt with 20 wins again, but is there anyone better to fill the back-end of the rotation? Phil Hughes? Perhaps. I'm one of the dwindling few who believe Hughes will be something special. Ian Kennedy? How far has he fallen?
Solution? Tell Mussina and Pettitte Father Time is cruel and offer one of them, depending on if Sabathia or A.J. Burnett agree to play in the Bronx, a take-it-or-leave-it one-year deal.
The Joba Rules Part II
Joba Chamberlain is back in the bullpen and that will apparently continue through the start of next season. It's wholly tempting to throw who I firmly believe is the future ace of this staff, and who develop into the Yankees first successful, homegrown pitcher since Pettitte, immediately back into the rotation. But think about this long and hard. Chamberlain is 22 years old. He just missed a month with rotator cuff tendinitis. Anything involving a rotator cuff would scare the daylights out of me.
Anyone who complains that Chamberlain is a front-line starter and not a set-up man, you're right. But what's the rush? He's 22 with a history of arm trouble. You cannot be too careful and too overprotective of your most valuable resource. And why start him when your season is theoretically over?
Trade Cano?
Robinson Cano is the Yankees' biggest disappointment this season. Period. Not only was he, entering Wednesday, 38 points below his career average, his head has been up his rear end and his attitude has been deplorable. This has the Yankees' return investment on the $30 million they agreed to pay him for four years. Rather than take the heat on Saturday after a careless throw cost the Yankees a game, he snuck out the back door while reporters surrounded Alex Rodriguez's locker listening to A-Rod gallantly accept blame for once again failing in the clutch. Privately, players have grumbled to reporters that the Yankees made a huge mistake by bending on their policy of not giving long term deals until after a season. They jumped to lock up Cano, while Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera all had to wait.
Does Cano go? Even if the Yankees want to trade him, they can't. His value has plummeted, and quite frankly, it's a blessing in disguise. Unless Brian Cashman or whomever the GM is (more on this later) is blown away by a knee-buckling proposal (Roger Clemens for David Wells, Graeme Lloyd and Homer Bush in 1999), Cano is too talented to throw away after one bad season. Want proof? See Jose Reyes.
Another thought: You retain Cano this winter. He puts together decent numbers, but an incident either uncovered by those infamous "sources familiar with the situation" (even though there are three sides to the story) or goes no further than flies on the wall, convinces the Yankees to trade him. A few teams step forward, enticed by Cano's talent, age and upside, and positive that a "change of scenery" will help him. The Yankees pull the trigger and get more for cutting their losses.
Will Cashman return?
The New York Post reported that the Steinbrenners have decided they want Brian Cashman to remain as general manager. But does Cashman want to come back? He started with the Yankees as an intern and it's the organization he knows. Hank and Hal will remind him about loyalty, sell him on the new Yankee Stadium and of course offer him a sack of money. But the Phillies will also be calling. So will the Nationals. Ditto the Mariners. If money isn't the top priority, Cashman will be tempted to work in an atmosphere where he can take a deep breath and fully exhale.
Stay tuned.
Since melting against the Red Sox and Blue Jays, the Yankees broke out the lumber in wins over the Tigers and Rays. Exciting right? In a word, no.
The season is over. I know what Yogi Berra said and I'm aware that on this date in 1995, the Yankees were 7 1/2 games back in the Wild Card race and seven entering tonight's action, and remember what the Phillies and Rockies did last season. Thirteen years ago, however, the Yankees were a different team. They were gritty & gutty, down & dirty. So were the 2007 Phillies. So were the 2007 Rockies, who won the National League pennant.
This season? The Yankees are old, banged-up with no sense of fundamentals, right now incapable of putting together an extended winning streak and a sum about 1/4th its parts on paper. Watching the Yankees pound the ball against the Tigers and Rays made me wonder where this was against Tim Wakefield and Paul Byrd. And if I received a nickel for every time Alex Rodriguez struck out, popped up or grounded into a double play with runners in scoring position, I'd apply for early retirement.
If I'm wrong I'll say I'm wrong, because anything truly can happen. But I'm sticking with my word: Forget about this year. This team is in store for a major reconstruction. Some decisions are easy. First, this should beJason Giambi's final season in pinstripes. Second, I don't care if Carl Pavano goes 6-0. If - and that's a big if - you want him back, you offer him one year and that's it. Third and fourth, Jorge Posada will be back behind the plate and Chien-Ming Wang as the Yankees' ace.
Other decisions aren't as easy and need more time to digest:
Andy Pettitte: Stay or Go?
The crew from Dugout Central debated this topic in their weekly point-counterpoint segment for YESNetwork.com (Stay | Go). In two stints with the Yankees, Andy Pettitte has started 31 playoff games, won four World Series and has been right guy on the mound for a plethora of big regular season contests. Today, he's 36, enduring a down season and is signed only through the end of this campaign for $16 million. There's talk that Pettitte's best days are behind him and he's no longer a "big-game" pitcher, and his performance in Game 1 of that crucial three-game series against the Red Sox last month (six runs, 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched) supported that statement.
On the surface, it's easy to say part ways with Pettitte - who may not want to pitch anymore, anyway - make room for at least one young pitcher and save as much money as possible to make an all-out push for CC Sabathia. I've also heard a few times that you can never have enough pitching. And wasn't Mike Mussina supposed to be washed-up? Last I looked he has 17 wins and is the MVP of this otherwise disappointing Yankees team.
What about Moose?
Speaking of Mussina, one of few compelling storylines left in 2008 is whether Mussina (17-7) will win 20 games for the first time in his career. Al Leiter broke it down Tuesday night on YES, and The Journal News' Peter Abraham presented it in writing:
"The Yankees have days off scheduled for Sept. 11 and Sept. 22. If Mike Mussina pitches every five days he would get starts on Sept. 7 (Seattle), Sept. 12 (Tampa Bay), Sept. 17 (Chicago), Sept. 23 (Toronto) and Sept. 28 (Boston). If the Yankees stick with a five-man rotation, Mussina would get only four starts. At 17-7, this could have a direct impact on whether he wins 20 games for the first time."
What will help Mussina is the removal of Sidney Ponson from the rotation. If Sir Sidney (18 runs in 9 2/3 innings over his last three starts) is skipped, Moose would be lined up to start the season finale in Boston. As Abraham indicates, Joe Girardi has been stubbornly loyal to Ponson, even getting testy with reporters (again) when it was suggested Ponson's spot would be in jeopardy. Why not show some gratitude to Mussina, especially if he doesn't return next season?
Would you re-sign Mussina for another year? Like Pettitte, it makes for a healthy debate. He won't flirt with 20 wins again, but is there anyone better to fill the back-end of the rotation? Phil Hughes? Perhaps. I'm one of the dwindling few who believe Hughes will be something special. Ian Kennedy? How far has he fallen?
Solution? Tell Mussina and Pettitte Father Time is cruel and offer one of them, depending on if Sabathia or A.J. Burnett agree to play in the Bronx, a take-it-or-leave-it one-year deal.
The Joba Rules Part II
Joba Chamberlain is back in the bullpen and that will apparently continue through the start of next season. It's wholly tempting to throw who I firmly believe is the future ace of this staff, and who develop into the Yankees first successful, homegrown pitcher since Pettitte, immediately back into the rotation. But think about this long and hard. Chamberlain is 22 years old. He just missed a month with rotator cuff tendinitis. Anything involving a rotator cuff would scare the daylights out of me.
Anyone who complains that Chamberlain is a front-line starter and not a set-up man, you're right. But what's the rush? He's 22 with a history of arm trouble. You cannot be too careful and too overprotective of your most valuable resource. And why start him when your season is theoretically over?
Trade Cano?
Robinson Cano is the Yankees' biggest disappointment this season. Period. Not only was he, entering Wednesday, 38 points below his career average, his head has been up his rear end and his attitude has been deplorable. This has the Yankees' return investment on the $30 million they agreed to pay him for four years. Rather than take the heat on Saturday after a careless throw cost the Yankees a game, he snuck out the back door while reporters surrounded Alex Rodriguez's locker listening to A-Rod gallantly accept blame for once again failing in the clutch. Privately, players have grumbled to reporters that the Yankees made a huge mistake by bending on their policy of not giving long term deals until after a season. They jumped to lock up Cano, while Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera all had to wait.
Does Cano go? Even if the Yankees want to trade him, they can't. His value has plummeted, and quite frankly, it's a blessing in disguise. Unless Brian Cashman or whomever the GM is (more on this later) is blown away by a knee-buckling proposal (Roger Clemens for David Wells, Graeme Lloyd and Homer Bush in 1999), Cano is too talented to throw away after one bad season. Want proof? See Jose Reyes.
Another thought: You retain Cano this winter. He puts together decent numbers, but an incident either uncovered by those infamous "sources familiar with the situation" (even though there are three sides to the story) or goes no further than flies on the wall, convinces the Yankees to trade him. A few teams step forward, enticed by Cano's talent, age and upside, and positive that a "change of scenery" will help him. The Yankees pull the trigger and get more for cutting their losses.
Will Cashman return?
The New York Post reported that the Steinbrenners have decided they want Brian Cashman to remain as general manager. But does Cashman want to come back? He started with the Yankees as an intern and it's the organization he knows. Hank and Hal will remind him about loyalty, sell him on the new Yankee Stadium and of course offer him a sack of money. But the Phillies will also be calling. So will the Nationals. Ditto the Mariners. If money isn't the top priority, Cashman will be tempted to work in an atmosphere where he can take a deep breath and fully exhale.
Stay tuned.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Turn out the lights
Last night I'm at Hawaiian Tropic Zone in Manhattan hanging out with two friends, both of whom are in the sports industry and pull no punches with their takes. Behind the sight of hot women dancing and wearing skimpy attire was four television screens, one in each corner, picture-in-picture of a space at least 200x200 feet. Each aired Yankees vs. Blue Jays on YES, with the Yankees getting blasted 13-0 by the time I left. Every player wearing gray were wishing they had some swimsuit model giving them undivided attention. Manager Joe Girardi sat defeated in the dugout, probably wishing he was back in the broadcast booth.
We went to the Zone not for baseball, but for cheesecake, but we couldn't ignore the Blue Jays smacking around Sidney Ponson, David Robertson and Billy Traber. In the top half of each inning, the Roy Halladay was treating the, um, vaunted Yankees offense made me think of "The Sandlot," when Benny Rodriguez's team made fools of their neighborhood rivals.
Okay, the season's still not over. I remember last season's Phillies and Rockies. But what makes anyone think this Yankees team can suddenly turn the volume up to, never mind 11, but 111, just like that? For comic relief, or depressing perspective, today's New York Post started its' tragic number countdown. Any combination of Rays wins and Yankees losses totaling 23 eliminates the Yankees from the AL East race, wrote George King. Any combo of Red Sox wins and Yankees losses equaling 24 kills the Yankees' Wild Card hopes.
If I'm proven wrong, so be it, but time to look ahead to Yankee Stadium's farewell party on Sept. 21. I'll be there, but I won't be reporting a funeral. I have too many Stadium memories to let what's realistically a transition season tarnish that upcoming experience. Today's task: An interview with MMA fighter and fellow Long Islander Matt Serra, my first assignment for MMAjunkie.com.
We went to the Zone not for baseball, but for cheesecake, but we couldn't ignore the Blue Jays smacking around Sidney Ponson, David Robertson and Billy Traber. In the top half of each inning, the Roy Halladay was treating the, um, vaunted Yankees offense made me think of "The Sandlot," when Benny Rodriguez's team made fools of their neighborhood rivals.
Okay, the season's still not over. I remember last season's Phillies and Rockies. But what makes anyone think this Yankees team can suddenly turn the volume up to, never mind 11, but 111, just like that? For comic relief, or depressing perspective, today's New York Post started its' tragic number countdown. Any combination of Rays wins and Yankees losses totaling 23 eliminates the Yankees from the AL East race, wrote George King. Any combo of Red Sox wins and Yankees losses equaling 24 kills the Yankees' Wild Card hopes.
If I'm proven wrong, so be it, but time to look ahead to Yankee Stadium's farewell party on Sept. 21. I'll be there, but I won't be reporting a funeral. I have too many Stadium memories to let what's realistically a transition season tarnish that upcoming experience. Today's task: An interview with MMA fighter and fellow Long Islander Matt Serra, my first assignment for MMAjunkie.com.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
King for a Captain?
Forgetting about the Yankees for a minute - today they decided that Carl Pavano will play a role in whether their season is resurrected or burnt to a crisp - readers of my Blue Lines Rangers Blog for SNY.tv shared some feedback on who should serve as team captain next season whether Mats Sundin signs on or not. Some choices were obvious: Markus Naslund, Chris Drury, Brendan Shanahan (if he returns), but there was one I didn't think of, Henrik Lundqvist.
The King may have warranted an 'A' if NHL rules allowed it, but may not have that hell fire and brimstone mentality to wear the 'C'. I've interviewed Lundqvist after many games. He's cool under fire, but the fire in his belly burns when he's between the pipes. He's not one to argue with a linesman or tell a player with a lazy work ethic - you listening, Nikolai Zherdev? - to get his act together.
At least optimism reigns with the Rangers, who quite frankly need to get beyond the second round for their season to be considered nothing less than a disappointment. The Yankees are toast yet, but they're carrying that disappointment label like a 300-pound gorilla. Win or lose, they'll be interesting to watch down the stretch. You never need to sell this team. Even with Pavano pitching Saturday, some fans will tune in out of morbid curiosity.
The King may have warranted an 'A' if NHL rules allowed it, but may not have that hell fire and brimstone mentality to wear the 'C'. I've interviewed Lundqvist after many games. He's cool under fire, but the fire in his belly burns when he's between the pipes. He's not one to argue with a linesman or tell a player with a lazy work ethic - you listening, Nikolai Zherdev? - to get his act together.
At least optimism reigns with the Rangers, who quite frankly need to get beyond the second round for their season to be considered nothing less than a disappointment. The Yankees are toast yet, but they're carrying that disappointment label like a 300-pound gorilla. Win or lose, they'll be interesting to watch down the stretch. You never need to sell this team. Even with Pavano pitching Saturday, some fans will tune in out of morbid curiosity.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Yankee Meter
Today, Aug. 19, 2008, as the Yankees return from an off day, they sit 10 games out of the AL East penthouse. Technically it's not over, but forget the division for a minute. They're a more manageable 5 1/2 games behind the Red Sox - 4 behind the Twins - for the Wild Card. It's very easy to dismiss them, but for the last three seasons, they've somehow dug deep enough to make a relentless and successful push to the postseason. Even though I'm sticking to my word that the Yankees will fall short this time, it's not over yet.
The last time the Yankees were in this much trouble was 1995. On this date 13 years ago, they were 10 1/2 behind AL East-leading Boston and 11 from the Wild Card spot (Credit: www.baseballrace.com). That team finished 26-7 to sneak into the playoffs on the season's last day.
Back in '95, I was a college graduate watching from afar. That team, robbed of a division title by the baseball strike the year before, had the horses to make a run. There was Wade Boggs, who finished that season batting .324. Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte were in the early stages of their careers. Williams batted .307. Pettitte (12-9) finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Paul O'Neill was 32, in his third season in New York, and his competitive fire was a prelude to him winning four World Series rings. Then there was David Cone. The "hired gun" went 9-2 after being acquired from the Blue Jays on July 28.
The last few seasons were less of a grind, but almost as stressful. A Yankees team a little older each season someone pulled it together to overcome periods of sub-.500 baseball to keep its postseason streak alive from 2005-07. But there's a tangible difference this season. Many of the core players are at a point when Father Time slowly erodes your skills and those nagging injuries bark a bit louder. Those seasons of treating every game down the stretch like it was do-or-die takes a toll. And just when the Yankees make a run and you're feeling good about their chances, their offense flames out and succumbs under the pressure of driving home runners in scoring position.
Furthermore, there's neither a David Cone, nor a Shawn Chacon, nor an Aaron Small, to step up and bail them out. The Brewers imported CC Sabathia, the Cubs Rich Harden, the Dodgers (apparently) Greg Maddux, the Red Sox Paul Byrd. The Yankees? Looks like Carl Pavano (yes, him) will be called upon to start on Saturday. The way this crazy season has unfolded, imagine Pavano playing that hired gun and going 6-0 down the stretch?
Fallacy! Don't attach that word to the Yankees' playoff hopes, but a lot will have to have to go right, like in 1995.
Meanwhile, Mats Sundin wants to play for the Rangers or call it a career, depending on who you believe. If they can fit him within their salary cap, Sundin remains an impact player who would make a huge difference.
The last time the Yankees were in this much trouble was 1995. On this date 13 years ago, they were 10 1/2 behind AL East-leading Boston and 11 from the Wild Card spot (Credit: www.baseballrace.com). That team finished 26-7 to sneak into the playoffs on the season's last day.
Back in '95, I was a college graduate watching from afar. That team, robbed of a division title by the baseball strike the year before, had the horses to make a run. There was Wade Boggs, who finished that season batting .324. Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte were in the early stages of their careers. Williams batted .307. Pettitte (12-9) finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Paul O'Neill was 32, in his third season in New York, and his competitive fire was a prelude to him winning four World Series rings. Then there was David Cone. The "hired gun" went 9-2 after being acquired from the Blue Jays on July 28.
The last few seasons were less of a grind, but almost as stressful. A Yankees team a little older each season someone pulled it together to overcome periods of sub-.500 baseball to keep its postseason streak alive from 2005-07. But there's a tangible difference this season. Many of the core players are at a point when Father Time slowly erodes your skills and those nagging injuries bark a bit louder. Those seasons of treating every game down the stretch like it was do-or-die takes a toll. And just when the Yankees make a run and you're feeling good about their chances, their offense flames out and succumbs under the pressure of driving home runners in scoring position.
Furthermore, there's neither a David Cone, nor a Shawn Chacon, nor an Aaron Small, to step up and bail them out. The Brewers imported CC Sabathia, the Cubs Rich Harden, the Dodgers (apparently) Greg Maddux, the Red Sox Paul Byrd. The Yankees? Looks like Carl Pavano (yes, him) will be called upon to start on Saturday. The way this crazy season has unfolded, imagine Pavano playing that hired gun and going 6-0 down the stretch?
Fallacy! Don't attach that word to the Yankees' playoff hopes, but a lot will have to have to go right, like in 1995.
_______________________
Meanwhile, Mats Sundin wants to play for the Rangers or call it a career, depending on who you believe. If they can fit him within their salary cap, Sundin remains an impact player who would make a huge difference.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Local kid Biggio to have number retired
The Houston Astros will retire Craig Biggio's No. 7 before Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. I've had two encounters with Biggio, who grew up near my hometown of Smithtown, N.Y. Both were positive.
The first was in June 2003. One of my first assignments for YES was to cover the Yankees' three-game interleague series against the Astros. My feature article was of local interest, Biggio, and we spoke for more than 20 minutes about growing up in the area and his career in the big-leagues. As fate had it, I reported history later that evening, though it wasn't exactly what my employers had in mind. Six Astros pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter against the Yankees. I didn't speak to Biggio afterwords, but I was in Joe Torre's office. Whoa boy.
The second was at the Thurman Munson Awards in February, when Biggio was honored for his excellence in competition and philanthropic work within the community. He was newly retired after becoming the only player with at least 3,000 hits (3,060), 600 doubles (668), 400 stolen bases (414) and 250 home runs (291), but those gaudy numbers never got to his head. In a day and age where many players' egos dwarf skyscrapers, Biggio stood humbled at being compared to his role model, Munson.
Remember, Biggio began his career as a catcher. He's also one of the great guys in sports, deserving to be compared to Munson. Deserving to have his No. 7 never to be worn again in Houston.
The first was in June 2003. One of my first assignments for YES was to cover the Yankees' three-game interleague series against the Astros. My feature article was of local interest, Biggio, and we spoke for more than 20 minutes about growing up in the area and his career in the big-leagues. As fate had it, I reported history later that evening, though it wasn't exactly what my employers had in mind. Six Astros pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter against the Yankees. I didn't speak to Biggio afterwords, but I was in Joe Torre's office. Whoa boy.
The second was at the Thurman Munson Awards in February, when Biggio was honored for his excellence in competition and philanthropic work within the community. He was newly retired after becoming the only player with at least 3,000 hits (3,060), 600 doubles (668), 400 stolen bases (414) and 250 home runs (291), but those gaudy numbers never got to his head. In a day and age where many players' egos dwarf skyscrapers, Biggio stood humbled at being compared to his role model, Munson.
Remember, Biggio began his career as a catcher. He's also one of the great guys in sports, deserving to be compared to Munson. Deserving to have his No. 7 never to be worn again in Houston.
Dead meat? No. Cold as ice? Yes.
The front page of today's New York Post has a tombstone affixed with a Yankees logo and an epitaph on the 2008 season. The headline and subhead, respectively, of George King's story reads: THE DIE IS CAST; YANKS ARE DEAD MEAT AFTER 3-7 TRIP.
"Their supporters are urged to pay their respects privately today for the team that is looking toe-tag dead in the AL East and wild card races," King writes.
Technically, it's too early to stick the fork in the Yankees. Yes, they've looked embarrassingly hideous during a 3-7 road trip. They're a whopping nine games out of first place and six out of the Wild Card. But you have to learn from history. I wrote last week (scroll down David Justice's column to see the inline box) that on Aug. 26, 1995, the Yankees were off an eight-game losing streak and eight games out of the Wild Card race. They finished that season 26-7 to sneak into the playoffs on the final day. And there are a handful of examples, most recently last year's Mets, that prove the season is a 162-game marathon and that Yogi Berra is a genius.
The Yankees aren't dead and buried, but I've said since June they're not making the playoffs. The injuries of Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain are too much to overcome - if not for Mike Mussina, I'd declare the Yanks dead and buried - and the offense has been the season's biggest disappointment. The core players are a year older. David Justice and I have discussed this repeatedly. When you're older, it's human nature for your skills to slowly erode and a nagging injury you can shake off when you're younger is now more stubborn and barks a little more louder each day. David once told me, "Johnny Damon may be in the lineup, but that doesn't mean he's healthy." Damon is another year older. So is Derek Jeter. So is Bobby Abreu. There's no conincidence the latter two are having down seasons. Are their careers in a decline? Not necessarily, but we're looking at this downcast 2008 season in a vacuum.
Damon hasn't been the problem. There's been lots of them as my colleague and friend Howie Karpin writes in his great blog, "Howie Karpin's 3 Balls, 2 Strikes." Howie, among other things, is like many others are trying to make sense of Robinson Cano. Thirty million for four years and his mind is on anything except baseball.
"Their supporters are urged to pay their respects privately today for the team that is looking toe-tag dead in the AL East and wild card races," King writes.
Technically, it's too early to stick the fork in the Yankees. Yes, they've looked embarrassingly hideous during a 3-7 road trip. They're a whopping nine games out of first place and six out of the Wild Card. But you have to learn from history. I wrote last week (scroll down David Justice's column to see the inline box) that on Aug. 26, 1995, the Yankees were off an eight-game losing streak and eight games out of the Wild Card race. They finished that season 26-7 to sneak into the playoffs on the final day. And there are a handful of examples, most recently last year's Mets, that prove the season is a 162-game marathon and that Yogi Berra is a genius.
The Yankees aren't dead and buried, but I've said since June they're not making the playoffs. The injuries of Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain are too much to overcome - if not for Mike Mussina, I'd declare the Yanks dead and buried - and the offense has been the season's biggest disappointment. The core players are a year older. David Justice and I have discussed this repeatedly. When you're older, it's human nature for your skills to slowly erode and a nagging injury you can shake off when you're younger is now more stubborn and barks a little more louder each day. David once told me, "Johnny Damon may be in the lineup, but that doesn't mean he's healthy." Damon is another year older. So is Derek Jeter. So is Bobby Abreu. There's no conincidence the latter two are having down seasons. Are their careers in a decline? Not necessarily, but we're looking at this downcast 2008 season in a vacuum.
Damon hasn't been the problem. There's been lots of them as my colleague and friend Howie Karpin writes in his great blog, "Howie Karpin's 3 Balls, 2 Strikes." Howie, among other things, is like many others are trying to make sense of Robinson Cano. Thirty million for four years and his mind is on anything except baseball.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Leetch, Richter forever linked
After a week of decompressing following the MLB trade deadline, I dusted off my hockey hat to react to Brian Leetch and Mike Richter's induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. There's too much to get into for everything to fit in one blog entry - I didn't even get into Richter's accomplishments playing for the U.S. Olympic and the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 - but in a vacuum, all you need remember is 1994.
That Rangers team wasn't just hockey's biggest story. For much of that spring and summer, hockey took over the city of New York. The Rangers, in ending that 54-year drought, became national and international news. There were many who stood out that season. I'll give you three names: Leetch, Richter and Mark Messier.
That Rangers team wasn't just hockey's biggest story. For much of that spring and summer, hockey took over the city of New York. The Rangers, in ending that 54-year drought, became national and international news. There were many who stood out that season. I'll give you three names: Leetch, Richter and Mark Messier.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Trade deadline mayhem
The trade deadline came and went with no new additions to the Yankees after Ivan Rodriguez. Pudge is pumped for the stretch run, while the Yankee players are pretty thrilled that Manny Ramirez is out of their hair. People in Boston are happy too, for much different reasons, but David Justice, speaking to me for his latest column, stood up for his old teammate.
Meanwhile, I provided a different take on Pudge for the good folks at the MLBPA's Web site. There's certainly more to this future Hall of Famer than meets the eye.
Meanwhile, I provided a different take on Pudge for the good folks at the MLBPA's Web site. There's certainly more to this future Hall of Famer than meets the eye.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Pudge in Pinstripes
Wednesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, Yankees GM Brian Cashman traded Kyle Farnsworth to Detroit for Ivan Rodriguez.
Yes, you read that correctly. The Yankees traded a talented reliever who was enjoying his finest season in New York, but one with a reputation for meltdown moments in big spots, for a 14-time All-Star and 13-time Gold Glove winner.
On a personal level, however, it was tough saying good-bye to Farnsworth. In this business, there are a handful of players you can go to for a quote or just to say hello. Farnsworth was one of them. We talked baseball and talked about our children. In between, we even discussed professional wrestling.
So while Farnsworth is a Tiger again, Pudge Rodriguez fills the immese void left by Jorge Posada's season-ending surgery. Here's the 411 on the deal and how it went down, and an on-line diary that tracked the day's events before and after a deal that had everyone muttering, "Wow."
Yes, you read that correctly. The Yankees traded a talented reliever who was enjoying his finest season in New York, but one with a reputation for meltdown moments in big spots, for a 14-time All-Star and 13-time Gold Glove winner.
On a personal level, however, it was tough saying good-bye to Farnsworth. In this business, there are a handful of players you can go to for a quote or just to say hello. Farnsworth was one of them. We talked baseball and talked about our children. In between, we even discussed professional wrestling.
So while Farnsworth is a Tiger again, Pudge Rodriguez fills the immese void left by Jorge Posada's season-ending surgery. Here's the 411 on the deal and how it went down, and an on-line diary that tracked the day's events before and after a deal that had everyone muttering, "Wow."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tracking the trade deadline
Me and fellow YES colleagues keep you in the loop right here. No. 1 on the Yankees' wish list is Jarrod Washburn, but as you know, things change in a New York Minute.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
X marks the spot
The rundown of the Yankees' big deal made Friday night:
TRADE: OF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte from Pittsburgh for RHP Ross Ohlendorf, OF Jose Tabata, LHP Phil Coke and RHP George Kontos .
This deal was reconfigured on Saturday. RHPs Jeff Karstens and Dan McCutchen are going to Pittsburgh. Coke and Kontos are headed back to Double-A Trenton.
ANALYSIS: What a great trade. The Yankees fill two immediate needs with one stroke and don't sacrifice their entire future. Nady gives them right-handed power with Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada unlikely to return, and brings experience playing in New York (Mets, 2006).
Marte, who even though has been better against right-handers (.200) than left-handers (.255), is the lefty specialist the Yankees have lacked all season and enhances a bullpen that's evolved to among the best in the game - this after Joba Chamberlain was moved to to the starting rotation. Throughout Marte's career, lefties are batting .198 compared to righties' .241. The Yankees are banking on a complete body of work.
Ohlendorf and the oft-injured Karstens were victims of the numbers game. McCutchen has the potential to be good, but so does Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes (still). Tabata's stock has plummeted from the next Manny to a Manny-sized headache. At age 20, he has a lot of growing up to do in more ways than one.
Furthermore, Coke is one of those guys who nobody talks about but has the makeup to succeed in New York if ever called upon.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Pine Tar and good will
Believe it or not, the infamous Pine Tar Game was 25 years ago today. George Brett and Rich Gossage shared their recollections on a conference call.
I remember the game like it was yesterday. Frank Messer and Bobby Murcer called it on WPIX. Knowing Brett's history against the Yankees, it was like how Reggie Miller would make me feel years later during the Knicks-Pacers wars. Like Miller to the Knicks, Brett was an assassin in big moments against the Yankees. In a twisted way, I loved how Billy Martin once again played any angle — by any means necessary — in an attempt to win a game. No stone was ever left unturned by Billy the Kid, until Lee MacPhail found it correct to overturn the umpires' final decision because it didn't violate "the spirit of the rules." Yeah, it was a stupid rule, but the NFL didn't ask the Raiders and Patriots to replay that playoff game because of the tuck rule. It was obeyed to the black-and-white letter of the law and the league amended it during the offseason.
Whatever, that was so 25 years ago. Right now, Yankees senior advisor Ray Negron has a new book out called "The Babe and Jackie: The Greatest Story Never Told." Think The Babe and Robinson were different? Think again. On so many levels, this is an inspiring tale that teaches the value of acceptance no matter how "different" you may be.
I remember the game like it was yesterday. Frank Messer and Bobby Murcer called it on WPIX. Knowing Brett's history against the Yankees, it was like how Reggie Miller would make me feel years later during the Knicks-Pacers wars. Like Miller to the Knicks, Brett was an assassin in big moments against the Yankees. In a twisted way, I loved how Billy Martin once again played any angle — by any means necessary — in an attempt to win a game. No stone was ever left unturned by Billy the Kid, until Lee MacPhail found it correct to overturn the umpires' final decision because it didn't violate "the spirit of the rules." Yeah, it was a stupid rule, but the NFL didn't ask the Raiders and Patriots to replay that playoff game because of the tuck rule. It was obeyed to the black-and-white letter of the law and the league amended it during the offseason.
Whatever, that was so 25 years ago. Right now, Yankees senior advisor Ray Negron has a new book out called "The Babe and Jackie: The Greatest Story Never Told." Think The Babe and Robinson were different? Think again. On so many levels, this is an inspiring tale that teaches the value of acceptance no matter how "different" you may be.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Once in a lifetime
All-Star week came and went, and for the first time in my career, I was a part of it. I'm hopeful to cover many more All-Star Games in my career, but we'll never see the likes of the 2008 festivities ever again. Yankee Stadium was the party host and this is the great cathedral's final season.
For starters, I checked out the massive FanFest that began the fun on Friday. Sunday was the Futures Game, where I documented Yankees prospects Jesus Montero and Ramiro Pena, and even got my mug on camera. Monday's pregame story on Mariano Rivera served as a prelude to a most memorable performance from Josh Hamilton. And though Tuesday kept me at the Stadium longer than I would have liked, it was another piece of history created by the great Rivera.
In between, Nate McLouth and Brad Lidge took a few minutes to contribute to my two newest NYC Spotlights.
For starters, I checked out the massive FanFest that began the fun on Friday. Sunday was the Futures Game, where I documented Yankees prospects Jesus Montero and Ramiro Pena, and even got my mug on camera. Monday's pregame story on Mariano Rivera served as a prelude to a most memorable performance from Josh Hamilton. And though Tuesday kept me at the Stadium longer than I would have liked, it was another piece of history created by the great Rivera.
In between, Nate McLouth and Brad Lidge took a few minutes to contribute to my two newest NYC Spotlights.
Bobby Murcer: 1946-2008
It was with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Bobby Murcer, a Yankees legend and a former colleague at YES. I will not pretend I was tight with Bobby. I wasn't. But I'll tell you something, you could have met him, chatted for two minutes and never have seen him again, and he considered you a friend. All the stories you've probably heard about Bobby's warmth, caring for others and how he inspired others, you better believe it was the truth.
A couple of hours after learning of his death, I posted my own personal tribute to Bobby. I was fortunate to have spent quality time with him on some occasions, including on when I introduced him to my father. Both of us are thankful he played a part in our lives.
The good folks at The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City's daily newspaper, are running a special section dedicated to their favorite son and are including my tribute to their package.
A couple of hours after learning of his death, I posted my own personal tribute to Bobby. I was fortunate to have spent quality time with him on some occasions, including on when I introduced him to my father. Both of us are thankful he played a part in our lives.
The good folks at The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City's daily newspaper, are running a special section dedicated to their favorite son and are including my tribute to their package.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Those rockin' Rays
Believe it. The Tampa Bay Rays, baseball's laughingstock for years, are in first place and post the league's best record. Think they're a fluke? The players are anxious to prove the naysayers wrong.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Early July Fireworks
Business picked up to kick off July. I first caught up with a Smithtown High School East alum in my latest NYC Spotlight.
Then there was a look back at July 4, 1983, when Dave Righetti tossed the first Yankees no-hitter since Don Larsen's perfect game in 1956. Then the Rangers made a flurry of moves that were necessary to slap life into a team that has its season short-circuited in the second round of the playoffs two years in a row. One was saying so long to Sean Avery, a mutual parting of the ways that helps - and hurts - both sides.
In between, the Yankees are having issues. People are shocked that this offense is resembling the blackout of 1977. Not David Justice. I ghost-write his column for YESNetwork.com once a week and he cites something that many fans don't want to admit: The core of a team is a year older. And when you're older, those nagging injuries have much more bark to their bite.
I have Red Sox-Yankees on as I write this. The Yankees have one hit in 5 1/3 innings off Tim Wakefield. Need I say more? And Joe Girardi just got thrown out of the game by home plate umpire Laz Diaz for arguing balls and strikes. At least Girardi shows fire and is trying something - anything - to wake the sleeping giants.
Viola! Brett Gardner ripped a one-out single after the ejection.
Check in with this space and YES starting next weekend. Beginning with an online diary from Friday's Fan Fest and Sunday's Futures Game, I'll be immersed in All-Star weekend.
Derek Jeter singles home Gardner. 3-2 Red Sox, end of six, and it would have been more if not for Julio Logo robbing Bobby Abreu of a base hit. Girardi is a cunning genius.
Then there was a look back at July 4, 1983, when Dave Righetti tossed the first Yankees no-hitter since Don Larsen's perfect game in 1956. Then the Rangers made a flurry of moves that were necessary to slap life into a team that has its season short-circuited in the second round of the playoffs two years in a row. One was saying so long to Sean Avery, a mutual parting of the ways that helps - and hurts - both sides.
In between, the Yankees are having issues. People are shocked that this offense is resembling the blackout of 1977. Not David Justice. I ghost-write his column for YESNetwork.com once a week and he cites something that many fans don't want to admit: The core of a team is a year older. And when you're older, those nagging injuries have much more bark to their bite.
I have Red Sox-Yankees on as I write this. The Yankees have one hit in 5 1/3 innings off Tim Wakefield. Need I say more? And Joe Girardi just got thrown out of the game by home plate umpire Laz Diaz for arguing balls and strikes. At least Girardi shows fire and is trying something - anything - to wake the sleeping giants.
Viola! Brett Gardner ripped a one-out single after the ejection.
Check in with this space and YES starting next weekend. Beginning with an online diary from Friday's Fan Fest and Sunday's Futures Game, I'll be immersed in All-Star weekend.
Derek Jeter singles home Gardner. 3-2 Red Sox, end of six, and it would have been more if not for Julio Logo robbing Bobby Abreu of a base hit. Girardi is a cunning genius.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tino: I'd like to manage
Tino Martinez will manage the World team in the 10th annual MLB All-Star Futures Game as part of the All-Star festivities at Yankee Stadium. Obviously he's psyched, and he also has an eye on the future.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rangers brace for interesting summer
I finally put my Rangers cap on after two months of activity in Yankeeland. A few things have happened since their season ended in Pittsburgh.
For one, Glen Sather is playing hardball. Given today's athlete, I'm afraid that game will blow up in his face. Jaromir Jagr has at least one good season left and Sean Avery needs to remain a Ranger.
For one, Glen Sather is playing hardball. Given today's athlete, I'm afraid that game will blow up in his face. Jaromir Jagr has at least one good season left and Sean Avery needs to remain a Ranger.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Wang out, Yanks in trouble
The dreaded Lisfranc injury, which once shut down Michael Strahan and currently has Brian Bruney on the shelf, claimed a new victim on Sunday. And if you're a Yankee fan, you're probably hyperventilating.
All Chien-Ming Wang has done is post consecutive 19-win seasons and is 8-2 with a 4.07 ERA in 15 starts this year. He'll be on crutches for at least six weeks and is expected to be out until at least September. That, my friends, is an optimistic forecast. Once Wang is actually cleared to throw - again he won't be doing a thing for at least six weeks - it's Spring Training all over again. That means throwing off flat ground, then off a mound. Then the Yankees will monitor simulated games and decide when to start the clock on his rehab, which will comprise of at least two or three starts in the Minor Leagues.
If the Yankees are fighting for their playoff lives come September, Wang, historically a quick healer, could be back by then. That's a big if at this point. Unless the offense scores 1,000 runs again, Mike Mussina continues his resurrection season and Joba Chamberlain emerges as staff ace, the Yankees will be looking ahead to 2009 by football season. You just don't throw someone in place of a two-time 19-game winner. Phil Hughes? (Out until at least August) Ian Kennedy? (Hurt and destined for more time in Scranton) Jeff Karstens? (More injury prone than Hughes). Kei Igawa? (Yeah, right) The Yankees have limited options, so it's looking like Dan Giese, who's done a good job in long relief, who will start in Wang's place on Saturday. Why not?
Incidentally, Hughes' and Kennedy's combined record: 0-7 with a 7.99 ERA. Don't trade them, but they aren't helping this year.
Trade for C.C. Sabathia, you say? OK, the Indians, underachieving but 5.5 games out of the AL Central penthouse, will say, "Sure, take our best pitcher. We'll accept Karstens, Melky Cabrera and Shelley Duncan. That's cool." Here's a more realistic thought: Bronson Arroyo. 1) He's cheaper than Sabathia (his 2009 salary will be for $9.5 million. He will earn $11 million in 2010). 2) It'll be easier to pull a deadline deal with a team outside of the American League. 3) His postseason numbers may not be stellar, but he's battle-tested in the AL East and in big spots against the Yankees. And his ERA is 7.41 in October in 10 games. Sabathia's is 7.17 in four starts.
The point is this: Arroyo isn't a sexy name, but neither was Shawn Chacon in 2005.
You never count out the Yankees, not after their second-half surges the last three seasons (in 2006, they were without Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui for most of the summer). But neither Sheffield, nor Matsui, nor Babe Ruth replaces a pitcher who's 54-20 in 95 starts covering three-plus seasons just like that.
All Chien-Ming Wang has done is post consecutive 19-win seasons and is 8-2 with a 4.07 ERA in 15 starts this year. He'll be on crutches for at least six weeks and is expected to be out until at least September. That, my friends, is an optimistic forecast. Once Wang is actually cleared to throw - again he won't be doing a thing for at least six weeks - it's Spring Training all over again. That means throwing off flat ground, then off a mound. Then the Yankees will monitor simulated games and decide when to start the clock on his rehab, which will comprise of at least two or three starts in the Minor Leagues.
If the Yankees are fighting for their playoff lives come September, Wang, historically a quick healer, could be back by then. That's a big if at this point. Unless the offense scores 1,000 runs again, Mike Mussina continues his resurrection season and Joba Chamberlain emerges as staff ace, the Yankees will be looking ahead to 2009 by football season. You just don't throw someone in place of a two-time 19-game winner. Phil Hughes? (Out until at least August) Ian Kennedy? (Hurt and destined for more time in Scranton) Jeff Karstens? (More injury prone than Hughes). Kei Igawa? (Yeah, right) The Yankees have limited options, so it's looking like Dan Giese, who's done a good job in long relief, who will start in Wang's place on Saturday. Why not?
Incidentally, Hughes' and Kennedy's combined record: 0-7 with a 7.99 ERA. Don't trade them, but they aren't helping this year.
Trade for C.C. Sabathia, you say? OK, the Indians, underachieving but 5.5 games out of the AL Central penthouse, will say, "Sure, take our best pitcher. We'll accept Karstens, Melky Cabrera and Shelley Duncan. That's cool." Here's a more realistic thought: Bronson Arroyo. 1) He's cheaper than Sabathia (his 2009 salary will be for $9.5 million. He will earn $11 million in 2010). 2) It'll be easier to pull a deadline deal with a team outside of the American League. 3) His postseason numbers may not be stellar, but he's battle-tested in the AL East and in big spots against the Yankees. And his ERA is 7.41 in October in 10 games. Sabathia's is 7.17 in four starts.
The point is this: Arroyo isn't a sexy name, but neither was Shawn Chacon in 2005.
You never count out the Yankees, not after their second-half surges the last three seasons (in 2006, they were without Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui for most of the summer). But neither Sheffield, nor Matsui, nor Babe Ruth replaces a pitcher who's 54-20 in 95 starts covering three-plus seasons just like that.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Spreading Murcer's Inspriation
The good folks at Dugout Central re-printed my feature on Bobby Murcer's book. They're dividing it into three parts and people have shared their comments. One came from former Yankees third baseman Mike Pagliarulo, who runs this fine site.
One big reason why I got into the journalism business was to make a difference. Bobby Murcer, like too many people, is in the fight of his life, yet his faith and refusal to be defeated has been the ultimate inspiration to so many patients. To quote Yankees senior adviser Ray Negron, "When they hear Bobby Murcer is doing well, it makes him automatically want to be well."
According to the New York Brain Tumor Foundation, someone dies of a brain tumor every 20 minutes. The incidence of brain tumors is rising, and no one knows why, and this year, close to 300,000 people will be diagnosed with a brain tumor. Whether it's via donation or offering strong moral support, if we can make a positive impact on at least one cancer patient, the reward is priceless on so many levels.
JobaMania
Last week was crazy in YES and Yankeeland. Joba Chamberlain made his first career start last Tuesday and you thought it was October. It was early June and a 22-year-old kid was on the mound, but you think Whitey Ford and Ron Guidry were reincarnated.
YESNetwork.com joined the fun and assigned me to do a live blog. It was different and afforded me to provide unique armchair observations instead of your standard play-by-play. A few days later, I found it within me to stick up for the Yankees and their commitment to their young guns. Already people are dismissing Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy as busts, but as Roy Halladay reminded me, he was demoted to Single-A in 2000. The Blue Jays stuck with him; they neither buried him in minors nor sent him away. Three years later Halladay won the Cy Young Award.
Any one of Generation Trey winning a Cy Young is far from a guarantee. One, or all of them, may flame out, but let's at least allow this to play out over a period of years, not months or days.
YESNetwork.com joined the fun and assigned me to do a live blog. It was different and afforded me to provide unique armchair observations instead of your standard play-by-play. A few days later, I found it within me to stick up for the Yankees and their commitment to their young guns. Already people are dismissing Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy as busts, but as Roy Halladay reminded me, he was demoted to Single-A in 2000. The Blue Jays stuck with him; they neither buried him in minors nor sent him away. Three years later Halladay won the Cy Young Award.
Any one of Generation Trey winning a Cy Young is far from a guarantee. One, or all of them, may flame out, but let's at least allow this to play out over a period of years, not months or days.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Talking baseball with Baltimore
I was a guest on Baltimore's SportsTalk 1570 WNST and talked Yankees with morning show host Drew Forrester.
Boomer, The Millar Method and Granderson's New York
Over the last few weeks I've had various features published on YESNetwork.com. For starters, Curtis Granderson's motor never stops running, which makes him the perfect fit for the beat of New York.
Ten years ago, David Wells electrified the Bronx by throwing the Yankees' first perfect game since Don Larsen in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. David Cone was Boomer's teammate and helped break the tension.
The ringleader of the Baltimore Orioles is Kevin Millar, whose mission is to get every one to believe they can be a Cinderella story.
Just because Jeremy Guthrie is a small-town guy doesn't mean he'll pass on a slice of big-city life.
Ten years ago, David Wells electrified the Bronx by throwing the Yankees' first perfect game since Don Larsen in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. David Cone was Boomer's teammate and helped break the tension.
The ringleader of the Baltimore Orioles is Kevin Millar, whose mission is to get every one to believe they can be a Cinderella story.
Just because Jeremy Guthrie is a small-town guy doesn't mean he'll pass on a slice of big-city life.
Friday, February 29, 2008
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