At the risk of getting a little too excited a little too early I think all Jets fans should be happy with what they have seen out of Kellen Clemens in this first half. This does not look like a quarterback making only the second start of his career. He has been reading the defense ahead of the snap all day and done a fantastic job of calling an audible when it was needed. I expected to see at least 2 or 3 mistakes that a normal young quarterback would make but so far these have been avoided. Instead of throwing the ball to avoid a big hit he has been tucking it in. On a pivotal third down and seven he kept the drive alive with a very nice run up the middle of the field which was turned into a huge gain when a personal foul against the Redskins was added on at the end of the play. The throws have been reaching their targets with a fairly have level on consistency (11-17), they have been reaching the receivers in stride and everyone is getting involved (7 different players have recorded a catch).
Some people may be concerned that he has only thrown for 98 yards; didn’t we bring him in to use his powerful arm to throw the ball downfield? Yes that is one of the reasons but his arm power has been helping the Jets offense greatly today. The receivers have been spread out wide all over the field, Cotchery has been lining up outside the numbers on several occasions. Eventually this should allow Thomas Jones and Leon Washington to get some much needed yards on the ground and maybe Jones will see the end zone for the first time this year in the second half. I had my finger crossed hoping that we may have seen an epic 2 minute drill at the end of the half to put the Jets up 24-9 but that may have been asking for a little too much. That being said it’s too bad that Mike Nugent doesn’t have a stronger leg. As a huge Ohio State fan I cannot complain about many things he does because the man has nerves of steal but this is the NFL and a field goal in the 50-55 yard range should be something that he can make 25-30 percent of the time.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Damon out?
Brian Cashman let it be known to the media that he is willing to trade one of his outfielders in order to fill a void at third base, first base or in the bullpen. With the White Sox looking for a center fielder (they have reportadly been talking to free agents Aaron Rowand and Torri Hunter), Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune speculates the possibility of a Johnny Damon- Joe Crede swap. The Sox have a logjam at third base with Crede and Josh Field and could potentially get Damon for a lot cheaper than what it would cost to land one of the big free agents. Damon is owed $26 million over the next two years so the Yanks would likely have to send some money to Chicago along with the speedy outfielder.
I think the move would make a lot of sense for both teams. Getting rid of Damon would give the Yankees extra money to possibly pursue Hunter or Andruw Jones, and the team could spin off Crede to another team or keep him as their third basemen in 2008. With Hunter or Jones in center and Melky in left, the Yankees outfield defense would be one of the best in the league. The lineup would look something like this (assuming Jorge Posada re-signs with the Bombers):
Melky Cabrera LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Torri Hunter CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Joe Crede 3B
Shelly Duncan/Jason Giambi 1B
Chicago Tribune article: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/cs-011103sox,1,2084779.story?coll=cs-home-headlines
I think the move would make a lot of sense for both teams. Getting rid of Damon would give the Yankees extra money to possibly pursue Hunter or Andruw Jones, and the team could spin off Crede to another team or keep him as their third basemen in 2008. With Hunter or Jones in center and Melky in left, the Yankees outfield defense would be one of the best in the league. The lineup would look something like this (assuming Jorge Posada re-signs with the Bombers):
Melky Cabrera LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Torri Hunter CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Joe Crede 3B
Shelly Duncan/Jason Giambi 1B
Chicago Tribune article: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/cs-011103sox,1,2084779.story?coll=cs-home-headlines
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Hip, Hip Jorge!
Despite rumors that Jorge Posada doesn't get along with new Yankees manager Joe Girardi, Posada made a statement today saying that he has no problems with the former catcher.
“Girardi was my mentor and he always taught me the value of having a great work ethic and how it was most important to maintain the position year after year. The 2007 season was difficult and bittersweet and all I’m doing right now is evaluating everything,” he said.
Letting Posada walk would be a big mistake, and it would be especially difficult for fans if he signs with the Mets. Omar Minaya, Mets GM, recently said that Jorge is high on his list of free agents. The Yankees should throw a lot of money Posada's way and lock him up for at least four years. With Giambi's contract up after the 2008 season, and Matsui and Damon gone after 2009, Posada could sldie into the DH role after two years behind the plate. With his plate discipline and ability to hit for contact, he will make for a perfect DH at age 39.
“Girardi was my mentor and he always taught me the value of having a great work ethic and how it was most important to maintain the position year after year. The 2007 season was difficult and bittersweet and all I’m doing right now is evaluating everything,” he said.
Letting Posada walk would be a big mistake, and it would be especially difficult for fans if he signs with the Mets. Omar Minaya, Mets GM, recently said that Jorge is high on his list of free agents. The Yankees should throw a lot of money Posada's way and lock him up for at least four years. With Giambi's contract up after the 2008 season, and Matsui and Damon gone after 2009, Posada could sldie into the DH role after two years behind the plate. With his plate discipline and ability to hit for contact, he will make for a perfect DH at age 39.
Friday, November 2, 2007
We Talkin' About Defense
KNICKS 106- CAVALIERS 110
The New York Knicks season opened with high expectations in Cleveland tonight, but as usual those high expectations came crashing down rather quickly. Sure the Knicks were going into Cleveland to square up against the defending Eastern Conference Champions, but for some reason a win did not seem that unlikely. Only two nights ago LeBron and company suffered a blow out loss to the Dallas Mavericks on their home court. Who is to say that the Cavs of Wednesday night would not carry into Friday against the Knicks? Unfortunately, LeBron actually decided to show up tonight and the Knicks didn’t seem to mind helping the Cavs grab their first win.
The game began optimistically as the Knicks jumped out to a 34-32 lead after the first quarter. Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph were sharing the ball beautifully and for a moment it seemed as if the two could be a deadly combo. Even more impressively, Jamal Crawford was looking on point (unlike his lackluster preseason as he shot 29% from the field) and Nate Robinson provided a spark for the Knicks off the bench with 19 points and 6 bounds. This momentum carried until the end of the 3rd quarter when the Knicks obtained a nice 80-75 lead over the seemingly harmless Cavs. The question was, would another 4th quarter collapse lead the Knicks to a disappointing loss?
Ultimately, I left one major detail luring in my sub-conscious and I refused to admit it: The Knicks were playing terrible defense. From the first quarter, the score was definitely too high, and it was clear that at any moment there could be a slump in the Knicks offense that would lead to a Cleveland surge. Of course, this terrible truth came to life as the Cavs stormed out in the 4th to silence the Knicks hopes. Daniel Gibson led the revitalized Cavs with a demoralizing three straight three-pointers that would mark the end of the game. The frustrating part about Gibson’s 4th quarter havoc is the fact that it seemed more like shooting practice as the Knicks were practically non-existent in the 4th quarter. In addition, Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry both had solid games, but they lost their fire in the last twelve minutes. Randolph especially as he just looked sloppy and lost on the court. To sum it all up, it should be no surprise the Knicks lost tonight because of their complete lack of defense throughout the entire game. Yes, it is true that the score was close until the last quarter, however, when a team does not play consistent defense a collapse at some point is inevitable.
To add insult to injury, the Knicks had one of the worst free throw shooting performances I have seen lately. The only Knick who was able to put it down from the strike was Jamal Crawford, otherwise, the free throw numbers are just painful. As a whole, the team shot 61% from the line going 14/23. Individually, Eddy Curry led the free throw blunder going 0/5. When looking back at the stat sheet, the Knicks should play close attention to the FT numbers because winning games means making free throws.
The last detail that haunted the Knicks tonight was the lack of rebounding during the fourth quarter. During the last four minutes, there were several occasions where the Knicks managed to get a stop only to give up a long rebound. Those kinds of rebounds can be especially frustrating, but when it happens over and over again there is something wrong. As usual, Eddy Curry was lazy when it came to boxing out and he gave up a big rebound that could have given the Knicks a late 4th quarter surge. This could just be a lack of determination to play hard for 48 minutes, but something has to be done about it.
Regardless of the Knicks blunders I have hope for the remainder of the season. I like the starting line-up and the dynamic off the bench can provide a huge boost for the team. I was most impressed with Jamal Crawford (25 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, 8/17 FG, 8/8 FT) and he should be the premiere player on this team. Hopefully, Isiah will realize this and give Crawford 38+ minutes per game consistently. Nate was spectacular off the bench and David Lee provided that omnipresent boost that he always does. I was pleased with Curry and Randolph through most of the game, but their final quarter seemed to overshadow their earlier performances.
FINAL WORD
The Knicks need a lot of defense work. It is going to be hard to get a streak of wins going without a defensive presence on the court. I hope I will see a shift on this end of the court as the season progresses, if not, it could be a long season.
HIGHLIGHT PLAYER
JAMAL CRAWFORD: 25 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, 8/17 FG, 8/8 FT
The New York Knicks season opened with high expectations in Cleveland tonight, but as usual those high expectations came crashing down rather quickly. Sure the Knicks were going into Cleveland to square up against the defending Eastern Conference Champions, but for some reason a win did not seem that unlikely. Only two nights ago LeBron and company suffered a blow out loss to the Dallas Mavericks on their home court. Who is to say that the Cavs of Wednesday night would not carry into Friday against the Knicks? Unfortunately, LeBron actually decided to show up tonight and the Knicks didn’t seem to mind helping the Cavs grab their first win.
The game began optimistically as the Knicks jumped out to a 34-32 lead after the first quarter. Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph were sharing the ball beautifully and for a moment it seemed as if the two could be a deadly combo. Even more impressively, Jamal Crawford was looking on point (unlike his lackluster preseason as he shot 29% from the field) and Nate Robinson provided a spark for the Knicks off the bench with 19 points and 6 bounds. This momentum carried until the end of the 3rd quarter when the Knicks obtained a nice 80-75 lead over the seemingly harmless Cavs. The question was, would another 4th quarter collapse lead the Knicks to a disappointing loss?
Ultimately, I left one major detail luring in my sub-conscious and I refused to admit it: The Knicks were playing terrible defense. From the first quarter, the score was definitely too high, and it was clear that at any moment there could be a slump in the Knicks offense that would lead to a Cleveland surge. Of course, this terrible truth came to life as the Cavs stormed out in the 4th to silence the Knicks hopes. Daniel Gibson led the revitalized Cavs with a demoralizing three straight three-pointers that would mark the end of the game. The frustrating part about Gibson’s 4th quarter havoc is the fact that it seemed more like shooting practice as the Knicks were practically non-existent in the 4th quarter. In addition, Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry both had solid games, but they lost their fire in the last twelve minutes. Randolph especially as he just looked sloppy and lost on the court. To sum it all up, it should be no surprise the Knicks lost tonight because of their complete lack of defense throughout the entire game. Yes, it is true that the score was close until the last quarter, however, when a team does not play consistent defense a collapse at some point is inevitable.
To add insult to injury, the Knicks had one of the worst free throw shooting performances I have seen lately. The only Knick who was able to put it down from the strike was Jamal Crawford, otherwise, the free throw numbers are just painful. As a whole, the team shot 61% from the line going 14/23. Individually, Eddy Curry led the free throw blunder going 0/5. When looking back at the stat sheet, the Knicks should play close attention to the FT numbers because winning games means making free throws.
The last detail that haunted the Knicks tonight was the lack of rebounding during the fourth quarter. During the last four minutes, there were several occasions where the Knicks managed to get a stop only to give up a long rebound. Those kinds of rebounds can be especially frustrating, but when it happens over and over again there is something wrong. As usual, Eddy Curry was lazy when it came to boxing out and he gave up a big rebound that could have given the Knicks a late 4th quarter surge. This could just be a lack of determination to play hard for 48 minutes, but something has to be done about it.
Regardless of the Knicks blunders I have hope for the remainder of the season. I like the starting line-up and the dynamic off the bench can provide a huge boost for the team. I was most impressed with Jamal Crawford (25 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, 8/17 FG, 8/8 FT) and he should be the premiere player on this team. Hopefully, Isiah will realize this and give Crawford 38+ minutes per game consistently. Nate was spectacular off the bench and David Lee provided that omnipresent boost that he always does. I was pleased with Curry and Randolph through most of the game, but their final quarter seemed to overshadow their earlier performances.
FINAL WORD
The Knicks need a lot of defense work. It is going to be hard to get a streak of wins going without a defensive presence on the court. I hope I will see a shift on this end of the court as the season progresses, if not, it could be a long season.
HIGHLIGHT PLAYER
JAMAL CRAWFORD: 25 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, 8/17 FG, 8/8 FT
Yanks to pick up Abreu's option
The Yankees have until midnight tonight to make their decision about whether to pick up RF Bobby Abreu's option. Nothing is official yet, but the Yankees are expected to pick up the $16 million option, and keep Abreu around for at least one more year. Had the Yanks declined the option, they would have had to pay $2 million to buy out Abreu's contract.
Abreu started off slowly in 2007, but finished the year with a .283 average, 16 HRs, 101 RBIs, and 123 runs, which placed him at 2nd in the AL in total runs. Bobby also walked 84 times this past season, which helped yield a very solid OBP of .369.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said "Bobby Abreu possesses a unique skill set and has proven to be a durable and reliable asset to this club. Consistency has been a hallmark throughout his career."
Abreu now returns to an outfield that already includes Melky Cabrera, Hideki Matsui, and Johnny Damon. Abreu will once again be the everyday RF, and Melky will be the everyday CF. Damon and Matsui will most likely split reps in LF, and both will also share some time at DH. If the Yanks are able to move Jason Giambi at some point this offseason, it will open more time for the members of this crowded outfield. I personally would have liked to see the Yanks begin to part ways with some of its veteran position players, but the option will only bring Abreu back for 1 more year, at which point the Yankees would have to negotiate an entirely new contract if they still wish to keep the veteran RF.
Abreu started off slowly in 2007, but finished the year with a .283 average, 16 HRs, 101 RBIs, and 123 runs, which placed him at 2nd in the AL in total runs. Bobby also walked 84 times this past season, which helped yield a very solid OBP of .369.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said "Bobby Abreu possesses a unique skill set and has proven to be a durable and reliable asset to this club. Consistency has been a hallmark throughout his career."
Abreu now returns to an outfield that already includes Melky Cabrera, Hideki Matsui, and Johnny Damon. Abreu will once again be the everyday RF, and Melky will be the everyday CF. Damon and Matsui will most likely split reps in LF, and both will also share some time at DH. If the Yanks are able to move Jason Giambi at some point this offseason, it will open more time for the members of this crowded outfield. I personally would have liked to see the Yanks begin to part ways with some of its veteran position players, but the option will only bring Abreu back for 1 more year, at which point the Yankees would have to negotiate an entirely new contract if they still wish to keep the veteran RF.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Coughlin's job now secure?
Coming into the season, New York Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin's job was anything but secure. Many Big Blue fans were outraged at new GM Jerry Reese's decision at the end of last year, to extend Coughlin's contract for the 2007 season. A subpar season in 07 was likely to influence the NYG braintrust to kindly show Coughlin the door. Needless to say, his ass was on the line.
However, the Giants are now 6-2 heading into their bye week. Barring a monumental collapse, they seem well on their way to their 3rd consecutive playoff appearance, especially with that cupcake schedule. And now all seems quiet on the "fire Coughlin" front. In fact these rumors have been replaced with whispers of yet another extension.
In an interview with The Daily News, Jerry Reese said that he expects Coughlin "to be here for a long time." Reese went on to say "Tom is my guy. Nobody’s pulling for Tom more than me. (An extension is) something we’re not talking about at this point. You never know what will happen with that, but we’re not looking at months from now. We’re looking at (The Cowboys) a couple of weeks from now. That’s all our concern is. We’re not looking at what the future is for the coaching staff."
Sounds like his job is a little cushier. This semi-vote of confidence from Reese certainly presents an infinitely more secure position for Coach Coughlin than he had entering the season.
However, the Giants are now 6-2 heading into their bye week. Barring a monumental collapse, they seem well on their way to their 3rd consecutive playoff appearance, especially with that cupcake schedule. And now all seems quiet on the "fire Coughlin" front. In fact these rumors have been replaced with whispers of yet another extension.
In an interview with The Daily News, Jerry Reese said that he expects Coughlin "to be here for a long time." Reese went on to say "Tom is my guy. Nobody’s pulling for Tom more than me. (An extension is) something we’re not talking about at this point. You never know what will happen with that, but we’re not looking at months from now. We’re looking at (The Cowboys) a couple of weeks from now. That’s all our concern is. We’re not looking at what the future is for the coaching staff."
Sounds like his job is a little cushier. This semi-vote of confidence from Reese certainly presents an infinitely more secure position for Coach Coughlin than he had entering the season.
Joe Torre Signs with Dodgers
I was running on the treadmill at my schools athletic center harmlessly watching ESPN, when they broke the news that Joe Torre has signed on to be manager of the LA Dodgers. The deal is for 3 years and $13 million. I've been preparing for the news to come, and I am very excited to see what Girardi has to offer, but seeing Torre in a different uniform was a hard thing. Torre is the only manager I've known, taking over soon after my 8th birthday. I feel the same way I would with a high school relationship: I just didn't think he'd move on so soon!
No matter how I feel, Torre will be managing Jeff Kent, James Loney, Rafael Furcal, Russell Martin, and possibly Arod in 2008. Poor Scott Proctor. He finally got away from Torre's bullpen mis-managements, and now Joe follows him to California. The fate of his right arm has never looked worse.
The Dodgers should be a very good team. Andy Laroche will most likely get a full season at 3B, Loney a full season at first, and Andrew Ethier and Matt Kemp will be on either side of speedy Juan Pierre in the OF. With a lot of youngsters, the Dodgers are no guarentee to finish above .500 next year, but with Torre running the ship and a butt load of potential, look for LA to be a contender in 08.
*If Arod signs, contender is far from the right word.
*If Arod signs, the Dodgers will be forced to trade rookie Laroche, and look for the Yanks to be players.
No matter how I feel, Torre will be managing Jeff Kent, James Loney, Rafael Furcal, Russell Martin, and possibly Arod in 2008. Poor Scott Proctor. He finally got away from Torre's bullpen mis-managements, and now Joe follows him to California. The fate of his right arm has never looked worse.
The Dodgers should be a very good team. Andy Laroche will most likely get a full season at 3B, Loney a full season at first, and Andrew Ethier and Matt Kemp will be on either side of speedy Juan Pierre in the OF. With a lot of youngsters, the Dodgers are no guarentee to finish above .500 next year, but with Torre running the ship and a butt load of potential, look for LA to be a contender in 08.
*If Arod signs, contender is far from the right word.
*If Arod signs, the Dodgers will be forced to trade rookie Laroche, and look for the Yanks to be players.
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