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Friday, November 30, 2012

Mets Heading in Wright Direction


The Mets first move of this offseason that had to be made was signing the cornerstone of their franchise.  That is finally done.

The Mets have signed their third baseman David Wright an 8-year, $138 million deal.  Wright's contract becomes the biggest in Mets history surpassing Johan Santana's 7-year, $137.5 million deal.  This new deal replaces the 2013 option of $16 million including it in the new deal.  The contract makes Wright a Met through 2020, when he will turn 38 that December.  Essentially, Wright is a Met for life.

Mets fans are relieved that this deal is done and they can finally build around the superstar at the hot corner.  Wright has been the face of this team and a leader in the clubhouse.  The 29-year-old was called up in 2004 and has become a mainstay at third base since then.  Wright became the Mets all-time hits leader passing Ed Kranepool September 26th with 1,419 hits.  1,426 hits, 204 home runs, 818 RBI,  and a .301 career batting average have made Wright one of the greatest Mets of all time...and he's not even halfway through his career.

The Mets got this one "Wright."  After not bringing back Jose Reyes last offseason, the Mets needed to build the future of this team around their best player.  Now that this is out of the way, the Mets can move on to their other needs.  This team still has a lot of work to do if GM Sandy Alderson wants to put together a winning team.

Next up for the Mets is resigning their Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey.  While Dickey is 38, in knuckleball years that's basically 34.  Dickey was dominant last season on his way to his first Cy Young Award with a 20-6 record, a 2.73 ERA, and 230 strikeouts.  Keeping Dickey immediately turns the Mets rotation into one of the best in baseball.  Dickey, Johan Santana, Jon Niese, Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee, and possibly Zach Wheeler next season would be tough to beat.  Unless somebody offers the Mets a monster trade package, Alderson needs to bring back Dickey.  Dickey is willing to sign for two years if the price is right.

The Mets major concern right now is their outfield.  After releasing Jason Bay, nobody knows what the Mets outfield will look like in 2013.  The team isn't expected to bring back Andres Torres, who was nowhere near what the Mets hoped him to be when they acquired him from the Giants.  Lucas Duda struggled at the plate and in the outfield and it's not expected for him to be an Opening Day starter in 2013.  That leaves the Mets with a depleted outfield.  Alderson needs to go out and get some outfield help.  While the Mets don't have lots to spend, they need to go and make a couple of moves to bring in at least two outfielders.  This team needs another power bat to complement Wright and Ike Davis.  There aren't many guys available in the Mets price range, but they are going to need to find a couple of bats to fill the void in their outfield right now.

Signing Wright to an extension was a step in the right direction, but this team is far from a contender at the moment.  Here's what this team needs to do this offseason:

1) Resign R.A. Dickey.

2) Sign/trade for a couple of outfielders including a power bat. (Justin Upton)

3) Sign/trade for a catcher that can produce more on offense than Josh Thole.

4) Get some bullpen help.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Rivalry Born in Brooklyn


November 26, 2012 was the beginning of something special in New York sports.

The Nets and Knicks faced each other Monday night for the first time in Brooklyn.  It felt like the story was scripted.  It was a memorable night in the illustrious history of New York Sports.  The Brooklyn Nets defeated the New York Knicks in overtime, 96-89.

You couldn't ask for a much better game in an unbelievable atmosphere at the new Barclays Center. The sellout crowd of 17,732 Knicks and Nets fans made a November regular season game feel like a May playoff matchup.  It was only fitting that both teams would exchange leads back and forth in a close game throughout.  The Nets would pull out the win in the start of what could be an incredible rivalry for New York.

Deron Williams and Brook Lopez led the Nets to the big victory.  Williams recorded a double double scoring 16 points to go along with 14 assists.  Lopez also posted a double double leading the Nets with 22 points and 11 rebounds.  Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 35 points and 13 rebounds.  Anthony struggled down the stretch as Gerald Wallace played with aggressively on defense.  38-year-old Jerry Stackhouse shocked the Knicks off the Knicks and everyone else in the building with his four three pointers and 14 points, including a big three pointer in overtime that gave the Nets the lead for good.

The energy in the building felt as if the two teams were facing off at Madison Square Garden.  The chants of "Brook-lyn" could be heard from the first quarter until the final buzzer.  The borough that has been starved of professional sports since their Dodgers left 55 years ago finally has a team to call their own again.

The win for the Nets also ties them with their Manhattan "rival" for first place in the Atlantic Division at 9-4.  It's the latest in the season the Nets have been in first place since 2007 and the latest both teams have been tied for first since 1997.  Brooklyn has brought a new start for a team that was essentially irrelevant in New Jersey without a true identity.  Monday night saw Nets fans outnumber and out chant Knicks fans.  That was something that was never seen in New Jersey.  The Nets definitely made a statement for Brooklyn and for all of New York Monday.  It's just game one though and both teams hold the same record.

Manhattan's team and Brooklyn's team will face off again at the Barclays Center in just two weeks on December 11th.  Then the teams will face off for the first time this season at MSG just a week later on December 19th.  By Christmas time, New York bragging rights will be in the hands of one of these teams.  Monday was the start for the Nets making a name for themselves as legit competition for the Knicks.

The Nets weren't the only winners Monday...all of New York basketball fans were.  Get ready for basketball's version of the Subway Series in New York City.



Monday, November 26, 2012

11/25/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports


Listen in to my show from Sunday night.  On the show, we talked all about the hot topics in NY sports.  We started with Nets talk followed by Knicks talk and previewed the big matchup in Brooklyn between the two newest rivals.  Knicks beat writer for Newsday, Al Iannazzone, joined us at the 15 minute mark to talk Knicks and which team in New York he believes is better.  The second half of the show, I labeled the Jets as dead this season with no chance to make the playoffs.  We talked about the Giants as well as the rest of the big week 12 NFL games and headlines.  Listen in to myself and Ty Hardamon.

11/25/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Friday, November 23, 2012

Jets Stuffed and Embarrassed on Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving didn't give the Jets or their fans much to be thankful for.  Thursday saw one of the most pitiful and embarrassing performances in the history of the franchise.

The Jets were destroyed by the Patriots Thursday night at MetLife Stadium, 49-19.  After a scoreless first quarter from both teams, the second quarter saw the Jets look more like a pee wee team that an NFL one.  The Patriots had a 7-0 lead when the Jets playoff hopes would vanish in a 52-second span.  Shane Vereen would catch a short pass from Tom Brady on the first play of the drive and proceed to take it to the endzone for an 83-yard touchdown.  Alright, blown coverage and a long touchdown.  That happens.  14-0 Patriots.  Then, the embarrassment began.

On the second play of the Jets drive, Mark Sanchez might have proved that "J-E-T-S" might just stand for "Just End The Sanchize."  After what seemed like a blown play on an attempted hand off, Sanchez ran right into his own offensive lineman Brandon Moore falling to the ground and fumbling the ball.  Steve Gregory picked up the ball and ran it 32 yards into the endzone for a touchdown making it 21-0.  The struggling quarterback somehow ran into his 305-pound right guard and cost the Jets a touchdown.

But wait...there would be more.

The very next play coming on the kickoff return, Joe McKnight would fumble the ball and it would never hit the ground.  The ball popped out right into the hands Julian Edelman, who returned it 22 yards for the touchdown.  It was 28-0 Patriots with 8:51 remaining in the second quarter.

In a span of 52 seconds, the Jets gave up an 83 yard touchdown, a 32 yard fumble return thanks to Sanchez's blunder, and another fumble return on the very next play.  That 52 seconds essentially summed up the Jets 4-7 season so far.  It was a nightmare-ish series of events that had Jets radio announcer on ESPN Radio NY, Bob Wischusen, saying "are you kidding me?"

While it looked like a comedy show for many, it was real what the Jets had just done.  The Patriots would score three more touchdowns in the game.  49 points off seven touchdowns later, the Jets had their 7th loss and the worst of them all.  The loss basically ended any hope this team had in making a late run for the playoffs.  It also lost any confidence they may have had after beating the Rams in St. Louis.

It appears that not even Tim Tebow could come in now and help this team.  Tebow, who had two broken ribs, could have played if Sanchez went down, but would have trouble throwing the ball.  The Jets left Sanchez in for too long.  The fourth year quarterback has been given all the chances from coach Rex Ryan.  If this team continues to be manhandled as they were Thursday, it's hard to imagine Rex and Sanchez are back next season.

The talent just isn't there this year and a lot of the blame can go to GM Mike Tannenbaum.  While Sanchez has been awful, he also hasn't had many guys he can throw to.  This team doesn't have the talent or the depth to be a playoff team.  That showed on Thursday night.  Gang Green has lost all the confidence and swagger that this trash-talking team used to have.  It has become a nightmare for Jets fans to watch.

The Jets look to avoid further embarrassment when they are back at MetLife Stadium next Sunday to take on the Arizona Cardinals.


Friday, November 16, 2012

6-0 Knicks Winning With Defense


The Knicks proved Thursday night that their undefeated start is no fluke.  Coach Mike Woodson's team topped the 7-1 Spurs in their most impressive win of the young season so far.  We saw the resiliency in this team after coming back from a 12-point deficit with seven minutes remaining in the 4th quarter.  Five Knicks scored in double figures as the Knicks improve to 6-0 on the season. 

The Knicks have been getting contributions from everyone so far.  Carmelo Anthony only scored nine points last night and the Knicks still pulled off the win against what was the best team in the NBA.  J.R. Smith is having a career year early on scoring 18 points a game  Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd have been absolutely tremendous for this team and they showed it last night.  Felton led New York with 25 points last night.  Kidd scored 14 including a couple of big three pointers in the 4th quarter to propel the Knicks to the big comeback win.  So far, it looks like the combo of Felton and Kidd might be the better option than if they chose to retain Jeremy Lin.  The Knicks offense seems to have better chemistry without Lin at the point.  They are moving the ball around and getting everyone involved, which we didn't see as much last season.  The offense that revolved around Anthony now has been able to find other guys to contribute and score when their star has an off night like last night.  

The biggest reason for this team's early success has been their defense.  Coach Woodson has revitalized this team on the defensive end.  The Knicks are the second best defensive team in the NBA right now giving up just under 90 points a game.  Woodson's team is coming up with defensive stops in the 4th quarter when they need it most.  The defense has been the biggest reason for their unbeaten season.  

It's been fun to watch so far.  When "Ra-sheed Wallace" chants begin at MSG early in the 4th quarter, things have to be going right.  Sheed has actually played a key role off the bench for this team through the first six games contributing six points a game.  This team has beaten three playoff teams so far in the Heat, Mavericks, and Spurs.  The road only gets tougher tonight when they are in Memphis taking on the 6-1 in Grizzlies.  

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Enough is Enough With Sanchez


Sunday was just another frustrating day of New York Jets football.  It was another horrific game from starting quarterback Mark Sanchez.  It's about time Tim Tebow takes over.

The Jets fell in Seattle to the Seahawks Sunday, 28-7.  It was the Jets third straight loss dropping them to 3-6 on the season with seven games remaining.  Gang Green would have to go 6-1 in their remaining games to have a slim chance at a playoff spot.

It was just another horrid game from the Jets offense, which appeared completely lost on Sunday.  The offense did not put up a single point Sunday.  Sanchez was just 9 for 22 for 124 yards with a costly interception and a fumble.  It was hard to watch the fourth-year quarterback once again as he looked absolutely abysmal.  In a tie game in the 2nd quarter, Sanchez made a very poor throw intended for Dustin Keller that was picked off in the endzone.  It cost the Jets a chance to take the lead with at least a field goal.  Then in a 21-7 game in the 4th quarter with the Jets driving in Seahawks territory, Sanchez cost his team once again fumbling the ball giving it to the Seahawks.  Seattle would score a touchdown on the drive to put the nail in the coffin.

Enough is enough with Sanchez taking the ball under center.  Week after week he continues to fail and it seems as the pressure has gotten the best of him.  Having Tebow over his shoulder and playing this two quarterback system at times seems to have gotten in the head of Sanchez.  His play has been affected mightily as he is at the lowest point of his career thus far.  Rex Ryan said after the game that Sanchez is still his guy at quarterback saying he gives them the best chance to win.  That decision has to be changed by the end of the week.  Sanchez has turned the ball over an alarming 15 times this season and his completion percentage is 52.9, which is a career low.

It all starts with your quarterback on offense and while the Jets might not have the best receiving unit out there, Sanchez has been an absolute nightmare for most of this 2012 season so far.  His play has been unacceptable and if the Jets care about their fans and care about winning football games, they need to insert Tebow at quarterback.  Tebow has proven he can win in the NFL as he did last season with the Broncos.  It's time that the Jets give the the former Heisman Trophy winner a chance to run this offense.  It can't get much worse than what Sanchez has put out there this season.

Tim Tebow needs to take over immediately before this season gets uglier than it already is.  He gives Gang Green a better chance to win than Sanchez does right now. The Jets will travel to St. Louis next Sunday to take on the Rams as they look to end this three-game losing streak.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

2012-2013 Nets Season Preview


The Nets are ready for a brand new beginning in Brooklyn.  They have a new name, new jerseys, a new state of the art arena, a new city, and a new team.

The Brooklyn Nets open their 2012-2013 season tonight at their new home in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center.  They bring in a completely revamped roster and one that is suited to be a playoff contender.  Here's a preview of the Nets upcoming season.

Point Guards 

Nets GM Billy King brought back the most pivotal piece to the Nets success this season, Deron Williams.  The All Star point guard signed a 5-year deal to lead the Nets backcourt in their new home.  Williams is one of the best point guards in the NBA and one of the more versatile players in the league. Williams will gel well with the new team in the new city this season.
The Nets also signed C.J. Watson to back up Williams this year.  Watson is a formidable backup and did a good job filling in for Derrick Rose or the Bulls last season.
Brooklyn also drafted Tyshawn Taylor out of Kansas in the second round of the draft.  Taylor gives the Nets a third option at point guard if Williams or Watson goes down with injury.

Shooting Guards 

Brooklyn's big splash this offseason came when they acquired All Star shooting guard Joe Johnson from the Hawks.  Johnson joins Williams in arguably the best backcourt in the NBA.  He gives the Nets a threat from three point range that they desperately needed.  Johnson won't have to run the show in Brooklyn like he had to do in Atlanta.  Expect a big season from Johnson with the Nets this year.
MarShon Brooks returns for his second season after an impressive rookie season.  Brooks can average double figures off the bench and knocks down shots.  The Nets have two guys in Johnson and Brooks that can make shots at will.

Small Forwards 

Gerald Wallace returns this season at small forward for the Nets after they acquired him at the trade deadline last season.  While his scoring might go down this season with the additions the Nets have made this offseason, Wallace is one of the Nets best defensive players and rebounders.  Look for the 30-year-old to be successful in this starting lineup.
Brooklyn also added small forward Josh Childress to come off the bench.  Childress played overseas last season.

Power Forwards 

The Nets bring back Kris Humphries after he averaged a double-double last season.  Humphries has been one of the best rebounders in the league and is a guy who can block shots.  The Nets will need his presence in the post this season.
Another guy who can pull down some rebounds is Reggie Evans.  The Nets added Evans this offseason as a tough defensive presence in the paint off the bench.  He's an offensive liability, but he will rarely touch the ball on the offensive end.
Mirza Teletovic is one of the Nets many people don't know much about entering his first season in the NBA after playing overseas.  The 6'9" forward can shoot the ball from downtown making him a big piece to shit team.


Centers

Brook Lopez is back this season as the Nets starting center.  Lopez signed a max contract this offseason after the Nets failed to make a trade for Dwight Howard.  Lopez is one of the most underrated players in the league.  He's a guy who scored 20 points a game two seasons ago and is a top five center in the NBA.  Lopez needs to improve his rebounding, but the Nets will definitely look for Lopez to score down low.
Another addition the Nets made that has been overlooked is the addition of Andray Blatche.  The 7-footer scored 17 PPG just two seasons ago and will be a key guy coming off the bench.

Prediction 

This Nets team has finally become relevant leaving New Jersey and coming to the greatest city in the world.  Billy King has completely changed the face of this team making them a playoff contender this season and down the road.  The Nets have the talent and they have the depth to be a top five team in the East this year.  They have a great leader in Coach Avery Johnson.  The key will be if they can all gel together and how long it will take.  Expect a big season in the first year in Brooklyn from the Nets.

The Nets will finish the season 48-34 and the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Friday, November 2, 2012

2012-2013 Knicks Season Preview


The Knicks open their 2012-2013 season Friday night with high expectations.  After losing to the same Miami Heat team in May that they will play tonight, the Knicks hope to improve on their 36-30 season and 7th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Point Guards

The Knicks major loss this offseason came when they let Jeremy Lin sign with the Houston Rockets.  James Dolan chose not to match the offer the Rockets gave for the breakout point guard last season.  Lin was the major reason for the 8-15 Knicks turning their season around last year.
Raymond Felton will now lead New York's backcourt.  Felton returns to the Knicks after playing 54 games here in 2010-2011 in Amare Stoudemire's first season.  Felton looks to have the success he had early on here after having a disappointing season last year with the Portland Trail Blazers.

New York also brought in 40-year-old point guard and future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to come off the bench.  Kidd is a nice addition providing some depth and a guy who can lead this team.  Kidd has been there before and will be able to mentor guys like Felton.
The Knicks also brought in 35-year-old rookie from Spain, Pablo Prigioni, to be another effective point guard off the bench.  

Shooting Guards

At shooting guard, the Knicks will mix and match a couple of guys until Iman Shumpert returns from his torn ACL.  New York brought in Ronnie Brewer, who becomes the opening night starter.  Brewer is known more for his defense, something the Knicks definitely need out of the backcourt.
J.R. Smith returns after being a key contributor in the second half of the season for New York last season.  Smith should come off the bench as a 6th man and will see plenty of playing time.  When he's on, he can score at will.  They're going to need his scoring out of the backcourt.  Smith has the ability to score 15 points a game off the bench.  The Knicks are going to need that scoring and energy from him that we saw last season.
The Knicks also added high flying guard/forward James White, who played overseas last season.  The 30-year-old will provide a spark off the bench as he should be the recipient of some big-time dunks.

Small Forwards 

At small forward, the Knicks are of course led by their star Carmelo Anthony.  After having an incredible Olympics run and winning the gold medal, Melo is ready to have a huge season.  With Stoudemire being out the first 6-8 weeks of the season, Anthony becomes the Knicks go to guy.  Look for him to play the power forward position a lot until Stat returns to action.  Anthony should thrive in that role with not many power forwards being able to stop the versatile scoring forward.
The Knicks also bring back three-point specialist Steve Novak this season.  Novak provided a huge spark off the bench last season making a plethora of big-time three point shots.  With Anthony playing at the four, expect Novak to get some big minutes off the bench at the three.
Expect to hear Chris Copeland's name a lot this season.  Copeland played overseas last season and had a huge preseason surprising a lot of people.  Copeland can score at will at times and will shock a lot of people coming off the bench this season.  If the Knicks continue having injury problems, look for the 6'8" 28-year-old to fill in.

Power Forwards 

The Knicks will go the first 6-8 weeks of the season without their starting forward, Amare Stoudemire. Stoudemire went down in preseason with a knee injury and will not return until late December.  Coach Mike Woodson is going to use a lot of different lineups with Stoudemire out.  The Knicks acquired veteran Kurt Thomas in the trade with Raymond Felton.  Thomas is very familiar with New York after playing here for seven years from 1998-2005.  Thomas should see some minutes and is a nice veteran to have to help some of the younger guys.
The Knicks also signed 38-year-old Rasheed Wallace to come off the bench.  Wallace came out of retirement to join a Knicks team that went with some veteran bench presence this season.  Wallace will get minutes with Stoudemire out along with Thomas at power forward.

Centers

Tyson Chandler returns as the Knicks starting center this season.  Chandler had a solid first season in New York averaging 11.3 PPG and 9.9 RPG.  Chandler is a double-double machine at center and will be pivotal in the paint, especially in the first two months of the season without Stoudemire.  His defensive presence down low will be essential for the Knicks success this season.
The Knicks also bring back another one of their former players in Marcus Camby.  Camby will back up Chandler and get some major minutes this season.  The key for the 38-year-old is staying healthy.  Camby has been injury prone throughout his career dating back to when he played for the Knicks from 1998-2002.  Camby's defense and ability to block shots will be big for this team over the course of the season.

Prediction

The key for the Knicks this season is staying healthy.  Stoudemire is already out and injuries have been a major issue for this team.  If Stat and Melo can gel together, this team could be a contender in the East.  Melo is expected to have possibly the best season of his career.  The key is him working well with his teammates.  Coach Woodson did a tremendous job last season filling in and getting this team to the playoffs.  Woodson hasn't been able to get the Hawks or the Knicks over that first round playoff hump.  With the talent in the Eastern Conference this season, it will be tough for him to do it this year.  If the Knicks stay healthy over this 82-game season they will return to the playoffs.

Expect a 46-36 season and the 5th seed in the East for the Knickerbockers this season.