Canty's Hanging Out

Well, Boley and Rocky are in the fold, and the best news of all is Chris Canty is still hanging out and will meet with the Giants on Sunday. I still think the Giants will be able to work something out with the 6'7" 308 pound monster, and I think it's because they were able to get Rocky Bernard at their price. The fact that Jerry Reese referred to Rocky as a tackle for their rotation, tells me Rocky didn't get starter money. What's more, the dollars on Sunday in FA are never as big as the dollars on Friday, and so forth and so on. I think the Giants will be able to add Canty to their DL at a price that makes sense for both parties. If Canty leaves, his price goes down, and he had every opportunity to leave after they signed Rocky Bernard, but he stayed, which means there must be some common ground. I'm expecting good news on the Canty front tomorrow, and then it will be time to start discussing the trade market.


UPDATE: At least 1 report with quotes from Canty's agent Brad Blank says that no deal was reached and that Canty will be heading to Seattle. I guess we'll know for sure come morning.

The Knicks Blow a Big Lead in Miami

The Knicks were way up until Danilo Gallinari accidentally elbowed Dwayne Wade. At that point the refst suspended all rules for Wade who travelled, hit people, did whatever he wanted and scored a lot. Nate started melting down, and even David Lee had a brain freeze on a play where had he performed it correctly the Knicks would have tied the game. Ridiculous game. Bad loss.

The Tortorella Era Really Begins!

Welcome back, Ranger Offense! Well, they finally played a game that was at least 60% Torty's teachings and at most 40% of their old style. The result: 6 goals! Cally scored, Zherdev scored, Prucha scored, Gomez scored, Drury scored someone else scored but I was on the phone. They only gave up 1 score - on a Kalinin give away. But they played hard and they fought! And when they were done fighting their coaches fought! I'm not kidding NHL security had to separate Schoeny and Tony Granato in the runway after the game. This was old time Ranger Hockey! Harry Howell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rocky Has Agreed to Terms

While Chris Canty dines with DL Coach Mike Wauffle, MG is reporting that the Giants have come to terms with pass rush DT Rocky Bernard. While he's a nice addition to the DT rotation, the hope here is this does not preclude the Giants coming to terms later on with Chris Canty, who is younger and better.


UPDATE: Rocky is official http://www.giants.com/news/headlines/story.asp?story_id=35726

Canty Flight Delayed UPDATE: Canty Has Arrived!

Apparently, Chris Canty, who was expected at the Complex around 6 has had his flight delayed and isn't there yet. Tom Rock is reporting that the Giants and Canty's agent have not talked money yet, but that's purely BS. Rock probably got that from the agent, and the Giants really don't like it when agents leak things before the Giants are ready to talk about them. Hopefully, Canty will get in soon, and Jerry and Kevin will work their magic.


UPDATE: Okay, Canty has arrived and it looks like he's there in time for dinner, which was supposed to be at 7:30 est. Now it's time for Jerry and Kevin to solidify that front four. We probably won't hear anything until tomorrow, but you never know. Sometimes these things happen really fast. Go Giants!


UPDATE: MG is saying it looks like Rocky Bernard is about to be a Giant. I really think they're going to try to get Chris Canty done, too. Go Giants!

The 2005 Draft Keeps on Giving to the Giants

Going into the 2005 draft, the Giants were without a first round pick, a fifth round pick and, I believe, a 7th round pick. They turned the 2 into Corey Webster, the 3 into Justin Tuck, the 4 into Brandon Jacobs and the 6 into Eric Moore. Now, they did have to cut Eric Moore, but Corey, Justin, and Jake are all core players for the Giants. But their take from the 2005 draft didn't stop there. They also signed Chase Blackburn as a UDFA. But that's not all: they later picked up 2005 Rams pick Madison Hedgecock on waivers. And now, today, they've added Michael Boley from the 2005 draft and could very well land Chris Canty later today, from the 2005 draft. For a team that only had 4 picks going into that draft, they sure have scored a lot of good players from that pool. Get Canty!

Rocky in Limbo

While the Michael Boley deal should be announced shortly, Rocky Bernard is still over at the complex waiting to see if the Giants will sign him. With Chris Canty coming in later, do the Giants risk losing Rocky by not signing him now, or do the Giants tell Rocky it is their intention to sign them both and try to get Rocky at a friendly price? Someone I talked with yesterday was not ruling out the Giants signing both Bernard and Canty, so this one is still developing. Obviously, Canty is the way to go if it has to be just one, but Rocky would be fine as a fallback position.


UPDATE: Boley is official http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/giants/ So the deal is 5/25M with 11M guaranteed.
Now LET'S GET CANTY!

Now, Let's Put an End to This!

Sign Chris Canty! Do it Giants! C'mon, add the big man to your front seven! You can move him all over, like Tuck! He can teach Kiwi how to use his long arms to block passes! Get him, G-men!

Knicks Blow Another Comeback

The Knicks were held to 11 points in the first quarter, and fell way behind early. They mounted a furious comeback in the 3rd quarter, but couldn't close it out in the fourth. The refs once again did a terrible job, but the Knicks also did a terrible job playing defense. Harrington and Hughes had big games. Nate came alive late, but still won't pass the ball to Gallo when he is inserted for O. the `76ers have now swept the season series against the Knicks for the first time since 1963.

Boley a Giant!

NFL.COM is listing Michael Boley as a Giant. The beat guys are all saying a deal is close. So, -perhaps a deal is done. The NFL would know just after the Giants. I think we have our Wil. Now let's get some DL's!


UPDATE: They have come to terms http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/giants/2009/02/giants-boley-close-to-deal.html
Where there's a Wil there's a way!

Rocky in the Hizzy

Pass rushing DT Rocky Bernard is over at the complex now. Rocky, who's on his third contract and at the tail end of his prime would be a very nice addition to the Giants DT rotation. Once Robbins got hurt last year, the Giants didn't have any natural DT's who could provide consistent pressure up the middle. Rocky gives us that, and he might provide a lot of it when teamed with our DE's. That said, we may have a bit of a conflict: Chris Canty's coming in tomorrow. Unlike Rocky, Canty is just entering his prime and will command second contract dollars and lots of them. A 3-4 DE thus far in this career, Canty could turn into a monster in the Giants 4-3, and he's young enough to be considered "core" for years to come. So what do the Giants do? Hard to say, but I wouldn't mind it if they could sign both then trade some excess. Go Jerry!

Good Wil Hunting

Right around now, the Giants are visiting with OLB Michael Boley. Eventually they'll probably take he, and Rocky Bernard if he's around, into NYC, maybe Smith&Wollensky's for dinner. And it's a really good idea that they do. Boley is an ideal weakside linebacker for the attacking 4-3 that the Giants run. He's will be the best Wil we've had since Jesse Armstead, and may even reach the heights Jesse did as a Giant. We'll be getting Boley in his prime and not a moment too soon for those of us sick of giving up third and longs cause we can't cover TE's. Yup, Boley will get Pierce off the field on third downs, and that is worth a lot to the Giants. If all goes well, he'll take a physical and be a Giant tomorrow. Go Jerry!


UPDATE: The Giants and Boley may have already agreed on a 5/25M deal with 10 or more of the millions guaranteed. He'll still need a physical, if that hasn't already been performed, but it's looking like another great Jerry Reese/Kevin Abrams deal.

Canty Coming?

With Antonio Smith visiting Philly, and the Redskins having cancelled their meeting with Chris Canty in the wake of their mega-deal for Haynesworth, we might have a happy circumstance on our hands. The beat guys are saying Canty will visit the Giants on Saturday. At the right price, Canty could be a great pick up for the Giants - better than Smith. He is a huge DE with long arms for batting passes. We could probably move him all around the front set. And it would weaken the Cowboys, who need all of his money to pay Ware. Could be a really nice move if middle ground can be established.

Bernard and Smith to Visit

Okay, so Boley's already in and we could hear that he's signed later today. Rocky Bernard, the big DT from Seattle, who the Giants have tried to sign in the past is also expected in today. Cardinal DE Antonio Smith, who has good size but unimpressive #'s has also been invited in as of right now. No word on either safety yet. Good Morning!

UPDATE: The Giants do not appear to be Antonio Smith's first choice and it looks like he's gonna head to Philly first. In Giant related news, Kellen Winslow II has been traded to the Bucs for an undisclosed pick, and that probably means they won't be trading Braylon Edwards to the Giants any time soon.

UPDATE: Boley will be in tonight and will take his physical Saturday. Giant S James Butler is going to visit the Rams.

Boley's Coming

That Atlanta LB Michael Boley will be visiting the Giants "later today" has been leaked. If the Giants like his answers regarding his domestic violence charger last year, I'm sure they will make him a Giant. Boley showed big time flashes before the coaching change in Atlanta and could be perfect for the Giants attacking 4-3 scheme. DT and a safety to most like follow in short order. The DT could be Rocky Bernard, the safety could be either Tank Williams or Jermaine Phillips.

And Here We Go!

Good luck, Jerry and Kevin and GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!


UPDATE: Nothing from the Giants thus far, so I'm hitting the sack, but will be up early LA time. Update as news breaks, please. Thanks.

One Hour Till Open Season

Okay, there's one hour left until the Redskins can announce their 53 new deals. Interestingly, though, we've heard the normally stay at home on the first night Reese Giants might be making a move, probably for a linebacker, and possibly for the Falcons' Michael Boley by morning. We're also hearing the Giants might be busting an early move on a safety and a DT. We'll see.

The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight

The Rangers outplayed Florida tonight for two and a half periods, but because overpaid scrubs like Scottie Gomez can't score from point blank range, they lost 2-1 when Hank gave up 2 goals in 1 fricking minute in the 3rd. Pathetic. Fire Sather.

Quick Strike?

While I've been thinking the Giants would wait for the B and C markets to develop, I just heard that they might have something going much earlier in the process. I wasn't given more than that, and so maybe they're talking to a cut player like Coles or something, but suddenly I'm a little more interested than I was.


UPDATE: Checked a few places. I think it's a linebacker.

PHEW!

Jorge Posada just hit a loooong homerun in his first ST at bat. Great swing and that's a relief!

UPDATE: He hit a ground rule double to center in his second AB. The wind kept it from going out.

Yanks on YES

At 1:05 on YES, the Yanks will air their second ST game, and we'll see the pinstriped debut of Mark Teixeira. Nady will be in for Swisher, and Po's not playing, but otherwise it will be a standard Yankee line-up. They'll use lots of pitchers today, most notably starter Phil Hughes and reliever Mark Melancon. Plenty to watch, plenty to see.

Coming Down to the Wire

With the free agent deadline just over 12 hours away, Jerry Reese, on WFAN, raised the possibilty that Derek Ward could also be back for the Giants. Of course, price is everything, but that would be another pretty impressive bit of work by the firm of Reese and Abrams. I was sort of looking forward to drafting another young back this year, but if you can get DWard at a Giant friendly price, you do it and you don't look back.


In other Giant news, well, there is no other Giant news. Despite Albert Haynesworth's claim that the Giants were one of the teams lining up the sign him, he's gonna end up with the Skins, and just wants the Giants as a stalking horse. Beyond that, the Giants have not been legitimately linked to any of the big FA's and it looks like they'll once again look at the B and C markets and keep relying on the draft and their scouting advantage.

Knicks Get Jobbed

First of all, the two kids in the picture are gonna be good. Second of all, Nate once again took over and poured in 30. Third of all, they didn't get a call all night, and they needed at least one against a very good Orlando team. After getting way down, the Knicks came back powered by Nate, Chandler and Gallo. Dwight Howard was just a little too much, though, and with Orlando getting all the calls, it ultimately wasn't to be. I don't believe in good losses, but I do believe in good lessons, and this was one for the Knicks and for anyone watching their character grow.

Rangers Lose Another Shootout

New coach, same result. Torts was obviously feeling his way tonight and uncharacteristically rolled four lines instead of just three. The Good: Wade Redden had his best game as a Ranger and scored his first goal since game 3. The Bad: Gomez and Drury were still awful. Obviously, there's a lot to shake out here, and the young players like Girardi, Callahan, Staal and Dubinsky all had their moments and seemed to take to whatever's being installed. Hopefully, soon, we'll be rolling three lines and maybe getting something out of Gomez and Drury.

One Down!

As pointed out ealier today, there were two things we were definitely gonna hear about from the Giants this offseason, and we just got the first one. Brandon Jacobs and the Giants have apparently come to an agreement on a 4 year deal worth 25M. I'm not sure what the guarantee is, but I can pretty much promise that Reese and Abrams have once again locked up a top talent at a Giant and player friendly price. Now, it's just a matter of time before we hear about Eli's mega-deal.

BOOM!

After his walking in his first ST game AB, Arod homered in his second AB. Oh, and Madonna says "Hi" too.

UPDATE: The Yanks won 6-1. Jesus Montero went 1-2 with a K. Austin Jackson went 1-2 with a K and a 2B. Garcia, Robertson and S. Jackson all pitched scoreless innings.

Rangers Claim Mark Bell

The Rangers today claimed Toronto LW/D Mark Bell as the Maple Leafs were trying to pass him through re-entry waivers. This one's still breaking...

Girardi Sets His Rotation

So, apparently Joe Girardi has set his rotation for the season, and it looks like this:

1)Sabathia
2)Wang
3)Burnett
4)Pettitte
5)Chamberlain

And that rotation, my friends, is going to match-up with anyone's. The interesting decision here, and one that I favor, is putting Wang between Sabathia and Burnett. Wang's efficient power sinker creates a huge variation when dropped between CC's and AJ's swing and miss stuff. Then we get the same thing at the 4th with Andy's increasingly crafty stuff between AJ's and Joba's power repertoires. Pitching Joba 5th also goes a long way to limiting his innings. Then when you start matching up our 1 against their 1, our 2 against their 2, etc. it's just gonna be spectacular. The first ST game starts in about two and a half hours and there seems to be no radio or TV available for it. Tomorrow's game is on YES. Go Yanks!

Nuthin' Cookin'

With Free Agency less than two days away, it really doesn't look like the Giants are gonna be big players in it. Sure they might bring in a b or c level guy or three to shore up some positions or create camp competitions, but it really doesn't look like what they need is in FA. So, what do they need, other than a reliable kicker who can produce some touchbacks? On defense, they could use a rotational DT, linebackers, a safety and at least one more passrushing DE. On offense, they could use a #1 WR, OL's for the future, maybe another RB to compete with Ware, or another TE to compete with the other kids.

As of right now, it looks like Haynesworth will be, like so many other big names before him, a Redskin by around 12:01 am est Friday. After him, there's not a lot to like in the free agent DT market. There's not much at linebacker, either. Safety also looks like a it will be addressed in the draft. As for 4th DE, well Bert Berry is out there, and he'd fit, but, again, I think we're likely to hit that in the draft.


Offensively, there are no #1 WR's out there in FA, and a trade for Boldin, Edwards or Ocho Cinco will provide the Giants with their best shot to fill that need. I don't think they will make such a trade any time soon. They'll first want to see the result of Plaxico's March trial. So, if they make a trade at all, I think it will either happen during the draft or some time after the draft. Beyond that, there are no big ticket items on offense that will entice the Giants.


So, what is there to look forward to in FA for us Giant fans? Well, at some point they'll announce extensions for Eli and Jacobs, and those will be great news. And, they will sign some glorified camp invites, but for a super smart team like the Giants it will once again be all about the draft this year. And that comes in April.

See Ya, Steph!

The Knicks have finally cut their ties with Stephon Marbury. The buyout or cut or whatever it was, opens a roster spot, and ends and era and an error. Don't get me wrong, Steph was sublimely talented and had some very good games with the Knicks, but, he will be remembered as the most talented Knick whoever went his whole Knick career without winning a single playoff series. Thanks, I guess, and goodbye!

Nate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nate Robinson came off the bench tonight to drag a sluggish, flat Knick team to victory with 41 points. He tied a Bob Mc Adoo record that was about 30 years old for points off the bench from a Knick. He's just been amazing both offensively and defensively for the past 5 or 6 games. He also had 8 boards and, again, just 1 turnover. That was just amazing. Lee also had a double double, and Harringont kept the Knicks in it until Nate exploded. Go Nate! Go Knicks!

It's Official: Tortorella!

It's sounding more and more like John Tortorella will announced as the new Ranger coach during a conference call with reporters at 4pm est. I'd assume that the Garden will also have some sort of formal introduction with a press conference later or tomorrow. You know, one of those things only the Garden can do;) We'll see if this works. If he's learned a few things from Tom Coughlin's example, he could have a long run with the Rangers. If he behaves like a martinet 24/7, he won't. Hopefully, we'll also hear that Sather will just be president from now on and that Jim Schoenfeld will take over as GM. Keep changing, Rangers!


UPDATE: Apparently the Rangers have the blessing of the Lightning and will anounce John Tortorella as their new coach in a little over half an hour.


UPDATE: The conference call didn't happen till 7pm est cause Tampa was trying to get compensation, but that got resolved and John Tortorella is the new coach of our beloved Rangers. The man is a badass and a proven cup winner. I just checked my head, and it seems that I've got RANGER FEVER again. Hopefully, he'll be a long term fit and get the most out of the young talent both at the NHL level and in the pipeline.


In further news, there was no compensation and Jim Schoenfeld will join holdovers Pelino and Allaire as assistants. I was hoping Schoeny would be the new GM. I now must wonder if Mark Messier will be stepping in as AGM.

Tortorella or Schoenfeld?

Stories are swirling that either Jim "Have another donut" Schoenfeld or John "Get the f*** out of here" Tortorella will be the new coach. Schoenfeld currently works for the Ranger as AGM, but coached most of the young player when they were in Hartford. Tortorella is a former Ranger assistant who went on to win a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning as their head coach. Both are sort of fiery, with Tortorella being ruthless when it comes to poor play. Torty also seems to have the same relationship with goalies that John Gruden and Steve Spurrier have with QB's. That will have to change if the comes to the Rangers. We should know any minute which one it will be. Go Rangers!

Breaking: Renney and Pearn GONE!

I said I wouldn't talk about the Rangers again until there was a positive change. Well, here we go. Word is Tom Renney and "Power Play Maestro" Perry Pearn have been fired. It's unclear if that is the extent of the firings, but it's a start. No news on a new coach, and it seems like the other big problem, Sather still has his job. I wish Tom Renney well, he's a good man with a pastiche of a sytem that doesn't work. Back later to update. Woo-hoo!

Knicks Lose

Hughes was rusty in his debut, and Wilcox looked like he's gonna help. But, the Knicks didn't get it done today. The Raptors pounded on Nate, and Duhon seems to be struggling with an ankle now. Gallo was out of the rotation with the additions of Hughes and Wilcox. Harrington went off, but it wasn't enough. They need to get the new guys worked in and get back to winning.

Garcia Breaking Out?

The two prospects drawing the most raves thus far in Yankee Camp are Andrew Brackman and Christian Garcia. Garcia has been star crossed since being the Yanks third rounder in 2003. Still only 23, Garcia has missed time with TJ sugery and leg injuries. In fact, given the time he's missed it's pretty incredible that he's as polished as he is. Chris features 3 plus pitches: fastball; curveball; and change. Last year, his first coming off of TJ surgery, he didn't have his pre-injuy velocity which saw him topping out at 97. If the fastball is back this year, he will fly through the system, and could even make a Joba Rules type major league debut out of the pen. He's already on the 40 man roster, so it wouldn't be hard to promote him. Finally healthy, I think he can break out just like Coke and Hacker did last year. Keep an eye on him.

International Free Agency

IFA, along with the draft, is the lifeblood of the Yankee System. 2009 is supposed to be the best year ever for Latin American international free agents, and the Yanks will, once again, be very active. Because of the economy, the Yanks may be able to really dominate the market, and they should. People think that IFA really only involved the July 2 signing frenzy for 16 year olds, but it's a much bigger market than that. For example, last year the Yanks signed Banuelos and Aceves in February. Similarly, they added Kelvin Duran, whose financial demands had prevented him from being signed when he was one of the top FA's in 2007, before the 7/2 date. The Yanks are basically always in the IFA market, 7/2 is just the highlight. So don't be surprised if the Yanks get something done pretty soon with an international free agent.

Knicks Destroy Raptors

Wilson Chandler had a career high 32 points, Nate had 26 and 7 dimes and Lee went off, too as the Knicks destroyed the Toronto Raptors 127-97 at the Garden. Nate could have easily had his 4th 30 point game in a row, but he was sharing the ball late and getting Chandler and Gallinari involved. The development of Nate, Lee and Chandler under Coach D'Antoni and his staff is nothing short of spectacular. And on nights like this, you begin to wonder if it wouldn't just be wiser to build through the draft and smart trades of expiring contracts then bet everything on 2010. Once they really learn how to play D, they're gonna be tough. Go Knicks!

Today's Moves

The Knicks didn't get rid of either of their big problems (Curry, Jeffries) nor did they get rid of any of their good players. By trading four low value players, they picked up two roster openings, got back a 2 and another athletic big in Chris Wilcox. Wilcox is the intriguing one. He'll be a free agent this summer, but if he shows he can play pick and roll and get rebounds at the same rate that David Lee does, he might be cheaper to keep. Hughes joins a few other Knicks who will be expiring after next season like Harrington and QRich. Now, given what's going on in the economy, those expiring contracts and the economic advantage Cablevision provides could make a trade an extension for a superstar or two make more sense starting this summer and going through to next season's trade deadline. So, I have to wonder if the plan is to try to get a piece or two before 2010. We'll see, but Walsh certainly didn't screw the pooch today. Go Knicks!

No Thank You

There's a sickening rumor going around that the Knicks might be trading Nate and Jeffries for over 30, under talented Kenny Thomas. Though the Knicks would be dumping Jeffries from the 2010 roster, it would be a catastrophically miss allocation of Nate. I really hope this isn't going down. A Nate trade has to include better talent or younger talent and a pick. SAVE NATE!


UPDATE: It didn't happen! After getting an extension from the league to keep working on it, the Knicks did not complete the trade. Nate remains a Knicks. So does Jefferies, but they still have time to trade him in offseason or an next year's deadline.

Knicks Get Wilcox for Rose

The Knicks have also traded the expiring contract of Malik Rose for the expiring contract of Chris Wilcox. Wilcox was once regarded as a possible star. It hasn't turned out that way, but he will play more the Rose was playing while he's here.


UPDATE: Anthony Roberson went to Chicago in the first trade, so as of right now the Knicks have two open roster spaces. Stay tuned!

Larry Hughes?

Looks like I'm gonna need more pictures of this guy as we have apparently picked him up for Tim Thomas and Jerome James. I say "fine" to that. We get a 2 who will expire in time and get rid of one of our glut of forwards. There may also be a Malik Rose deal going on. Thanks to Michael for updating me while I was out.

Down to the Wire

Just two more hours till the trade deadline and Nate Robinson is still a Knick. C'mon, Knicks, keep him and make him the PG!

Knicks after Larry Hughes?

As we approach the deadline, Frank Isola of the News is saying the Knicks are after the Bulls Larry Hughes, who recently turned 30. So far the inducement is Rose's expiring, but Isola speculates the the deal could grow to include Nate from the Knicks and either Noah or Tyrus Thomas coming back from the Bulls. If it's Rose for Hughes, fine. At least Hughes will get some minutes at the 2 and make up for the Cutino Mobley mistake. Hughes's deal would also expire in time for the 2010 market. If it grows to include Nate, I'm just not down with that. We already have three good young forwards if you include Lee, and 5 who need minutes if you include Harrington and Thomas. There's no reason to take back a forward without giving making them take at least Thomas back, and there's nothing in the deal worth Nate.

Batting 3rd and 4th

Joe Girardi, is leaning toward hitting Mark Teixeira 3rd and Alex Rodriguez 4th this year. Girardi like to go right/left up and down the order and feels having the switchhitting Tex between Jeter and ARod will give him what he's looking for, against righties at least. Interestingly, while Tex raked against lefties and righties last year, ARod didn't do particularly well against lefties. Let's hope he's back to killing both this year. It looks like Matsui will bat 5th and DH. They'll only play him in the outfield if there's an emergency. When healthy over the last two years, Hit-Deki has raked, so let's hope he can keep that up. Some arrangement of Cano, Posada, Swisher/Nady and Melky/Gardner will fill out the line-up.

Under 24 Hours to the Deadline

And the Portland Trailblazers are still trying to get David Lee. I'm not as committed to keeping Lee as I am to keeping Nate, but any Lee trade has to bring back youth and picks and also get rid of Curry or Jefferies. It will be interesting to see what Walsh can do here. While he keeps his eyes on 2010, he can't sell just dump his valuable chips. There has to be a team in place for LeBron and whoever to join. Go Knicks.

Jeter Speaks

Jeter in his annual first day of camp press meeting said all the right things. He said ARod made a mistake and has apologized and that it's time to move on. The Yanks will support ARod and Jeter said he was lucky to grow up with a father who was a drug counselor. He said that the other 103 names should remain anonymous. Then he pushed the conversation to current Yankee stuff. Good job!

Save the Nate!

With the trade deadline in about 24 hours and rumors starting to swirl it is important that the Knicks do not trade Nate Robinson. Now that the Knicks have a stable coaching situation, Nate has blossomed into a true difference maker for the Knicks. Sure, he's short, but he's also one of if not the fastest player in the league. Last night he made Tony Parker look like he was standing still on many drives. Nate has mostly played the 2 or come in in the old Cazzie Russell instant offense role, but when asked to start at point guard last week against the Clippers, he had the best night by a Knick PG since Walt Frazier in 1969! You don't trade young players who are improving as quickly as Nate is. Instead, you think of ways to exploit the advantages they give you on the court, but putting the right guys around them. The Knick need to keep Nate, make him the point guard, and go from there.