Hank

Lundqvist let in some more soft goals tonight. Granted he doesn't have a particulary smart D in front of him, but he has to do better. With the Rangers unable to score consistently, Hank cannot afford to be average, and that's what he's been too many nights so far this season. Go Hank!

Congrats!

Yankee Captain Derek Sanderson Jeter has today been named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. Funny how things work, back in February they tried to destroy Alex Rodriguez and one world title later they're giving another Yankee their highest reward. It's great to see the captain finally get one of the really big awards. Go Yankees!

Unacceptable

Something has been wrong with the Giants for the last 7 weeks, and as we saw tonight, while they were once again being dismantled by a mediocre team, the proper measures have not been taken to correct whatever it is. Now, on TV is appears that the OL and DL are no longer playing at the level they have played at for the past few years. The RB's have to room to run, and the D's we face can play pass and just combo blitz, like we've been seeing. On the DL, the DT's are getting no push, so QB's can step up before Osi, Tuck or Kiwi can get to them. I don't really know what can be done with what looks like physical decline all over our lines, but somebody better think of something before the season goes bye-bye. It's hanging by a thread and we have to start a winning streak a week from Sunday against the Cowboys. Go Giants.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm grateful for all readers of this blog. Today, I am also grateful that there is Giant football, and that the Rangers have called up Bobby Sanguinetti. Sangs has been tearing up the AHL. It seems like being in camp with Del Zotto and Gilroy lit a fire under the young offensive defenseman and he hasn't looked back. Here's hoping he makes them send someone down! Go Sangs! Go Rangers! Go Giants! Go You!

Rangers Win!

The Rangers showed me some guts as they went to overtime then won by way of a PA Parenteau shootout goal. First, they were giving up the body all night as they took a 1-0 lead in the second on a power play re-direct goal from Marian Gaborik. After losing Redden to a big hit in the first, they then lost Gilroy, who collected 17 penalty minutes for standing up to a guy who had just cheapshotted Prospal. It was great to see. The Panthers then tied the game when a screened shot by Dominic Moore, of all people, got by Hank. But that was all Hank and his 4 remainding D's would give up through the rest of regulation, overtime and the shootout, where Parenteau's goal was the only tally by either team. Go Rangers!

IFA Heating Up for the Yanks

While there has been no movement on the ARoldis Chapman front, the Yanks have been busy in the IFA market. We told you about Moronta yesterday, and today we find they also signed a 6'7" LHP named Bautista who is 18 and throws 90. He's very projectable and sounds like Turley. They are also close to signing a couple of toolsy shortstops, as well as several Cubans. I don't know if this means they are more or less likely to sign Chapman, I just know that each signing grows the farm. Go Yanks!

Yanks Sign an IFA

The Yanks signed and international free agent today and it wasn't Aroldis Chapman. Instead, they signed a toolsy overaged CF who was coming off a suspension for lying about his age. Eladio Moronta is 6'2", 185 and possesses great speed with power potential. The problem is that he is already older than Abraham Almonte and pretty much ever CF prospect outside of Austin Jackson who is already in AAA. Moronta will turn 21 in December, and I'm not sure how he will really fit in the system. I hope he was a bargain. Go Yanks.


UPDATE: The Yanks apparently paid 570K for this guy, which is a chunk considering he's coming of a suspension. They must have a good deal of belief in him. Once scout has compared him to a young Raul Mondesi. Hopefully that's very different from the one we had.

Rangers Wake Up!

What started out looking like another loss, turned around quickly after a first period timeout. The Rangers had given up two tough goals in the opening minutes of the first period when Torts called a timeout. The Rangers responded with seven consecutive goals over the next two periods and wound up winning 7-4. They got two from Gaborik and Avery, then one each by Anisimov, Del Zotto and Gilroy. Gabby and Anisimov both also added two assissts and the scoring was far more diverse than it had been. What's more, both Voros and Brashear got in fights with a guy who had injured Staal. Nice. They finally showed some character and that other guys could score. Go Rangers!

This Guy Wants to be a Yankee

Over the weekend a rival executive disclosed the Roy Halladay wants to be a Yankee. With his NTC there should be nothing stopping this union. The Blue Jays have no leverage and will get none of the Yanks' very best prospects in the transaction.


In other news, Cashmoney Green told a reporter at the premiere of the World Series "movie" that he will deal with the Yankee inhouse free agents before engaging free agents from other teams. The belief here remains that the Yanks will only spend on pitching and LF, so I doubt a second big bat will come unless a trade can be made where some money goes the other way. Go Yanks!

What about Juan?

It's looking like Juan Miranda could be in our left DH role next season. Right now it's looking like the Yanks will only be spending big money on a left fielder and pitching, and that they won't be bringing back Matsui or putting any big money into DH types. Obviously, they'll also spend some dough on role players. But it looks like only one new salary slot for a bat and that will be the leftfielder. Whether that turns out to be Damon or someone else remains to be seen Go Yanks.

Giants Win in OT

Eli Manning threw for a career high 381 yards and 3TD's to go with 1 pick as the offense overcame an abysmal effort by the defense to halt the losing streak and raise their record to 6-4. The Falcons came back from being down 14 in the 4th to tie it and send it to overtime. The Giants are very lucky the Falcs didn't go for two. Kevin Boss caught two TD passes and Madison Hedgecock caught the other. Brandon Jacobs got hurt in the second half and that may have prevented us from being able to control the ball and the clock late. I have no idea what is wrong with the defense, but until they can help, we can't go on a run. This one should never have been this close. Go Giants.

Go Giants!

Aaron Ross makes his 2009 debut as Antonio Pierce sits. Otherwise all the regulars are back and Brucs Johnson is active over Dockery. It's time for the Giants to start getting hot and go on a run. There is no one they cannot beat if they play 60 minutes of Giant Football. Let's hope they got everything smoothed out during the bye. Go Giants!

Knicks Win Again

Gallo had 17 big points and five other Knicks were in double figures as the Knicks beat the Nets for their second consecutive win and third win of the season. They are playing more team ball both on offense and defense and for the first time in years, they are collapsing down in the paint and making it harder for the other teams to score there. However; with the upcoming schedule, the Knicks will probably not be adding to their win total in the immediate future. Tomorrow they begin a streak against some of the best teams in the league, and it's gonna be tough. Btw, I wouldn't be surprised if Walsh makes a trade or two soon. Go Knicks.

Chapman Dumps His Agents

API, the sports agency that has been representing Aroldis Chapman up till now has confirmed that the lefy fireballer as dumped them. The new agents are unknown at this point, but this move could delay his signing anywhere. The new agents will probably have to go back through the market again and see what price support they can assemble. What's also tricky for Chapman is this: the most money is always in the market on the first day, and it goes down a bit every day - both through FA's coming off the board, and teams getting a sense of the market. We'll see what happpens. Go Yanks!


UPDATE: In what could be bad news for the Yanks, Chapman's new agents are the Hendricks Brothers. Now, there is bad blood between the Yanks and the Hendricks Brothers over the way in which the brothers essentially gave Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens to their hometown Houston Astros after the 2003 season. The Yanks don't have the same level of comfort they have with Scott Boras or Arn Tellem. This could really drag out now.

Yanks Add 7 to 40 Man Roster

Today, the Yanks added CF Austin Jackson, SS Eduardo Nunez, 2B Reegie Corona. RHP Ivan Nova, INF Kevin Russo, RHP Romulo Sanchez, and RHP Hector Noesi to their 40 man roster, once again cutting Shelley Duncan. All of these players made progress this year, and each selection makes sense. Still the Yanks have left players like Colin Curtis, Kevin Whelan and Grant Duff exposed, and they are likely to get picked in the Rule V draft. It's likely some of the decision were made based on trade interest. In other words, the Yanks are protecting the ones in greater demand, and can look to throw in the others if a deal comes up before the Rule V. Btw, all three of the pitchers throw hard. So do Whelan and Duff. We'll see how it all works out. Go Yanks!

MLB Free Agency Opens

As of 1 minute ago, teams were free to sign free agents from other teams. I don't think the Yanks will do anything quickly, but let's see if anyone does. It only takes one dumb GM to blow up the market. Go Yanks!

Cash to News: No Plan Yet

Cash today told the Daily News that though he has completed the meetings with his advisors, he has not presented his recommendations to ownership or gotten their financial parameters yet, and so there is no plan. Cash is clearly going to make the market wait for the Yanks this year, unlike last year when they came out of the box with a knockout offer for CC Sabathia, and began engaging Burnett and Lowe and meeting with Teixeira. I think Chapman was already a go with ownership, so that could still happen first. But we'll see. On the other hand, Cash could be lying, and they could come out of the box swinging. We'll know soon enough.


UPDATE: In other news, Andy Pettitte finally filed for free agency today.

Swish on the Block?

Bob Nightengale has reported that the Yanks have very quietly put Nick Swisher on the block. If this is true, than the plans are bigger than I think. Trading Swisher would create a hole in right field and in the line-up. Then we have to add his 29 bombs to the 52 we'd lose if Damon and Matsui don't come back. That's a lot of jacks. There's got to be a plan to replace them. Could they be considering Matt Holliday for right? This is getting interesting. Go Yanks!

Predictions

Okay, at 12:01 am est (that's 9:01 pm blog time) tonight, free agency opens. Here are my predicitions for the Yanks. First, I think Aroldis Chapman will be their major outside free agent. I think he will start in the minors and could be an impact reliever down the stretch next season. And then I think they will trade for another pitcher, most likely Halladay as he makes the most sense, though it could be someone else who is under the radar right now if we can't make a deal with the Rays and Halladay. Then I think the Yanks will grab 2 bats, most likely Damon and Matsui, but possibly Granderson or someone else in the trade market. I do think; however, that Cash will be really patient with both his own free agents and the trade market and will end up getting things at his prices. I could see the plans changing if prices go down on good players, which they always do as FA wears on. I think Cash will keep his powder dry for as long as he can, but will end up with two new pitchers and two bats. Damon and Matsui contributed 52 bombs last year, and they will try to replace most or all of them even if it is with Damon and Matsui.

The Yanks will probably make some small moves or trades to solidify the bench while we wait for the big stuff. And I'd think Chapman would get done first. Go Yanks!

The Untouchables

Well, with free agency, and probably the major trade market opening Friday, the Yanks really only have 3 untouchable young players. They are Jesus Montero, Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain. Of course, Cano is now a veteran and he's not going anywhere. But Montero, Hughes and Joba are The Big Three, and if Chash can get through the offseason with all three in tow, another high end starter, and an improved outfield, he will have done a great job. If he loses anyone of them for anything other than a young superstar, he will have failed. And I really don't expect him too. He's far too sharp and patient to do anything but wait out the market to his advantage. Go Cash!

Knicks Win One!

Wow. The Knicks just came all the way back from a 19 point third quarter deficit to beat the Pacers 110-103 in Indy. So much for the youth movement. Gallo was 0-2 in 17 minutes where they once again did not get him the ball. Douglas had 4 points and DNP in the second half. Hill got maybe a minute. Wilson Chandler looked like he was breaking out with an 18 point first half, but he scored no more and fouled out in the 4th. Eddy Curry was effective in his minutes and looks like he will help. But it was Harrington and Hughes who went off late and won it for the Knicks. Harrington had 26 and Hughes had 21 with 10 boards and 7 assissts. Jeffries hit a couple of big free throws during the big run, and Duhon grabbed some defensive rebounds but did little else. David Lee had a pretty good game. Lots still has to change, but they really started playing great D at halftime and never looked back. Go Knicks?

Some Knicks Stuff

The Knicks have been awful thus far. Apparently, letting a team full of expiring contract players know that you don't care about the current year is not the best way to get them to play solid team ball. Duhon has been particularly atrocious. Now, this is where it gets surreal. The Knicks look like they are going to sign FA Allen Iverson to start at PG for the rest of they. God only knows what that will do for the development of Gallo, Douglas, Chandler and Hill. Gallo doesn't see the ball enough as it is. Beyond, that, the Eddy Curry will make his 2009 debut tonight. He's lost a ton of weight but it remains to be seen if he can score like he used to coming off the various layoffs. Oh, well. We'll see. Go Knicks?

Cold Stove

On account of Comrade Bud's "Baseball Classic" which pushed the real baseball classic into November, baseball's hot stove season is not where it was one year ago, when there was a lot more gossip and the Yanks were all over CC Sabathia by this point. With the Giants, Knicks, Rangers, Irish, Trojans and Ephs all having cruel months, this SUCKS! Someone make a trade! I believe teams are allowed to start talking to FA's Friday Night at midnight. They've been able to talk to agents this whole time, but couldn't talk money (sure). Anyway, the Yanks can afford to be patient, and I guess we should be, too. Go Yanks!

Meeting Week for the Yanks

With the GM meetings over, this is the week Brian Cashman will meet with his top advisors like Mark Newman, Billy Eppler, Stick Michael, Damon Oppenheimer and maybe some others go over options and preferences for this offseason. They will discuss everything they discovered about the markets at the meetings and set up their big board. They will decide what they are willing to do for Damon, Matsui and Pettitte, as well as their other inhouse free agents. They'll also decide, though I'm fairly sure they already have, what they want to do with Aroldis Chapman, as well as ranking and rating their interest in the other FA's, and expected December FA's from the non-tender list. Finally, they'll discuss trade targets and which assets they are willing to deal for players like Granders and Halladay or whoever. Should be an interesting week. Go Yanks!

Rangers Win

Rangers showed some backbone today by coming back against a Senators team that had dominated early. Hank was great in regulation and only allowed 1 goal. The Rangers tied it up when Gaborik made a perfect pass to Prospal for a shorty. The game went to a shootout, and rookie PA Parenteau won it in about the 7th round. Good to finally show some heart and get two points. Go Rangers.

Three Pitching Possibilities

Okay, it's looking like the Yanks will be adding another veteran pitcher this offseason, the three being mentioned as possibilities so far are Lackey, Halladay and Lowe. Now, obviously, Halladay gives you an ace, while the other two give you above average, middle of the rotation guys. Now let's take a look at them and what they are likely to cost.

Lackey is a big right hander who hasn't pitched 200 innings in the last few years, but is a "bulldog" and wants more that AJ Burnett got last year from the Yankees. His best pitch is his curveball, and his velocity was down this year. What used to be 94+ is now around 91/92. Who knows if this represents the beginning of his decline? He would cost the Yanks about what AJ Burnett cost, or a bit more, plus their first round pick.

Halladay is also a big right hander and an absolute ace. During any given start he is the best pitcher in baseball. His cutter is nearly as good as Mo's and he has a nice assorment of other plus pitches to go with it. He would cost the Yanks a fortune in prospects and just one more year of his current contract. The Yanks could either then extend him or take two picks.

Lowe is yet another big righty and he's got a killer sinker. He's got 3 more years left on his deal, and is older than Halladay or Lackey. He's been in the NL for years now, but as an extreme groundball pitcher may not have as much "league shock" as a flyball pitcher would coming back to the AL. Lowe would cost lesser prospects, but 3 more years at about 15M per plus decline.

In all, if we can get Halladay without giving up Jesus Montero or Phil Hughes or Joba, that seems far preferable than giving a big deal and a first round pick for Lackey, or a lesser prospect package, but multiple years for Lowe. I wonder what else is out there.

This Year's Swisher?

Looks like Curtis Granderson could be this year's Nick Swisher. Curtis coming off two seasons outstanding seasons, played hurt and was down to average this year. He has a few years left on his deal, the Tigers are looking to shed them. I suspect the Yanks will put together a deal involving Melky or Gardner, plus Kevin Russo, and Albeladejo or Edwar or someone else on the 40 man roster. So keep an eye out for Granderson to the Yanks.

Curtis Granderson?

Wow. Joel Sherman is reporting the Curtis Granderson is available and that the Yanks will be interested. Granderson is a bit overrated and coming off a tough season where he only managed a perfectly average OPS+ of 100. But, I think he was coming off an injury and this could be a nice buy low situation for the Yanks. Now, he doesn't have the on base skills we want, though he's not terrible there. As long as we don't bat him first, he's a lefty hitter who could really go off at the stadium. He's also one of those guys with a great personality. I wouldn't mind adding an .800+ OPSer who's still in his 20's if the price is right. Go Yanks.

btw, Granderson does take some walks, the BA component of his OBP is just low, and he doesn't walk quite as much as Swisher, who also has some low BA's.

Halladay?

Jon Heyman is now reporting that the Yanks will inquire after Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay and that the Jays new GM says he is willing to trade him in the division. I'll believe that when I see it. This may be another example of a team using the Yanks for leverage. Until we see otherwise, let's take that to be true. Go Yanks!

Boras Seeking 4 Years for Damon

Today Scott Boras said he would not be giving the Yankees a discount and wanted a 4 year deal for the declining LF. Now that seems silly on the face of it, but it serves Boras to have the Yanks without a Left Fielder for as long as his other client, Matt Holliday is on the market. As long as the Yanks are out there, there's price support for Holliday, but the minute they re-sign Johnny some of that support erodes. Last year, when the Yanks stole Mark Teixeira at the last minute, Boras was left holding Manny Ramirez and no other option but putting him back on the Dodgers on their terms. He doesn't want that to happen again, so he'll probably hold out Damon till Holliday signs somewhere. It's a good thing Cashmoney Green and the Yanks are patient.

The GM Meetings

Today, Cashmoney Green finds himself in Chicago at the annual GM meetings. Nothing much ever happens at the GM meetings, but sometimes the groundwork for trades can be laid ahead of the Winter Meetings, which are coming up in December. There have already been some trades, so perhaps some things will happen. But a Yankee move would be unlikely right now because they haven't had their annual meetings yet. Cash generally uses the GM meetings for "fact finding." Go Cash! Go Yanks!

Coughlin Chooses to Lose

Today the Giants really started looking like themselves again. Up 17-14, Terrell Thomas picked off a Phillip Rivers pass and returned it to the 4, with about three minutes left. A touchdown would have sealed it. But after a holding play by Chris Snee, Coach Coughlin decided to run the ball to take time off the clock and make the Chargers used timeouts. No attempt was made to throw the ball into the endzone, and the Giants arrogantly took the field goal and the 6 point lead. This show of uttter stupidity was greeted with and 80 yard TD drive by the previously deflated Chargers. Now, I'm not into the blame game, and am certainly sorry for whatever I had to do with this, but if Coach Coughlin doesn't take responsibility, he isn't the man I have supported. Just a ridiculous loss, and terrible coaching decisions. An utter disaster. The chances of the Giants making the playoffs are melting.

What's more, Eli was much better today, and clearly healthy for the first time in weeks. I hope the morons who had been using the last three weeks to draw conclusions about him can now realize he was playing hurt.

Soft

19 seconds into tonight's game, Chris Drury, the Ranger captain was cheapshotted by Curtis Glencross of the Flames, had to leave the game and did not return. Nothing happened to Glencross, and the Rangers lost 3-1. That's all I have to say about them. And I don't think we'll be talking about the Rangers until they are ready to stand up for themselves.

Rangers Win!

Ryan Callahan scored his first goal in 11 games, and Chris Higgins added his second in two games as the Rangers won somewhat easily over the Oilers in Edmonton. Gaborik and Kotalik had the other goals in their 4-2 win supporting Valliquette in goal. Gilroy and Del Zotto had perfect feeds on the Higgins and Callahan goals respectively. A quality win for the Rangers on a needed night off for Hank. Go Rangers!

Yankees Offseason

Well, with #27 secured, the parade tomorrow, and the GM meetings starting Monday, Cashmoney Green does not have a lot of time to get a plan together. The buzzwords over the last few years have been "younger" and "more athletic." So, I think if they do add outside parts, they will be looking for players in their 20's and not their 30's. The first decisions the Yanks will have to make will concern what to do about Damon, Matsui and Pettitte all of whom are eligible for free agency.

Personally, I think the best bet would be to bring all three back on 1 year deals, though the buzz is Damon will be getting a two year offer from the Yanks. It's unclear if Damon/Matsui is a one or the other situation or if the Yanks are open to keeping both. I think the new 2 year deal the Angels made with Abreu today, might serve as a model for what the Yanks will do with Damon. It's unclear if they would then bring Matsui back, too. Here's why they should: together the two lefties produced 52 of the Yanks 244 homers this year, and that's a big chunk that would have to be replaced if one or both of them left.

Here's the possible fly in the ointment: a couple of teams that are looking for a leadoff hitter could offer Damon more than the Yanks are willing to pony up for him. If that happens, I would expect the Yanks to go after Matt Holliday. Yes, he would be more expensive in dollars and years than Damon, but he would also be younger and more productive. I only see the Yanks going after Holliday if they lose one of Damon or Matsui and definitely if they lose both. I would offer both players arb, to try to keep them or get picks.

The Pettitte decision should be simpler. He doesn't really want to pitch anywhere else and it's really a matter of if he still wants to pitch and he and the Yanks can come to terms. There was some buzz today that the Yanks could be interested in John Lackey. Lackey's going to demand more money than AJ got last year, and if the Yanks sign him and bring back Andy, Hughes or Joba will be blocked from the rotation - at least to start the season - for another year.

The Yanks have some other decisions to make regarding players like Nady, Molina, Hinske and Harrison. Molina is probably gone and will be replaced by Cervelli, who's already better. Nady is an unknown because of the injury. Hinske and Harrison could be back if the price is right or they could be replaced with cheaper vets or pieces from the farm.

Speaking of the farm, Cash now has enough parts to make some trades without destroying the minor league system, so keep an ear open for those. Last year's Swisher trade caught us all by surprise.

As in previous years, we will keep updating things as we hear about them. Go Yanks!

Our Long National Nightmare is OVER!

We are the champions, my friends! Congrats, Yankees and Yankee Fans!

Rangers Lose

The Rangers lost a tough tonight. Down 1-0 for the first two periods, the Rangers finally drew even on a third period goal by Chris Higgins. Then the roof gaved in as sloppy play lead to another Canuck goal, and a bad penalty lead to another Canuck goal. The Canucks later scored an empty nettter. Really discouraging passing and shooting and the Rangers really seemed to have trouble with the wall the Canucks kepts setting up at their blueline. They need to do better. Go Rangers.

The Knicks

The Knicks finally won a game last night, and though Danilo Gallinari only scored 9 points, his passing lead the way. Gallo's unselfishness early to the rest of the Knicks playing unselfishly on the offensive end, and that lead to hitting the open man, and building a big lead. The Knicks also played some team D. Both Hughes and Harrington have looked a lot better - showing they may still be able to play well when playing for their next deals. We'll see how long that lasts.

It still appears that the Knicks blew the draft by not taking any of the pointguards with their first pick. Whenever Jeffries is not starting, Duhon appears to be the worst starter. Yet Duhon has the ball the most. Does this make any sense to you? I didn't think so.

Wilson Chandler is looking more and more like a trade chip, though that ship may have sailed during the draft. Predictably, Gallinari and Lee play a great high screen and roll game. That could become pretty deadly, especially if they switch rolls from time to time to keep D's honest.

Nate's out for a few weeks, so we should get a good look at Tony Douglas. That's pretty much where things are at with the Knicks. No place special, but if they share the ball and play some D they could be fun to watch while spinning their wheels and waiting for LeBron.

Yanks Lose and the Series Goes Back To the Bronx

The Yankees just lost 8-6 and will have to wait till Wednesday to end it. The homeplate ump was a disaster and if you look over at mlb.com you'll see how badly AJ Burnett, who was awful, was also squeezed. Phil Coke was just as bad as AJ giving up two homers in his 2/3 inning worth of "work." One thing was was RIDICULOUS about the game was that the Yanks have not hit or even knocked down Utley who had two more homers tonight. The Yanks did begin to come back from down 8-2 picking up 3 in the 8th. When Posada and Matsui both singled to start the 9th, it looked like a win was in the cards by Derek Jeter grounded into a run scoring DP, and then after Damon grinded out another hit, Mark Teixeira struck out, swinging wildly at pitches out of the zone. Pettitte will probably go on Wednesday, and the Yanks should win then. Go Yankees!

Brilliant!

Yes, I'm talking about Johnny Damon. In the top of the ninth, with two outs against the Phillie closer Brad Lidge, Johnny worked a 9 or 10 pitch out for a single. Then, with Tex up and the shift on, he stole second, noticed Pedro Feliz was covering second, and dashed to third which was uncovered. They hit Tex, then ARod doubled Johnny in to put the Yanks up 5-4. Po then singled home Tex and ARod and got himself thrown out to buy them time to score. Mo pitched a 1-2-3 9th and the Yanks won 7-4. Ten down, one to go!

The game itself was a little weird. The Yanks were set up for a big first but only ended up scoring 2. The Phillies hit ARod again, so both teams were warned before CC threw a single pitch, and it seemed to make CC a little uncomfortable. The Yanks, strangely only got 2 more runs off of Blanton. CC gave up 3 runs, including another homer to Utley on his last pitch. Marte got Howard again to finish the 7th. With the Yanks up 4-3 in the 8th, Joba K'd Werth and Ibanez, then somehow gave up a game tieing homer to Pedro Feliz of all people. That set up the classic top of the ninth against Lidge.

The Yanks can win t#27 tomorrow with AJ on the mound, but they'll have to do it against Lee. For some reason, I think they will. Go Yankees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow

I'm really not into the blame game, and that may be why my blog is not as anger filled as it was originally. But still, the Giants gave one of their worst performances of the Tom Coughlin era today, and all that remain are questions. Like, what did the practice all week? Why didn't they go into the no huddle when they were down 3 scores? Why can't they play defense? Why do they think tactic like splitting out Hedgecock will do anything but tell the other team where the play is going? What happened to Eli's accuracy? Could it be the foot issue? I don't know the answer to any of these questions but I really do wonder if we have the right coordinators, and if we're practicing the right stuff. Our schedule is brutal from here on out, and the playoffs don't look as likely as they once did. Go Giants?

Gaborik Returns, Rangers Win

Marian Gaborik returned and scored the lone goal in the Rangers 1-0 win over the Bruins. Hank didn't take any chances and recorded his first shutout of the season. Quality win! Go Rangers!