Whither Liriano?

After months of hearing "Liriano to the Yankees" whispers, things seem to be heating up. Several of the reporters down at Spring Training seem to think a trade might be made between the Twins and the Yanks to stabilize the Yankee rotation. It's an interesting possibility. When healthy, Francisco Liriano has been great at times. Problem is, he's been hurt a lot, therefore, the Yanks really have to drive a hard bargain. Remembering that Brian Cashman wouldn't give Hughes or Joba for a healthier Santana four years ago should calm nerves that Montero, Betances, Banuelos, Sanchez and Brackman aren't going anywhere. But can the Yanks get something done around Nova and secondary pieces? We will see. Go Yanks!

Jarred Jeffries to Sign Tuesday

Jared Jeffries will return to the Knicks tomorrow, after he clears waivers at 6pm est. Somewhat curiously, the Knicks today bought out Corey Brewer to create 1 roster spot. Looking back, it seems the Knicks only accepted him to try to trade him again before the deadline. What's more interesting is that Brewer was cut instead of Roger Mason Jr. who would have to be on another team to be any further out of Coach D'Antoni's rotation. I think they're probably going to sign an additional player, maybe Leon Powe, and at that time Mason will go. Walsh has a plan..

UPDATE: And it may be a strange plan. The Knicks have just announced they have bought out Kellena Azubuike and there has been no official word on Brewer yet.

FURTHER UPDATE: The Brewer buyout will completed tomorrow, so, two spots open.

The NHL Deadline Passes

And the Rangers held onto their prospects and picks rather than make any other trades. I'm happy. We have a one and 2 2's in the `11 draft, it's loaded and we've been picking well lately. Go Rangers!

UPDATE: The Rangers did make one more trade getting F/C John Mitchell from Toronto for a 7th. He'll replace Newbury who was sent down.

How `Bout Them Knicks?

What a win by the new look Knicks! And they did it with defense as a late Amar'e Stoudemire block of a LeBron James shot helped the Knicks preserved their lead with 5.6 seconds left in the game. Good rebounding made sure the Heat didn't get any second chances and the Knicks won by 6. After seeming to try hard on D, but giving up 34 in the first quarter, things looked bad for our Knicks. But, the Knicks finished off the second quarter on a 16-0 run, then finished the 4th quarter on another run. Carmelo had 29 and 9. Amar'e had 16 and 10. But, perhaps, the biggest hero of the night was Mr. Big Shot, Chauncey Billups who hit a loooong 3 to put the Knicks up for good in the 4th. Guess what? We already have a big three and they can play together. It will now depend on what else we can put around them, but we may be ahead of schedule. What a win!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Knicks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dealin' Dellin

In their second Spring game the Yanks went over the Clearwater and pounded the Phillies, 7-3. The Phillies started Blanton, so the Yanks did what they should. The big stories; however were Nova, Montero and Betances! Wow.

Ivan Nova is looking very much like a late bloomer. I think the comp is Wang, who also came on late - though that was more about injuries. Nova just moved along until coming back from the Padres and started going nova at age 23 last year. He looked really good today, touching 96 and getting 4 grounders and 2 K's in two perfect innings of work.

Montero was seemless behind the plate, and Girardi, Nova and Betances all praised him. Montero went 1-3 with and RBI single. He hit the ball hard all three times and had a great ab his first time up that resulted in a lineout that drove Polanco onto the outfield grass.

Betances pitched the 5th and was dominant, K'ing the side and walking 1. He touched 97 and showed a nasty curve. It's going to be hard keeping him down on the farm if he keeps dominating in ST.

Gardy may be poised for a big year. Today, the only time he swung he produced a double and later scored. His other two PA's created two walks and one run. He did not steal. Or use an out.

Grandy and Jorge Vazquez homered. Jorge now has two in two games. Go Yanks!

UPDATE: Manny Banuelos was just as impressive in his ST debut today, inducing a weak ground out and K'ing two in one inning of work. Keeper.

Whither Richards?

Rumors are running hot and heavy that the reason Glenn Sather cancelled his Bryan McCabe trade conference call is that he's working out a contract extension with Brad Richards. Richards would then come to the Rangers in a deal that's rumored to include Boyle, Artem Anisimov and Gilroy. Anisimov would be the one who is hard to part with, a la Gallinari in the Melo deal. The Ranges; however would be getting a playmaking C, who, could facilitate things for Gabrik and others going forward. He might also be the kind of guy who helps the young C's we have coming up, like Stepan and Hagelin. Of course, it could be something else entirely that is taking up Sather's time. We'll see. Go Rangers!

Rangers Get Their Man

The Rangers, today, have completed a trade for Power Play running D, Brian McCabe. The cost was Tim Kennedy and a 3rd round pick this year. I hope the Rangers can find a way to get more picks before the draft, but we didn't give up a prospect. Overall, it looks like a very good deal for a player who can really help down the stretch. Go Rangers!

The Toast

The Toast that you will see me referring to on the blog, until it's proven wrong, was given by Chris Paul at Carmelo Anthony's wedding last year. Now, even before the toast was given, I had heard and reported the CP3 was somehow going to be a Knick. At Melo's wedding, CP3 raised a toast someday teaming up with Carmelo and Amar's ON THE KNICKS. So far, his Toast has been coming true. Last weekend at the NBA all-star game, his CAA agents were telling people that Chris Paul was going to be a Knick in `12 or sooner. So take all of that for what you deem it worth. The Knicks will need some reliable bigs, to support there tremendous trio, and we can't start finding the bigs soon enough. Cheers!

The Return of JJ

Jarred Jeffries is apparently getting out of his contract with the Rockets in order to re-join the Knicks. Now, on the face of it, this might create some dread among Knick fans. Well, it shouldn't. The trouble with Jared Jeffries was never Jared it was his contract (thanks, Zeke!). Jared Jeffries is an excellent defender who is long and can really run the floor. He's a D and glue guy for a team with stars. Last time he was a Knick, there were no stars. With smart players like Billups, Amar's and Melo, he's not going to accidentally get the ball on O this time around. This is a really nice fit, for these Knicks. Let's see what else they can do to win now! Go Knicks!

Knicks Win!

Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points and had 9 or ten boards in his Knicks debut, but he sort of struggled for the first three quarters before helping to put the game away with 12 fourth quarter points. Chauncey Billups sure looks like he's still got it, though. He scored 21 and had a bunch of assists (8) and smart plays and made all 12 of his free throws. Toney Douglas went off for 23 in his first game under the tutelage of Chauncey Billups. Amar'e fouled out with 19 after being in a bunch of foul trouble through much of the game. The Knicks still look like they could use a C and a back up PG. If they do, they may go on a run this year. Great first night. Go Knicks!

Whar Now?

Apparently, the Knicks aren't done. Donnie Walsh says they are looking for a Center. It's been rumored that they are after Marcus Camby, but that is looking like a longshot. Just the same, if they are able to get a decent C, they can go on a run this year. Go Knicks!

It's Melo-Time

The Knicks are apparently closing out their deal for Carmelo Anthony. He is unquestionably the best player the Knicks have traded for since Bernard King and he ought to do a lot of the same things. What remains to be seen is the price and the rest of the pieces they took back. Go Knicks!

UPDATE: The Knicks get Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Renaldo Balkman! and Anthony Carter.

The Knicks give up, Eddy Curry, Felton, Gallo, Chandler, Mozgov, their 2014 1, and 2 of their extra 2's from the Warriors plus 3 Million bucks.

To me, losing Gallo and Moz hurts a bit, but I like Balkman as an off the bench defensive irritant, and it seems we are keeping Anthony Randolph, thus we can use him in another deal. We can and should always buy more second round picks. Good deal.

Further Update: The Knicks also got Corey Brewer from Minny for Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph. He could combine with Balkman to give us a second unit that is fun to watch in transition.

Down to the Nitty Gritty?

The Daily News has revealed that Carmelo Anthony met with Knick owner Jim Dolan last night in LA. What's more, the Knicks and Nuggets scheduled a conference call for today. I have no doubt the Melo and Dolan exchanged vows last night and the overpay will be made soon. The devil is in the details, though, and we'll have to see what we're left with and what we can still do after the deal goes down. But I think it will shortly, even if the commish stalls the announcement till next week. Go Knicks!

Apparently, the Knicks are offering Gallo, Chandler, Curry and a first rounder for Melo, Billups and stuff. I expect that gets it done.

Rangers Win Shootout

The Rangers blew two leads in the third period only to win yet another shootout on a Zuccarello goal. The victory gives Hank 200 for his career. He's really moving up there. Callahan, Gaborik and Dubinksy scored the regulation goals, and those were good signs. For Dubi it was his 20th, tying last year's single season high. Good stuff. Go Rangers!

The Break Arrives as The Deadline Approaches

With their win tonight, the Knicks head into the all-star break three games over .500. That's certainly a welcome change and progress is being made. Still, the trade deadline is just 7 days away, and they will have opportunities to make some moves. The Knicks could clearly use some help at the back-up point guard position and they could use another rebounder, though Mozgov is developing and it might be wise to just go with him. And then there is Carmelo. For years I have thought he was destined to be a Knick. I guess we'll see if if happens in the next week or so. Go Knicks!

Pitchers and Catchers

It seems like most of the Yanks have made it to Tampa already, but the hard date for pitchers and catchers was yesterday and everybody showed. The big questions in these revolve around AJ Burnett, the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation, and the starting catcher. AJ we'll just have to wait and see about, but it seems like firing the PC and hiring Rothschild could be good for him. The candidates for 4th and 5 spot seem to be Nova, Garcia and Colon. If healthy, I expect Garcia to start out as 4th starter, and Nova to start out as 5th starter. I think Colon is toast. And I'm not to terribly worried about the rotation because help is on the way from the farm. In the short term, it could be Noesi or Phelps, in the longer term it could be Banuelos, Betances, Brackman and Warren. By the way, 5 starters don't pitch 200 innings, and it's possible that Banuelos, Betances or Brackman could make it to that 5th spot this year if they dominate early.

Catcher should be interesting. Cash has repeatedly said Russell Martin will be the starter, but I don't think he will. I think Jesus Montero will at least split the position with Martin or Po to start out, and then own it going forward. Martin, at his best, which was now a few years ago, was not as good as Montero will likely be right out of the gate. Montero is the Yanks best hitting prospect since Mantle, and he did nothing but prove it as he blew through the system. I haven't seen the park factors for a couple of years, but Montero's numbers were outstanding, even though he was hitting in a bunch of pitchers parks. He ran that gauntlet like it was noboby's business. And he's no worse a defensive catcher than what we are used to. I really think hes going to win the job, starting now. Go Yanks!

Rangers Win!

Been awhile! Anyway after falling behind 2-0 early, the Rangers stormed back with 5 unanswered goals against the Crosby-less Pens today. It was nice to see them score. They also killed two 4 minute penalties on their way to a 5-3 win at the Garden. Hopefully their luck has changed. They've been playing too well not to have more points. The kids like Stepan and Artie are really impressing and more are on the way. Check out what Christian Thomas is doing in juniors! Go Rangers!

Carmelo Finally On The Way?

ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that a three way deal that would bring Carmelo to New York while sending Eddy Curry, Anthony Randolph and Wilson Chandler to Minnesota and Denver respectively. The Nuggets would also get Brewer in this latest scenario. This is something the Knicks should be jumping on, if true. Go Knicks!

Thanks, Andy

After a great career, Andy has made his decision and has decided to call it a day. There will be a lot of chatter about whether or not Andy was a Hall of Famer. To me it comes down to how deeply you are willing to look at the numbers. Andy's numbers were hurt by being a groundball pitcher in front of a lot of lousy defenses. Still, he managed to finish 100 games over .500, and his unadjusted Yankee ERA is under 4 and that was compiled pitching in a loaded AL East. We never should have let him go after 2003, because though he may not be a Hall of Famer, what he is is a Yankee, and he never should have had to wear another uni. Go forth and prosper, Andy!