Rangers Win Via Shootout

Dan Girardi had a key turnover in the second period that gave the Panthers a 1-0 till Dan Girardi tied it up in the third.   Unbelievably, Chris Kreider did not play again in over time.  In the shootout, Brad Richards scored and Hank was perfect.  Conor Allen was fine and looks like he could be up to stay.   Productive trip to Florida for the Rangers and they are getting better, little by little.  Hank is starting to look like Hank again.  

Rangers Tonight

Marc Stall will return against the Panthers tonight and it looks like Conor Allen will also be in the lineup.   Henrik Lundqvist will start in goal.   It would nice to see them keep up the momentum they've had in three out of the last four and to even get a game over .500.    We need great play from guys other than McD and Zuccarello.  Let's go Rangers.

Fewell Should Go, Too

There was no talk about Perry Fewell today, and that surprised me.   The Giants haven't had a good pass rush since their last Super Bowl win, and, coincidentally, haven't been back to the playoffs, either.  Both last year, and this year, the Giants couldn't stop anyone against good teams.  I'm not talking about the last several teams we faced, other than the Seahawks who are good and shut us out at home.   The defense did look better against all of those back up QB's, but it didn't look the least bit competent until Coach Fewell went to the players and they urged him to simplify the D.  Don't you think the Giants should have a DC who can scheme a pass rush, adjust to the talent on hand, and not have to ask the players to do his scheming for him?  I do.  We've had great D's under Landry, Parcells, Belichick, Fox and Spags.   We need a DC like that, who both inspires the players and comes up with schemes they can win with.   Fewell's not that guy.

Kevin Gilbride a Goner?

Wow, though Mara and Coughlin both said they would make decisions after discussions later this week, reporters including Garafolo are saying Gilbride will be out.   An article up on NJ.com says that Coughlin will not put his job on the line for Gilbride.  So, it looks like this could be it.

I've always regarded Gilbride as an average offensive coordinator, with a sort of bad feel for play calling.   He gives up on the run too early and often goes deep before Eli has his rhythm.   The delayed draws are a disaster.   Having said that, I think he's an absolutely great guy and will feel bad for him if this is the case.  I've been hoping he would take a collegiate head coaching job, or one step below that, like the Raiders, and never have to get fired here.  But some year, especially when the OL is not up to Giant standards, and Eli and Nicks and Cruz aren't making chicken salad out of chicken shit, this was likely to happen.

Going forward, whether he stays or goes, it's time for the Giants to go to a simpler offense.  They win and have won on match ups -- not because of read options.    It's time to move into the 21st century here.   Btw, if Fewell isn't also gone, we'll still be bad next year.

Yankees Intend To Go Wild in IFA?

Stories abound today that the Yankees intend to go nuts during the International Free Agency period and just take the top off the market.  While the Yanks are rumored to see big talent there, other GM's are seeing an average year.   So, first, we have to hope that the Yanks are right and second, we have to wonder why it's finally dawned on them that this has been their best way to grab top talent for years?  I wrote a little report for the Yanks a few years ago when the new CBA came out, part of which I poster here.  Anyway, in it, I recommended that the Yanks look at each draft year to see if there's outstanding talented or not (some years are better than others) then go ahead and blow past their draft budget and incur the penalties to lock up the players.   They seem to be on the verge of doing this in IFA, and I say, bravo.  If their scouts really think there's a bonanza to be had, do it and pay the penalties.   They are essentially already paying penalties just by doing their business over the last two CBA's.   They desperately need to infuse talent into the system and whether it's this year or in the future, they have to be willing to act and pay the penalties.   They should have been doing this all along.  It's still a joke that they didn't get Sano when they got Sanchez.

"The Offense is Broken"

That was one of the big quotations coming out of John Mara's meeting with the press today.   Though he says he wants Tom Coughlin back, you have to wonder if it's under the proviso that TC dumps Gilbride or others from the offensive staff.  He did call fixing the OL job one.   Of course, it's been job one since the OL started to decline around 2008, but they have passed on one Giant type OL after another in the draft, particularly in 2009, until finally picking Justin Pugh in the first round this year.   They made an awful bet on Baas in free agency and will have to find a way to fix that position as well  as find solutions for both guards this year.   It would be foolish, now that Pugh has proven he can man a tackle spot, to push him inside to accommodate another first round tackle this year, but they might.

Another interesting to look at is the OL coach.  Flaherty has had a lot of success here, and has always had an assistant.   I'd like to see how his success has correlated, if at all with which assistant he's had.

They say the review of the coaches will be later this week, but Mike Sullivan became available today and it wasn't so long ago that he was considered a possible HC of the future for the Giants.  I wouldn't be surprised if he was brought back in one capacity of another.

Also, they should take a look at how the current coaches are developing or not developing players.  Why have Jerrel Jernigan and Ruben Randle been so up and down?   When Sullivan was the WR coach, we saw better progress.   Couldn't be the double initial thing, could it?   Seriously, they have to look at how they are developing all of the skill positions, including TE's and RB's and need to refortify at all three positions.

Mara also said they would look at redoing Eli's deal, depending on how aggressive they wanted to be in FA.  He also said they didn't get enough production out of certain draft spots and needed to let young players play more.

Having said all that, they also need to fix the defense which got taken out back, by every team they played with an over .500 record.   Sheesh, there's a lot to do.

Rangers: Marc Staal Will Return Tomorrow

In some very good news on this second to last day of the year, Marc Staal has been cleared to play tomorrow.   One of the big problems the Rangers have had is missing Staal and Cally, and not just this year, but over the last three.   They are the captain and assistant, and two of the best players on the team.  When they play, the Rangers are a better team.   So it's good to get Staal back, for however long it will last this time.   Conor Allen was skating with him this morning as a pair, and I'd day that's interesting.

Rangers Win!

MZA was brilliant with a goal and 2 assists, as was the Ranger power play which saw goals by MZA, Kreider and the rejuvenated Puliot.    Nash had the other goal.   Hank was up and down again.  He was both as bad as he's looked in the first then as brilliant as he can be during a 5 save sequence in the third, before letting up another over the shoulder job he probably should have stopped.  But, they needed two points and they got them.   Conor Allen was fine and may make them move Falk back to the AHL, when Staal and Stralman return on Wednesday.    Nice game and we are back at .500.

Giants Will Pick 12th

It's official.  The Giants will pick 12th in the first round of the NFL Draft.    Had they lost their last two games instead of trying hard, getting injured and winning, they would have picked 8th.    They should be able to get a good player at 12 and they need a lot of good players.   This may or may not be a sort of QB rich draft, which should push players to the Giants.  And if there's a QB someone wants still on the board, the Giants may be able to trade down.   They're not in a bad position for a trade up, but they seem to have far too many needs to want to trade up in this draft.

I still refuse to draft for need, though and I hope the Giants share that approach.  They could use upgrades on the OL, maybe at WR, at TE, and at RB on O.  On D, they need another pass rusher, or two if Tuck leaves.  They need another LB or two if Beason leaves.  They need another CB if nothing else happens.  So they could pick almost anything in the first and be hitting a need.  They just need to get the BPA at 12.   8 would have been better.

This Week on The Blog

While I wish you all a great start to the new year,  I'll try to keep up with what could be some changes among the teams we follow here.

Yankees:  The Yanks will most certainly continue their pursuit of Tanaka.  They could also hear what the arbitrator is willing to do to ARod.    That could lead to them making even more moves.

Giants:  John Mara said, "we have to talk about that this week," to almost everything he was asked today.  So we'll talk about what they talk about.  Big changes are warranted, but will we see them?

Rangers:  We'll see if they make any moves.  Hank is sucking again in the first period tonight.   We'll see.  Ooh, MZA just tied it!

Knicks:  They still haven't played well enough to get back in the rotation here.    James Dolan apparently told all the players and coaches they are safe.    We'll see if they really are.

So maybe it will be an interesting last week/first week at the buckle of 2013/14.  Best to all of you!

Trading Girardi?

An article came out today saying the Bruins might be interested in Dan Girardi.   So the rumor sites ran with it, and it lead to some lively exchanges on Facebook.   So, for the record, the Rangers should not trade Girardi to the Bruins.   But that doesn't mean the Rangers shouldn't trade Girardi.  They probably should.  Now, Girardi has been a terrific Ranger and is a credit to their scouting and player development department.  But, he is also going to be a free agent and in line for some big money.   Not only that, but he's shown some signs of decline this year, that may be the result of all those minutes he's logged for the Rangers.  That being said, his trade value is still high.  Presumably much higher than Michael Del Zotto's, and the Rangers should, by all means move him, if they can get a haul they really like.  It would also be good to pick up and extra first round pick.   So should they trade him to the Bruins?  Not unless they're turning over the farm, but should they trade him to someone out of the conference with a great offer?  Yes.  They need to do a bit of rebuilding and trading a valuable piece or two would really help that effort.

Giants Win and Lose

Well, the Giants won today, and not only did it cost them Eli, Randle, Nicks and Beatty, but it probably cost them two draft spots.   It was ridiculous to get so many players hurt when there was nothing to play for.   Meanwhile, Jerrel Jernigan had another big game scoring twice, once on a 24 yard reception and once on an electrifying 49 yard end around.  That was the first one that's really worked in the Tom Coughlin Era.   This is now the 4th time in the last 5 seasons that we haven't made the playoffs.   I general, I favor missing the playoffs when you can't win it all, but the Giants haven't given themselves enough chances these past few years between and after Super Bowl wins.

It looks like the Giants will probably pick 12th, and were these last few wins really worth missing out on the top ten?   Hopefully, someone will want to trade up for a QB or something and the Giants can get more picks.    They have 30 guys who will be free agents if they are not extended, and however that works out, the Giants will need a lot of new players next year.    They'll have cap room, but they have to be efficient with it, and they should probably re-work and extend Eli's deal to open up more space.  

We'll see if they do anything about the coaches and the front office.   There should be consequences when a team is as bad as the Giants were this year, even if their 7-9 record looks almost okay.   They didn't give themselves a chance this year.    I'll have more thoughts on this as the season sinks in and we know more about their plans.

Rangers Tonight

Hank will be back in goal as the Rangers take on the Lightning in Tampa.  Conor Allen should make his debut and that will be interesting.  He looked good in the preseason and has been on fire lately in the AHL.   As we roll along winning a few and losing a few, it seems moves will have to be made.   It's surprising nothing has been done yet, given the Rangers languid first half.   Hopefully, the time off will have allowed Hank to regain his Hankness.  I guess we'll see.  Let's go, Rangers.

Giants Tomorrow

One way or another, the shit show that has been the 2013 Giants season, ends tomorrow.   They'll play the Redskins again and are just stupid enough to beat them again.   This has been a terrible season and we probably won't have the great picks to look forward to when it ends tomorrow.  Just unsatisfying on every level.  I guess we'll get into what the offseason plan should be in the coming weeks, and we'll see if anyone is held accountable for this wasted year.

Rangers Recall Conor Allen

After last night's squandered game in DC, the Rangers recalled D Conor Allen.    Apparently Stralman is injured, so who knows how long Allen will be up or if he'll be in the lineup.  He's a 23 year old, lefty shot who looked good in the preseason and has been the most effective D in Hartford all season.  The roster freeze is over, so the move could be made.  Hopefully, he's ready and gets a full chance to prove himself.  

Last night was frustrating.   The Rangers game back twice only to blow it late.  They should have flat out won.   Hank will probably be back tomorrow, unless he's hurt and they've been hiding it.

Rangers Tonight

It will be Cam Talbot in goal again, tonight, as the Rangers take on the Caps.   This is a good test for the resurgent Rangers, as, when they are playing well, they beat the Caps.  Ovechkin has seemed like his old self lately, and that will be a big challenge for Ryan McDonagh.  Beyond that, Marc Staal was skating again, and both he and Ryan Callahan are traveling with the team through the road trip that runs from tonight through next Saturday.  Let's hope the three day break was good for some of the stragglers, like Nash.  LGR!

Tanaka or Bust!

Well, that was quick.  The 30 day window for Masahiro Tanaka to be posted and reach agreement with a major league club began today.  From the various articles it sounds like the Yanks are in it to win it, so let's hope they do.  Sounds like their second choice with be Bronson Arroyo, and that's  a frightening alternative.   If they do or don't land Tanaka, the Yanks will still need another bat or two for the lineup.   But, the most important thing they can do now is get Tanaka.

Tanaka Will Be Posted

And for Christmas, the Yankees discovered that Masahiro Tanaka will be posted.   Their mission here is clear, and unless he's a guy who just doesn't want to be a Yankee, it's time to make it happen.   Getting a 25 year old ace is exactly what they need to do to fill out this rotation and begin a new one going into the future as the team transitions from old to at least a little younger.   I have no doubt they've had they eye on Tanaka for awhile.  Now's the time.  

Rangers Win Via The Shootout

JT Miller scored his second goal of the season off of a great play by Chris Kreider.   That should have been enough for Cam Talbot and the Rangers to win in regulation.  But, with a minute and twenty seconds or so, left Toronto was credited with a goal on a puck that could, by any reasonably standard, been whistled dead.  The play was reviewed in Toronto and Toronto was given the goal.   Curiously, AV didn't use Chris Kreider in the overtime.  We'll see if there's an explanation.    Fortunately, Cam Talbot was up to the job in the shootout, and MZA and Stepan scored to win it.   Rick Nash was bad in regulation, bad in overtime and then bad in the shootout.   Wonder what kind of hat trick that is?   Big and deserved win, even though Toronto got a point they didn't deserve.

Rangers Tonight

After last night's impressive win, Cam Talbot will be back in goal again tonight against the Maple Leafs.  I am hoping Pouliot's little streak of awareness will allow him to be thrown into a trade after the freeze ends Friday.  I don't trust it at all.   We still have to get Step and Nash going, but the secondary players really are starting to hold up their end more consistently. Perhaps the system has finally dawned on them.  If they're good again tonight, it's either that, or they play harder in front of Talbot.  Boy, is that kid unflappable.    We'll see.  LGR!

Giants Tomorrow

I feel like I've been writing the same post since week 4.    The Giants are in Detroit to play the Lions tomorrow, and if they know what's best for them, they will rest the regulars and lose tomorrow.   There is nothing to play for but health going forward and a higher draft pick.   We don't need Eli, or any of next year's projected lineup getting injured.   Randle and Jernigan will be the starting WR's and throwing to Randle, especially, has been an adventure this year.    The important thing really is is to keep the regulars healthy, and not play them.   They probably will, but I hope it's for limited downs.    Go Lions.

Rangers in Crisis

The Rangers had a chance to make hay, and rise up past .500 on the nine game home stand that started earlier this month.   Instead, they have 1 win, and all losses.  Last night, they got tossed by the Islanders.  Another team that's always teetering around crisis state.   The new coach has been horrid.    Henrik Lundqvist has been terrible.  

They just gave Hank a huge contract to basically stay the elite goalie he's always been through most of it.   This season, the word elite cannot be attached to any of his performances.   Anyone can score on him these days.

Going further, Dan Girardi's game has fallen off a cliff.  I remember Torts used to call him a horse.    Maybe he rode the horse too long and too often, but Girardi just isn't good right now.

Staal and Callahan are out with injuries, which has been par for their last few years.

Stepan doesn't look like Stepan, instead he looks like a guy who held out and didn't work out.  

Rick Nash has been injured and now he's playing like a 7 million dollar roll of Charmin.

Brassard and John Moore have been up and down, though they are trending up lately.

And it may be more about all those guys underachieving than about the fact that the Rangers are dressing non-producers like Boyle, DMoore, Pouliot and Falk most nights.

They have a day off today, then a game against the Wild tomorrow.   Some of the healthy stars like Hank and Nash have to decide to lead and take a stand, or this season is gonna get away from them.   Just a horrible home stand thus far.

Cruz Has Surgery

Victor Cruz was injured Sunday in an absolutely meaningless game.  The Giants have nothing to play for this December and they are rolling the dice with all of their most precious assets by continuing to play them.  Eli will presumably start agains the Lions and they will be taking another risk.   And what for?  The NFL rewards bad teams with high picks.  The Giants really shouldn't be trying to win all of a sudden.   They should be doing everything in their power to go 0-2 the rest of the way.    Of course, with the way they have played they probably will go 0-2 but they really don't need to get anyone else hurt.   They'll have lots of money to play with in of the offseason, and the higher the draft picks, the better.

Rangers Tonight

JT is back, for what will probably just be another cup of coffee under AV's wheel of standards.   As you know, yesterday, he sent down Dylan McIlrath, after Dylan had played just two games and acquitted himself nicely against one of the McGratten.   And it turns out that Chris Kreider, who has been the best forward on the team this year, was benched for overtime for not winning battles along the boards.   Talk about cutting of your nose to spite your face.    His persecution of the prospects wouldn't bother me as much if he held the veterans to the same standards.   While I didn't want Torts back, AV is looking like the wrong choice.   With the influx of kids coming over the next few years, they need a good teachers on the NHL staff, and it would seem they don't have them.  Kids don't learn by being scratched.

Looks like Hank will start against the Islanders tonight.  Let's hope he starts looking like real Hank.

Rangers Lose Via The Shootout

For awhile it looked like the Rangers were gonna get embarrassed again at home.   They were down 3-1 in the third, with the third goal coming on a terrible misplay by MDZ, who will either be traded tomorrow, or sometime after the Christmas no movement thing is over.  Yikes.   But plucky little MZA scored on a put back, to make it 3-2 then Brasssard scored a power play goal to send it into OT. The big line had some chances, but Stepan couldn't convert them and he ended up with the best shots.  MZA had almost scored the game's first goal, but he was stoned.  Marc Andre Fleury just plays well against the Rangers. It went to a shootout after the Rangers couldn't score with a man advantage in the OT.  Hank was, once again, not what we're used to in the shootout.  It may be time to give him more rest.

Other than the comeback, the most encouraging thing was John Moore, assisting on 2 goals, and the fact that Hags, MZA and Brass were the goal scorers in regulation.  We were counting on all four of those guys to contribute and tonight all four of them did.

The discouraging thing was that the Rangers went back to playing soft, without McIlrath in there.   Hank even appeared to get punched in the face at the end.   That was just ridiculous.   Falk had an assist but was also on ice for a goal.   McIlrath could have done both, and made sure no liberties were taken with Hank.   Also, MDZ may have played his last Ranger game, which is a shame considering the talent and potential he seemed to have when he debuted.

Rangers Tonight

Rangers play the Penguins tonight.  Let's hope they don't get embarrassed.  For whatever reason, AV is scratching McIlrath and playing Falk.   That's absurd, and probably means the kid will be on his way down to see JT Miller, soon.   Idiocy.    Pyatt is also scratched.  Sather was seen talking to Pyatt at his locker this morning.   Maybe they're sending him down, too.   Would anyone trade for him?   In any event, decent chance we get embarrassed tonight.

Yanks Sign Matt Thornton

The Yanks today replaced their loogy, by signing Matt Thornton for the pen.  The deal is for 2 years at 3.5M per.  Not bad at all.  Though this is another old guy. he should be able to get lefties out.   Earlier in his career he was a dominant setup man, but then failed as a closer and lost value.  Now he should be a nice value as a loogy, though I still don't like buying FA relievers.    One less thing on the shopping list.   Now, get Tanaka, and trade for a bat that plays 3rd.

Yanks Signing Brian Roberts?

Wow.   Brian Roberts will be 36 next season, and his best year occurred when he was 27.    The intermittent seasons have been filled with injuries and injury related decline.  He's a switch hitter, so they could use him as the righty half of a platoon with Johnson as well as a defensive replacement, but, it's hard to say what's left of him.  Before the injuries, he was a good player.  And I think one of the injuries happened at Yankee Stadium when the got his arm destroyed trying to tag someone out.   Should be a cheap deal, and it would probably mean they are moving on to their hole at 3rd.

Tanaka to be Posted

So, it finally looks like Masahiro Tanaka is going to be posted.  The Yanks must get this one.   Not only do they need another starter, but they really need one that is in his 20s.   Getting Tanaka would not only address the immediate need for a starter, but would make up for Yanks vast failing in the pitcher development department.  They've got to go all in on this one and make him a Yankee.   no budgets, no excuses.

Giants Shutout At Home

Yesterday, the Giants were shutout for the 2nd time this season.  In fact, they only were able to start 3 or 4 plays on the Seattle half of the field, and that was well after the game had been decided.   We all know that Eli threw 5 picks.   The question is, why was he even playing.  Going against the franchise edict, the Giants have NOTHING to play for this December.    Thus, playing Eli, in meaningless games is playing Russian Roulette with the most important guy on the team.   He was hit, sacked and hurried all day, and easily could have been hurt.   Victor Cruz was concussed and sprained his knee in more meaningless action.  They are taking terrible chances with their players who have nothing to prove in these remaining games.

Secondly, are we finally going to see some accountability?   This is our worst season since 2003, and that wrought change.  This must, too.  I don't know if they would ask TC to step down, but they sure as hell need to tell him to get new coordinators.    Fewell's been a disaster these last two seasons, and the league seems to have figured out Gilbride's O, and he's answered that by making no adjustments.  Things have to change.

Rangers Win By Shoot Out

Something changed last night.  It wasn't just that the Rangers came back from a 2-0 first period deficit  and a 3-2 deficit to send the game into overtime and get the other point in a shootout.  It wasn't that Hank suddenly started playing like Hank again - he didn't and wasn't great in regulation or in the shootout.   No, after a miserable start, the Rangers finally started pushing back.  Dorsett was chippy. John Moore got a roughing penalty and Dylan McIlrath did fine in his first fight against one of the league's best in McGrattan.   Got a cut on his his cheekbone, but did not go down.  Needs to keep filling out and learn how to fight a little better, but he was game and smiled on his way to the penalty box.  

Stepan finally scored sort of soon after the Flames' second goal.   Then Hagelin scored on a beautiful wrap around to tie it in the second.  Then, after Hank gave up a softie, Kreider back handed a rebound to tie it again in regulation.  Later, he was called for a high sticking as a Flame actually skated into his stick which he had raised to try to bat another rebound.    So Kreider was in the box for the end of regulation and most of the overtime.  It may be because of that penalty that AV didn't have him in the shootout.

Hopefully Vigneault starts figuring things out.  Hank has to play better and the offense needs to score more.  The kids scoring was a good sign, as was McIlrath getting through his first fight.   I can't remember if the NHL trade moratorium starts today or on the 19th, but they don't play again till Wednesday, so if they are going to make a move before the Christmas moratorium, it will probably be by Wednesday.  

The dressed 7 D's last night.  Wonder how often we'll see that.

Rangers Tonight

The Rangers will try to finally get a win in the 4th game of their long home stand.   Hank will be in goal again, though he's been awful, and is playing too deep in the crease.    It seems like McIrath will play again.  But no other moves or call ups have been made, even though Danny Kristo is healthy again and scored a goal yesterday.   It's strange that they had two days off and didn't do anything about the Pyatt/Pouliot/Moore/Asham/Boyle.  Weird.   Let's hope they get it going tonight.  Brassard will be back in the lineup.

Giants Tomorrow

Once again the Giants have grown unpredictable.  Not from a strategic standpoint where they may be too predictable, but from an effort and passion standpoint.   They had none last weekend in San Diego, and this week they are facing a much better team in the Seahawks.  The Seahawks play a very physical brand of football, like the Giants used to when they'd win Superbowls.   But they are a mere shadow of that kind of team now, for reasons that defy understanding.    Thus, they should get embarrassed at home.  On the other hand, they might decide to show up, get after and beat the Seahawks.   Maybe Hakeem Nicks will decide to score.   I don't care much either way, except during the course of the game where, against our longterm interests, I still find myself rooting for them.  I would like to at least get into the top 10 picks if that's possible with these three remaining games, but TC won't take his foot off the gas -- which he couldn't seem to locate for the first 6 weeks of the season.    We'll see.

Darwin Barney?

The latest scuttlebutt is that the Yanks might be trying to acquire all field and not hit 2B Darwin Barney from the Cubs.  If this is so, I think he'd have to come prospect cheap because he would only be a platoon parter/defensive replacement for Kelly Johnson.   Also if they do do this, I think we'll see someone like Chase Headley or Aramis Ramirez brought in to play third.   I think it will be Headley in a surprising move, as soon as they find out how long ARod will be out.    And that's because of the absence of the Headley rumors that had been abundant for a few years now.   We'll see what happens.   I'd rather they get Ackley, still, but I can understand a bandage for second and a bat for third.

Yanks Offer Omar Infante 3/24

That's one more year than I would like and one less year than Omar would like.   I guess this would be fine.   Omar's and inconsistent hitter from season to season and a pretty average 2b with the hands for the DP, which are terribly overlooked in lots of appraisals of middle infielders.    We should be alright if he says, yes.  I would have preferred to try to get Dustin Ackley.   Hilariously, as the Yankee offer started to circulate, the Reds suddenly jumped in for Infante.   Was their idea to ransom Infante so that the Yanks would have to give them Gardner or something?  As it is they already have a 2B that's being overpaid for too many years.    Anyway, as long as the Yanks don't get nudged to 4 this is fine and he'd be an okay Yank.

UPDATE:  Apparently, Infante wants 4/40.  Perhaps the Yankees leaked their offer as a type of reality therapy, but that seems like too big a spread for the Yanks to want to cover.  Hopefully, there are dumber teams out there.  And hopefully, they can pry Ackley away from the Mariners, and while they're at it, bring back Montero.

Knicks Trying to Acquire Kyle Lowry?

The Knicks and Toronto are apparently deep in talks trying to find a match that would make Kyle Lowry a Knick.   Lowry's like a 10 and 5 or 11 and 7 type of PG.  Solid but not great numbers.   The trade would thus far consist of Raymond Felton, who I am all for getting rid of, and another player, who could be Iman Shumpert or Tim Hardaway Jr., which I wouldn't do.  Nor would I do more first rounders.  Not for average numbers, no way.   So they're in a quandary, unless Iman could be dealt to a third team for a package that includes a player for Toronto and a pick for the Knicks.  They really shouldn't trade Hardaway.

Rangers Tonight

The Dylan McIrath era begins against Columbus.   This should be fun.  What isn't fun is that Brassard and Cally are out, and they didn't call up any forwards -- so --- it looks like Pyatt and Pouliot will be back in the lineup and that stinks.   They are both bad players and the sooner they get sent down and replaced by anyone the better off we'll be.  In fact, it looks like the Rangers will be dressing 4 guys who just don't do much at all tonight, and that's a huge hurdle the guys who can play will have to overcome.  This will make Boyle the 3rd line C, most likely.   We need big games from Nash, Kreider, Stepan, MZA, Richards and Hagelin till reinforcements can be found.  It would also help if the D's, especially Moore, MDZ and Stralman could get their offensive games going.  McDonagh has been great.    Let's Go, Rangers!  Let's Go, Dylan!

Yanks Lose Kahnle, Santana, O'Brien and Two Others In the Rule V

The Yanks lost hard throwing reliever Tommy Khanle to the Rockies in the big league portion of the draft.   They'll probably be able to get him pick, because it's unlikely he'll stick on the Rockies 40 all year long.   On the other hand, in the minor league portion of the draft -- players they can't get back -- the Yanks lost Ravel Santana.   Till 2011 Ravel was one of the best prospects in the Yankee system and looked like he could even be one of the best OF prospects in baseball.  Then, during a GCL game, the literally destroyed his ankle.  Worse than David Adams.   When he finally came back he was not the same player, then they decided he needed glasses.   And he still wasn't.    Now he's an Astro, and it doesn't get much worse than that.

They also lost Mikey O'Brien who was one of their prep RHP who actually looked like he might make it to the show.  He was moved along pretty slowly and now he's a Red.    They also lost RHP Felipe Gonzalez to the Pirates and RHP Kelvin Castor (who used to be a bad hitter) to the Marlins.    That's a lot of players getting taken out of a supposedly bad system.  

The Yanks were able to keep Burawa, Whitley and Lewis who might be able to help the bullpen at some point in the not too distant future if they're not all blocked by FA's or fungible vets.

Yanks Turn Down Phillips for Gardner

This came as very reassuring news as it exploded over twitter this evening.   The Yanks according to a few reports turned down the Reds offer of their overrated 2B Brandon Phillips for the Yanks' underrated Brett Gardner.   Phew.  That was exactly the kind of deal I was afraid to see.  As I mentioned all along, I would prefer to keep Gardy.    Failing that, I would prefer to trade him for a package of younger players or one with elite talent in some area as Gardy is an elite defender with elite speed.   However; he'll probably get traded - if he does - for a pitcher.   I wouldn't have minded the Austin Jackson mix had that been real.   Anyway, with their seeming disregard for age and OBP this offseason that they might swap Gardy for Phillips was a legitimate concern.  That they haven't is cause for legitimate relief.

More Moves for the Rangers?

So the Rangers have called up the Undertaker to take the place of Marc Staal on the blue line.   But what will they do to replace Ryan Callahan?   JT Miller would be the obvious move.  And if it's JT then the Rangers will have 4 of their last 5 first rounders on the team (Del Zotto, Kreider, McIlrath, Miller) with only Brady Skjei, unable to be called because he's still in school.   Another possibility is Danny Kristo, who was playing really well, but seems to be missing time with an injury.  Jesper Fast is also hurt.    Oscar Lindberg is available and is another possibility.  But I wouldn't be surprised if the next moves are Miller and a trade.    Just feels that way.

Rangers Call Up Dylan McIlrath

The Undertaker has finally gotten the call.  Dylan McIlrath, their 2010 first rounder is finally up with the team.    McIlrath is known for playing a mean game, but Ranger fans should remember he is still filling out his body, and may look bad if he has to fight right out of the gate.   They've been letting him mature gradually, and he's still doing it.  As for his game, he will finish his checks, and if he remembers to keep it simple and stay within himself, he will really carve out a quick place for himself.   Like Miller, he'll need further development at the NHL, but the chance is his to take.  He won't want to ride the JT Shuttle.   Go Dylan!

Eli Willing To Restructure

Eli Manning has admitted that he's willing to restructure his contract to give the Giants some room.   When this happens it is almost always an extension where salary is converted to bonus and amortized over the length of the extension or broken into smaller bonuses.   People mad about this year will want him to give money back, but that's just not how things happen, and he's not to blame for the crappy OL, injuries to RB's, Hakeem's drops and Ruben Randle's not being able to haul in 8 targets that turned into INT's.  And of course there were various fumbles.   Eli, through his two Super Bowl MVP performances has earned the right to finish his career with the Giants and that's just what a restructure will allow, while also allowing the Giants to make moves under the the cap.    This is the correct course of action for Eli and the Giants.

AV Hints At Call-Ups

In today's after practice comments, Rangers Alain Vigneault stated that there could be a call up or two.   Presumably, one would be JT Miller, which should finally give him enough time to adjust to the NHL level, with Cally out for 4-6.    The other one could be Dylan McIlrath or Conor Allen, both of whom have got to be close to ready and should be given a chance to move out some of the underachievers of defense this year.   We'll probably know later today or by morning.    They need to find some upgrades and the first place they should look is on the farm.

Gardner Rumors

This morning there are two Brett Gardner rumors coming from well known writers.  Peter Caldera states that Gardy could be on his way to Detroit for our old pal Austin Jackson.  That would have some nice symmetry to it, though AJ has always K'd too much.   At the same time, he's also just 26, is also a very good defender, and hits a lot of triples with some nice pop that could be helped by the stadium if he came over.     I wouldn't mind this one at all.

On the other hand, Bob Nightengale says Brett Gardner could be going in a package for Justin Masterson.   Masterson is a big pitcher who has swapped good years with bad years.   Right now he's coming off his second best year.   Anyway, he'd represent the missing 200 innings and give the Yanks the opportunity to trade Nova, should they be able to snag Tanaka.  Interesting possibility.  I wouldn't make this trade if it meant not also going after Tanaka.

Captain Cally Out 4-6 Weeks

Just as was suspected immediately, Ryan Callahan will be out 4-6 weeks with an MCL strain.  I can't remember if the Rangers are allowed to call JT Miller right back up, or whether they have to wait for now and call up someone else, but someone will be called.  Pouliot and Pyatt are the unsavory alternatives.   This is the Captain's second injury of the year, after missing time at the very beginning of the year as he rehabbed from last year's injury and subsequent surgery.  I hope the Rangers can come to a reasonable deal with him because while I think he's important to the team, he cannot be relied on to make it through a season in one piece.   The same is somewhat true of Marc Staal.    The Rangers will have some interesting negotiations coming up.

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if they make a move now.  AV finally intimated that the current roster can't play his style.  Remember the NHL has a trade moratorium  for a few days around Christmas every year, so something could happen sooner than later.

Rangers Lose To a Bad Team At Home

Wow.  The Rangers picked up where they left off Sunday by getting beaten at home by a worse team than the Caps.  After their closed door, players only meeting the result was no different.   What's more, Callahan appeared to sprain his knee, so that will be a few weeks, and later Brassard was hit with a shot.  We'll see what that adds up to.  They'll make a call up or two just to cover the injuries, but this team needs a shakeup.  Even if it means punting the season and going with the future.  Just a disgusting display.

Giants: Brandon Jacobs to IR

In a bit of sad news, during a lousy season, the Giants move Brandon Jacobs to the IR today, effectively ending his season and most likely his Giants, and possibly his football, careers.  I've said this before, but he was one of my all time favorite Giants, and I think his physicality set the tone for two Super Bowl wins.  He was a great Giant and will be missed -- in fact, what he used to bring has already been missed as now the Giants are a little soft.   Happy Trails, Brandon!

Yanks After Ackley?

Having lost their all-star 2B to the Mariners, would it even make sense for the Yanks to now acquire Dustin Ackley, who has played mostly second for the Mariners?   Well he hasn't exactly played up to his draft status so far.   Shining in his first call-up, he's been a disappointment over the last two years. Still he won't turn 26 till February and he has graded out as a good defender at second.   As long as the Yanks don't have to give up the equivalent value for what the Mariners spent (2nd overall) this might not be a terrible idea.   He's a lefty bat that would benefit from YS and it was just a few years ago that he was drawing comparisons to Chase Utley.    Could still be some upside.   Anwyway, I don't think the Yanks are done, though they've been quiet thus far at the meetings.

Rangers Tonight

The Rangers take on the Preds tonight.   Marc Staal is still out, though they were calling it a neck thing rather than a concussion.   Of course there's also such thing as a spinal concussion.    We'll see.

The Rangers who will be playing need to start playing better, starting with Hank.   The start of this year has been about his worst ever, and his save % at even strength is just .918, which is the lowest of his career.    Then we need Brassard and John Moore to show more of the promise they displayed after the trade.   Callahan has to pick it up.   And Stepan has to get back to last year's level.  He's not quite there yet.    Stralman should be contributing a bit more.   In general, everyone needs to pick it up.    McDonagh, Kreider, MZA and Richards are momentarily excused from this critique.    Still, they could all be a little better - not Richards  who's playing out of his mind - but the other three.   LGR.

UPDATE:  AV just said it is a concussion from Marc Staal and that he doesn't need to see the Michigan specialist.   Ugh.   Also, Pyatt and Pouliot are both scratched -- it's a start!

Rangers Demote JT, Bring Back Asham

The Rangers acted foolishly today when they sent down JT Miller yet again and called up Aaron Asham.   Calling up Asham is fine, but the corresponding move for that should have been sending down Pouliot or Pyatt as both have been awful, and aren't as physical as JT already is.    Asham will be another offensive non-entity, putting  our current number at 3 among the forwards, which is actually 4 since Boyle is in the tank.  Of the four who won't score, only Asham will play physically.  The other 3 just take up ice time, because AV is married to rolling 4 lines.    Thus, keeping a player with upside, like Miller, up and waiving one of Pouiot/Pyatt/Boyle and even Dom Moore, was the way to go.   What they did today was throw a cotton ball at one problem (toughness) and expanded another problem (ineffective forwards).    Where does it say that bad older players are supposed to get all the leeway?   It's ponderous.