Rangers Win

Man, it looked like the Rangers were getting comfortable with tough loving Hank on his return and giving away the President's Cup.   That is until JT Miller threaded a perfect pass to a flying Chris Kreider who turned it into his 21st goal of the year and a 3-2 game winner.  MZA and Brassard had the other goals.  Yandle is starting to pile up the assists.  Step is, too.  Now they have to build momentum back up for the playoffs.

This Week On the Blog

I usually do this Saturday.  Whoops.  Alright, it's already a pretty interesting week and should only get moreso.

Yanks:  The Yanks will start playing real games in the next several days.  Before then there will be more roster trimming, as well as an Austin Romine trade.  And we're still waiting for MLB to rule on Alvarez as well as following the Yanks troubling owner trevails.

Rangers:  The Rangers have to get over Hank-shock and having already clinched a spot and start playing NYR hockey again.  They should also sign Brady Skjei, as well as any other good college FA that's become available.

Giants:  The Giants could still do some dumpster diving in FA.  They'll also continue their scouting for the draft that will start in the month that begins Wednesday.

Knicks:  Phil Jackson posted some stuff on Twitter, then today fired the D-League coach, and installed his guy Craign Hodges as the new coach.   We could see more front office turnover as the Knicks get ready for the draft and free agency.

So should be an interesting week. I hope the Yanks trade Romine to the Padres as part of a package for the 41st pick in the draft.  Have a great one, readers!

Yanks: Domingo German Needs TJS

So now 2 of the Yanks top 20 prospects are gone for the year.  German's case seems surprisingly Camposy and I wonder if we traded for damaged goods.   Much as some will object it, this coming draft could turn out to be starting pitcher heavy, the way things are going.  Let's hope Yadier Alvarez's appeal goes through and El Duque's growing voice in the organization wins the day.

Hey Rangers: Sign Skjei!

The Golden Gophers just got bounced from the NCAA tourney, and that means Rangers top D prospect, Brady Skjei's season is OVER.  What are you waiting for Rangers?  Seriously, they need to get him signed up and available unless they adore Hunwick so much they don't want to get a better talent in there in time to get ready for the playoffs -- and in case there's another injury.   Skjei is a great skater and could really give the team the same kind of energetic lift that Kreider did a few years ago.   Go Rangers!

Yanks: Trading Romine

Yanks are probably going to trade C Austin Romine in the next week or so.   Romine looked like a great second round pick back in the day, but his offense after looking impressive during the second half of his age 19 season at Charleston, never seemed to progress the way that season suggested it would.  He's had some injuries and another season where he hit a bit, but he's not the Russel Martin clone he looked like in his early days in the organization.   That said, he's good enough to be some team's back-up and could still develop as a useful offensive player and star somewhere someday.  

That said, he is out of options, and so the Yanks can't send him down without exposing him to waivers.  Thus they'll trade him.   The Phillies and Padres have been mentioned, and I really don't care who they trade him to, but I hope they can move him and money or another player for a competitive balance pick in the 2015 draft.   Those can be traded and if the Yanks are July 2, 2014 serious about adding talent, they'll use this opportunity to try to add another pick.  Don't really need any more castoffs.

Rangers Win and They're In

In a game that the Rangers needed to get the bad taste out of their mouths from the Kings debacle, and against a hot team trying to make the playoffs, the Rangers returned to their dominant ways.   Chris Kreider had two goals and an assist.  MZA scored.  Dan Boyle scored (btw, he's been much better since Yandle showed up).  And Tanner Glass even scored!   Hayes and Stepan each had two assists.  Nash had one, which is a start.  And Yandle, Boyle and MZA also had assists. Puck control and good passing equals dominance.  Great game.  It also allowed them to take over the overall points lead at 101 and to clinch a playoff spot for the 5th straight year and the 9th time out of the last ten.    Congrats, Rangers!

Rangers Send Down Skapski

The Rangers just sent down MacKenzie Skapski, the impressive 20 year old goalie who OWNS Buffalo.   This mean Henrik Lundqvist will either start or be the back up tomorrow, then maybe start this weekend.  Btw, I think the Rangers exhaled when they saw Hank back at practice last night, and I think they exhaled.   So I'm not too concerned that they've suddenly forgotten why they're good after last night's no-show.   Onward and upward.  Let's go, Rangers!

More Yankee System Stuff

Today, the Yanks released Jordan Cote, a big, prep RHP who was their third rounder in 2011.  Over the weekend they had released Hayden Sharp, another big, prep RHP from the same draft.   Btw, that's neither of them in the picture.  That's Jordan Foley whom the Yanks drafted but didn't sign as a prep back in 2011, then re-drafted and did sign last year.  Over the weekend they also cut bait on 1B Bubba Jones, who was yet another prep pick -- and one of the "Sons of Tyler Austin" that was picked back in 2011.

I don't know if this says anything vis-a-vis prep vs. college picks, but it does seem like the Denbo team, even with the extra rookie league team, wants to make the system leaner and more competitive.  It's seems so far, that if guys aren't progressing, they aren't getting as long a rope as they were a few years ago.

While it's too bad that Cote, Sharp and Jones didn't progress, their release seems to reflect a new seriousness and an intent to develop kids for the Yanks, and not sort of keep kids around and in holding patterns just for emergencies or whatever.   Seems like standards are being raised, and that's a good thing.

Btw, the 2011 draft is still likely to go down as a good one as the Yanks took Greg Bird in the fifth, Jake Cave in the sixth, and a bunch of 2011 pitchers are still around and still have a chance, like Rookie Davis and Daniel Camerena.

Rangers Crush Ducks

Derek Stepan and 2 goals and an assist to break his long suck streak, and the Rangers just rolled to a 7-2 win over a good, tough Anaheim team.  Keith Yandle may have finally had his breakout game as he tallied 3 assists.  Kreider scored, Miller scored and had 2 assists,  Hags scored.  Fast scored And Hayes had two assists. Everyone played really well, especially after Corey Perry's 2nd first period goal.   Looked like it was going to be wild at that point, but the team locked it down and poured it on.   It felt like an offensive correction was on the way and it came tonight.

Meanwhile, Miller and Fast both scored for the second straight night, and the Rangers have not missed what MSL was giving thm on the ice at all.  That's important because he is a free agent.   Also, can't believe we scored 7 goals without Nash scoing at least one.  He did have an assist on the Kreider goal, though and had some bad luck on plays that should have been goals.  

Big win, as the Rangers take over the overall points lead and have been lethal against the West.

Yanks: 189 Again???

In his latest interview Yankee "owner" Hal Steinbrenner once again said it was a Yankee goal to get down to 189M in the next couple of years when some deals get retired.  What's past is past, but it is inconceivable that he's behaved as he has over his reign and expects to do anything but screw things up more with this goal.  The Yanks could have achieved this EASILY and fielded a much more competitive team in the near future if Hal had just done a few things differently:

1) Hal had not curtailed amateur spending before the rules changes in IFA and the draft.

2) Had Hal been aggressive in the Cuban market.

3) in 2012, had Hal said "no" to the free agents that came with draft pick compensation and kept his 3 firsts, but still signed Tanaka as well as compensation free Cubans.

4) In 2014-15 if Hal had really gone out in  IFA and added Cubans to his big haul.

Having done those things, Hal would have added a lot more and better amateur talent - including 3 more first round draft picks and perhaps Sano in IFA.   He would have added top Cubans in both the majors and minors.  It would have given the Yanks to eventually getting out of the business of hiring veteran FA's and producing and extending their own.

He also should have extended Cano and Robertson before they ever became FA's.

But having been pound foolish and penny wise again, he is once again looking at his failed policies, that have found us out of the playoffs for two years and calling once again for 189.  

Yanks: CC Needs Work

So, CC gave up two wind swept over the wall homers, and an inside the park homer, as well as 4 runs in his second appearance.  And you know what?  It was a very encouraging outing and that's because he was getting some swings and misses and his velo was back up over 90.   When it's like that, his change starts to work, so though CC had some bad luck, if he can stay healthy, there's no reason why he won't give the Yanks a lift this year.  Big CC is back.

Rangers Win Via The Shootout

Mats Zuccarello just won a game for the Rangers by being the only goal scorer in the "skill" portion of what used to called a tie.   This phase of being bad but mostly winning anyway has got to stop.  That Rangers were flat footed and crappy in the first, third and OT periods.   Talbot let up a an uncharacteristic early goal in the first and a tieing goal in the third where he was extremely screened because for all his weight room strength, McD can't clear the crease.

The second period was better, as they played a little more like the Rangers of a several games ago and took a 2-1 lead on goals by JT Miller and Jesper Fast.

Once again, Nash, Stepan and Brassard couldn't score.   Nash failed to convert on a short handed breakaway in the third, and must be as frustrated as those of us who've been watching.  He's also drawing a lot of unpenalized cheapshots.

The power play was also still a disaster, and the Rangers will deny their own destiny if they don't get something on the PP and get Nash, Stepan and Brassard going.   McD needs to be better, too.

This Week on the Blog

None of our teams did anyting crazy this week, other than AV playing Tanner Glass.   Let's hope for more of the same, with no Glass, in the coming week.   Let's take a look.

Rangers:  The Rangers are in an offensive slump.  Nash has been cold for awhile, as has Stepan and even Brassard.  Those three have to score, or it's just too much work for the others.   Still a little curious that they haven't called up anyone for Klein or MSL, but that may be do to move limits rather than cap stuff. There's a rumor they only have 2 moves left and they are saving them for emergencies.   Could also sign some amateurs this week.

Yanks:  Hopefully the Yanks are waiting on the disposition of the two Cuban pitchers.   With the big team, Ellsbury is hurt again - though I'm still assured he's not injury prone.   Slade Heathcott has looked like a perfect replacement should Ellsbury miss the first few games, but Slade's not on the 40. They should probably correct that ASAP, because even if Jacoby comes back, we will have OF injuries and a need for Slade this year.  Most of the pitching still looks good.

Giants:  Giants had a much better second week in UFA; and solidified the DL.  Now they need to sign a safety or two and they will be fullly scotch-guarded for the draft.  Jerry Reese and Marc Ross will continue their tour of pro-days and kids will also come in for visits.  Oh, and I think the veteran combine starts tomorrow.  The Giants will probably be there.

Knicks:  The Knicks are sort of fun to watch for a tanking team, but it's crucial that they stop winning.  Galloway and Shved are looking like they could be pieces of the new and nice next year.

In all, could be an interest week or just the set up for more interest times down the pipe.  I hope all of you have great weeks.

Giants Sign DE George Selvie

The Giants have signed well travelled DE George Selvie, to a one year deal  Selvie played with JPP at USF, and I believe he was on the Giants P-sqaud briefly a few years ago.  Anyway, he's a really nice rotational piece for this year.  He's good against the run - which was a focus going into the offseason - and can provide pressuree and some sacks on pass D.

After not being impressed with what the Giants did at the start of free agency, I'm really liking these latest DL signings.

Knicks Stuff

The Knicks today signed 2-guard Ricky Ledo to a 10 day contract.   This will obviously serve as an audition for the kid who is talented but got released from the Mavs when they picked up Stat.   As bad as the Knick trades have been - and literally nothing has been gained beside some cap room - and since the Knicks rarely have draft picks - they'll have to keep shopping among the discarded an buying second rounders then spending them on lottery tickets like they did last year with Thannasis and the French Run and Jump 4.  As I've advanced in the past, they need to find players who fit the triangle and can play it with passion - rather than just names they hope can play with Melo.

Tanaka Sharp Again

Masahiro Tanak was masterful as he worked 3.2 inning of 2 hit, 3K, 0 runs ball.  He was once again using all of his pitches and changing speeds.   He was also getting grounder which allowed Didi Gregorious look defensively gifted.   I really do wonder what Didi will do for the pitching staff.  I think they may be helping with his hitting, too, as he's not looking like a zero there.   And Drew homered.  And now McCann just did.   5-0 as I go back to watching...

Giants Re-Up Fells

The Giants, today, also re-signed TE Daniel Fells. He was the best blocker among last year's bunch and his return may be a sign that they think there will be a natural upgrade from the guys they already have.  Otherwise, this makes no sense.  Now where are the Safeties?

Giants in UFA.Pt 13: Giants Sign Kenrick Ellis

The Giants are signing or have signed DT Kenrick Ellis to a one year deal.   Kenrick is a run stuffer, and heading into the offseason, run stuffing DT was one of the areas I had earmarked for FA and not the draft.   So they got this one right:)   Meanwhile, the term of the deal is intersting because he's only 26 or 27 so locking him up longer seemed likely -- also they gave him the whole night and day routine, and probably bought him dinner last night.   Good pick up and if he succeeds they wll have to ability to keep him around.

Rangers: Hank Cleared to Practice

In big news, the Rangers all-world goalie, King Henrik Lundqvist has been medically cleared to return to practice.  Let's hope he's well rested and can regain his all-world form heading into the playoffs.

In other news, no one was called up.  Nash was put back with Kreider and Stepan - who will defer to him, and Hayes was moved up with Brassard and MZA.   Sheppard in now the line 3 C, and UGH, Glass will be back on line 4.

MSL Out 10-14 Days With a Knee

Word has just come that Marty St. Louis will have to miss 10 days or two weeks.   This is not a problem the Rangers can fix by playing Glass or Sheppard in the top 6.  Maybe they'll move up JT Miller, but that still brings Glass back into the already offensively struggling group.   They probably need to call someone up, like Haggerty who can play wing and score.  Ideally, they'd bring Buchnevich over NOW and give him a crack at it.  It'll be interesting to see what move they make if any.  And if AV will just claim "salary cap" as an excuse for sending Glass back out.

Rangers Run Into a Buzzsaw -- And Win

Sheesh!  What a tough one.  Basically, with about 20 hours between last night's game and this evenings, the Rangers were lucky to get past a souped up Florida team.

First off, I think the bosses in New York might have said, "enough" over  AV's Glass proclivity, because Sheppard was in and guess what?  He scored.   In fact, the fourth line was on ice for both Ranger goals, as Hunwick scored the other from Moore and Fast.   I think at some point in the game the announcers said Glass had an upper body injury.  I hope not and hope he's healthy and this was just good sense.  If he is injured I wish him the best and healthy scratch filled future.

Btw, Glass still does not have a goal this year and between last night and today, Yandle, Sheppard and Hunwick each scored his first Ranger goal.  Interesting.

Anyway, the difference today was Talbot, who was once again INSANE as the Rangers made mistake after mistake in their own end.  The one he gave up was a bang bang play off a face-off where he was screened.  He had 38 or so other saves, great effort.

Kreider was crushing guys all day, which is nice to see, but one of them crushed MSL and may have even slew footed him a bit behind the Florida goal in the third period.  He had to limp to the trainers room and did not return.  So let's hope he's okay and can go, because he was back on a points streak.

Big win!

Eovaldi Goes 4 Strong

Eovaldi was impressive again today, striking out 2 in the first and three overall, through 4 innings of work.  He gave up two hits, and got a dp and cs to erase both.  This is getting interesting.  The Yanks now have three starters looking pretty awesome, but an offense that will put too much pressure on them if it doesn't start grinding and scoring.

The Rangers 2013 Draft

Do you realize that MacKenzie Skapski is from the same 2013 draft that Duclair, Buchnevich, and Tambellini - who signed the other day came from?   What's more, they only picked one more player that year and it was Ryan Graves, and he's good, too.  Now, realize this: the Rangers didn't have a first or second round pick in 2013, so they did all of this starting in round three. I know I give Gordie and the Ranger scouts lots of credit around here -- but that's just amazing.  It could end up being like the Giants 2005 draft where with just 4 picks they got Webster, Tuck, Jacobs and the other Eric Moore - didn't make the Giants because he got hurt, but hung around the league awhile   Huge props to Gordie Clark.

Rangers Win Again

It was  really frustrating first two periods as Skapski was excellent, but the Rangers couldn't score.  Finally, with about 10 minutes left in the game Keith Yandle scored.  Kreider had the screen and an assist, while MSL had the other assist.   Later, MSL would score an empty netter, and the game would end 2-0.  Skpaski's first shutout.   Rangers now have three separate goalies with shutouts this year.  That's got to be close to a record.  

In general, Buffalo was impeding the Rangers any way they could and very little was called.  Also, the Rangers seemed to be trying to set up Tanner Glass all night, but that only lead to bad things and they should stop trying.   Nash needs to get it going again - how about tomorrow against Florida?

Two more points.

Pineda Looked Great Again

Pineda looked flat out filthy today.   And it wasn't just his sick combinatio of moving stuff, but it was his command and his mound presence that have taken a quantum leap from last year.  I don't know how he's done the work, but instead of being that kid who got caught with the pine tar last year, he feels like a right-handed CC - you know - back when that would have been an ACE.  Pineda looked very much like an ace and showed more athletecism than it looked like he had last year.   Let's hope he can stay healthy, because his upside is currently unlimited.

This Week on The Blog

This past week has been a bit frustrating, what with the Giants flailing away in FA, the Yanks pronouncing scrubs as starters, the Knicks dangly their lottery pick for trade, and AV continuing to play Tanner Glass.   It really did suck and I'm sorry for that.  Let's hope this one is better.

Rangers: The Rangers must keep winning, and it will be harder now that Klein is out.  Paradoxically, it would be easier if Tanner Glass had gotten injured instead, but AV cotinues failing to see how he hurts his chances.  James Sheppard we hardly knew ye.   As the Ranger continue their skate toward home ice,  Gordie and Gorton have to decide which other former picks to sign an which undrafteds or unsigneds to go after.  They've been outstanding at that, so perhaps will make some good moves.

Yankees:  CC Sabathia will pitch in a game Tuesday and we'll see how that goes.  Btw, it a stain on the coaches in the Yankees minor league affiliates that Rob Refsnyder can't reliably turn a DP yet.  It's an infamnia and Casey Stengel is spinning in his grave as a result.   Here's the other, thing, though why not have Willie Randolph coach him up?   Willie was one of an historically long line of Yankee greats and turning the DP from second as well as making all the other plays.   Last night, Refsnyder put a 13 pitch at bat up against Rick Porcello -- if the Yanks had 8 other guys who could do that --Porcello wouldn't have made it through the order ONCE.  Kids like that you help.  Because kids like that YOU NEED.

Giants: Other than signing Shane Vereen because they assume he'll be more ready than the plethora of good backs in this year's draft,  the Giants spent the first days of free agency signing special teamers at inflated prices and bringing in terrifyingly awful OL depth.   At this point, they are putting a ton of pressure on the draft and they only have 8 picks.  They still need 1 starting OL, 2 S, 1-2 LB, 1 CB,  1 TE,  and a pass rusher.  So they better figure out how to get all of that done, after pissing away the start of FA.

Knicks:  March Madness starts this week.  It's awesome, but for years and years in the back of all our minds has been the simle refrain, "He'll never be a Knick."   Because the Knicks have never had the picks to pick great players since about 1985.  Now they are talking about trading the one they have?  Yikes.

So there you have it.  We need the Rangers to keep going, and our other teams to get smarter.   Hope you all have a great week.

Giants in FA, Pt.11: Jerry Reese Hates Eli Manning

Holy crap, are the Giants ever screwing the pooch in Free Agency.   The Giants went into free agency with two gaping holes at OL and S, and limited dollars.  The Giants desperately need a left guard and OL depth because Schwartz is always injured and others might get injured, too.    So, instead of spending money on a quality guard or quality T/G,  Jerry has signed crappy Marshall Newhouse and just as crappy John Jerry.

When Mara, Coughlin and Reese gave their end of the year speeches, they all paid lip service to re-establishing the RUN.  Well, John Jerry was a big reason the Giants didn't run consistently last year  -- and they just spent more limited dollars bringing him back.

Seriously, this OL problem should have been solved 3 times over by now, but Reese keeps alternating good picks with bad, and throwing limited Cap room at guys who suck.   How much does he hate Eli and running the football?

Rangers: Skapski Will Start In Buffalo

McKenzie Skapski will start again tomorrow and once again it will be against Buffalo.  Let's see if he can shut them out.

On another issue, Glass will play again, even though AV's bosses spent a pick acquiring James Sheppard at the deadline so Glass wouldn't start anymore.   This is a bad problem for the team as Glass is a net negative and Sheppard's at least a neutral and possibly more.  This seem insubordinate of AV and it cannot be justified by any objective standard.  I don't know how the FO puts up with this, but if there really is a cap issue preventing them from calling up a D for Klein, they should, absolutely send down Glass.  This is idiotic.

Yanks: Tanaka Shines

Masahiro Tanaka looked just like Masahiro Tanaka, the Yankee Ace as he cruised through two innings of 2K, no hit, 19 pitch ball in his ST debut.   He was supposed to throw about 35 pitches, so he trotted down to the BP after his seond inning of work, to throw the rest of them.   Tonight, it seemed that he was really mixing his pitches, topping out and 94 and adding and subtracting on everything.  The curve and split both looked sick.  And he was free and easy.   Encouraging start.

Kevin Klein Out 3-4 Weeks With "An Arm"

Kevin Klein, who's been a better Ranger than exptected and a big contributor this year will be out three to four weeks with an arm injury he got from block that `roider Ovechkin's shot last night.  Supposedly, the Rangers don't have the cap room for a call-up, but I think there is an exception since this injury could cover the rest of the 31 day schedule.  Otherwise, Hunwick.  Ugh.

Giants Stuff: Killing Them With Routes

At the combine, and in general, some football teams and fans pay more attention to 40 times than they do to things like 3-cone times and short shuttle times.   The second two measure are far more predictive of quickness and change of direction and a player's ability to run routes than 40 times are. Rule of thumb says 3-cones under 7.0 are great and short shuttles close to 4 or in fairly rares cases below 4 are also really good.  

Before FA started, the Giants had 2 great route runners in OBJ and Victor Cruz, now with Vereen they have three -- if they draft Amari Cooper, they'll have 4.  In this day and age where everyone can run a good 40, except Shaq Thompson, it's the guys that can quickly shift directions and execute routes that will have the advantage.

Then Giants may have learned this lesson from Sinorice Moss, a player who could run the crap out of a 40, but had a bad 3-cone and not only couldn't explode into his routes, but had a terrible penchant for overestimating his ability to run around potential tacklers.  Literally, one of the worst Giant picks ever and a guy they actually traded up to get.

Anyway, he was the last guy they too like that and they really value the 3-cone now.   And in signing Shane Vereen ahead of a running back rich draft, they are once again putting the same premium on route running that lead them to draft Hakeem Nicks, sign Victor Cruz and draft OBJ.    Now they have a back who can run great routes.  

Vereen can really be boon to the O if we can get the OL straightened out.

Giants in FA, Pt. 10: And on the Second Day They Introduced

On the second day of legal signing, the Giants re-upped Hynoski and Herzlich as well as extending TC.  What they didn't do was announce their newest signings from Day1 till late on Day 2, nor did they get anything done on their remaining issues of Safety, OL and DL.   Antrel Rolle became an ex-Giant when he signed with Chicago last in Day 2.   So far, it looks like their plan is to get comp picks next year.  We'll see.

Rangers Win: Talbot is a Beast

So the Rangers just handled the Caps about the way a 91 point team should handle an 82 point team, and Cam Talbot was once again playing at his elite level.  The Rangers thus concluded a late season gut check road trip where they got 7 out of 8 possible points, in the homes of 4 teams that are going to the playoffs.  And they've done it all with their backup goalie.  Wow.  So the Rangers won 3-1 and these kids from BC are just too generous as Hayes assisted Hags and Miller and Kreider assisted Marty St. Louis, who finally didn't screw one up.   Let's hope this gets him going, as we'll need what we thought we traded for down the stretch.   Just another enormous win for the good guys!

Giants Give Coughlin A One Year Extension

The Giants have given their two time Super Bowl winning coach a one year extension.  Get used to these because I think the job is his till he retires, which is fine as long as they don't start losing younger coaching talent.  Didn't think he'd ccoach this year as a lame duck and he won't.  Wonder how much longer he wants to go.

Giants Jerry Reese Attends Amari Cooper's Pro Day

Having stocked up on depth and two potential playmakers yesterday, Giants GM Jerry Reese headed down to Alabama to look at a third. Amari Cooper is the best WR in the draft and I actually think maybe the second or third best overall player.   He's, in fact, the only guy that would cause me to forego taking Scherff if they were both there at 9.  As you know, I believe teams should try to become overwhelming in any dimension they can.

And I learned this from watching the Giants as a kid.  When they had Carson and Van Pelt, already, They drafted Taylor.   Then they drafted Banks.   Then Pepper.  They never had too many LB's back then and it turned into two titles.  The same should be true for targets in this pass happy era, and adding Cooper to OBJ and Cruz - which would allow them to NOT second contract Reuben Randle would be borderline unfair to the rest of the league.

And there are finally enough OL's in this year's draft to hit it in the second and maybe again in the third, fourth, fifth or even sixth.   So I'm glad the Giants were down there.

And no, I don't believe they'd take Landon Collins at 9 or even 40 okay, they might at 40.

Yanks System Stuff

Today the Yanks held a little press even welcoming Hideki Matsui back home as a special assistant to Brian Cashman and VP of Player Development Gary Denbo.   Denbo's title is interesting, because it was no Mark Newman's title.  Prior to becoming VP of Baseball Operations,  Mark Newman had been director of player development -- and players were developing.  The problem for Newman was that when he got promoted, he got pulled in too many directions, and some of the people below him and around the organization had left and been inadequately replaced and Player Development went to hell.

For example, several years ago there were guys taking kickbacks from signed players down in the DR.   So  Newman had to go over to the DR, troubleshoot that situation and start scouting the International talent with the clean scouts that were left.

Gary Denbo's new title seemes to exclude him for anything but Player D, and he is a great teacher with good ideas.   The fact that Player Development is now a VP post shows a renewed commitment and one that is much needed.   Scouting and Player Development and not shiny names should be the lifeblood of the organization -- and btw, Denbo's new title gives us another clue about the yet to be revealed quadrant structure.

Giants in FA, Pt.8: Giants Sign 5 on Day One

On day 1 of Free Agency, the Giants seemed to unveil another iteration of their Year 2000 Plan.   Instead of giving out huge bonuses, they concentrated on the second tier -- and lower -- of the available talent.

They also picked talent they were already pretty familiar.  They signed two LB's, Jonathan Casillas and JT Thomas.  Spags had previously coached Casillas, and Thomas had a great game against the Giants last season.  They are both special teams pluses - which was pretty much a them today.

Dwayne Harris the WR/KR they signed from Dallas is an outstanding and sturdy pick and punt returner who's had some ball security issues, but has huge hands and is coming to a team with a coach who can correct those.  He's also a plus coverage guy and may or may not be an emerging force in the passing game.  He's already a good blocker for a WR when he's playing O.

Shane Vereen gives the Giants their latest chance to replace Meggett.   Tiki doesn't count because he was an every down back.  Vereen will be a third down back who catches balls and may run a draw or two.  He's not vertically explosive so D's might let him catch short passes all day as long as they can double and triple OBJ and Cruz.  We'll see what he can make of those opportunities.

The other guy they signed as a depth OL named Marshall Newhouse.  This is pretty much a replacment for Brewer and the heavy lifting on the OL as on safety, DT and pass rush has not started.

Solid day, didn't get worse unless Newhouse has to play.   Vereen and Harris could make some plays.

Rangers Beat the Isles

Yet another great game.   And this was the last regular season game the Rangers will ever play at the Nassau Mausoleum.     The Rangers were flat in the first period and gave up a goal when Lee from ND outworked three of them and knocked it in off a skate.  Talbot was fantastic other than that and a scary giveaway late.

In the second period the Rangers third line, lead by Kevin Hayes was all over the place.  And MZA was able to spring Hayes on a change only to watch him tie the game on an amazing spinning move as the Isle were attacking him and he was knocked into the goal post after he scored - no penalty.

It was tied till early in the third, when struggling Rick Nash (only struggling scoring - not in his two way play of PK work) tried a hot pass to MZA in front only to have MZA leap up and watch the pass go in off an Islander skate.

Man, what a game and what a road trip this has been.

Meanwhile, AV is just weird.  Not only did he re-insert Tanner Glass, but in the third period, he put Kreider on the fourth line for no apparent reason!   Weird coach.  Let's beat the Caps!

Giants Sign JT Thomas

The Giants added to their special teams and depth once again today by signing versatile LB JT Thomas.  He's actually looked pretty good when I've seen him, and might have some upside.  But on the face of it, he looks like new depth replacing our old depth.   He'll probably be on all team sill Beason gets hurt, at which point he'll move to MLB and stop playing specials for a bit.

Giants Sign Unimpressive RT Marshall Newhouse

Former 5th rounder out of TCU.  6'4" 328.  Has played some games for the Bengals and Pack.  Will be 27 early in the season.  2 year deal and probably just a depth signing to replace Brewer.

Giants Sign Cowboy KR/WR Dwayne Harris

The Giants have made their annual return specialist, wide receiver depth signing in 5'10, 27 year old former Cryboy Dwayne Harris.  Only 5'10, more quick than fast but has huge 10 1/8 inch hands.  So he fits a winning criteria for the Giants.  Let's see if he can help and keep OBJ off returns

Giants Sign LB Jonathan Cassillas

The Giants continued to give raises to Patriots today as they signed LB Jonathan Casillas to a 3 year deal for 10.5M.   Casillas, at 6'1" is a shorter LB than I expected for a Spags D, but he is fast.  He was  originally a 6th rounder and has developed since being picked.  Been around a bit, but won't turn 27 till June.

Yanks: Hit-Deki Joins the FO

Too bad all my pics of him are on my old computer.   Anyway, Hideki Matsui, one of the great Yanks from a shockingly less than great era (it's about winning, not attendance, schmucks), has rejoined the Yanks as a special advisor to Brian Cashman.  This pretty patently must have something to do with the Japanese markets and the free agents and prospects who will be coming out of it.

The Yanks have generally been excellent at finding new markets and expanding their influence in good ones.  The only two times they missed were essentially with the African American market when baseball integrated  (huge and ghastly historical whiff and shame) and recently with the Cuban market.   We'll see how historically damaging that will turn out to be.

Giants in FA, Pt.7: A Tale of Two Splurges

This year's free agent market has really ridden up beyond a point where what was available made much sense for the Giants.  The history of the Giants if free agency has been nothing like the history of the Yanks.  In the first place, when free agency started, the George Young didn't seem to believe in it, and the Giants kind of collapsed, especially after they screwed up their own cap with the Rodney Hampton deal, and for awhile with being too loyal and second contracting more average or worse guys on their own roster.

But Kevin Abrams brought clarity and flexibility to the Giants cap room and continues to do so today.    During the Abram era, the Giants have had two big FA splurge years.  The first was in 2005 and it was WILDLY succcessful.   The Giants got Kareem McKenzie, Plaxico Burress and Antonio Pierce, and along with their equally brilliant 2005 draft were soon winning Super Bowl's again.  

Last year, they also went big with DRC, Geoff Schwartz, Rashad Jenning, Thurmond and a bunch of lesser, but still intriguing signings.   So far last year's splurge hasn't impressed.   DRC played hurt most of the year, and Schwartz barely played at all.  Thurmond was IR'd early, and Rashad Jennings was good when he could go, but missed a lot of games.   Still some of these guys could still bounce back and redeem the splurge.

What the Giants have not been or become is the Redskins, who wanted to be the Yanks of football under their unctuous owner, but kept guessing wrong with huge deals for players who would show up in semi-retirement.

In 2000, the Giants pioneered a method where they spread the dollars around discounted player and ended up with another NFC Championship.  Bill Belichick has constantly claimed that that Giant offseason  became his model for his Pats building.  

Thus far, this offseason is looking more 2000-y than splurgey, and hopefully it will prove just as productive.

Giants Sign Shane Vereen

Ian Rappaport is reporting that the Giants will sign Shane Vereen.  Without even looking that the deal - assuming this is true - I was hoping the Giants would go for an RB in the RB rich draft that's just around the corner.   In fact, a running back will be easier to find in the draft than a Safety or a Tight End, for starter.  So, it may not be the best use of FA dollars to grab a vet like Vereen.  Especially one who is more steady than explosive.

UPDATE:  It's official.  4 year and 16M are believed to be the terms.  He just turned 26, so that's not hideous.

Rangers Sign Adam Tambellini

The Rangers have signed C Adam Tambellini.  Adam was the Rangers' first of three rounders when the second and third ones were Buchnevich and Duclair.  Thus, Adam's been a little under the RADAR.  But he's made the most of it, anyway.  He left North Dakota mid season to join the rough and tumble Western League.  When the Rangers got Adam, he was a tall playmaker who needed to fill out and add toughness, and that's sort of why college seemed to make a lot of sense for him -- it would have given him 3 or 4 years to grow.

The Western league basically challenged him to grow and get tougher or perish.  Adam answered the call, and has become a bigger, stronger and better skating dominant player in the Western League.    He looks like another power forward/power center prospect at this point and so the Rangers have signed.

That `13 draft has been really impressive so far -- and it's amazing that they didn't have a first or second rounder.  Could go down in history like the Giants' 2005 draft.

NFL OPEN SEASON

Well, the East Coast has now entered the day in which the new NFL Year begins.  Only the free agency part doesn't begin till 4pm.  What kind of year starts at 4pm?  Are they all out tonight drinking themselves silly and 4 O'Clock in the afternoon is as soon as they think they can go?  Otherwise,  what's the point?  And how much excitement has been taken out of this day by the "legal tampering" period.  How much schmuckbait will the Sports Anchors have to launch tomorrow to pretend there are complications to fait accompli's we already know?  Yeesh.  Watch twitter not TV.

And speaking of this ridiculous "legal tampering" period, where deals with other teams' players were being made left and right -- anyone else think this is really a trap?  Like the "uncapped year" was?  Does anyone else think some owners might sock it to other owners again?   Really, what was the utility for this?  More transparency or another opportunity to entrap?   We'll see.

Should be fun -- but was more fun before the phony baloney "legal tampering" weekend was installed.   Seriously, this was a bigger joke than the pro-bowl.

Giants in FA, Pt.6: No Apparent Plan

It's not that the Giants don't have a plan, it's just that none is apparent yet, a) because they have not broken any rules, and b) because others have we only have an idea of who they are NOT getting.  They did finally circulate the info about Beason's pay cut, which seems to add a disputed amount to their pot.   The beat guys are still figuring that out...  Anyway, you have to wonder if they let the guys run with that so that the fans would think,"well they must need that for something..."  Even though it might just have been that they couldn't stand giving Beason, who is always injured, as much as they were supposed.  None of the rumored stuff has happened, and now it's being rumored they are interested in Shane Vereen.  Whoopee.   They need someone who can the ball and is more explosive than Vereen has looked and been.

Anyway, there were a bunch of rumors but a boring truth during this strange and partially sanctioned weekend -- and no plan has yet emerged.  Let's hope there's still a good one to be executed, the owner didn't seem to want a third awful season in a row.

Giants in UFA, pt.5: Frustration?

A quick scan of Giants sites is revealing a bit of frustration that -- as far as anyone can confirm -- the Giants haven't signed anyone.  Having appeared to have swung and missed at McCourty and Graham on Twitter, I suppose it's understandable.   But just like with the draft the Giants must have the talent stacked an more than one way they are comfortable going.   And the Giants are definitely a presents on Christmas Day not Christmas Eve team, so maybe they will have something to announce when it's legal, tomorrow afternoon -- and maybe they'll just keep shopping the inefficiencies.

Still hoping they get something for the OL, S, and DL, and maybe a linebacker.  I just really want them to take pressure of their rare top ten draft position, and the crap with the OL has gone on way too long.

UPDATE: Btw, this legal tampering period is, perhaps as bad an idea as the May draft.   My phone, texts and emails have been blowing up all weekend -- for nothing.   Yeesh.

Pineda and Eovaldi Shine

Wow, did Pineda look like an ACE today.   He had presence, command and stuff and breezed through 2 innings of his first Spring start.  Eovaldi looked really good, too, and seeing his fastball and curve makes it hard to believe he wasn't a bigger K guy before coming to the Yanks.  Adding the split may be the key, though, and it looks like it's coming along well.

Rob Refsnyder had a hit, a stolen base and scored a run, but failed to turn a DP at second, with his second throwing error of the Spring and NEEDS to show he can turn the DP.   Best of luck to him and the coaches, because his bat is ready. So's Bird's, and Austin's may be, too.