Yanks Win a Girardi Wet Dream

The Yanks just won a game where they were one-hit. Fortunately that hit was a Starlin Castro homer that brought in Gardy, too. This was, of course, a perfectly ludicrous game for old time Yankee fans, but you know Girardi loved it, since he wrote out the line-up.   The odds against being one-hit and winning have got to be catostrophically long. But these are a margins that Giradi loves.  Fortunately, Eovaldi, and the Nuclear Option (Betances, Miller, Chapman) were all sharp today.  Otherwise they would have lost.

It's also important to recognize that Eovaldi is the anti-Pineda.  I would guess that going into last year and this year people probably thought Pineda had a better chance of ascending into a top tier pitcher than Eovaldi did, but that's just not what's happening. Eovaldi is showing grit and guts, as well as coachability, and the Yanks should think about locking him up.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, this week, the Yanks looked more like a .500 team, and the rest of our teams didn't do anything stupid, at least not as stupid as waiving Slade Heathcott over a predictable 40 man roster crunch -- in MAY!   Sheesh.  Alright, let's take a look.

Yanks: We've been talking about the Yanks roster problems for a few years here, and they're right back into them this year.  The other day they released Slade Heathcott, a former first round pick, who'd been injured a bit, but who also hit the biggest homerun of the season for the Yanks last year.   Banged up as he's been because he plays hard, his upside is Brett Gardner, but with a vastly better arm and better power.   You don't waive that because your jackass manager keeps running through relievers, and your old team keeps getting injured.  Speaking of  first rounders, the draft is starting on Thursday, June 9th.   The Yanks still have all their picks, but haven't picked up any extras through the competitive balance market.   Rumor has it that they are looking for a bat with pick 18.

Giants: The Giants will continue OTA's this week, and I think all the way to their mandatory training camp in June.  Then they'll be off until training camp starts on July 28th.  They still haven't done anything about the OL, and clock is still ticking.  The June 1 market isn't what it used to be, because of the early designations teams can make.   We'll see if there's something they can do, or whether they've missed all their opportunities.

Rangers: Five Rangers are going to play in the World Cup of Hockey -- let's hope they don't get hurt.  Perhaps it is because the Cup final that the Rangers haven't started making moves.  Other teams have.  The Rangers are still without a first of second rounder in the coming draft, and that's due to their own shortsightedness.  Their advantage during this era has been their scouting department, and so they have blunted that advantage by constantly trading away picks for old players for Cup runs that never turned up a Cup. They have to do better.

Knicks: Phil Jackson isn't especially predictable, and has not yet introduced Jeff Hornacek as the new coach.  Who knows when he will?   Meanwhile, rumors abound that the Knicks are looking to add picks, and while it's long been thought they'd pick up a second or two, word today is that they are looking for a first.  I wish this was a slightly better draft, because then I'd want to start the tear down now, and there are packages we could build to get into the lottery, but I'm not sure the transformative talent is there in this draft.

Things are looking up for me, and I hope they are for all of you, too.

This Week on the Blog

This past week was pretty interesting with the Yanks starting to win some games,  the Knicks settling on a coach, the Ranger players doing well in international play, and no Giants getting hurt. This week could be a little more eventful.

Giants: The Giants OTA's start Monday. This is the first official time both veterans and rookies will practiced together, though the players have been practicing on their own and Eli has already thrown to Sterling.  OTA's are also where a lot of installation takes place.   They can also be predictors of the current depth chart, though it's unclear how much media access there will be between now and the mid-June full team mini-camp.  We could also see more bottom of the roster moves around now, and might get a glimpse of what they have planned for Bobby Hart.  I'm sure they would have wanted to have the right side upgraded by now, but they won't, so whoever they end up getting will have a lot of catching up to do.

Yanks: Rob Refsnyder is finally playing today and in just his second at bat worked a 10 pitch RBI double.  Here's hoping the other Yanks are observing how to do it.   Seriously, he  has the best approach on the team, and he can't get AB's. Girardi is a horrible manager for young players.   Meanwhile, CC seems to have re-invented himself.  He was great last night, and I'm not sure he broke 90 on the gun. Frank Tanana was a lefty power pitcher who then became a successful crafty lefty after injuries.  In fact, he and Doyle Alexander (for whom the Yanks would constantly trade), used to beat the Mattingly/Winfield/Rickey Yanks like drums.  Talk about frustrating, but more power to CC if he can make that work.

Knicks: The Knicks will almost certainly announnce Jeff Hornaceck this week, and then they have to get into the interesting business of hiring assistants, the dreadful work of possibly placing Kurt Rambis on either the coaching staff or the FO Team.  Then it will be time to work on the roster, where they clearly need players, and the draft where they clearly need picks.

Rangers: The FO and scouts have probably left La Quinta with a plan by now. If not, they're probably taking their time with their first mostly playoff-less Spring in years. We'll see if they have anything to say before the playoffs conclude, or if they'll start their housecleaning now.  It's a big offseason for them and they have some big decisions to make.

I hope and pray that all of you have great weeks.

More Knicks Stuff

While the Knicks are negotiating with Jeff Hornacek, Kristaps Porzingis was unanimously voted to the All-Rookie first team.  Cool, with the right coach he might have been rookie of the year, though it's hard to beat a C when the offense is designed to go through him, like it was with KAT, and that's not to take anything away from him.  They both have huge upsides, and with the other guys from last year, it might turn out to be a legendary vintage, like those mid-80s drafts.  And unlike the one that's coming up.

Jerian Grant received just one second team vote.  I think we all thought he was a steal on a great night for the Knicks last June.   I don't know what the big adjustments were, but he didn't really seem comfortable till late.  Hornacek has been good with Guards and let's hope he can bring out the best in Grant.  He was great at ND, and shouldn't have struggled as much as he did as a rookie.

Back to the draft.  The one that is coming up seems not nearly as deep in star talent as last year's draft but that doesn't mean there are no players, especially if we have a system.  What's more, because of the perceived lack of quality it might be cheaper to trade for and buy picks than it was necessarily last year.  Like the Giants, the Knicks should have roster spaces to fill and it would be nice to fill some of them with players who can grow with KP, Willy and Grant, provided Grant isnt traded.

Per Hornacek. I'm really interested to learn how it came together.  Hornacek as a player was pretty fly for a white guy, and Jackson had tried to acquire him.  And there's been talk today that Hornacek was the first guy Jackson contacted.  What's more it's being reported that Hornacek's interview changed the hole search, as most of the organization was either thinking Rambis or favoring Blatt.   So, I'm very intruiged with the story and why here. I think Blatt and Vogel would have been fine, too, but it remains a roster issue until further notice. Another report said the Hornacek thing has revitalized Jackson and we'll have to see what that means, too.

UPDATE: Frank Isola is reporting that the Knicks and Coach Hornacek have reached an agreement in principle, but that it won't be announced tonight.

Knicks to Hire Jeff Hornacek?

It's unclear if this is yet a done deal, but reports are coming in from all over the Twittersphere that Jeff Hornacek, former NCAA hero of Iowa State, is making a deal to become the new coach of the Knicks.  Hornacek had diminishing returns over his career with the Suns, but he is also the son of a coach, who played for some great coaches, and was being asked to coach as soon as he first considered retiring.   When he joined the Suns, he got them back to jacking threes like they used to under Mike D'Antoni, so that could be interesting.  He's also supposed to run a "modern offense" which the Triangle is no longer.  We'll see what the compromise on that is.  His teams do run the fastbreak, unlike the Knicks, so that could be interesting to see, too. Frankly, I believe that by mastering the fundamentals to the point that you can play above them -- and that doesn't just take talent, but it takes a certain type of talent -- you win.  Until the Knicks have that kind of talent, it wouldn't matter if they brought in John Wooden.  So, we'll see if this is real, and then talk some more.

BTW: This guy likes to have his 4's jack 3's, so I pray he's not one of those idiots who wants to make Zinger a C.

Yanks Recall The Grinder

The Yanks today recalled Rob Refsnyder and James Pazos.   Pazos needs consistency, and Refs needs consistent playing time.  He is now the only guy on the team who grinds like the Great Yankees did from 1923 till the last few years.  Even when they were bad in the early `70s, guys like Murcer and White were making pitchers work.  Not this bunch of pretenders.  And Refs has been smoking hot for the past month in AAA and his average over that time is around .400.   Play the man!

Knicks Met With Vogel

Word is leaking out that Phil Jackson and Steve Mills met with deposed Indy coach Frank Vogel this past week.  That, perhaps, explains Steve's disappearing act at last week's combine.   It might also explain why Vogel went from the top of some lists to the bottom. I don't suppose it's a fait accompli that he's getting the job, but the Knicks were a little too quiet last week, and with all the teams we follow, that usually means something's up.  So maybe it will be Vogel.

It's sort of interesting that the Knicks are taking so long to build a "Triangle Squad."  Back when Bill Belichick was on of only two teams running a 3-4, it used be easy for Bill to find cheap parts.  Far as we know, the Knicks are the only team trying to run the Triangle now, and they don't have enough guys to execute it.   Of course, teams like Golden State (who not only have a start player than should have been a Knick, they have the Knicks first choice for Coach Triangle), and the Spurs run elements of the Triangle, so maybe they've got all th guys.

And it's strange the the media seems to treat the Triangle like it's the Single Wing.  It's not some antiquated scheme, it's a specific motion offense and all the good teams run a motion offense.  When you're on O, you've either got to be shooting, passing, cutting, driving or picking. In the Triangle, off a pass you either cut to the hoop, or set a pick for the guy who now has the ball.   You don't stand around, and you don't clear out for Iso.  Too many Knicks just stand around when they should be executing an action verb.  Seems like they shouldn't have guys like that anymore, and should be making sure Zinger, Willy and Grant all keep it moving.

Btw, Willy's agent denied that the Knicks have offered Willy a deal, but that seems more like the Knicks wanting to control the narrative, rather than them not doing what they need to do with their stashed guy.  The Rangers signed their's last week, and they do share an owner.

This Week on the Blog

This week ended with a thud as Luis Severino injured his triceps, or finally had it manifest during last night's dismal appearance where he "had no command."   More on that in a bit as we get into this coming week.

Yanks:  The DL'ing of Severino, to go along with that of Kaprielian, and a passel of other minor league arms of note, leaves only Ian Clarkin and Domingo Acevedo active among the established high upside system arms. Clarkin was a monster in his last start, btw, going 7 scoreless and K'ing 11.  Hopefully, prehab worked for him, and he'll progress without anymore detours.  On the MLB side they called up relievers Chad Green and Connor Mullee, and acquired JR Graham from Minny, and sent him to double A. Mullee is a great story, made it all the way back from  3 TJ's and onto the Yanks.  Guts.

Rangers: The Rangers, yesterday, signed Pavel Buchnevich, who, is the closest thing they currently had to a Odell Beckham Jr./Kristaps Porzingas level prospect.  Some folks are trying to use analytics to determine what Pavel will be, based on what other kids who left the KHL for the NHL have done lately, but I just don't think there's a large enough sample size, or a strong enough metric available to do that.  The Rangers think he is a blue chipper, and Chris Drury, who went to Russia to follow him a bit this season marvelled at his skating and array of shots. We'll see what we have. As for the Ranger Brass, they're still in LaQuinta making important plans -- that they have to get right. They didn't feel like the Rangers we've been following for the past several years this season, and their early ouster, showed they were not, and left a lot of us with big holes in our Springs.

Knicks: Even though they have no picks in the upcoming draft, the Knicks, this week, or at least some of them were scouting the NBA combine, and starting to book tryouts.  The press is taking for granted that the Knicks are trying to buy a first or a second, but I really wouldn't rule out trades that net picks as we head into another big offseason with cap room.   And the Knicks presence at the combine was sort of inconsequential as far as I'm concerned.  Sure Rambis, Mills and Houston were there, but Phil Jackson was not, and I've heard nothing as to the whereabouts of Big House Gaines or any of Phil's other trusted talent evaluators.  And they still don't have a coach.  Btw, the agent for Willy Hernangomez was denying the widespread reports of a Knick deal being offered to Willy.  We'll see.

Giants:  The Giants were doing their volutary practice stuff with both vets and the rookies this week. They still haven't done anything about the OL, and, as one scans the roster, very few postions seem to have the "intriguing depth" we are used to seeing among most of the position groups. The depth seems intriguing with Marshaun Coprich and the RB's, as well as at CB and S, and probably DE, but literally nowhere else on the roster.  After the top 4 WR's it looks like crap vs. crap for the #5 and #6 jobs.  The OL depth is abysmal, heck, even two of the starters are abysmal on that unit.  The LB's may have three starters, but will mostly feature retreads and no up and comers among the depth.  The DT's may not have a third guy yet, though they do have some big bodies, and I gues Greg Milhouse from Campbell is intriguing.   The TE situation should be really competive, and they may have to keep 4 or even cut Donnell if LaCosse shows, beyond that they have Ryan Malleck, solid depth, but not that intriguing depth.  In any event, I don't think they're done putting this roster together, they could use more starters even on OL, and better depth in most areas.

So there we are.  Have great one everyone!

Rangers Sign Buchnevich

Pavel Buchnevich, who's agent believed he'd be a goner at the deadline, has instead signed his first deal with the Rangers.   The provisions, ie one way or two, etc. are not yet known. And, of course, Pavel's agent had a right to believe he was trade bait after the Rangers idiotically managed to package  first rounders and young talent in a series of trades that gathered no cups, and lead to a one and done playoff experience this year because some old core played old, and the coach wouldn't let the remaining youth relieve them.   Signing Pavel is a good first step, but a lot more needs to be done, and either the coach must change, or they have to get a new coach.

Yanks Call Up Gary Sanchez

The Yanks "needed" a right handed bat for the next couple of games, so they called up Gary Sanchez.    Both Sanchez and Refsnyder have been on fire for Scranton, so it's a little odd that they're bringing up the one who only plays one position and can DH. It seems like he's unlikely to catch, knowing Giradi and his record with young catchers.

Knicks Offer Deal To Hernangomez

The Knicks may not have a coach yet, but they are taking care of some business.  Last year, they capped off a great draft night by snagging Zinger's Spanish teammate C Willy Hernangomez in the second round.   He had a big buyout last year, but apparently not this as the Knicks have offered him a 4 year deal he is apparently eager to sign.   He's thought to be 6'11 and 255 and playing for a better team this past season, his minutes went down but his percentages went up.  Nice.  This could turn out to be the Knicks first successful stashed player.

Rangers Brass Gather in La Quinta

Gorton and the gang are currently gathered at Sather's place in La Quinta, California.   Wonder if I should drive up and try to talk some sense into them.  Anyway, they are reporedly on the verge of signing possible phenom Pavel Buchnevich, from that incredible third round their scouts produced a few years ago that also netter Duclair, who has since been traded in a typical Ranger overpay, and Adam Tambellini, who is currently blocked by people like Tanner Glass.

Now, aside from figuring out how to recover some lost picks, and otherwise expand their young talent base, the Rangers have to deal with their huge cap problem.  The Rangers will be losing Boyle which will add some room, but still have to re-sign their RFA's and try to bring back Yandle.  That said, they should only bring back Yandle if it doesn't prevent them from keeping their RFA's. It's unclear if they'd be interested in trading Rick Nash, who has only briefly been great as a Ranger.  Raanta sure seems priced for trading.  It seems likely they'll be able to move Girardi or Staal without buying out one or both of them.   The team needs some re-imagining, and they may have to waste money to save money against the cap.  That's never efficient, but is one of the advantage of having a cash cow with a capped workforce.

Giant Roster Stuff

The Giants today made another roster move when they signed Lafayette CB Matt Smalley to their offseason roster and released LB Uani Unger.  So, no matter how bad the Giants Defense is this season it will no longer be "bad enough to be starting Uani Unger."  We'll have to come up with other descriptives if they tank again. Also, they lost Josh Woodrum on waivers to the Colts.

In addition to that, the Giants still haven't signed S Darian Thompson or LB BJ Goodson, though that is probably just more roster number jockeying.

Meanwhile, I'm pretty resistant to three of the  moves they announced yesterday, and the way they ran their rookie minicamp. Here's why: QB BJ Daniels is 26 years old and the Giants are his 4th team.  WR Donte Foster is 25 and WR Kadron Boon is 24 and both of them have also been two multiple camps.  In NFL parlance, guys like that are called Street Free Agents, or SFA's. And guys like that normally show up for the weekly tryouts the Giants and other teams hold on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the year.  So, first, I have no idea what they were even doing at the rookie minicamp.  Second, all three of them having been through mutliple camps and practices should know how to shine in comparison to the real rookies and UDFA's who were getting their first taste of the NFL over the weekend.

If Daniels, Foter and Boon were any good, they would not have been available last weekend.  And if the Giants were more interested in fairness,  those guys would have been competing against the Myles Whites and Ryan Nassibs of the roster, not against the the 21-23 year old UDFA's who were gathered for a rookie minicamp.  Now, while I do think Daniels might be part of an insurance plan that could allow them to trade Nassib before he walks as a FA next year, Boon and Foster are certainly no better than Myles White, and, now, could be stealing practice reps from kids with higher upside.

That's a suboptimal situation for a team as roster challenged as the Giants have been this offseason.  In fact, it seems like the coaches were doing the scouting at the minicamp instead of the scouts doing the scouting. It would have been nicer to see what they could have done with three more younger, high upside prospects, instead of allowing them retreads.

Last week, it seemed their plan was to let Woodrum develop for a year behind Nassib and then compete for the backup spot next year.  Maybe it will work out for him with the Colts, who also have a franchise QB and time to develop young QB's for support and future trades.

Giants Make Some Surprising Moves

The Giants capped off their recent rookie mini-camp by signing tryout DE Ishaq Williams as well as signing tryout retreads including QB B.J. Daniels, WR Kardon Boone and WR Donte Foster.   Boone might be a favorite on new WR's Coach Adam Henry who had him behind Odell and Jarvis at LSU.  Daniels is a 5'11" QB who's been tried at WR, and may be out of Practice Squad eligibility.   Foster has been around since being signed as a 2014 UDFA with the Vikes.   Correspondingly, the Giants cut loose WR Ben Edwards, LB James Morris,  TE Cedrick Lang and surprisingly, QB Josh Woodrum.

It thought this was supposed to be a rookie mini-camp, not a veterans of many mini's camp.  Oh well. You have to wonder what the intent is at QB, since Woodrum seemed long on potential and talent, as well as PSquad eligibility, while B.J. Daniels is still short, and has bounced around using most if not all of his PSquad eligibility.  Could the plan really include trading Nassib?  Why else would the take the experienced and limited guy over the kid they gave a nice bonus too?   Also -- they needed two more WR's in camp?  That makes 6 they've added since the draft.  The Ishaq Williams move, is really the only one they made where they'll be taking a rookie UDFA and trying to develop him.

Interesting day.  Of course, this is another day when absolutely nothing was done to assist the right side of the OL, and you have to wonder what is going on at backup QB.

Giants Sign ND DE Ishaq Williams

This is almost a shocker coming out of the rookie mini-camp, but the Giants have signed former ND LB/DE Ishaq Williams.   Now, it's not unusual at all for the Giants to like a kid from Notre Dame, it's just that this one hasn't played in two years!  He was suspended for the 2014 season for academic dishonesty, then the NCAA wouldn't let him play after ND reinstated him.  Still only 23, it's pretty incredible that a guy could miss 2 years and get signed by an NFL team. He's probably just a DE for the Giants, and had a pro-day that would have put him in the top 10 of the drafted DE's.  He can be looked at as no more than a project and camp body at this point, but he may be more.  This is a very interesting development.  I'm not sure if they had room or if they had to cut someone.  Will update when I know.

This Week on the Blog

This past week saw some unexpeted hits and good starts from the Yanks, while the Giants signed most of their picks as well as 14 UDFA's and are in the midst of their rookie mini-camp.  Phil Jackson went on vacation while he was presumed to be vetting new coaches, and the Rangers haven't done anything, but they might.

Let's take a look at this coming week.

Yanks: Aroldis Chapman's suspension ends Monday.  Who knows how long it will take him to get ready or how they'll handle him but he's able to play again going forward? The offense has shown signs of waking up, but has also shown it cannot be relied upon.  CC Sabathia had his best start in three years, then hit the DL with a groin, and Luis Severino is still looking for a first great start this year.  Eovaldi looked good today, and they have wasted a lot of good pitching from Tanaka.  I believe Big Mike's ERA is now sub-7.  They need to keep winning or try to sell.  Btw, Slade Heatchott was pulled from his game tonight, and they say it's not for a call up.

Giants: Unfortunately, the Giants didn't allow any media for day 3 of their mini-camp, so there's been no news out of Giants Central yet today.  Presumably, the'll sign Goodson and Thompson, and may make a change or two or three based on the tryout players.  The regular players will join the rookies come Monday for the next phase of the offseason.  And the right side of the OL is still a tire fire.

Rangers: The Rangers are said to be moving toward a deal with Pavel Buchnevich.  That should have happened already.  In the meantime, they may or may not have a first round pick this year, depending on whether AZ wants it now or next year, and for all the traded picks, the Rangers still have not won a Cup.  Also, it wouldn't surprise me if the Rangers, having re-signed Rantaa, try to trade him at the draft.  They blew their back up trade last year, and maybe they want to try again.

Knicks: They're sorta looking for a new coach and sorta not.  The time is coming to build around the Zinger, but it still feels like Melo is planning on staying.  Be that as it may, the best course of action will be to move him before or during the draft.

Here's hoping everyone out there has a fantastic week.  Be well.

Giants Rookie Mini Camp Pt.1

The Giants annual Rookie Mini Camp is underway at whatever they are calling their practice center these days.   The big new so far is that Apple, Shepard, Perkins and Davis have already signed their deals.  Goodson and Thompson haven't but most likely will.  Additionally, the Giants have signed 14 UDFA, including the guys we talked about the other day, but not including Mykhael Quave, who must have failed his physical because he's not even on the extensive list of tryout players at the camp.  They'll have their first practice later this afternoon.   And, of course, if any of the tryouts impress, their could be more roster moves, beyong the signings of Thompson and Goodson.   Fun day.  Best of health to everyone!

Yanks Call Up Ben Gamel

Yanks have called up OF Ben Gamel.  Ben, whom the Yanks drafted out of HS years ago, had a breakout season at AAA last year that made them protect him from the Rule V draft.  He's a lefty who's homer numbers could benefit from YS, but otherwise he's a solid, grinding hitter who runs hard and plays the game "right."  May never be a star, but he has more than earned this chance.  Let's hope Refs is next, and Judge, is up once he's regained control of the strikezone.

Giants Draft Review Pt.2: The Undrafteds

While new Coach Ben McAdoo was putting his coaching staff together, and since it's been together, he has emphasized teachers and teaching. And the teachers are going to get their first big test later this week as they welcome nearly 30 drafted, signed undrafted, and tryout players to the Giants rookie mini-camp. Because the Giants had no later picks after they picked early in round 6, the Giants were able to jump into the process a little earlier than usual. And, as Jerry Reese mentioned in yesterday's interview's, they were able to sign several players that they has assigned draftable grades to throughought the process.

Thus, the Giants internally, must be feeling like they don't just have 6 draft picks, but more like 10 or twelve. And, jumping in early, they were able to add possible depth to virtually ever area aside from LB.

Let's take a look.

At Quarterback, the Giants beat out the Vikings and others for Liberty signal caller Josh Woodrum.  Woodrum had a lot of helium going into the process and it was surprising that he did not get picked.  Not only did he have impressive tape and numbers, but he also has proto-typical size, a plus arm, and a surprising sub 7.00 three cone test at the Combine. Earlier today, the Giants previous 3rd string QB GJ Kinne, said his goodbyes on Twitter. With a good good camp, Josh Woodrum could make them keep three for fear or losing him on waivers.

At Running Back, the Giants have added a few guys, the most intresting of whom is Marshaun Coprich, an RB out of Illinois State. Marshaun is only 5'9" but he is quick, fast (4.45), tough and strong.  He is very similar to former Boise State sensation Doug Martin, but perhaps a little quicker and faster. The Giants started this offseason with 4 sort of meh backs in the stable, but if things are on the up and up, Perkins and Coprich could bump two of them.

At Wide Receiver, the Giants have added a few intriguing guys. Roger Lewis was a star at Bowling Green, and has better size than the top three Giant WR's, though about a tenth slower than Odell, Victor and Sterling.  Still, he plays strong, and might be better than some of the current depth on hand. Likewise, Cal's Darius Powe is a big receiver with great speed, and should really add to the competition of the bottom of the 53 or earn a shot on the P-Squad. KJ Maye from Minnesota is another short guy projected for the slot, but with none of the physical or athletic extras of Odell, Victor and Sterling. Probably a long shot.

At Tight End, the Giants have added Virginia Tech TE Ryan Malleck. Malleck's not going to get down the middle too often, but he can block and does have reliable hands. They also added a former basketball player from UTEP named Cedric Lang, who's a 6'9" conversion that could even end up at Offensive Tackle.

On OL, the Giants added OL Mykhael Quave out of Louisiana-Lafayette and this guy might be a ringer. Quave was a standout Guard for UL and having a terrific season when he tore his rotator cuff in a game against Louisiana Tech. Up till that time, Quave had been a team leader and perhaps the best player on the team. If he can come back from the injury, the Giants probably have their ringer, and a possible future starter.

On the defensive line and backfield they also grabbed what looks like quality depth.

At Defensive End the Giants were able two sign two double digit sack masters in NC State's Mike Rose and Notre Dame's Romeo Okwara. Rose seems more developed and possible able to step in as the 4th DE right off the bat. Romeo has been called raw, though he has lead the Fighting Irish in sacks for over each of the last two years. Perhaps, Justin Tuck can spend some time getting him up to speed. They're also bringing in some sack happy tryouts.

At Defensive Tackle, the Giants signed two more guys that should compete for roles in Kentucky's Melvin Lewis and Campbell's Greg Milhouse. Both of them were expected to be drafted and Milhouse actually met with the Giants twice during the pre-draft process. Lewis had been a JuCo transfer who's numbers suggest a rotational run stuffer. At a lower level of competition Milhouse was able to pile up double digit TFL's as well as 5.5 sacks. They should provide quite a threat to Nix and Hughes.

At Cornerback, the Giants have added two talented guys in Boise State's Donte Deayon and Oklahoma State's Michael Hunter. Both of these guys are fast and quick, and Donte, who stands only 5'9" and weighs just 150, finished his BSU career with 16 interceptions to go along with Darian Thompson's 19.  He'll probably play the slot, but could really produce there eventually. Hunter ran a 4.35 40 at 6'1" 170. Both of these guys are talented but could use time in the weightroom. Still, they could move some of the old depth off the roster.

At Safety, the Giants added UConn's Andrew Adams. Adams is a 6 foot 200 pound tackling machine from his safety spot and should add additional competition to the Giants young wheel of safeties.

So, the Giants are cleaning up the roster rather well, and that's not even including all the tryout guys who could claim roster spots. Five of them are from Canada, so watch out.

Giants Draft Review Pt.1

This past week, the Giants drafted like a team that did not have a problem on their offensive line, even though they do. And believe it or not, that was absolutely the right way to go.The Giants very clearly stuck with their board and took the highest guys available in each round, regardless of crying need.  And because of that they got great value in almost every round. And they still have three or four months to fix the OL. Let's take a quick look.

In the first round, the Giants took Eli Apple. Rumors abounded that they wanted Leonard Floyd or Jack Conklin, but both were gone. Some cry that they passed on Laremy Tunsil, but that guy was a walking talking red flag. Not only did he have the almost meaningless gasmask video floating around, but he'd been goaded into beating up his step father, which got him investigated and, but he also missed games with a myriad of injuries, and was suspended for receiving illegal benefits. There were much bigger things not to like than the pot stuff, which was just silly. So, the Giants stuck with their board and got the best pure cover corner in the draft (Ramsey was the best s/cb combo), and the kid is just 20 with massive upside. He's big for a corner, but he has great hip flip and is already outstanding in man coverage, and pressing and redirecting guys at the line. He still has to master zone, but he's big and once he does he'll be manning a forbidden zone. Imagine what Terrell Thomas might have been without all those knee injuries. You'd take that 10th overall in a draft, wouldnt you?

Next, the Giants took my favorite player in the draft, Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard. He was going to be my favorite player in last year's draft but he decided to stay in school another year. Sterling is absolutely somewhere on the Victor Cruz-Odell Beckham Jr. talent axis. Not the biggest guys in the world, but fully capable of playing outside as well as from the slot. And as pro-style as Oklahoma's system was, I think Sterling still has upside. He's been at Oklahoma his whole life, and now, he's not only going to learn the NFL, but he'll be tutored by Victor and Odell. Both of them made big splashes when they hit the field and he will, too. Odell even called the Sterling pick "a steal" on Twitter.  Checkmate, NFL.

In the third, the Giants probably made their pick that was most round appropriate, when they took FS Darian Thompson from Boise State. Darian had a ton of int's in college, and also scored a 29 on his Wonderlic, so he's a smart, productive player.  Unfortunately, he's not a workout warrior, and compounded that by fighting through an illness during his combine workout and posting a scary for a safety 4.69 40.  Fortunatel, he was able to shave that down into the 4.5's at his pro day, and one of the points of interest of this week's rookie camp will be Darian's apparent speed. It will also be interesting to see what a really bright guy can do in the Giant's deep patrol.

In the fourth round, the Giants took their mike of the future. BJ Goodson was a tackling machine this season while playing the middle for Clemson. And he also added a couple of picks and 5.5. sacks. Remember, Kennard can bring it from the second level, too. Anyway, Goodson is more athletic than Antonio Pierce was and has some similarities to Jeremiah Trotter, the old Eagle pain in the ass. He should really help the run d right off the bat, and eventually the pass d as well.  Felt like he could have gone in the third.

Next, the Giants took UCLA RB Paul Perkins and this kid is fantastic. Though maybe a little undersized, he can do it all, including run between the tackles, get around the tackles, block, and catch passes like a wideout. He'll be the best all-around back on the Giants the moment he suits up -- by the way -- I think there's gonna be some turnover or a trade -- from the RB core, because the Giants also signed UDFA RB Marshaun Coprich from Eastern Illinois, after the draft, and he's an even faster back, who can do it all.  Perkins will definitely make the team, and Coprich probably will, too.

And with their final pick, the Giants took South Carolina TE Jerrel Adams.   Adams is a big, smooth pass catcher, with great speed for his size.  He's also a very willing blocker, though he can use technique work in both areas. He was an absolutle steal in the 6th round and yet another point of interest in this week's camp.

So, by not chasing OL's who didn't match value, the Giants were able to really improve the back seven of their D, as well as add three more impressive playmakers.

The Giants are also killing it in UDFA, though who's been signed and who's a tryout could still use some clarification.  What they are doing; however, is loading up on WR's, DL's, DB's and RB's.  I told you about Coprich, but there are WR's, DL's and DBs who could make it, too. If the rookie camp roster gets clearer in the next day or so, I'll write a part two.

Rangers Stuff

The Rangers have announced that they've re-upped their backup goalie, Antii Raanta for another season.  This makes it unlikely that any of the kid goalies are in the plans for next season.  In other news they seem to be in on some of the collegiat free agents, as they are most years.  Also seems like no coaching change is forthcoming. Alas, more Glass.

This Week on the Blog

So, May begins without Ranger playoffs for the first time in years.  The NFL Draft is over and we don't get the other three Drafts till June.  So it's basically just us and the Yankees for now.  Stay strong.

Giants:  I'll produce a draft review later today or tomorrow.  I will say this: the Giants drafted as if they didn't have a major problem on the OL.  Thus, they avoided reaching for anyone and got six good players.   That said, they still have a major problem on the OL. Rookie Mini-camp starts Thursday.

Yankees:  The Yanks just had their worst April in decades.  Their rotation lacks consistentcy and they can't hit at all.   They don't grind and they don't take their walks.  And their Manager is on auto-pilot see: Betances to Ortiz, with Miller in the bullpen.  He should be choosing the innings by specific needs instead of specific innings numbers.  They should get Aroldis Chapman back this month and that should help Girardi think better, but it probably won't.

Rangers: The Rangers have been quiet as church mice, but it's probably just the calm before the storm.  They need a big offseason and they are cap strapped as currently constructed.  Buchnevich's KHL deal expired today, they ought to get him signed right away.

Knicks: The Lakers got Luke Walton. The Knicks will have a retread for a coach. They still need to move Carmelo and start building around Porzingis.

Have a great week!