A Month of Fundays

Seven Straight!

2012-02-15T19:28:00.001-08:00

The Knicks moved back to .500 by absolutely stomping the Kings at the Garden. Jeremy Lin only player 30 minutes, thankfully, but finished with 10 points and 13 assists. So much for the combo guard idiocy. Meanwhile, Jared Jeffries had just a terrific game, scoring a bit and playing his traditional game. But everybody is chipping in and that's what's made the Knicks a team again. And Jeremy Lin has made it happen. He only took 6 shots tonight, and got lots of rest, but he still set the blowout in motion with all those assists. And they will go up once Melo gets back and into the flow. They play again Friday. Let's make it 8!

Seeking Soler?

2012-02-14T20:56:00.001-08:00

According to Buster Olney, the Yanks are heavily involved in the pursuit of 19 year old Cuban OF Jorge Soler. Soler is a 5 tool player, and of course he type of prospect the for whom the Yanks should spend. We'll see if they do. There were rumors that the Cubs already had him locked up pending his official free agency. I'd hate to think this is being linked so the Yanks can finish second for the kid. We need Yankee bats, especially since the Montero trade, and with the decline of the veteran Yankee bats. Soler would be a few years away, but would give us a high upside OF with no positional questions. Go Yankees?

Rangers Beat Bruins

2012-02-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

Where the Knicks needed a massive comeback, the Rangers took a first period lead on a Ryan Callahan power play goal and protected it for a 3-0 win and another shutout from Henrik Lundqvist. In Boston. McDonagh and Arti also scored. Just a fantastic night and run for New York teams. Let's hope the Rangers don't do anything nutty. They may already be capable of going all the way. Go Rangers!

6 Straight!

2012-02-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

Holy shit! Jeremy Lin just hit a three point shot with .5 seconds in the game to give the Knicks the lead and the win in Toronto. They had been down by as much as 17. They had gotten it to 2, then it went back to 9 before they went on a 13-1 run and stole another game. Amar'e was not bouncy and it might take a few games though he did had 21 and 9 boards. Iman Shumpert may already be an elite NBA defender, and he had huge stops and steals in the 4th quarter. Guys were missing too many shots, but that won't continue and we will see Lin's assists go even higher. Holy shit. Go Knicks!

Adios AJ?

2012-02-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

According to various sources, the Yanks and Pirates are moving closer to a deal involving AJ Burnett and loads of cash for minor leaguers. If this is true, and it sure sounds like it, the Yanks have to come out of this with good minor leaguers. You can't give away an innings eater and 19-23M over two years for crap like we got in the Randy Johnson trade. They really do need to get something, and the Pirates, who've been picking early for 20 years and spending internationally (with the Yankees Luxury Tax and Revenue Sharing monies) the Pirates probably have a few pieces we could use. In other words, the Yanks can't keep shedding dollar value and player value to bad teams like the Pirates and maintain their positions relative to them. Rules are already in place that force the Yankees to help the Pirates, they shouldn't elect to do so separately.

For the front office, this is their opportunity to make a "Gomez Trade." By that I don't just mean a good trade, but I mean a trade that once again shows they have their eyes on the prize. The Montero trade and the second Vazquez trade raise a lot of questions.

Rangers Beat Caps

2012-02-12T11:56:00.001-08:00

Rangers just beat the Caps 3-2 at the Garden. Hank made great saves all day long, but gave up the second goal when he was screened by McDonagh trying to block a shot with about 3 minutes left. The Rangers were able to withstand an Ovechkin lead onslaught to win. Callahan, McDonagh and Prust! scored the goals. Prust's was a shorty from Dubi, who looked great and had two assists. Lots of scouts at our past two games. Let's not do anything nutty. Go Rangers!

The Linsanity Continues!

2012-02-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

Got the above image off of BBI. Tonight's game wasn't even at the Garden, and Lin was on fumes, but they still managed to win their 5th game in a row and Lin hit the game winning free throw. It was a bit of a breakout game for Iman Shumpert, though, before he fouled out. He played his trademark great D, and was scoring inside and out. Let's hope he builds from here. Steve Novack hit even more big threes and the Knicks came back from separate leads of 11 and ten. Chandler was also pretty good and played solid D. Landry Fields made some plays and the only reason it was really close was the Bill Walker had a terrible night. That said, they are getting Stat back on Monday and will play again Tuesday. This was a defensive win and it took a massive team effort to get it done. Could the Knicks be all in? Go Knicks!

Rangers Too Much for Philly in Philly

2012-02-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

Captain Ryan Callahan had a hat trick, Marian Gaborik had a goal and three assists and Brad Richard added three assists as the Rangers crushed the Flyers, 5-2. Artem Anisimov had the other goal and both Derek Stepan and Michael Del Zotto added assists. Three Ranger goals came on Power Plays, so hopefully, that part of their game is finally falling into place. Just a huge win. Keep it going, Rangers!

Lincredible

2012-02-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Lin just put 38 points, 7 dimes, 4 boards on the Lakers, then took a huge charge to help seal the Knicks fourth win in a row. If anyone had told you the Knicks would beat the Lakers without Melo, Stat and Baron Davis, you would have laughed. But laugh no more. This is real. Jeremy Lin knows how to play the point at an elite level and has a sky high basketball IQ. And he's totally unselfish. I don't know the last time we've seen that, but that's how the game is supposed to be played. I think Stat and Melo will be energized when they get back. This is gonna be fun! Go Knicks!

Richards!!!!

2012-02-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

Brad Richards just scored a game winning overtime goal. It was his 7th game winner of the year, and hopefully, a slump ender for BRich. The Rangers had to come from behind twice in this one, first from 1-0 then from 3-2, but they managed to, even with Biron in the net, who was not great but made some big saves. Boyle had the game tying goal that sent it into over time. Callahan had the Rangers first goal. They really have to get guys like Richards, Dubi, Artie, Boyle, Prust and Stepan going if they want to take some pressure off their D and goalies. Otherwise, the trade rumors will only get louder. Go Rangers!

Lin Led Knicks Clobber Bullets

2012-02-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Lin had 23 points and 10 assists while Tyson Chandler had 25 points and 11 boards and the Knicks won easily in Washington. Lin an Chandler both had early foul trouble, but it didn't matter. Novack and Shumpert also had nice nights in the absence of Stat and Melo. It's funny, but D'Antoni doesn't look like a "bad" coach when he has a point guard. This has been a fantastic mini run, and hopefully it will continue when the stars get back. Go Knicks!

Linsanity!

2012-02-06T18:56:00.001-08:00

Jeremy Lin, in his first Knick start scored 28 as a Amare-less Knick team that lost Carmelo in the mid-first quarter but still managed to beat the Utah Jazz for their second straight win. It was a second great performance in a row by Lin, though he has to clean up the turnovers. Lin has been Steve Nash for these two games. And the ball really moved as roll players like Jared Jeffries, Novak and Shumpert chipped in. Tyson Chandler was in foul trouble again and was limited, but was really good when he was in. Now we have to see how Lin does with Amar'e and Melo, since Baron Davis has an elbow infection and will be out a little longer. Fun to watch, finally! Go Knicks!

Super!

2012-02-05T19:52:00.001-08:00

We did it again. Funny, I really wanted this more for Coach Coughlin and Eli than I did for any other reason. I think they both just punched their tickets to the Hall of Fame. And they did it by winning two of the greatest Super Bowl games ever played. I told you a few weeks ago I thought phasers were on kill, and I never had any doubt that they'd win today, but I really think that phantom hold on Hynoski prevented this from being a less competitive game. That said, the Pats took advantage of their breaks and it was another classic. Because the Giants have drafted so well since SB 42, the window is wide open again. Have another great draft! Congrats, Giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Giants!!!

2012-02-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

In just over 24 hours, the Giants will decide their destiny. And I think they already have. I think the Giants realize they are a more talented and more physically tough team than the Pats. I think, while they respect the Pats, they know in their bones that they can and will beat them tomorrow. This has felt like an easier game to me for the past two weeks, and though Belichick may come up with a wrinkle or two, I don't think his DB's can legally stop our WR's, and I think if he drops 8, Jake and Bradshaw still have the ability to run it and finish every run.

And I don't think their OL can stop the Giants front 4. Never mind the blitzes they can call up using the front 7, or the Safeties. I think the front 4 is just too much for the Pats. And speaking of the safeties, I think they're gonna have big games, after the DL roughs up Brady a bit. Anyway, I think we're gonna punch them in the mouth tomorrow and really have a party.

And if the Giants do, indeed, "finish," we're gonna have to take a look at both the value of the regular season going forward, and whether or not the Giants have kicked their title "window" back open. Go Giants!

Rangers Win Shootout

2012-02-01T19:21:00.001-08:00

Coming off a disappointing shootout loss last night, Henrik Lundqvist was back in net tonight and the Rangers got the opposite result. Hank was brilliant recording his 41st career shutout. Unfortunately, so was Ryan Miller and we saw a 0-0 regulation and overtime tie. Gabby and Cally scored in the shootout and that was that. Let's hope there are no nutty trades on the horizon. Go Rangers!

Knicks Wake Up

2012-01-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

The Knicks finally crushed the Bobcats, which they should have been doing all year. But, better late than never. Tyson Chandler had a huge night with 20 points, 17 boards and a block. Amar'e also started to round into form. Heck, Jared Jeffries played well! Melo had a mellow night, scoring just 1 point, but grabbing 11 boards and dishing out 4 assists. He needs to get healthy, but games like this when he doesn't try to do to much, will ultimately help him and the Knicks play better. Go Knicks!

Hank!!!

2012-01-24T18:36:00.001-08:00

Hank was not supposed to start tonight, but Biron had the flu and he was in the net. So why not just post his 40th career shutout? As good as he's been, this feels like his best year. Remind you of any Super Bowl bound QB? It should. Part of it's the D, and part is Biron, but a lot of it is just a Hall of Famer doing what they do. Callahan, Mitchell and Richards had the goals in their 3-0 victory, now I believe they are skating into their well earned break. Great first half, Rangers!

Super Bowl Bound!

2012-01-22T20:31:00.001-08:00

Here we go again! The Giants overcame lousy field conditions, unbelievable numbers of uncalled illegal contacts and got the job done. I was surprised it took them till overtime to nail it down, but is was just tough sledding out there all day. They will face a Pats team that they are just physically tougher than. They still have a great QB and are dangerous, but they have a bad D, and we should be able to beat them for the second time this year. Go Giants!

Go Giants!!!

2012-01-22T11:05:00.001-08:00

Let's just do this! It is there for the taking!

Gaborik!!!

2012-01-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

Marian Gaborik just scored in overtime to give the Rangers a HUGE WIN over the Bruins. In a game that saw them lose the time of possession battle, but take 1-0 and 2-1 leads before giving up the goal that sent them into overtime, the Rangers really battled to win this one. What's more the refs were horrible and let the Bruins get away with murder all day, until Ference, empowered by the refs absolutely ran/cheap shotted Ryan McDonagh to draw a game misconduct and put the Rangers on the power play to finish OT.

It was Gaborik's second goal of the game. The Rangers other goal was from the Captain, Ryan Callahan. Let's hope McDonagh is okay. Go Rangers!

Pineda

2012-01-18T15:56:00.001-08:00

Okay, the mistake has been made but it could have been worse. Michael Pineda, though not a generational talent, has the upside to perhaps be a righty version of CC Sabathia. He's 6'7" and thick. If he picks up a change, he could really be that good, ie, a horse who has periods of Cy Young type dominance. Those are good to have. Not as good as having catchers who hit like Miggy, but better than having neither. Jose Campos is another good arm for the Yanks farm. I'm not sure if they are developing pitchers properly these days, but he joins a group of dynamic A ball arms, that also includes the big righties from last year's draft, Cote, Sharp, Davis and Maher. They'll all be 19 or 20 this year and have really nice power upsides.

The reason this trade was really made now is not because the Yanks don't think Montero can be a Posada level defender at C. It's because they wanted to add another ACE type and they didn't want to spend what it will take to lock up Hamels or Cain next year, because they need to be under 189M in 2014. That's all it was about: 2014; like all those lopsided trades the Knicks made leading up to 2010.

If you want we can look at the remaining Yanee Bats later this week. We still have a lot of them, but they are mostly in A ball or below.

Hank!!!

2012-01-17T19:00:00.001-08:00

Girardi, Mitchell and Callahan (empty netter) scored and Henrik Lundqvist recorded his 4th shutout of the season. This was a big win for Hank coming off of two losses. The teams played a hard game, and the Rangers' win was well earned. Let's hope the little string of .500 play is over and the Rangers are back to putting together streaks. Go Rangers!

Phasers on Kill

2012-01-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

The Giants did what they do when they're set on kill. They went up to Green Bay and kicked their pansy asses. The road before them is clear. Everything they want is available, even if the refs are gonna screw up fumble calls, allow late hits on Eli and mark the ball short on spots. Screw the refs, too. The Giants are set on Kill, and when that happens, we get those silvers things and parades. Now it's on to San Francisco and let's win there! Go Giants!

Go Giants!

2012-01-15T08:41:00.000-08:00

The Giants caught a huge break yesterday when the Saints were eliminated. Of course, it's meaningless if they don't beat the Packers today. For some reason, though, I think they are back and I think they will beat the Pack. They almost did it last time but for some bad calls and injuries. They come into a rematch healthier than they were and playing with the physical edge they did on their SB run in 2007 and during most of the year in 2008. I think they're going to rough up the Packers and win the game. Go Giants!

Ugh 2

2012-01-15T01:44:00.000-08:00

Physicals have apparently not been completed, so there's still some hope that the Yanks' latest foolish attempt to trade Jesus Montero will be scuttled. But that hope is fading, and we are left with the reality that the Yanks made a ponderous trade, exchanging their best hitting prospect since Mantle, and a perfect long man/rotation piece to the hapless Mariners for a talented pitching project in Michael Pineda, and a possibly big time pitching prospect in 19 year old Venezuelan Jose Campos.

While the Yanks were apparently responding to irrational insecurity over their rotation - they signed Kurdo, too - what they should have been worried about is their aging lineup. Sure, Cano and Granderson had big years, but Jeter and ARod saw their numbers shrink from age and injury. Strangely, Mark Teixeira has had two straight years of early decline, Swisher and Gardner are streaky and Russell Martin's just not a good hitter. With Posada retired and Montero traded, they have no DH.

Yet Friday they were worried about a rotation that already had CC, AJ, Nova, Hughes, Garcia, and Noesi, with Phelps and Warren immediately available and Banuelos and Betances possibly ready by June. As I've said before, it wasn't the `71 Orioles, but with Kuroda added in, they had enough to win the division with their killer BP and especially with Montero in the lineup either catching of DHing every day.

But they traded Montero and got back a pitcher who may one day be an ACE but is pretty far from one now. He put up an ERA+ of 103 in his big rookie season. That's three points above average. He won't come near his ceiling unless he develops a reliable changeup. Who knows when that will happen? He is not the ready made ACE that Halladay and Lee were when Montero was offered for them. No, they gave away a great hitter for a project, and it was unresourceful on a variety of levels.

The latest Montero to the Mariners saga started when Brian Cashman once again approached them about acquiring King Felix. Now, though it would have been unwise to trade Montero for anything at this point, an absolute ACE like King Felix would have fit the bill. How this got turned into the Yanks swapping a more highly rated prospect into Montero for the Mariners second or third best pitcher is unfathomable.

What's more, while the Yanks already have pitchers like Betances and Banuelos who project to be top of the rotation pieces and could be ready soon, with Montero gone, they are at least two years away from producing another Yankee Bat from the farm.

So what are they going to do about O for the next two years? Re-sign Russel Martin and platoon him with his clone Austin Romine? Yikes!

It seems like the Yanks could have avoided the coming offensive armageddon by keeping Montero, adding Kuroda and maybe even another one year deal, and seeing what could be done for the rotation at the deadline. By then they'd have been able to trade or promote other prospects for the very "need" they just traded Montero to fill.

Rangers Win!

2012-01-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

The Rangers went up to Toronto and got back to doing what they do - winning. Derek Stepan had a goal and assist, Rupp and Boyle also scored. Marty Biron was once again more than solid in goal, pitching a 19 shot shutout. It would be good if Wolski could score a little while we're waiting for Dubi to return, as it could make him easier to move at the deadline. Go Rangers!

Kuroda?

2012-01-13T18:23:00.001-08:00

Apparently, the Yanks may also have added Hiroki Kuroda. Sheesh, they have no faith in their system. Why have one?

Ugh

2012-01-13T18:02:00.001-08:00

The Yankees have once again traded Jesus Montero to the Mariners. This time along with Hector Noesi for Pineda and another RHP named Jose Campos. This is ludicrous. Montero is the best hitting prospect the Yanks have developed since Mantle, and comes along at a time when Posada has retired and most of their other Yankee Bats are over 3o and declining. Pineda is a possible #2 this year and may have ACE upside, but there's a reason they moved Babe Ruth from ACE to hitter and it's the value they give you everyday. Now, it's possible the Yanks think Sanchez is the same hitter as Montero with better defensive potential, but there was no reason not to keep both, as the AL plays with a DH. Campos is supposed to be another high upside pitching prospect, but we'll see.

During the Cashman era, we have traded for pre-established starters like Jeff Weaver and Javy Vazquez and neither panned out. We just sent much more for Pineda and Campos. Let's hope there's something there, and hope the Yanks stop trading Yankee Bats. It takes a lot to piss me off these days, and I've got to say, this comes close.

Edwin Jackson?

2012-01-12T08:08:00.001-08:00

So the Yankees apparently met with Scott Boras about Edwin Jackson. Here's hoping it was just a favor to Boras. And here's why: if the Yankees really are budget conscious, they cannot pay inflated market prices for mid-rotation starters. Edwin Jackson is a pretty good pitcher who has been traded around a lot. After being a tip top minor league prospect, he's never gained top of the rotation status anywhere, but teams have always been willing to acquire him because he was relatively CHEAP.

If the Yanks give him 12-15M he will lose his most favorable attribute - his cheapness. Instead, he will be overpaid and hard to move. This is the lesson we all should have learned from the AJ Burnett saga. Giving a pitcher with "great stuff" great money doesn't turn him into a great pitcher. It turns him into a contract that can't be traded till it's almost over. This is not what the Yanks should be signing up for again.

With the absence of available aces or playoff caliber #2's on the free agent market, the Yanks should be holding onto their money until the right opportunity presents itself. Right now, the Yanks will be going into the season with CC, AJ, Nova, Hughes, Garcia and Noesi as projected starters. Not exactly the `71 Orioles rotation, but they have a true ACE in Sabathia and upside in Hughes, Nova and Noesi. And they still have a super destroyer of a bullpen.

Plus, the Yanks are going to have a lot of pitching talent in AAA. Someone like Phelps could help right out of Spring Training. But more excitingly, Betances or Banuelos could be ready come June. Both Betances and Banuelos have top of the rotation stuff right now. What they lacked this past season was top of the rotation fastball control, but they both made it through the season healthy, and one or both of them could really take off this year.

So, the Yanks should keep there eyes and ears open for reasonable rotation help, but pass on Edwin Jackson, and count on Phelps possibly helping to start the season and Betances and Banuelos to help come midseason. If none of that works, they can always see what's available at the trade deadline.

And if they are getting itchy to spend money again, the two Cubans, Cespedes and Soler are still out there, and both seem to have Yankee Bats. The Yanks can always use more Yankee Bats.

Knicks Win Again

2012-01-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

Melo had 27 and 9 but somehow the Knicks almost managed to blow a 17 point 4th quarter lead to the 76ers. Some things they did tonight were very good, but overall, they have to play a different game than they are playing on O. They have to have set plays for Melo, Stat, and Chandler and live at the free throw line. That's how they can pound teams and they are not doing it. They should be set up so the other team doesn't know which hand they're gonna get hit with. This may become easier when Baron Davis is healthier, but they are always in danger of blowing leads with the style they are playing. Shumpert was a little up and down tonight, and Harrelson was excellent. Chandler continues to get into it. A more defined roll for him could come with the emergence of Baron Davis. Everyone is making a better effort of defense, except for Amar'e. He refuses to move his feet so he is a reaching in foul waiting to happen. C'mon, Amar'e. Go Knicks.

Rangers in Shootout for 5th Straight

2012-01-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

Win Streaks are Us! Or at least they seem to be through the halfway mark of the season. Tonight was a trap game, and the Coyote Goalie was RED HOT. The Rangers were peppering him all night but could only come up with 1 goal in regulation. Then Hank got beat in traffic, and we ended up in a shootout. Gaborik scored, but Hank gave one up, before Derek Stepan scored the game winner. 2 points, by whatever means necessary. I was sort of dreading a shootout against Smith, but the Rangers got it done. Again. Fedotenko had the only goal in regulation. Let's keep this streak going! Go Rangers!

Knicks Win Again

2012-01-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

The Knicks just pulled one out against Charlotte. It would not have be a close game at all, but Amar'e and Melo couldn't hit the broad side of a barn all night and were terribly inefficient. But Melo hit some big FT's down the stretch and the Knicks were able to win in regulation. Iman Shumpert had another impressive game featuring 16 points, several assists, some boards and some steals. This kid is gonna be good! He's already the best wing defender on the Knicks. Douglas and Fields continue to struggle, and Tyson Chandler continues to emerge. I doubt we'll see many nights were Amar'e and Melo are both ice cold. Go Knicks!

Giants Blowout Falcons

2012-01-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

The Giant O took some time to get going, but the D was more than solid all day. The Giants ended up winning 24-2, but they could have scored more. The Giants D bottled up the Falcons running game most of the day, and they really didn't have much trouble with the White and Jones. Eli was superb, throwing 2 TD's to Hakeem Nicks and 1 to Mario Manning. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw ran like they used to, and the Giants mostly cruised. Now it's on to Green Bay and let's win there!

Knicks Win Again

2012-01-07T19:45:00.001-08:00

The Knicks got off to such a good start against the Pistons, that Carmelo took a big chunk of the night off. The Knicks SHARED the ball like we always want them to, and blew the doors off of the Pistons. Shumpert started for Douglas and it was a big difference. His D set the tone for the team and the Knicks did, indeed, play some good D tonight. Just and impressive win with mucho garbage time, on the road. Maybe there is something there. Go Knicks!

Knicks Won, Too

2012-01-06T19:45:00.001-08:00

The Knicks finally won another game tonight, after getting blown out in yet another first period. Melo and Stat finally took a game over, with some help from Chandler and Shumpert. Btw, Iman ran the point some, even starting over Douglas in the third, and finished up with 10 points and 7 dimes, oh yeah, and 5 steals! Folks, he's good, and while I ponder a long piece on the Knicks, believe me he'll be a big part of it. Melo finished with 37 and 7 and Amar'e had his best game yet going 23 and 12. Could his slow start really just be his adjustment to his stronger body? He's rebounding more. Let's see where they go from here. Shump needs to play more and Fields and Douglas need to play less. That really won't be straightened out till Baron Davis gets activated. Until then, keep your heads above water, Knicks!

4 Straight!

2012-01-06T19:08:00.001-08:00

The Rangers won again! Boy, in the first it looked like the Pens were hunting for bear as they came out flying and taking shot after shot. They scored, one, too. But that was that. Richards tied it up near the end of the first. Early in the second, Dubi scored a shorty, from Cally, of course, and after that, it was pretty much over. Stepan scored the coup de grace on a Gaborik rebound that may or may not have been scored an assist. The Rangers an Hank held on from there, and really looked like a team that can get it done under a number of circumstances. Henrik Lundqvist has been awesome, and clearly, using Biron to spot him more often has not hurt at all. And Biron is 8-2. There's no telling where this could go, but through 39 games, this team has some guts. They have a few days off to let us focus on the Giants. Go Rangers!

Gaborik!!!

2012-01-05T18:41:00.001-08:00

Marian Gaborik just scored the overtime game winner to give the Rangers 2 more big points. The goal was set-up by Del Zotto and Stepan! Farmboys! Biron was in goal tonight, so that's the 8th or 9th won without Hank this season. Great stuff. Callahan and Stralman had the first two Ranger goals. Though it was a home game, it was a tough game c0ming off the hype and excitement of the Winter Classic. Marc Staal played again, and seems to be coming along reasonably well. Big win, now it's on to Pittsburgh and let's win there! Go Rangers!

New CBA Yankee Draft Thoughts

2012-01-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

Just when you really get the hang of something -- they go and change the rules. That’s the position in which the Yankees find themselves going forward with regard to the Rule 4 draft. Fortunately, both lessons and strategies of the past should stand them in good stead as they move to a more and more farm derived major league roster.

The new rules essentially give each drafting team a hard and fast budget based on draft postion and number of picks with a consideration of the team’s previous year’s draft spending. Each team is allowed a 5% overance. But progressive first round picks can be lost for exceeding their budget plus 5. This sort of eliminates the Yanks’ chief market advantage which has historically been their willingness to pay.

Of course, there could be a way around this. The picks that could possibly be forfeited by teams going 10% and further over their budget will be awarded to bad teams in an as yet to be determined formula. What has been determined, is that those picks will, for the first time, be available for trade. In other words, a team like the Yanks could acquire an additional first rounder through trade, which would then increase the calculation of their annual draft budget. That’s not a bad market to start studying every year and would give teams that are “farther away” an opportunity to get a little closer, while giving teams like the Yanks a chance at a real Yankee type player to add to their system through a bit of clever trading.

Further, the free agent compensation rules will change going forward. The old A and B system will be out and teams wil only be able to receive compensation for players lost by offering the player a contract valued at the average of the top 125 salaries in baseball, about 12.5M right now.

Seems like a pretty bad bet, unless you really like the player and the loss is genuinely painful, then the compensation may not be enough. That said, they did close up the loophole that allowed teams like the Red Sox to trade for walk year players and pick up extra picks by offering arb to those players. Players traded in the last year of their deals will no longer bring compensation to their new teams if they sign with someone else.

This year doesn’t have much of an impact on how the Yanks do business as they’ve avoided the risk of players they no longer wanted accepting arbitration and staying.

Two more issues come up for the Yanks: one, the new draft rules seem to establish a period in which draft eligible players can be medically examined before the Rule 4 takes place; and the deadline for signing players moves from mid-August to mid-July.

They complicate things to a degree but both should be navigable. The concern with the physicals is not that they will reveal injuries and pre-exisisting conditions, but that they may reveal a team’s interest. So I think some time should be spent on subterfuge looking at prospects that BA might like, but the Yanks would never draft. It’s unclear how private the physicals will be, but if kids can just be checked out when they visit Tampa, subterfuge might not be necessary.

The mid-July deadline is both good and bad. It’s good that players can get into the system more quickly and less development is lost. It’s bad because summer draft and follows may become things of the past. Why wouldn’t agents just shut the kids down for a month while deals get made? How that plays out remains to be seen, but with a finite and fixed budget each year, many decisions will have to be made before or during the draft on who’s going to get the money.

A final tweek that really shouldn’t effect the Yanks is that teams will no longer be able to offer major league deals to drafted players, unless they are two sport athletes. It’s unclear if those bonuses will still be splttable, at the same time, the Yanks should probably stick to drafting baseball players. The Shea Morenz years seem to thankfully be long gone.

Because of the finite budget each team will have generated, it seems like the first ten rounds will be closely watched, while the back 40 will be catch as catch can with what you have left. So draft order might become more important in those first ten picks, ie, you might want to take a Mason Williams or Greg Bird first, or much later in the new format.

So how can the Yanks take advantage of the new rules?

The chief way will be by playing the comp pick trade market.

Otherwise, the Yanks should probably continue the things they have been doing in terms of spending on creating an overwhelming scouting advantage. Let’s face it, anyone can spot a top 5 player, but it’s trickier to find a kid who projects to be something good, and trickier still to spot a kid who projects to be a Yankee.

Here’s where it will be trickier for the Yanks. The Yanks have been moving to a more prep based model over the past few years, and it makes all the sense in the world for the Yanks for a variety of reasons, primarily because prep picks offer the Yanks the greatest possible return. What’s more, they don’t have the dings and haven’t taken the abuse of college picks. They’re also much more likely to make it to the bigs by their early 20s.

The problem is, the Yanks will have to hope they can get great players for slightly less. The ways to do this are a) keep finding kids like Dante Bichette Jr. who will be top prospects but will also sign for slot, b) come up with more system extras to offer prep parents - things like book clubs or something - that convey a human interest in the young players, and c) really get ahead of the drafts and choose certain years to go way over the 5% allowance to have the kids that must be had, with the idea that the forfeited pick or picks could be recovered or improved in trade.

In order to make the decisions that will have to be made in each draft, it’s essential that the scouts start looking for Yankees instead of looking for major leaguers.

So how do you pick the Yankees out of the future major leaguers out of the organizational types, etc.

For position players, it’s really rather easy and it seems to have been figured out over the past two drafts. You look for Yankee Bats. These are the kids with bat speed, that either have now power, or project to have power once they fill out, but already have the quick bat, the direct stroke and let the ball get deep.

Now where a lot scouts have made mistakes on “power” and “future power” is assuming every kid who can square up 92 is gonna add power. The thing is, a lot of these kids have to load up to do it, and the way you can tell who’s loading up, is by how much trouble they do or do not have with the curve ball and the change. Melky Mesa, for example, has terrific power, but must be loading for the fastball because he has a crappy average most years and isn’t making hay on the breaking stuff. Now that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the talent to square up a fastball without cheating, but then you have to try telling HIM that because he’s the only one who doesn’t believe it, and is thus messing up his whole development. As an aside, I think it might be time to direct him to the pitchers mound.

Anyway, a kid like Dante Bichette has now power, uses the whole field and takes his walks. He has a Yankee Bat. At the same time, Mason Williams doesn’t have now power, but he has nice pop, and he hit .350 as a 19 year old in a college league last summer. Hitting .350 means he is letting the ball get deep, indentifying it, and hitting it. He has a Yankee Bat, and projects to have some pop. You can project that because he’s not cheating to hit fastballs, no one can stay as skinny as he is, and because his Dad gave him NFL genes.

But between the two of them, you have the Yankee models for a corner guy and an up the middle guy. So the position players the Yanks draft should fit those types.

The organization really shouldn’t waste too much time on kids they HOPE will hit. They should take the kids with Yankee Bats who don’t have to load up to hit the fastball, and are already identifying some pitches because they are able to swing later. It will be easier to get them to walk.

Speed is a helpful attribute, but it’s nowhere near as important as having a Yankee Bat and at least the traits of someone who is going to be able to see pitches well, take his walks and limit his outs.

What’s more, kids with Yankee Bats grow into real Yankees, and don’t have to be paid tens of millions to join the team, like a Mark Teixeira or Jason Giambi before him. They also don’t have to be replaced. And the Yanks keep looking to replace guys who don’t have Yankee bats, and it’s EXPENSIVE. Instead the Yanks can get 6 great seasons for cheap, unless they want to do something sooner, and can keep freshening the deals as the kids become vets and then are either moved for younger assetts or retired. Cano has a Yankee Bat, though he should walk more, and Montero has a Yankee Bat and he should not be traded.

On the pitching side, there hasn’t been as much of a Yankee Type. The Yanks have won with all sorts of pitching over the decades -- and largely because of their Yankee Bats. Anyway, the Yanks should be looking for kids with good arms, that strike people out. Projectable bodies are great, too, but smaller guys will be underrated and should not be overlooked.

The Yanks have been really smart about arms lately, and the new rules shouldn’t effect their strategy.

First, the Yanks have found prep arms in Northeast corridor, and though they haven’t signed them all, they have gotten kids like Cote, Maher, DeLuca, Checo and others over the past few years and all of them would have gone higher if they’d grown up in Florida or California. That’s been smart, and the Yankee Brand is strong for all of those parents, too, and that should continue to help them find common ground with the Yanks.

The other smart thing the Yanks have done is to take college relievers with stuff and strikeouts. College relievers are cheaper than college starters with comparable stuff, and that will help keep the cumulative budget down, what’s more, college seniors are cheapest of all.

The Yanks have found some good College Seniors lately, like Matt Tracy this past year, who were very much worth their while and a tribute to the scout who isolated him. Tracy was a position player and a mid-week pitcher, who really blossomed with very little pro-coaching. He’s a lefty with nice velo and a strong body, but he wasn’t overscouted because he was a mid-week guy and a position player. Well done!

That’s the sort of “buy” the Yanks should always be on the look out for.

Other pitching value can be found in pitchers who are maybe 6 feet tall or shorter, but are striking people out. Mark Montgomery is such a prospect and all he has done is go through the system like a hot knife though butter, with a knockout slider.

Guys like that are good buys, but under the new rules, probably shouldn’t be looked at until after round 10.

One thing the Yanks have been known for on the pitching side has been Lefties. While the Yanks should never, ever favor handedness over goodness, it does behoove them to search far and wide for quality lefties, remembering both Guidry and Ford were under 6 feet tall. Daniel Camarena, from the `11 draft is looking like he could fit that model of a shorter lefty who gets people out, as frequently as a big righty might. So whether it’s a big underrated guy like Tracy or a smaller gem like Camarena, you want to keep finding lefties with a chance to be Yanks, not just lefties who might make it to the show. Eventually almost all lefties make it to the show (unless they get hurt), so it’s a fool’s errand to bonus them and develop them just to throw them back in the pool.

This brings up another thing the Yanks have been doing right more often, and should continue doing, that is: not wasting picks!

In general, the organizational picks should come from the 5% allowable overage, with the entire budget going to prep prospects or college bargains with Yankee upside. You don’t want to let the org signings have any effect whatsoever on the prospects.

Oh, and really don’t bother with S2’s under the new rules, especially not on the position side. Taking someone like Suttle now, with the fixed budget is just a disaster waiting to happen. And what are S2’s anyway, but old sophomores? True Juniors who are the same age and have played more and are somehow less valuable and exotic? It’s a con that makes no sense. Now you can always make an exception for an S2 pitcher who you think can be a Yank, but don’t do it with hitters. They’re too expensive and they are older than their classes. before you know it, they are 26 and in AA. It’s a bad bet, and one that should be avoided under the new rules.

So, overall, the Yanks should keep doing what they are doing in terms of adding scouting talent and continuing their prep focus.

They should play the comp pick trade market.

They should look ahead to see if anyone or group is worth forfeiting a future (but possibly re-acquirable) first round pick over.

They should only look for future Yanks and not waste budget on typical major leaguers.

They should keep looking for corner Yankee Bats like Bichette’s and up the middle Yankee Bats like Williams.

They should continue to scout underscouted regions like the Northeast and Canada.

They should keep looking for college “bargains” like Tracy and Montgomery.

They should never waste picks, and only spend the allowable 5% or less on organizational picks.

Rangers Win Winter Classic!

2012-01-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a game! Henrik Lundqvist, turned back a penalty shot with 19 seconds left to preserve and come from behind 3-2 win for the Rangers. Wild game that saw the Rangers fall behind 2-0 mid-second only to have Mike Rupp score in the second and early in the third to tie it up for the Good Guys, Mitchell and Prust both had assists on both goals. Then, Richards, once again, scored what turned out to be the game winner and the Rangers held for the rest of the third. Philadelphia born and raised ref Ian Walsh made things interesting in the third, with 3 ridiculous calls agains the Rangers, two of which should have given them power plays with a 3-2 lead. Oh well. Even he couldn't stop the Rangers, and Marc Staal is BACK! Go Rangers!

The Giants Are In

2012-01-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

As he's been for most of the season, Eli was fantastic last night as the Giants put the Cowboys away till next season. Victor Cruz was once again electric, and Hakeem Nicks, who's been dinged up all year, also score a TD and made some plays. The running game was shutdown again, but Eli worked around it. The D was excellent in the first half, then really struggled in the 3rd quarter as the Cowboys got back into the game. But the D settled back down and the Giants won going away.

They'll play the Falcons in the first round, and if the defense holds and they win. It could be another 2007 sort of run. We'll see. Go Giants!

Rangers Win!

2011-12-30T19:03:00.001-08:00

Hagelin, Richards, Del Zotto and Dubinsky scored as the Rangers won pretty easily against Florida in Florida. They jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, then basically held on. Once the Panthers scored their only goal, Dubi came right back and reestablished the three goal lead. Richards and Hagelin also had assists to go along with their goals. Staal is getting really close to coming back. And once again, Hank was awesome,

Meanwhile, as you've read all over, the Rangers waived Avery yet again, to make room for Wolski.

Keep grinding, Rangers!

Rangers Rolling Again

2011-12-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

So how great has Carl Hagelin been? He had 2 more goals last night and that was all the Rangers needed as they shutout the Islanders. Michael Del Zotto had assists on both of those goals and was on ice again when Gaborik scored his 22nd. MDZ is the player we thought we drafted and has gone from being on the fringes to being a rock solid member of the CORE this season. And Gaborik is doing what he does when healthy. Oh, and Hank and Biron are giving the Rangers a goaltending advantage every night. And Marc Staal has been cleared for contact. How does it get any better than this? Go Rangers!

Knicks Wn!!!!

2011-12-25T11:58:00.001-08:00

The Knick are still a work in progress with not all of their parts, but they do have two healthy superstars and Carmelo Anthony scored 17 points in the 4th to allow the Knicks to beat the Celts 106-104. The defensive effort was there, if not the results. Tyson Chandler didn't fill up the stat sheet, but he had some big plays on D and O. Amar'e was Amar'e, which is great. Iman Shumpert was missing everything but playing good D, when he got barreled into and sprained his MCL. He'll be out two weeks. Could have been worse. Jorts didn't play much but played good D. TD was up and down, and the Celtic guards just own him for some reason. Anyway, the Knicks are a work in progress, but this was a GREAT WIN! Merry Christmas, my friends!!!!!!!!!

Rangers Clock Flyers!

2011-12-23T18:37:00.001-08:00

What a rivalry week before Christmas for the Rangers! 3-0!!!!!!! They just beat the Flyers 4-2 in a game that was never in doubt after Derek Stepan scored an amazing goal in the second period to start the scoring. Fedotenko, Gaborik and Callahan scored the other Ranger goals. The Flyer scored in the third to make it 3-1 but the Rangers came right back and made in 4-1 on the Cally goal. The Flyers last goal was off a high stick, and doubt it would have been ruled a goal if the outdoor game wasn't coming up. Meanwhile Stu Bickel has 4 points in 4 games and is defending teammates. And it seems like everyone who comes up is helping. This was a physical game at the end of a physical week, and the Rangers won all three games. The Garden was electric tonight. Way to go crowd! Oh and MDZ had two more assists. We have a star, folks! Go Rangers!

Signs of Life?

2011-12-22T18:47:00.001-08:00

Brandon Dubinsky had a GOAL!!!! and an assist as the Rangers pasted the Islanders 4-2 tonight. Gaborik added his 20th, and Michael Del Zotto, who is coming into his own, added one on a blast that handcuffed the goalie. Mitchell had the other goal, and all he does is play right. Marty Biron got the win, his 7th in 8 tries. This is when you know you have a pretty good team, and we do. Go Rangers!!!!

Rangers Beat Devils

2011-12-20T18:24:00.001-08:00

The Rangers just beat a red hot New Jersey Devil team in New Jersey in what was a very tough game most of the way. The Devils scored in the first, then Hank turned it up a notch. The Rangers evened the score in the second on a sweet goal from Artie, set-up by Stepan. The tie was broken in the 3rd on a Gaborik goal, also from Stepan. Gaborik would score an empty netter later and the GAS line accounted for 7 points (three goals and 4 assists). That's spectacular. The Rangers got another goal, this one a shorty from Carl Hagelin who was sprung by call-up Stu Bickel. Erixon was also called up and played tonight. In other good news, it sounds like Marc Staal is on the mend! Go Rangers!

Knicks Add Novak

2011-12-19T19:32:00.001-08:00

The Knicks just added Steve Novak to their bench for the vet minimum. He can't really do anything but hit threes, but that's a great skill to have for the Knicks and they didn't have to touch their 2.5 exception. The roster is starting to come together. Posey could be next. Go Knicks!

Knicks Got Davis?

2011-12-18T16:42:00.001-08:00

Reports are coming in from all over that the Knicks will sign Baron Davis tomorrow. That's another strong move in the wake of the Tyson Chandler signing and the reality that they are not getting Chris Paul anytime soon. Paul would have been great. He's great anywhere he goes, but, the Knicks biggest issues were size and defense and Tyson Chandler brings both and makes sure Amar'e doesn't have to play C anymore. That may help the Knicks, which are built around two elite scoring forwards, more than even adding an elite PG would. However; with Davis, if healthy and feeling it, the Knicks may have the best of both worlds. Davis doesn't have a talent problem, he has had a motivation problem at times, but he also has not gotten to play for a team with this kind of talent before. The other good news for the Knicks this weekend is that Shumpert and Harrelson are impressing everyone with their games and game readiness. Should be a fun season. Go Knicks!

Giants Lose Another Must Win Game

2011-12-18T12:52:00.001-08:00

But but for the `07 title run, every year of the Couglin era has started off pretty well and collapsed toward the end. `07 must now be seen as the exception to the rule. Even if the Giants beat the Jets and Dallas and make the playoffs, this just isn't good enough for a team whose Super Bowl window probably opened a year early. They have not been elite since Plax shot himself, and thats' inexcusable.

What a Win!

2011-12-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

Brad Richards just score a backhander at 19:59 of the third period to give the Rangers a 3-2 win in Phoenix. It really looked like we were heading to overtime after the Rangers couldn't score on a big power play. Artem Anisimov was a scratch due to illness and Rupp returned. Steven Eminger had to leave the game injured. But, if not for the late goal, we would be talking about Marian Gaborik, who scored the first two goals for the Rangers, including his 300th! But the Rangers two greatest offensive players got the job done when the Rangers really needed it most, and ain't it great to have `em? Now, back to the East Coast to play the Devils and let's beat them like drums. Go Rangers!

Baron Davis Finally Amnestied

2011-12-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Earlier today, it was announced that Baron Davis has a bulging disc. Just now it's been reported he has been amnestied. If no one claims him, the Knicks will probably pick him up for the Vet Min. In some unfortunate news, Jamal Crawford has told the Knicks they are out of the running for his services this year. Shawne Williams will probably be back for the 2.5 M exception any minute now. Go Knicks.

UPDATE: Baron Davis has cleared waivers and is able to sign with any team but the Cavs now.

Rangers Lose

2011-12-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

Jeff Woywitka made a mistake in the neutral zone and it lead to the only goal in a 1-0 Ranger loss. The kind of mistake he made was a little un-Rangerlike, and I wouldn't be surprised if it puts him in street clothes. Of course, he or someone else might not be playing if we were healthier on D, but it's starting to show. We've lost 3 out of 4 now and it would be a great time for Dubinsky to bust out of his season long slump. Go Rangers!

Baron Davis?

2011-12-12T10:37:00.001-08:00

Though Baron Davis has not yet been amnesty waived, there is a lot of buzz right now that he will make it to the Knicks. If so, that would probably allow us to trade Tony Douglas in and S and T for Crawford or another 2. Davis is a talent, and he seems to play better in better situations. He's also been known to put on weight. That said, he could really flourish in the D'Antoni system and with the big 3. I'm still concerned about the 2, though. Go Knicks!

Giants Tebow Cowboys!

2011-12-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Wow! The Giants were down 12 points with about 5 minutes left and Eli came up with two TD drives and Jason Pierre-Paul blocked a field goal attempt and the Giants finally won a game! And it was huge. JPP is going to be a monster He had two sacks, two forced fumbles, some TFL's and then the block. It was an LT type game and I'm overjoyed to say it. What a comeback. Eli is MAGIC! JPP is maybe something even more. We ran the ball pretty well tonight, too. Finally! Go Giants! Celebrate people!!!!!!!

Stepan!

2011-12-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Derek Stepan had 2 goals, one a rebound, the other and end to end rush, as well as an assist in a monster game as the Rangers pounded Florida 6-1. Artie and Gabby also scored to give each member of the GAS line a goal. Richards and Emminger had the other Ranger goals. Nice weekend. Go Rangers!

Crawford Redux?

2011-12-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Knicks and Jamal Crawford are apparently trying to work out a sign and trade that would return the streaky scorer with the killer crossover to the fans that love him most. It will be interesting to see if it can be done. The Knicks have Tony Douglas, the trade exception from Turiaf and other stuff to send the other way if they want to and if the Hawks are ammenable. They may also be adding JJ Barea to their PG mix for the 2.5 mini-exception they have left. Go Knicks!

And a Child Will Lead Them

2011-12-10T18:28:00.001-08:00

Carl Hagelin had his first two goal game, and Marty Biron was more than solid as the Rangers went to Buffalo and beat the Sabres 4-1 to end their two game losing streak. Both Hagelin's first goal and Callahan's goal were short handed. Carl's second goal was at even strength and Marian Gaborik's 14th goal came on a late power play! Terrific effort by the Rangers. Go Blueshirts!!!!!!!!

Knicks Finally Adding Jerome Jordan

2011-12-10T04:57:00.001-08:00

The Knicks have finally come to terms with former Tulsa Center Jerome Jordan. You'll remember the Knicks paid 1 million dollars in the 2010 draft for the rights to Jordan, then let him go overseas to play last year. Now, they finally have an established C Jordan can learn behind in Tyson Chandler, and Jordan gives them another 7 footer who can run the floor and finish. Jordan also has some shotblocking and defensive potential down the road. With Chander, Jordan and Jorts, the Knicks have added much needed beef to bolster their front line. Nice progression of moves. Go Knicks!

Mike Bibby a Knick

2011-12-09T21:18:00.001-08:00

Many years past his prime, Mike Bibby is flying to New York to join the team his father started out with almost 40 years ago. Hopefully, Bibby is being brought in because he knows how to run and team and to teach Iman Shumpert some of the tricks of the game and how it is done. Don't know what the dollars are, but now they need to find a two who can score. Go Knicks!

Now It Looks Like a Sign and Trade!

2011-12-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is interesting: apparently the Tyson Chandler deal is now a sign and trade with Dallas and the Knicks might even be keeping Chauncy Billups instead of using our amnesty power on him! This is getting very interesting! Go Knicks!

UPDATE: So it looks like Dallas will only take back 1 low salaried player to create a trade exception. Thus the Knicks will still have to amnesty Billups to get under the cap to make the trade and take on Chandler's salary. Oh well. They may have another trade or two they can make after this.

UPDATE: Turiaf has been traded to Washington for what would appear to be a trade exception of his full salary. This could be really useful if the Knicks try to find a better 1 or 2. Though I now believe they see Iman Shumpert as a 1, and might bring Bibby in to tutor him. In that case, I think they'd go make a trade for a 2 who can score.

Rangers Lose Shootout

2011-12-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

The Rangers gave up a late game tying shorthanded goal, then missed a bunch of shots in overtime, then all their shots in the shootouts, to lose. Former Ranger Dominic Moore scored the shorty and the only goal in the shootout. 1 point. C'mon, Rangers.

Alas, Paul to the Lakers

2011-12-08T15:05:00.001-08:00

Apparently, the Knicks got the news earlier than most and made their countermove for Tyson Chandler. They're apparently using the amnesty clause on Chauncy Billups and dealing off Turiaf in a separate move to open cap space for Chandler. Though that should open more than is necessary for Chandler. This gives them an overwhelming front court, with a very good defender at C. The Knicks are now shaky at the guard spots, but Iman Shumpert could develop into a quality one or two and they still have Tony Douglas as well as some room to go after a veteran PG like Baron Davis who is also getting the amnesty treatment tomorrow. If they can settle the point, this is a team that can go deep in the playoffs. Go Knicks.

UPDATE: Apparently, the NBA owners have killed the Chris Paul to the Lakers deal. It's unclear if this will have any effect on the Knicks or their plans.

Tyson Chandler?

2011-12-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Either the Toast has been scrapped, and the Knicks are about to add a much needed defensive Center in Tyson Chandler, or the brinksmanship is out of hand and they are trying to make Chris Paul demand a trade to the Knicks before they complete their sign and trade for Chandler. It would seem the only way to get Paul if they already get Chandler would be by trading Chandler and stuff or trading Amar'e. Both seem unlikely. It the deal for Chandler goes through, look for them to pick up Baron Davis or someone for this year, then get Steve Nash at the deadline or next year. Wild times in Knickland.

It Has to be Yu!

2011-12-07T22:53:00.001-08:00

Yu Darvish is finally getting posted either Thursday or Friday. I think the Yanks plan on winning the bidding, and will only sign Nakajima if they win the bidding for Darvish. If that happens, I then expect Nunez to be moved for another pitcher, and Cespedes to be the Yanks other FA target. Go Yanks! Get your man!

Yanks Win Rights to Nakajima

2011-12-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

It's just been announced that the Yanks have won the rights to Japanese Shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima. Obviously, it isn't to replace Jeter, and at 29, he's not a prospect. This probably means they will move Nunez in a trade for pitching.

You see conflicting reports on the player, but he seems to take his walks and have some pop. One of the guys I follow on Twitter is a baseball scout in Japan and really like Nakajima. We'll have to see what the rest of the moves are. Go Yanks!

The Toast?

2011-12-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

Last week we heard that Chris Paul had had his agent request a trade to the Knicks. Now the Hornets are saying they might trade him before the season. I wonder if he really can push his way to the Knicks now. What do you think?

Another Streak Ends

2011-12-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

The Rangers almost came all the way back from a 3-0 deficit but couldn't tonight. Once again, they erupted in the second period, but the period ended before they could push a third goal across. Anisimov and Gaborik scored the Ranger goals. Sauer took a blow to the head, late, that not only should have been a penalty, but may have really hurt him, and that's more important than a win or a loss tonight. Let's hope he's okay. Time to start a new streak. Go Rangers!

The Winter Meetings

2011-12-04T17:40:00.001-08:00

So Brian Cashman heads down to Dallas tomorrow for the Winter Meetings. Nothing seems "hot" with the Yankees as they wait for Darvish, Cespedes and Soler to hit the market. Maybe they'll pick someone in the rule five. Maybe not. Just don't trade Montero, and things should be okay. Go Yanks!

Second Half Swoon Continues for Giants

2011-12-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

The offense played pretty well outside of some three and out and a pick six from Eli, but the D was the D we are used to, and the Giants lost in regulation after tying he game with less than a minute to go. The defense was what we've seen all year. A sieve. Unreal and against everything the Giants are built on. The refs didn't help, either, but now the Giants are 6-6 having lost 4 in a row. We've seen this every year of the Coughlin era but one. Let's see what happens now.

Rangers Make it 5 in a Row!

2011-12-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

It was a tough game, where the Rangers fell behind twice 1-0 and 2-1 but they came back, pulling ahead on a late goal by Derek Stepan and an empty netter from Brad Richards to beat Tampa 4-2. Fedotenko and AA had the other goals. Needless to say, if Stepan and Artem are ready to start scoring, there's no telling where this team could go. They'll go for their 2500th franchise win Monday night against Toronto at the Garden. Go Rangers! What a team!

Rangers Win Again

2011-12-01T18:31:00.001-08:00

The Rangers just got done beating the Canes 5-3 in front of Marty Biron. This is the kind of game the Rangers must win, against a lesser team, with Biron in goal, and the won it. McDonagh, Callahan, Gaborik, Avery and Sauer had the goals. They had another big second period, and Hagelin picked up another assist on Sauer's goal. He has scored in every one of his games. Keep it going, Rangers, and add parts carefully! Go Rangers!

Paul Requests Trade to Knicks

2011-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Chris Paul's agent has officially requested a trade to the Knicks. We'll see how this plays out, but the league would be wise to put him in NYC, as it's bound to happen next June, anyway. Might as well get it over with and not have a drama that overshadows the first year of the new CBA. Carmelo never officially took this step. Stay tuned.

Imminent?

2011-11-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

Reports are starting to fly that a Bobby Ryan to the Rangers trade is imminent. He'd be a good add, but of course the price is everything. While it's important that the Rangers don't disrupt the current team too much, it's just as important that they don't trade prospects like Kreider who are future core. We'll see what happens.

Rangers Beat Pens!

2011-11-29T19:07:00.000-08:00

The Rangers just beat their 3rd straight tough opponent as they defeated Pittsburgh 4-3 in regulation for 2 points. That was their 7th straight win at home. Nice. Cally, Richards, Mitchell and Gaborik scored for the Rangers. All of the Ranger goals came in a frenetic second period. Carl Hagelin had another assist and he and Mitchell have both scored in all three of their games with the Rangers. They have really dimensionalized the O. And man, did the Pens get dirty when they were down in the third. Fortunately, the Rangers didn't take the bait. Great win. Now it's on to Carolina, and let's win there! Go Rangers!

Bobby Ryan?

2011-11-29T13:59:00.001-08:00

Brooksie is now reporting that the Rangers have had preliminary talks with Anaheim about acquiring LW Bobby Ryan. Ryan's a good player and would help the Rangers right away, but the question is, as with any deal, what's he gonna cost? He's not an elite scorer, though he would be a good fit and does play for Team USA which the Rangers seem to LOVE. On the plus side he is just 24. The Rangers are currently cap strapped, so something on the big roster would have to be going back, but the prospects are the keys. Ryan has recently been placed on the third line for the Ducks, so the Ranger should not be paying a top 6 price. We'll see if there's a match, I don't want Kreider, Miller, Thomas, or McIlrath going the other way. And I don't really see Ryan as putting us over the top. I would; however, consider moving Dubi, who's a little inconsistent. Interesting idea. Go Rangers!

We've Seen This One Before

2011-11-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

The Giants second half swoon. Ever since Plax shot himself, this has not been the same tough team they had been, and they fall apart most years. In fact, under Coughlin, three out of 4 DC's have been awful. Anyway, I hope it's the last time we see this. I have no idea who the new coach should be, but there should be one.

Hagelin Scores His First as Rangers Shutout Flyers

2011-11-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

Man, was Hank good today in shutting out the Flyers. And you know what? So were the rest of the Rangers including goal scorers Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin. Good luck sending down that kid. He's brought speed, responsibility and a nice pair of hands to the big club, and they have been just what's been needed. Just a terrific weekend for the Rangers, and they may just need the right mix of what they already have to make a run. If they get Staal back, so much the better. Great weekend! Go Rangers!

Lockout Ends

2011-11-26T08:44:00.001-08:00

If the new deal is ratified as expected, both Free Agency and training camps will open December 9th and the season will start on Christmas day. That's kind of like finally doing something you should and acting like it's a gift. Funny. But it is good to have the Knicks back. And, as always, they are surrounded by questions. Will they hire a GM? Can they sign anyone? Will they trade for CP3 or await his free agency? Will they go in another direction entirely and try to win now? Can Jordan come to America? And how will the rookies do?

Rangers Clobber Caps!

2011-11-25T18:39:00.001-08:00

Ruslan Fedotenko scored twice, and Gaborik, Artie, Richards and Boyle added goals in a 6-3 stomping of the Capitols. Hank was hot early in a scoreless first, then the GAS line ignited in the second. Carl Hagelin picked up an assist and looked sharp in his first NHL. Now let's hope they bring the O tomorrow against Philly, splits are only good if you've lost to first half. They've won the first half and it's time to flog the Flyers. Go Rangers!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

2011-11-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

If the Giants and Rangers weren't coming off of losses, I would have hoisted a picture of one of them! Instead, it's a kid the Yanks should sign. They appear to be close to resigning Freddie Garcia. That's fine. I think they'll make some trades, but don't think they'll trade Jesus Montero. I think they will be in on Darvish. Go teams! And Go you guys!

Giants Lose

2011-11-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

Once again, they seemed terribly unprepared for a home game. And it really does look like their annual second half collapse has begun. Same shit, different year. What's the definition of insanity again?

Seventh Heaven

2011-11-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Brad Richards came through with another game winning goal with less than 5 minutes left in the game to give the Rangers their eventual 4-2 win over the Islanders out on the Island. Avery and Eminger scored the first two Ranger goals, and Cally slapped in an empty netter to beat the horn at game's end. They killed a lot of penalties and continue to get mostly great goaltending from Hank. They have what would seem to be tougher game's ahead, but with Hank, they'll always have a chance and if the O continues to improve, they should win some of those tough ones. Go Rangers!

The GM Meetings

2011-11-14T22:59:00.001-08:00

Tuesday will be the start of the annual GM meetings. Both these and the owners meetings which follow them set the agenda for the Winter Meetings that will take place in December. Nothing generally comes out of the meetings, though two years ago, the Curtis Granderson deal got started at the GM meetings. For his part, Cash is probably doing his annual price indexing for trades and free agents. Otherwise, things remain quiet on the Yankee front.

6 in a Row!

2011-11-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

Brandon Dubinsky finally scored a goal as the Rangers used a 4 goal explosion in the third t bury Carolina 5-1. Avery got the Rangers going in the first with a skillsy goal. Then he also drew 2 penalties in the second and picked up an assist in the 3rd. Great game, for Aves. Gaborik also had a great game, but he didn't score! Cam Ward was playing out of his mind till the third, when goals by Girardi, Dubi, Cally and Richards turned this one into a laugher. Nice to see some of the other guys score after a week of all Gabby and Stepan. And nicer still that the team is firing on more and more cylinders. Let's make it 7! Go Rangers!

5 Straight

2011-11-10T00:02:00.001-08:00

Marion Gaborik continued his comeback with two more goals tonight as the Rangers beat the Senators in Ottawa. The line of Gaborik, Stepan and Anisimov was on fire as the Stepan scored the other goal on a set-up from Artie. Funny, that we all expected Richards to spring Gabby, but it's Stepan. Keep it going, Rangers!

Big Target?

2011-11-08T14:50:00.001-08:00

The Yanks have now had a whole contingent of their upper level evaluators look at Yoenis Cespedes, the latest Cuban slugger to defect looking to make it in MLB. There's a lot of tape of him on youtube, and his swing will remind you over Willie Mays with some Sammy Sosa mixed in. He looks like a great athlete in the field, the the Yanks would have to use him in right. He's reportedly 26, so he could probably make the big league club fairly soon. He has also displayed a pretty good .80 separation between BA and OBP over his Cuban career, so he's not a wild swinger. Let's see if the Yanks go hard.

4 in a Row!

2011-11-06T18:37:00.001-08:00

Marty Biron got his first shutout in over 2 years, and Derek Stepan had a goal and two assists, as the Rangers beat the Jets 3-0! Gaborik had two more goals, one an empty netter, both on feeds from Step. Richards and MDZ set-up Step's goal. Great homestand after and inauspicious start last weekend. Stepan and MDZ are stepping up! Go Rangers!

ELIte, Nuff Said!

2011-11-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

Eli Manning inadvertently created controversy earlier this year when he affirmatively answered a question as to whether he belonged in Brady's class among the league's elite. Well, he just answered it again, so everybody can now just accept it. Eli matched 4th quarter TD's with Brady and was once again on the winning end as the Giants beat the Pats 24-20 in Foxboro. Let the excuses flow. It was another physical game between the two, and the Giant nearly blew it a few times, but they did it, and they did it without Nicks, Bradshaw and Baas. Eli is having an MVP type season, though some other guys are as well. Gotta beat SF next week. Go Giants!

Rangers Beat Habs

2011-11-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

In a crazy throwback game that saw all sorts of botched power plays and end to end action, the Rangers beat Montreal 5-3 on goals by Christiansen, Girardi, Del Zotto, Richards and Callahan (empty netter). Christiansen has really picked it up over this developing win streak. What's more, MDZ is starting to look like he could be special again. He scored on a beautiful backhander, and is solidly in plus territory for the year. The Rangers dominated the first period, 3-0. But the Habs scored to start the second and then scored again, before Brad Richards scored scored a huge goal to make it 4-2 with less than two minutes left in the second. The Canadiens scored late on a deflection to make if 4-3, but then Cally iced it with his empty netter. Stepan and Artie both had a pair of assists. Dubi continues to struggle. Keep it going, Rangers!

Rangers Win Shootout

2011-11-03T18:56:00.001-07:00

Marian Gaborik scored the gamewinner in the shootout as the Rangers beat the Ducks at MSG, and got 2 points. It should have been a blowout, but the Rangers, as a team, have some baaad hands and couldn't connect on a bunch of great chances. Still, they stuck with it and got the win against a tough opponent. Maybe they're learning how. Oh, and they signed Stralman for 1 year, 900K. Career - defender. Oh well. Go Rangers!

Yanks Decline Option on Brackman

2011-11-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Yankees have declined the option on former first round project Andrew Brackman. Though Brackman showed signs from time to time, he never became the dominant force he was expected to be by the Yanks. Needing TJ immediately upon signing messed up his clock. It wouldn't surprise me if he emerges as a good reliever somewhere at some point. The move opens up a spot on the 40. Cashman's new deal was also made official.

It Has to be Yu

2011-10-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Yanks have already taken care of their most pressing need for 2012 by re-signing CC Sabathia. Now, they need to be patient and see what their options are for rebuilding the bench and rotation. The big exception here is Yu Darvish. It's no secret that the Yanks have been scouting Darvish for years. I also think they have been pooling funds for a bid on Darvish. Darvish makes the most sense for the Yanks because all he will cost is money, and no players or picks. The Yanks don't look like they will be picking up any extra draft picks this year, so they need to protect the ones they have to the extent they can. Darvish is a stuff pitcher who has dominated his league for years, and is still young. He will be younger than Phil Hughes next year, for example. So getting him would give them a chance add an impact starter for years to come. Nothing wrong with that. The only uncertainty is the bidding process, but, hopefully, they've done their homework and will win the right to sign him.

Other than that, they just need to find this year's Chavez, Jones, Garcia and Colon. They can do it. Go Yanks!

Rangers Clobber Sharks

2011-10-31T18:27:00.001-07:00

The Rangers played their best game of the year, and beat the Sharks 5-2 with Marty Biron in the net. Artem Anisimov and Derek Stepan each scored their first goals of they year, and they had really been "missing." Captain Cally scored 2, and McDonagh added another! Just a very complete game, with more of the kids pouring it on, than just Gabby and Richards. Brandon Prust got into an early fight, and that might have been what got them going, or it could have been the specter of Avery's return. Christensen had two assists, and prior to tonight, he hadn't really done a thing. Dubi also had two assists, but has yet to score a goal. This is a game to build on. Go Rangers!

CC Stays!

2011-10-31T16:51:00.001-07:00

The Yanks avoided a prolonged chess match with Team Sabathia by extending CC today. The extension only adds one year to his current deal, and 30M of total value. That is an insanely good deal given the market place CC might have enjoyed had he opted out. Now, this is almost a good as him not threatening to opt out at all. If he can control his weight going forward, he should be effective for 5 more years. Whether or not he will be ace quality, remains to be seen. Needless to say, great job, Cash! Go Yanks!

CC Opting Out?

2011-10-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Yankees have apparently made CC a new offer, but reports are coming out that he will opt out tomorrow to test the market. I think this will turn out to be a disastrous move for CC if he really does opt out. The fans will not forget it.

This is How Bad the Rangers Have Been

2011-10-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

They re-called Sean Avery.

Giants Win Sluggish

2011-10-30T15:44:00.001-07:00

Eli Manning once again played like an NFL MVP, but the playcalling, lack of a running game and several egregious drops, kept the Giants behind for most of today's game. Manningham, Nicks, Jacobs, Ballard and others all had drops. The Giants should have mauled this Miami team. But the Giants once again played down to their level of competition. The Giant D didn't show up at all till the second half, and for awhile it was looking like another Seattle game. The schedule gets tough starting now. We're going have to be able to run the ball, play defense and catch the ball to get through it. Manningham and Cruz scored touchdowns. Go Giants.

Cash Deal Done?

2011-10-28T16:07:00.001-07:00

Rumors abound that Brian Cashman and the Yankees have agreed to a new deal. Let's hope they are true. And let's hope he has secured more support for his amateur scouts and budgets. In another great break for the Yanks, the Angels foolishly hired Jerry DiPoto instead of Yankee draft master Damon Oppenheimer. Hopefully, the Yanks will do something for Damon that makes him harder to poach. He has revolutionized the drafts and keeps refining and refining the approach.

In other Yankee stuff, they appear to be negotiating with CC Sabathia to head off an opt-out. I like CC, but have not understood his leverage at all. He's really only had about 2 or 3 months of pitching like a superstar in his Yankee career. But he has been paid like a superstar for all three years of his current deal. Now, I will give him a bit of a mulligan for this year because the switch to the 6 man rotation basically coincided with his fall from absolute dominance.

I think the PR cost for CC would be severe if he opted out, as well. As unfair as people have been to ARod, CC opting out would open him to ARod comparisons, and that's not the side of the fans any player should want to be on. Let's hope they get something done. I'm not too worried about adding years to big lefties. They tend to last, even through knee stuff or back stuff.

Can't Upload Pics Right Now

2011-10-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

But man, was that European Trip mishandled. This is a listless team. Their two goals tonight came from the D. The forwards aren't passing well and their shots are once again missing the mark - constantly. They'll need to do much better. Go Rangers!

Rangers Win

2011-10-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Feds scored his first goal of the year, on a power play, then Ryan Callahan scored the game winner on another power play. This isn't to say the power play looked good. It didn't. And the Rangers still didn't look good. But, they won with Biron, and that's got to be a positive. Still, Torts seemed to be benching and switching up lines throughout, and they still have not looked like last year's team. Richards has yet to get going, and thus we have not established the super line we were hoping for. And the Cally, Dubi, AA line has been an offensive disaster thus far. Their next game is at home, hopefully, we'll start to see some cohesion there. Go Rangers.