-This just in: Former Giants coach Jim Fassel was fired as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. Self-proclaimed genius/Coach Brian Billick will take over. Did it ever occur to him that it might not have been Fassel’s fault? When you have a washed up Air McNair and predictable running game, what did you expect? No truth to the rumor that the Ravens will be changing their name to Baltibore.
-It’s ashame about Cory Lidle. What’s even sadder during last week’s tragic plane crash in Manhattan is that there was also a student pilot aboard who also lost their life. I can understand why athletes would want to learn how to fly. As current Canadiens’ right wing Alexei Kovalev points out in this article, the lengthy security measures and hassle are a big part of why. But Kovalev, who has flown planes for nine years also alludes to what might’ve gone wrong in Lidle’s case. The weather wasn’t the best. Read more here:
http://rmhl.hockey.sportsline.com/news/1160639290
I think what’s most sad is the impact it will have on Lidle’s family along with the student pilot who is no longer around. Hopefully, such incidents will be prevented in the future.
-So we’re back up and running after some time off. A lot has happened. A belated congratulations to the Staten Island Yankees on repeating as NY-Penn League champs. It was another exciting run capped off by a 2-0 shutout of Tri-City in Game 3 on Friday, September 15 a month ago. All summer, they relied on solid starting pitching, a strong bullpen and timely hitting and solid defense to win close games. That formula worked to perfection as starter George Kontos K’d 11 in an inspired six innings while Kyle Larsen drove in both runs to make him a winner. But also, the combined relief work of Nick Peterson and Mark Melanchon couldn’t be overlooked as the dynamic duo combined to shut the door and help the Baby Bombers take their fourth championship. When Melanchon struckout the final batter swinging, a massive celebration took place on the field as players burst out of the dugout. To recap, a heroic Kontos was interviewed by TV, myself and others on the field before the party got started inside the locker room. With champagne sprayed everywhere, it was about as exciting and chaotic as I expected. Don’t believe me? Here’s the proof:
Final thought: There’s nothing better than covering a winner. It speaks for itself!
-A thought on the Yankees’ collapse to Detroit in the ALDS. Those kids from Staten Island could’ve put up a better fight.
-If these A-Rod to the Cubs rumors are true, where do I sign?
-It is disturbing to see that the Hurricanes continue to embarrass themselves with moronic behavior on the field. You’d think they’d have learned from stomping on the Louisville Cardinals logo after getting taken apart. They can say it wasn’t their fault against a weak opponent. But if you score a TD and you point to the opponent, that’s taunting and going to rile them up. More embarrassing is that these types of incidents seem to be the trend with football players. That stamping by that Houston offensive lineman in the NFL a few weeks ago was a joke. And even sadder was they were only suspended and docked pay for five or six games. When players such as Tiki and Ronde Barber and Keyshawn Johnson say that wasn’t enough, it speaks volumes. It should’ve been the season.
-Make me care about TO.
-Now that the Giants have woken up in time to save their season, we’re going to find out a lot about them at Dallas this Sunday and when they play the undefeated Bears in a few weeks. Those same Bears who somehow managed an improbable comeback from 20 down to win 23-22 without even an offensive score. Overcoming an abysmal effort from QB Rex Grossman (4 Ints, 6 turnovers), the Chicago D benefited from a very poor decision by Arizona coach Dennis Green, who somehow opted to punt to dangerous returner Devin Hester. I’ve seen Hester pull off those same juke moves for the Canes. And of course, he predictably left the Cards in the dust and made about three or four fall down. It was comical. Even more hilarious was that rookie Matt Leinart drove the Cards into FG range only to see kicker Neil Rackers miss a 41-yard FG wide right. So, how ticked off was Green? He went berserk at the postgame conference and kicked the podium before storming out. And today, he axed offensive coordinator Keith Rowen. Talk about taking out frustrations. Maybe it’s just me. But could it be that Green coaches a hexed franchise. The Cards are about as pathetic as it gets. Maybe the football gods wouldn’t allow such an upset to take place. When almost half your stadium is packed with opposing fans, you don’t deserve a team. They’re a laughingstock for a reason.
-We’re going to find out something about these Mets the next two days with their season on the line against St. Louis.
-Glad to see hockey back. But all the penalties are killing the game. I understand they’re trying to followthrough on keeping it a fastmoving game by eliminating all the hooks and interference. But now officials are even inventing calls to justify the means. Is this what commish Gary Bettman had in mind? There are way too many stoppages. Hopefully, it cools down a little.
-Find me a more exciting and cohesive team than the Buffalo Sabres. Disgusting slug logo aside.
