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by Derek Felix

Melo vs Deron

February 23, 2011 in columns, Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101, Knicks, NBA

Who is the better superstar? It looks like we’re about to find out. A couple of days after the Knicks closed their long awaited blockbuster trade with the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony, the Nets responded by making one of their own, acquiring Deron Williams from the Jazz earlier today.

Both are two top 10 players you build your franchise around. Though the Knicks are further along with Melo set to team with Amar’e Stoudemire beginning tonight in what will be a circus-like atmosphere at Madison Square Garden when the orange and blue host the Bucks on Legends Night. Yep. Talk about great timing. The likes of Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and popular Knick John Starks will all be in the building for Day One of Melo Madness. The Knicks’ new savior is being introduced now at a gala press conference.

So, did Jazzy Jim overpay for Melo? Is water wet? Is the sky blue? Is the price of gasoline insane? Of course, the foolish MSG owner panicked when the Nets played poker, making Denver a better offer chock full of potential lottery picks along with last year’s first rounder Derrick Favors and Devin Harris. Ironically, that same package wound up in Salt Lake City for Williams, who is arguably the best point guard in the league though we prefer Rajon Rondo.

What’s better to have? A franchise point guard or two of the best finishers along with a championship proven floor general in Chauncey Billups? It all depends on who you root for. The Nets are clearly in rebuilding mode, having also dumped Troy Murphy on Golden State for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric. With Williams ready to team with center Brooke Lopez despite being unhappy after forcing Jerry Sloan into retirement, the Nets become much better. They now have one of the best one’s in the game who makes others around him better. But is he a coach killer? The Nets and quirky Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov hope not. Avery Johnson is a good coach who knows what it takes to go deep into the playoffs. He may not be as demanding as Sloan but is cut out of the same mold.

The Nets risked three first round picks with potential lottery value for an unhappy player who isn’t signed after 2012. Will the gamble pay off? They must get Williams to buy into their plan for the future. Figure Dwight Howard to be at the top of the list.

While the Nets’ future remains cloudy, the Knicks coughed up half of MSG for the self-serving Melo. Sure. He’s one of the premier scorers in the game, able to beat opponents inside and out better than LeBron James, who too often drifts to the perimeter. Anthony is great at getting to the line and will relieve pressure from Stoudemire, who’s had to carry the load for the 28-26 Knicks, who sit sixth in the East. If Billups buys in to Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system, then it will work. But it’s hard to see a half court veteran who likes playing D fitting in. The subtraction of a younger and faster Ray Felton might hinder the Knicks if Billups isn’t happy.

Anthony doesn’t play much defense and neither does Amar’e, who at least can block shots as will injury prone new starting center Ronny Turiaf. While a top four of Billups, Melo, Amar’e and bright rookie Landry Fields is great, questions linger about their bench. Sure. No ‘D’ uses a thin rotation, which can force his stars to play mega minutes. But without a reliable bench, there’s little shot at winning anything. Even if the time table isn’t to challenge for a championship now, you know Knick fans’ expectations have increased. No longer is it only about making the playoffs but seeing how far this star-laden team can go. All contingent on the chemistry on and off the court.

Gone are baby faces Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler who were part of the 13-player monster trade that also involved the Timberwolves who took Eddy Curry and bust Anthony Randolph for key piece Corey Brewer. Figure Brewer to get some minutes under D’Antoni. Also gone are Felton and Russian big Timofey Mozgov, who the organization was reluctant to part with. That all changed once Dolan stepped in with rival Prokhorov looming.

This is a turf war. Especially with the future of the Nets in Brooklyn, who have strong basketball roots. So, the Knicks coughed up the kitchen sink including a 2014 first round pick, two second rounders plus cash just to deliver Anthony here along with Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams and former Knick draft pick Renaldo Balkman, who makes his triumphant return. What Knick fan isn’t excited about that?!?!?!?! And Balkman plays D and is a bundle of energy. Play him No ‘D!’

So, who wins? We won’t know for a while. The Knicks are further along in terms of contending now that they got two superstars. But the Celtics, Heat and Bulls are still ahead. It won’t be easy but it sure will be exciting to watch. Even if this blogger hated how much they parted with, how can you not get pumped up for this?

Knicks versus Nets never had more meaning. Melo vs Deron. Who will rule NYC first? Just wait and see.

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by Derek Felix

Wilpons must get it right

October 4, 2010 in columns, NY Mets

Finally! Well, at least that’s what Amazin’ fans are saying today. Following another disappointing season, the Mets sacked GM Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel today- confirming what had been the obvious.

So, the Wilpons finally shake things up and start fresh. Something their suffering fanbase have been dying for for quite some time.  Since Carlos Beltran took a called third strike against Cards’ hero Adam Wainwright leaving the bases loaded in the NLCS Game Seven, it’s all been downhill for a franchise that remains stuick on two championships (1969, 1986). What had looked so promising with that ’06 team fell apart in epic fashion.

Nobody could’ve predicted the ’07 and ’08 collapses, tormenting fans even more. Nor could anyone have foresaw all the injuries to key stars Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, K-Rod and Johan Santana the past two years, which killed any realistic chance of October baseball at their new ballpark, Citi Field.

Who also knew that David Wright would only hit five homers in his first season in the state of the art setting? Sometimes, you just can’t tell. Or that prize free agent Jason Bay would struggle even worse before being KO’d by a concussion. To quote a Guns N’ Roses song My Michelle, “Well, well, well, you never can tell.”

Such is how things went for the team in Queens, who were once front and center on SI with their mix master Minaya, leading credence to the SI jinx. When he changed managers two years ago in one of the worst PR moves ever, sacking Willie Randolph in the middle of the night on the West Coast, it was a black eye for the franchise. But they  responded under Manuel only to break hearts in September. Something that became a theme.

The hard truth is they were up against a better team in the Phillies, who were mentally tougher. This isn’t a knock on the Met core as much as it is giving props to Charlie Manuel’s bunch, who ran away with another division crown after acquiring Roy Oswalt from Houston. With a terrific trio of expected Cy winner Roy Halladay, Oswalt and resurgent ’09 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, the Phils are the favorites to win the pennant and could very well capture a second World Series in three years. Especially given the AL uncertainty.

None of this helps the Mets or their fans, who will once again have nothing to cheer for this Fall unless you consider hoping the Reds can upset Philly while the Giants beat Atlanta are going to make up for the failure of management. The Yankees are also playing Minnesota, having limped in.

What’s most important for the Mets is to address the problems by hiring the right GM, who will be given full autonomy to bring in a new skipper. Is John Hart on the shortlist? Will a new executive really promote from within with former ’86 hero Wally Backman, who managed Low-A Brooklyn to the Penn League finals before falling? It doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense. Yes, Backman is their guy but is it smart to move the fiery manager all the way up to the bigs? Our suggestion would be to give the former second baseman more time perhaps at a higher level.

Bobby Valentine would love the job but is he the right fit? His personality is fun but also can rub people the wrong way.  Joe Torre expressed interest but do they really want to bring in a man synonymous with four world titles in five years with the Bronx Bombers? It wouldn’t appease a fanbase who has to be tired of recycling names. Art Howe anyone?

The Mets need a GM and manager who’ll be on the same page- able to get the most out of a promising crop that includes first base slugger Ike Davis, catcher Josh Thole, second baseman Ruben Tejada, right fielder Lucas Duda along with pitchers Mike Pelfrey, Jonathon Niese and Dillon Gee. Assuming Reyes and Wright are back and Bay comes back healthy along with team MVP Angel Pagan, whoever takes over isn’t getting a bad hand as long as Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez are gone.

There’s also the matter of Beltran, who finished strong before his knee acted up again. Do they retain an aging center fielder who remains a question mark in center due to his knees? Beltran turns 34 next April 24 and will be in the final year of his contract. Is there any market for the former All-Star? That’ll probably be the toughest decision the new GM will have to make.

They also don’t know when Santana will return. If he makes it back before July, that would be positive. The Mets might want to take a look at Jenrry Mejia and should definitely bring back cult hero R.A. Dickey. The staff will be young. So, acquiring another vet is a must. Something Minaya failed at.

If the Amazin’s want to get back in the ballgame, they’re going to have to roll the dice. Especially competing against the Phillies and Braves. They can’t afford to be wrong. It sets up an interesting offseason.

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by Derek Felix

Big Blue Wrecking Crew honors past right way

October 4, 2010 in columns, NY Giants

When we think Giants football, we’re reminded of hard nosed, aggressive D harassing quarterbacks led by LT, Carl Banks, Harry Carson, Leonard Marshall, Michael Strahan, Jesse Armstead and former captain Antonio Pierce. Defense has always been a Giant staple for the franchise that honored the past with a special Ring Of Honor halftime ceremony.

Most notably, the Giant D heeded Strahan and Armstead’s pregame locker room speeches by terrorizing poor Bears QB Jay Cutler- recording nine sacks in a dominant first half that would’ve made any Giant proud. Against a hot quarterback who led surprising Chicago as the lone NFC unbeaten into last night’s NBC showdown. Osi Umenyiora (3 sacks) and Justin Tuck (3 sacks) made sure it wouldn’t be a repeat of the Indy embarrassment two weeks ago. They manhandled an inferior Chicago front line who couldn’t keep Cutler from getting wrecked literally, eventually KO’d late in the first half due to a concussion. The good news is he’s expected to be okay which is more than one could say for 38 year-old vet backup Todd Collins, who somehow walked off the field on his own power following another Giant freight train.

On a night the offense continued to struggle- particularly in the first half- only scoring three points with Lawrence Tynes misfiring from 38, the Big Blue Wrecking Crew finished with 10 sacks. Never allowing the Bear offense to get any kind of rhythm. Without a ground game, it became a game of please don’t kill our QBs. Regrettably, all three of them took snaps on a night Big Blue turned back the clock to that magical ’07 resulting in the franchise’s third Lombardi Trophy.  

The D never let up, giving Eli Manning a chance to get untracked along with Ahmad Bradshaw, who was a beast in the second half- slicing and dicing a stingy Chicago defense for 129 rushing yards and a touchdown. Most encouraging was that he became the first Giant to rush for over 100 yards in 17 games, ending a disturbing trend. Hopefully, the third-year feature back and Brandon Jacobs can now work on protecting the football. Both lost fumbles again with Jacobs’ miscue leading to the Bears only points off the leg of Robbie Gould (40-yd FG).

It wasn’t perfect but the offense responded with two second half scores en route to an ugly 17-3 home win in which 22 of their greatest players were honored, including Phil Simms and frequent booing target Tiki Barber. Even Jacobs recovered from his latest gaffe to finish with 62 yards on just six carries, sealing the all important second ‘W’ with a two-yard bull rush.

Even if the offense continued to turn it over three times (Eli lost fumble), this was a step in the right direction for Tom Coughlin’s bunch. They seemed to care a lot more than ME-ki implied during a week in which he was being recognized for what he did on the gridiron. Sometimes, you just got to wonder about the franchise running back leader’s timing. 

In a game their QB didn’t standout finishing 18-of-30 for a buck ninety five with a turnover, the Giants got back to what they are. Domination by the D and ground and pound. Two staples when the 2008 Super Bowl champs were at a crossroads staring at 0-3 in D.C. This was a must win scenario and they passed with flying colors, saving 2010. It won’t get any easier next week against an improved Texan club when they travel to Houston.But at 2-2, they’re a first place team in a topsy turvy NFC East- tied with the Eagles and Redskins, who got their second win thanks to Donovan McNabb getting the better of his former club in his Philly return.

Throughout the week, it was as if this Giant season was already dead. Now, there’s a chance to do something. They can thank Strahan and Armstead for reminding them what they really are. Classic Giant football that would’ve made Wellington Mara proud. A memorable night to be a Giant.

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by Derek Felix

Time for Big Blue to step up

October 1, 2010 in columns, NFL, NY Giants

Eli Manning must be the Giant leader in what amounts to a huge game in Week Four against the undefeated Bears.

Eli Manning must be the Giant leader in what amounts to a huge game in Week Four against the undefeated Bears.

It’s hard to believe but the Giants are already facing a crisis in Week Four. After winning the first ever game at the new Giants Stadium in ugly fashion over lowly Carolina, Tom Coughlin’s bunch have dropped two straight in embarrassing fashion- getting smoked by the Peyton Manning Colts in Week Two and then self destructing in an even worse loss to the Titans.

Not shockingly, the lack of discipline drew the ire of Big Blue Faithful and the press, who are always chopping at the bit to throw someone under the bus. Anything to sell papers in this town. No question, New York’s tough on its teams and the Giants, who won a Super Bowl two years ago, are no exception.

What’s demoralizing is the amount of turnovers and large amount of penalties Coughlin’s crew are piling up. It’s led to the belief that perhaps the some players have tuned out the vet coach. Somewhat predictably, Tiki Barber wondered aloud if that indeed was the case, essentially concluding that his former coach’s job could be on the line. That the timing came in eerie fashion for the franchise running back leader, who’ll be among 30 players paid tribute to in a halftime Ring Of Honor ceremony- is typical of ME-ki. No doubt his contributions on the field for Big Blue were great. But why the need to again run his mouth when the organization is about to pay homage? Like Carl Banks said to Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts this morning on WFAN in New York, that’s just Tiki being Tiki.

Is he right though? Well, if this disturbing trend continues against the NFC’s only unbeaten team the Bears on Sunday Night Football, then we’ll have to agree. After how 2009 fell apart with the team lacking passion that even owner John Mara said he was embarrassed by the effort, they can’t continue to underperform this season.

Had they used their heads last week, we’d be talking about a 2-1 football team tied atop the NFC East with Mike Vick and the Eagles. Instead, they find themselves tied with the Cowboys at 1-2 in the basement.

No doubt an improved Chicago team featuring ex-Panther Julius Peppers up front and Jay Cutler clicking on all cylinders behind center, presents a stiff challenge this weekend. Do they want to suffer another humiliation on NBC like in the overdone “Manning Bowl?” The choice is theirs.

They must be more disciplined against an opportunistic opponent who feasted on Green Bay mistakes to steal a home win at Soldier Field. Cutler has done a good job staying in the pocket and taking hits to make the play. With virtually no run game to speak of, the Giant defensive plan should be simple. Attack the quarterback and cover the middle of the field. Do both without silly unsportsmanlike conducts and they should give the offense a chance to win.

Speaking of which, Eli Manning cannot have a repeat of last week’s failure to reach the end zone from inside the five. While it’s true most of his picks have been the fault of receivers, he can’t make poor decisions like the lefty throw that got intercepted, ending a drive without any points. The Super Bowl MVP knows better and must lead this team starting when they snap the ball two days from now.

They also better not allow Devin Hester to break loose on what’s been one of the most unreliable special teams thus far. That must change. If they want to turn their season around, the Giants must come ready to play big time football. Instead of being little giants, it’s time for the players to step up for the coach.

They say they care. It’s time to start acting like it.

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by Derek Felix

Rafa new King

September 14, 2010 in columns, tennis, US Open

Just call him King Rafa. Indeed, there’s nothing the energetic 24 year-old Rafael Nadal can’t do on a tennis court. Following the electrifying Spaniard’s virtuoso performance in an epic four set win over equally deserving runner-up Novak Djokovic, the new U.S. Open champ staked his claim to the throne.

“For the first time in my career, I played a very, very good match in this tournament,” a thrilled Nadal said. “That’s my feeling, no? I played my best match in the U.S. Open at the most important moment, so I am very, very happy for that, for sure.”

The one major that had eluded him prior didn’t come easy against his 24 year-old Serbian counterpart. For his part, Djokovic demonstrated the same fight that carried him to an emotional come from behind five set win over nemesis Roger Federer. A gutsy performance in which he fought back from a set down, saving two match points with monster forehand winners just to reach his second Open final. The new No.2 proved worthy, bouncing back from a momentary lapse to capture the second set after a lengthy rain delay.

Nadal took a quality opening set 6-4 in which both went toe to toe, slugging it out at a frenetic pace. The rallies dedicated fans, who made it out to Ashe after Sunday’s washout got were breathtaking. No.1 versus No.2 pushing each other to the limit. The amount of running involved keeping points alive combined with the sheer power and determination had a New York crowd murmuring during extended rallies. It was the kind of tennis Federer could appreciate if he had actually watched. The hitting reminded us of some of those classic showdowns between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.

To his credit, Djokovic never backed down. After losing a tough first set, he immediately broke Nadal pushing out to a 4-1 lead. But just when it looked like the fiery Serb would square things, Rafa struck back in a seventh game that lasted 10 minutes. Every point was played with vigor as if the entire match depended upon it. When Nadal held for four all and was two points from breaking Djokovic again, the rain came.  It would’ve been easy for Nole to cave but he didn’t, holding for 5-4 and then forcing a Nadal miss to break in the 12th game, leveling the match.

His downfall came in the pivotal third frame when Nadal delivered the knockout blow. The thing that makes Rafa so special is his persistence. Every point is played like the last. John McEnroe has repeatedly stated that he plays like a bum on the street. Desperate to get every ball back. Hustling shots down. Coming up with inconceivable angles. The way he plays is how Jimmy Connors did. Grinding it out and showing emotion after winning big points. A crowd pleaser. He lets you in.

“I think the talk about if I am better or worse than Roger is stupid, because the titles say he’s much better than me,” Nadal pointed out. “So that’s true at that moment. I think that will be true all my life.”

New U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal poses next to runner-up Novak Djokovic.

New U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal poses next to runner-up Novak Djokovic.

Against anyone else, Djokovic would’ve captured his first Open and second slam. He was absolutely bombing forehands and crosscourt backhands at Nadal in an all out blitz. Somehow, Rafa withstood it and kept on coming. You could see it all over his opponent’s face. The disbelief at some of the shots the “best player in the world,” as he’d praise later during the on-court ceremony, delivered under pressure. Novak tried everything, including some nifty touch at the net which resulted in entertaining conclusions. It just wasn’t enough on a day which turned to a late New York night in Flushing Meadows.

Nobody was going to deny Nadal of making history. That’s how he pulled out the third set, breaking Djokovic’s back. All the running finally caught up in the fourth when Rafa broke twice en route to a hard fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 win to win his first Open- becoming the seventh male tennis player to complete a career grand slam (Australian-1, French-5, Wimbledon-2, U.S. Open-1). With nine slams already, he’s ahead of Federer’s record pace. However, before we start discussing whether he can stay healthy enough to catch his close rival who’s at 16, this isn’t the time.

Just seeing an emotional Nadal lying flat on his stomach on the baseline after a final Djokovic forehand went wide was enough to tell you what it meant. Shaking in amazement at what he’d accomplished. No male player had won the French, Wimbledon and U.S. Open all in the same year since the legendary Rod Laver back in 1969.

While Nadal composed himself receiving a hug from Djokovic, his proud family that included his Mom, Dad, proud coach Uncle Toni and beautiful sister stood up cheering their hero. Even Toni understands history.

“The best of all time are Federer, [Bjorn] Borg, Laver,” he said. “Rafa is a good player, but I don’t think he’s part of that group.”

Pressed further, he again was much like Rafa. Respectful.

“I don’t know, I don’t know. Ask me in five or six years and maybe I can say.”

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by Derek Felix

A-Rod Hits No.600

August 5, 2010 in Alex Rodriguez, columns, Newsworthy

In yesterdays Yankee win over the Blue Jays, Alex Rodriguez finally made history by becoming the youngest player ever to reach 600 home runs.

In yesterday's Yankee win over the Blue Jays, Alex Rodriguez finally made history by becoming the youngest player ever to reach 600 home runs.

Yesterday, Alex Rodriguez finally snapped out of it to hit his 600th career home run in the Yankees’ 5-1 win over the Blue Jays- salvaging the final game of a three-game series.

In doing so, the future Hall Of Famer (yes, he still is in our book) became just the seventh ballplayer to reach 600 and the youngest ever beating out who else but The Babe. A-Rod recently turned 35 reaches a special milestone at 35 years, eight days with Babe Ruth next youngest at 36 years, 196 days in 1931. However, as was noted in the Yahoo recap, Ruth accomplished it in fewer games (183) due to being a pitcher first with Boston before becoming a full-time slugger. Pretty amazing stuff.

In finally reaching 600 homers, Rodriguez joins tainted record holder Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Ruth (714), Willie Mays (660), recently retired former Mariner teammate Ken Griffey, Jr. (630) and no habla engles Sammy Sosa (609). Pretty exclusive company even if the chase was marred by his steroids admission last year. Sadly, nearly half the list cheated with Bonds and Sosa front and center. It’s still odd that A-Rod also did it because we always thought he stood for integrity. Especially being a baseball guru who prides himself on being the best. Guess it just goes to show that even the most gifted athletes can slip up. Simple message. Trust no one.

It’s a shame that such a remarkable feat which saw the Yankee third baseman hit one off Shaun Marcum into Monument Park is basically acknowledged with a shrug. Something like this should be more celebrated but unfortunately, it was anti-climatic due to circumstance. Baseball is a great sport filled with legions of diehard fans who take pride in the history books. The home run has always been the greatest thrill. Now, it’s forever tainted making the legends before them turn in their graves.

How many of Rodriguez’ 600 blasts were performance enhanced? If you buy the story he gave last year about it just being with Texas, then that’s still a good chunk. He totaled 156 in only three seasons, averaging a gaudy 52-per-year. In already his seventh year in the Bronx including Wednesday’s 17th dinger of 2010, A-Rod is at 255 long balls (36.4) with over seven weeks left. Yes. It’s true that his production has curtailed since a monster ’07 that saw him hit 54 homers and drive in a career high 156 en route to an MVP.

 

A-ROD IN DECLINE???

Year      GP          HR

’07          158        56

’08           138        35

’09            124        30

*’10            101         17

*Current season

 

Part of this is due to the chronic hip he had surgery on last year, costing him over a month. Perhaps it’s also a sign that age is finally catching up. During his prime years, Rodriguez was deadly- rarely missing pitches. Even if he’s slowing down, the New York native answered critics last year by still reaching 30 homers and 100 RBI’s while having a memorable postseason filled with clutch home runs- leading the Bronx Bombers to their record 27th championship and first in the A-Rod Era.

What else is there for Rodriguez to accomplish? Well, the questions already started about whether he can catch Bonds, who’s still 162 clear of him. It all depends on health. If he stays healthy and can recapture the stroke that once made him a gimme for 40, then he should be a lock. However, homers are down since Major League Baseball (MLB) cracked down on performance enhancers. When Jose Bautista’s leading the majors with 33 homers, it tells you plenty. It’s become a pitcher’s game again.

A-Rod will still have the advantage of being in the middle of the most potent lineup with Mark Teixeira and Robby Cano providing plenty of support along with Jorge Posada and All-Star Nick Swisher. Will finally ending the 0-for-17 drought and longest between home run 599 and 600 among the Elite Seven get Rodriguez going? You have to think it’ll relax him with a hot streak just around the corner. Amazing that he still has knocked in 87 despite less dingers. No doubt, he’s making his RBI’s count as he paces the Yanks ahead of Teixeira (81) and MVP candidate Cano (71).

If anything, he should be a lock for 27 taking him to 610. Ten more isn’t a lot to ask for one of the greatest superstars the game’s ever seen. Then, it becomes a matter of math. Can he average 30 HR the next four years before he turns 40 in 2015?  If Alexander The Great can get back to that level, that would be at least 120 pushing him to 730- making the record attainable.

It should be interesting to follow the plight of A-Rod and whether he can become the new Home Run King. Even if it won’t be fully embraced despite his unique talent.

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by Derek Felix

Curtis delivers in pinch

July 22, 2010 in columns, NY Yankees, Staten Island Yanks

It was a memorable day for former SI Yank Colin Curtis in yesterdays Yankee win over the Angels.

It was a memorable day for former SI Yank Colin Curtis in yesterday's Yankee win over the Angels.

Imagine your team is up by two runs in the bottom of the seventh and looking for insurance with two runners on. Then, the unthinkable happens when your outfielder buddy who you know well from the minors gets ejected for the first time after falling behind 0-2.

Suddenly, the skipper calls your name and you must inherit the count before plenty of screaming Yankee fans in the Bronx. Not too much pressure, eh? Apparently, that was the case for Colin Curtis yesterday after he stepped in for Gardner and hit a clutch pinch-hit three-run home run into the right field stands, increasing the Yanks’ lead to 10-5 in a game they’d win 10-6 to square the series versus the Halos. Did we mention it was the 25 year-old former Staten Island Yankee’s first major league homer? What a way to get it. Plenty of columns on the Yanks’ 25th man today, including from Cooperstown bound Bill Madden of The Daily News.

“He’s had a ton of big hits for us without a lot of starts,” a pleased Joe Girardi explained. “That’s not easy for a young man that’s used to playing and getting at-bat after at-bat. To come into that situation down 0-2 and hit a home run, that’s some kind of at-bat.”

“To take three pitches like he did … it was an amazing at-bat,” Girardi added of the scrappy player, who had a similar at bat in a great come from behind win over the Dodgers last month. “But that’s the one thing he’s shown. He’s gotten pinch-hits in key situations and puts a lot of long at-bats on people.“
Not bad for a guy who entered the batter’s box with just 26 major league plate appearances posting half a dozen hits and four RBI’s. One thing we didn’t know about the former ’06 fourth round selection out of Arizona State was that he’s overcome testicular cancer. As a matter of fact, it’s the 10-year anniversary- demonstrating the kind of mental fortitude you’d expect from a hard working player who impressed us when he helped lead the Baby Bombers to the NY-Penn League crown four summers ago.
So, what was his reaction to being an unlikely hero Wednesday? A nice excerpt from Madden’s piece on Curtis’ unpredictable adventure describes it best:

Nevertheless it was understandable if Curtis didn’t quite know how to react. Touring the bases, he said, he was trying to hold back a big smile. And after he reached the dugout, he admitted to being confused when his teammates began imploring him to heed the fans’ curtain call.

“I had no idea what to do,” he confessed. “I was high-fiving everyone and they kept saying, ‘You gotta go out!’“

A couple of minutes later, Curtis walked down the runway from the dugout and saw Gardner next to the batting cage.

“What did Gardner say to you?” Curtis was asked.

“You’re welcome,” Curtis replied, chuckling.

Later, Reggie Jackson, who has seen and hit his share of historic home runs, continued the playful chiding of the personable rookie who, 10 years ago, was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Jackson handed him a baseball with a congratulatory inscription on it.

“I’m a little behind you,” Curtis joked.

“Maybe,” said Reggie, “but you’re one closer and I’m not going anywhere.”

Pretty cool stuff which we’re sure he won’t forget. As a sidenote, they were able to retrieve the ball to a lucky fan who wound up with an autographed baseball from Alex Rodriguez. The larger than life superstar two shy of 600 homers. Or 597 more than his younger, bright eyed teammate who’s doing what he can to stick.

“Running around the bases, I think you’re still kind of in the moment of hitting it. Once you get around, the curtain call is just a lot of excitement. I’ve seen a lot of players do that in the past. To get that opportunity, it’s a thrill,” a thrilled Curtis said of the fun Stadium moment.

“That home run for Colin broke our backs,” Angels outfielder Torii Hunter lamented. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. A guy getting thrown out and the guy hitting a home run in his spot.”

Neither have we.

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by Derek Felix

Former SI Yanks make good

July 18, 2010 in columns, NY Yankees, Staten Island Yanks

Hustling overachiever Brett Gardner is one of a few former Baby Bombers to make the bigs.

Hustling overachiever Brett Gardner is one of a few former Baby Bombers to make the bigs.

It really is cool to see some of the players I covered here making an impact. Remember when Brett Gardner was just a fourth outfielder? Uh. Might want to rethink that one. The kid’s been money all season, pacing the Yankees in stolen bases while hitting over .300 and proving to be a tough out. Oh. And he can play a little D too. Kudos to Joe Girardi for having faith in Gards. The 2005 Staten Island Yankee Penn League champion center fielder making good.

Lots of love for my boy Cisco, who continues to be a solid backup catcher. Able to give Jorge Posada a day off, Francisco Cervelli has swung the bat decent and continues to be superb behind the plate. It’s really great to see the kid from Venezuela who wasn’t highly thought of make it. Out in Staten Island at Richmond County Ball Park in St. George, Cisco proved to be a Penn League All-Star, joining teammates Mitch Hilligoss, Seth Fortenberry, Wilmer Pino, George Kontos and Nick Peterson. Still fresh in my mind was a piece I did on them for NYSD. At the time, Cervelli didn’t speak a lot of English but did give me a couple of lines which I used. The once shy backstop now speaks much more fluently and even has come on WFAN for interviews. Good stuff.

Another former Baby Bomber who finally debuted in the bigs is outfielder Colin Curtis. The former Arizona State standout who played an excellent center for the repeat NY-Penn champs has progressed nicely through the organization. Possessing a steady bat along with good tools, the 25 year-old Curtis was in his second year with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre batting .280 with a .357 on-base percentage before getting the call. Only hitting .200 (5-for-25), most of his success has come as a pinch-hitter, including a couple of big base knocks. Most memorable was a long at bat he had against Dodger closer Jonathan Broxton. After falling behind 0-2, he kept fouling off pitches, eventually working the count full before his RBI fielder’s choice tied the game as the Yanks rallied to stun Joe Torre’s Dodgers 8-6 on June 27. Such a quality at-bat had to make an impression, which probably is why he’s still up for the time being.

Other players who had brief stints include setup man Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy, who has done alright since being dealt to Arizona as part of a blockbuster three-team trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Bronx and former top prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit where he’s a Rookie Of The Year candidate.

For players like Hilligoss (now in A’s organization playing for AA Frisco Roughriders), rehabbing ’06 Bomber hero George Kontos, utility man Justin Snyder, former Grand Street High School star Dellin Betances and Zach McAllister, it has to be a good motivator moving forward.

Patience is the key. Each must continue to persevere. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll hear their names called over the loudspeaker.

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Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

Keys to Mets second half

July 16, 2010 in columns, NY Mets

Carlos Beltran is only part of the solution if the Mets are to see October.

Carlos Beltran is only part of the solution if the Mets are to see October.

The second half of the baseball season got underway Thursday. For the Mets, it didn’t go well. Facing two-time Cy Young Tim Lincecum, their bats failed- getting shutout 2-zip. The loss tied them with the Giants, who also share an identical 48-41 record with three big games left.

Complemented with Atlanta edging Milwaukee 2-1, the Amazin’s fell five back. Even more daunting is that with wild card leader Colorado red hot entering a three-game series against NL Central leader Cincinnati, it doesn’t get any easier for New York to make October. Especially with the Dodgers, Cards and Phils all in the mix. You could argue that it would just be easier to win their division. It’s hard to see the Braves running away with it even after their pickup of shortstop Alex Gonzalez. You have to figure both the Mets and Phillies will hang around making for a photo finish.

For Jerry Manuel’s club to do its part, they must get Jose Reyes back and see quick results from Carlos Beltran, who went 1-for-4 in his return. It would also help if Jason Bay earned his hefty paycheck every once in a blue moon. They’re not paying him to imitate David Wright’s 2009. Six home runs and a paltry 44 RBI’s just won’t cut it. It’s about time he gave Wright and rookie first baseman Ike Davis some support. They could also use some of that early magic from Rod Barajas’ bat.

On the pitching front, they need Mike Pelfrey to return to form. Hopefully, the time off allowed him to recoup. For much of the first half, he was their best pitcher. If they’re to seriously challenge, Pelf must follow a rejuvenated Johan Santana and Rookie Of The Year candidate Jonathon Niese with the kinda yeoman work we saw the first three months. Speaking of the crafty southpaw, he goes in Game 2 against vet Barry Zito. Lately, he’s been money. They need him to silence the fire alarm. The Mets can’t ask for much better out of vet knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, who yet again gave a quality outing tossing seven innings of one-run ball to lower his ERA to 2.62.

Of course, if Omar Minaya was able to acquire one more big arm (Oswalt, Lilly, Wolf, Myers) and add a setup man, they’d take their best shot. We’ve heard plenty about how they should consider their future. Uh. How many World Series have they won?!?!?!?!?! Beltran has one more year left. Santana ain’t getting any younger. And K-Rod has already been shaky.

How many chances do you get to win? After what’s happened the past three years, ain’t it about time Fred Wilpon made a statement? Save all the talk about how they got no money. What’s their payroll again? It’s not like they sold off players.

The Met slogan is “Believe In 2010.” What better way to do that than to go all out.

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Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

Random Thoughts: In Mourning

May 24, 2010 in columns, Random Thoughts

32050_556968274638_68701163_32100365_1398136_nToday is the wake for my good friend Lyndzay. I haven’t slept at all. I keep asking myself why and wind up dumbfounded. The Jamaican King is watching over us right now probably kicking it with the same spirit he owned our place with.

What’s it all for? I’m not sure. We’re brought into this world to eventually die. A crazy yet daunting thought on life. It’s just a matter of when and how. Futuristic was only 20. A young pup full of life, injecting it around those he loved. The world was a better place because of you and I’m having a very difficult time with this. How could you be gone from our lives? Regardless, I’ll never ever forget you and continue to keep your spirit alive as will everyone that ever knew you.

I know you would want us to have fun and put our minds and bodies to good use as you did, harnessing your special musical talents. You truly had the gift and that will be on display later today and in the future.

I may speak at the ceremony tonight. I know exactly what I’ll say. Always happy, smiling, making others laugh and sharing your wonderful prowess. There was never a dull moment or bad time had. Like your unbelievably strong family, you are a gift from up above. One of God’s angels I’m convinced. On what amounts to a challenging day nobody wants to be part of, I’ll try to hold my head high because that’s what you would’ve wanted.

See ya on the other side Dyaygo Escobar. Bow Bow! :-(

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