Will Donnie Walsh's big gamble land LeBron or D-Wade this summer?
So, the Knicks did what they had to do clearing enough space to ready for this summer and chase the dream LeBron and D-Wade. That’s all well and fine moving forward for a dysfunctional franchise that hasn’t been taken seriously for a decade. Maybe Donnie Walsh will luck out. He’s essentially throwing all his eggs in one basket, sacrificing future No.1 picks (’11, ’12) and draft flop Jordan Hill in a desperate attempt to lure King James to Broadway.
Will it work? You probably have a better shot at dating Ana Ivanovic. James, Wade and other prospective big names Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire have to decide what’s best for their careers. With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Knick roster, can they win right away in the Big Apple? A pro outlook would be that young guns Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler are solid ballers who should only improve. Adding T-Mac who’s off to a decent start in his Orange and Blue debut donning Starbury’s No.3, is low risk. If he performs, maybe they convince him to stay thinking he can convince a couple of big names to team up. Whatever happens, McGrady’s contract comes off regardless.
Adding long distance threatEddie Houseto the mix is wise as he’s proven it in the spotlight helping the Celtics to an NBA title. The 31 year-old 10-year vet will be a perfect fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system. Hey. They rid themselves of self-serving Nate Robinson, who despite talent needed a change of scenery. Perhaps going to Beantown under Doc Rivers with demanding stars KG and Paul Pierce will pay off as Boston takes another run at the brass ring. Good luck! An added bonus for Walsh is that he got a No.1 pickconditional second rounder back for a player who was a team headache and wasn’t returning. Big ups for the former Pacer executive.
What about “Mr. Double Double” David Lee?!?!?!?!?! No question the late No.1 pick under Lord Isiah has been a good pro earning his first All-Star appearance even if it was due to injury. It’s hard not to admire the 26 year-old former Gator who’s improved every year. The undersized starting center gets 20.1 pPG and 11.5 rebounds along with a career high 3.5 assists. All excellent numbers which make him a staple of D’Antoni’s offense. However, he can’t play a lick of D frequently getting beat up inside. Unfortunately, playing out of position against stiffer competition has its drawbacks. He’ll be a free agent again after the season looking for a nice raise. Last year, there wasn’t any market. So, he stayed put and has been a good soldier. As sufficient as he is offensively, it’s doubtful the Knicks re-sign him.
Let’s say they land LeBron or Wade. Would Lee take less to stay or does he move on? Buyers also might ask if he’s a product of the system. Valid question. Honestly, he would be better served on a team boasting a legit big which would alleviate pressure.
Based on what we’ve seen from McGrady, who’s got a team high 19 along with three dimes in the first half versus Kevin Durant and the Thunder, he’s shown flashes- finishing strong scoring the last five on a trey from the left key plus a bucket putting the Knicks on top 57-52 at the break. He’s 7-of-12 from the field with a trey and 4-of-4 from the line in 17-plus. A nice debut yet there’s still two more quarters to go. At the opening press conference, he did indicate he’d consider taking less if they could land a big fish. But let’s also remember this is a former top star playing for a contract, who’s back from microfracture surgery with his career at stake. In short, he has to do what’s best for T-Mac.
If there’s a negative, it’s that both Gallinari and Chandler hardly touched the ball, combining for only six points in the opening 24 minutes. Not what you want to see. Sergio Rodriguez and Chris Duhon both have goose eggs with just three assists. For as much attention as what the organization has done for the Class of 2010, the glaring weaknesses of no true PG or center are still apparent. Unless Spanish Chocolate or MIA Tony Douglas prove otherwise, that’s a huge hole.
Walsh also failed to move Al Harrington, who’s still in the rotation. Sure. The former St. Patrick’s star has been a solid Knick putting up respectable numbers. But he’s taking away minutes from a kid. Al’s not part of the future. So, it doesn’t make much sense.
Then again, it’s easy to forget that the franchise is still run by Jazzy Jim. One thing that’s lost is that Dolan wants the big names to make the team a hot ticket. He doesn’t necessarily care about winning championships. It still will be intriguing to see how the big summer plays out. For now, the offensive-minded Knicks play out the string with few part of the plan.
1.Hard to believe Roger Federer was so shaky with more history up for grabs. Sure. The men’s grand slam record holder battled through his serve to grab a two sets to one lead over Juan Martin Del Potro even getting within two points of a sixth consecutive title which would’ve matched Bill Tilden and also become first player to win three in a row in one year since Rod Laver in 1969. But he never got untracked with the serve and made some uncharacteristic errors due in large part to Del Potro who deserves such kudos for fighting so hard to win a first slam.
2.Wonder what Andy Roddick thought?
3.Only the Bills could find a way to blow a 10-point lead with less than six minutes left in a game they owned in New England last night. I even said to my brother that they couldn’t blow it but again was proven wrong due to Leodis McKelvin’s foolishness. What was the point of trying for that extra yard on the kickoff? He had to know the situation that a desperate Pats special teams would be going for the strip. Like breaking that tackle for the extra yard really mattered. Unbelievable.
4.Kim Clijsters’ successful comeback winning her second Open beating both Williams sisters along the way while defeating a game Caroline Wozniacki was a feel good story. Who says Moms can’t do it?
5.Melanie Oudin’s run was special but do we really need to know about her parents’ divorce? She’s only 17. Leave her alone!
6.I love Derek Jeter and was very proud to see him get the Yankee hit record surpassing Lou Gehrig but that three hit barrage to tie last week in a comeback win over the Birds was the epitome of what makes the Yankee captain great. What a special year for the ageless 35 year-old shortstop who should have a few big swings left in the postseason. Whenever it’s over, next stop. Cooperstown.
7.He was money when it came to the big shot but why does Michael Jordan have to be so arrogant when he gets inducted into Springfield? Just enjoy the moment instead of taking shots for proving people wrong.
8.I still say it’s a great thing that NY Post hoops writer Peter Vecsey was included with Air Jordan, John Stockton and David Robinson because he’s damn good at what he does and not afraid to pull punches. One of our own made it.
9.Does anyone have a nicer smile than Wozniacki? She could sure light up even the darkest room. The 19 year-old Danish Princess can also play a little tennis and has a great demeanor.
10.If only we could say the same about Serena Williams who embarrassed herself in that semi loss to Clijsters. We really hope she learned a valuable lesson from that sad display and is really sorry. Even if it was a lousy call at an inopportune time, the 11-time slam winner must know better. Why can’t she be more like older/wiser sis Venus who is so elegant and handles herself well?
11.It’s early but Mark Sanchez didn’t intimidated against the Texans who once again are being overhyped in a tough division. Try telling that to all the so-called ‘experts.’
12.Eli Manning has some new receivers to play with. Hopefully, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks continue to develop. Big Blue must be glad to have Osi Umenyiora back. This week in Big D should be a good early test to see where they are.
13.Those four picks Jay Cutler threw in an inauspicious Bear debut. If you listened to the great insight Sunday night, you would’ve thought none were his fault.
14.Find me another athlete with as much heart as Rafael Nadal who only played with a possible torn abdominal muscle before succumbing to Del Potro in the semis. Even after getting dismantled in straights winning only six games, there was the charismatic 23 year-old Spaniard doing a brief interview and then signing autographs for the kids who will never forget that. The man gets it.
15.Michael Crabtree is holding out in case we didn’t know. What exactly has he proven? Does the name Mike Williams ring a bell?
16.Make me watch the VMAs. MTV hasn’t cared about music for years. Kanye West is a dog. Taylor Swift a sweetheart. Next.
17.Preseason puck at MSG tonight. Can hardly believe it!
18.Pretty fitting that Pedro Martinez would turn back the clock with a virtuoso performance fanning seven and tossing 130 pitches in a 1-0 win over the Mets eliminating them. But hey. They had Tim Redding and Livan Hernandez.
19.The Melk Man has quietly had a nice season playing center in the Bronx.
20.Why is it so hard for Phil Mushnick to only point out Mike Francesa’s shortcomings and not the WFAN vet talkie’s good side like what he did flashing back to 9/11? Because the NY Post columnist only writes what’s convenient.
21.Our Super Bowl pick is Eagles over Steelers. Yes. Those Eagles even though it looks like we jinxed them with Donovan McNabb already breaking a rib.
It’s been a while since I had time to update here. Just recovered from a sinus infection and had been more preoccupied with the hockey season covering it over at my other site Battle of NY. Over there, it’s myself taking the Rangers and the league with Hasan covering the Devils and other hockey stuff as well. We do have other contributors but lately, they’ve been busy with work. So it’s become basically me and Hasan giving our views on the locals (Rangers, Devils, Islanders) as well as what’s going on around the NHL.
In any event, there are many happenings the last week or so. So let’s get to them in no short order:
-The Giants have proven that they’re still a team to be reckoned with this season. At 8-1 after getting past the Eagles by five in Philly thanks to a balanced run attack led by Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward with second-year speedster Ahmad Bradshaw chipping in late as the Giant offensive line dominated up front while Eli Manning was efficient not making any mistakes following an early deflected interception which the Eagles cashed for a score. Even in a game in which the D couldn’t get any pressure on Donovan McNabb, they still did an admirable job shutting down all-purpose back Brian Westbrook including the key tackles on second, third and fourth down when Andy Reid foolishly ran it the last two downs with short yardage when his team had a chance to steal it.
Kudos must also go out to Manning who sold Tom Coughlin on a key challenge in which they reversed what looked initially like a forward pass. Instead, the QB knew his back foot hadn’t crossed the line of scrimmage when he threw completing a key first down pass on third down to tight end Kevin Boss, who was a big target coming down with six receptions, a TD and 69 yards.
Big Blue also caught a big break when officials couldn’t overrule on a Jacobs’ touchdown in which the ball came out as he crossed the plane. Replays couldn’t really determine if the ball had come out before he reached the goal line. It was fortunate cause it really could’ve swung the momentum.
For the most part, the Giants deserved to win improving to 8-1 including a perfect 3-0 inside the division. However, had they not made key mistakes like Jacobs’ silly fumble while trying to take on the entire Eagle front when his team had scored 17 straight, it might not have been as close. That along with a late Sam Madison hit out of bounds allowed the Eagles to stay in the game giving them a chance.
As defensive leader Antonio Pierce (8 tackles) pointed out to WFAN’s Mike Francesa Monday, there’s no time for letup with the surprising 6-3 Ravens coming to town before a visit to The Desert against MVP candidate Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. It won’t get any easier with a stop at Washington at the end of the month before finishing up December with the Eagles, a visit at Dallas, home for Carolina and a stop in Minnesota who might need the game as they compete with the Bears and Packers for the NFC North.
Every opponent is good with winning records. Unlike the early portion of their sched, the G-Men now have the toughest schedule of any team which is kinda fitting considering they’re defending champs. So, if they are to earn the division and possibly home field in the NFC, they’ll have really earned it.
-Meanwhile, the Jets have rebounded winning three straight since the debacle at Oakland. Though it hasn’t always been pretty, they’ve responded well taking charge in a road win over the Bills and then blowing the doors off a bad Rams team 47-3 in which they led by a ridiculous 40-0 at the half.
They have to be very pleased with the running of Thomas Jones, who’s bounced back in a big way leading the AFC in rushing with 750 yards along with eight touchdowns including a franchise-tying three in the rout of St. Louis. The ex-Bear who the club acquired before last year already has seven more TDs than in 2007 and properly credits an improved offensive line which has done a solid job opening up holes for the gritty veteran back along with Mr. Everything Leon Washington.
Brett Favre has adjusted to the offense making good use of primary targets Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles as well as rookie TE Dustin Keller, who continues to improve following his first ever 100-yard receiving game with an eight catch, 87-yard night including a huge third down and long conversion in OT to help lift Gang Green to a 34-31 road win over the rival Patriots at Gilette Stadium last night giving them their fourth consecutive win and moving into sole possession of first place at 7-3 with six games left.
The Jets were firmly in control leading the Patriots at one point 24-6 in the first half thanks to a Leon Washington kickoff return for a score and a Favre 15-yard TD strike to Cotchery. But the Pats rallied with Matt Cassel driving his team for a late first half score firing a 19-yard TD pass to Jabar Gaffney to cut it to 24-13.
New England’s D stepped up in the third quarter giving their offense every chance to comeback. Eventually, Cassel and Co. rebounded from a turnover when Tom Brady’s replacement hit TE Ben Watson from 10 yards out and then converted the two-point conversion to Gaffney making it just a field goal deficit at the end of the quarter.
With the Pats D up to the task keeping Favre and the Jets at bay, they got the ball back and then watched as Stephen Gostkowski booted a 47-yarder right down Broadway tying it with over 10 minutes to go in regulation. But when it looked like the Jets offense had gone into the tank teasing their fans, Favre stepped up driving them down the field even getting the benefit of a soft Mike Vrabel hold on third and goal that helped setup Thomas Jones from a yard out with 3:10 to go.
When the Jet D held forcing the Pats three and out, it looked like it might be sealed. However, Bill Belichick saved a timeout and had the two minute warning. His team just stopped the Jets on third down to get the ball back with under a minute and a half left.
You have to give credit to Cassel who showed tremendous poise getting his team in position without any timeouts completing the ball short to primary target Wes Welker, Watson and Gaffney while Randy Moss was held in check by Ty Law. However, even with the best receiver in the game having been held to a deuce on 10 yards, you knew it would come down to him against the ex-Pat corner with fourth and 1 looming with eight seconds to spare.
One play basically to force overtime. And when Cassel rolled to the right buying himself time before stepping up, he made a seeing eye toss to the right front corner of the end zone where Moss was tightly covered by Law. It still didn’t matter as somehow, the ex-Viking All-World dove across snagging it and then miraculously dragging his feet in bounds to give his team the tying score with one second remaining.
This was just a money catch by a world class receiver. Law didn’t play him poorly but Moss made one heck of a play. And when Gostkowski hit the PAT, here came OT.
Jets 31 Patriots 31
By now you were wondering if the Jets would ever defeat the Belichick Patriots in a big spot. They had been owned aside from Eric Mangini’s successful winning visit a couple of years ago before his team lost handily in the playoffs.
But when the coin toss went Gang Green’s way landing on tails, it allowed them to get the ball and hand it to Favre- the veteran future Hall of Famer who they traded for these kinda big moments. Even on third and 15, he wasn’t going to let them down dialing it up for 13 to a wide open Keller, who did the rest breaking a tackle for the first down.
No.4 would hit Keller twice more to keep the drive moving before finding Coles across the seam for 16 inside the New England 25 with the Patriot D paying closer attention on Keller. Three more hard runs including two by workhorse Jones to the NE 18 and they were setup to win on the leg of Jay Feely. But as NFL Network/Giant radio man Bob Papa duly noted, it was no sure thing as the ex-Giant had missed a few kicks between 30 and 40 this year.
So, it was no sure thing from 34. But Feely’s kick sailed just inside the left post with 7:10 left in OT giving the Jets the big three-point victory and now allowing them to control their own destiny.
The final totals saw the Pats account for more than 500 yards of offense including 400 through the air from Cassel with three TDs on 51 passes. He also was his team’s leading rusher with 62 on the ground while specialty back Kevin Faulk got 38.
Meanwhile, the Jets got an efficient performance from Favre who didn’t turn the ball over while going 26-of-33 for 258 yards, two scores and a 119.8 QB rating. Exactly the kind of performance they needed to come out of New England with a victory.
On the ground, the AFC’s leading rusher Jones grinded out 104 yards on 30 carries with a TD while all-everything back and return specialist Washington got 18 adding another 17 and two catches out of the backfield including the game’s opening score from seven yards out.
It was enough to give Jet fans hope that maybe in a wide open AFC outside the unbeaten Titans, maybe their team can do something. Somehow, they’ve gone from losing to the lowly Raiders, edging Herm Edwards’ Chiefs thanks to their ex-coach handing them the game to reeling off four straight including big road wins over the Bills and Pats.
Who knows what’s going to happen the rest of the way but it sure could be a fun ride. Do we dare dream the impossible Giants-Jets Super Bowl? A lot still has to go right for that to even become a realistic possibility including both teams winning their divisions and earning at least a bye into the second round. Big Blue at 8-1 is better positioned a game ahead of the Panthers but with a very tough remaining sched.
The Jets have an easier road after a big visit to Tennessee next week with games against Denver, at San Francisco, Buffalo, at Seattle and a possible huge first place showdown with Chad Pennington and the Dolphins. Who would ever have believed that back in Week One? It just might happen. If you like drama and huge storylines, that’s one worth pulling for.
-If they were handing out league MVP now, it would go to Warner, who’s been unbelievable for the first place Cardinals who look like a real contender in the NFC with their air attack featuring the likes of Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. Here’s the 37 year-old veteran former two-time MVP as well as Super Bowl MVP leading a franchise that’s never really been anything unless you count that one wild card field goal road win over Dallas a decade prior with Jake “The Snake” Plummer who’s since retired from football.
Warner can still sling it as good as anyone and ranks second in passing yards (2,760) second in TDs (19) and first in QB rating (106.4). In a season where nobody’s really dominated and you can’t even find a single MVP candidate on the two best teams (Titans and Giants), Captain Kurt deserves to win it hands down. He’s pretty much helped the Cards nail down their weak NFC West Division leading by a preposterous four games with the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams all in the tank.
Find me a better story than Warner. Yes. What another former Giant QB Kerry Collins has done with a dominant defense in Tennessee is pretty storybook in itself but he’s not often asked to carry the offensive load the way Eli’s former tutor is in The Desert. Special stuff.
-If you really examine the Knicks’ five wins, only one came against decent competition in a home triumph over Utah, who was without Deron Williams. Sure. They’re playing a more exciting brand of basketball these days but Mike D’Antoni’s team is a long way away from being a legit contender. And as long as they continue to dog Stephon Marbury instead of doing the decent thing and letting him go separate ways, Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 is going to continue to look bad despite the change in coach and GM.
-Speaking of which, whatever became of David Lee’s future with the Knicks? Amazing what a change in philosophy can do to a guy’s career. He’ll wind up somewhere helping someone out.
-When they dress Eddy “Fat Albert” Curry with a bum knee while a much more motivated Marbury remains in street atire, it doesn’t look good. Somebody relay the message to Clown Creator and Innovator Jim Dolan. Somewhere, in Walt “Clyde” Frazier would be proud of us.
-Man are the new Nets bad. Didn’t someone tell them you can’t possibly build a winner around Vince Carter?
-So far so good for No.1 overall pick Derrick Rose and the Bulls. The former Memphis star went for 16, 9 and 6 in a comeback win over the Mavs in which running mate Ben Gordon lit up Dallas for 35 on 12-of-21 shooting. Heck. The former Uconn standout even handed out four assists with investigations ongoing to seek out how this could’ve transpired. Luol Deng added 20 and even former lottery pick Tyrus Thomas came off the bench for eight, eight (5 Off.), 2 blocks and 2 steals.
The 4-5 Bulls will be without Kirk Hinrich a couple of months with a torn thumb ligament. So, they’ll continue to need huge contributions from the streaky Gordon.
-Nice to see Greg Oden return to the court the other night and at least get his first NBA points on what else but a monster throwback stuff. He finished with three points, 2 blocks and 2 boards in 16 minutes in Portland’s fourth straight triumph by a 104-96 count over the Heat. The most encouraging news was that the former 2007 No.1 overall selection didn’t get hurt. The ex-Buckeye remains a project under Nate McMillan on what’s a pretty formidable roster featuring former league ROY Brandon Roy, last season’s Most Improved LaMarcus Aldridge, athletic deluxe Travis Outlaw, long range bomber Steve Blake along with key sub Channing Frye.
And don’t forget about rookie Rudy Fernandez, who dropped a career high 25 on Miami including three from downtown and eight for eight from the charity stripe. The 23 year-old who starred for Spain in Beijing where they lost out on Olympic Gold to Team USA is averaging better than 15 a game while shooting over 48 percent including 45.7 from three. He was originally selected by the Suns in 2007 24th overall but eventually was traded to Portland along with James Jones for cash. Talk about a hoist of epic proportions.
He’s easily one of the best first-year players and should be in the running for top rookie along with Rose and Memphis’ O.J. Mayo plus Michael Beasley also in the mix playing in South Florida making this year’s rookie class one of the better ones to follow.
-I’m not keen on the Yankees dealing for Nick Swisher to solve their first base issue because while he’s only 27 going on 28 following Thanksgiving, he’s not a good contact hitter and strikes out a ton despite power. Maybe the thinking here is that due to his high percentage of walks, the former A slugger could morph into a Jason Giambi type despite coming off his worst career season hitting just .219 with 24 homers, 69 RBI’s striking out 135 times while seeing his on-base percentage drop from .381 to .332 in the one season with the White Sox.
The good news is the Yanks didn’t part with a lot giving up on pitching prospect Jeff Marquez,who struggled last summer after once being considered high on their list. Also moving to Chicago was utility man Wilson Betemit, who never really distinguished himself after coming over from Hollywood for Scott Proctor. He still was a decent power bat off the bench who could fill in around the infield when called upon and finished strong hitting .265 with six dingers and 25 RBI’s in 189 at bats despite seeing his OBP diminish due to lack of walks (12 in 124 games as Yankee).
At least the Yanks also swapped prospects as part of the trade sending minor league pitcher Jhonny Nunez for righty Kaneoka Texeira. Maybe that’s what sold them on the deal. If Brian Ca$hman couldn’t cough up the big bucks for Mark Teixeira, then why not acquire another Texeira only mispelled which kinda sums up the current state in the Bronx.
Still, expect the Bronx Bombers to make a ridiculous multi-year offer to Cash Cow Sabathia later today on the first big day of free agency. If I’m Sabathia and I prefer the laid back West coast style along with the NL where he had great success in leading the Brewers to their first postseason appearance in 26 years, I sign with the Dodgers or Giants instead. Would you want to come to a crowded AL East which includes the Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays that the Yankees have to contend with?
If he wants to win, he’ll use his brain and take less. Something which rarely happens around this time of year. We’ll see what Sabathia chooses.
-I don’t care what any big New York columnist writes negatively about him but the Mets would be crazy not to go for Manny Ramirez. The guy’s a lot of things but he also knows how to win. So, the next time you read Joel Sherman, Bill Madden or Mike Lupica talking about how he weaseled his way out of Beantown (all sadly true), just remember that he also was a huge part of Boston winning their first two world championships since 1918 with that same “lazy” player taking home World Series MVP in 2004. Think his presence didn’t make a huge difference with David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis’ sudden rise to stardom? Think again!
Just imagine what Manny could do for David Wright, who didn’t exactly light the world on fire in crunch time for the Mets. Picture a Met lineup with Jose Reyes, David Murphy, Wright, Manny, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado assuming Omar Minaya doesn’t turn around and make the slick play for Teixeira and unload the older first base slugger to replenish his farm. Would you bet against that lineup with Ryan Church also part of it if Murphy goes to second?
For the naysayers, just remember your team fell short of October the last two seasons because your GM wasn’t willing to roll the dice despite adding one of the best starters in Johan Santana. How many championships have the Amazin’s won again? They don’t exactly have the reputation of the Yankees. So, what’s keeping them from taking their best shot and going for it all? Too often, you hear Met fans call up WFAN in New York playing “what if.”
What if Minaya was bold enough to see what a star like Manny in the twilight of his career looking for that one final payday could do for his roster? Almost doesn’t count. This is about delivering a championship and what better way than bringing in the former George Washington star as they open up Citi Field? At least they could justify the costs.
If I’m the Mets, I go for Manny, add another proven October performer Derek Lowe and save some money by going for Brian Fuentes than the overpriced K-Rod whose fastball isn’t what it once was relying already too much on his slider. Just ask Red Sox hitters including Ramirez how that worked out for the Angels the past two first rounds.
Adding a gritty veteran who knows a thing or two about winning also would be wise.David Eckstein,Ray DurhamandMark Loretta are all decent options. What about bringing in a professional hitter like Kevin Millar? EvenCraig Counsell wouldn’t be a bad choice. This is all about having a reliable veteran leader who can fill a role coming off the bench. Are the Yankees paying attention cause it sure applies to them as well.
-There’s been some talk about the Yanks trading for veteran center fielder Mike Cameron who can still hit for decent power, steal bases and field his position. However, he’ll turn 36 next January and is a free swinging type who K’s a ton. Wouldn’t it be wiser to go for a younger player who won’t cost as much like Rocco Baldelli, who at 26 returned to Tampa Bay from chronic exhaustion and proved he still can contribute? The Yankee CF spot is one which the organization must be careful about due to also having Brett Gardner and prospect Austin Jackson still in their plans while Melky Cabrera could be moved.
Baldelli wouldn’t have to play everyday but is a solid defensive outfielder who does the little things well such as hitting in the gaps, stealing bases, moving runners over while still owning natural power which proved to still be there with a couple of homers in limited duty for the Rays versus the Red Sox and Phillies. It wouldn’t cost as much cause the former Rays’ 2000 No.1 pick is more of a risk. But he’s younger and possesses talent and could bring a winning formula that’s badly needed in the Land of Make Believe where a silly power struggle continues between each Steinbrenner along with evildoer Randy Levine haunting the franchise as they get ready to open their new Stadium.
-Kudos to Tim Lincecum on becoming just the third second-year pitcher since 1985 to take home the Cy Young easily outdistancing Brandon Webb (73 pts) and Johan Santana (55 pts) for tops among the Senior Circuit after posting an 18-5 record with a 2.62 ERA on the Giants while fanning a major league best 265. He joined the Mets’ Dwight Gooden and the Royals’ Bret Saberhagen as a second-year starter who took home the prestigious award receiving 23 of 32 first place votes totaling 137 points. Rounding out the top five were Phils’ perfect closer Brad Lidge and the Brew Crew’s C.C. Sabathia with Ryan Dempster finishing sixth.
-The AL Cy Young as expected went to the Indians’ Cliff Lee who went a MLB best 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA capping off a comeback season after toiling in the minors the previous year. After getting tattooed for 68 earned and 112 hits in 97-plus during 20 appearances (16 starts) to the tune of a 5-8 mark with a 6.29 ERA in 2007, the 30 year-old southpaw who came along with Grady Sizemore as part of the Bartolo Colon trade from the then Montreal Expos was dominant from the very beginning this past season winning his first six decisions while posting an 11-1 record before July.
All he did was win even though his team struggled all season eventually trading away Sabathia to the Brewers- a teammate he held in high regard who won the Cy the previous year when they went all the way to the ALCS before falling to the Red Sox in seven games. Lee finished second to runner-up Roy Halladay with four complete games and tied with the former Cy winner and six others including Sabathia with two shutouts pacing the AL. In 223.1 IP, Lee walked only 34 while striking out 170 for an impressive five to one ratio.
He became just the third Indians pitcher to take home the award joining Gaylord Perry (1972) and Sabathia by garnering 24 of 28 first place votes and 132 points to easily beat out Halladay (71 points) and Francisco Rodriguez (32 points).
-No surprise either that the Rookies of The Year went to Tampa’s Evan Longoria in the AL and the Cubs’ Geovany Soto in the NL. Both were dominant players who helped lead their clubs to division titles and each are primed to become elite players at their respective positions as well as MVP candidates. Heck. If Longoria hadn’t missed a month, who knows? Maybe he sweeps ROY and MVP which is most likely going to either Youkilis or Boston teammate Dustin Pedroia. Though you could make the argument that had Carlos Quentin not injured himself, he’d have won it.
-I don’t get the rationale of the Cubs trading for former Marlins’ closer Kevin Gregg, who bombed down the stretch costing them a shot at the playoffs. Unless they’re hell bent on handing the job over to flamethrower Carlos Marmol with Kerry Wood on the outs. Just remember. Closing is a lot different than setting up. We’ll see how it goes.
-They’re not playing great by any stretch but the Rangers sure look like the only sure thing to see the postseason out of the three locals with Martin Brodeur sidelined on a banged up Devil team which is struggling mightily. The Islanders are a rebuilding project who are more likely to compete for John Tavares.
-It’s still a little weird not seeing Marty in net versus the Rangers where he’d only missed three starts versus his favorite opponent since like his rookie season. That’s insanity but also points to just how unbelievably consistent and remarkable the future Hall of Famer who will resume his pursuit of Patrick Roy’s wins and games record as well as Terry Sawchuk’s shutouts mark when he returns in February.
For now, it’s a long road back after tearing his biceps and admittedly saying he’d played with it before needing to be helped off the ice for what Lou Lamoriello termed “a bruised elbow.” Gotta love those NHL injury reports as they’re always so honest. Just ask the Islanders about the latest setback for their franchise Rick DiPietro.
So, with no Marty and no DiPi, that means only Henrik Lundqvist remains in net healthy capable of backstopping his team up the standings despite something missing. It’s getting lonely in goal quickly here.
-First, it was the Patriots winning three times. Then it was the Red Sox winning twice. Then it was the Celtics winning last Spring with an assist from Kevin McHale. Gee. What a surprise. Now, it’s the Bruins who are starting to look like serious Stanley Cup contenders after dismantling the Canadiens 6-1 in what’s become the best division in hockey. We’re serious too here! What is it about Massachusetts sports teams? Is there something in the water or is it the Boston Lager? Inquiring minds want to know.
-Have you ever seen as exciting an NHL game as the Pens 7-6 comeback road win over the defending champion Wings exacting a little revenge thanks to a natural hat trick from Jordan Staal plus a primary helper on Ruslan Fedotenko’s OT winner? What a great game!
-They don’t get the play of the Cubs or even the revamped Bulls but the Blackhawks are one exciting hockey club. If you haven’t caught their act featuring some of the best young talent in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Kris Versteeg, the once great Original Six franchise is back on the right track and ticketed for the postseason. They are also honoring their past including a very nice double-retirement ceremony we caught the other night honoring former great defensemen Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson while also reinviting former star and coach Denis Savard back as club ambassador. This is definitely a team to watch even if you’re not a big puck supporter. It’s nice to see them honoring their roots.
-I gotta admit it’s a little weird seeing AC/DC rocking out in school wear all these years later but how could you not admire their swagger? They’re still sticking with what got them at the pinnacle of the rock scene.
-It’s sad to note that the final member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience Mitch Mitchell passed away at the age of 62 joining the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding upstairs though the dynamic trio is probably up there making the same kind of electrifying music which produced amazing albums like Are You Experienced (1967)Â Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968).
Mitchell was the underrated drummer of The Experience while Redding played an exquisite bass and Jimi did his thing like few others redefining the way guitar was played. They might all be gone but their legacy shall live on forever because as we all know, truly great music is timeless.
Let’s honor and remember them the appropriate way:
I could watch/listen to this special array of talent forever.
It didn’t take long for the NBA to kick into high gear. A surprising blockbuster deal involving the Pistons and Nuggets saw Detroit send former Finals MVP Chauncey Billups and veteran big Antonio McDyess to the Rocky Mountains for Allen Iverson Monday.
My friend Brian reacted when it was just a rumor by saying, “Why?”
Why indeed? I don’t get why the Pistons did this. AI is a great scorer but come on. He’s not as team oriented as Billups who was Mr. Clutch for Detroit. I just don’t understand this move.
Okay. Iverson’s great but can he coexist with Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace along with emerging pair Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell.
I just was floored by such a drastic move. Are the Pistons going for a change in team philosophy to try to stay afloat with the Celtics? Sure looks that way.
Meantime, Billups returns close to home where he starred for the University of Colorado to try helping the Nuggets to another postseason and beyond. They’ve become first round fodder which didn’t change when they swung the deal for Iverson last season. Billups is a proven winner and should help Carmelo Anthony mature. And McDyess revived his career in Detroit as a support player who could knock down the uncontested mid-range jumper and crash the glass.
Advantage Denver because they needed a change to stick around in a crowded West. I just like this move for them and feel it can pay dividends.
Both teams should be playoff bound next Spring. Still, I never saw it coming. Did anyone?
-If that’s what all the talk is about with Greg Oden a year finally back from micro fracture reconstructive knee surgery, then he should permanently change his name to Greg Olden. At least it would help explain the lack of production (no FGs, no Pts, 5 rebs, block, 2 fouls in 13 mins) before leaving a season opening 96-76 blowout loss to the Lakers with an ankle sprain with an MRI later today.
It looks like the Blazers former 2007 No.1overall pick is going to be rusty and more of a project than most expected. Especially with how poor his finishes were around the basket badly misfiring on four attempts while showing that his hands still need improvement.
For now, Portland might be more concerned with what the MRI reveals cause it’ll help determine how long the 20 year-old former Ohio State star will be out. They should heed on the side of caution based on what we saw.
As for the rest of his teammates who are expected to compete for a final playoff berth, they stunk it up against the defending Western Conference champs getting taken to school in both ends. Offensively, with the exception of promising Spanish rookie guard Rudy Fernandez (5-of-10 FG, 16 Pts, 4 assists), they were way too stagnant forcing up shots leading to the Lakers’ vastly improved transition attack which had good results.
Pau Gasol had some nice finishes in a strong first half netting all 15 while rating league MVP Kobe Bryant slowly picked apart the Blazers to the tune of a game high 23, 11 boards and five assists. With Metuchen, New Jersey’s own Andrew Bynum (8 pts, 3 BS) back healthy in the lineup, Christ The King product Lamar Odom came off the bench in a new Sixth Man role combining with ex-Knick Trevor Ariza and Jordan Farmar to help a strong Lakers second unit score 36 of their 96 total.
Not bad production from arguably the deepest bench in the league which is a big part of why they should go very far next Spring.
-In the other two league’s openers, the defending champion Celtics got past LeBron and the Cavs 90-85 on championship ring night in Boston. Paul Pierce made up for running mates’ KG and Ray Allen’s struggles by scoring 27 and got bench help from Leon Powe (13 big Pts including couple of jams) and Tony Allen (11 Pts).
LeBron paced the Cavs with 22, seven rebounds and eight assists with new teammate Mo Williams getting 12 including three treys.
-It was a much better debut for Derrick Rose, who helped lead the Bulls past former coach Scott Skiles’ Bucks 108-95. The 20 year-old former Memphis star who Chicago took No.1 overall finished with 11 points, nine assists, four boards and three steals in over 32 minutes leading a balanced attack which included Tyrus Thomas’ double double (15 and 10), Drew Gooden’s 13 and 8 (6 offensive) along with Ben Gordon’s 18 (three treys) and Kirk Hinrich’s 15 and 7 off the bench.
If they’re going to bring both Gordon and Hinrich off the bench, that’s going to be a huge edge for the Bulls because they could start on most teams. The move by new coach Vinnie Del Negro helped Chicago score 46 bench points. Not bad.
Michael Redd paced the Bucks with 30 on 10-of-19 shooting including four from downtown. In his Milwaukee debut, former Net Richard Jefferson was held to 5-of-17 from the floor for 15 points, four rebounds and two assists in 38-plus.
-We haven’t made any league predictions yet but here’s one tip for Knicks and Nets fans. Your teams aren’t as good as the Celts, 76ers and Raptors. Loose Translation: Enjoy fighting for the Atlantic cellar with non-playoff rosters.
We’ll have some picks later with seeds and teams contending for the lottery. Stay tuned.
It was the worst kept secret. The NBA league MVP is finallyKobe Bryant’s.
The 29 year-old Los Angeles Laker superstar had a terrific season finishing second in the league to Cleveland’sLeBron Jamesin scoring averaging 28.3 points-per-game (PPG) along with 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists to lead his team to the West’s best record finishing 57-25. The Philadelphia native shot 45.9 percent from the field including 36.1 from three-point range- his highest percentage in five seasons.
“This is an award I couldn’t have won on my own. I can’t thank these guys (his teammates) enough. These are my guys, these are my brothers. Let’s get ready for tomorrow,†the very ecstatic Laker star told reporters at a press conference as his team prepared for Game Two of their seven-game Western Conference Semi series against Utah. Bryant lit up the Jazz for 38 points, six boards and seven assists in a 109-98 Game One win at Staples Center Sunday.
Keeping things in perspective, he made a valid observation of finally winning his first ever league MVP:
“It’s Hollywood, it’s a movie script. The perfect ending would be for us to hold a championship trophy at the end of it.”
Well stated. Bryant received 82 first place votes and 1,105 points beating out the Hornets’ Chris Paul, who finished second with 28 first place tallies and 889 points. Boston’sKevin Garnett(15 and 670) and the league’s leading scorer James (1 and 438) rounded out the top four.
Blogger’s reaction: Bryant was very deserving and really sacrificed his offense to get other teammates involved which is the biggest reason the Lakers finished where they did and are a legit championship contender. Paul was a good choice for runner-up who had a fantastic third season averaging 21.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG and a league best 11.6 assists, leading the Hornets to 56 wins and back to the postseason.
I’m not crazy about KG finishing ahead of LeBron cause he had a much better cast with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The Celtics did finish with a league best 66 wins which might explain it. For the most part, they got it right and that’s all that counts.
Yes! You actually heard right!!!!! The Denver Nuggets last night scored 168 points in regulation!
No. This isn’t a joke. Or at least it’s not quite April Fool’s yet. Maybe the Nuggets had the luck of the Irish the night before St. Patty’s Day. Or maybe the Seattle Sonics even with green in their uniforms just really are that pathetic.
Heck. Even Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Management 101 hasn’t quite sunk to that level.
When I was checking boxscores late last night after my Hard Hits show with the usual cast of characters in JPG, Rob “Kraze” Davis and Nate Sousa, I figured it was some sort of misprint. How could any NBA team score that many points without at least a couple of overtimes?!?!?!?!?!
Maybe that answer is best left for the participants in a historic game which saw Denver score at least 40-or-more in three of four quarters. Oh btw…they took it easy and racked up a cool 36 in the second.
I’ve seen quarters where the Knicks give up a ton but man. I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to watch that. What happened? How did the Nuggets finish with over 60 field goals made on 100 or 101 shots??? That’s over 60 percent. Even if you aren’t good at math, duh!
I think the craziest thing was that their bench got nearly half finishing with 74 featuring a ridiculous four players in double digits with J.R. Smith & Chucky Atkins getting 19 apiece while Linas Kleiza netted 17 and somebody by the name of…
YAKHOUBA DIAWARA (try pronouncing that 10 times fast) also contributing 11!!!!!
Gee wiz. So what did some of the participants on the winning side have to say about scoring a season high 84 first half points and 168 total in just the required 48 minutes. Well at least last I checked anyway.
Kenyon Martin (11-of-13 FG, 23 pts, 8 rebs):
“A lot of people are going to think it’s a misprint. A lot of people will think there’s no way they scored that many points. It’s unbelievable. There are no words for it.â€
“It’s hard to beat a team when you get 44 assists and making the extra pass. It’s tough to beat a team when you play like we did tonight.â€
“Like the Rockets winning 22 straight, it’s unheard of on this level. Scoring 168 points in regulation is unheard of. Hopefully we can take what we did these last three games at home onto the road trip.â€
Marcus Camby (triple double-13 pts, 15 rebs, 10 ass):
“I’ve never been a part of a game like this where we won by so many points and scored so many points. This is definitely a game I’m going to keep in my archives.â€
Denver coach George Karl:
“There was no way that I couldn’t enjoy the game, not from the way we played offensivelyâ€
The poor Sonics unfortunately will have to deal with this for quite a while until they become good again when they relocate. What did they have to say?
Chris Wilcox:
“We just lost tonight. We lost by a lot. That’s just something you’re going to have to look back on. It’s just something you’re going to have to live with.â€
Seattle coach P.J. Carlesimo:
“We get beat that badly, there’s no excuse for that. It matters a lot because we’re professionals and we’re trying to compete—and we didn’t compete tonight.â€
Not surprisingly, Denver’s 168 point explosion which included 24 points from Allen Iverson and 26 from Carmelo Anthony became a new team record for most points in a regular season game eclipsing the previous franchise mark of 163 against the Spurs on Jan.11, 1984.
So, will it ever happen again? Probably not unless there’s a game which needs triple overtime.
With the NCAA tournament brackets about to be revealed over on CB$, there is a history making game of sorts over at ABC as the Houston Rockets are about to extend their amazing winning streak to 22 straight.
When the streak began, they were on the outside looking in in the ultra competitive Western Conference. Now, up by 13 with under a minute left against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers (with no Pau Gasol), they’re going to win No.22 in a row and believe it or not, move into sole possession of first in the conference with an impressive 46-20 mark.
So, before the unbelievable streak began, Rick Adelman’s club were just four games over .500. The 22-game win streak is the second longest in NBA history. They passed the 1971 Milwaukee Bucks a couple of days ago but still trail the 1971-72 Wilt Chamblerlain Lakers by a cool 11 for the all-time mark.
Can they match it? Probably not. The schedule this upcoming week shall only get tougher when they host league best Boston and then travel to New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix.
No easy opponents there. You have to applaud what they’ve accomplished thus far in improving to 10-0 without Yao Ming.
So what was the key today in a game which leading scorer Tracy McGrady didn’t score until the final quarter saving all 11 for crunch time, point guard Rafer Alston caught fire nailing eight triples to pace the Rockets with 31.
Reserve guard Bobby Jackson also came off the bench and scored 19 shooting an efficient seven-of-nine from the field and also grabbing six boards.
The Rockets outscored the Lakers 35-27 off the bench.
If there was one other big key (and when isn’t it), their stifling aggressive D on Kobe forced him into 22 misses (11-of-33 FG). So even though he led his team with 24, it wasn’t the most productive because he had just a couple of assists. And yes. They’re a very different team with Gasol. Just wait till the big guy gets back along with Metuchen, NJ product Andrew Bynum.
Kudos still go out to the Rockets as they march on.
In case you haven’t been paying much attention, the Houston Rockets have reeled off 19 in a row- third longest in NBA history.
Even without star center Yao Ming, Rick Adelman’s team continues to play flawless basketball. Maybe they aren’t taken as seriously as Western contenders Los Angeles, San Antonio and even Dallas. However, it’s awfully hard not to take notice of how well they’re playing without one of the game’s best big men.
Like most observers when Yao went down, I figured you could stick a fork in the Rockets. Instead, led by leading scorer Tracy McGrady, who’s never been a fave of mine; the team is continuing to win games.
You have to give plenty of credit to Adelman for keeping his club focused when any slip up could mean no postseason in an ultra competitive conference. Instead, here they are fresh off a comfortable 91-73 home win over their latest victim the Jason Kidd-less Nets, boasting an impressive 42-20 record right on the heels of the Spurs and Lakers.
The 18-point home win improved them to 24-9 at the Toyota Center. They’re now 7-0 since Yao went down with a broken left foot. While a few of those opponents weren’t world beaters, there are a couple of impressive wins on that list including double digits over the Nuggets (103-89), Mavericks (113-98) and Hornets (106-96).
I have to also admit that I thought the game had passed Adelman by. His Kings teams always seemed to come up short and made you wonder if it had to do with the coach who once guided the Blazers to an NBA Finals appearance before losing to Michael Jordan and the Bulls.
The job the veteran NBA coach has done is just tremendous. Players such as Rafer Alston, European find Luis Scola, long range bomber Shane Battier, Luther Head and rookie Carl Landry have stepped up in Ming’s absence to team with McGrady playing an inspired brand of ball which includes hard nosed D. Just ask the Nets, who finished with a season-low 28 first half points and shot only 30 percent.
Even dinosaur Dikembe Mutombo is chipping in.
When you see how underachieving our local teams are, just look at what Adelman’s done with Houston.
That’s how it’s supposed to be. Kudos to them for getting it right.
Who says that Jason Kidd’s addition to the Mavericks makes them better? Apparently, Laker superstar Kobe Bryant had other ideas lighting up Kidd and the Mavs for 52 in an exciting 108-104 overtime win Sunday in Hollywood.
It was Kobe’s first 50 point game of the season and 22nd of his brilliant career. Following a half in which he missed five of eight from the charity stripe, the disappointed 29 year-old Philly native came out with a strong second half saving his best for crunch time.
Bryant heated up in the final quarter scoring 22 of his points including a perfect 13-for-13 at the line. He made 17 of his last 19 at the charity stripe to go 20-for-27.
Last season’s regular season MVP Dirk Nowitzki forced OT by making a trifecta with just two seconds to go tying it at 93. In the extra five minutes, Dirk scored nine more but ultimately missed another trey which would’ve knotted it again with seven seconds remaining.
Bryant continued his hot play scoring eight more in the OT to finish with 30 of his 52 in the final 17 minutes.
Former Net Kidd finished with 15 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. He had a chance for a three-point play after converting a driving lay-up but missed the free throw which would’ve evened it at 105.
“I felt confident at the free throw line, but I just left it short,†Kidd later told the AP. “To tie the game, I have to be able to step up and make that free throw.â€
“It was great for the players and the fans; both teams had leads, both teams fought to come back,†Kidd also pointed out of the second of an ABC doubleheader between a couple of the West’s best.
Bryant finished 15-of-27 from the field making two of three from downtown, also adding 11 boards and four assists. Pau Gasol added 17, 14 rebounds and dropped five dimes.
Notes: The Mavs are 4-3 since acquiring Kidd. The Lakers have won 12 of 13 and stayed even with the defending champion Spurs, who went into New Jersey and defeated the Nets 93-83 on the strength of Tony Parker’s 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. It was their ninth consecutive win.
 
 
 
