It’s been a few days since we’ve updated. Sorry as I’ve been preoccupied with our other hockey blog which is picking up steam. Since I see no reason to talk puck here, if you haven’t already please come visit us over at Battle Of New York. We cover the Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Sabres with a little NHL sprinkled in. Plus we even have a Twitter. I promise it’s fun.

-As per usual, it’s past bedtime. I’ll def have to get up for the latest St. John’s debacle. They’re taking on UConn in Round One of the Big East Tournament at The Mecca. Too bad there’s no good ballin’ around these parts. Word of friendly advice: Follow HS. It’s better!

-Should I care that the Knicks held off the Hawks last night after nearly blowing a 10-point lead the final 2:53? For whatever odd reason, the orange and blue own Hotlanta, making it three wins on what’s otherwise evolved into a disappointing season. Nice to see Coach D’Antoni give rook Toney Douglas (11 Pts, 3 A in 23+) some PT for a change. Anyone who’s remotely followed them has to know how poorly No D’s run his bench. With a banged up T-Mac out, he did it out of necessity.

-I’m not pretending to be an NBA guru but Sergio Rodriguez’ ain’t the answer at PG. It’s been mixed results for the self-proclaimed Spanish Chocolate, whose speed and tempo are noticeable. However, there’s a reason he’s already on his fourth club as he has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much and over dribble, sometimes leading to turnovers. The 23 year-old can get into the lane and dish but isn’t strong enough to take the punishment. In extended minutes, his production hasn’t been much better than what he did with Sacramento. He’s better suited as a backup. It’s wiser for the Knicks to give Douglas more of a role and find a true No.1 either this summer or next.

-I know they don’t play any D but am still at a loss for words over Jazzy Jim’s ballers turning a 16-point first quarter lead into a 20-point blowout home loss to the lowly Nets. How is that possible? Makes one ponder if the players have already tuned out the second-year coach.

-Welcome to New York Antrel Rolle and Antonio Cromartie. Can’t say anything on Rolle but we know that Cromartie ‘gets around’ 2Pac style.

-I’ll never be an Oscars guy because I don’t see the point in celebrities having a gala to celebrate themselves. They’re already in fantasy land. However, big ups to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges. In general, I just can’t get into awards. The last time it was relevant was when MTV stood for music.

-Even if Oliver Perez struggles, the Mets can take solace in what they’ve seen from Ike Davis and Fernando Martinez. Both have impressed with the young first base slugging prospect showing a potent bat and a quick glove. If he continues to play well, why not keep him up? He’s got much more upside than Daniel Murphy. What’s Fernando Tatis doing on the roster anyway?

-The Nick Johnson DL Watch is already on.

-I’ll say it. Zach McAllister has more upside than Joba. Not just cause we share a birthday. While Yankee brass tries to figure out if Joba or Phil Hughes are the No.5 starter, expect McAllister to fly under the radar.

-If they don’t get good news on Jose Reyes, will the Amazin’s still Believe In 2010?!?!?!?!?!

-Maybe Big Ben should try using his head more wisely.

-I hope Jim Sorgi isn’t the Giants’ backup plan with David Carr gone.

-Ninety-six teams in the tournament is lunacy. Why even play the regular season?

-We love ya Joannie Rochette.

-Who would’ve thought we’d miss Olympic curling?

Yankee closer Mariano Rivera and teammates had plenty to smile about while Met skipper Jerry Manuel and his team didn't this weekend.

It’s been an interesting week here. So let’s get to it. Shall we?

1.Is Jerry Manuel really wrong about his battered team? I mean they do have to basically be perfect just to win games. Against the Cards, they were and took three of four. But this weekend that wasn’t the case with too many mental mistakes leading to Yankee runs as their crosstown rivals came into Citi Field and swept them. So, they fell short. What does Manuel’s sarcasm in a postgame have to do with that his players aren’t that talented right now? Zilch. He is begging Omar Minaya to wake up from the doldrums and do something. Maybe if the Phillies were eight up, there’d be more urgency…

2.The two games off seems to have done the trick for one Alex Rodriguez and that couldn’t come at a better time for the Yanks.

3.When does Robby Cano, who statistically speaking is having a solid season finally deliver a big hit?

4.Daniel Murphy can’t be the best the Mets can do at first. What happened to Fernando Tatis?

5.Phil Hughes is pretty automatic these days out of that Yankee pen.

6.So wanted to see Team USA hang on over Brazil yesterday but there’s a reason they’re so skilled and unfortunately, it showed in that second half of the Confed Cup championship. Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and especially Tim Howard have nothing to be ashamed of. Tell ya one thing. That Kaka is some player. What a soccer name!

7.Looking forward to seeing how Roger Federer fares in the French Final rematch later today in the same Round of 16 situation Robin Soderling slayed the dragon on clay in Rafa Nadal. Wimbledon did Roger no favors with either big serving Ivo Karlovic/Fernando Verdasco waiting in the quarters and Novak Djokovic on pace for a semi clash, assuming the five-time All England Club champ gets through.

8.Really want to see that Andy vs Andy semi between Murray and Roddick on the other side. Might Lleyton Hewitt have something to say about it? Yes. He’s playing well. We’ll see.

9.It sure looks like Venus will cruise past Ana Ivanovic and through her section to another final. Can she three-peat? Bigger question is will younger sis Serena make it with a potential tough quarter against emerging power house Victoria Azarenka? Have to figure Serena will take care of looker Daniela Hantuchova today to help set it up.

10.Only Knick fans could boo the first round pick of Jordan Hill which was really a no-brainer once Stephen Curry went to Golden State. Way to be. Speaking of the Draft, loved the Nets’ pick of Terrence Williams. Not just cause we called it either but because he’ll be a good pro. Great move too getting rid of Vince Carter. Now, Orlando can deal with that headache and relive his cousin Tracy McGrady.

11.So much for all that suspense regarding the Islanders’ first overall selection. John Tavares and Isles’ fans breathed a huge sigh of relief. Still found it amusing how they celebrated like they won a Cup.

12.Is trading for Darko Milicic really the best Donnie Walsh can do? Let’s see Mike Lupica defend that one.

13.How the heck does Tim Wakefield have 10 wins? Remarkable.

14.Imagine if the Mets played in the AL East.

15.At least Mark De Rosa was traded for a top 100 prospect.

16.It doesn’t get more bizarre than Francisco Rodriguez walking Mariano Rivera with the bases loaded. Just listening to Howie Rose told ya all you needed to know. Wonder what Brian Bruney thought at that moment? You know. The invaluable setup guy who couldn’t get three outs against Buffalo before Mo bailed him out by getting Omir Santos looking en route to his 500th career save.

17.Does Lori Rubinson realize how bitter she comes off when she asks Yankee fans if they should really be happy that they swept a bad team? The same scrappy bunch that took three of four against the game’s best hitter that’s tied for the NL Central. Word to the wise. You don’t get style points. Like Bill Parcells used to say, beat who’s on your schedule.

18.Okay. I get that Citi Field isn’t a hitter’s paradise but how come the Yanks had no problem hitting a few out including lightweight Brett Gardner?

Besides, doesn’t this fact baffle some?

David Ortiz: 8 HR

David Wright: 4 HR

It doesn’t mean the Met All-Star third baseman’s having a bad season. He’s still hitting for a great average (.342) with 39 RBI’s, 47 runs and 20 steals. But at some point, he has to start going deep. With how battered his team is, they need him to.

19.Fernando Nieve or Oli Perez?

20.Given all the weird injuries and even odder end results, any truth to the rumor Dr. Seuss is employed in Queens?

21.Finally, this just in. The local JCC is run better than the T-wolves. That’s not a ringing endorsement.

Rafael Nadal won't be able to defend Wimbledon. We'll sure miss him but will Roger Federer as he goes for history?

It’s early Saturday morning and the start of another unpredictable New York weekend. Here’s a few things floating around our sleepy head:

1.The Mets must never want the Phillies to hit the road given how brutal they’ve performed. The losing streak’s up to four allowing Fernando Nieve and the Amazin’s to gain more ground, pulling within two games of first thanks to a 5-3 home win over the Rays. Meanwhile, the Phils were routed by the Orioles de-proving to 1-6 versus AL East visitors. Yikes.

2.The Yanks did just fine without Alex Rodriguez, who gets the first two games back in Florida off. Apparently, the Marlins were the right elixir for Andy Pettite, who allowed just a run fanning seven for his seventh win. And hey. A-Rod’s replacement Angel Berroa chipped in with an RBI hit. It added up to a 5-1 win, gaining a game on the Red Sox, who fell to Atlanta 8-2.

3.The Yanks and Mets are both two out of first. Weird.

4.I really am bummed about Rafael Nadal pulling out of Wimbledon due to a chronic knee. The exciting 23 year-old Spaniard won’t be able to defend his crown. So, there will be no Nadal-Roger Federer rematch. He made the right call after dropping consecutive exhibitions the past two days to Lleyton Hewitt and Stanislas Wawrinka. That wouldn’t have boded well the next two weeks trying to win seven competitive best three of five matches.

5.The door is now open for Federer to reclaim the grass with a sixth Wimbledon and pass Pete Sampras. The toughest competition should come from No.3 Scot Andy Murray, who has a decent draw. Perhaps this major could be his breakthrough as he tries to become the first English player to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry (1936). Other possible men’s contenders should come from No.4 Novak Djokovic and sixth seeded American Andy Roddick, who has a great draw with possible competition coming from Nikolay Davydenko and Juan Martin Del Potro. The best a tennis fan can hope for is a Roddick-Murray semi with Federer taking on Djokovic. A Federer-Murray final would at least help make up for no Rafa.

6.If the Knicks are smart, they’ll go for Ty Lawson over Stephen Curry. While I do believe Curry will be an excellent pro, he’s not what the Knicks need. Lawson is super fast and a true point guard, who guided the Tar Heels to the NCAA title. Forget his lack of size. He can get to the basket but is pass first and can finish when needed. Try telling that to Mike Lupica and the rest of the so-called experts in this city.

7.If the Nets really are serious about trading Devin Harris for a first round pick, they’re even dumber than first thought.

8.I’m so glad Shaq and Kobe are on good terms again.

9.Sidney Crosby winning the Stanley Cup is great for the NHL but he still should have showed up for the Awards in Vegas the other night. Speaking of which, will Sid The Kid, Evgeni Malkin and the Pens be making an appearance on Letterman? Or will NBC try to get them for Conan? You’d think they would considering the kind of ratings that Game 7 generated.

10.Gotta love two-time Hart/Pearson winner Alex Ovechkin making wise cracks about fellow Russian Malkin’s lack of English.

11.Phil Mickelson. Not Tiger would be the better story this weekend. That’s if they can actually get some holes in before the rain.

12.Dante Stallworth getting 30 days for killing a bystander while being impaired has to be some sorta bad joke. So what if he settled with the suffering family. That’s hardly enough punishment. Drinking irresponsibly costs lives. When will the double standards with star athletes finally end? How does Mike Vick serve 18 months for dog fighting losing everything and Stallworth doesn’t even get half that?

13.He deserves to serve serious time for what he did because it was disgusting but 45 years seems like a lot for Mel Hall.

14.When it does get going Monday, I”ll miss those rain delays at the All England Club.

15.Can a woman other than a Williams sister win the crown? I hope Maria Sharapova takes out Serena. What will be her excuse this time? She needs to be more like older sis Venus. Lose gracefully.

16.Five NBA Draft sleepers this Thursday who likely won’t get scooped up till the second round:

1.SG Wesley Matthews, Marquette

2.PF Dante Cunningham, Villanova

3.SF Danny Green, North Carolina

4.PG Darren Collison, UCLA

5.SG Dionte Christmas, Temple

17.As a huge hockey fan, I really hope the Islanders make the right choice with the No.1 overall pick next Friday in Montreal.

18.Don’t the Devils need to find a coach before July 1?

19.Every Ranger fan is praying Glen Sather doesn’t screw up yet again.

20.Every now and then, America needs an old classic to appreciate like The Animal’s “House Of The Rising Sun” seen here:

21.That’s for you Dad. You’ve always supported both me and my brother no matter what. I can’t say enough in this space to make it up to you. You’re the best father anyone could ever ask for. Here’s hoping one day soon, we all get to celebrate something special with our Rangers at our second home. So it’s a day early. Happy Father’s Day!

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 Durham and Mark Loretta are all decent options. What about bringing in a professional hitter like Kevin Millar? Even Craig 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)  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.

The summer is a time for metropolitan hockey fans to regroup and see what changes their respective teams make. For each organization, they reevaluate things and decide what the best plan going ahead is in preparation of the upcoming Fall.

Amazingly, training camp is approximately seven weeks away. It will be here before you know it. The question is how have the Devils, Islanders and Rangers done in upgrading their rosters this offseason? Let’s take a quick glance at each thus far:

Devils- added veteran centers Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik and re-signed Jay Pandolfo, Bryce Salvador and David Clarkson while Karel Rachunek and mainstay Sergei Brylin left for Russia.

Analysis: The additions of former first Cup members Rolston and the battle tested Holik are smart moves by Lou Lamoriello as that should greatly improve the Devils up the middle. Rolston’s addition will provide offensive balance while Holik should be an upgrade on the fourth line. We’re not crazy about giving Salvador four years though. Still, the Devs should be vastly improved.

Grade: B+

Islanders- added defenseman Mark Streit along with veteran pivot Doug Weight while re-signing forwards Sean Bergenheim and Jeff Tambellini. Forwards Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan left for Pittsburgh and backup goalie Wade Dubielewicz went overseas to Russia. Still looking to replace Ted Nolan behind the bench due to philosophical differences.

Analysis: While Garth Snow made out alright overpaying power play QB Streit, he hasn’t really done anything else that makes you believe the Islanders won’t finish in the Atlantic cellar. The coaching change was predictable as Nolan rubbed people the wrong way even though he did an admirable job. The question is who will replace him? Bob Hartley, Paul Maurice and John Tortorella are all available. The team wants to rebuild. So figure it will be someone patient.

Grade: C+

Rangers- added forwards Markus Naslund, Aaron Voros, Patrick Rissmiller and acquired forwards Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche for defensemen Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. Overpaid severely for former Ottawa D Wade Redden while re-signing Michal Rozsival and Paul Mara. Also added former Sabre Dmitri Kalinin and re-signed backup Stephen Valiquette and F Nigel Dawes. Traded Ryan Hollweg to Toronto for a 2009 fifth round pick. Lost star forward Jaromir Jagr to OMSK-Avangard and  Sean Avery to Dallas.

Analysis: Welcome to the world of the Rangers where much has changed. No longer will the team be relying on Jagr, who in the end decided to go back to Russia for megabucks. The entire look of the roster has changed due to this and it looks like Brendan Shanahan will not return either due to limited cap room. Instead, Glen Sather’s banking on Russian enigma Zherdev to fulfill potential and Naslund to be rejuvenated after playing a boring style in Vancouver. But unless Redden rediscovers his game, the Blueshirts aren’t better.

Grade: C

Tonight at midnight, I’ll be hosting a special live NYHR show. Much will be covered as I recap the Red Wings run to a fourth Stanley Cup in 11 years. Plus discussion of tonight’s NHL Award recipients including the Devils’ Martin Brodeur, who took home a fourth Vezina. Congrats also to Alex Ovechkin on winning his first Hart.

Also to be discussed is Dominik Hasek’s retirement as well some coaching changes around the league.

So tune in if you can or better yet participate!

NYHR

Call-in No: 646-716-7209

I’ll be hosting tonight’s New York Hockey Report with probably co-host Gary Harding joining me at some point and possibly Patrick Hickey.

We’ll be talking Rangers, Devils and Islanders as well as more puck. So come check us out! :-) 

That’s right puck heads. It will be yours truly co-hosting tonight’s edition alongside Mr. Section 317 Gary Harding of the New York Hockey Report as we give you some perspective on the three locals as well as what else is going on around the NHL these days.

So make it your business to be part of our program. Besides, we need someone to fill in for Joe McDonald. 

 

Though there were some technicalities with the first part of our first NYHR show kicking off the New Year, it still was a very good show.

Joe McDonald, Gary Harding and yours truly were joined by Roger from upstate New York and the one and only ESPN anchor/NHL columnist extraordinaire John Buccigross called in for an extensive interview which lasted roughly 20-25 minutes.

Among topics covered was the entertaining successful Outdoor Classic along with if it could fare as well in NYC, plus plenty of NHL coverage as we go around the league taking a look at league surprises and possible Hart candidates.

To tune into future shows which usually air between 9 and 10 every Wednesday night on the East coast, please check us out:

NY Hockey Report

Can’t catch us live? Please check out our show archive which is readily available at blogtalk radio on podcast at our official NYHR site.

Hope to hear from some of you for future shows.

Just a couple of quick hits from tonight’s games:

The Devils held on for a 3-2 home victory at The Prudential Center over the Panthers on the strength of a Brian Gionta early third period power play tally. Martin Brodeur stood tall in net making 31 saves as the first place Devs increased their Atlantic lead to three over the Rangers and Pens.

Meanwhile, the Blueshirts had their three-game win streak snapped at Alberta falling to the Flames 4-3. After falling behind by two, the Rangers cut Calgary’s lead to one three different times. But despite rookie center Brandon Dubinsky’s goal which made it 3-2 in arguably his best game drawing third star honors, an awful goal was allowed by Henrik Lundqvist off a weird play. After Martin Straka nearly broke through for a possible equalizer on Miikka Kiprusoff, the Czech tried a mistimed back pass to Michal Rozsival who wasn’t properly positioned at the right point.

A hustling Kristian Huselius wisely shot from a very sharp angle fooling Lundqvist who was thinking pass for what turned out to be the deciding marker with over three minutes left because Brendan Shanahan notched his club-leading 15th with only 14 seconds remaining.

They did get the puck deep but couldn’t get a desperation shot off as the buzzer sounded keeping the Blueshirts winless against Western opponents. This has to be a concern as they get ready for Vancouver later tonight and conclude the challenging three-game four-day Western Canada road swing back in Alberta Saturday night at Edmonton. What kind of scheduling is that?!?!?!?!?! You’d think they’d at least play the two Alberta teams back-to-back instead of traveling back and forth.

However, what does it matter? This team can’t seem to beat the West and that’s why they’re looking up at the Devils in the standings in a wacky and wild East where anything can happen as the halfway point approaches.

One other note from the Thrashers’ 5-4 overtime road win over the struggling first place Hurricanes:

The league’s leading goalscorer Ilya Kovalchuk tallied No.33 in the first period. According to Bucci, it was of the “highlight reel” variety. The Russian also assisted on three more goals by teammates including Marian Hossa’s deciding PP marker with just 32 ticks left in OT. After watching it, Kovalchuk totally kicked ass in this game!

That’s now 33 goals and 24 assists for 57 points at the halfway point for a mediocre club hanging around with 41 points in 41 games just a point out of the three-way tie for seventh (NYI, Phi, Bos).

If Kovy gets his team in, he has a great shot at league MVP. 

Here is the schedule for the two Eastern Conference Semifinal series courtesy of NHL Media:

One Western Conference Semi will also begin Wednesday night. It will depend on who wins tonight’s Game 7 between Dallas and Vancouver.