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Two Teams, One Goal, Same Season

Posted by on 11 January 2010, 4:17 pm

From a Yankees fan’s point of view, the Mets and the Rays players should be hungry as ever to get back some respect in baseball.

Commonly, both team’s seemingly share a lack in leadership internally within the players.

That makes David Wrights job very hard with the Mets continuing to fail over the last few seasons. The Mets need everything and everyone to make something go right to get the trend going again.

David Wright finds a way to do his job, even it entails wearing a bigger helmet to get back out on the field. A field where once fans filled every seat and winning was a common theme.

Tampa Bay Rays started becoming dominant in 2006 and by 2008 made it to the World Series. Tropicana Field had become a home for fans.

For the Rays, playing in the AL East with the two power-house teams of the Yankees and Red Sox is no easy feat. As a Yankee fan, the Rays made me shake in 2008 and were the team to beat in 2009.

The question remains to be answered, were the Rays a threat or are the Rays a threat?

Evan Longoria is the player on the Rays who can collaborate with their dynamic manager, Joe Madden to get back to the World Series again.  To a fan, the Rays acting like spoiled brats in 2009 still sulking over their lose to the Phillies.
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NFL: The Terrific Trend Transcends

Posted by on 9 January 2010, 12:36 pm

The offense line is made up of the popular kid (the quarterback) and his two best buddies (the wide-recievers and running back). The highlights of a game almost always make-up of a long pass caught by the WR or a break-away run from the RB.

Did you ever thing how that WR got freed up to catch that ball? Or where that hole opened up to let the RB take-off?

A lot of the time that player is the tight end making the block. It’s the NFL‘s version of the middle reliever in baseball. The place is unglamorous, the position goes unappreciated but the player is indisp

ensable for a team. They get pegged with false claims of being too slow to not catch, to bulky to receive and to tiny to block.

With names like Vernon Davis, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark, Kevin Boss, Chris Cooley, Brent Celek you forget how many great players fill this roaster spot.

It sure makes Fantasy Football easier because our of the top 30 tight-ends there are only fine options. TE’s lack of importance in Fantasy is irrelevant to their presence on the field.

The tight-ends make everyone look good. Constantly making a struggling QB look good-by catching a short pass on the fly to gain a few yards or a first down. Most TD’s would not score without the silent help of the offense’s humblest player.

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WHAT A DECADE: Part Three – Inspiration Move Me Brightly

Posted by on 5 January 2010, 1:01 am

Who can watch Rocky Four and not get goose bumps when Rocky beats Ivan Drago?

In Miracle when the USA Team of amateurs fights with heart, against every kind of odd; which makes you want to be that passionate, right?

The answers….NO-ONE and YES.

As a sports fan, moments that truly make a person feel a presence of greatness happen but not often. That’s because greatness is uncommon and that’s why it is so appreciated in sports.

This last season in the decade left Yankee fans with memories of major athletic achievements. With surreal moments that show not only the athlete but the character of a true living legends. As much as the athlete’s who hearts means much as the sport and the truest essence of ‘team’.

In no specific order, below are the Yankee moments of 2009 as the team’s best season of the decade:

1) Yankees fan or not, Derek Jeter is a superb athlete but also a good man. The captain who is as cool as can be, works hard and never gives-up. Jeter is one-of-a-kind.

Jeter practices what he preaches because he respects the gift bestrode on him. Jeter is one of the only athletes in sports who I can 100% guarantee he will not let his team, his fans, his Boss, nor his city down.

Captain Derek Jeter joins names like Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Maris by passing the 72 year-long record for most hit as a Yankee. The legendary Lou Gehrig 2,722 hit-record could not have found a more honorable player to take his place.

2) On TV, radio or right in front of your eyes,  Metallica‘s Enter Sandman is the most comforting of tunes to a Yankee fans ears.

It’s an event that can happen a few times a week, playing above song each time, running out is the same man, who throws the same pitch. That would sound pretty boring and repetitive but it is literally like new each time.

That’s because no player can figure out the cutter, no fan respects a player more and Mariano Rivera is the greatest closing pitcher to ever play the game of baseball.

Against their cross-town rival Mets, Rivera earned his 500th save. Rivera is only the second player in MLB history to carry out this feat and couldn’t be more humble about it.

3) To win a World Series the entire organization from top to bottom has to click on every level. Baseball, more than any other sport is this a cause because the length of the season is so grueling, games have no timer so the end is unpredictable and a player whose attitude is off can be like a virus for a ball-club.

Alex Rodriguez had become the equivalent of swine flu in New York. His talents were obvious but not as much as his frustration and consistent feeling of disappointment. Just watching Alex since he’s worn pinstripes it was written all over his face. Arod worked harder and played harder than anyone but that was not the problem. Arod never relaxed, because who can be at ease when all you feel is left out?

The fact is if the Bombers wanted to win a World Series a miracle for Rodriguez’s mental issues was the missing link.  Divorce and the constant target for the relentless NYC media made the booing turn to almost tears because you could not help but feel for the man.

This past season the world now knew what that burden Arod felt was, when the revelation of his name being on the infamous steroid list came to press.

Just if you were not aware, Arod did not have to come clean about his past. It was all just hear-say; because the list is sealed by the US Supreme Court and that would make it illegal, as well as disconcerting for the public to think a document of that stature could be available.

Here is a statement from the Player’s Union, “Information and documents relating to the results of the 2003 MLB testing program are both confidential and under seal by court orders. We are prohibited from confirming or denying any allegation about the test results of any particular player by the court orders. Anyone with knowledge of such documents who discloses their contents may be in violation of those court orders.”

That makes the issue bigger than just baseball as does that mean any sealed court document is that easy to get a peek at?

Arod requested an interview himself with baseball writer Peter Gammons at his Miami home. All that can be said is that takes a hell of a lot of courage to confess something of this nature.

It finally had the boy struggling with Rodriguez, to a man with nothing to hide.

4) The number 27 says it all; as the Yankees make the first year in a new house into a home. Couldn’t have done it better and fans couldn’t have asked for more.

Watch the tribute below that sums it up perfectly:

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Who Are Baseballs Biggest Critics?

Posted by on 5 January 2010, 12:19 am

As Spring Training nears, all baseball teams have made adjustments in the off-season. The reality for fans will start to sink in that some of their hero’s will only be seen by them wearing another uniform.

The Yankees were no different as there will be no more ‘Got Melk’ or ‘Thrilla For Godzilla’ cheers at the stadium in 2010. Unfortunately, for Brian Cashman the weight of success falls on his shoulders.

Is Nick Johnson better fit than Matsui? Is Melky worth giving-up along with more prospects? Did the Yankees throw away minor league players to soon?

Also, for Cashman’s sake let’s hope that Yankee prospect Austin Jackson isn’t a natural in center field for the Detroit Tigers. Nothing will ignite fans fire more than watching another homegrown Yankee thrive on another team’s ball-club.

If the last decade baseball did learn lessons about winning. The first being the word ‘farm system’ became common lingo for fans, GM’s and the media chit-chat. The second is attitude means more than skills. For a team to win, it has to work.

The farm systems have been proven a key element for any MLB franchise’s success.

As a Yankee fan it is only natural to want to hate the team that proved everything that the Yankees did not do actually works. Even more annoying was that the team was the Boston Red Sox.

Boston’s 30-something GM, Theo Epstein truly believes team and the players that the Red Sox are grooming.

Think about it, the youngsters play Double-A and Triple-A ball for years together, learn together which makes it inevitable that they become familiar with each other.

Sometimes we tend to forget the baseball is a team sport. Play as a team and win as a team. It’s pretty simple.

With regard to the Yankees, paychecks and payrolls have nothing to do with camaraderie. It can attract big name players or aging superstars but that gives a team no guarantee for anything.

It takes so much to get through the long season overall. So to make the playoffs and to get to the World Series takes each part of a ball-club working. Not just showing-up everyday but going to extra mile whether it’s Skipper Joe Girardi, Arod, the bat-boy or the fans.

Each individual player needs to come together, while not relying on another picking up the slack for being lazy, but appreciating it when a player might be having an off day.

The fans watch everything and that’s what is at risk each season. Sports teams successes, profit and spirit lays with their fans.

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Rarefied Ray

Posted by on 22 December 2009, 2:54 pm

What motivates is the man?

Ray Lewis

Image via Wikipedia

Anyone can deliver a powerful speech or words with the intent for actions to occur. Everyone can talk the talk, it’s easy, it sounds good and maybe even believable for a minute.

What is the answer?

It’s the man who talks through is actions and makes you want to follow by example. Not anyone can walk the walk, by backing up the inspiring hunger that is louder than any words heard. Easier said then done if you play in the National Football League.

In this decade, true, inspiring athletes, who love the game, the competition of their sport are on the decline. It is nearly un-heard, that an athlete carries so much spirit in his heart. Never letting his teammates, nor his fans ever doubt for a second to stop believing.

How could players not want to win playing next to him?

How could anyone not cheer for him when he wins?

No one can and everyone does.

This man is the NFL’s rarefied air. His name is Ray Lewis.

Lewis is the leader of the Baltimore Ravens, at 34 years old, now in his 14th season, he still walks the talk.

If Tony Robbins ever needs a swift kick, Ray Lewis would be the man to do it.

Just turn on a Ravens game about seven minutes before kick-off to view this for yourselves.

The theme is pretty clear, if Ray Lewis is going to do what he says, any player next to him should do better. This a player that is all about team.

Lewis speaks from the heart, with the wisdom, the kill and the belief that winning is not an option, it is a fact. Ray Lewis has never lost a beat. His teammates, his opponents and his fans adore him for it. Lewis speeches are backed-up by his athletic ability on the field. He is one of the best linebacker’s ever to play the game. At the beginning of his career, most NFL scouts were all skeptical about the young Ray Lewis. To play linebacker at 6’1 and weighing 250 lbs just was too small to effective.

Regardless of his critics, in 1996, Lewis entered the NFL Draft after three years playing for the University of Miami, better known as the “U”. In the 1st round, with the 26th pick, the Baltimore Ravens unknowingly changed their franchise’s future for the better.

Since that time all the doubts lay to rest. He is living proof that mind can over come matter and that size is only how you look, not how you think.

Thus far, Lewis has had one of the most successful careers as a defenceman in NFL history. has won best defensive player of the year in 2000 and 2003; has ten Pro-bowl appearances, named an Associated Press All-Pro eight times and only the second linebacker in NFL history to win the Superbowl MVP award. In 2003, a poll taken of NFL coaches selected Lewis as the most dominant player to venture on the field. He is the only defensive player ever featured on the cover of Madden NFL video game.

This is just to name a few of the honors, as expected the list is very long.

For the Ravens, life without Ray Lewis is completely inconceivable, and a time no one wants to ever come. Baltimore ownership made that abundantly clear as Lewis just signed a seven-year deal at the end of last season, keeping him a Raven till 2015.

The work hard, play hard attitude is a blessing to his teammates. Thus it has earned Ray Lewis utter respect across the sports world.

Watching a Ray Lewis performance is something to treasure, because this player is a dying bread on the verge of extinction in the NFL.

A man, a player and a captain, who appreciates the unusual gift that God has given him and embodies that time and by giving everything he’s got day in and day out.

 

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Perturbed In Pinsrtipes

Posted by on 17 December 2009, 1:57 am
English: Hideki Matsui

Image via Wikipedia

Have you heard the news today?

Roy Halladay and John Lackey have new places to call home, as two of baseball’s top free agents current deals leaked all around the news today.

That was HUGE.

There was one thing definitely missing from the sizzling MLB hot stove today?

That would be the Yankees.

For once Cashman and company were not in the mix of doing anything at all, signing no one and actually letting players freely be swept away.

For many Yankee fans, complete confusion is starting to set in.

What the hell are we doing allowing Hideki Matsui to sign for one season at $6.5 million with the Angels?

The Yankees could have, and should have offered the MVP of the World Series at least that.

The Angels line-up just got better and even more popular.

In addition to Matsui’s undeniably clutch batting, the entire Japanese press follows their icon wherever he goes. Matsui also has huge fan base that come to the ballpark and Los Angeles will experience his Godzilla-like effects immediately.

I was very sad to learn of Hideki Matsui’s departure today.

My utter respect for him as a player, but even more so as a person will stay in my heart.

No matter what uniform Matsui wears, Yankee Universe will always cheer for our Godzilla. Continue reading ‘Perturbed In Pinsrtipes’ »

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Brian Cashman’s Mid-Report Card: Part One

Posted by on 10 December 2009, 5:14 am

With the start to the MLB Winter Meetings, lonely fans can finally wake-up with baseball on their mind.

Hopes and dreams of next season start to unfold as trades, pick-ups and drop-offs give plenty to talk about again.

Rumors will fly around talks of possibilities become reality or not. The Yankees are hogging the spotlight and as a fan I couldn’t be prouder, nor would expect anything less.

#28 is the future and Brian Cashman moves are critical in order for it to be achieved, again.

Here is the first three grades for Cashman thus far, he almost made straight A’s…
(please note that I am not scared of giving F’s out. It just hasn’t been necessary thus far)

Andy Begins With An A…..

Yankee Universe can breathe a sigh of relief with the official news that Andy Pettitte will return in 2010.

The Southpaw signed a one-year deal for $11.75 million dollars to play for another season in pinstripes.This is a well-deserved raise from last season’s $5.5 million dollar guaranteed, with $5 million in incentives attached.

Its safe to say that Pettitte fulfilled these expectations to absolute perfection and wound up pocketing all $10.5 million.

It was certainly fitting, as Andy was an ace throughout the season. Pettitte’s season included winning 14-8 in 32 regular-season starts, with a 4.16 ERA, and going 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA helping the Yankees win the team’s 27th World Series. Pettitte also holds the Major League record of 18 wins in the post-season.

At 37 years of age any questions about Andy’s ability got answered, for both the fans, and the Yankee franchise.

Was it enough for Andy?

Yes, as the feeling was obviously mutual by Andy signing to play another year in pinstripes.

GRADE: A

Curtis Moves From Tiger Stripes To Pinstripes….

In typical Yankees style, GM Brian Cashman started off the Winter Meetings grabbing the spotlight.

Along with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees came out of the three-team deal with outfielder Curtis Granderson.

Everyone knows you gotta give in order to get, with resulted with Cashman sending Ian Kennedy to the Diamondbacks; while the Tigers get Phil Coke and Austin Jackson.

Jackson was the Yankees minor-league prize, who everyone was excited to see come to the Bronx. It was hard to swallow losing this guy with the possibility of what he will become.

Pitcher Coke, who joins Jackson in Detroit, was a solid set-up for Rivera all season, so it makes the goodbye not as easy.

As for Kennedy, adios amigo and good luck in Arizona.

Now let’s focus on the Yankee’s new addition, 28 year-old Curtis Granderson.

This was trading for possible rising all-star to immediate gratification, at least this is what Cashman thinking must be.

There are concerns regarding Granderson’s production the last 3 seasons. The decline in his over batting stats with Granderson’s average dropping 25 points lower each season (.302, .280, .249); SLG % (.552, .494, .453); doubles (38, 26, 23); runs (122, 112, 91); and hits (from 185 to 157).

Curtis is also terrible hitting lefties, leading the AL in total strikeouts.

The positives evidently make-up for the above as Granderson is a speed demon on the bases and Girardi will love having that to play with. As an outfielder he is superb and a definite upgrade in center.

Granderson’s known as a well liked teammate and high character guy. This makes letting Jackson bitter goodbye more understandable.

The Yankees have a currently very happy home of all-stars. Cashman wants it to stay this way and that means attitude is everything has to be the main motto.

GRADE: B-….WHY?

I am not happy about Austin Jackson’s departure; and regarding Curtis Granderson you are not a true Yankee until you prove yourself to the fans. In Yankee Universe expectations are very high, which is not some secret so same rules apply.

Almost gave it a Grade C but it is growing on me slowly and getting me more excited, literally by the hour.

Could Graderson’s #28 be a sign? Oh lets hope it is…..

Bye, Bye Brian Bruney….

To be honest, I had forgotten Brian Bruney even existed till the announcement that he was going to the Washington Nationals.Admittedly it out a smile on my face.

Bruney ha a good two months in 2007 and the Yankees pounced on him to give him an ego that was totally undeserved.Bruney was injured all the time, inconsistent and unreliable.

He never gave fans a comforting feeling when he ran onto the field in the 7th or 8th innings in tight games. Bruney loved blowing a one or two run lead, allowing multiple runs to score.

What made Bruney just unbearable was his overall attitude. Where he got this ego is beyond most Yankee fans.

It was embarrassing even more then how ugly his verbal argument with New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, aka. K-rod.Ripping on a future hall of fame closer is just plain class-less. Bruney clear disrespect to the game of baseball was evident and K-rod had every right to be pissed-off.

FYI…someone should let Bruney in on the fact that K-rod can dance ‘the Papelbaum’ for all anyone cares because whatever or however he celebrates seems to work.

Jealousy can be admiration but when it gets petty it is pathetic.

First time I have ever wanted to see one of my Yanks get a good-old whooping and from a Mets player. Bruney is gone…..and that is good.

GRADE: A+
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