These Giants Are Not Who We Thought They Were

Sorry for the lack of pictures, the computers in the computer labs wont let me.  Who knows why.  Anyway, while most of us were eating or done eating our Thanksgiving meal, the Giants were being ripped to shreds by a reeling, and really not very good Denver Broncos team.  I say every week, when Kyle Orton, a self proclaimed Jack Daniels drinking bum (well maybe he didnt say that, but look at these pictures)

http://drunkathlete.com/2008/09/06/kyle-orton-montage/ AND http://drunkathlete.com/2008/09/08/kyle-orton-back-again/

beats you on every throw, there is a problem.  When someone asks me, "Lewin, what is the problem with the Giants?"  I answer quite simply: It is everything.  Because you know what, it really is the whole team that flat out stinks right now.  Lets go through it.

The Offensive line, something that was a staple of the this team in 2007 and 2008 has been dreadful this year.  They are not opening up lanes for Jacobs, and have been commiting way too many penalties, and stupid penalties at that.  20 yard passes are being called back because of holding and so forth.  Wheather they aged quickly or not, they look bad.  Everyone on the line.  Eli is probably the strength of this team, but too often he mails in games.  I get it, he is hurt, but you cant go out there like the games vs New Orleans, Arizona, Philly, Denver and just look flat.  Flat out awful from the get go.  We have no chance if Eli doesnt play well, not like the last few years.  I am not going to continue to harp on the Jacobs 5 year rule, but he is not the same for whatever reason.  The play calling for him has been awful, stretch runs are not his strength, but the fact he cant hit the hole is not Gilbride's fault, its the fact Jacobs looks old and slow.  Jacobs, if you are not effective, runs will not be called your way.  Now, I am not defending the fact the Giants have run the ball 33% of the time the last 6 games, an absymal number, and the fault of Gilbride, but Jacobs has not exactly deserved those carries.

I cant say much on the wide recievers except for a few games, this unit has looked good.  On Thursday they were awful, Eli had time and they just could not get open.  But Steve Smith has been a life saver and Manningham is a ncie deep threat to have.  They have to start working Kevin Boss in the red zone more, but o wait, the Giants did not even get into the red zone last game.

As for the defense, we all know Bill Sheridan is way over his head and will undoubtedly be fired by seasons end, but its still not his fault that the secondary cant cover anyone outside of Corey Webster, the linebackers cant cover the underneath, and that once vaunted pass rush is tied with the Packers for 15th in the NFL in sacks.  O, and 11 of those 23 sacks came against the Chiefs and the Raiders.  Tuck is hurt, I will give him a pass the guy is a warrior, like Eli, who doesnt complain and just plays football (you hear that Jets).  But after the Dallas game, Tuck was stepped on by Flozell Adams in a dirty, bush league move, and he has not been the same.  Osi on the other hand has been horrendous, a shadow of his former self.  Maybe it takes a year to recover, maybe he wont ever be the same, who knows, and yes I liked his passion, but common Osi, you have been a complete non-factor so far, so the last person people want to hear from is you.  Accorsi missed the boat with Kiwi, he should have taken Santonio Holmes and not traded that pick and then take Kiwi, because frankly Kiwi will never be a good NFL player.  He has been somewhat over his head since he was a rookie (remember the non sack on Vince Young, the interception and subsequent fumble against Dallas).  Again, its in the past, but I dont think Kiwi will ever live up to the hype.  And what about this last draft class?  The Giants and Jerry Reese thought they were a dynamic team, go anywhere from 11-5 to 13-3 and drafted projects with William Beatty, Ramses "This might be the worst pick in Giants history" Barden, Travis Beckum and Clint Sintim.  All projects, all have had less of an impact than Kevin Federline has been to raising his kids.  In retrospect, it was a poor decision, but we all thought this team was great, so I am not going to fault Reese there.  I will fault Reese for signing Rocky Benard, who no other team would touch with a 20 foot pole, and C.C Brown who was the number 1 backup.  Your telling me you could not find a better backup than C.C Brown?  Please. 

Honestly, what probably should have happend, and the Giants missed the opportunity, much like they did with John Fox (though I obviously would have rather had Coughlin than John Fox) would have been to named Spags the eventual successor to Coughlin and pay him an absurd amount of money to stay D-Coordinator.  Think its unrealistic, think again.  Spags told people that if the Giants did this, he would have stayed.  Now, did Spags turn Chicken Shit into Chicken Salad?  I think it was a combo of both, and I guarentee you the Giants would have been better if Spags was still around.

I ll say this, if the Giants dont win sunday vs Dallas, than you can start looking towards the draft.  Hey, at least the Yankees are World Champs.

- Lew

Derek Jeter Sportsman of the Year

I dont know if it has been officially announced yet, but Derek Jeter either today or tomorrow will be named SI Sportsman of the Year.  This is probably the most prestigous award an athlete can get because it pretty much is states the athlete of the year.  The New York Post reported yesterday that Jeter will be named the Sportsman of the Year.  This just adds to Jeter's unbelievable resume, which includes a should be 2006 MVP Award, 5 time World Champion, All Star MVP, 4 time gold glove winner, 4 time silver slugger winner, a rookie of the year winner and World Series MVP. 

Jeter won this award by batting .334 and with a .406 on base along with 18 home runs while becomeing the all time Yankees hit leader, breaking the immortal Lou Gehrig.  In addition, Jeter went on to win another World Series, his 5th and first since 2000.  O, he also is dating Minka Kelly, the outrageously hot actress from the show "Friday Night Lights" and just built a 30,000 SQ FT house on Davis Island in Tampa Bay.  Decent year for the captain.

- Lew

Giants Preview

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  For the first time since a 30-3 loss in Dallas in 1992, the Giants will be playing on Thanksgiving day.  Both teams come in at 6-4 and hungrey for a win.  The Broncos have lost four straight, have seen there once enourmous division lead evaporate.  They need to right the ship, and do it fast.  As for the Giants, they have confidence heading into Denver after beating Atlanta last week in overtime.  The team is most definatly mad they are spending their Thanksgiving on the road, and will take it out on the Broncos.  If there is a game the Giants can "afford" to lose, it would be this one, an non conference game.  However, they still need to win, and keep that confidence going heading into the game against Dallas on dec. 6.

How will the Giants prevail?  Well, they need to keep the ball out of Brandon Marshall's hand.  Corey Webster will be on Marshall all game, and he needs to shut him down like he shut down Roddy White last week.  Other than that, Kyle Orton is banged up, Knowshon Marano has not played well at all, the Broncos lack a big game player besides Marshall on offense. 

The Giants on offense need to run the ball better.  Jacobs was terrible last week, and no Bradhsaw this week means Danny Ware will be showcased for the first time.  They need to pound the ball and often and wear down the Broncos solid defensive front.  Diehl will have his hands full with Elvis Dumervill, so running to the oppiste side will be key.  It is a clam, windless day in Denver, so Eli will be able to throw the ball as well as he did last week.  Look for a big game out of easy E.

I like where the Giants are headed, I like this matchup, the Giants just regained confidence and the Broncos are reeling, I think the Giants take this game and head into a matchup with Dallas that will possibly decide the NFC East.

- Lew

New Giants DVD

The Giants recently released the "Top 10 greatest Giants games" this includes the 1986 season, 1990 season, the 2007 super bowl run and the 2000 season.  A must have for all Giants fans wanting to relive some of the glorious G-Men moments.  Also, the World Series video game out a few days ago, and the collectors set of all 6 World Series games comes out in a few weeks.

Bradshaw is sidelined and might not make the trip, and Pierce is seeing a specialist in L.A and might not be a coach tomorrow. 

- Lew

Syracuse Ranked 9th in Country

I know, I know, I did not comment about my Cuse destroying Cal and UNC at Garden on Thursday and Friday.  Amazing, I havent heard a buzz on campus in all of my four years like the one I heard after we beat UNC 87-71 on friday.  Everyone is pumped, the city, the students everyone cannot believe we put on a performence we did against the likes of Cal and UNC.  Ok,ok, I know Cal is missing two of their best players and UNC is very inexperienced and young, but still they were both pre season hyped; ranked #13 and #4 respectively.  The Orange did not just beat them, they KILLED both teams, punished them. 

Wes Johnson could be an All American, the guy is a future lottery pick and showed why in this tournament.  I am not entirely sold on this though, I know, they looked fantastic, but they have a long way to go.  The Big East is extremly tough, and Nova, UConn, Louisville, West Virginia, Georgetown and even Pitt and Notre Dame will be hard games.  Not too mention tough games at Florida (played in Tampa) and home vs Memphis.  Niether Pitt, Notre Dame, Florida, or Memphis are ranked but they are still tough games, which could yield a loss. 

All in all, the Cuse looks good, the big improvement from last year is the defense, which looks very, very good.  You want to play the what if game, look at the 2009-2010 roster if Johnny Flynn did not want to go for the lime-light (I dont blame him, he was picked 6th I mean top 10 pick, you have to go) and if Paul Harris and Eric Devendorf did not hate coach Boehiem and the school respectively. 

Starting Lineup:
Johnny Flynn
Eric Devendorf
Wes Johnson
Rick Jackson
Arinze Onauku
Bench:
Paul Harris
Andy Rautins
Scoop Jardine
Brandon Triche
Kris Joseph

That right there my friend is a National Championship team that might go undefeated.  I am not kidding, that team is so ridiculous it is unfair. 

- Lew

Joe Mauer MVP

Joe Mauer wins the AL MVP today, becoming the first catcher in 33 years to win the award.  Tex and Jeter finished 2nd and 3rd respectivly.  I have been saying this all year, Mauer deserves it, the team went 17-4 when Morneau went down to win the Central and he had one of the best hitting years a catcher has had in all time. 

One thing I dont get is how someone voted Miguel Cabrera MVP.  Mauer won 27 of 28 votes and one asshole voted Cabrera.  I think this is absurd, only an idiot would vote for Cabrera, a guy most certainly a Tigers beat writer or a guy who somehow hates Joe Mauer, and I dont know how any person can hate Joe Mauer.


- Lew

Zack Greinke Wins AL Cy Young

Zack Greinke was announced the AL Cy Young winner today for AL's best pitcher.  No surprise here as Greinke lead the league with an amazing 2.16 era.  Greinke recieved only 3 second place votes, as he crushed the competition which included Mariners starter Felix Hernadez (second place) and Tigers ace Justin Verlander (third place).  World Champion C.C Sabathia from the Yanks came in 4th with a mere 13 votes, and soon to be Red Sox (Its probably going to happen from what I have been hearing) rounded out the top five with 11 votes.

Interesting fact, with Greinke winning, the AL Cy Young winner has resided in the AL Central for the fourth straight year ('09 Greinke, '08 Cliff Lee, '07 C.C Sabathia, '06 Johan Santana) and the 5th time in 6th years ('04 Johan Santana).  Bartolo Colon won in 2005 for the Angels, dont get me started on this because if Mariano was going to win a Cy Young, it would have been in 2005.  There was no clear cut starter that year, and all Mariano did is post a 1.38 ERA, 43 Saves in 47 chances, 7-4 record, 78.1 innings, 80 k's, gave up 50 hits, 12 runs, 2 (yes, 2) HR's, and had under a 1.00 whip.  The fact he did not win is mind boggling, utter stupidity, and pisses me off to no end.  How cool would it be to say along with Mo's other accomplishments "Cy Young Award Winner."  Ahh, I guess we just have to settle for 5 time world champion, best reliever ever, most saves in the postseason, and possibly regualr season if Hoffman ever retires.  O well.

- Lew

Mad Dog Moment #4

Can you say R.A DIC-KEY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hzI_aBATO8

- Lew

For Once, the Bad Guys Lost

You know the saying, "good guys always finish last."  Well nobody ever consider Bill Belicheck a good guy, and he usually never finished last.  After Belicheck started to act like a brat after the back to back titles, the national spotlight really came down on him in a negative way.  But it all got out of control when the "spy gate" incident happend in the first game of the 2007 season, aptly nicknamed by Bill Simmons the "eff you" season.  The Pats dominated everyone, ran up the score, went on 4th down when they were up by 30 in the 4th quarter, and though they stopped dominating everyone (the Ravens came close, so did the Eagles, and of course the Giants in the infamous last game of the season) they still got to the Super Bowl unscathed; 18-0. 

Ever since that glorious Feb. 3, 2008, the Pats have never been the same; almost as if the football gods came down on Belicheck for all his sins during the seasons.  In 2008 Brady goes down and though they go 11-5, they are not feared and miss the playoffs, and this year they lose a game in which Belicheck tried to outsmarted everyone....and it failed MISERABLY in a game on national T.V vs the best team in the league.  They blew leads of 24-7, 31-14, and 34-21, the ladder two in the 4th quarter.  The Pats never did that, but more importantly Belicheck would never make that type of foolish decision, or at least they would make it.  I disagree with Francesa as I think the Colts would have scored anyone, but whats harder, going 29 yards, or going around 72 yards (the average punt of the night would have landed them on their own 28).  I love every moment of this, I hate Belicheck, every NY fan hates Belicheck, and most of America hates Belicheck.  Its great, he tried to pull the "I am Bill Belicheck and I am smarter than you" card and it backfired.  If this was not Bill Belicheck, lets say it was Dick Jauron, Jauron would be fired on the plane.  But its Belicheck so he gets a pass, as he probably should.  I have said this since the Super Bowl, I think this is the downfall of the Pats, they lost a close game in OT at Denver (Brady's first OT loss) a tough loss at the Jets when the pressure was really, REALLY on the Pats, and now this.  This is another example that the Pats will not be on top for awhile.

Maybe if Coughlin showed a hint of the Belicheck cajones, than MAYBE we would have scored a TD against San Diego and won 24-21.  Yes, I am still bitter.

- Lew

Giants Feeling Better

Looks like the bye has the Giants back on track.  "It gave me a chance to rest my shoulder" said Justin Tuck about his sprained shoulder that has limited him to 3.5 sacks this year.  From what I read Eli went down to the Ole Miss game and hung out.  The more I thought about it, the more I think Eli is battling that heel injury he suffered during that Kansas City game.  He has over thrown too many guys, even more than he has in the past, despite playing very well vs the Chargers.

From the comments from most of the Giants today, it seemed that most of them needed the week off and that they are ready to go for the Falcons game on sunday.  "Going nine weeks in a season without a break, with training camp and everything, sometimes you don’t feel tired until you get away and you realize your body is tired, your mind is tired,'' Eli Manning said. "We met today and guys are excited to be back and ready to go. Wasn't a real long practice. There was good energy, guys were sharp. Guys are excited about the opportunity we have.''

I have been going back and forth on this game for the last few days, and I am standing by my thinking that the Giants will blow out Atlanta.  Atlanta as I have mentioned about a million times in this space is an atrocious road team (their only win coming against a bad 49ers team), have lost their star running back (Michael Turner) to an ankle injury, and the Giants are in a must win situation.  Not mention the Giants have had two weeks to prepare for this game and are furious about the four game losing streak thus having the media write them off.  I would be surprised if the Giants did not at least take care of business if not blow them out of the water.

Yesterday was probably the best sunday the Giants have had in weeks...AND THEY DID NOT EVEN PLAY!!  The Cowboys lost to Green Bay and star tackle Marc Columbo, Eagles lost to San Diego and possibly Brian Westbrook for the year with a second concussion in 3 weeks.  Michael Turner will almost surely miss sunday's game not too mention Atlanta lost, Kyle Orton might miss the Thanksgiving game against the Giants, and star tackle Jordan Gross is out for the year, which means he will miss the game vs the Giants.  Thats pretty amazing considering all those injuries and teams lost affects the Giants. 

- Lew

Amazing Fact

Want to hear something insane?

In the month of November the Giants, Jets, Knicks, and Nets have one, count them, one combined win (a Knicks win over New Orleans). 

How many wins did the Yankees have in November?  Two. 

- Lew

Michael Kay Rant

I thought I would post this because senor Beans mentioned Michael Kay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuUTqSKNAH0

- Lew

Lebron to switch Number to 6

Lebron James out of nowhere, probably a marketing move (it always is) decided to rip everyone, including himself for wearing the number 23 because it is "disrespectful" to Jordan.  James said he is going to wear #6 because of a few things, his second favorite player was Doc J (6), his son was born on Oct. 6, and his daughter was born in June, the 6th month.  Whatever Lebron, just play basketball, and don't insult my intellegence by saying this is not a marketing move to sell more jerseys and cash in on the profit.  You can wear 6 all you want in NY. 

-Lew

Mad Dog Moment #5

I am in a good mood today here is Mad Dog Moment number 5. 

This is from his infamous rant on the S.F Giants when they were knocked out of the playoffs by the Marlins in 2003.

(Watch Mike laughing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWKbw_7jSQA Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0O9dA1pbBI Part 2

- Lew

Changing your Name in Sports

I am going to have a little fun at my former roomates expense, J.R, or should I now saw Earl Smith III.  (Ok, yes this is incredibly weird, but back in 2004 Five Star basketball camp held in the Bronx at Fordham, J.R Smith was in fact my roomate for three days.  I dont know how this happend, he was getting drafted very soon, and I have absolutly no idea why this occured.  His boys would always be in my room, they ripped on me etc etc.  The only thing I will share is that he rang up an outrageous cell phone bill on my phone.  I dont recall what it was, but he was on my phone, which I let him use, for maybe six hours a day.  No joke.  Would Smith remember me?  It would be like if I asked you to recall a Star Trek episode you flicked on for a minute 15 years ago.  The answer is no). 

Anyway, J.R Smith recently got back from suspension and changed his name to Earl Smith III, his given name.  This, he thinks, will give him a fresh start.  I got to say, this is the dumbest idea you can possibly come up with.  William Peterson the former G-Men corner changed his name to William James.  He still sucks.  So, Earl, I mean who are you now DMX aka Earl Simmons, who also went by the name Earl.  Did you think by going by the name Earl you might impersonate a police offer at an aiport like Earl DMX Simmons did a few years back? 

So let me get this straight, the name Earl is going to get your life in order, and stop chucking up shots even though Carmelo and Billups are better than you?  Is it going to lead to an All Star apperance and a Championship for Denver?  Is it going to help the fact that you are an atrocious defender and only care about yourself?  Let me ask another thing, what if I had a job and I changed my name from Alex to Lexor.  I became Lexor Lewin because I thought it sounded cool and it would bring me a fresh start after maybe struggling at first.  How would the be precieved?  Probably negativly.  Only in sports I guess.

- Lew

Derek Jeter

I really did not think this was necessary, but someone left a comment about how "overrated" Derek Jeter is.  First, I want to say that I love when people disagree with me, it makes this blog better, and creates sports arguements, especially one who made good points like the person who left the comment.  It was knowledgable and I respect that opinion.  However, it is a false one. 

Let me first state that yes, there are a lot of bandwagon Yankees fans, however, I personally do not know one single band wagon Yankee fan.  In fact, if anyone tried (Which I am not sure if this person was doing) to call me a band wagon fan, I would respond by probably giving you a run down of the history of your team.  Not that it means anything, but most likly I know more about your team than you do your own team.  That is for people in general. not for this particular person.  Secondly, I would then run down the history of the Yankees starting with them becoming the Yankees from the Highlanders which were previously the Baltimore Orioles franchise.  I would go into 1920 Babe Ruth sale and how they played in the Polo Grounds and John mcGraw kicked them out because Ruth was drawing more for the Yanks than the Giants did, and 1923 first year of the old stadium and their first championship and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.  So, until you actually have talked to me as a sports fan, dont call me a bandwagon hopper, because chances are my knowledge is far superior than yours.

Ok, now that is out of the way, lets get to your arguement, which by the way, is filled with some very strong points.  For one, your right, I dont if Jeter was on another team he would be who he is, or if he was a good looking guy.  However, Mariano is Hispanic and is a legend in Yankee and baseball land.  In fact, Jeter is half black, so saying if he was another color or race on the Yankees would make a difference, I would say no.  As for the hits record, I personally was very aware of it, I have been since 2004.  I cant speak for anyone than myself and a few of my good Yankee friends, however, people, older fans, were talking about it for a while when I went to games.  You can overhear conversations and it was in the papers since 2006 when Jeter passed 2,000 hits.  And yes, I knew Gehrig held the record.  Secondly, the hits record is a MONUMENTAL deal.  I dont know what your talking about.  When Rose broke Cobb in 1985 vs the Padres, everyone, media, fans were going nuts. Getting over 4,000 hits is simply insane, and a VERY big deal before Jeter even got close to 3,000.  Do you remember the celebrations of Gywnn, Ripken, recently Biggio when he got there?  It is a HUGE deal, it is one of the most rare things you can do, getting over 3,000 hits and automatically puts you in the Hall of Fame. 

I think this is your best point on Jeter as a captain.  Your right, I was complaining about him too during the draught, and the 9th inning of Game 5 was a killer mistake.  I get on him for that, and your right, not enough Yankees fans do, which believe me pisses me off probably as much as you.  In Yankees fans minds Jeter has earned that, which I think is sort of dumb, but he has earned his way out of a lot of things.  He definatly deserved to get bashed for that double play.  As a captain, Jeter really has not done that good of a job, your right, it must be nice to have that lineup and team surrounding you this year.  However, he does motivate the team by how hard he plays, and by how much he wants to win.  This is a fact, every player who has played for the Yankees outside of A-Rod and Chad Curtis has "loved" Jeter.  If you dont believe me, read the comments after some players left.  Jeter does not say anything to the press, but frankly neither does Bill Belicheck.  Does that not make Belicheck a good leader because he is an asshole to the press?  The guy wins every year, he won 11 games with Matt Cassell for god sakes. 

As for the Tim Duncan comparison, I disagree, Jeter DOES make players better.  The flip play is a good example, he saved Shane Spencer's ass on that one.  That was a run for sure.  Do you know how many errors he saved Chuck Knoblauch during his throwing the ball away stage.  He also makes pitchers better, for when he was younger the in the hole jump throw play, the behind the head catch, he made both those plays hundreds of times, saving hundreds of runs along the way. With the bat, Jeter makes his teammates better as well.  Anytime, ANYTIME a big hit is needed Jeter gets it.  He hit over .350 in the World Series this year, he hit the Walk Off vs Arizona, he hit two huge homers vs the Mets, one to lead off the game in the 2000 World Series.  Do you know how much momentum that gives a team to lead off a game with a Home Run, especially that of the World Series.  He did that same thing in the ALCS this year.  He never hits home runs until he gets to the postseason, where he is now 5th on the ALL TIME HOME RUN LIST in the playoffs.  Pretty amazing for a guy who has averaged about 15 for his career.  Seriously, I cannot list all of the big hits he has had, there are too many.  I am being serious, not a smart ass, he has had too many big hits since 1996.  Even as a rookie, he had an rbi single to bring home Joe Girardi to make it 2-0 Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series.  Who was that off of?  Greg Maddux in his prime.  When he gets on base it fires other guys up, whether leading off an inning, or trying to get a two out rally.  How about his stealing ability?  He has stolen over 300 bases, and most of them seem to come in big spots.  As a base runner, Jeter is usually always heads up and rarely if ever makes a mistake on the base path.  Want to know how valuable he is, take a look at maybe his worst year 2008 the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time in his career.  I am telling you that had a lot to do with Jeter not performing well at the plate, and in the field.

Throw out the numbers, the intangibles he brings a team are so significant, his desire to win so great, that is why he makes players better.  This is a fact.  If you were in a group project, and there was a prize, and one guy in your group was so driven, and helped you out on certain things in the project, and influenced the group, and you as well, your telling me that passion would not rub off on you?  I know it would on me, and by the end I would have done everything in my power to win that group project.  This is what Jeter brings to the table, besides all the stats I just threw at you. 

As for Mariano, he is the most valuable player of that four.  There is no denying that.  He is the greatest pitcher I have and will ever seen, and I agree he should get more credit, which he is starting to recieve recently.  As for A-Rod, if your going to call Jeter a "stats" player than what is A-Rod an "Uuber Stats" player.  This is the same guy who hit two homers and 7 RBIS on the last day of the season JUST SO HE COULD GET TO 30-100!!!  This is also the king of the "we are up 10-2 in the ninth I will now hit a grand slam."  These are called pulling an A-Rod.  I love A-Rod, I have defended him for years, but to say Jeter is more of a stats guy than A-Rod is absurd.  A-Rod did an amazing job this postseason, and without him the Yankees would not have won, but that is why baseball is a team game, EVERYONE for the most part, must contribute to win a World Series.  A-Rod, for once, did his part.  Listen, Tim Duncan can have an off series and still win a Championship because players like Parker, Manu, and now Richard Jefferson could step up and contribute.  In baseball, a marquee player cant have an off series, unless your Mark Teixeria.  If A-Rod or Jeter have an off series, we dont win this year. 

So in closing, I think you made some solid points, you were clear, but I think my points will show that Derek Jeter is deserving of all the praise he recieves.

- Lew

Mad Dog Moment #6

Since I havent posted the Mad Dog moments in awhile I thought, what the hell, here is two in a row.  Mad Dog moment #6 happend just a month ago, I was driving in the car with my buddy PA on our way to Game 1 of the ALCS and this came on.  I had to pull over and call my buddy and Chris Russo aficionado the Fish. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63OjiC8sc3U

- Lew

Mad Dog Moment #7

This is just funny.  Downright funny, Russo thinks Minko is getting a little fat.  By the way, if you dont know John Minko has never owned a T.V or any technological device in his life.  O, and he went to Butler.  Thats all you need to know about the fascinating life of the Mink Man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDgHh06XCKI

- Lew

 

A Day After The Disaster

The sun came up this morning, and there is another day.  Everyone is now calm and can look at the Giants season and say all is not lost.  They 100% have to beat the Falcons, and that has not changed.  Everyone wants to blame someone or something when bad things occur, whether it is a bad loss, or a death or anything; people need to be blamed in our society.  So, Coughlin was pointed the finger last night, and rightfully so, I even wrote about his future.  But I think I might have gotten a little too carried away with saying he should be gone after the 2010 season.  I think if the team misses the playoffs, and then misses it again in 2010, we should look into Coughlin's future.  But remember, this is a guy who had the Giants in the playoffs from 2005-2008, won two division titles, and won a Super Bowl.  Pretty good resume so far.  So one bad year (and thats where this one is headed) will not cost Coughlin his job.  It wont even get him on the hot seat.  But with his age being a huge factor, I think two bad seasons in a row could be it for him.  Remember, the Jags kept Coughlin a season too long, and it of course rendered into a 6-10 season.  His last three years in Jacksonville after going 14-2 in 1999 and choking in the AFC Title game vs Tennessee, went a combined 19-29.  I just dont want to see the Giants go through the same stretch. 

The only good news?  The Giants are the second team to start a season 5-0 and lose four straight games.  The first? The 1989 L.A Rams who of course STUNNED the Giants in one of the team's worst playoff losses and went on to go all the way to the NFC Title game.  So, I guess the Giants could look at that.  The bad news?  No Super Bowl winning team has ever had a four game losing streak.

You want more bad news?  The Giants, outside to beating the Cowboys (more on that in a second) have not beat a good team this year.  Heres the deal with the Cowboys win, I have a rule, I have carried this rule every year and it works out close to 100% of the time.  NEVER COUNT THE FIRST THREE GAMES OF THE SEASON.  Remember the Giants in 2007, the Pats in 2004, the Eagles in 2004, etc etc the first three games are not a barometer of anything.  Five is too many games, lets say the Giants went 2-3 through their first five games, they would not be 2-7 and the first five games would have ended their season.  However, usually three games does not make or breaking your season (USUALLY) and the first three games teams are still trying to figure out who they are.  So, the Giants beat the Cowboys in Week 2, they went in total opposite directions after that game, which means that win in fact doesn't really mean that much.  It doesnt, the Cowboys are now a ten times better team, and playing with more confidence.  Are they good?  No, but they are better than that very medicore team the Giants played in week 2.  Look in 2007, the Giants were blown out by the Packers.  Look what happend in the NFC Title game later that year.  The same goes when the Pats were blown out by the Bills in week 1, and lost in week 3 to drop to 1-2.  Everyone said the Pats were done.  They went on to win 16 games in a row including playoffs.  Lets not forget our good friends the Jets, who went 3-0 and are now 4-4 and look to be headed to a 6-10/ 7-9 finish.  This all means, in my opinion the Giants have not beaten a good team all year.  This is pretty, pretty distressing if you ask me.

So, big news on the Inept.  I am still trying to write a piece on A-Rod and his new born legacy, but today a long piece will be posted on the disaster that is the New York Knicks and their 1-6 record.  O, and in case you dont know, the Jazz have our number 1 pick.  Yea. , its that bad in Knicks land.

- Lew

Interesting Giants Article

This is an article I just found that lists the 5 worst Giants playoff losses.  I will make my own list, this list is decent, but I can do better.  Plus, the guys website is awful, it took me about 10 mins for it to load.  Remember, please comment on your opinion of the state of the Giants, I am interested.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/179096-the-5-most-devastating-playoff-losses-in-giants-history

- Lew

Giants fans, root for Dallas tonight

If you read what I just wrote, I dont think the Giants are winning anything other than worst defensive secondary this year, so I dont really think the NFC East is up for grabs.  BUT, just holding out hope, if the Cowboys win tonight vs the Eagles, they would be 6-2 to the Giants 5-4 and the Giants already beat them this year and a rematch at the Meadowlands in a month.  If the Eagles win, they would be 6-2 and they already beat the Giants last week, so the Giants would fall 2 1/2 games back instead of a half a game back if the Cowboys won.  Will I be watching?  Not a chance, I am too depressed over what happend about an hour ago with the Giants, and Curb is on.  Curb, please have a good episode to brighten my day.

- A still emotionally upset Lew

One of the Worst Losses I have Ever Seen

I am completly serious.  In what the players deemed "Super Bowl 43 1/2" the Giants choked and lost 21-20 to a wildly overrated Chargers team.  This game was the epitome of any Jim Fassel coached team that would blow these leads year in and year out.  And I guess to be fair, was somewhat common of Coughlin remember 2006 anyone??  This one hurts, it hurts a lot, dont you dare think just because the Yankees won the World Series that I dont care about this Giants season.  I am stunned, and embarressed by the way they played today.  Whether it was racking up over 100 yards of penalties, or Coughlin "settling" for points, or the fact the defense imploded at the end, the Giants just dont have it this year to win on a consistent basis.

Here is my thinking.  They have a bye week where every little thing from this game is going to get analyzed.  This is awful news for the Giants since this game ended horrifically.  A sure win was taking away by an inept Giants defense and a horrendous coaching decision by Coughlin.  Note to Coughlin: you dont win by being predicatable and settling for points.  The offense never sticks to a game plan, they ran a lot and then went away from it, then came back to it, then passed for 7 straight times etc etc.  So getting back to my thinking of this team, I will give them one more game, the game vs the Falcons in two weeks at home.  If the Giants lose that game, which they very well might, I want them to pull a 1996-1997 San Antonio Spurs and lose every single game to get a good pick.  I already know this team is not capable of winning, they proved that today, and I know that there is a very good chance this team will not win more than 7 games, but if they beat Atlanta, it gives us a glimmer of hope.  At Denver is winnable, and then home vs the Cowboys and Eagles are all winnable.  So, if they re group, and rest, and win the Atlanta game, then I think they are still in it.  If they come out and lose, either getting blown out, losing a close game, or having what happend today, then this team simply is done.  The most annoying thing is a 7-8 win football team, and frankly this is exactly what this team is.

Honestly, I cant talk smack because I thought, like every other Giants fan that this team was loaded and would easily make the playoffs.  Reese made some good moves at the time (I need to see another year of Canty, what I have seen in two games is a guy who absolutley sucks) but the mistake he made was drafting projeccts.  He thought we were loaded enough to draft guys like Travis Beckum, William Betty, and of course Ramses (I probably wont ever play a down in my career) Barden.  Well, looking back on it, that was pretty dumb, pretty dumb to trade for a guy in Barden who HAS NOT PLAYED A DOWN YET!!!  HE IS SO BAD HE CANT PLAY!!!!  Listen, again, I am second guessing, and it is easy for me to do that, but I hate when teams other than the Yankees, take huge projects, because it usually does not turn out well. 

For the immediate future, I think Coughlin, Reese, and Mara have to sit down and discuss why the F*** he did not try to score a TD on that third down.  You cant honestly have faith in a defense that had given up 112 points in the last three games and if not for the Chargers dropping balls left and right, might have been a blow out in this one.  The defense played better, but it did not play well.  The offense did a good job in chewing up the clock, but again, they did not score.  Getting back Coughlin, if he really had faith that his defense would come through, he should have his head examined.  I think that you cant replace a D-Coordinator, and it was quoted that Sheridan was comfortable in the booth but the players made him stick to the sidelines.  Well you know what, PUT HIM IN THE BOOTH!!!! IT OBVIOUSLY ISNT WORKING ON THE SIDELINES.  At the end of the year (lets say they go 7-9) you fire Sheridan and look for a guy who is actually capable of running a defense, not a guy who ran a sub-average linebacking core for years. 

I dont think Coughlin's job is in jepordy at all, I mean the guy led the Giants on one of the most remarkable postseason runs in history just two years ago, but I think he needs to open things up more, stop being so outrageously conservative and try to WIN THE GAME, not "settling" for points.  Heres where it gets interesting though, Coughlin after this year will have two more years on his deal, the guy is 63 years old, and 65 when the deal is up.  You cant bring back a 65 year old coach, what is this Penn St, so you have to look for a new guy anyway.  Which brings me to my point, if they Giants dont make the playoffs this year and next year, you might want to look for a replacement.  I am not saying either will happen, but if it does, you cant have a 65 year old coach coaching a team with one yr left on his deal.  That is a recipe for disaster. 

Overall I am furious, hurt, and flat out bewildered that this team lost today in that fashion, and the season looks bleak, and I am ranting and raving and we all know anything can happen.  But in all seriousness, how can you have confidence in this team.  How can you?  Again, we all know where I stand, I would like to hear G-Men fans (we all know Fish is going to write something anti Giants and try to spin it like he is being unbiased blah blah blah) on what they think the state of this team is.  We are all over our Yankees hangover, and its now football season, and it could be a long one for NY football (I am not making this about the Jets, but we all know they are not making the playoffs either).  Its also tells you how hard it is to win in the NFL, and how unbelievably fortunate we are as Giants fans to have witnessed that 2007 Super Bowl win and playoff run.  If they dont ever win again at least I can say I saw that, I saw my team on the top.  (Not to mention beating a 18-0 Pats team, which still stings New England fans.  If you dont believe me ask one, he will either make up some excuse, or flat out tell you so).  So it sucks, this loss and the fact we dont play for another two weeks, but we got to ride it out and see how the Giants react in two weeks vs Atlanta.

-An emotionally upset Lew

Yankees are Champions of Baseball; World Series Game 6 Recap

You live and breathe with a team, you follow every pitch, every at bat, every out.  This doesnt start in June, it starts in the cold months of feburary.  We talk if A-Rod will come through, we talk if Pettitte's shoulder can hold up, we talk about if this is finally the year.  Though we are not the Cubs, nine years is a long time, I was 13 years old the last time the Yankees won, and it was almost foriegn to me at this point.  As fans we go through some much with a team, whether its buying tickets, or following them on the internet, reading stories, watching games, and adjusting your opinion on the team almost daily.  Its hard to describe what it feels like when your team does come through when you finally win it.  Its nothing I can explain, maybe pure joy, like everything in life is perfect, I dont know.  If you haven experienced it, you just would not understand, I will leave it at that.  I cant tell you how many state of the Yankees conversations I have had with my buddy Rapps at the end of each disappointing seasons.  They have been to many to count.  Thats all that popped in my mind after they won, how this season would not end in one of those discussions, that it would begin with "Champions."   

This one was special, going into mid Aug, I thought the Yankees would win, that they were determined and nothing was going to set them off course.  I remember talking to my buddy Rapps a few years back, and I said, if the Yankees every get by the Angels, they will 100% win the World Series.  The Angels, not the Red Sox were the real curse to break.  And when the Yankees took down the Angels, you just knew this was going to be our year.  It didnt matter if we were playing the big Red Machine, we were not going to lose focus. 

I dont know where to begin, the season is so long, so mnay ups and downs you try to remember rock bottom.  For me, it was in going into the All Star break.  Yes, they turned it around somewhat after the somewhat turning point in Atlanta.  But the Yankees were swept by the Angels going into the All Star break.  Everyone had the same feeling, we just cant beat the Angels.  What are we going do, they just never lose to us.  After the break this team just went on a run, playing over .700 baseball, and practically never losing at home.  It was a sight to see.  Once mid Aug. came around, I couldnt see the Yankees losing their grip, I couldnt see them not winning the whole thing.  They were simply by far the most talented and best team. 

This World Series does a lot for the likes of the big four (Jeter, Mo, Pettitte, Posada) and A-Rod.  For the big four, another ring which is now five for them, something you might not see for a very long time if not ever a team that has been together long enough to win five times.  Remarkable.  And for A-Rod, he gets the Peyton Manning monkey off of his back, he finally can be called a World Champion and nobody can ever, EVER take that away from him.  Not only did he win, they won BECAUSE of A-Rod.  Believe me, if A-Rod was not playing, the Yankees would have been long home right now.  Which makes me pose the question?  What would happen if some of those Yankees fans got their wish, and A-Rod opted out and signed with another team after 2007?  Remember, it was very close to happening, A-Rod opted out, and the Yankees said goodbye.  Not after A-Rod, realizing the mistake he just made, called back the Yankees and asked them to renegotiate. 

The Yankees if not for that would not have been where they are right now which is World Champions.  Pretty amazing stuff.  What if Tex not had that terrible meeting with Larry Lucchinao Theo Epstein and John Henry and signed with Boston?  The Red Sox, not the Yankees, might be celebrating title number 8.  Its just amazing how things happen, and how the team clicked this season and the lack of injuries that occured also was a huge benefit.  We worried A.J might go down, he did not, Matsui and Posada were healthy all year for the most part, Swisher filled in admirably for Nady, Damon even played 140 games. 

Matsui's performence in Game 6 will go down in Yankee lore as one of the most clutch postseason games of all time.  We will be taking about, "Hey, do you remember Matsui Game 6 of '09"  in 10 years.  Not to mention this was off of Pedro as well, most likly his last game ever against the Yankees in what was a brilliant career.  Seeing Pedro like this is like seeing Reggie Miller in his last years.  He couldnt take over like he used to; a liability more than a game changer.  The Pedro rivialry can be only parrellel to Reggie Miller vs the Knicks.  Pedro was despised like Reggie, brought the best out of Yankee Stadium like Reggie did with the Garden, and performed the best on that stage and even at home, Boston and Indiana against the Yankees and Knicks.  Playoff classics were prevelant in both rivalries.  And even though the Knicks-Pacers rivalery ended long before Reggie retired, his last game at the Garden was sort of sad.  An old enemy going away, no one to despise and be angry at anymore.  Nobody you could love to hate.  It feels the same way now about Pedro, an old piece of my childhood is gone, and there is not another pitcher in the league I can love to hate, at least not even close to Pedro stature.

The Phillies were a good match, but again, nothing was going to stop this 114 win Yankee team, who might go down as one of the most effective Yankee teams of all time.  It certainly has to go up in the top 10, absolutley has to. 

Was this different than the Giants winning, yes.  When the Giants won, I was so shocked that it did not intially sink in until a day later.  It was maybe the most euphoric I have ever felt in my life.  It was also the first time I had ever seent the Giants win, so it might have tasted sweeter.  However, this one is and will be awsome.  Winning a championship puts you on cloud nine for the whole year.  LITERALLY THE WHOLE YEAR.  You can always say, "we are the champs" whenever someone brings up the Yankees.  Not to mention those bogus "2000" and "Yankees suck" chants can go away for the whole year.  Every magazine article about baseball and preview of the 2010 season will be about the Yankees winning the previous year, and every so often during the year we will be reminded the New York Yankees are the champions.  Its great. 

Baseball is now offically over, the book shut on 2009, but the New York Yankees are back where they belong, and that is on top.  I am as happy as I can be.

- Lew

Giants Recap/ Rant...Can also be read at Inreesewetrust.com

I dont really know where to begin.  It looked all so bright, all so galmourous a season was upon us.  Five weeks in, Giants fans were thinking Super Bowl.  Three weeks later, we are thinking top 10 pick.  Ok, I wont go that far, but what the Giants showed me and everyone else out their on sunday is that they are not ready to compete anytime soon.  To list the things that went wrong during the game would be like listing all of the words in the dictionary.  Whether it was C.C Brown, or Eli, or Pierce, or Osi pretty much everyone laid an egg in the game. 

Lets start with the first drive of the game.  The Eagles get the ball, and on the third play run 41 yards WITH THE FULLBACK.  In my life as a Giants fan and as a fan of the NFL and college Football I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE SEEN A FULLBACK RUN 41 YARDS FOR A TOUCHDOWN.  I was flabbergasted, shocked, disgusted, embarrassed all rolled into one.  Still, I turned to my buddies watching the game and said, "first drive, no big deal, you know what [Michael] Strahan used to say, 'the first drive you always felt out your opponet.' No big deal."  Wrong.  Two plays later Eli threw a great pass to Asante Samuel, the only problem being Samuel is on the Eagles not the Giants, and ran 30 yards to set up a first and goal for Philly.  The Giants actually did a good job forcing 3 and 18 and then gave up an 18 yard pass for a touchdown TO THE TIGHT END.  We are not talking about Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT BRENT CELEK, TOM SELLECK's LONG LOST BROTHER.  Even though we blocked the extra point, you knew it was over.  13-0 not even five minutes went by.

But then the Giants do what they do best, reel you in, and cut it to 16-7 and they were getting the ball to start the second half.  So what do they do?  Exactly what I predicted them to do, give up a Touchdown.  But then they proceeded TO GIVE UP ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN to end the half down 30-7.  AND THEN THEY FUMBLED TO START THE SECOND HALF!!!  This game was very reminescent to the game vs the Saints way back in 2006, when the Giants were in their annual late season collapse and lost 30-7 to the Saints at home breaking out the fire Coughlin chants.  The game was over after the first, and the Saints kept piling it on, sort of like this game. 

Here is what bothered me about this game, not that they lost, not even that they were blown out, because I have seen that way too many times with the Giants before.  It was the fact they did not seem to care.  Down 33-17 after a big defensive play and a touchdown by the offense, they were practically still in the game.  But there was no emotion, no trying to fight back nothing.  This even got worse when they went down 40-17 and they were not even in the two minute or hurry up offense.  They just did not seem to care.  So you know what, why should I.  I give everything to this team, my money, my passion, basically my soul, and they go out their and disrespect me like that.  Not by losing dont get me wrong, but by NOT CARING, NOT TRYING TO WIN.  I was going to make the 4 hour trip from Syracuse to the Meadowlands this weekend to see my beloved G-Men take on the Chargers, but you know what, I decided not to.  I decided not to because they betrayed me in this game by not trying to win.  By quitting in the first half and by not showing up in the 2nd.  If you quit, I quit, and that was my stance with the Knicks for years, and is my stance as of now with this team.  Now, is the season over?  Absolutly not.  The Giants are still a very good organization, and Coughlin is a very good coach and the Giants have very good personnel.  However, here is what I think they need to do to succeed this season.

-Take away the offensive play call duties from Kevin Gilbride.  Gilbride has been atrocious since he has got here.  Sure he has had his moments, but for the most part his play calling has been bland and very predictable.  This year, it has been down right Jon Hufangel esc.  Let Coughlin call the plays, open up the offense and GET THE BALL TO HAKEEM NICKS. 

-Fire Bill Sheridan.  I am being serious, I would fire him immediatly.  Against the Cowboys, Saints, Cardinals, and Eagles (all the good teams we have played) the defense has been awful.  They are out of place, and the calls are putrid.  For example, on Desean Jackson's Touchdown to make it 23-7 why are they playing Cover 2?  They need to prevent a Touchdown, even a field goal is fine, play Cover three or prevent, but no, they play Cover 2, Jackson runs by everyone including CC "Cant Cover" Brown and scores and effectively ends the game.  Have Mike Waufle the D-line coach for many years run the defense.  But most likely keep Sheridan and then fire him at years end.  The linebackers were never good to begin with, so why would you promote the linebackers coach as your defensive coordinator?

- Choose an identity?  What do the Giants want to be, are they a running team like last year, or they a passing team like the first couple of games?  What are they?  The Giants need to choose an identity and fast.

- Do something with CC Brown.  The loss of Kenny Phillips was gigantic, something I did not realize at the time, and this is evident by the play of CC Brown.  I do not kid when I say this, CC Brown is slowly becoming one of the worst Giants of all time.  The blown assignments and bad reads he makes are PATHETIC.  After watching him play I am shocked he is in the NFL.  I thought Frank Walker was bad, this guy makes Walker look like Deion Sanders. 

- Make it easy for Eli.  We all know Eli had the most success when the offense was simple during the magical Super Bowl run in 2007.  Right now he is trying to do to much.  Which gets me to my next point.  I am sitting there and it finally, after all these years hits me: Eli Manning will never be a great quarterback EVER.  He is extremely clutch, and is capable of winning a Super Bowl, maybe even two, but he will NEVR BE GREAT.  He misses so many throws and so many reads that guys like his brother, Brady, Brees, Rothlisberger, even Favre dont miss.  Take that throw down the middle to Boss he missed.  The throw to Moss he missed.  Nicks was wide open for a touchdown and Eli did not see him.  I love Eli, but I am sorry the guy is never going to be great.  They had to give him that $100 million contract because he is good enough to lead them in the future, but he will never be a top 5 quarterback, and never somebody who will make all the throws when you need him to.

The Giants have a long road ahead, but there is plenty of time to right the ship.  The next five of eight games are at home, a place they have not played all year it seems, so maybe they can step things up their.  We will see, but as of now, you cannot be confident in this New York Giants team.

Alex Lewin can also be read at ineptfassel.blogspot.com

-Lew

Back to the Bronx; World Series Game 5 Recap

I have to say, the this headline is very unfair. Tex helped get the Yankees to this point and also has saved games with his glove particularly Game 2 of the ALDS, Game 2 of the ALCS, and helped get the Yankees out of countless amount of jams.  With that being said, he is having an old A-Rod postseason hitting performence.  I cant say that I am surprised at that, as Tex never really embodies the "Clutch, gritty gutsy" type.  Tex is more of a pretty boy, a glamour guy who has tremendous talent but seemed to sink in the pressure.  Remember, he never won a title or championship of any kind in high school, college, and as the main guy for the Rangers, Braves, and Angels.  Just saying, I am not surprised.  Anyway, the series is headed back to the Bronx where if you thought the crowd was good for Pedro Game 2, just imagine what it will be like tomorrow.  

- We already touched on Tex, there is no need to go back on that, but what about the series Cano is having.  It makes you think if we should get rid of him sooner than later.  I am a proponet of trading Cano, but not until Jeter is done at short, and you can move him to 2nd.  However we might have to get rid of Cano sooner.  If I were Brian Cashman I would 100% look at the market to Cano, make a few calls, and see what teams are thinking on this guy.  If you can get a solid third starter, and maybe a good fielding Outfielder, which the Yankees need, than maybe you evaluate where you stand on Cano and see if you want to pull the trigger.  I think getting a very solid fielder in right and moving Swisher over to left and Damon to permenat DH and having Posada catch one more year until Jesus Monterro is ready would work.  But enough about next year, we have a World Series to win tomorrow.

- Johnny Damon quietly might be World Series MVP.  Everything the Yankees are doing is starting with him, every rally Damon is a key in.  Damon is now up to .381 and closing in on Jeter for the highest average of this World Series.  I will tell you what, if the Phillies pull off a miracle and win this series, Chase Utley would be the most clear cut World Series MVP winner since...Well maybe ever.

- A.J just did not have it last night.  I cant go too nuts on A.J unless we lose the series, because A.J came up big in Game 2 of the ALDS, Game 2 of the ALCS, pitched great for 6 innings after a disasterous 1st in Game 5 of the ALCS, and pitched his ass off in Game 2 of the World Series.  Still, A.J, you cannot give that performence in a chance to clinch the World Series.  2 innings is just inexcusable.  On the other side, Cliff Lee did not look that sharp at all.  He got guys out, but balls were hit hard, and he happend to face a lineup that for the most part was miserable last night.  Look at 5-9 and you will understand.   Good news is Lee is done for the series AND the Yankees hit him around for 5 runs, so really there is no way they are not gonna hit Pedro. 

- What can you say, the Phillies obviously needed this game, it was the last game at home for them this year, and a must win or they lose the World Series.  This has the exact feel as the Angels series, so I am not about to jump off the bandwagon that I have been riding the whole second half of the season.  This team is determined, and will not give up no matter what.  On the other hand the Phillies were pumped up, and they needed to save face.  But, to expect that performence again is just not going to happen.  Though I can see Pettitte getting hit hard, I dont see him giving up more than 5 runs and I think the Yankees are going to SPANK Pedro and that bullpen.  Whenever that bullpen comes in for the Phillies, the game is over for them.

- Its hard to imagine that going into this postseason just last month we were saying if A-Rod could come up big.  Look at him now, 6 HR 18 RBI and a Billy Fuccillo style HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE to win Game 4.  The progression is really amazing.  Nobody can say anything about him now.  You really cant.

- I thought David Robertson and even Alfredo Aceves pitched INCREDIBLY well last night, especially Robertson.  What a find this guy is, I liked him from the beginning but I never knew if he would actually come up big as a reliever.  Well your answer is yes, it is amazing that a guy like Robertson, a pretty much unknown to the MLB and to Yankees fan, has COMPLETLY outpitched Joba and Hughes combined.  Cool stuff.  Phil Coke on the other hand lost them the game.  I am almost 100% sure the Yankees would have won the World Series last night if not for Phil Coke.  The game would have been tied at 6 and Joba would have come in.  You had A-Rod leading off and I am pretty sure he would have gotten on somehow, and scored some more runs.  Then Mo, then Championship number 27.  It didnt work out that way, but I am confident it will tomorrow. 

Just wait until tomorrow, I cant wait.

- Lew

Excerpts From Tim Donaghy's New Book

Disgraced NBA Tim Donaghy has a new book coming out and of course the NBA does not want you to read it.  I have to say, the allegations he says in the book are pretty damaging to the point where the NBA can not ignore this, and if these things are true, David Stern will have to step down.  The integrity of the game is utterly destroyed, and I dont know if you can look at the NBA the same again IF WHAT HE IS SAYING IS TRUE.  In my opinion, I think Donaghy is DEFINATLY saying some true fact about what went on, but I think he ABSOLUTLY stretched the truth on some accounts.  Maybe there were only a handful of refs who did this or maybe all of them did who knows.  All I know is that even though there are some AWFUL calls in the NFL and MLB, those games are not rigged.  Same goes to the NHL.  But the NBA is almost too easy to rig a game, and these allegations bring that to light.  Here is the link to the exceprts courtesy of Deadspin.com.

http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read?skyline=true&s=x

- Lew

What a Comeback!!! Yankees one win Away from 27

So here we are, one win away from a championship.  The Yankees have not come this close since 2001 and all they have to do is get 27 outs and they are your World Champions.

What can you say but wow.  Tie game, the Yankees just blown a lead and have to mount a rally.  Damon steps up with 2 outs.  Yet somehow I was still confident.  It is Brad Lidge after all.  And then Damon has a series changing 9 pitch at bat and gets a single.  After awful Tex gets hit, A-Rod steps to the plate.  You knew it would come down to him, it always does.  AND BAM!!!!!  A shot one hop to the left field wall and there is your moment we all were waiting for with arod.  This hit, this moment, will change his career forever.  This series, in all honesty, is a formality.  (ok all you ridiculous people who think I just jinxed the team, I have felt that winning a World Series was a formality since middle Aug, and nothing has dettered that so far).  Whether it happens tonight or wednesday or god forbid thursday, the Yankees are going to win number 27, and when they do, A-Rod's legacy SHOULD change forever.

Mariano, Mariano, Mariano.  I would say regarding anything major happening, Mo gets World Series MVP.  Getting out of that jam in Game 2 and then shutting down the Phils in Game 3 and Game 4, I think he deserves it.  Again, you wont realize it until he is gone, but he is the greatest pitcher me and you will ever see in our lifetime.

I thought C.C should the heart of a champion and a winner last night.  He did not have his "A" stuff, but he was good enough and got out of every jam that he got himself into.  Striking out Jayson Werth in the 5th was absolutly huge.  Yes, Utley has destroyed him, but its not like Utley isnt the best second baseman in baseball.  C.C hung in there and I feel his performence will inspire A.J to go out there and give about as gutsy a performence as you can give.  Those two feed off each other, especially in the postseason, and you love to see that.  A reason why the Yankees are where they are right now.   

I think I told you so with Ryan Howard.  I realized he is not that good AN OVERALL PLAYER.  As a power hitter, one of if not the best in the game.  But as a hitter, he simply is not that good.  Against lefties he is flat out AWFUL, and against sliders and hard curves, he is equally as bad, and that is what A.J threw at him in Game 2, hard curves along with outside fastballs that he could not catch up to.  I would, however, be careful A.J because left center in Philly is 25 feet shorter than at Yankee Stadium, so Howard could go left center and hit it out of the park, which he loves to do.

I liked the Joba move, and I even liked giving him a fastball there, but Joba threw it right down the middle to Feliz and Feliz just CRUSHED IT.  At the time, a DEVASTATING Home Run, but yet good job by Joba to recover and K Ruiz.  If we are down, use Joba, if we have a lead into the 8th tonight, you have to use Mo for two.

I thought Johnny Damon's steal of 2nd and then going to third was one of the most heads up baseball plays I have seen in sometime.  What a big spot to do it in, and the cajones on Damon to actually try it.  What if Feliz tagged him out, Marc Malusis' head would have exploded.  That right there CHANGED the outcome of the game and the series, but A-Rod WON the game and potentially the series.  There is a difference, but they played as a team, and as the Yankees did all year pulled another rabbit out of their hat.  What is lost in all of this, because it did not matter, is Posada's 2 run RBI.  Ok, first off Posada DID NOT purposly get thrown out and make sure the run scored (like Harold Reynolds said) if you look at the replay, Posada was looking at dead center field and had  NO IDEA if A-Rod scored or not.

You remember how Tom Jackson on old NFL Primetime used to say, "What does Cris Carter do...He catches Touchdowns."  Well thats exactly what Derek Jeter does except with hitting.  What does Derek Jeter do....He gets hits."  Batting .412 this series and had a hit to lead off the game, and an RBI single to take the lead.  No big deal.

In what could literally be five hours, the Yankees could become World Champions, winning number 27.  Its been a long road this decade, but the Yankees could close out out baseball in both the 90's and 00's with a Championship.  Pretty amazing.  You would have to say if they win, they would be team of the 00's, which seemed EXTREMELY unliky only a few months ago.   However, they did not win yet, and I promise you, if they do, read it here because some very interesting articles about this title will appear, the team of the decade, A-Rod's legacy, and what this title means to NY.  Could this also be a return of Championship New York.  What is one the line could be a second title for me in two years, Giants in '07 Yanks in '09.
- Lew

O, By the way...LISTEN TO JOHN STERLINGS CALL OF THE A-ROD DOUBLE.  He literally pulls a Gus Johnson and screams.

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7113665&c_id=nyy&topic_id=

Two wins away; Yankees Game 3 World Series Recap

The Yankees are officially two wins away from winning the world series.  Finally, they started to hit and destroyed a laboring and almost scared Cole Hamels in route to winning game 3.  Lets get to the game.

-I thought that when it was 3-0 two out runners on first and second with Utley coming up, that this game would be a blowout.  Pettitte looked terrible that inning, he could not find the plate at all; it looked very bleak.  Then Pettitte got Utley to chase (no pun intented) on a bad pitch and suddenly you felt rather confident it was only 3-0. 

- The A-Rod homer was so, SO big.  Good job by the replay system in getting it right, and just big props to A-Rod for ignoring the whole "A-Rod is going to choke" thing.  Basically Marc Malusis said A-Rod going 0-8 with 6k's was the biggest storyline and the guy is a choke.  Well, take that Marc Malusis you clown.  It was huge to get him that hit, and it could not have come at a better time.  A-Rod is going to heat up, and it started last night.

-You know when I knew we were going to win?  When Andy Pettitte got an RBI single to tie the game.  There was no way after that we were going to lose.  Hamels threw a hanging curve and Pettitte actually put a good swing on it and drove it to center for a bloop single.  Damon followed with the 2 run RBI double and that was all she wrote.

-Cole Hamels is hurt.  He has to be, you dont go from a dominating starter, and a guy who is on the rise in this league as the next great starter, to a guy who could not even make it out of the 5th inning in Game 3 of the World Series.  He did not have good control, he was missing badly was pitches, and that hit to Pettitte blew up any confidence he had.  As for Pettitte, he was good, not great by any means, but he was clutch when you needed him.  You knew when the Yanks gave him a lead, he was not going to give it back up.

-How about Joe Girardi pushing the right button with Nick Swisher?  Give him a day off, and then watch him go 2-4 with a home run.  Great job by Girardi and great job by Swisher for coming through. 

- As of now, Mariano is World Series MVP.  He has a save, did a Houdini job of getting out of that ham in Game 2 and besides, I dont know who else you can give it to.  That is why it comes down to these next games to see who the MVP will be.  Tonight is huge, C.C vs Joe Blanton and the matchup is so heavily favored towards the Yankees.  

- Lew