http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
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http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:08 pm
Positional Preview: Catcher
By RJ Anderson
By RJ Anderson
http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
Spring training is less than five weeks away and it's time to start preparing for the new season by looking at each position on a league wide basis, we begin today with catchers.
Depending on whether you use runs created or on-base plus slugging as your end all metric either Jorge Posada or Victor Martinez was the best offensive catcher last year. The league average catcher hit .256/.300/.390, and below we see the trend for the 30 catchers with the most at-bats: Posada, Martinez, Martin, Mauer, Varitek, Snyder, McCann, Bard, Johjima, Zaun, Buck, Ruiz, Molina, Valentin, Rodriguez, Hernandez, Pierzynski, Molina, Paulino, Estrada, Torrealba, Redmond, Lo Duca, Ross, Olivo, Schneider, Ausmus, Navarro, Laird, Kendall
This chart tells us that roughly 3/4th of the catchers receiving playing time are better than their positional average, with Posada, Martinez, Russell Martin, and Joe Mauer being at least .100 points better and Jason Varitek, Chris Snyder, Brian McCann, Josh Bard, Kenji Johjima, and Gregg Zaun being at least .050 points above.
Examining Posada's season a bit more in depth it's pretty amazing that at 35 Posada posted what amounts to a career season; I've heard of late bloomers but hitting .338/.426/.543 is pretty amazing. Of course part of that amazing happening - pardon my lifting of the NBA motto - would be his .389 BABIP which was roughly .040 points above his expected BABIP. It's pretty obvious to say Posada isn't going to repeat his performance, and the Yankees are more than likely going to regret giving him 13.1 million annually until 2011 ends, but if a team can afford to overvalue a player it would be the Yankees - after all they've been following this method of overvaluing since 2000, particularly with their own.
Below the .700 mark are where most of the past off-seasons movers land, including Johnny Estrada, Paul Lo Duca, Yorvit Torrealba, and Miguel Olivo; suggesting that teams are willing to throw many different forms of crap against a wall in hope of it sticking. The only catchers to fall .050 points below league average were Gerald Laird and Jason Kendall - who was promptly rewarded with 4.25 million dollars on the free agent market. When most of these options fail teams can look forward to Johjima, Ivan Rodriguez, Varitek, Valentin, and possibly Ross, and Zaun becoming free agents. Another scenario would be a team like the Mariners with Jeff Clement could dangle either him or Johjima at the deadline for a bounty if they felt inclined to do so.
Kendall was unlucky last year, but even if he reverts to his .709 OPS in 2006 wouldn't be worth the money he'll get paid. I won't say that back up Mike Rivera could out-hit Kendall this year, sense I don't particularly value either too highly, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens, and this is a catcher with a career .790 minor league OPS. Eric Munson doesn't provide much defense, but again if he were to get Kendall's at-bats I'd expect a line at least similar to Kendall's and for millions less.
A few up and comers who just missed the at-bats cut-off include Mike Napoli, Kelly Shoppach, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Kurt Suzuki - each of which, minus Shoppach, figure to get the primary amount of at-bats for their teams next year, I'd expect each to top a .690 OPS.
Dioner Navarro was amongst the worst catchers last year, but he's going to be a popular break out pick due to his second half and presumably a stable personal life for the first time since 2006. After an abysmal first half .177/.238/.254 Navarro worked into a groove with hitting coach Steve Henderson and finished strong with .285/.340/.475, the medical problems with his wife and child are hopefully over, and Navarro should come into the season in far better physical and mental condition than last year.
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:08 pm
Rob Neyer's - Prediction: Posada to decline in '08
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=neyer_rob
Beyond the Box Score has started an interesting project, "looking at each position on a league wide basis." Yesterday it was catchers, and I was reminded again just how amazing Jorge Posada was in 2007 ...
Examining Posada's season a bit more in depth it's pretty amazing that at 35 Posada posted what amounts to a career season; I've heard of late bloomers but hitting .338/.426/.543 is pretty amazing. Of course part of that amazing happening -- pardon my lifting of the NBA motto -- would be his .389 BABIP which was roughly .040 points above his expected BABIP. It's pretty obvious to say Posada isn't going to repeat his performance, and the Yankees are more than likely going to regret giving him 13.1 million annually until 2011 ends, but if a team can afford to overvalue a player it would be the Yankees -- after all they've been following this method of overvaluing since 2000, particularly with their own.
As fans, we tend to assume that everything that went well last season will go well again next season, and that everything that went poorly will go better. As analysts, we know that sports doesn't work that way. Posada entered last season with a .270 batting average and batted .338. Today I'll offer one truly easy prediction: Posada won't reach even .300 this season.
Which doesn't mean the Yankees won't do just fine with him hitting .268 or .278 (or even .258). But when you're making a list of things that have to happen if the Yankees are going to win 95 games, chief among them should be making up somewhere else for Posada's significant decline.
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:14 pm
I was all set to respond with 'Thank you, Captain Obvious!', but brocmiller1 stole my thunder. What you don't mention is that Posada had never hit above .300 before and was still considered one of the best (if not the best) hitting catchers in the game. His patience should continue to make him valuable, even if his power declines somewhat.
Goin way out on a limb there now are we Rob?
They should start by addressing the lack of production at first base.
Goin way out on a limb there now are we Rob?
They should start by addressing the lack of production at first base.
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:19 pm
Bud & Baseball Owners come off as heads of Crime Syndicate--NY Post
Instead of building and repairing baseball fields--which used to exist in the United States--these men are going to the farthest reaches of the globe no matter the breathless air (thank-you, Jim McKay), the poisonous food and water, dangerous equipment, enormous stress of traveling, being away from one's family and fans. Why?
* Why not rebuild the game in the US? Or even Puerto Rico? Ha!
Answer: Corporate sponsors such as the Oil Company owned by the Venezuelan government--not a weepy human being, a government--the Citgo Oil Company. Among many others. How is this any different from crooks trafficking in human beings? For huge dollars. Which go to team owners like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Florida Marlins.
* Don't forget your role model--the Cleveland Indians' Mark Shapiro--BOSS OF THE BIGGEST CHEATER IN BASEBALL, PAUL BYRD--JUST NAMED EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BY THE BOSTON CHAPTER OF THE BBWAA--BASEBALL WRITERS (posted here). (To all who seek jobs at ESPN/MLB, sorry for all the proof and evidence).
Phil Mushnick points out in the NY Post:
* (NY Post): "Last week, when MLB owners granted Bud Selig a three-year extension to remain Commissioner, we didn't receive nearly as many missives decrying that decision. Perhaps, though, the extension spoke for itself.
That Selig had been big league baseball's top cop from 1992 until last year, when MLB was fully and finally revealed to have immersed itself in what had become obvious - a drug epidemic and a drugs-for-profit conspiracy - actually seems to have sustained his “Our Guy" status among team owners.
* Thus team owners come off as regional heads of a crime syndicate.
Under Selig, after all, MLB's revenues dramatically rose. What else matters? That The Game fell into national disrepute under his stewardship is not something, as we saw last week, that would cost him his position.
* Quite the contrary.
Who among us could have survived on our jobs, let alone have been rewarded, had we provided such leadership?
* Just as (Bill) Belichick met the terms of his win-at-all-cost agreement, Selig met the terms of his engagement - profit at all cost.
And yet, for some reason, we continue to call this stuff sports."
* From NY Post column by Phil Mushnick, "THREE MORE YEARS FOR BUD THE BUFFOON," 1/21/08
(Most who read or write baseball blogs would give anything to work at ESPN/MLB. Including those who appear to be Yankee fans. That is why this situation will only get worse. Most of the 500+ BBWAA HOF voters would love to have their own name listed on one of the HOF steering or nominating committees intertwined with Jack O'Connell and his group. 'Bud' Selig has been on the Board of Directors of the HOF since the 1970's. The point is, it's all one). sm
Instead of building and repairing baseball fields--which used to exist in the United States--these men are going to the farthest reaches of the globe no matter the breathless air (thank-you, Jim McKay), the poisonous food and water, dangerous equipment, enormous stress of traveling, being away from one's family and fans. Why?
* Why not rebuild the game in the US? Or even Puerto Rico? Ha!
Answer: Corporate sponsors such as the Oil Company owned by the Venezuelan government--not a weepy human being, a government--the Citgo Oil Company. Among many others. How is this any different from crooks trafficking in human beings? For huge dollars. Which go to team owners like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Florida Marlins.
* Don't forget your role model--the Cleveland Indians' Mark Shapiro--BOSS OF THE BIGGEST CHEATER IN BASEBALL, PAUL BYRD--JUST NAMED EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BY THE BOSTON CHAPTER OF THE BBWAA--BASEBALL WRITERS (posted here). (To all who seek jobs at ESPN/MLB, sorry for all the proof and evidence).
Phil Mushnick points out in the NY Post:
* (NY Post): "Last week, when MLB owners granted Bud Selig a three-year extension to remain Commissioner, we didn't receive nearly as many missives decrying that decision. Perhaps, though, the extension spoke for itself.
That Selig had been big league baseball's top cop from 1992 until last year, when MLB was fully and finally revealed to have immersed itself in what had become obvious - a drug epidemic and a drugs-for-profit conspiracy - actually seems to have sustained his “Our Guy" status among team owners.
* Thus team owners come off as regional heads of a crime syndicate.
Under Selig, after all, MLB's revenues dramatically rose. What else matters? That The Game fell into national disrepute under his stewardship is not something, as we saw last week, that would cost him his position.
* Quite the contrary.
Who among us could have survived on our jobs, let alone have been rewarded, had we provided such leadership?
* Just as (Bill) Belichick met the terms of his win-at-all-cost agreement, Selig met the terms of his engagement - profit at all cost.
And yet, for some reason, we continue to call this stuff sports."
* From NY Post column by Phil Mushnick, "THREE MORE YEARS FOR BUD THE BUFFOON," 1/21/08
(Most who read or write baseball blogs would give anything to work at ESPN/MLB. Including those who appear to be Yankee fans. That is why this situation will only get worse. Most of the 500+ BBWAA HOF voters would love to have their own name listed on one of the HOF steering or nominating committees intertwined with Jack O'Connell and his group. 'Bud' Selig has been on the Board of Directors of the HOF since the 1970's. The point is, it's all one). sm
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:23 pm
Whitesox Designate David Aardsma for assignment to make room for Ex-Yankee Dotel
Hope he clears and the Yanks sign him to a minor league contract. He has good stuff but needs help refining it.
Lol, Whitesox overpay for Dotel. They're overpay for Linebrink and now Dotel?
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080122&content_id=2352543&vkey=pr_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws
Aardsma, 26, split the 2007 season between the White Sox and Class AAA Charlotte. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound right-hander was 2-1 with a 6.40 ERA (23 ER/32.1 IP) and 36 strikeouts in 25 relief appearances with the Sox.
The White Sox 40-man roster now stands at 40.
Hope he clears and the Yanks sign him to a minor league contract. He has good stuff but needs help refining it.
Lol, Whitesox overpay for Dotel. They're overpay for Linebrink and now Dotel?
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:53 pm
Oh, Boy!!!!
http://giants.lohudblogs.com/
Just what the Giants need. Bad enough they're playing the big, bad Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Now, they'll have to beat the Sports Illustrated jinx, too. Eli Manning is the coverboy this week. Does this mean he throws five INTs next week? What do you think. Let's get all the superstitious folks out there to write in, and what do you do to avoid the hex? Ciao for now
http://giants.lohudblogs.com/
Just what the Giants need. Bad enough they're playing the big, bad Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Now, they'll have to beat the Sports Illustrated jinx, too. Eli Manning is the coverboy this week. Does this mean he throws five INTs next week? What do you think. Let's get all the superstitious folks out there to write in, and what do you do to avoid the hex? Ciao for now
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:22 pm
How do Giants Defend Pats with their 7 type of Offense?
Facing the Patriots is like trying to patch a leaky garden hose. Fix one spot, and it'll spring a leak somewhere else. And against San Diego the major leak was Faulk, who seems as if he's been making impossible third down catches for the Patriots forever. And of course Welker, who has caught nine passes or more in seven games, has become, in one year, Brady's prime target.
"They went to their backup plan," said the Chargers' Shawne Merriman, after Welker and Faulk had teamed up for 15 catches against his team. "They have weapons all over the field."
"We wanted to force them to defend everything," Bill Belichick said.
From Cbs .com
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10589347/2
another blueprint for slowing down Tom Brady and the unbeaten New England Patriots.
Maybe.
"When the NFC champion calls to ask about New England's offense," San Diego defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was asked, "what do you tell them to concentrate on?"
"Everything," he said.
"We found a pretty good pass rush, and our coverage was good," said Cottrell, "though I thought we let them off. One of the things we could've done better was our underneath coverage when (Brady) dropped some of those balls off.
"You have to be disciplined with him. When he looks away he's pretty slick. So you must stay where you're supposed to be. There is not too much I would do differently, except maybe take care of the underneath and short stuff, like those angle routes that got us, and try to limit Maroney on the cutback."
"I don't know," said Cottrell." Everybody looks at tape. So they may study it and see what we did. We looked at every game they played, and if we had any ideas (from that) we put it into what we do. But you must do what you do best and don't go out of your character to do something you can't.
"Even though they don't lose," said Merriman, "they're a team that opens somebody else's eyes and allows another (opponent) to see a way to beat them. They're tough, and they're going to be a hard team to beat because of all the weapons they have and how hard they play."
Which means the message is ...
"Stay focused and get constant pressure on Brady," said Florence. "Make the ball come out quick. Get turnovers. And make sure your offense capitalizes on turnovers. We played well; we just didn't play well enough to win
Oh no, it'll be far from easy for the Giants, but they have some weapons of their own, you know, and not only among their highly touted pass rushers. I think the new threat is rookie Ahmad Bradshaw, a kick returner until he emerged as a serious running back at the end of December. He is 5-8, 198, very close to Tiki Barber, physically, and possessed of some of Tiki's moves, the cutback instincts, the ability to size up a defender and tell when he is out of balance and can be faked or run over.
Jacobs is the big, 264-pound hammer. He will smack into the line and make a tackler pay, but he also runs into the heart of the defense on occasion, and he has gotten his share of injuries over the course of the season. But he can soften up a defense, and for the last few games the Giants have been jolting opponents with the big guy, and finishing them off with the little one. The tandem helped New York keep the ball for 81 snaps against Green Bay to the Packers' 49, and maybe that's why the Giants looked so energetic in the fourth quarter and overtime, while the Packers were hitting the big sag.
Personally, I would like to see Bradshaw as the featured back, matching a coaching revelation such as the one that finally hit the Cowboys in their last game and convinced them to send it in on Marion Barber. But I think the Giants' offensive coaches know what they're doing without my help.
Well, there will be handicapping up the gazoo for the next 12 days, more than anyone ever will be able to handle. There will also be a city, Phoenix in this case, full of Giants fans, and maybe they're the reason why I haven't come on that strong about New York until now. When you're too close to something, when you have to read about it every day, as I do here in Jersey, and hear it dissected and analyzed every time you go into the newspaper store, hearing all the whining and moaning and crowing -- well, that turns you off and you wish that the team would just go away somewhere for a while. At least that's how I react.
Facing the Patriots is like trying to patch a leaky garden hose. Fix one spot, and it'll spring a leak somewhere else. And against San Diego the major leak was Faulk, who seems as if he's been making impossible third down catches for the Patriots forever. And of course Welker, who has caught nine passes or more in seven games, has become, in one year, Brady's prime target.
"They went to their backup plan," said the Chargers' Shawne Merriman, after Welker and Faulk had teamed up for 15 catches against his team. "They have weapons all over the field."
"We wanted to force them to defend everything," Bill Belichick said.
From Cbs .com
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10589347/2
another blueprint for slowing down Tom Brady and the unbeaten New England Patriots.
Maybe.
"When the NFC champion calls to ask about New England's offense," San Diego defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was asked, "what do you tell them to concentrate on?"
"Everything," he said.
"We found a pretty good pass rush, and our coverage was good," said Cottrell, "though I thought we let them off. One of the things we could've done better was our underneath coverage when (Brady) dropped some of those balls off.
"You have to be disciplined with him. When he looks away he's pretty slick. So you must stay where you're supposed to be. There is not too much I would do differently, except maybe take care of the underneath and short stuff, like those angle routes that got us, and try to limit Maroney on the cutback."
"I don't know," said Cottrell." Everybody looks at tape. So they may study it and see what we did. We looked at every game they played, and if we had any ideas (from that) we put it into what we do. But you must do what you do best and don't go out of your character to do something you can't.
"Even though they don't lose," said Merriman, "they're a team that opens somebody else's eyes and allows another (opponent) to see a way to beat them. They're tough, and they're going to be a hard team to beat because of all the weapons they have and how hard they play."
Which means the message is ...
"Stay focused and get constant pressure on Brady," said Florence. "Make the ball come out quick. Get turnovers. And make sure your offense capitalizes on turnovers. We played well; we just didn't play well enough to win
Oh no, it'll be far from easy for the Giants, but they have some weapons of their own, you know, and not only among their highly touted pass rushers. I think the new threat is rookie Ahmad Bradshaw, a kick returner until he emerged as a serious running back at the end of December. He is 5-8, 198, very close to Tiki Barber, physically, and possessed of some of Tiki's moves, the cutback instincts, the ability to size up a defender and tell when he is out of balance and can be faked or run over.
Jacobs is the big, 264-pound hammer. He will smack into the line and make a tackler pay, but he also runs into the heart of the defense on occasion, and he has gotten his share of injuries over the course of the season. But he can soften up a defense, and for the last few games the Giants have been jolting opponents with the big guy, and finishing them off with the little one. The tandem helped New York keep the ball for 81 snaps against Green Bay to the Packers' 49, and maybe that's why the Giants looked so energetic in the fourth quarter and overtime, while the Packers were hitting the big sag.
Personally, I would like to see Bradshaw as the featured back, matching a coaching revelation such as the one that finally hit the Cowboys in their last game and convinced them to send it in on Marion Barber. But I think the Giants' offensive coaches know what they're doing without my help.
Well, there will be handicapping up the gazoo for the next 12 days, more than anyone ever will be able to handle. There will also be a city, Phoenix in this case, full of Giants fans, and maybe they're the reason why I haven't come on that strong about New York until now. When you're too close to something, when you have to read about it every day, as I do here in Jersey, and hear it dissected and analyzed every time you go into the newspaper store, hearing all the whining and moaning and crowing -- well, that turns you off and you wish that the team would just go away somewhere for a while. At least that's how I react.
RedMagma- Posts : 3654
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:27 pm
How do Giants Defend Pats with their 7 type of Offense?
Facing the Patriots is like trying to patch a leaky garden hose. Fix one spot, and it'll spring a leak somewhere else. And against San Diego the major leak was Faulk, who seems as if he's been making impossible third down catches for the Patriots forever. And of course Welker, who has caught nine passes or more in seven games, has become, in one year, Brady's prime target.
"They went to their backup plan," said the Chargers' Shawne Merriman, after Welker and Faulk had teamed up for 15 catches against his team. "They have weapons all over the field."
"We wanted to force them to defend everything," Bill Belichick said.
From Cbs .com
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10589347/2
another blueprint for slowing down Tom Brady and the unbeaten New England Patriots.
Maybe.
"When the NFC champion calls to ask about New England's offense," San Diego defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was asked, "what do you tell them to concentrate on?"
"Everything," he said.
"We found a pretty good pass rush, and our coverage was good," said Cottrell, "though I thought we let them off. One of the things we could've done better was our underneath coverage when (Brady) dropped some of those balls off.
"You have to be disciplined with him. When he looks away he's pretty slick. So you must stay where you're supposed to be. There is not too much I would do differently, except maybe take care of the underneath and short stuff, like those angle routes that got us, and try to limit Maroney on the cutback."
"I don't know," said Cottrell." Everybody looks at tape. So they may study it and see what we did. We looked at every game they played, and if we had any ideas (from that) we put it into what we do. But you must do what you do best and don't go out of your character to do something you can't.
"Even though they don't lose," said Merriman, "they're a team that opens somebody else's eyes and allows another (opponent) to see a way to beat them. They're tough, and they're going to be a hard team to beat because of all the weapons they have and how hard they play."
Which means the message is ...
"Stay focused and get constant pressure on Brady," said Florence. "Make the ball come out quick. Get turnovers. And make sure your offense capitalizes on turnovers. We played well; we just didn't play well enough to win
Facing the Patriots is like trying to patch a leaky garden hose. Fix one spot, and it'll spring a leak somewhere else. And against San Diego the major leak was Faulk, who seems as if he's been making impossible third down catches for the Patriots forever. And of course Welker, who has caught nine passes or more in seven games, has become, in one year, Brady's prime target.
"They went to their backup plan," said the Chargers' Shawne Merriman, after Welker and Faulk had teamed up for 15 catches against his team. "They have weapons all over the field."
"We wanted to force them to defend everything," Bill Belichick said.
From Cbs .com
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10589347/2
another blueprint for slowing down Tom Brady and the unbeaten New England Patriots.
Maybe.
"When the NFC champion calls to ask about New England's offense," San Diego defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was asked, "what do you tell them to concentrate on?"
"Everything," he said.
"We found a pretty good pass rush, and our coverage was good," said Cottrell, "though I thought we let them off. One of the things we could've done better was our underneath coverage when (Brady) dropped some of those balls off.
"You have to be disciplined with him. When he looks away he's pretty slick. So you must stay where you're supposed to be. There is not too much I would do differently, except maybe take care of the underneath and short stuff, like those angle routes that got us, and try to limit Maroney on the cutback."
"I don't know," said Cottrell." Everybody looks at tape. So they may study it and see what we did. We looked at every game they played, and if we had any ideas (from that) we put it into what we do. But you must do what you do best and don't go out of your character to do something you can't.
"Even though they don't lose," said Merriman, "they're a team that opens somebody else's eyes and allows another (opponent) to see a way to beat them. They're tough, and they're going to be a hard team to beat because of all the weapons they have and how hard they play."
Which means the message is ...
"Stay focused and get constant pressure on Brady," said Florence. "Make the ball come out quick. Get turnovers. And make sure your offense capitalizes on turnovers. We played well; we just didn't play well enough to win
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:37 pm
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11 Comments
Belichick beat the Giants in the last game. What are you talking about?
Posted by Big Blue 86 on January 22, 2008 4:50 PM
I guess Kraft paid off somebody at SI.............
Posted by Jersey Joe 1 on January 22, 2008 4:50 PM
Ralph - won't there be another issue of Sports Illustrated next week? If so - please put the Patriots on the cover!!! The jinx only applies to this week and they aren't playing!!!
Posted by gmanfanindallas on January 22, 2008 5:03 PM
You're reaching Paisan...
GO - BLUE!
Posted by Giant Gino on January 22, 2008 5:27 PM
Actually, didn't Fahrve lose the week AFTER he was on the cover? Or was it the SAME week? I thought it was 2 weeks before.
Like many of you, I am irked by this. I get crazy superstitous when we play. I don't bet on any game the giants are playing in, and I wear the same thing every sunday, etc, etc...I will say this though, my necklace with the guardian angel on it, that was blessed by the Pope (and no I am not talking about Geoffrey) himself when I was at The Vatican this past summer, has given me a gut feeling that this will end up the way we all want it to end up. Ever since I started wearing it in conjunction with my new Jacobs jersey and an 18 pack of bud light cans, we have not lost. I must continue this honored tradition of craziness for as long as the Gmen are still in it. I may be on to something with the blessed necklaces, unwashed jerseys and bud cans. At least thats what seems to be working for me lately.
But in all honestly, I am pretty sure we have an honest chance at the win. I have never seen a team look so hungry. Its like Rocky Vs. Ivan Drago, and we all know how that went down... Do it for Mickey guys!!
Is anyone else amazed at the prices of this thing? I mean, c'mon... $25,000 for a pair of great seats. Are you kidding me? Is there ANY possible way for the average joe, diehard fan to see their team in the once in a lifetime game?
How cool was is to see Ross, Smith, RW, and Plax courtside at the Knicks/Celtics game yesterday? All that hometown support and they still lost by about 20. Yeesh.
How are we going to beat these guys in the rematch? Special teams and good hard nasty Defense, and eli needs to play perfect, for the 3rd straight game.
As brother Flounder said, "oh boy, is this great!!"
Oh yeah, how fruity does Brady look in a walking cast holding flowers?
Posted by MiamiMike on January 22, 2008 5:35 PM
Jinx schminx. Let the young fella have his moment.
Posted by Turkeyleg on January 22, 2008 5:47 PM
Not to worry Ralph. Things work differently on Eli. He will probably break that curse with a 300 yd, 4 TD performance.
Posted by angeltattoo on January 22, 2008 5:59 PM
Jersey Joe,
More likely Fahrve or Jerry Jones, still reeling from the effects... AAAHAHAHAAHA I love that we beat dallASS and teh FudgePackers!!! LOLOLOLOL
Posted by MiamiMike on January 22, 2008 5:59 PM
This game is going to be like a prize fight. You can forget the line. Forget what all the "experts" are saying. Forget about the undefeated season and all those records. When the bell rings for round one and we come out looking for blood those Patsies aren't going to feel like a team that's 18 - 0.
Posted by angeltattoo on January 22, 2008 6:03 PM
Damn it!!! Eli is on the cover of SI, he is getting more commercials already, and big brother is looking to him for advice. Hell must have frozen over the same time lambeau did huh? Good for him. It is about time that he gets on the good side of the press for once. I love it!
"ELI's the Manning"
I bet Peyton is hating life right now huh?
Just to point out, this is the thrid Blog I have written in today. I either have no life, or a slow day at work. I am going with "all the above"
Go Giants!!
Posted by jpanic on January 22, 2008 6:07 PM
If we win, someone PLEASE go to the first home game and brandish a "Peyton Was Adopted" sign. I would do it, but you know, I don't live there anymore :-( That would rule.
Posted by MiamiMike on January 22, 2008 6:28 P
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:44 pm
the players in the deal are not what is holding the yanks back, its the money. yes even the steinbrenner family will eventually start to run low on funds. santana will not only bring another $20+ mil in salary, but will also add to an already immense luxury tax. however, with that said, the yanks should make this trade because rite now their rotation is filled with former aces past their prime and young unproven prospects. they need johan much more than the sox and about d same as d mets. The package that they have is much better than the mets package. i would make the trade if included both hughes and kennedy because in my opinion kennedy is not really that good and will be about a 3 starter at the best point in his career. However, the twins have said that they will make the trade without kennedy as well. in this case the yanks should definently make the trade. Hughes has potential but is not proven yet, hence, the prospect label. melky has basically reached his full potential and is at best a mediocre centerfielder. ( ilike him but the yanks can do better and it will not hurt to give him up. tabata will be the future centerfielder so for this season and the next one or 2 after that, they can either move damon back to center or sign another cf to say a 2 or 3 year deal.) Lastly, it would be nice if they could unload kei igawa in this deal too. that signing has been about as good as the pavano signing.
It's an absolute shame that people from the east coast do not get to see Johan on a regular basis. If they did they would realize that Johan is more "than a true #1 starter", he's a once a decade starter. Believe me when I say this, i would do the exact same things that the sox and Yanks are doing if i were in there position of power dealing with the Twins. But as a die hard Twins fan it's hard to listen to people who say that either team would be giving up too much for this guy. Imagine the numbers he would put up if he had decent run support. Let's be honest any of these teams are going to resign him that get him. In my opinion it's give up what the twins want now, or go into one of the most heated bidding wars ever this next offseason. When that time comes he may be coming off another Cy Young performance.
Looking at all the Yankee boards, it seems Yankee fans as well as management are split 50 / 50 on Santana. The longer it drags out the better. The Twins have already dropped the asking price. Hank is now offering Kennedy, Melkman, and another prospect pitcher. Not Hughes. Being patient sucks, but we have to realize that the longer this plays out, the more desperate the Twins will get. From what I've read, the Blocox were never really in this thing either. Time is a good thing for the Yanks on this one, and, if it doesn't happen, so be it, we'll live. And getting Santana, even for Hughes, is a good thing. Hughes has loads of potential but has been hurt quite often for being that young. Santana is proven, it's always the best thing to do, and who's to say we can't resign Hughes in 5 yrs or so anyway if he turns into what we think he will be.
Quote:
We’re all still waiting to see where Johan Santana winds up - and who the Twins receive in return. But with no new developments as of this writing, I’m beginning to think Santana will report with the rest of the Twins’ pitchers and catchers on Feb. 17.
~Star Tribune Blog
It's an absolute shame that people from the east coast do not get to see Johan on a regular basis. If they did they would realize that Johan is more "than a true #1 starter", he's a once a decade starter. Believe me when I say this, i would do the exact same things that the sox and Yanks are doing if i were in there position of power dealing with the Twins. But as a die hard Twins fan it's hard to listen to people who say that either team would be giving up too much for this guy. Imagine the numbers he would put up if he had decent run support. Let's be honest any of these teams are going to resign him that get him. In my opinion it's give up what the twins want now, or go into one of the most heated bidding wars ever this next offseason. When that time comes he may be coming off another Cy Young performance.
Looking at all the Yankee boards, it seems Yankee fans as well as management are split 50 / 50 on Santana. The longer it drags out the better. The Twins have already dropped the asking price. Hank is now offering Kennedy, Melkman, and another prospect pitcher. Not Hughes. Being patient sucks, but we have to realize that the longer this plays out, the more desperate the Twins will get. From what I've read, the Blocox were never really in this thing either. Time is a good thing for the Yanks on this one, and, if it doesn't happen, so be it, we'll live. And getting Santana, even for Hughes, is a good thing. Hughes has loads of potential but has been hurt quite often for being that young. Santana is proven, it's always the best thing to do, and who's to say we can't resign Hughes in 5 yrs or so anyway if he turns into what we think he will be.
Quote:
We’re all still waiting to see where Johan Santana winds up - and who the Twins receive in return. But with no new developments as of this writing, I’m beginning to think Santana will report with the rest of the Twins’ pitchers and catchers on Feb. 17.
~Star Tribune Blog
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:49 pm
Source: Steven Goldman - The Great Ongoing Joba Debate
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?showtopic=26517&pid=1347040&st=20&#entry1347040
QUOTE
So there is the brief. The Yankees think that Joba can be an above-average starter, and it seems to me that given the outs that get absorbed in that role, that would be more valuable than limiting him to 80 innings in relief no matter how strong. The Yankees would be left with a deficit of 100 innings in the starting rotation that are likely to be filled by someone else, someone of lesser ability: Mike Mussina or an Ian Kennedy who has been figured out by the league. In a close race, those innings will make a great difference to the outcome.
From Sosh-
Ian Kennedy has been figured out?
When guys dont have particularly good stuff or a great out pitch the assumption is the league will hit him harder the second or third time they see him. Kennedy is more control than stuff and that only takes you so far.
In the same way a pitcher without an off-speed offering tends to get rocked the third time through the order.
I had this initial reaction as well.
I don’t think he meant to include Ian Kennedy in the “figured out” part of his write up because he certainly hasn’t been figured out yet [small sample size yadda yadda yes, I know]..
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?showtopic=26517&pid=1347040&st=20&#entry1347040
QUOTE
So there is the brief. The Yankees think that Joba can be an above-average starter, and it seems to me that given the outs that get absorbed in that role, that would be more valuable than limiting him to 80 innings in relief no matter how strong. The Yankees would be left with a deficit of 100 innings in the starting rotation that are likely to be filled by someone else, someone of lesser ability: Mike Mussina or an Ian Kennedy who has been figured out by the league. In a close race, those innings will make a great difference to the outcome.
From Sosh-
Ian Kennedy has been figured out?
When guys dont have particularly good stuff or a great out pitch the assumption is the league will hit him harder the second or third time they see him. Kennedy is more control than stuff and that only takes you so far.
In the same way a pitcher without an off-speed offering tends to get rocked the third time through the order.
I had this initial reaction as well.
I don’t think he meant to include Ian Kennedy in the “figured out” part of his write up because he certainly hasn’t been figured out yet [small sample size yadda yadda yes, I know]..
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:53 pm
Sporting News- The scoop on New York Sports fans
.
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/smitty324/131636
Several weeks ago Eli Manning was the worst of the worst, a bum of epic proportion. A bum among bums, what a difference a month makes. Welcome to the world of a New York sports fan. Talk radio, TV, newspapers are of course singing the praises of big blue. Our team, our town, we did it, etc. This will last for the next couple of weeks up until the final whistle of Superbowl XLII. Should the Giants come up on the wrong side of the score New York fans will revert back to their true colors which are never the same from day to day. Here is a tongue n cheek take on NY sports fans from a NY sports fan.
Yankees fans are very smart, extremely loyal, critical and spoiled, true blue to no end. On the flip side you have your September to October crowd the ones who always seem to show up as the champagne bottles arrive to the stadium.
Knicks fans- Loyal and extremely frustrated, die hard and somewhat delusional . Then you have the celebrity crowd, the ones who fill the seats courtside to be seen by the paparazzi . The Jay Z’s, Beyounce’s, your basic I’m trying to sell an album or promote a movie crowd.
Jets Fans – Blue Collar to the bone. Jealous of the Giants and Patriots. We are a wishful bunch of folks. Very hopeful and extremely optimistic until December arrives, then panic sets in. The true meaning of an identity crisis, Jets Fans.
Mets Fans – Read above and substitute Giants for Yankees. Mets fans are cocky for no good reason. Every 7 or 8 years they catch lightning in a bottle, but for the most part they are all talk, and no results.
Nets Fans – They are really Knicks fans in disguise but they proclaim some sort of oddball allegiance to a franchise that plays to empty audiences on a regular. Nets fans just need a hug.
Rangers Fans – True blue to no end and eternally optimistic even though both the Devils and Islanders have had more success in their history.
Islanders Fans – A happy group of fans living off of its 80’s success. Sort of like Green Bay Packers fans sans the groupie activity.
Devils – Very local, low-key, small community type of fan base. Almost like the local bingo game
Last edited by on Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:28 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:59 pm
Yankees fans are very smart, extremely loyal, critical and spoiled, true blue to no end. On the flip side you have your September to October crowd the ones who always seem to show up as the champagne bottles arrive to the stadium
True. I hate those fans. They appear for the Red Sox as well. And those fans will come out for the Giants know that they are winners.
makes me sick.
Good stuff
True. I hate those fans. They appear for the Red Sox as well. And those fans will come out for the Giants know that they are winners.
makes me sick.
Good stuff
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RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:10 pm
Then there are Red Sox fans. The vast majority are white, redfaced, drunk, douchey, tooled out, and have aggression problems.
Except for Rem. We love Rem
Except for Rem. We love Rem
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:28 pm
What type of pitching coach is a Dave Eiland? Is he innovative and A Hands-on Approach type of coach? Does He talk about pitching mechanics and teach young pitchers a new type of pitch to succeed in the majors ? What did you learn from him since you first met him Phil?
Mr.Keith law of Espn says that you don't have 2 offspeed pitches compare to Boston prospect Clay Bucholtz that He throws for a strike. Your changeup still work on progress.
What type pitch are you working on upcoming next season and spring training? What did you learn from last year pitching for first time in against quality hitters in Mlb?
How do you pitch to David Ortiz? One of Fear hitters in Baseball.
Mr.Keith law of Espn says that you don't have 2 offspeed pitches compare to Boston prospect Clay Bucholtz that He throws for a strike. Your changeup still work on progress.
What type pitch are you working on upcoming next season and spring training? What did you learn from last year pitching for first time in against quality hitters in Mlb?
How do you pitch to David Ortiz? One of Fear hitters in Baseball.
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RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:36 pm
Hobbs vs. Burress headlines early Super Bowl matchups
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/insider/news/story?id=3206568
There hasn't been time yet for an in-depth breakdown of the Super Bowl matchup between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, but here is a first glance at three individual matchups to watch.
Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs vs. Giants WR Plaxico Burress
Burress and QB Eli Manning put the Giants on their shoulders in the NFC Championship Game and willed their team into the Super Bowl. Burress finished the game with 11 receptions for 154 yards.
Burress had four receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns in the teams' Week 17 game, one New England won in a shootout. The Giants will have to score plenty of points to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl, so New York has to continue to capitalize on Burress' big-play capabilities.
Hobbs is a solid corner who seems to be able to come up with big plays consistently. Burress won the battle in Week 17, but Hobbs tends to step up in the postseason. The Giants will not even be able to stay close on Super Bowl Sunday if they do not get a big game from Burress.
Giants C Shaun O'Hara vs. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork
For the Giants to win the rematch, they are going to have to be able to run the ball and control the clock. Starting RB Brandon Jacobs averaged 4.5 yards per carry in the first meeting but carried the ball only 15 times, and New York must control the line of scrimmage early in the game if it is to get more production from Jacobs this time around. The Patriots likely will crowd the box in this game and try to make the Giants one-dimensional, and defeating that strategy starts in the middle with O'Hara.
Wilfork is a dominating force inside at the point of attack, and O'Hara will need to at least get Wilfork's body turned in order for Jacobs to find a crease along the interior. For New York to run the ball well, it needs to get Jacobs to the second level without his having to change directions, which allows him to attack downhill against the New England ILB duo of Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau. However, the Giants won't be able to attack the second level without blocking Wilfork.
Giants slot CB vs. Patriots WR Wes Welker
With all the injuries the Giants have suffered at cornerback, it is hard to say who will be in the slot for this game. However, with a week to prepare, New York should have all its corners healthy for the Super Bowl. The Giants have had to go about six deep throughout the playoffs at the corner position because of injuries, and that experience will prove very valuable against the Patriots' No. 1-ranked passing offense.
In the Week 17 meeting,Giants did an excellent job against the run and held New England to 1.7 yards per carry. The Patriots countered by throwing quick screens and slants to Welker out of the slot, and the Giants had no answer. He became a short-area target in place of the running game. New York consistently gave quick Welker a free release in the first meeting, so look for the Giants to try to be more aggressive inside with him in the Super Bowl.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/insider/news/story?id=3206568
There hasn't been time yet for an in-depth breakdown of the Super Bowl matchup between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, but here is a first glance at three individual matchups to watch.
Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs vs. Giants WR Plaxico Burress
Burress and QB Eli Manning put the Giants on their shoulders in the NFC Championship Game and willed their team into the Super Bowl. Burress finished the game with 11 receptions for 154 yards.
Burress had four receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns in the teams' Week 17 game, one New England won in a shootout. The Giants will have to score plenty of points to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl, so New York has to continue to capitalize on Burress' big-play capabilities.
Hobbs is a solid corner who seems to be able to come up with big plays consistently. Burress won the battle in Week 17, but Hobbs tends to step up in the postseason. The Giants will not even be able to stay close on Super Bowl Sunday if they do not get a big game from Burress.
Giants C Shaun O'Hara vs. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork
For the Giants to win the rematch, they are going to have to be able to run the ball and control the clock. Starting RB Brandon Jacobs averaged 4.5 yards per carry in the first meeting but carried the ball only 15 times, and New York must control the line of scrimmage early in the game if it is to get more production from Jacobs this time around. The Patriots likely will crowd the box in this game and try to make the Giants one-dimensional, and defeating that strategy starts in the middle with O'Hara.
Wilfork is a dominating force inside at the point of attack, and O'Hara will need to at least get Wilfork's body turned in order for Jacobs to find a crease along the interior. For New York to run the ball well, it needs to get Jacobs to the second level without his having to change directions, which allows him to attack downhill against the New England ILB duo of Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau. However, the Giants won't be able to attack the second level without blocking Wilfork.
Giants slot CB vs. Patriots WR Wes Welker
With all the injuries the Giants have suffered at cornerback, it is hard to say who will be in the slot for this game. However, with a week to prepare, New York should have all its corners healthy for the Super Bowl. The Giants have had to go about six deep throughout the playoffs at the corner position because of injuries, and that experience will prove very valuable against the Patriots' No. 1-ranked passing offense.
In the Week 17 meeting,Giants did an excellent job against the run and held New England to 1.7 yards per carry. The Patriots countered by throwing quick screens and slants to Welker out of the slot, and the Giants had no answer. He became a short-area target in place of the running game. New York consistently gave quick Welker a free release in the first meeting, so look for the Giants to try to be more aggressive inside with him in the Super Bowl.
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:48 pm
Yankee fans must smoke pot because they suffer from short-term memory loss; they only want to recall what happened eight years ago
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RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:53 pm
Are you done dealing this offseason?
Would you trade for Eric Bedard if you were given an ok by ownership?
Are you happy and content with your pitching rotation and staff right now?
Would you trade for Eric Bedard if you were given an ok by ownership?
Are you happy and content with your pitching rotation and staff right now?
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Bill Simmons- Finally, some hardware for LT and Tiki
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:06 pm
Bill Simmons- Finally, some hardware for LT and Tiki
[quote]
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080122
There's no "picks" column this week because the NFL decided we needed two full weeks of Super Bowl hype, so let's hand out some belated awards for the conference championship games:
The Teddy Kennedy Award for "Most improbable overachievement by a younger brother"
Eli Manning winning the NFC title game in sub-zero weather. Who exactly saw THIS coming?
What about Eli Manning winning three playoff games on the road, prevailing in minus-4 degree weather in Green Bay and leading the underdog Giants to the Super Bowl? My God, look at the previous sentence again! Just look at it! I can't get over it. Has there ever been a more improbable Super Bowl QB? Right after the winning field goal Sunday night, poor Eli had to run 40 yards before he found a teammate to hug ... and when he found one, it was punter Jeff Feagles. High comedy. This is how Teddy Kennedy's political career would have unfolded if Chappaquiddick had never happened.
The Roger Clemens Award for "Best story that was ignored by the national media"
The great Brett Favre completely collapsed in the Giants-Packers game, throwing multiple balls up for grabs, single-handedly killing his team, and then everyone gave him the kid gloves treatment afterward. Favre had an incredible season and exceeded everyone's expectations. It was a wonderful ride, but come on. Didn't Troy Aikman and Joe Buck have to discuss Favre's Level 5 stinkbomb during the telecast beyond just alluding to it a couple of times? What about Peter King, who didn't even mention Favre's grisly performance in his normally comprehensive MMQB column? With all the breaks Green Bay got in that game, if Favre had given his team even a C-plus, the Pack would have won. You know he was bad when the Giants planned on kicking off in OT even if they won the coin flip.
(Note: The media spent four months spoon-feeding us this urban legend that Favre wasn't a gunslinger anymore, he was managing games now, he wasn't going to kill his team by taking dumb chances -- I wrote about how dumb this story line was as far back as Week 4 -- when the reality was Favre was playing the same way he always did, only he was playing exceptionally well and had better teammates. Unfortunately, for Packers fans, that minus-4 weather ended up freezing his Fountain of Youth and he killed their Super Bowl hopes. In my opinion, Favre never changed the way he played this season. Not even one iota. He just played well until Week 19. Which reminds me ...)
The Bill Simmons Award for "Most obvious gambling story line that everyone completely missed"
On paper, it seems absolutely incredible that Eli totally outplayed Favre in Lambeau in the third coldest playoff game ever. I never would have predicted this in a million years, especially given Eli's past performance in cold weather. Then I thought about it afterward and realized something: Favre is 38, Eli is 27 and the weather was minus-4. Who's more likely to be affected by bone-chilling temperatures -- a young QB with little wear and tear on his body, or an old QB who has started 270 consecutive games, battled an addiction to painkillers and probably takes 15 minutes to get out of bed every morning? Wouldn't it be the old guy?
Think of it this way: A family gets together for the holidays in Buffalo. There are three brothers in the family (ages 27, 35 and 38), two sisters, a mom, a dad and a grandfather. One morning, Buffalo gets crushed by a blizzard and somebody has to shovel the driveway in minus-4 degree weather for two hours. Which family member gets bundled up and goes out there? The youngest brother. Why? BECAUSE HE'S 27!!!!!!!!! He's the youngest, healthiest one! Is there any chance the 38-year-old guy goes out there? No! Why? BECAUSE HE'S 38!!!! Why didn't I think of this before the game? I hate myself.
[+] Enlarge
Brett Favre
Brad Barket/Getty Images
Brett Favre probably isn't quite so happy to accept some of the Sports Guy's awards.
The Spy Magazine Award for "Best use of Donald Trump"
When HBO's "Inside the NFL" followed Bob Kraft around for the Jags-Pats game, the cameras caught him praising Laurence Maroney by telling a guest in his luxury suite, "He's finally running hard." The name of the guest? Donald Trump. A few days after the show aired, Maroney took over the second half of the San Diego game and bowled over tacklers like he was Earl Campbell. Now that's how you pull off a backhanded compliment! See, there's a reason Bob Kraft is rich.
(Speaking of Maroney, here's the weirdest stat of the 2007 season: Did you know Maroney and Joseph Addai are the exact same size and weight? Both are 5-foot-10, 220 pounds. It's true. I was shocked by that one.)
The Matthew Berry Award for "Most obvious 'Eff You!' to fantasy owners"
How 'bout Vincent Jackson and Maroney turning it on in the playoffs and becoming the fantasy forces everyone thought they would be in August? What's the over/under on fantasy owners who watched Jackson make his umpteenth big catch in the Pats game, listened to Phil Simms talk about what a weapon Jackson had become, then stood up and held both middle fingers toward their TV? I say 50,000.
The Blair Witch Award for "Most terrifying videotape"
To TMZ.com for sneak-attacking Patriots fans with video of Tom Brady limping around with a walking cast on his right foot Monday night outside Gisele's townhouse in Manhattan. Fortunately, my sources (that's right, I have sources!) tell me it's just an ankle sprain, and he'll be 100 percent ready to go Feb. 3. Even better, because the sprain happened in the second quarter, (A) Pats fans now have an excuse for Brady's unusually shaky performance last Sunday, and (B) I don't have to write the joke that I had planned for this paragraph: "After Brady's third pick, I kept expecting CBS to cut to a shot of his father in the stands and accidentally show Archie Manning."
The Billy King Award for "Worst performance by a GM"
Does Randy Mueller ever work again in the NFL after getting second-round picks for Chris Chambers and Wes Welker and that's it? I say no.
The Rush Limbaugh Award for "Most inexplicable studio performance"
What about Phil Rivers gutting it out on an injured knee and keeping his team in the game, then Coach Cowher telling us at halftime that San Diego should bench Rivers for Billy Freaking Volek? Did he honestly believe such an inane thing, or was he just trying to spur some halftime debate? We should take away his Super Bowl ring until we figure this out for sure. By the way, the coach didn't win this award -- it goes to Dan Marino, whose cell phone went off twice during the halftime show, leading to a new entry to the Pantheon of Faces, the Dan Marino, "Uh-Oh, That's My Cell Phone" Face. That slayed me. I think this was the first time in eons that I actually enjoyed a halftime show.
(One other note on Marino's cell phone: Was anyone else disappointed he didn't have a personalized ring tone? And if he did, what would have been the unintentionally funniest one for that particular moment? At gunpoint, I'd say either "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio or the theme song to "The Titanic." Either one ends his broadcasting career because we never could have taken him seriously again.)
[quote]
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080122
There's no "picks" column this week because the NFL decided we needed two full weeks of Super Bowl hype, so let's hand out some belated awards for the conference championship games:
The Teddy Kennedy Award for "Most improbable overachievement by a younger brother"
Eli Manning winning the NFC title game in sub-zero weather. Who exactly saw THIS coming?
What about Eli Manning winning three playoff games on the road, prevailing in minus-4 degree weather in Green Bay and leading the underdog Giants to the Super Bowl? My God, look at the previous sentence again! Just look at it! I can't get over it. Has there ever been a more improbable Super Bowl QB? Right after the winning field goal Sunday night, poor Eli had to run 40 yards before he found a teammate to hug ... and when he found one, it was punter Jeff Feagles. High comedy. This is how Teddy Kennedy's political career would have unfolded if Chappaquiddick had never happened.
The Roger Clemens Award for "Best story that was ignored by the national media"
The great Brett Favre completely collapsed in the Giants-Packers game, throwing multiple balls up for grabs, single-handedly killing his team, and then everyone gave him the kid gloves treatment afterward. Favre had an incredible season and exceeded everyone's expectations. It was a wonderful ride, but come on. Didn't Troy Aikman and Joe Buck have to discuss Favre's Level 5 stinkbomb during the telecast beyond just alluding to it a couple of times? What about Peter King, who didn't even mention Favre's grisly performance in his normally comprehensive MMQB column? With all the breaks Green Bay got in that game, if Favre had given his team even a C-plus, the Pack would have won. You know he was bad when the Giants planned on kicking off in OT even if they won the coin flip.
(Note: The media spent four months spoon-feeding us this urban legend that Favre wasn't a gunslinger anymore, he was managing games now, he wasn't going to kill his team by taking dumb chances -- I wrote about how dumb this story line was as far back as Week 4 -- when the reality was Favre was playing the same way he always did, only he was playing exceptionally well and had better teammates. Unfortunately, for Packers fans, that minus-4 weather ended up freezing his Fountain of Youth and he killed their Super Bowl hopes. In my opinion, Favre never changed the way he played this season. Not even one iota. He just played well until Week 19. Which reminds me ...)
The Bill Simmons Award for "Most obvious gambling story line that everyone completely missed"
On paper, it seems absolutely incredible that Eli totally outplayed Favre in Lambeau in the third coldest playoff game ever. I never would have predicted this in a million years, especially given Eli's past performance in cold weather. Then I thought about it afterward and realized something: Favre is 38, Eli is 27 and the weather was minus-4. Who's more likely to be affected by bone-chilling temperatures -- a young QB with little wear and tear on his body, or an old QB who has started 270 consecutive games, battled an addiction to painkillers and probably takes 15 minutes to get out of bed every morning? Wouldn't it be the old guy?
Think of it this way: A family gets together for the holidays in Buffalo. There are three brothers in the family (ages 27, 35 and 38), two sisters, a mom, a dad and a grandfather. One morning, Buffalo gets crushed by a blizzard and somebody has to shovel the driveway in minus-4 degree weather for two hours. Which family member gets bundled up and goes out there? The youngest brother. Why? BECAUSE HE'S 27!!!!!!!!! He's the youngest, healthiest one! Is there any chance the 38-year-old guy goes out there? No! Why? BECAUSE HE'S 38!!!! Why didn't I think of this before the game? I hate myself.
[+] Enlarge
Brett Favre
Brad Barket/Getty Images
Brett Favre probably isn't quite so happy to accept some of the Sports Guy's awards.
The Spy Magazine Award for "Best use of Donald Trump"
When HBO's "Inside the NFL" followed Bob Kraft around for the Jags-Pats game, the cameras caught him praising Laurence Maroney by telling a guest in his luxury suite, "He's finally running hard." The name of the guest? Donald Trump. A few days after the show aired, Maroney took over the second half of the San Diego game and bowled over tacklers like he was Earl Campbell. Now that's how you pull off a backhanded compliment! See, there's a reason Bob Kraft is rich.
(Speaking of Maroney, here's the weirdest stat of the 2007 season: Did you know Maroney and Joseph Addai are the exact same size and weight? Both are 5-foot-10, 220 pounds. It's true. I was shocked by that one.)
The Matthew Berry Award for "Most obvious 'Eff You!' to fantasy owners"
How 'bout Vincent Jackson and Maroney turning it on in the playoffs and becoming the fantasy forces everyone thought they would be in August? What's the over/under on fantasy owners who watched Jackson make his umpteenth big catch in the Pats game, listened to Phil Simms talk about what a weapon Jackson had become, then stood up and held both middle fingers toward their TV? I say 50,000.
The Blair Witch Award for "Most terrifying videotape"
To TMZ.com for sneak-attacking Patriots fans with video of Tom Brady limping around with a walking cast on his right foot Monday night outside Gisele's townhouse in Manhattan. Fortunately, my sources (that's right, I have sources!) tell me it's just an ankle sprain, and he'll be 100 percent ready to go Feb. 3. Even better, because the sprain happened in the second quarter, (A) Pats fans now have an excuse for Brady's unusually shaky performance last Sunday, and (B) I don't have to write the joke that I had planned for this paragraph: "After Brady's third pick, I kept expecting CBS to cut to a shot of his father in the stands and accidentally show Archie Manning."
The Billy King Award for "Worst performance by a GM"
Does Randy Mueller ever work again in the NFL after getting second-round picks for Chris Chambers and Wes Welker and that's it? I say no.
The Rush Limbaugh Award for "Most inexplicable studio performance"
What about Phil Rivers gutting it out on an injured knee and keeping his team in the game, then Coach Cowher telling us at halftime that San Diego should bench Rivers for Billy Freaking Volek? Did he honestly believe such an inane thing, or was he just trying to spur some halftime debate? We should take away his Super Bowl ring until we figure this out for sure. By the way, the coach didn't win this award -- it goes to Dan Marino, whose cell phone went off twice during the halftime show, leading to a new entry to the Pantheon of Faces, the Dan Marino, "Uh-Oh, That's My Cell Phone" Face. That slayed me. I think this was the first time in eons that I actually enjoyed a halftime show.
(One other note on Marino's cell phone: Was anyone else disappointed he didn't have a personalized ring tone? And if he did, what would have been the unintentionally funniest one for that particular moment? At gunpoint, I'd say either "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio or the theme song to "The Titanic." Either one ends his broadcasting career because we never could have taken him seriously again.)
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:08 pm
Brown says Knicks organization treated him poorly while he was coach
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3209195
NEW YORK -- Coaching the New York Knicks made Larry Brown feel like he was being watched.
Brown accused the Knicks of having "spies throughout the arena" during his one season with the team in a story in the February issue of "Philadelphia" magazine.
Brown also complained about the way he was treated by the organization.
"Imagine when you get to work, they don't talk to you," he said. "They had security people standing close to me in press conferences, and spies throughout the arena."
Brown coached the Knicks to a 23-59 record during the 2005-06 season, one of the worst in franchise history. But his firing had more to do with his refusal to follow Madison Square Garden's strict media policies than his poor won-loss record.
Brown publicly criticized his players, especially Stephon Marbury, and gave roadside interviews to the team's beat writers after the season. Garden policy requires a coach talking to the media to have a public relations official present.
Because he violated the policies, MSG chairman James Dolan refused to pay the remaining four years and about $40 million that remained on Brown's contract. Instead, they settled for $18.5 million after hearings with NBA commissioner David Stern.
Madison Square Garden declined to comment on Brown's claims.
Brown has since returned to Philadelphia, serving as an executive vice president with the 76ers. He led the Sixers to the NBA finals in 2001.
He said he had no interest in replacing current coach Maurice Cheeks because he "could never stab Mo in the back like that."
"I still want to coach," Brown said. "I don't want to coach here. I don't want it to end the way it did in New York. I don't wish that on anybody."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3209195
NEW YORK -- Coaching the New York Knicks made Larry Brown feel like he was being watched.
Brown accused the Knicks of having "spies throughout the arena" during his one season with the team in a story in the February issue of "Philadelphia" magazine.
Brown also complained about the way he was treated by the organization.
"Imagine when you get to work, they don't talk to you," he said. "They had security people standing close to me in press conferences, and spies throughout the arena."
Brown coached the Knicks to a 23-59 record during the 2005-06 season, one of the worst in franchise history. But his firing had more to do with his refusal to follow Madison Square Garden's strict media policies than his poor won-loss record.
Brown publicly criticized his players, especially Stephon Marbury, and gave roadside interviews to the team's beat writers after the season. Garden policy requires a coach talking to the media to have a public relations official present.
Because he violated the policies, MSG chairman James Dolan refused to pay the remaining four years and about $40 million that remained on Brown's contract. Instead, they settled for $18.5 million after hearings with NBA commissioner David Stern.
Madison Square Garden declined to comment on Brown's claims.
Brown has since returned to Philadelphia, serving as an executive vice president with the 76ers. He led the Sixers to the NBA finals in 2001.
He said he had no interest in replacing current coach Maurice Cheeks because he "could never stab Mo in the back like that."
"I still want to coach," Brown said. "I don't want to coach here. I don't want it to end the way it did in New York. I don't wish that on anybody."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:09 pm
Latest Rant from Bill Simmons- Finally, some hardware for LT and Tiki
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080122
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080122
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:17 pm
Tom Renney inspired by Giants
BY JOHN DELLAPINA
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/01/22/2008-01-22_tom_renney_inspired_by_giants.html
Tuesday, January 22nd 2008, 4:00 AM
A day after trashing the Rangers' effort, Tom Renney was trying to point them back in the right direction. Keivom/News
A day after trashing the Rangers' effort, Tom Renney was trying to point them back in the right direction.
Perhaps it was the perspective that comes with a night's sleep - however fitful. Maybe a glance at the CBA and the Rangers' cap situation made it clear that veiled threats made in the heat of postgame anger are easier issued than executed.
Or maybe Tom Renney was energized by watching the Giants beat the Packers after his Rangers fell flat yet again Sunday afternoon - "what a great story, maybe we can write one of our own," he said.
Whatever the reason, having shredded his team the day before, Renney was in stitch-it-back-together mode Monday. After decrying a lack of grit and misplaced priorities Sunday afternoon, the coach insisted Monday that his players were properly dedicated to the task in front of them.
And having vowed to make changes if game plans weren't followed and urgency wasn't displayed, Renney declared he would prefer that no trades be made as he tries to guide his current cast to another rousing stretch drive.
"You want to do it with who brought you to the dance," Renney said when asked if the stagnant Rangers needed another energizing move like last February's acquisition of Sean Avery. "So if we don't move a single person, I don't have any problem with that whatsoever.
"I believe this team can win. There might not be a team in the league that can improve itself more by how they choose to play than the New York Rangers."
Trouble is, the Rangers have either chosen or been frightened into playing a passive, error-avoiding game over the last several weeks. That, of course, has resulted in plenty of errors with little confidence to overcome them.
Henrik Lundqvist's stunning inability to avoid deflating goals has made matters worse - though neither Renney nor any of his teammates will blame him for the losing. And after a weekend home-and-home with Boston produced just one point from Saturday's shootout loss, the Rangers appeared to be a beaten and befuddled group.
But after deciding that yesterday's activities would be limited to a brief video meeting followed by some off-ice strength and conditioning work in preparation for consecutive Garden games against Atlanta tonight and Thursday, Renney was more upbeat yesterday in Greenburgh.
"I'm very comfortable with this group," he said. "I think this is the challenge this team needed. And we're all committed to rising up to it.
"It's not going to happen overnight. A turnaround requires patience and a certain level of composure. And I understand the sand is running through the hourglass - we have 33 games remaining and we have to win a significant amount of those to make the playoffs."
BY JOHN DELLAPINA
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/01/22/2008-01-22_tom_renney_inspired_by_giants.html
Tuesday, January 22nd 2008, 4:00 AM
A day after trashing the Rangers' effort, Tom Renney was trying to point them back in the right direction. Keivom/News
A day after trashing the Rangers' effort, Tom Renney was trying to point them back in the right direction.
Perhaps it was the perspective that comes with a night's sleep - however fitful. Maybe a glance at the CBA and the Rangers' cap situation made it clear that veiled threats made in the heat of postgame anger are easier issued than executed.
Or maybe Tom Renney was energized by watching the Giants beat the Packers after his Rangers fell flat yet again Sunday afternoon - "what a great story, maybe we can write one of our own," he said.
Whatever the reason, having shredded his team the day before, Renney was in stitch-it-back-together mode Monday. After decrying a lack of grit and misplaced priorities Sunday afternoon, the coach insisted Monday that his players were properly dedicated to the task in front of them.
And having vowed to make changes if game plans weren't followed and urgency wasn't displayed, Renney declared he would prefer that no trades be made as he tries to guide his current cast to another rousing stretch drive.
"You want to do it with who brought you to the dance," Renney said when asked if the stagnant Rangers needed another energizing move like last February's acquisition of Sean Avery. "So if we don't move a single person, I don't have any problem with that whatsoever.
"I believe this team can win. There might not be a team in the league that can improve itself more by how they choose to play than the New York Rangers."
Trouble is, the Rangers have either chosen or been frightened into playing a passive, error-avoiding game over the last several weeks. That, of course, has resulted in plenty of errors with little confidence to overcome them.
Henrik Lundqvist's stunning inability to avoid deflating goals has made matters worse - though neither Renney nor any of his teammates will blame him for the losing. And after a weekend home-and-home with Boston produced just one point from Saturday's shootout loss, the Rangers appeared to be a beaten and befuddled group.
But after deciding that yesterday's activities would be limited to a brief video meeting followed by some off-ice strength and conditioning work in preparation for consecutive Garden games against Atlanta tonight and Thursday, Renney was more upbeat yesterday in Greenburgh.
"I'm very comfortable with this group," he said. "I think this is the challenge this team needed. And we're all committed to rising up to it.
"It's not going to happen overnight. A turnaround requires patience and a certain level of composure. And I understand the sand is running through the hourglass - we have 33 games remaining and we have to win a significant amount of those to make the playoffs."
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Jinxed! S.I. puts Eli Manning on cover
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:19 pm
Jinxed! S.I. puts Eli Manning on cover
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/2008/01/22/2008-01-22_jinxed_si_puts_eli_manning_on_cover-1.html
NO! NO! NO!
Sports Illustrated is single-handedly trying to sabotage the underdog New York Giants' chances of winning the Super Bowl by putting Eli Manning on the cover.
"Eli's The Manning," the headline reads on the latest edition, which hits newsstands Wednesday.
Don't think there's a jinx?
Last week's cover boy was Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. And we all know how well that turned out for the yellow and green cheesehead team.
Why anger the football Gods when the Giants are already 12 point underdogs against a New England Patriots team that has yet to lose this season?
SI spokeswoman Karen Dmochowsky laughed off any talk of the curse and said readers will find inside that senior writer Paul "Dr. Z" Zimmerman is picking the Giants to win.
But, she added ominously: "I was at the game and I'm a Packer fan."
Still don't think there's a jinx? Consider this:
Amani Toomer and the Giants made the cover in January 2001 after routing the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC title game. The Baltimore Ravens returned the favor by trouncing the Giants in the Super Bowl.
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:24 pm
Oh, no! Eli on SI cover
Why in the heck did they let THAT happen.
Looks like the NFL WANTS the Pats to win at all costs.
BTW, I found a hilarious site today (don't hate the playa, hate the game)....
perfectseason2007(dot) com
Sorry, I couldn't resist (LOL)
Posted by: Ted on January 22, 2008 06:47 PM
will not mean a thing....eli is destined to win it all ....trust me on this one....
Posted by: delano on January 22, 2008 07:22 PM
Dirty Player from the N.Y. Post
Recently, Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour have been tagged with this label. Maybe so.
Several years ago, during a retirement ceremony for Laurence Taylor, Q.B.Phil Simms described him, L..T.., as the greatest giant player of all time. So just to throw a few stones back at F. Bondy of the N.Y. Post, who demeaned Vrabel this week, I recall that L.T. , the N.Y. version, later admitted to helping procure drugs and prostitutes for opposing players when they came to play the giants in an effort to assist in their game performance.
Go Pats
Posted by: Davidseattle on January 22, 2008 07:32 PM
just want to say that i have a bet in at Vegas and the other 3 times that the Pats have won the SB i have had them to win.
but i also love the Giants GO PATS
Posted by: patsfan on January 22, 2008 07:34 PM
Who's dirtier, the guy offerig the hookers and drugs, or the "pricipled" individual willing to accept them? Which is worse, a team that breaks the rules off the field, or a team who blatantly disregards the rules on the field? Get off your high horses Patriot fans, we all know that you won last week's game because of an obvious leg-whip. Give some credit where it is due, to a guy like Phillip Rivers who was out there with a busted knee playing against the dirtiest team in the league. At least it gave the rest of the country a chance to see what the pats are really like, guys who will kick when you are down, not looking, and standing up straight at the same time. You guys may win the big game, but I'll still be proud to call myself a Giant fan win or lose? Can you watch your team's play last week and say the same? Get some class...
Posted by: Sean Kennedy on January 22, 2008 07:44 PM
Let's face it, it won't be because of the SI cover that NY loses. By the way, NY needs more original logos.
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 07:51 PM
Sean Kennedy,
We are not on high horses and give due respect to all teams we face. Who says we are not giving credit to Rivers? Not surprisingly, you neglected to point out truths in typical NY fashion. You somehow believe that football is equivalent to class, and that we lack it. Uh, yeah! Hope so. The minute my football team can be equated with class, I stop being a fan. Classy football is what your suggesting? Isn't that an oxymoron? Get schooled. Oh yeah, and schooling is something we'll always have above you NY'ers. *Don't forget the asterisk! Love it!Hehe.
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 07:59 PM
Sounds like the jinx is on the Pats, what with Brady limping around like Phillip Rivers. What goes around comes around !! Meanwhile Eli is walking on water.
Giants by 6.
Posted by: jb on January 22, 2008 08:06 PM
GO GIANTS!
Posted by: AZGIANT on January 22, 2008 08:41 PM
Sorry, the jinx is a NY superstition. Truth is, in all fairness to Eli's chances, he'll need a Brady injury. But even then, would it really still be a fair game?
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 08:45 PM
NY YANKEES CHAMPIONSHIPS *
Yup, you guys earned that asterisk. Join the club; it's not bad! Lots of attention!
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 08:49 PM
Brady's gotten better already. OMG The jinx works.
Well losing the SB is still better than being a JEST fan.
Posted by: bkgnt on January 22, 2008 08:54 PM
JB,
You wouldn't be one of those NY fans that hated Eli a few months back, but now he "walks on water" because he's been consistent for 3 games, would you? So, when he loses the SB, will he still "walk on water"? Gotta know!
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 08:57 PM
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/giants/archives/2008/01/eli_on_si_cover.html
If the Giants New York Giants believe in jinxes, they could be in trouble come Super Bowl Sunday.
Sports Illustrated has put suddenly Super QB Eli Manning Eli Manning on the cover of its upcoming edition, dated Jan. 28, which has to worry fans who believe in the SI cover jinx.
Giants fans only have to look back to last week, when Packers QB Brett Favre was on the cover then went out and threw the interception that helped put Big Blue in the big game against the unbeaten Patriots.
Favre did win four of five games after he was on the cover as the magazine's Sportsman of the Year Dec. 10. But he was the second best quarterback at frigid Lambeau Field this past Sunday, losing to Eli's team in overtime, 23-20.
Corey Webster Corey Webster intercepted Favre in overtime to set the stage for Lawrence Tynes' game-winning 47-yard field goal.
The Patriots have been on the cover four times this season and obviously have won every game afterward. Tom Brady was alone on the Oct. 22 cover and went out and threw three TDs in a 52-7 win over the Redskins.
An active Giants player hasn't been on the cover since Jan. 29, 2001, when Michael Strahan was pictured arm-wrestling Tony Siragusa of the Ravens prior to the teams' meeting in Super Bowl XXV.
The Giants have been featured on the magazine's cover 11 times in its 54-year history:
Dec. 3, 1956: Chuck Conerly
Sept. 29, 1986: Lawrence Taylor (with the Jets' Mark Gastineau)
Dec. 15, 1986: Mark Bavaro against the Redskins
Feb. 2, 1987: Phil Simms against the Broncos
Jan. 26, 1987: Lawrence Taylor
Sept. 9, 1987: Mark Bavaro
Jan. 28, 1991: Ottis Anderson
Feb. 4, 1991: Everson Walls
Jan. 22, 2001: Amani Toomer against the Vikings
Jan. 29, 2001: Strahan and Siragusa
July 3, 2006: Lawrence Taylor
The January 2001 cover that featured Toomer appeared after the NFC Championship game win over the Vikings. The Giants went on to lose the Super Bowl, played the next Sunday, to the Ravens 35-7.
This year there is a week off until Super Bowl XLII.
The jinx has become so well known, Sports Illustrated itself did a story on it. It it they reported that of all of SI's 2,456 covers at the time, there were 913 "jinxes," "a demonstrable misfortune or decline in performance following a cover appearance roughly 37.2 percent of the time."
Rams quarterback Kurt Warner refused to appear on that Jan. 21, 2002 cover with a black cat, but the Rams were upset by -- guess who? -- the two-touchdown-underdog Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI anyway.
Why in the heck did they let THAT happen.
Looks like the NFL WANTS the Pats to win at all costs.
BTW, I found a hilarious site today (don't hate the playa, hate the game)....
perfectseason2007(dot) com
Sorry, I couldn't resist (LOL)
Posted by: Ted on January 22, 2008 06:47 PM
will not mean a thing....eli is destined to win it all ....trust me on this one....
Posted by: delano on January 22, 2008 07:22 PM
Dirty Player from the N.Y. Post
Recently, Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour have been tagged with this label. Maybe so.
Several years ago, during a retirement ceremony for Laurence Taylor, Q.B.Phil Simms described him, L..T.., as the greatest giant player of all time. So just to throw a few stones back at F. Bondy of the N.Y. Post, who demeaned Vrabel this week, I recall that L.T. , the N.Y. version, later admitted to helping procure drugs and prostitutes for opposing players when they came to play the giants in an effort to assist in their game performance.
Go Pats
Posted by: Davidseattle on January 22, 2008 07:32 PM
just want to say that i have a bet in at Vegas and the other 3 times that the Pats have won the SB i have had them to win.
but i also love the Giants GO PATS
Posted by: patsfan on January 22, 2008 07:34 PM
Who's dirtier, the guy offerig the hookers and drugs, or the "pricipled" individual willing to accept them? Which is worse, a team that breaks the rules off the field, or a team who blatantly disregards the rules on the field? Get off your high horses Patriot fans, we all know that you won last week's game because of an obvious leg-whip. Give some credit where it is due, to a guy like Phillip Rivers who was out there with a busted knee playing against the dirtiest team in the league. At least it gave the rest of the country a chance to see what the pats are really like, guys who will kick when you are down, not looking, and standing up straight at the same time. You guys may win the big game, but I'll still be proud to call myself a Giant fan win or lose? Can you watch your team's play last week and say the same? Get some class...
Posted by: Sean Kennedy on January 22, 2008 07:44 PM
Let's face it, it won't be because of the SI cover that NY loses. By the way, NY needs more original logos.
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 07:51 PM
Sean Kennedy,
We are not on high horses and give due respect to all teams we face. Who says we are not giving credit to Rivers? Not surprisingly, you neglected to point out truths in typical NY fashion. You somehow believe that football is equivalent to class, and that we lack it. Uh, yeah! Hope so. The minute my football team can be equated with class, I stop being a fan. Classy football is what your suggesting? Isn't that an oxymoron? Get schooled. Oh yeah, and schooling is something we'll always have above you NY'ers. *Don't forget the asterisk! Love it!Hehe.
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 07:59 PM
Sounds like the jinx is on the Pats, what with Brady limping around like Phillip Rivers. What goes around comes around !! Meanwhile Eli is walking on water.
Giants by 6.
Posted by: jb on January 22, 2008 08:06 PM
GO GIANTS!
Posted by: AZGIANT on January 22, 2008 08:41 PM
Sorry, the jinx is a NY superstition. Truth is, in all fairness to Eli's chances, he'll need a Brady injury. But even then, would it really still be a fair game?
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 08:45 PM
NY YANKEES CHAMPIONSHIPS *
Yup, you guys earned that asterisk. Join the club; it's not bad! Lots of attention!
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 08:49 PM
Brady's gotten better already. OMG The jinx works.
Well losing the SB is still better than being a JEST fan.
Posted by: bkgnt on January 22, 2008 08:54 PM
JB,
You wouldn't be one of those NY fans that hated Eli a few months back, but now he "walks on water" because he's been consistent for 3 games, would you? So, when he loses the SB, will he still "walk on water"? Gotta know!
Posted by: Noelle on January 22, 2008 08:57 PM
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Re: http://beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2008/1/21/22620/0869
RedMagma Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:25 pm
What's interesting about Mr. Neyer's analysis is that he claims the Yankees are "going to regret" paying Posada however he conveniently ignores the fact that there are no other fucking options.
What would he have the Yankees do? Let Posada go to another team and use Molina as the every day catcher?
No, wait... he must mean the Yankees should have traded for that top-tier catcher that's on the block or signed that other hot free agent catcher. No, wait... that's right, those people don't exist.
Look, everyone and his brother knows Posada isn't going to hit .338 this season. I'd settle for .290. But given the other options the Yankees had, paying for Posada wasn't a bad deal.
Now if one of the catchers low in the farm system ends up turning into the Next Big Thing and we have to carry Posada as a $13MM backup for the last year of his contract, so be it. I'll still think the Yankees did the right thing.
Besides, as all the posters here already know, in a few years Posada will either be splitting time with Jeter at first or Posada will be at first and Jeter will be in center. wink.gif
What would he have the Yankees do? Let Posada go to another team and use Molina as the every day catcher?
No, wait... he must mean the Yankees should have traded for that top-tier catcher that's on the block or signed that other hot free agent catcher. No, wait... that's right, those people don't exist.
Look, everyone and his brother knows Posada isn't going to hit .338 this season. I'd settle for .290. But given the other options the Yankees had, paying for Posada wasn't a bad deal.
Now if one of the catchers low in the farm system ends up turning into the Next Big Thing and we have to carry Posada as a $13MM backup for the last year of his contract, so be it. I'll still think the Yankees did the right thing.
Besides, as all the posters here already know, in a few years Posada will either be splitting time with Jeter at first or Posada will be at first and Jeter will be in center. wink.gif
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» http://www.metsblog.com/
» http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=699
» http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/sports/baseball/24venezuel
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