I Still Like Ike

The Mets finally sent down Ike Davis on Sunday after another extra inning loss to the Marlins. I understand why they did it and I think it had to be done, but it was kind of upsetting to me. Ike has been my favorite Met since his rookie season. I hate seeing a kid with this much potential struggle the way he has. I just hope that he can go to Vegas and turn things around and become the player we all know he can be and expected him to be when he was one of this organization's top prospects. Hopefully he'll be back soon, and I can't wait for his return.

Thank You Brooklyn

After having a little time to get over the heartbreak, I think I'm ready to be able to put this whole season into perspective. I was absolutely devastated after game 7; I even shed a tear. But looking back on the season, it was awesome! No other way to describe it. Earning the 4th seed in the East after finishing near the bottom last season. It was a magical 1st season in Brooklyn.

That being said, I think letting go of P.J. Carlesimo was a mistake. He went 35-19 for us after taking over for Avery Johnson. He deserved to stay. And please, during this offseason, I don't wanna hear Dwight Howard's name. He's literally the last person I want on this team. I like what we currently have. A few pick-ups here and there and I think we could win a championship. Dwight Howard is not what we need. Brook Lopez is the key to future of this team.

"I'm Coming Out!"

     

On Tuesday, the NHL made a marketing move that has to this point has the support of the fans and ticket sellers across the country.
       It was announced by the NHL that the number of outdoor games per season from the 1 Winter Classic game to a total of 6 games per season. The point of this move is so that all 30 teams can play an outdoor game within a reasonable amount of time, since every club has stated that they want to participate in the Winter Classic. Therefore, now every one will be happy, and more fans will get to see their team play out in the open.
       They as well released the outdoor schedule for the 2013-14 season. You New York hockey fans are going to find this really exciting:

1. Winter Classic: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings - Michigan Stadium
       Well, this game was supposed to happen this year, but of course, yet another debate of money distribution caused a 1-year delay of hockey at The Big House. This is how every Winter Classic should be: a classic rivalry that's taken to a really big stadium in a really cold place (not just 2 big-money clubs at a big-money stadium no matter the location). This will be just the 2nd WC with 2 Original Six teams playing each other, the other being Red Wings-Blackhawks at Wrigley in 2009. Needless to say, this will be a quality game, no matter the level of the two teams.

2. Anaheim Ducks vs. LA Kings - Dodger Stadium
       I'm going to be honest about this: I'm a bit apprehensive about this game. First off, these two teams are from a big market, but the entire country may not be interested in this game, as a lot of their players are not household names to hockey fans (with the exceptions of Cory Perry, Dustin Brown, and Jonathan Quick). Most importantly, I'm wondering how sure the NHL is that they can play an outdoor hockey game in Los Angeles. Hockey is most certainly not their top priority and it's definitely not easy to be sure that the weather will be cold enough to keep the ice from melting completely. Don't expect many more hockey games in LA after this, as it will most likely not work out.

3. New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers &
    New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers - Yankee Stadium
       Yes, New York Ranger fans, you heard me right: you will be getting 2 outdoor matchups in just 4 short days! With these games happening in the Bronx on January 26th and 29th, it is of course a marketing scheme to promote Super Bowl 48 which will be right across the Hudson River at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The last time the Blueshirts played outdoors was at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for the Classic in 2011, and neither of the other 2 NY teams have ever played a game outdoors. These two games will without a doubt be on every sports fan's calendar. Two of hockey's best rivalries will be on display at the second installment of America's most historic stadium. This will definitely be one of, if not the, top event on the 2013-14 NHL calendar.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks - Soldier Field
       The last time outdoor hockey came to Chicago, it was at Wrigley Field in 2009 for the 2nd Winter Classic. Currently, both of these clubs are leading their respective conferences, and neither of them show signs of slowing down by next season when they will meet at the historic home of the Chicago Bears. This will be another game that will have the entire hockey world on their toes (I think it's fair to say at this point that the NHL scheduling crew did a fine job of putting together these games).

5. Ottawa Senators vs. Vancouver Canucks - BC Place
       With two Canadian teams in this game, it will most likely go under the name the Heritage Classic, as have other intra-Canadian outdoor games in the past. There will probably be one outdoor game set aside each year for an all-Canada matchup so that this formerly occasional game can happen every year. Well, that will definitely create some big-ticket games.    

An Apology Long Overdue

To all of the loyal fans of NY Sports Today
It is with all of my heart that I apologize for an over 3-month post drought. I know I have lost some readers and I feel awful for letting them down.
As you may or may not already know at the beginning of February an upcoming site known as GetReal Baseball (which is well worth a checking out of) picked me up to write about the Yankees and Mets. Because of my involvement with this site I was not able to post here about the multiple teams and leagues I write about. It is because of this that I am deeply sorry for not posting since late January. I hope that you the readers will forgive me.
Additionally I would also like to announce that I will be covering the New York Knicks during their Playoff run.

Johan don't gohan

Hearing the news about Johan Santana today made me feel sick to my stomach. Hearing that he re-tore his anterior capsule and surgery being likely  I honestly couldn't feel worse for the guy. I really hope this doesn't end his career, but can't help but think this is the end. This man will forever live in the history of this franchise that all Mets fans love to death. I know that being a Mets fan for my whole life, and for the rest of my life, I appreciate this man because of 6/1/2012. That night was magical. Honestly Johan is one of the hardest workers on this planet, and he is an incredible competitor. I just hope for his sake that this isn't the end. He shouldn't go out this way. He is the last person that deserves this. I'll be praying for him. I hope this isn't the end.

Captain Wright

A few days ago, the Mets officially made David Wright the 4th captain in Mets history. Everyone was waiting for this to happen, including myself, but it honestly wasn't even necessary. Everyone knew that David was the captain. He didn't need to be it officially. Either way, this was already his team. It certainly took the Mets long enough to get this done though. I am also very happy that he decided not to wear the "C" on his jersey. It just looks weird on a baseball jersey. It is also a little bit obnoxious. I hate when baseball players wear the "C" because it just doesn't look good, and it also is a little bit obnoxious. In Mets history, David and Gary Carter are the 2 captains that didn't wear the "C" and the 2 that did are Keith Hernandez and John Franco. While I love all 4 of these players, for what they do on and off the field, I think that David and Gary go about their business in a more admirable way than Keith and John. Also, look at Derek Jeter vs. Jason Varitek. That should be enough said right there. Obviously Derek Jeter, no matter what team you are a fan of, is just a pro. There's no better way to put it. He is a great player, but an even better leader and person. Jason Varitek was a good player, good leader, but cannot be compared with Derek Jeter. That's just silly. Nobody looks at Jason Varitek like they look at Derek Jeter. I just feel like wearing the "C" is obnoxious and sort of stuck-up.

Brook Lopez Deserving of All Star

Due to Rajon Rondo tearing his ACL, the Eastern Conference All-Stars had 1 open spot that needed to be filled. They got it right by choosing Brook Lopez. Brook has quickly become my favorite Brooklyn Net. He has been absolutely phenomenal this year. He is averaging 18.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Those numbers are unbelievable. The Nets not getting Dwight Howard was a blessing in disguise. He has really come into his own this season. At the age of only 24, he still was so much room to improve. It is scary to think of how good Brook can be. I'm glad the NBA got it right and chose him to represent the Nets in the All-Star game. So I'll end this post with a fun fact; no team has ever won the NBA Championship without having an All-Star that season. The only time was in 1999 when there was no ASG because of the lockout.

Rangers Score 5 Unanswered Goals; Come Back to Beat Leafs

       Saturday night, the Blueshirts returned home from Philly with a 1-3-0 record and looked to get back on track at The Garden against Toronto. The Maple Leafs got it started early with goals by Gabovski and James vanReimsdyk, and by the end of the first, it was 2-0 Leafs. About a quarter of the way through the 2nd period, Brad Richards put one home on a bang-bang scoring play to make the score 2-1, a score that the two clubs would go into the 3rd period with. Then came an eventful and much-needed third for New York. The Rangers scored 4 goals, with Staal tying the game, Gaborik taking the lead, Boyle putting on some insurance, and Gabi scoring an empty-netter to put it away, and Broadway had sealed the deal with a 5-2 victory.
       This was the exact kind of win the Rangers needed to get back on track. They really played like the team that every team expected them to be coming into the season. The worst period that they had was the first, which really wasn't as bad as it looked. It was no doubt the best defensive game they have had so far, as it was the only gave where I've seen them get out of the defensive zone without their opponent having a scoring opportunity. It was an overall great game by the Rangers to get points 3 and 4 on this young season.

OTHER ATLANTIC SCORES: Philadelphia 7, Florida 1

NEXT GAME: Tuesday vs. Philadelphia

Snub Lopez

That face right there says it all. Brook Lopez not making the all star team is an absolute joke. I think Snub Lopez is a good nickname, as he is the biggest snub in the all star game this year. It is difficult to process, considering he is a top 3 center in the NBA, if not the best. He is averaging 18.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. That is unbelievable! Then there's the possibility of trading Brook. I don't even want Dwight Howard on the Nets anymore. Brook has stepped up big time and has become an elite player in this league. He's only 24 and still has a long way to go before reaching his ceiling. The rumor was that the Nets would send Brook to Minnesota, Minnesota would send Kevin Love to LA, and we would get Dwight. I want no part of this deal. It would literally be a "Dwightmare." In my opinion (which many people disagree with) is that Brook is already better than Dwight. Whether this is true or not, the Nets would probably have to give up more than just Brook and I don't want to see Marshon Brooks go, as he would most likely be asked for in this deal. There is also the fact that this Nets team is playing like a team. They have formed a chemistry and are playing with a confidence that is fun and exciting to watch. Trading Brook should not even be on the table. Deron Williams has said that he doesn't think Brook is going anywhere. If I were D-Will, I would not want the best scorer on the team going anywhere either. Brook and Deron have formed a bond that I don't see the point guard having with Dwight. I just don't see it. So I say forget about Dwight, and realize that the man in the middle we have right now is arguably better than him already.

Wright the Captain? Sure Took 'Ya Long Enough!!!

       After officially becoming the no-doubt guy that his team will build around, there has been talk lately about 3B David Wright about becoming the fourth team captain in New York Mets history. Apparently, Wright's Met teammates will decide whether to nominate him for the position. David's leadership role on this team that has gone unrewarded by the front office throughout the past few years will probably win him the "C" sewn into his uniform. However, Wright seems to already seems to have this position in the minds of the organization, which is probably why it has taken so long for them to make this move. At the Winter Meetings, Mets GM Sandy Alderson was quoted saying that he thinks Wright is already the captain. "It doesn't need somebody to say you're the captain." he went on to say. David is currently 4th on the active games list with one team, behind Jeter, Colorado's Todd Helton, and Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins. He as well was recently engaged,
       I know that in many people's mind, he's been the captain for years now. However, I see no reason why the Mets haven't given David this honor yet. If Terry Collins, Sandy Alderson, and the Wilpons feel this way about their veteran infielder, they might as well let him know physically so he knows for sure that this franchise is counting on him to a great extent to lead his club and help lift his teammates up when they're down. Yes, Wright is definitely the captain, but I think the formal announcement is way overdue.  

2013 WBC Preview

       In March of this year, MLB will hold its 3rd ever World Baseball Classic and its first in 4 years (from now on, it will go on a 4-year rotation). There will be plenty of new talent, including 3 Yankees, 1 current Met, and a very recent Met in R.A. Dickey.
       Here's a quick preview at each team:

1. Australia
       There's no one on this roster that really pops out at you, as Australia isn't very much of a baseball country. Don't expect them to be a team that will contend with the big boys.

 2. Brazil
        A team with a couple of older guys and a fairly young pitching staff. No big names, but Brazil is one of my "surprise" teams for this tournament.

3. Canada
       This is a squad with a lot of individual talent. There's John Axford, Bret Lawrie, Justin Morneau, and Russel Martin. However, Joey Votto is not on this roster which could end up hurting them in the long run.

4. China
       Royals pitcher Bruce Chen will likely be the ace of this otherwise no-name China team. However, China is one of those countries that has improved within the past few years or so and will always be in the conversation.

5. Chinese Taipei
       This is a country that has faced Major League competition within the past few years in certain All Star series. The only name familiar to most American baseball fans is former Yankee Chein-Ming Wang. This will be a squad that will contend.

6. Cuba
       Cuba has always been a team that is tough to beat with talent like Aroldis Chapman and Yoenis Cespedes. With no Major League talent on the WBC roster, however, the Cubans will have to rely on some young and athletic stars to come up big if they want a shot at the title.

7. Dominican Republic
       Probably one of if not the most stacked lineup in the Classic. A staff  with pitchers like Octavio Dotel, Joel Peralta, and Fernando Rodney. An infield of Aybar, Cano, Encarnacion, Reyes, Ramirez, Beltre, and Tejada. An outfield with Melky Cabrera and Nelson Cruz. The Dominican team can and WILL be in the Championship game.

8. Italy
       The Italian national team is the most successful European teams in recent years. They have young talent like Nick Punto and Yankee C Francisco Cervelli. This is a young team that may surprise people.

9. Japan
       Japanese superstars Hiroki Kuroda and Ichiro (both Yankees) will sit out this time around, but Japan does have veteran and former Met Kazuo Matsui, who will head the infield for this team, which won the first two Classics. They are definitely a quick squad, as the biggest person is only 200 pounds! Expect Japan to get past the first round and have a good shot at the Final Four.

10. Netherlands
         The Netherlands have a few Major Leaguers in infielders Andrelton Simmons and Roger Bernandina and Braves pitcher Jair Jurjjens. They have some good talent young and old which should balance itself out. They should be a team that will not go down easy.

11. Korea
         Korea currently has 17 players signed to pro contracts, including Reds OF Shin-Soo Choo, but there are no names that pop out at you. However, they are always a pesky team. Expect this team to be tough to beat.

12. Mexico
       This is another team that should go far. A pitching staff with Romo, Gonzales Gallardo, Estrada, Ayala, and Aceves. Adrian Gonzalez, Ramiro Pena, and Danny Espinosa help make up a potent infield. And the outfield has veteran Karem Garcia. However, they play in a tough division with the U.S., Italy, and Canada. So, if they want to get past the first Group Round, it won't be easy.

13. Puerto Rico
       The two most powerful parts of this roster are the catcher position and the outfield. Both Jose and Yadier Molina will participate in the tournament, and the outfield includes former Met teammates Carlos Beltran and Angel Pagan. That plus a strong pitching staff will make for a contender.

14. Spain
        This is a young team that only made it to the big tournament by winning their qualifier. They probably won't be going for the title this time around.

15. United States
        This roster is probably the strongest one the U.S. has ever had in the WBC. The pitching staff has a strong relief core with Jeremy Affeldt, Heath Bell, and Craig Kimbrell and a starting staff that includes reigning Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, Kris Medlen, and Ryan Vogelsong. They have a big name infield as well with Arrencebia, Lucroy, Mauer, Bloomquist, Phillips, Rollins, Teixeira, Wright, and Zobrist. Then comes a powerful outfield with Ryan Braun, Adam Jones, Giancarlo Stanton, and Shane Victorino. This team is going to the FINALS!!!

16, Venezuela
            Quite a few big names on this roster with the ace of the staff being Mariners' Felix Hernandez and a strong infield of Elvis Andrus, Asdrubal Cabrera, Miguel Cabrera, Pablo Sandoval, and Marco Scutaro. They will be a good team.

My round-by-round predictions:

ROUND 1

Group A:
1. Japan advances to 1 seed pool
2. Cuba advances to 2 seed pool

Group B:
1. Korea advances to 1 seed pool
2. Chinese Taipei advances to 2 seed pool

Group C:
1. Venezuela advances to 1 seed pool
2. Dominican Republic advances to 2 seed pool

Group D:
1. United States advances to 1 seed pool
2. Mexico advances to 2 seed pool

ROUND 2

Group 1:
1. United States advances to Final Four
2. Venezuela advances to Final Four

Group 2:
1. Mexico advances to Final Four
2. Dominican Republic advances to Final Four

FINAL ROUND

Final Four:
1. United States advances to Championship
2. Dominican Republic advances to Championship

Championship:
1. United States defeats Dominican Republic to win Championship

Devils are back!

So hockey is finally back! I am so excited to see the Devils this season. They played extremely well in their opening night win against the Islanders and I expect more of the same when they play the Flyers in their home opener. I also really liked what I saw from rookie Stefan Matteau against the Isles. He didn't do anything totally special, but he looked like he belonged in the NHL. And I know that in a previous post I stated that I sometimes root for the Rangers. I completely 100% take that statement back. I'm all Devils no matter what. It's always been that way and it always will be.

Two Staright Nights of Sloppy Play

       The Blueshirts played their home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday night, and for the second time in as many nights, the Rangers did not play their best game. The Penguins got it started early when James Neal got one through Lundqvist less than 2 minutes in, and the score was 1-0 quickly. The Ranger captain Ryan Callahan tried to put his team back on track with a goal eight minutes later, but there was no stopping the Pens tonight as both Kennedy and Niskanen had gotten their names on the board by the time the first period was over. The Penguins cooled down for the next 20 minutes, as their only goal came from Pascal Dupuis on the power play, and Marty Biron entered in net to replace Henrik Lundqvist. Then came the 3rd period in which James Neal had scored yet again to put his team up 5-3. New York came back from a defecit to make it a game with scoring from Taylor Pyatt and Rick Nash's first goal as a Ranger. In the final few minutes, Biron left the net empty, and Kris Letang took advantage by scoring from his own zone, and the Penguins had come into MSG and won their fifth straight against the Blueshirts.
       Another sloppy affair for the Rangers tonight. Although Lundqvist had an awful game after his brilliant performance the other night that went without a win, he is without question not all to blame. Much like last night, New York was skating really slowly and without any need to win. I guess the one week training camps didn't give John Tortorella enough time to get his team into shape, as they have been playing sloppy the past couple of nights. There has been no chemistry. Each player has been in their own little world/ Welp, they better pick it up and pick it up fast before they see the Bruins again in a few days.

OTHER ATLANTIC SCORES: Philadelphia 3, Buffalo 5

NEXT GAME: Wednesday vs. Boston - 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Blueshirts Leave Boston with Bad Tatse in Their Mouths

       Saturday night was the first day of the 48-game hockey season, and the Stanley Cup favorite New York Rangers were in Beantown Massachusetts for the first of 3 games this year against the Bruins. Tuhkka Rask was out to prove to Boston he could successfully take Tim Thomas's starting spot, while newly-acquired Brad Richards was playing his first ever game as a Ranger. The game, however, was a sloppy one for New York. Late in the first period, Mario Lucic scored on the day of the birth of his daughter and put the Bruins up 1-0 after a hard-hitting 1st period. The 2nd was mostly the same but a little more offensive, as Boston pulled ahead 2-0 after a deflection goal by Daniel Pialle. A few minutes later, the Blueshirts scored their first goal of the season which came off the stick of Brad Richards (Nash got an assist for his first Ranger point). In addition to the two minor penalties in this period, there were two consecutive fights in which the Rangers and Bruins split, and the score was 2-1 going into the third. Then came another Boston score in the third by Johnny Boychuck, and the final was 3-1 as the Blueshirts got off to a bad start.
       Although the scoreboard doesn't make it seem like this, the obvious star of the game for New York was Henrik Lundquvist who made 30 saves and what might've been the save of the year. Everyone else played a pretty cruddy game. Other than the one assist, Rick Nash did not shine on the starting offensive line with Richards and Carl Hagelin. The defense didn't play too great either. Marc Staal had an overall bad game not really performing very well and stumbling in key moments of the matchup. So, the Rangers will have to get back up on their feet for their home opener tomorrow night.

OTHER ATLANTIC SCORES: Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2
                                                    New Jersey 2, Islanders 1

#hockeyisback

       After waiting for almost 130 extra days, hockey fans' prayers have been answered. The NHL will begin their season Saturday with 13 exciting games on the starting slate. There will only be 48 games per team due to the shortened season, so it's even more important for every team to get off to a good start and stay hot for as long as possible. Another thing to note is that there will be no inter-conference play, so those exciting matchups that the reigning champ Kings would've played against Eastern Conference teams won't be happening.
       Here's a quick look at some of today's top matchups:

1. Flyers vs. Penguins
        This 3:00 game may be the game of the day. Crosby, Evgeni, and the crew are going to try it for the Cup again this time without Jordan Staal, as they will head into Philadelphia to take on the state-rival Flyers who had the best of the Pens in 6 games in the first round of last year's exciting Playoffs. Sir Sidney will have to prove he can come back from multiple injuries to play a "full" season. Expect a blood fest in the City of Brotherly Love and a close game that can go either way.

2. Senators vs. Jets
           Daniel Alfredson will return for at least one more season and will try to get Eric Karlson and Ottawa back to the Postseason where last year they lost to the Rangers in 7 in the first round. They will take on a young Winnipeg club that's not yet experienced enough or ready to be a serious contender, even in a terrible Southeast division. This one should be a Senator victory.

3. Kings vs. Blackhawks
       This one will be a good one. The reigning Stanley Cup champions and the home of the NHL's new young goalie superstar will go for another one, as they will open up against Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks who have been on the decline since they won the Cup in 2010. The Hawks have bowed out of the Playoffs in the first round the past 2 seasons and are definitely vulnerable. I think that LA will pull through yet again.

4. Bruins vs. Rangers
       Two teams who are looking at how the loss or acquisition of a star player will affect their performance. Tuhkka Rask will have take Tim Thomas's place as the Bruins' starting goaltender this season, as Boston will take another shot at the title after an early playoff exit last season. The Broadway Blueshirts, on the other hand, are fresh off trading away Dubinsky, Anisimov, Erixon, and a draft pick for a guy they've been wanting for a while now: Rick Nash. The amazing thing is the Rangers organization kept their young core while getting Nash which is why they are many people's Cup picks.

5. Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs
       These two Canadian teams had disappointing non-Playoff seasons last years that have some young talent. Phil Kessel will be the star in this one, as the Maple Leafs will skate their way to a victory.

6. Islanders vs. Devils
       The two other New York teams will face each other tonight. New Jersey is fresh off a Stanley Cup Finals appearance but now have the challenge of trying to do it again with a new captain as Zach Parise now a member of the Minnesota Wild. The Isles, who will move to Brooklyn after the 2014-15 campaign, have a lot of young talent with their main man, John Taveres, is coming off another great season. However, Long Island isn't there yet, as I take the Devils in this one.

More Moves for the Mets?

       Over the past week or so, the New York Mets have seemed as if they want to make some more moves before the offseason comes to a close.
       The main news came on Friday when GM Sandy Alderson said that he would be willing to look at deals to possibly trade LH starter Johan Santana. This came a little early as most people who follow New York believe that he shouldn't be traded until the season gets underway. I would have to agree with these people. Johan has really only had one full healthy season with the team, 2008, and he's coming off major shoulder surgery and a shortened season in which he was shut down. Because of this, his value is seriously down which is probably why we haven't heard too much about this possible outcome. I really think that New York would not get the max out of Johan if they traded him now. His value is obviously down to just about the minimum. If the are as widely speculated out of it by the trade deadline and Santana is having a good season, the way of trade is a definite legitimate option for the Mets.
       There has also been talks over the past few days of a particular man with a certain beard might be on his way to Flushing. Free agent closer Brian Wilson reportedly worked out for the Mets this week. Alderson has said that he is "not sure" if he is willing to sign Wilson to a possible contract. Brian won 2 World Series rings with San Francisco but only made 3 appearances in 2012 due to a major arm injury which lead to Tommy John Surgery. Personally, I think this move would be an extremely smart move. The past couple of seasons, the Mets have just been going through the motions when they play, really not playing with any energy or excitement for what they play. However, Wilson has that "swagger"  that could bring up any team. For example, the same case was upon the Yankees before 2009 before they got the talents and attitude of Nick Swisher.
       New York may as well take another dip into the FA pool. On Thursday, there was a wave over the internet when Sandy Alderson said that the Mets "may be in on a big-time outfielder." A lot of people would automatically connect this to a possible trade for Justin Upton. However, with Harvey, Wheeler, nor Familia on the table, a trade probably won't happen. The only "big-time" outfielder still on the market is Braves OF Michael Bourn. With New York's current main offensive problem being the outfield, Bourn would be a great fit in Queens. Although there are these characteristics that would make him a good fit, there are a few things that make the Mets cringe at this possible signing. Of course, money is a huge problem, as New York doesn't have very much of it. Another big one is the compensation draft pick the team would have to give up, a thing that has seemed to carry a lot more importance in baseball the past few years. Additionally, if the Mets would have to enter a bidding war with any team for Bourn, they have no choice to bow out. There is no way New York would try at Bourn if they have any trouble trying to acquire him.

1/4/13-1/10/13 Weekly Recap

       For the New York Mets, it was not a very eventful week in the transaction category, but it was quite the few days in the category of Mets Baseball history, as former Met and the best hitting catcher of all time, Mike Piazza had a shot at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The ballot was stuffed with many stars of the 90's like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Craig Biggio, and many others. However, due to the proven steroid use in some and the alleged use in others like Piazza, absolutely nobody received the necessary 75% of the vote to enter this upcoming July. Although Mike was a powerful player in the "Steroid Era", he was never officially proved. Therefore, I think it's fair to say that the about 58% that he did receive was not enough.
       The Yankees' principal owner Hal Steinbrenner said Thursday that the team would be willing to go over the $189 million tax threshold to get another bat from the free agent market. The really only big bat still on the market is Atlanta Braves OF Michael Bourn. Of course, the Yanks lost bats such as Raul Ibanez and Nick Swisher earlier in the offseason.
       Now that the National Hockey League is right around the corner, the New York Rangers are set for the 2013 season. All 23 members of the team have arrived at unofficial team practice and the official team training starts on Sunday. These players include newly acquired Rick Nash (if anyone remembers the Blueshirts trading Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov for him), who will play his first game as Ranger when the year gets underway. The season will start for New York in Boston on January 19 and will open at home the next night against the Penguins.
       In Scarlet Knight news, Rutgers QB Jawan Jamison has declared for the NFL Draft. He may not be one of the higher 1st round picks, but there will be plenty of teams that will need a quarterback.
        One week after Notre Dame was demolished as predicted by 'Baba in the National Championship Game, Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly was interviewed this week by the Philadelphia Eagles for their coaching void. Apparently, there was mutual agreement and liking to the fit between the two sides. Kelly has spent the last 3 seasons with the Irish.

Really? Are You SERIOUS?!?

       Wednesday, the game of baseball saw its darkest day in quite a while. The Hall of Fame final ballot came out today, and the amount of players who received the necessary 75% of votes is......... 0, nada, el ZIPPO!!!!! No Bonds, no Clemens, no Schilling, no NOTHING! Obviously, this was due to the fact that all of these players played in the "Steroid Era." However, there were only a few guys who have been positively linked to PED's. These are players such as Barry Bonds (a 7-time MVP and the all-time HR leader) and Roger Clemens (a 3,000+ strikeout man and a 300-game winner) who have been released in things such as the Mitchell Report. In these two cases, however, I believed that these two were Hall of Famers without steroids (as I expressed earlier this week).
       Even though there are cases like these, there are plenty of players who are no-doubt Hall of Fame caliber but were not voted in because they were talented and powerful players who played in the Steroid Era and were never proven to be PED users. These were guys such as Curt Schilling, Craig Biggio (who has 3,000 career hits) and the greatest hitting catcher who ever lived, former New York Met Mike Piazza. The fact that these players who should be destined for Cooperstown are left out just because they were born at the wrong time even if there's no proof that they did cheat honestly makes me absolutely SICK!
       And then there are those other guys who I just have no idea why they didn't get voted in: Tim Raines, Jack Morris, and Alan Trammel. Raines is the second-best base-runner/stealer behind Ricky Henderson, Morris was a big-game pitcher, and Trammel was a consistently legitimate hitter. And for guys like these, especially Morris who will have his last shot next year, it doesn't get easier as the years go on. Next season's first-year ballot includes 3 guys who are no-doubt going in next year: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas. Additionally, former Yankee Mike Mussina is as well on the ballot in 2014, and he may get in based on his winning percentage. Of course, only a certain amount of players can enter The Hall a season, as each writer can only vote in a max of 10 players within a single year.
       Obviously, today is a day that America can look down and frown upon our game and its problem when it comes to Performance Enhancing Drugs. 

Hey, Ya Can't Win 'Em All!!!!!!!!!!!

       Last night, for the first time since 1988, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish came into South Florida looking to achieve College Football immortality. The only thing that stood in their way was the defending champ Alabama Crimson Tide who was looking for their 3rd championship under coach Nick Saban. Notre Dame came into the game huge underdogs but were ready for the challenge. By the end, they wished they hadn't showed up. 'Bama got started early scoring on their first drive, a drive for 82 yards which was, to that point, the only 75+ yard drive the Irish had given up in this historical undefeated season. After going 3 & Out on their first possession, the Fighting Irish punted off, but a controversial call turned what should've been an Alabama fumble to a Tide TD, and it was 14-0 quickly. It was all downhill from there with Irish punts and missed tackles galore. The final score was 42-14 Alabama, and the dream season had come to an abrupt end. After the game and the Crimson Tide had taken the trophy, they were ranked #1 by AP and Notre Dame had fallen to fourth.
       It might've been a sad ending to a great season for Notre Dame fans, but nobody can complain about their season. They were 12-0, and they weren't supposed to compete until next season! Sure, guys such as T'eo and Tyler Eifert won't be in South Bend in 2013, but they still have some young, thriving talent that will play to their potential for tenured coach Brian Kelly. One of the young stars who will don the Fighting Irish uniform next year is Torii Hunter's son, Torii Hunter Jr. Everett Golson is getting nothing but experience throughout big situations like the one he was in last night, and now the offensive line has seen some better competiton than they had over the regular season. It wouldn't be to far-fetched to say that we could the Irish in Pasadena for the National Championship next year, the last in the BCS era. Overall, as announcer Brent Musberger said last night, "It may sting now, but there is a bright future for Notre Dame."

A Season Without A-Rod?

       After it was leaked to the media that he was supposed to have gone in in January, Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez still has no time set for his hip surgery. If it is procrastinated long enough, Rodriguez may be out for the entire season. So, news like this makes you think: What would this team be like for a whole year without A-Rod? Well, if he was planning on playing the same way he did in the Postseason last year, I think everybody and their dog would choose to postpone his surgery until the day his contract expires. However, having a guy like Alex Rodriguez, one of the greatest hitters of the last decade or so, in your starting lineup puts confidence into the lineup from top to bottom. Even though there are some who would enjoy having Rodriguez on the active 25-man, they signed former Red Sox corner man Kevin Youkilis to take his place as the Opening Day starting Third Baseman. Overall, I think the Yanks will be no worse than they were already were going to be in the upcoming season without Alex Rodriguez.