Upon Jason Giambi

So Brian Cashman expects Jason Giambi to be 100% healthy for the upcoming year. For the price the Yankees are paying, I would say he damn-well better be. The initial signing of Giambi was an extravaganza which furthered the cause of the Yankee haters who argued, "The Yankees just buy their way to a championship". They had just signed the reigning MVP away from the Oakland A's, and were in position to win a 4th straight World Series title. Now, nearly 5 years later, the Yankees have yet to see their signing pay the World Series dividends that they expected. Giambi has not won a ring with New York, and neither have Gary Sheffield, Kevin Brown, Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, or Javier Vazquez (who probably never will). The spending has led to 2 World Series appearances, an ALDS exit versus the eventual Champs the Angels, and last year's bow out to the eventual champion Red Sox when the road to another title was paved.

The pundits would have you believe that the Yankees free spending ways have caught up to them. They have morgatged their future for a present that hasn't panned out. The farm system has been compromised, leaving them no trade prospects. The rest of baseball has spent smarter than the Yankees. These points can certainly be argued, but one would be hard-pressed to name a team in baseball who can claim to have been more successful than the Yankees in the span since they last won a title in 2000. The Diamondbacks, Angels, Marlins, and Red Sox have all won titles. However, The D-backs have turned into a 100-loss team, the Angels have bowed out in the ALDS, The Marlins have missed the playoffs altogether, and the Red Sox have only just overcome the Yankees, though they finished second in the AL East yet again.

Now, look at the 2005 Season. The winningest team in the AL got rid of second-half loser Vazquez and brought in Carl Pavano, replaced John Leiber with Jaret Wright, bolstered the already strong but over worked bullpen with Mike Stanton, Felix Rodriguez, and healthy Steve Karsay, resigned Tino Martinez (arguably the championship catalyst), picked up Tony Womak to be a true lead-off hitter and swipe his average 40 bases, resigned a personal favorite of mine Tanyon Sturtze. Combine this with the successful surgery of Gary Sheffield which can only mean good things, a second year in NY for A-Rod, a third year for the ever improving Hideki Matsui, and the signing of Randy Johnson, and you should have a decent team out on the field.

So if you take this beast of a team, and add a .290 hitter who is good for 40 HR, 100+ RBI, and a left-handed threat in the Stadium, shouldn't that make them absolutely terrifying? If you can put 8 20+ HR hitters in a row into a line-up, left and right-handed with switch-hitters, does this not comprise a Murder's Row? If Giambi can return to the form he exhibited in his MVP year, and his first 2 years in NY, the league is in real trouble.

Upon Christina

Hey christina, you want a picture?

http://koti.mbnet.fi/qke/pics/fuck%20you.jpg

Upon things I hadn't said yet

Skip Bayless encapsulates what I have been thinking about all this Patriots hype. Damn good team, but they reflect an overall trend in sports to rush people into the hall of fame, and crown them the next great____. Let's keep things in perspective.

Upon Quick Updates

In an effort to keep this blog more continually updated, I am going to drop quick updates on the days that I do not have much time to post extensively.

Knicks- Lenny got the ax, and my boy Herb Williams has taken over in the interim role. Too bad for Wilkins, but the writing was on the wall for a while now. Nice to see the Knicks 4th quarter replacement for Patrick Ewing in blowouts get a head-coaching gig. I would love to see Phil Jackson come to NY and put his magic-touch on the Knicks.

One plus on the switch is seeing different people get some run. Ariza has started a few games, Vin Baker, Jamison Brewer, and Bruno Sundov have found their way off the bench, and the rotation has been changing as I said it needed to. The losses haven't stopped though, and the ship must be righted before the playoffs disappear on the horizon.

Mets- Missed on Delgado, but picked up Doug M (I'm not looking it up right now) from the Red Sox. I think he can still be a good player, who fields the ball as well as anyone over at first. Mets keep it moving, and Minaya is trying to put a good team out there. Good for the Mets, I'll tune in for some games for sure.

NFL- Hard to bet against the Patriots in the Super Bowl, but I just get the sense that this little Bosaton run of success has gone on a bit too long. I am gonna pick the Eagles 27-23.

NHL- Come on, lets do 30 games and get hockey back. Talks continue....eventually.

Pitchers and catchers report in about three weeks.

That's it for now.

Upon Snow and Epic Journeys

New York City received over a foot of snow this week, and my town got blanketed. A long day of shoveling did little to free my buried car, as every time I would make some progress the plows would make their way down the street and bury me again. Unfortunately, the NYC Department of Sanitation's plows angle their payload toward the right side of the street, which is where I was unthinkingly parked. Why would I have parked there you ask?;

On Friday night I went out to the city to imbibe with my Brobdingnagian compatriot, and succeeded in getting myself spun six-ways from sober. Jagermeister compounded Captain Morgan and Coke, and lager lent a hand wherever possible. When 3:00 AM arrived, I struck out for the subway, and followed a swerving course down a very straight street. I found my train and began the ride home. The undeniable desire for a somnolent state overwhelmed my normally trustworthy homing beacon, which guides me toward my abode regardless of state or station. I awoke with a start to find myself at New Lots Avenue, at the end of the line for the subway I had begun on. I had missed my transfer and slept soundly until I found myself far afield from where I needed to be. I roused myself from my seat and changed trains to journey back into Manhattan and successfully transfer to the train I needed. Despite my best intentions, sleep overpowered me again, and I sank in deeply. When I again awoke, I was entirely lost. I read the station signs frantically as the train moved on, and tried to reconcile myself with what part of the city I now found myself. Moshliu Parkway at the top of the Bronx . I had managed not only to sleep past my transfer again, but I had traveled from one end of the 4-train line to the other, from the bottom of Brooklyn to the top of the city. Further, I had slumbered through the period where the train turns around and sets out again, and now I was traveling southbound again. As I passed Yankee Stadium, I began to dialog with the Lord, and plead for his assistance in making my way home at last. I traversed the entire span of Manhattan, and finally made my successful transfer at Fulton Street. Boarding the A train, I know felt confident that I would be able to make my way home at last, to the Broad Channel station where my car was parked. I counted-down the stations as I inched closer to my destination. However, as though Poseidon and Zeus conspired against me, I once again succumbed to the siren song of sleep. I awoke at the Mott Avenue station in Far Rockaway with a curse of frustration. How could I have done this again! I entreated upon a nice woman sitting across from me to please wake me, should she see me sleeping again when the train reached the Broad Channel station. As we sat and waited for the train to move, I inhaled deeply from the frigid air, coaxing my mind to stay wakeful. Shivering and tired, but bound and determined to make this work, I stayed awake until I reached Broad Channel. I got into my waiting car and drove home. When I turned the corner to my block, as the hour passed 8:30 AM, I pulled into an open spot on the right side of the street and parked the car, thus dooming the Volvo to be plowed in on Sunday.

Upon the Reeling Knicks

In a matinee affair yesterday, the Knicks lost yet another close game to the surging Chicago Bulls. After leading by 8 points with 3 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, Chicago went to their end game star Ben Gordon. The former UConn standout went for double-digits in the 4th quarter again, a feat he has accomplished multiple times this year. The Knicks lost by 2 at home just days after losing to the Bulls by 2 on the road. While I realize that The Bulls are riding a 7-game win streak, and are one of the hotter teams in the NBA, these are both games that the Knicks should have won.

This New York team is still struggling to find its identity, but the feeling-out period needs to end soon. Injuries to Houston, Crawford, Hardaway, Tim Thomas, Sweetney, and others, has prevented Lenny Wilkins from establishing a regular rotation. You can count on Marbury and Kurt Thomas to suit up and start everyday, but beyond that it has been a guessing game. Now the media has sank their teeth into the "When will Isiah will fire Lenny?" story. The New York papers will likely beat this story to death, and the likely result will be a new coach for the Knicks if the losing does not subside. I remember the talk of Phil Jackson to the Knicks, and wouldn't mind the former NY player coming to coach the team. I'm not sure that Isiah himself taking the reins is the best idea, but this may be the more likely scenario.

While Lenny waits in limbo, I have a stop-gap solution. The starting 5 should beMarbury, Houston, Tim and Kurt Thomas, and Mohammed. Barring foul necessity, the first subs should be as a unit; Crawford for Houston, JYD for Tim Thomas, and Kurt Thomas moving to Center for Mohammed with Sweetney taking the PF spot. This is a high-energy unit who can defend, rebound, and not drop any scoring. When the rotation changes again, it should be 3 guards with Houston, Crawford, and Marbury, with Mohammed and Kurt Thomas. Finally, the change of pace line-up should be Brewer, Crawford, Ariza, Sweetney, JYD. Tim Thomas and Houston should play as their shooting dictates on any given night.

Hopefully the ship can be righted soon, because Wilkins days could be numbered.

Upon The Evil Jinx

...4 seconds left to go in the Jets game. Tied 17-17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets have out-played their 15-1 opponent, and are in position to win and advance to the AFC Championship Game. Place kicker Doug Brien has hit the crossbar on a 47-yard field goal just moments earlier, and now he is set-up from 41. After the missed field goal, the Jets intercept the Pittsburgh QB and drove the ball and the clock down so that they could kick it for the win, and end the game.

Then, someone who shall remain nameless walks into the room. The obligatory "freeze the kicker timeout" has already taken place. This unnamed person then says "So the Jets scored huh?" I recoiled in horror. Nooooooooo, my internal self-screamed, you did not just do that!. Everyone knows you can not come into a room you have not been sitting it, to a game you have not been following, and comment about a potential score that has not happened yet. You just don't do these things! Of course Brien misses again. Unfreaking-believable! I lamented in my mind. I couldn't express myself as I I wanted to because of the sensitivities of this unnamed person, but inside I was tearing them three new one's.

This unnamed person then left the room as the coin-toss for overtime occurred, which of course the Jets won. They then returned for the Jets possession, and continued to sit in the room just long enough to kill their drive and give the Steelers the ball. Pittsburgh then drove the field, kicked the field goal, and won the game.

Now I know it is not reasonable to suggest that doing or saying something while watching a televised game can affect the outcome, but the history just does not lie. Jinxes are most certainly real, and they are often affected by non-sports following members of the fairer sex. Case in point, another unnamed person came down during the Yankees' game three beatdown of the Red Sox in this year's ALCS. "Don't you kinda feel bad for the Red Sox?" they said. On this occasion I didn't keep my horror inside. The Yankees lost the next 4 games in a row, the first time in history that had happened.

There are certain rules for sports as a fan watching a game. Don't talk about a perfect game/no hitter as it is happening, at all if possible, but certainly not after 5 innings. Don't change rooms in a close game unless you absolutely have to. Don't say anything as big at-bats, free-throws, field goals...etc are occurring. I can't list them all, but anyone who watches sports with devoted fans should avail themselves of these rules.

Seriously, how do you do that?!

Addendum 1/17/05:

Time and reflection, combined with a gentle reminder, has inspired me to provide this addedum to the last post.

Should any person who may have unwittingly contributed to a sports jinx read this post and feel upset, they should know that there are many things more important than sports, and that rationality always prevails over the sting of defeat. Its not really their fault; the field goal would still have gone wide, the free throw would have missed...etc. However, a fellow sports fan can certainly relate to what I was saying. At the time, it seems more than a coincidence. Later, it seems silly. No harm intended nameless.

Upon Randy Johnson and Media nonsense

With a big left hand, and a shove to the camera, Randy Johnson began his association with the New York media. Unit came off like a real bad-ass, not only by mushing a over-zealous cameraman who got in his way, but also by reportedly telling the man "Dont talk back to me". Not the best move on his part for an introduction to some of the most rabid news coverage in the nation, but I personally dont have a huge problem with it. Randy isn't here to be a media darling, he is here to be a 20 game winner with 300 K's, and throw deep into October. I hope he doesn't let the back page get in his head, and that it doesn't affect his pitching. However, Jeter and A-rod can be the quote machines, let Randy and Sheff do their thing and talk when they want to.

Mets try to steal the thunder with an early introduction for Beltran at 11 AM, but look for Johnson to dominate because of his recent actions.

While I am speaking on the media, I think the amount of attention paid to the Randy Moss "mooning" incident is ridiculous. Joe Buck starts with "a disgusting act by Randy Moss" while calling the game, Mike Ditka rants and raves on Sportscenter, and the highlight is shown ad nauseum. How many "news" outlets bothered to mention the Green Bay tradition of mooning the opposing team's bus as it leaves Lambeau? Tony Dungy recognized it right away, saw what Moss meant, and found it funny; which is exactly how the act was intended. Sure you can fine him, but no more than Jake Plummer for flipping off the Mile High crowd. The sensational opinion is often the one that is broadcast, and it makes better news to portray this as a travesty. I'm looking at the Vikings whooping Green Bay at Lambeau, moving on to Round 2, and Moss having a very effective 2 TD game on a gimpy ankle. Noone was hurt, he didn't actually show his rear, and the Cheeseheads are made of tough enough stuff to get over this.

Upon Carlos Beltran

So it seems the Mets have signed Carlos Beltran. Nice move by Omar Minaya, who has shown himself to be an aggressive GM. He is certainly doing what he needs to do to get the Mets production to match their always high payroll. In his short tenure he has landed big names Pedro Martinez, Miguel Cairo, and Carlos Beltran, and made the Mets into a viable contender in the tough NL East. Clearly 4th place will not do. I love this aggressive approach, it reminds me of what the Yankees do.

There are some things that prevent a Met fan from brimming with optimism. How much does Pedro have left in the tank? How will he handle media scrutiny that he was to some degree sheilded from in Boston? How will Beltran transition to the Big Apple? He certainly has all the makings of a super-star, but so did Jason Giambi when the Yankees gave the MVP a truckload of money.

Upon "Home-made"

I am wondering today whether the claim of Home-made, or home-cooked, is an effective marketing tool. I think claiming something is as good as home-made would have an appeal for people who have parents who are good cooks. For me, if I make an association with food I can buy prepared and the food made at my home, I think "that would taste good". However, what about the people whose parents make crappy food? Do they hear ,chicken that tastes like home made and think "Ewww. Not going to that place"? I've been to the homes of others where the food was awful, so if one's idea of home-made reflects those awful food homes, then I am not interested.

Further, why would a restaraunt offer home-made food? Isn't the reason you go to a restaraunt to not have home-made food? One could argue that it is to avoid cooking, but then you are paying an exhorbitant amout just so you dont have to cook.

I have far too much time on my hands....

Upon the Epic Bogardian

Bo-Gardus, he's the man who's name you'd love to touch! But you mustn't tooooouch! His name sounds good in your eeeeeeeeaaar, but when you say it, you mustn't fear! 'Cause his naaaaaaame can be said by anyone!- Paraphrased Homer Simpson as Max Power.

So here is a special shout-out to someone who admits to reading this endavour of mine. Whattup Bogie!

Upon the BCS Championship

Well USC took Oklahoma out behind the woodshed last night and crushed them 55-19. Not only was this game not close, it wasn't close to close. Oklahoma had it all go awry; the fumble of an attempted advance on the kickoff, recievers slipping, White making bad throws when he shopuld have taken the sack, White taking deep sacks when he should have hurled it out of bounds, White getting picked-off three times, the ref's "letting them play" which the secondary of the Sooners could not.

Leinart looked like a Heisman winner, though I still think its the system. Carson Palmer was just as impressive last year, and the receivers at USC made all the circus grabs. Norm Chow, the USC offensive coordinator, just tooled on a Sooner secondary that many knew to be suspect. All purpose Reggie Bush was just about the only one not to get in on the party, because USC scored so often through the air they didnt get to run it that often.

I would have liked to see my front-runner favorite Auburn in a game with USC, as I felt all year that they were at least the #2 team in the nation. a team can not be asked to do more than win all their games, win their Conference, and win their bowl game. I love the idea of #1 playing #2, but determining those numbers still needs work.

Upon the first post of 2005

New year's has come and passed, and we are now into 2005. Lets look at where we stand in NY sports.

NY Yankees- The Randy Johnson trade has passed Bud Selig's desk, and the next hurdle is to work out a contract extension with Unit. More nonsense, but we are approaching the official day. Another key signing was that of Tanyon Sturtze, the only arbitration eligible player on the roster. Good move by the Yankees to sign a key reliever/spot starter who really showed his mettle down the stretch. Next up, the saga of Carlos Beltran. I write plenty on the Yankees, so that should do for now

NY Mets- The Mets plucked Pedro Martinez from Boston's mango tree, and are also in the chase for Carlos Beltran. New GM Omar Minaya has shown that he will duke it out with the NY/Boston big boys, and not be afraid to go after the big guns. With a rotation whose top 4 figure to be Martinez, Tom Glavine, Kris Benson, and Steve Trachsel, the Mets should have a very solid staff. Unfortunately, the Mets are still in the NL East, and that division still includes the Braves . Look for new manager, and former Yankee bench coach, Willie Randolph to field a solid and competitive club.

NY Knicks- The Knicks are still sitting atop the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division with a real solid shot at winning the division. Jamal Crawford is still sidelined, but that hasn't stopped the Knicks from going 3-1 in his absence. A recent loss to the Nets shows that Vince Carter's arrival is sending the cross-river rivals in the right direction. However, I believe the Knicks should still have enough to keep in the East's top 8, and make a return trip to the playoffs.

NY Jets- The Jets lost in overtime to St. Louis in the regular season finale. They still managed to back into the playoffs, and now will have to fly out to San Diego to take on the Chargers in the wild-card round. Gang Green managed a 10-6 season, but should have been better with 2 losses in winnable games against the Pats, this weekends loss against a motivated Rams team in St. Louis, and a defeat at Buffalo. It remains to be seen how deep this team can go, but with trips to San Diego, New England and Pittsburgh likely necessary to make the Super Bowl, it wont be easy. Huge congrats to Curtis Martin for eeking out the NFL rushing title by one yard over Seattle's Shawn Alexander. 10 seasons in the league, 10 straight 1000 yard rushing performances. The true definition of a work-horse, the Jets all time leader in rushing and total yards, and 4th on the all-time rushing list. It still amazes me Curtis has been able to be one of the best running backs of all-time with so little publicity.

NY Giants- Injuries and QB indecision killed the Giants this year, but they did manage to win their last game against the just-as-bad Cowboys. Eli showed glimmers of promise, and I think that a full year as the starter will do him good. More congrats to Tiki Barber for leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage, as well as the Pro Bowl nod. Losing Strahan, Norman Hand (which led to the memorable headline "Giant Hand Pulls Groin"), among others, shredded a defense that should have been formidable. We will see how year 2 of the Coughlin era goes, and if Tom will make it through next season.

NY Rangers and Islanders- (Crickets Chirping)

Look for 2005 to see at least 3 NY teams visit the Playoffs, and one to have legit title chances again. I have Oklahoma in the big game tonight, with Auburn sounding the "what about us?" alarm all the while.