Upon a New Year and Delayed Updates

2006 has arrived, and the Widening Geier persists. I have been slacking on my posting and hope to get back in the swing.

Johnny Damon will have to wait for the Yankee preview, but suffice it to say that I am happy with the pick-up.

The Knicks took 3 OTs to beat the Phoenix Suns last night, but a win is a win (especially when you only have 8). Brown continued his rotation juggling, starting Steph and Nate with Davis, Curry and David Lee. In a match-up with the potent offense of the Suns, the Knicks shot 60% from the field in the first half and hung on (and on, and on ...and on) for the win. Defense seemed to be the word of the day, with the Knicks harassing Nash the length of the floor, and aggressively switching on picks. They dared Nash to beat them on jumpers, rather than allowing the penetrate and dish. Offensively they worked in the paint to get Kurt Thomas and others into fould trouble and this attrition attack allowed big men Lee and Curry to do work in the late stages. Do I hear double digit wins by week's end. I will be on-hand Sunday to see if the Knicks can handle the Sonics.

The Giants avoided backing into the playoffs, and secured a first-round home game against the Carolina Panthers with their win Saturday night at Oakland. The defense is a bit rag-tag right now, but the G-men have a punchers chance in the post-season. Carolina has an explosive offensive attack with Steve Smith, and a strong defensive corps guided by former Giants coordinator John Fox. The Giants have weapons all over the field, and look forward to Jeremy Shockey's return from an ankle, and Antonio Pierce from his pectoral injury. Stay tuned for an innovative breakdown of the playoff matchups.

Disappointing end to a very positive season by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Ohio State and Ted Ginn ran a bit roughshod on the Golden Domers, but next year should be title contention time for Weis and the boys.

I like Penn State over Florida State in the match-up of the two winningest coaches in college football. A bowl win might be the way for Joe Paterno to exit (we hope).

In the Rose Bowl I would like to see Texas topple USC. The game should be good, but the sneaking suspicion that USC could run away with the game lurks. On the flip side, Texas and Vince Young could be Ohio State to Reggie Bush and USC's Willis McGahee Hurricanes of a few years back.

2005 was a very good year, and I had some great things happen to me. The year began with a punch to the face, and ended with a kiss and a glass of champagne...sounds good to me.