PIGSKIN ~ WEEK 9 ~ GIANTS Last Word



WEEK NINE

We are at the midpoint of the season and after 8 weeks of rolling out Bagels, I am Plus 8 for the season.  I'm still surfing a bit under .500 on the Sunday games.  The strength of my Picks of the Week are what keeps me in the positive zone.  I remain perfect for the season on the SHMEAR of the WEEK at 7-0 (I value those games at 3 Bagels apiece).  Let's get started on Week Nine's Picks:



The WEEK 9 Bagel Roll-Out:
(Saturday's NYDN Line)

Jets -4 (LIONS)
Look for the Jets to bounce back after loss to Green Bay.  I'm sure REX used many curse words this week.
Loss 23-20 Jets

Giants -7 (SEAHAWKS)
This game would appear to be a Giant lock.  That's the scary part.
Win 41-7 Giants

BILLS +3 (Bears) *Toronto, Canada
The Bears are falling apart like wet toilet paper.  The Bills have to win one game.  Why not now?
Push 22-19 Bears

Chargers -3 (TEXANS)
Texans give up too many points and San Diego/Rivers will gladly oblige.
Win 29-23 Chargers

PANTHERS +6 1/2 (Saints)
Apparently New Orleans isn't over their Super Bowl hangover; Too inconsistent.  Fox's guys will play up.
Loss 34-3 Saints

Cardinals +8 (VIKINGS)
Vikings are slipping, I like the Cards to cover; not much else.
Win 27-24 Vikings

Bucs +8 1/2 (FALCONS)
I believe the Falcons will win but I think the Bucs cover the points.
Win 27-21 Falcons

RAVENS -5 (Dolphins)
I don't like any team coming off the BYE, but the Ravens are just flat out better than Miami.
Win 26-10 Ravens

Patriots -4 (BROWNS)
I wouldn't let Mangini mail a letter for me.  How does he still have a job?  Patriots Big!
Loss 34-14 Browns!

Raiders +1 (CHIEFS)
The Black and Silver is hot and putting up a lot of points.  Chiefs will look ordinary tomorrow.
Win 23-20 Raiders

Colts +3 (EAGLES)
This game makes no sense to me.  Eagles can't pick between Vick or Kolb and are favored?  Uh...No.
Win 26-24 Eagles

PACKERS -7 1/2 (Cowboys)
The Cowboys have folded like a cheap tent.  They'll be lost in Green Bay this week without a map again.
Win 45-7 Packers

12 Bagels into the oven.


SHMEAR of the WEEK:  (7-0 season)
Jets -4 (LIONS)


**POST GAME RESULTS:
Shmear of the Week = 1st loss of season.  Jets failed to cover.  Now 7-1 for the season.
Sunday Roll-Out = 8-3-1   MY BEST WEEK.

I started today +8; add another 8 for +16 Bagels.  Subtract my loss on the Shmear (-3)...
I leave WEEK NINE +13 Bagels!   Woo-Hoo.



NYG ~ Giants Can't Ask For Better Than This:

Everything is set up perfectly for the Giants to come away from Seattle big winners tomorrow.

The mission of this week is "SEIZE THE MOMENT"!

Seattle can't run the ball.  They are last in the NFL.  Matt Hasselbeck QB SEA, will miss the game.  The Seahawk back-up Chuck Whitehurst has never thrown an NFL pass before.  The Seattle Offensive Line is compromised.

I can not see the Giants losing this game.  Nothing about this match-up sells me on a Seattle victory.  The only way the Giants lose this game is by turning the ball over 10 times and amassing 1000 yards in penalties.

None of my opinions going into this game have changed during the week.  I posted twice during the week expressing my concerns for the Giants and Week 9.  You can read the Early Peek here, and you can take a look at my Closer Look here.

I am expecting Osi, Justin Tuck and Barry Cofield to have a big game up front while Kenny Phillips and the rest of the Defense have a dominant afternoon.  On the Offensive side of the ball, I fully expect Coach Gilbride to drive me up a freakin' wall with his play calling.  I'd like Coach Gilbride to make extensive use of Kevin Boss and yes...like every week, I want to get Brandon Jacobs more carries.  I'm just being consistent because I think he'll be a major factor in late December. 

Injuries:  Center Shaun O'Hara will not play and Mathias Kiwanuka is out for the year.

Enjoy Football Sunday Everyone!

FINAL

NEW YORK GIANTS  41

Seattle Seahawks         7

FINAL

NEW YORK JETS   23

Detroit Lions          20

OVERTIME

Mike.BTB

West Coast Trip to Wally's World

This ain't Chevy Chase and we ain't talking about National Lampoon nor are we Lampooning the Mets; not this time anyway.  Today all eyes are looking West focused on WALLY WORLD; Sandy Alderson and Wally Backman will meet on the West Coast to discuss his chances for being hired as the next Manager of the Metropolitans.

We want so badly for Wally Backman to be New York’s next John McGraw.  But that really means him being himself.  There is no doubt he would get a standing ovation on Opening Day if hired.  But the truth is, his resume is light.  Will Sandy Alderson hire a friend of the Family?  Because that’s his best attribute.  Being fiery and having Met ties does not a manager make.  Somehow Wally is going to have to convince Sandy he has a tremendous Baseball acumen and that he can be a responsible adult on and off the field, all, in two hours during his interview today.  In believing Sandy can see through personal missteps, if he feels Wally is intelligent enough, and if he feels Wally can be controlled…Sandy just might hire him.  I doubt it though. Hiring him really amounts to appeasing the fans, and I don’t think that’s Sandy’s bag. I’d get behind Wally if hired though and cheer him on Opening Day.  But there are better qualified guys that Wally.

Terry Collins is not one of them.  The scuttlebutt is he is rapidly becoming a lead candidate.  The King of second place finishes doesn't move me one bit.  I feel as if that would be an inconsequential hire.  Of the two candidates, I pick Wally.

Chip Hale is the third person who will interview this weekend.  He has my attention.  But I am more committed to the process than I am a specific candidate.  That's not to say I don't have a favorite choice in mind.  And, Sandy hasn't interviewed outside the organization candidates yet.  For now, I'm enjoying watching Alderson's methodical approach play out.

Alone as I am in this sentiment, I would still like John Stearns to have an opportunity for an interview as a possible candidate..  Why not?  You want a fiery guy with Mets' ties don't you? - Since we seem willing to take a chance on Wally...that is.



Mike.BTB

NYM ~ Fooling Ourselves Wanting Wally?

Are we wishful thinking?

Will Sandy Alderson, the new Over Lord of METropoliS, hire an old friend of the Family, who has a couple of issues but who is beloved by most,  if not all Met fans?

Since his hiring Sandy Alderson has already ransacked METropoliS like Godzilla going through Tokyo.  Scouts, Directors, Coaches, Go-Fors, Klingons, candlestick makers and the paper boy are all gone.  Poof!  Sandy cleaned up all the rubbish and decaying matter on Roosevelt Avenue and appointed a new deputy sheriff to over see things (see J.P. Ricciardi).

So what makes us think Sandy Alderson will take a departure from this current renovation and invite a relic of the past; someone with baggage in hand and someone who isn't necessarily Sabermetrized?


Reasons Against:
* Baggage ~  he has some and we don't know if there is more.  Adam Rubin eluded to something, or knowledge of something which may prevent Backman getting hired.  I'll leave it at that.  Rubin is already getting a lot of crap for it (hang in there Kid).
* The Wilpons ~  they like him very much.  But we also know and understand their aversion to negative publicity and criticisms.  I'm not sure if they've even allowed newspapers back into the clubhouse yet.  Remember when they banned them?  So will they take a chance on Wally and the potential of something going wrong?
* His Resume ~ ....is light.  He worked briefly for the White Sox and the D-backs in their systems.  Then, Arizona Fall League with the Peanuts.  This past season he guided the Brooklyn Cyclones to a Division Title and played in the Championship Series (but lost).  That's it folks; Fall league and Class-A Short; that's all there is.  Is he savvy?  Yep.  Do I think he's a smart Baseball man?  I am a regular at the Cyclones games so I watched him very intently.  My answer is...I think so.
* Being Fiery ~ Buffet tables, profanity laced tirades, hostility directed at media after tough loss, throwing bats etc etc on the field, potentially disastrous encounters with umpires, Old School mentality versus New Age players.  Will have no reservations telling a player what he really feels.


Reasons For:
* Being Fiery ~ Buffet tables, profanity laced tirades, hostility directed at media after tough loss, throwing bats etc etc on the field, potentially disastrous encounters with umpires, Old School versus New Age players.  Will tell a player what he really feels.
* Mets Ties ~ Too many people have said this matters so I'm forced to follow the flock.  OK, lets hire a former Met.  He has a ring.  He was a scrappy table setter in a very potent line-up.  He came up through the system drafted by Joe McDonald, so Wally actually goes way back.
* Experience ~ See Brooklyn Cyclones.  The experience factor is limited.  Otherwise, he throws bats on the field very well when instigated. Able to toss multiple bats at once covering a wider target area.  Well versed in profanity.  No great love for umpires.  Won't be afraid to tell a player what he really feels (see Fiery..for lack of anything else to credit Wally with).
* Psychosomatic Displacement ~ WE could care less that there are other candidates better than Wally.  Mets fans have fixed it in their minds to hire someone who will be their own version of Billy Martin or John McGraw.  Be honest!  That's what you're thinking.  You want Backman to fill the role of our Little General; maybe more McGraw than Martin.  You're dying for Backman to be that guy.
* ....That's it!  Wally Backman has no real resume to speak of.  METpotism might get Wally hired if little else.


I think too many of my fellow Mets fans have clung to the notion Sandy Alderson is only interested in a smart, yet MoneyBall abiding "company man" managing his dugout.  It's fair to have that impression.  But at the same time, many Met fans understand Alderson must, should, will and is evolving his philosophies; tailoring them to be more in tune with the New York City dynamic.

Besides, he told us so. 

Of course he's going to make decisions according to the new condition he now works in.  Of course he knows the same decision making path he followed in Oakland or San Diego may not necessarily work here.  This doesn't mean he's compromising his principals at all.  It just means he knows he's now involved with a horse of another garage.  He still has his core beliefs but he'll just employ a different tact to achieve those means.

Sandy Alderson has told us he's not averse to a fiery type manager; that in certain circumstances, it's desirable.  That's a good thing to hear for the overwhelming number of Wally Backman supporters.  In spite of what Adam Rubin may have eluded to regarding Backman's odds for landing the managerial position, I do not think his hiring is out of the question.

Tomorrow is Wally Backman's biggest, and unfortunately, probably his last real opportunity to land an MLB job.  If the Mets do not hire him and after falling out of favor in Arizona, who will realistically offer him a position in the future (whether in fact there is more unknown negative news lurking about or not)? 

Tomorrow Wally must be true to himself and reveal if there are anymore skeletons in his closet that may one day decide to come out and streak across the field at a most inopportune time; or something equally embarrassing for Wally and the Mets.  I don't know.  I'm just saying.  But if there is anything at all, even if it's an outstanding parking ticket...Tell Sandy tomorrow.

I think Wally Backman has an honest shot at landing this job.  That may also depend on the level of honesty he exercises with Sandy in his interview tomorrow.  With regards to Wally Backman and his link to the club's past glories, Sandy Alderson may very well narrow down his requirements for the job down to these two factors, being ONE ~ Does Wally possess a sound Baseball mind?  and  TWO - Will he behave like a responsible adult?

If Wally Backman can convince Sandy Alderson of those two things, he just may very well be our next manager of the New York Metropolitans.

But I will ask my fellow Met fans this before I end this query; What do YOU really know about Wally's ability to manage a team?  The Peanuts and the Cyclones is all there is to base that question on.  Everyone is so caught up in a fiery type manager with Mets' ties.  I have seen Wally manage a team for one year, which is probably a season more than most people outside NYC and Brooklyn can say.  But I will say for all, if you'll allow me, we ALL know nothing about his ability to manage; Nothing.

He's a home grown Met who won a Championship here.  He managed one year in the Arizona Fall League and one year in Brooklyn's Class-A Short Season affiliate with little else too speak of.

Admit it, we are caught up with an ideal we want for our club.

Don't be surprised if he doesn't get the job is all I'm saying.  His resume is probably the lightest in the lot.



Mike.BTB

NYR vs NJD ~ Battle of the Hudson, Pt. 2

The Rock; Newark ~ Pregame, NYR vs NJD

The Battle of the Hudson resumes tonight as the New York Rangers cross the river to take on the New Jersey Devils in Newark tonight.

Martin Brodeur will not be playing tonight due to a sore shoulder after taking a puck to his arm earlier this week.  And Ryan Callahan of the Blueshirts will also be a scratch for this evening's game, as he got a little banged up last night versus Philadelphia.

It's awfully hard to knock the Rangers right now considering the players we have sitting out with injuries; namely Gaborik, Prospol and Drury.  The Rangers have been caught in a win two; lose two; win; lose..cycle lately.  That's to be expected.  With little to no depth to work with at the moment, the Blueshirts are just trying to maintain pace.  They're doing a commendable job too.

It's just that we have no room for error even when we are at full strength.  It's the same old story with us.  We lack size and we have no qualified sniper on the wing.  Torts has been riding our top line of Callahan, Anisimov and Dubinsky hard.  Then again he hasn't really had a choice.  All three of them are responding to Torts' "demands" they be the core and play as such.

The Rangers played impressively against the Leafs beginning this last stretch of games.  Then got trashed by the Thrashers; played an excellent game against the Bruins; lost a tough, hard fought game against the Hurricanes and squeezed in another victory in there against Chicago.

Last night however, what was clearly evident against the Flyers in Philly was what has been our plight for eons upon eons....our lack of size.  That's a conversation in Rangers' philosophy and not for right now.

We couldn't really muster much against them last night because Philly pushed us out wide and didn't let us loiter around the slot much.  Sometimes you can skate through and around their lumbering size.  Last night they could not in a game I was hyped for and a game the team was said to be exceptionally geared up to play.

The Devils?  Wow!  They have more problems than a math book.  Their defense is non-existent, they've wrestled with the Kovalchuk issue and Brodeur was off his game very early - even getting pulled from a game in the earliest days of this season.  After taking a puck off the arm two games ago, he will sit tonight.  Now the latest calamity to befall the Devils comes courtesy of Zach Parise.  He'll be out for a reported three months with a bad knee.  That's all they needed right now.  However, they didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn but they did have a good game against Chicago, and like the Rangers, beat the defending Stanley Cup Champs in their last game.

The ONLY real positive news to come out of Newark so far this season was the Devils' announcement they will be retiring Scott Niedermayer's jersey and Number 27 sometime this season.  I believe that is well deserved by the way.

Now more than ever Patrick Elias and Jason Arnott need to carry the load more than ever.  They've been MIA throughout October.  November has to be better for the both of them.

Kovalchuk?  He's suffering from a bad start.  He'll eventually score goals but the other guys need to show up right now.  Like I said tonight they'll have to go it without Brodeur and Parise.  Brodeur will be missing his first game this season after 14 games played.  Johan Hedberg will get the start against the Rangers tonight.

Henri will be in net for the Blueshirts.

Game time is another 25 minutes away.  Let's get it on...in this latest installment of the Battle of the Hudson.

The Rangers beat the Devils the last time these teams met.  I look for them to repeat that feat and correct last night's sloppy, ugly loss against the Flyers with substantially better play tonight.  With Callahan out of the line-up I'm hoping Tort's will shuffle the lines and pair AVERY together with more scoring potential for tonight.  Regardless, I still think Avery is due for a very explosive night and he loves playing against the Devils...even though Marty is sitting this one out.

Game time is fifteen minutes away.  Let's Get It ON!  The latest installment of the Battle of the Hudson comes now.

NEW YOR RANGERS

vs.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Tonight at "The Rock"
Newark, New Jersey



FIRST PERIOD
Rangers  1
Devils     0
Goal: NYR, Dubinsky.    Assist: Anisimov, Frolov
Brandon Dubinsky's 9th goal leads the team.

SECOND PERIOD
Rangers  2
Devils     0

*Goal: NYR, Girardi (2).    Assist: Anisimov, Dubinsky

*Power Play goal.

Lundqvist ~ 23 saves

Henrik Lundqvist is the best player on the ice so far.

Devils out shooting the Rangers:

NJD 23 Shots on Goal

NYR 12 Shots on Goal

***Dubinsky goal now being credited to Brian Boyle.

THIRD PERIOD

Rangers  3

Devils     0

FINAL

Goal: NYR, Dubinsky (10th) - Shorthanded.

NJD - 5 Minute Major Penalty to Clarkson; Boarding on Brian Boyle; 

NYR do not score.

POST GAME:

Rangers bounce back after last night's loss;

Devils fall deeper into their Hell.

A bedeviling season continues for the Newark Demons as Henrik Lundqvist shut out the rival Devils yet again.  He stopped 33 shots to gain victory over the spiraling Jersey club and in doing so, corrected last night's loss to the Flyers.

Brandon Dubinsky was denied a Hat Trick.  His 2nd period goal was later credited to Brian Boyle.

None-the-less, Brandon scored two goals tonight which gives him 10 for this young season.  When the season began I stated he'd need to score at least 30 goals in order for the Rangers to be a playoff contender (along with Callahan).  He may be coming into his own now.  This season may be his coming out.  He certainly seems to be responding to Tort's prodding.

I thought Torts would make an effort to put a better line around Avery as Callahan was a scratch.

It didn't work out that way.  Avery played a quietly effective game.  He's been quite the model citizen so far.  I'm hoping Torts can open up his situation a bit.  The guy is a good hockey player who I think is being underutilized.  But that's just me.

It's a disturbing time across the river.  Kovalchuk, Arnott, Elias,.....where are they?  What the entire Metropolitan area Hockey fan wants to know is what happened to the Devils?  Lundqvist was exceptional in goal tonight, but to a man, I'm sure the Devils are speechless, but would still muster words saying how Lundqvist is the least of their problems.

The Devils had better retire Niedermayer's jersey sooner than later so as to give their fans something to cheer about before it gets ugly out in Newark.  Mayor Booker already has enough problems out there.  Coach MacLean used his "pick on my Superstar" card way way early against Kovalchuk.  What possible motivational technique can he employ now that will get his players' attention?  He went for the Bazooka early and now he may be left holding only a sling shot. 

Of course I know it's only November.  It's the only thing the Devils have going for them at the present time.  The situation is definitely a matter I'll be watching closely.

Mike.BTB

NYKnicks, Pull-Out Section, Thoughts, Picture of Pre-Game in CHICAGO

New York Post Pull-Out Section, Schedule

November 4, 2010

This is as good a time as ever.  It's time for me to break my silence.  Two years ago Donnie Walsh said he had a plan, and part of which meant getting Salary Cap Flexibility.  To every-one's amazement, he accomplished that with effective haste.  We knew the roster needed to be deconstructed.  And it has been. 

Entering year three under Donnie, we found ourselves in a position to add a player of Amare Stoudemire's caliber.  He will not be enough, but that is a different conversation.  The point is, the Knicks under Coach D'Antoni are back on the clock now.  Donnie asked for two years from me as a fan and I gave them up willingly and happily.  I was grateful change was upon us.  However it's time to start grading report cards again.  Their grace period is over however thankful I am with further separation from the ZEKE Era.

Tonight we are in ChiTown taking on the Bulls.  It's an early season barometer for us.  We played well against the Celtics a short time ago but didn't win.  Tonight, a competitive effort against a team that lapped us once around in rebuilding our teams of the 90's, would go a long way towards gaining my short term attention back.  It's time to admit something I have never dealt with before as a fan of any of my teams.

I am a Knicks fan at a crossroads.  It has everything to do with becoming disconnected in the last years of the Isiah Thomas years and my inability to fully get back into the swing of things.  It had gotten so bad for me personally that I am still in the process of re-learning the League again.  Honest.

The second factor contributing to my Knick disconnect is none other than the New Jersey Nets franchise coming to Brooklyn.  Zeke and the Brooklyn development changed everything for me.

I do not think (I know) I will ever stop being a Knicks fan.  Sooner than later I will be back up to snuff on all things Knicks again.  It's just been slow coming because the Nets have stolen all my attention since their initial announcement they were coming to the Borough of Kings.  I'll start to explain myself now that the season is in swing.

KNICKS vs. BULLS

Live Picture of WARM-UPS from my "source"  in Chicago.

Game shots may follow;  Maybe not.

1st Half:

Gallinari; high scorer ~ 21 points

Stoudemire ~ 12 points

KNICKS  70

Bulls         52

Photo ~ 1st half action.

The New York Knicks have done everything right in the first half putting up 30+ points in each of the first two quarters.  But I expect much better play by the Bulls in the second half. 

Derrick Rose was just chucking up threes for the most part. 

Gallinari had a break-out performance in the first half.  He needs to sustain now.  That's been his knock.  Coach D doesn't think he brings it every game.  He's right.   But tonight this is the Gallo everyone hoped they were getting when we drafted him.

2ND HALF

Gallinari pretty much disappeared.  He scored 3 points in the 2nd half after such a strong start.

Raymond Felton finished with 20 points and 10 assists.  What a great night for him.

Amare Stoudemire increased his points total by 2;  finishing with 14 points tonight.  He hung in and took a charge late in the 4th quarter.  I like to see that.

30 points by Toney Douglas off the bench was the difference tonight by far.  That was his career high.

The Knicks had 6 blocked shots and have doubled their average over last year in that category.

Tonight is what a Mike D'Antoni team is supposed to look like...in theory and in practice.

The Knicks spread the ball around, ran the breaks and shot very very well from the field.  It was especially nice to see us get the win and Stoudemire not being among the leading scorers.

Like I said earlier, playing these guys was a good way to see where we stand so far.  They got out to an early lead tonight, and never really looked back.  They won convincingly and made the defensive stops when they had to.  Defense?  Chicago didn't play much of it tonight.  They had huge lapses in effort tonight.

...Just taking everything in stride.

Final

KNICKS  120

Bulls         112

Mike.BTB



NYG ~ A Closer Peek at Week 9 ~ Giants

Seattle Crowd Noise Calls for Brute Force and Ignorance:

Center Shaun O'Hara is going to sit; bad peg.  That's a big blow because of the surge we've been getting from the O-Line as they've been getting healthier week by week.  But that's OK.  Kid Koets has my confidence as he's surrounded by the most veteran of O-Lines in the biz.

Sit Shaun, and get healthy for the cold weather's arrival.  It's OK.  Really.

What? 

I'm the one who's been talking up the Offensive Line and Brandon Jacobs all year right?  Yea, I have been, because I felt they were and still are pressing matters in my opinion.  My mind is on December and that's why I'm so preoccupied with them.

All the unnecessary passing Coach Gilbride calls for, some of those high pass attempts Eli lets off, and  resulting tips and in many cases interceptions.....are play calls that can be invested a little more wisely into getting Brandon Jacobs more carries.  You understand my problem is with unnecessary pass attempts and Coach Gilbride and not with Eli, the receivers and such....don't you?  Good.

If Coach Gilbride can find it within his Pigskin to invest some more of the play calling into a concerted Brandon Jacobs pounding attack (which by the way just makes life that much more easier for the NFL's leading rusher; Ahmad Bradshaw), not because that's been my want, but because that crowd will render Eli inaudible at the line; That's why.  This game should be 'Pound Away'.  I know I've been saying it a lot this season, but this week I say it because it just gets too damn loud in Seattle's place.

But I'll play into Gilbride's ego for a second and offer him some advice.  The last couple of games he's been employing some hocus-pocus using two and even three tight-end sets.  Well, if I'm hip to his jive, doesn't it stand to reason Defensive Coordinators are light years ahead of me?  Before you get too predictable Coach, try rediscovering and loading up a steady diet of Kevin Boss.  Fool me once fool me twice Coach; teams will adjust to what you've been doing; which has been brilliant by the way.  It's just that some of it has been unnecessary.  If he didn't try getting too cute, I'd leave him alone more.  He conflicts me.  He's the best Offensive Coordinator we've had since Ron Erhardt but so different in methodology.

However, less so this week than any other week so far, I am not so preoccupied with said Line, Running Game and Coach Gilbride.  Week nine in Seattle is all about Big Blue's Defense.

I have spent very little time talking about them because they haven't been a concern for the most part.  But let it be known I am an Old School Giants Fan in that I believe in Defense, a Running Game, and don't screw up, in that order; Just like Coach Parcells programmed me.

Coming into the season I thought, like many, Linebacker would be our soft white underbelly.  They have put in solid, lunchbox efforts.  There have been injuries to contend with; A Kenny Phillips knee here and an Osi knee there.  Now we learned we'll be without the services of Mathias Kiwanuka for the rest of the season suffering from neck/disk complications.  In a Football context, we've been dealing with that all season; no change.

Perry Fewell seems to have the Defense's attention and they are responding with dominating efforts.  The scores have been a little skewed lately but make no mistake, Big Blue has been laying the smack-down in an impressive manner.  More importantly in the Giants grand scheme of things, they've been getting it done with the front four.  I'll forgive the D for the lapses in judgement and spotty play if they set themselves right Sunday by playing four quarters of consistent rabid defense.

I believe the Giants' body count stands at five (?) ~ Five quarterbacks the Giants have knocked out of commission.  Now I hear Hasselbeck might miss Sunday's game? ~  Malingering trying to avoid...Pain?  Shhhh.  Nonsense.

But if there is a game I am calling on the Defense to dominate, I'd ask them to do it this game.  It just gets too damn loud in Seattle.  The crowd cranks up the noise when they need to and it's deafening; even on TV.  I just don't want Blue to take the crowd out of the game.  That's the easy thing to say.  I want them making the day easier on the Offense.  Like I said, it gets too damn loud in there.  And losing the last time we visited Seattle still speaks to me from the back of my mind.

So, what I need this week is for Brandon Jacobs to pound out first downs and for the Defense to dominate a compromised Seattle offensive line.  Seattle's Hasselbeck (head/poss-concussion) may not play which further hammers home the notion the Giants need to seize the moment this week against the Seahawks and grab the NFC Conference by the neck.

The Defense needs to lead the way and the Offense needs to pound it home because it gets too damn loud in there.  That's the way it needs to go down.  It gets so damn loud you can't even hear yourself think sometimes.  That's why this game calls for some brute force and ignorance and Big Blue are just the guys to do it.

...too damn loud!



Mike.BTB

THE HUMAN SPOKE

Going in Circles:

I stuck to the streets today to avoid traffic on the BQE (Brooklyn/Queens Expressway).  I'm glad I did.  Over by Columbia Street and the Atlantic Avenue water front,  passing by I noticed this gentleman in the tennis courts spinning around in (literally) a big circle; rolling like a wheel and performing all sorts of maneuvers.  You'll see.

First allow me to introduce you to this gentleman I speak of.  He is Harold Moeller.  As described above, we met today for the first time.  I can't explain to you what he does and still do Harold justice describing it.  Baseball?  I'm your guy.  That's why I gave him the stage and asked him to talk all of you through what he does.  I invite you to watch this short video and see for yourself what exactly grabbed my attention.







Mr. Moeller worked with Brittney Spears during her Circus Tour as a clown, juggler and rode a unicycle as part of his work on stage and in videos.  He came into that work through video talent promotions and the Big Apple Circus.

For Q&A's sake I asked how the experience working with Brittney Spears went and what kind of interaction he might have had with her.  He said the experience was very positive but as far as interacting with Brittney...there wasn't much of that.  Things were cordial, as everyone was just there to work and perform their tasks at hand.  She remained guarded by "her People" to some extent so it wasn't like a big social gathering and such.

Harold is originally from Cincinnati, and lives in Brooklyn for 8 years now.  He truly loves it here.  He's not sure if his future will play out here in Brooklyn, NYC, or elsewhere.  In our conversation he toyed with the word 'Nomad'.

There may be a David Letterman appearance in his near future.  We'll be looking for it.

Where ever you wind up, know it was a pleasure meeting you and I'm very happy to now know you.

Check out his site; give him a call or e-mail him.  You never know who you can impress knowing... 

The Human Spoke!

Be well my friend.  May we speak soon.

Mike.BTB

Happy 60th Birthday!! ~ Junior's Cafe and Restaurant

THE BROOKLYN TROLLEY BLOGGER WISHES

JUNIOR'S

Most Famous Restaurant

of

BROOKLYN

A HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY

TODAY!!

To my friend Hasting, and everyone over at JUNIOR's,

Thank you for providing Brooklyn with baked goodness and memorable meals while comforting us with remembrances of our old Brooklyn Dodgers.

 And thank you for being Quintessential Brooklynites for 60 years.

We Love You.

I, The Brooklyn Trolley Blogger; Mike,

wish you 60, and 60 more years of health, happiness and success.

Junior's Brooklyn Dodgers Collection:



Ladies and gentlemen, back in January, Hasting and Junior's was kind enough to let me

photo essay their Brooklyn Dodgers Collection.

I invite you to read that posting and view the entire collection here:

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/2010/01/pssst-hungry-trolley-ride-today-we-eat.html

Seat from Ebbets Field: Junior's Collection

It's something I call Trolley Rides;

It's when I roll up on an unsuspecting neighbors because they have a cool baseball collection.

You may see more of my Trolley Rides by clicking the links on the right of the page.

Mike.BTB

NYY ~ "The BRONX is Simmering"

The N.Y. Yankees' Head Guy in Charge; Hal Steinbrenner thought it very necessary fans of the Yankees and New Yorkers, receive an apology from Texas Rangers' CEO/Owner Mr. Chuckie (good guy) Greenberg for disparaging comments he made on the heals of the San Francisco World Series victory, and the Texas Rangers' defeat.

Chuckie called "us" awful and embarrassing; violent or apathetic....we were the worse out of any crowd he's seen in the post-season....! Blah blah..

Can you imagine that?  Us?

Brilliant; Spoken like a man who has no experience,  practical to Baseball in late October. This was the first opportunity for your franchise to shine in the national spotlight and you allowed the whole experience to flicker-out like a "dim bulb".  Thank your lucky "Lone Star" you have Nolan Ryan on board is all I can say.


Chuck Greenberg, obviously reacting to backlash, called Hal Steinbrenner to apologize for the comments.
Hal responded in a manner as if to say...'Save it.  Takes more than you to Rattle(snake) the Empire.  You want to apologize?  Direct it towards the fans you insulted and good luck with that.  Cowboy-up Chuck!'

Mr. Greenberg did just that issuing a statement today.

And we say - Save it Road Kill; not interested.  You're only apologizing because you're getting flack over getting special sauce all over your cow chips.

Us?  We have skin thinker than a steer in a spacesuit.  We wear insults like a badge of courage so...,  Dont'cha fret none bout us now...ya hear?  Because "Frankly", (wink wink Chuck) my man, we don't give a Damn.

But to those dummies who spit down on Mrs. Cliff Lee, don't make that mistake again because as far as you're concerned, Greenberg is right.  After all, we aren't Philly fans are we?

Moving on, Bruce Bochy, manager of the new World Champions of Baseball is "irresponsible"; or so thinks Brian Cashman, in a manner of speaking.  Last week, Brian Cashman was on the Michael Kay Show and when asked about the differences between managers who manage with their guts versus skippers who employ a stat based decision process, Cashman responded by saying he prefers a manager who uses all the information and statistical analysis at his disposal to arrive at the most informed decision possible and who will implement said dictates.  He continued to say how a manager employing a gut-based system was irresponsible and wasn't the type of manager he wanted working for him.  In a separate interview, Sandy Alderson also concurred with Cashman's assessment when asked about managerial styles.

The Blue Binder Joe Girardi is joined in STATISTICAL matrimony with is co-authored by Brian Cashman himself.  Joe Girardi is every bit the manager he wants Joe to be.  As a matter of fact, a deviation from the binder will earn Joe a demerit.  Prepare to watch "LooseLeaf" in action for another three years.

So, does this make Bochy a modern day Baseball Fred Flintstone; a rebel; lucky.....? - Does this make him a hockey stick flung into the spokes in the theory of high probability?  Cashman calls it plain ol' irresponsible.

Stats have their usefulness and place in decision making.  But give me a caveman who breathes this game and knows what to do when he gets a tingly feeling in his head; and I don't mean flies.

Mariano Rivera, always class, has made his latest great pitch.  He said he is willing to sign a one year deal, with an option.  He has provided the Yankees with the best possible resolution regarding the question "what to do about resigning MO?"  Mariano "saved" the Yankees from having to deal with that problem by offering them a respectful and minimalist way of winding down his career in Pinstripes.  If only every situation came with ready made solutions.....like...,

What to do about Derek Jeter?  Some how, some way, ARod figures into the answering of this question.
Inevitably, based on the principal aspect alone, the extensions of ARod and Jeter will no doubt be played against each other by Jeter's agent.  Because of what Jeter has meant to this franchise, any and all attempts to play off that legacy will hold water.  Hal also made a comment to the effect the Team has reached out to initiate discussions, but there may be a possibility things could get difficult (my words).  That all remains to be seen.

But here's what I think Jeter might thinking.  The Great Mickey Mantle ruined his lifetime .300 career average by hanging on too long.  Later in life he admitted that and about how much it bothered him.  Mickey would say defiantly he was a .300 hitter.  The only problem was his baseball card disagreed.  I don't think Derek Jeter wants to jeopardize his career .300 average.  This last season was the worst batting average he posted in his career. 

His pursuit of 3000 hits will most likely come to a close by mid-season 2011 baring any unforeseen disasters.  When he gets that momentous 3000th hit he will be the only New York Yankee/ New York Highlander to ever achieve that milestone.  That will no doubt get him into Cooperstown in due time.  But I think Jeter's .300 career average is something haunting Derek Jeter and I do not feel he's willing to risk falling below the rate of three out of every ten.

I'm looking for Jeter to sign a three year deal somewhere in the neighborhood of  $19 to $20 million dollars.
I strongly believe he will stay short term and not even entertain the idea of a 5 year deal.  A personal services contract isn't out of the question and would be something wholly different when talking deals.

What ever Derek signs for and what ever he decides to do in the future I'm sure will still be carried out in typical JETERIAN fashion; With Class.


That's everything "Yankee" which interests me at the moment.

*note for clarification:  By "we" I meant NY'ers.  I am a Met fan/Jekyll and Hyde Yankee Hater.  I only Hate when provoked to do so by irresponsible Yankee Fan phenomena.




Mike.BTB

NYG ~ Seizing The Moment; Big Blue Peek at Week 9

The Dallas Cowboys have completely imploded upon themselves.  From Jerry Jones all the way down to Tony Romo, things are an utter mess in Dallas.  The Washington Redskins are in the midst of a quarterback controversy that's now threatening to throw the Redskins into a state of chaos also.  Donovan McNabb's star is just a flicker these days and Coach Shanahan doesn't see anything illuminating at all in Donovan's play.  Even the Philadelphia Eagles are having trouble deciding which of their two quarterbacks should play; Kolb or Vick.  The Eagles are in the best shape of the three mentioned clubs.

The N.F.C. East is ripe for the taking and the time to seize upon this fact falls in the New York Football Giants' lap this Sunday against the Seahawks up in Seattle.

Seattle gives me the Hee-Bee Jee-Bee's due to a very tightly contested, hard fought effort that resulted in a loss last time we were there.  We head there again this time on the heals of the Seahawks collapse against the Oakland Raiders in Week 8.  And secondly, I fret because I hate coming off Bye Weeks.

But make no mistake the opportunity for the Giants to put a strangle-hold around the division's neck is there for the Giants to seize upon this Sunday.

Run to Daylight.

Run with Power.

It's all set up for us.  SEIZE THE MOMENT!



Mike.BTB

NYK ~ Tonight's KNICKS vs. MAGIC Game is Cancelled

Tuesday - November 2, 2010   as/of  3:00 p.m.,

Tonight's Knicks/Magic Game at Madison Square Garden is Cancelled.  Hold on to your tickets as the Knicks will announce plans for re-scheduling tonight's event.

As reported on 1050espnRadioNY, the Knicks said due to the presence of 'Asbestos particles' resulting from repair work being made, this evening's scheduled game is postponed.

What are ya gonna do now?

11:33p.m. Update ~ It's been reported MSG recieved an ALL CLEAR for the presence of asbestos by ESPNradioNY.
http://RealGm.com/ has the story.

Mike.BTB

A Possible "Met" Formula For Success

Submitted for your approval:


John Stearns ~ Supreme Dugout Commander!

Lee Mazzilli ~ 1B Coach.

Wally Backman ~ 3B Coach

Gary Carter ~ Bench Coach.

Bobby Ojeda ~ Pitching Coach (Cyclone's 1st Pitching Coach).

Jerry Grote ~ Bullpen Coach/Catching Coach.

Dave Magadan/Lance Johnson/Mike Piazza ~ possible Hitting Coach candidates.

Ray Knight ~ Motivational Coach. Mood management.

Lenny Dykstra ~ Dirt management.

Tom Seaver ~ Special Advisor on Comportment and Professionalism Issues. Kangaroo Court Judge.

Mookie Wilson ~ Base Running Coach.

Doug Flynn ~ Infield Instructor.

Ron "Rocky" Swoboda ~ Outfield Coach; he worked so hard at it he must have been taught everything.

Rusty Staub ~ Pinch Hitting Coach/Clubhouse Elder.

Joel Youngblood ~ We have to find something for him to do!

Kieth Hernandez and Ron Darling ~ Eyes in Sky ~ Remain in booth with head phones communicating directly to General John Stearns.

Kevin Mitchell ~ Clubhouse Bouncer.

Dave Kingman ~ P.R. and Media Relations.

Bobby Bonilla ~ Public Relations; Stadium Tours.

Billy Wagner ~ Back-up to Kingman and Bonilla...just in case.

Jerry Koosman ~ Good Will Ambassador.

Joe McDonald ~ Bring him back to be Over Lord of Minor League Operations.

Tim Teufel ~ Leave him at AA.

Bud Harrelson ~ Bring him back to manage AAA.

Edgardo Alfonzo ~ Special Assistant to Sandy Alderson.

*John Ricco ~ "...and You are OUTTA HERE!"

Gregg Jefferies ~ Responsible for being Jeff Wilpon's new best friend (see John Ricco); palling around with Jeff; ensuring he stays out of Sandy Alderson's 'hair'.

Bobby Valentine ~ Keep him on the books to be a Phone-A-Friend for John Stearns and Dave Kingman.

Joan Payson ~ If there isn't a picture of her hanging in the clubhouse, there should be!

John Milner/Tommy Agee/Tug McGraw/Gil Hodges ~ Because we too, have great Ghosts of the Past.

If Sandy Alderson can put this list of guys together, how can we go wrong?



Mike.BTB

The Ghosts of Coogan's Bluff Haunt No More

All these years later, peace now comes to the tortured souls and wandering beings suspended in time because they couldn't let go.  Old fans, now merely apparitions, who've had their hearts ripped out of them half a century ago at Coogan's Bluff,  enjoyed their last haunt at 7:30p.m.- Pacific Standard Time tonight.  The ghosts charged with scaring away threats to our legacy must now cease activities...and come to rest.  New York City's National League Baseball file on the Classic Era is now closed.  Our hostage-like grip on Giants History is over.  The last cigar at the Polo Grounds has been smoked.  The last punctuation mark has been applied and the story on the Golden Age of National League Baseball in New York City is finally, 56 years later, complete.  For us now, there is only the New York Mets; San Francisco has their first World Series Champion.  Nineteen fifty four is dead.  The last of the New York Giant fans still scattered about the city can no longer look, point and laugh at the team that never won a championship again after they eloped out west with the Bums of Brooklyn whenever they came to Shea/Citi (Mostly Shea!).




"CONGRATULATIONS!!  Now go shave those beards and never forget where you came from!"
signed,
The Ghosts of Coogan's Bluff

R.I.P.

NYM ~ Pondering a Manager for the Mets, Dude.

Only now that we've hired Sandy Alderson would I even consider bringing Bobby Valentine back.  Without Sandy Alderson I wouldn't even have entertained the thought.  It's the old "Been there; Done that" syndrome. 

I have to laugh somewhat about the clamouring for Valentine's return.  In 2003 Mets' fans were calling for his head on a pike.  Fans were lining up their cars on Roosevelt Avenue willing to take Bobby to the airport.  Mets fans (me included) complained Bobby got too....Too everything!  Basically Met fans tired of his act and ego.  The downward spiral we found ourselves in 2003 only threw lighter fluid on the flames. 

Today we finally find ourselves on the other side of that long dark tunnel; coincidentally it's the era I've been calling Met Year 8 A.D. (After Doubleday).  What started when the Mets fired Steve Phillips and  Doubleday leaving ended when the Wilpons hired Alderson.  Why would we want to revisit those years?  Bobby hasn't changed.  C'mon....He must have said or done something to tick-off the Marlins most recently.  And why haven't the Brewers locked him up yet (although they seem real close, but they seem to be moving very carefully)?  What makes Mets fans think this time around would be any different?  It's Ponderous.  Do we want our own version of "Billy" hirings minus the Angry Water?

But I will take the time out to answer that myself. 

Bobby Valentine is an excellent manager and strategist.  There are few better; Period.  He has the perfect personality and attitude, not to mention intelligence to engage in the harangue that is the give and take with NY media.  Don't you think I know all this?  Of course he'd be a good manager here.  Having Sandy Alderson would serve as the perfect buffer between him and the Wilpons.  Wasn't that always the problem bringing him back; the Wilpons?  The two parties do not like each other.  We know this.

Additionally, I never thought Bobby Valentine could co-exist with Omar Minaya, John Ricco or ANYone the Mets could have brought in as General Manager.  Remember among the items of contention between Valentine and Phillips was Valentine's insistence he have a say in personnel matters.  Phillips denied him outright, at every request.  But Phillips regardless of his libido, was a very smart cookie who was very well equipped to handle Bobby Valentine.  Not Omar, or anyone the Mets could have conjured up, would have worked well here with Bobby Valentine's ego.  Valentine is too smart and would have run circles around Omar, and as is Bobby's way, Omar would have grown to feel uncomfortably dominated by Jeff on one side and Bobby on the other.  Valentine would have chewed-up and spit-out John Ricco.  Bobby Valentine would have been hired only to get fired for many reasons three short years later.  Think to yourselves fellow Met fans.  You know this to be true...Under the old system that is.

Alderson changes all that now.  Alderson is/was the only man available today who has the intellect, mental strength and fortitude of character to contend with Bobby Valentine.  Alderson is an excellent check to Valentine's strong will.  And now I would gladly welcome back Bobby Valentine into the conversation.  However, I am still not inclined to lean his way.  And it doesn't look like the money is a match either.

Ken Oberkfell and Bob Melvin are complete yawners.  Of the two, I'd eliminate Melvin from the list altogether.  He's tainted with old regime 'cooties'.  He loomed over Jerry Manuel's head like a dark cloud.  That's bad karma; don't need it.  Kenny Oberfell would be the next to go.  Met fans, I ask you sincerely, do you really envision Oberkfell as the new manager?  I didn't think so.

Why Lee Mazzilli doesn't intrigue me more, I can't answer. He was THE METS once upon a time.  Man!  I thought he was going to play with Seaver, Koos, Millan, Milner and...(why do I do that to myself).  He has coaching experience and many years sitting next to Joe Torre.  He did a remarkable job under horrific circumstances in Baltimore.  However I may feel about Lee Mazzilli, who comes my neighborhood, I think there are better candidates available.  I don't think Mazzilli's resume fits in with what we need right now.

Clint Hurdle and Terry Collins are very average, un-impactful candidates.  There's too much at stake here to hand the controls over to the milkman.  The Angels' players darted Terry Collins with a vote of no confidence when he managed there.  We don't need to touch that.  Clint Hurdle ~ Remember how the Rockies won 1150 games out of their last 25 +/- games of the season to make the 2007 playoffs?  After you remember that, forget Clint Hurdle.

Chip Hale has my attention because the players seem real responsive to him.  When people have that nature and way about them; a personality that attracts, people usually listen attentively to them.  I'd give him an interview.

I'm not saying this is my choice but Tim Teufel would be a logical choice.  Teufel had a lot of our new young players in Brooklyn and Binghampton.  No one knows these players better than he does, in much the same way Davey Johnson managed many of the prospects of the early 80's and was promoted by Frank Cashen to manage them on the Major League level.  Tim Teufel is a logical choice, and you can't disregard what I just said.  He's been putting in his dues with this organization for several years now.  Like I said though, he's not necessarily my choice.  I'd be agreeable to him though.

I'm open to Wally Backman.  I like him for all the reasons you do.  I wouldn't mind seeing him get the job at all.  He'd be a tremendous hit!  He'd get a standing ovation on Opening Day; without a doubt!  The Wilpons like him and the fans like him.  The question is does Sandy Alderson like him?  He might.

Backman recently took the Brooklyn Cyclones to the NYPL Championship Round.  That, and his experience with the Peanuts is all there is though.  Is that enough?  I think there's a (again...) Billy Martin motif about him; maybe even John McGraw'ish attribute Met fans are dying to identify with and apply to Wally Backman.  I do think he has great instinctual baseball intellect.  He knows the game.  He knows what works.  Little stout guys always make great managers!

And now try this name out and see how it sits with you; John Stearns ~ The Dude! - Yes! - The former fiery Met player, catcher, all*star, former Met coach?  He managed last at Harrisburg in the National's system 2 years ago and I think he's currently employed as a scout for the Mariners.  John Stearns...Anyone feeling The Dude?  He's tough minded and he has that 'catcher gene' going for him.  I know John Stearns isn't even on any-body's radar much less Sandy Alderson's.  I'm on an island of one with this pick.  I get that.  But if you're thinking about hiring Lee Mazzilli, John Stearns should be considered also.  I'd hire him ahead of many other names.

Joey Cora?  Forget Milwaukee.  Picture it Met Fans ~ The Little Yankee Killer (think '95); Flushing's Little General leading his troops?  Think of the possibilities ~ Close your eyes and imagine it for a moment.  I guarantee you he's feisty and has a tremendous Baseball acumen.  In the earliest days of his coaching career, Ozzie Guillen, who is a very close friend of his, got his hands on him and made him go to Venezuela to start managing there.  He came back with some experience and managed the Mets' Kingsport Team.  Joey has been with Ozzie Guillen ever since serving first as his third base coach and currently as his bench coach.  As a player he was an all*star selection and has playoff experience with the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners.  As a coach he earned a World Series ring with the ChiSox in 2005.  If you're looking for the "Little Guy with a Big Bite" angle, this is your guy.  He is smaller than Wally Backman but not as stout.  They are both feisty.

My two honorable mentions are Larry Bowa and Tony Pena.  Simply, I think they are two good, Baseball lifers.  There's something to be said for those kinda guys.  Heck, Jack McKeon won a championship didn't he?

Who knows what's going on with Lou Piniella and Joe Torre said he's out of the picture (don't believe it).  But I don't want them either.

Don Wakamatsu?  I'm lukewarm at best.

Does anyone think Dave Righetti is ready to take a manager's job? ~ Roger Craig anyone?

The fact that John Gibbons acted preemptively with regards to the Mets' available managerial position speaks loud and clear to me.  He told us to beat it....And now I want him more.  He's such a bitch!

You'd have to examine all the third base coaches and bench coaches around MLB to keep yourself from dealing in retreads.  None need apply.  The Mets have embarked on a whole new dynamic in their history.  Let's continue forward.  The old thinking is done.

Right?


Mike.BTB

The Old Brooklyn Fire House ~ 1892

JAY STREET, Downtown

Brooklyn, New York

Mike.BTB