N.Y. Rangers - The King Of Mount Blueshirt

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

#302

A NEW RANGERS RECORD FOR VICTORIES BY A GOALTENDER

NEW YORK RANGERS: All The King's Horses, And All The King's Men, Scored Eight Times To Help Henrik Lundqvist Become Tex's Rangers All-Time Leader In Wins For A Goalie.

On this most special occasion, Henrik Lundqvist made 35 saves, but still allowed four goals to the Ottawa Senators.  His Rangers team mates stood by his side however, and ensured their liege's milestone victory with eight goals in support.

Henrik was stalwart when he needed to be.  So, move over Mike Richter, there's a new king of the hill.  Mike Richter was the first and only Rangers goalie to ever surpass 300 victories in a career, until Henrik Lundqvist came along.

Henrik Lunqvist earned at least 30 victories in each of his first seven seasons.  He established a high of 39 victories during the 2011-12 season.  Mike Richter's best mark came during the 1993-94 Cup season, in which he posted 42 victories to lead the league.  He only achieved 30+ victories one other time in his career. Lundqvist on the other hand, has never achieved 40 victories - yet. However, he did lead the NHL with 24 victories in last year's abbreviated season.

Mike Richter never recorded more than 5 shutouts in a season.  Henrik Lundqvist has twice led the NHL in shutouts, with 10 and 11 respectively.  Prior to unceremoniously being traded to the Red Wings, Hall of Fame goalie Eddie Giacomin spent 9+ seasons tending net for the Rangers, in which he set the club record with 49 shutouts, and led the NHL three times.

Giacomin achieved 30+ victories in a season 5 times, and his first four times came consecutively. He led the league in wins three times, and established a career high of 37 wins during the 1968-69 season.  Eddie also earned the Vezina award for his 1970-71 season.

Henrik won the Vezina award for his 2011-12 season, while Mike Richter never managed to win the award.  Mike however, is the only one of the three with his name on the Stanley Cup.

*     *     *     *

After twice falling behind in the opening period to Ottawa, the Blueshirts cranked up the offense over the final forty minutes of play.  Six different Rangers scored Tuesday night.  Rick Nash and Derick Brassard scored a pair of goals each.  Benoit Pouliot, John Moore, Ryan McDonagh, and Derek Stepan all chipped in with one goal each to help the Rangers set their season high.

The power play was 0 for 3, but the Rangers true struggles have been at even strength.  For a night, they got it right.  Six goals came at even strength, while Rick Nash provided the bookends. He scored the Rangers first goal, shorthanded in the opening period, and capped off the night with an empty net goal to end the game.

Afterward, Coach Vigneault said the defense sucked.  I couldn't agree more.  Ottawa's 39 shots on goal speak loudly to that point.  But, for now, that all gets a pass.  The Rangers secured two more points, and Lundqvist set a club record.  That's a good night by any measure.

The Rangers are now 4-6 in March, at a time when points are at a premium.  They are third in the Metropolitan Division, just two points better than Columbus.  That currently translates to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, similarly two points better than Columbus.  And wouldn't you know, the Blue Jackets play Thursday night, then will host a head to head clash with the Rangers on Friday night.  The Rangers are off till then, and could potentially enter that game tied with Columbus should the Blue Jackets defeat the Habs on Thursday.

Immediately following the Blue Jackets, the Rangers have the equally critical task of keeping the Devils out of the picture, in a game at the Rock.

Twelve games remain in the regular season.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Deron Williams Rising

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

FINAL

Suns   89

Nets  105

BROOKLYN NETS: Deron Williams Takes Out His Frustrations Over Saturday's Loss On The Phoenix Suns.

This wasn't exactly Phoenix Rising.  But, Deron Williams came back home to Brooklyn with something to prove.  After conducting an introspective systems check following Sunday's failure in Washington, he became a man on a mission, and took it upon himself to extinguish the Suns Monday night at Barclays Center.

With a microphone in his face after the game, Deron Williams said, "I didn't like the way I played last game.  I got outplayed by John Wall...."

So, he took out his frustrations on Phoenix.  Williams torched the Suns for a game high 28 points, shooting a highly efficient 11/13 from the floor, and 3/5 from beyond the arch.  That translates to an 80% shooting percentage.

Deron's team mates felt the heat he was generating, and played exactly the way they needed following such a letdown against the Wizards - a game they had in hand until they all froze up midway through the final quarter.

In their first game back home, the Nets led the Phoenix Suns from beginning to end.  All five Flatbush starters scored in double-digits.  Livingston finished with 12 points, and Joe Johnson scored 19 points.  Both men tied for the team lead with 5 assists each.  Big man on campus, Mason Plumlee added a double-double, with 14 points, and a game high 11 rebounds.  Paul Pierce finished with 10 points.

Brooklyn got back on defense.  They limited the Suns to 23 points in three of the four quarters, and kept them below 90 for the game.  They now rank 8th in the league in points allowed.

The Nets improved to 7-2 in Kevin Garnett's absence., and now sport a 34-31 season record.

In the Atlantic Division standings, Brooklyn's 106-89 victory over the Suns, once again gets them to within 3 games of the 1st place Toronto Raptors who lost Monday.  The Nets remain in 6th place of the Eastern Conference standings.

The Charlotte Bobcats come to Flatbush next.  The Bobcats are currently the Eastern Conference 7th seeded team, just 2.5 games behind the Nets.  The teams will conclude their season series on March 26th.  The Bobcats defeated the Nets in their first meeting back in November.  Brooklyn then repaid the favor with a 105-89 victory in February.




Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: Why Spending The Weekend In Las Vegas Was Important For Mets

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Brooklyn Nets: Look What The Wizards Did To Flatbush, Again

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Nets Fall Flat Against Washington

FINAL

Flatbush   94

Wizards  101

BROOKLYN NETS: Wizards Complete Three Game Sweep Of Jason's Kids.  Flatbush Gets Bumped Down To 6th In Eastern Conference Standings.

Atlantic Division:
1) - Toronto......37-27
2) - Brooklyn....33-31  4GB
3) - New York...27-40  11.5

Look what John Wall and the Wizards did to the Nets..., again.  This was only Brooklyn's second loss of the month, but to a team they have failed to defeat this season.  John Wall scored 33 points, as the Wizards completed a series sweep.  Their victory also snapped a tie with the Nets for 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

At no time throughout the three games, did Brooklyn ever find an answer for Washington's point guard.  In the first meeting, with 17 points, John Wall outscored every Nets player, save Brook Lopez.  In game two, he led Washington with 21 points, on a night 7 Wizards scored in double digits.

Saturday's result - the Wizards overcame a 9 point halftime deficit, and a 10 point deficit inside the 4th, to defeat the Nets by a 101-94 final.

With Kevin Garnett missing his 8th straight game, the Nets continue to get out-rebounded.  But, despite missing Garnett's defense, what the Nets allowed Drew Gooden to do was a bit inexcusable. Playing on a 10-day contract, Gooden was 2nd on the Wizards with 21 points, and pulled down a game high 9 rebounds.  He scored 11 of those points in the 4th quarter.

Brooklyn's free throw shooting was also inefficient.  The Nets missed 7 of 22 attempts, for a 68.2% mark.

For the game, the Nets shot 47.9% from the field.  But, as John Wall and Drew Gooden were taking over in the 4th, the Nets all went cold midway through, at the same damn time.  Once the Wizards captured the lead (for the first time all game) they never looked back.

Although Deron Williams tied for team high with 7 rebounds, and distributed a game high 7 assists, he was the chilliest of them all.  He played a team high 35 minutes, and led the team with 21 shots from the field, but struggled mightily, shooting 2/7 from beyond the arch, and 4/14 from the rest of the floor.

Marcus Thornton had another big game, scoring 19 points to lead the team off the bench.  Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce were the only starters in double digits.  Mason Plumlee got the start, and added 8 points.  In 31 minutes, Shaun Livingston was very inconsequential, attempting just 5 shots from the field, and 4 free throws.

Andray Blatche has played with mixed results against his former team this season.  In 25 minutes off the bench, he contributed 9 points and 4 rebounds Saturday night.  In game one of the series, he scored 10 and pulled down 13 rebounds.  In game two, he scored 12 points, but managed just 1 board.

Where do the Nets go from here?  The answer is home, for three games at Barclays Center, where they will host Phoenix, Charlotte and Boston.  For the moment, the Suns are on the outside looking in, currently 9th in the Western standings.  Charlotte is biting at the Nets heels, only 2 games behind in the 7th spot of the Eastern standings.  Boston has no doubt struggled this season, but the Nets better be prepared nonetheless.

Back in the Atlantic Division race, after closing to within three games, the Toronto Raptors lead Brooklyn by four again.  The Nets have 18 games left on their schedule.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Knicks: Meet The New Boss

From the desk of:  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

NEW YORK KNICKS: Club Set To Announce Phil Jackson Has Been Named Team President.  He Now Has The Job Pat Riley Once Wanted, But For How Long?

Although the official announcement won't come till Tuesday, the New York Knickerbockers have tentatively signed Phil Jackson to become their club president.

I guess congratulations are in order, after I stop shaking my head over the fact that James Dolan stepped all over toes of the people who work for him once again.  James Dolan has mastered the art of hiring people first, then firing his victims afterwards.  That said, I suspect GM Steve Mills orchestrated his own exit by helping to bring in the man who will probably fire him.  If his days at MSG aren't numbered, they should be.

I also feel the basketball team of MSG has hired their version of Glen Sather.  Think of the peace of mind James Dolan will have knowing Glen Sather and Phil Jackson are running his teams. Among his circle friends, Jimmy is golden.  Even the media is forced to agree he has people with winning experience running his organizations.  Good for him, as perception is everything.

Rangers and Knicks fans know better though.  James Dolan apparently gave Glen Sather a job for life, letting his history with Edmonton, not New York, speak for itself.  Signing Jackson wreaks of more of the same to me.

Phil Jackson won a title here in New York as a Knicks member because he was surrounded by greater players than him.  Phil won titles in Chicago and Los Angeles as a head coach, because he was afforded four of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA.  Like Sather, that's all that will matter to James Dolan.

History says Phil Jackson will safely have a job here for as long as he wants to stay, no matter what transpires on the court under his reign.  On that note, I do not believe Jackson will be able to to do anything Donnie Walsh couldn't do.  The Knicks almost had it right then, but that was two GM's ago.  Regardless, similar to Donnie Walsh, Jackson has another mess he must rescue the Knicks from.

One thing I know is sure.  Phil Jackson will not tolerate any of James Dolan's micro-meddling.  He is coming here to do things one way - Phil's way.  In a bit of irony, Phil Jackson now has the job Pat Riley once wanted from the Knicks.  Pat Riley entered the executive ranks by leaving the Knicks, while Phil Jackson joins the executive ranks by joining the Knicks.

As oversee'er, Phil Jackson will be charged with seeking out championship caliber coaches and players, instead of having such players handed to him.  His triangle offense won't help him master the salary cap either.  And, woe to his head coach, whom Phil Jackson will always feel superior to.

How long will this last?  Phil Jackson isn't exactly a spring chicken.  Turning the Knicks around may take another several years to achieve.  Their draft is already quite compromised.  And what if things do not go too well.  How committed is he, really, to see things through?




Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: Rebuilding No Longer A Crutch For Ike Davis

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Brooklyn Nets: Paul Pierce Lifts Flatbush Over South Beach

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

WEDNESDAY FINAL:

Brooklyn   96

Miami        95

BROOKLYN NETS: Flatbush Turning Up The Heat On The Eastern Conference; Move Into 5th Spot With Road Victory Over Miami.

Who's Doubting Jason Kidd Now?

Look what Brooklyn did to the Heat - again!  In their first clash away from Flatbush, the Nets defeated Miami for the third time in three meetings this season.  For what is now officially the hottest team in basketball, oh how sweet it was.

The Nets improved to 33-30 for the season, and 6-1 in March.  Toronto destroyed Detroit, so Brooklyn remains three games behind the Raptors for first place in the Atlantic Division.  The Nets however, improved their standing in the Eastern Conference, by moving into the fifth spot.

Once again led by Paul Pierce, the Nets gained victory Wednesday evening with another offensively strong third quarter, more hustle on defense and key stops down the stretch, with continued strong bench play, and despite Deron Williams committing yet more late game turnovers.

Whatever works, right?

Lately, we've been getting the best and worst of Deron Williams.  His turnover with 2:30 left in the 4th quarter allowed Miami to tie the game 92-92, a play which closely mirrored his late game turnover against the Raptors in Monday's game.  He then buried a huge pull-up jumper to put Brooklyn ahead 96-92 with 35.8 seconds left.  But he then missed on the Nets last possession, allowing Miami to gain possession, and call a time-out with 3.5 seconds left, and down by a point.

For the game, Deron Williams was a mere 2/8 from the field, and 1/3 from beyond the arch.  He only scored 6 points, but dished out a game high 8 assists.  Joe Johnson had a similar night, finishing the night with 8 points, on 2/10 shooting from the field, and a worse 1/6 from beyond the arch.  And, Kevin Garnett missed his seventh straight game.

Yet, the Nets prevailed.  Paul Pierce was big man on campus.  A sore shoulder has apparently enhanced his game.  He scored 17 in the third quarter, and made it rain with 5 three-pointers throughout the game.  Pierce led all scorers with 29 points,but none bigger than with less than two minutes to go, he burst through the lane for a lay-up which put Brooklyn back up by a 94-92 score.  He was resilience at its finest, and retro all night long.

The Nets out-rebounded the Heat - something they did not do against Toronto.  Wednesday's game however, boiled down to one defensive play at the very end, when Shaun Livingston deflected Miami's in-bounds pass to end the game, and preserve a 96-95 Brooklyn victory.

Shaun Livingston scored 13 points, and pulled down a team high 7 rebounds.  He and LeBron James tied with a game high 38-minutes of floor time.  Off the bench, Mirza Teletovic (or MT3), was huge with 17 points and four rebounds, and Andray Blatche scored another 11 points.

Chris Bosh was high scorer for Miami with 24 points.  Dwayne Wade scored 22 points, while LeBron James was held to 19 points, on 6/13 from the field, and was kept especially quiet in the 4th quarter.

As noted, the Nets climbed into the fifth spot of the Eastern Conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Washington Wizards, whom they face Saturday night in the nation's capital.  Washington has gotten the best of Brooklyn in two previous meetings this season.

*     *     *     *

How do people like Jason Kidd's coaching skills now?  When he and Lawrence Frank were still working together, the Nets got off to a 5-12 start.  Their beef reportedly erupted somewhere around November 4th or so, resulting from many growing differences of opinion, but their main disagreements reportedly involved defensive issues.  After the falling out, the team suffered through the rest of the month with a 4-10 record. Since Jason Kidd jettisoned Lawrence Frank from the sidelines in early December, the Nets have posted a 28-18 record.  The Nets are now 23-9 in the new year, and counting.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: South Beach Showdown

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: The Heat Is On Visiting Brooklyn.

It's time to play in their house now.  The Nets two victories over the Heat this season came at Barclays Center.  Tonight is the first showdown in South Beach.  The two will stage their last regular season meeting in April.

This evening's match-up features the current #2 and #6 teams in the Eastern Conference.  With just 20 games left in the regular season, these teams could very well be heading towards a first or second round encounter.

In their previous meetings, Brooklyn took the Heat down to the final seconds of regulation, and needed overtime in their second meeting, in order to snatch a pair of victories away from Miami.  Therefore, there is much to read into tonight's game.

Kevin Garnett remains out of action with a cranky back.  He has yet to play in March, in which the Nets have posted a 5-1 record.  Among several key reasons, Paul Pierce has been paramount to Brooklyn's success lately, but he enters the game still nursing a sore shoulder.  Some of this should not have come unexpected.  Upon the acquisition, we sensed any nagging injuries at Garnett's and Pierce's age would potentially pose late season problems.

But back then, we also felt bench depth would prevail.  Well, here we are, and so far, Andray Blatche and Mason Plumlee are performing well in place of Garnett.  They'll need to keep it up.  Working against Kevin Garnett's ability to help the team down the stretch, are a series of back-to-back games.  Brooklyn only has one set in March, so this is the time for KG to get healthy.  But in April, Brooklyn faces four back-to-back sets before the regular season ends on the 16th.

LeBron James will no doubt get his points, especially at home, but Mr. Big Shot, Joe Johnson, will need to score his share of points as well.  Minus Brook Lopez, he has been Brooklyn's top scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game this season.  He's had a hot touch of late, shooting 53% from the floor over his last five games.  Joe is a 44% shooter for the season.

The Nets closed to within three games of the Atlantic Division lead, with a victory over Toronto on Monday The Raptors host the substandard Pistons tonight.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Blueshirts Leaving Themselves Little Room For Error

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Real Struggle Begins Now.

A new coach, plus new players in the locker room, plus a new division configuration, equals the same old off-Broadway melodrama.

This has less to do with losing to the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night, and more about the Penguins leading the stupid Metropolitan Division with 92, points, and even more about the Rangers being in 2nd place with 74 points - while running neck and neck with Columbus (73), Philly (73), New Jersey (71), and Washington (70).  One slip, and the Rangers are swimming in the Wild Card pool.

In a broad sense, the Rangers are reverting into what they used to be prior to playing for John Tortorella - a slightly above average, to average team, playing for Tom Renny, that more often than not, needed to scratch like cats in a microwave in order to secure a 6th, 7th, or 8th playoff spot.

In the end, they relegate themselves to selecting mid-level draft picks in the process.  Of course, that's a multilevel indictment against Glen Sather, as the draft needn't bother him now.  The Rangers are already shy two picks heading into the next draft, and relinquished their #1 pick for the following year as well.

The standings currently say the Rangers are a fairly good team.  My problem is, I still do not know who they are.  What I do feel with certainty, is that they are ill equipped to get by Boston or Pittsburgh in the playoffs. These Rangers are not physical enough, and despite Sather's roster moves, that has not changed.  Once teams take the game in that direction, the Rangers veer off ice.

Under Coach Vigneault, the power play is no doubt a considerably better unit.  The Rangers currently rank 11th in the league - heights unheard of under Torts.  But, the fact they only score 2.54 goals (19th NHL, 11th Eastern Conf.) per game sends a mixed message, doesn't it?  Among other things, it tells me the new forwards have not changed much to improve even strength scoring.

In the Eastern Conference alone, Boston, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Toronto, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Tampa, Washington, the Islanders, and Detroit, all generate more offense than the Rangers.

With 16 games left in the regular season, the Rangers have but one 20-goal scorer, Rick Nash.  In his defense, Nash missed considerable time last Fall due to another concussion.  Brad Richards leads the team with 45 points, and has 16 goals, and leads in ice time.  Derek Stepan leads the Rangers with 33 assists.

Martin St. Louis was brought here to help ignite more offense.  He has 29 goals, and 33 assists this season His 62 points rank 15th in the league.  His goals scored rank 11th.

Of the Rangers 16 remaining games, they will have one shot each, to fend off Columbus, Philadelphia and New Jersey, two games against Ottawa they can't afford to lose, and one game to keep pace with Montreal. They need to capitalize on all of them, because half of their remaining schedule is against Western Conference teams.  Making matters more difficult, 10 of their remaining games are on the road.

Let the struggle begin.




Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: The Mets First Base Dilemma Continues

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The Mets First Base Dilemma Continues

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Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Is Generating Their Own Heat

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: Paul Pierce's 3-Pointer At 1:14 Sticks A Claw Into Raptors.  Now It's Off To South Beach To Combat The Heat.

Toronto's Atlantic Division Lead Cut Down To Three Games

MONDAY FINAL

Toronto  97

NETS   101

I still don't know how the Spurs let that game get away, but I digress...

For as long as the Miami Heat are defending NBA champions, they are the measure of all teams.  The South Beach Cagers are next on the schedule, and perhaps the match up couldn't have come at a better time for the Hoops of Flatbush.

By gaining victory in Monday night's thriller over the division leading Toronto Raptors, the Nets improved to 5-1 in March, 22-9 in 2014, and are now two games over .500 with a 32-30 record - their best mark of the season.  More importantly, they closed to within three games of the Atlantic lead.

With Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Mason Plumlee, Andray Blatche, and Shaun Livingston on the floor, the Nets completed a 14-0 run, staking them to a 73-60 lead with 4:28 left in the 3rd quarter.  Brooklyn then went cold, while Toronto went on their own three minute long 11-0 run.  The Raptors had closed to with 73-69 with 1:17 left in the quarter.

Kevin Garnett did not play, but Paul Pierce played despite a sore shoulder, and nailed a HUGE clutch 3-pointer to give the Nets a 97-94 lead with 1:14 left in the 4th quarter.  Then following a Deron Williams turnover, the Nets flexed their defense and came up with their own turnover in the defensive end.  Toronto fouled with 0:24 left.  Livingston converted a pair of free throws to give Flatbush a 99-96 lead.  They would eventually secure a 101-97 final over Toronto.

Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston led the team with 18 points each.  Toronto's Kyle Lowry led all scorers with 21 points.  Brooklyn had five players score in double-digits.  Paul Pierce was next in with 15 points, while Joe Johnson dropped 14 points.

Kyle Lowry also led all players with 7 assists, while Deron Williams registered 5 assists to lead the Nets.

Overall, Toronto out-rebounded Brooklyn, but Mason Plumlee tied for game high with 8 boards.

The home team buried the Raptors from 3-point land.  Toronto was 49.3% shooting from the field, and only 6/23 from beyond the arch.  Brooklyn shot 48.6% from the field, and a mighty 11/20, or 55% from 3-point land.

Toronto led by one point at the half, and outscored Brooklyn in the 4th quarter by a 24-23 margin.  The Nets 3rd quarter play was the difference, in which they overcame their halftime deficit, and outscored Toronto by a 28-22 clip.

The Miami heat lead the Southeast Division with a 44-17 record, and are currently 2nd in the Eastern Conference behind Indiana.  The Nets remained in the 6th spot.  The Heat are 3-3 in March, and just ended a 3 game skid with a victory over Washington.  Prior to that, they had won 8 straight games.

The Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets have two more regular season meetings, the first of which comes Wednesday night.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Travis d'Arnaud's Long Awaited Rookie Season Draws Closer

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

N.Y. Mets - Climbing The Hill In 2014

NEW YORK METS: Coach Terry's Catchers Are No Spring Chickens, Yet Lack MLB Experience.

Fair or Not, The Pressure Is On Travis d'Arnaud,
Who Is The Primary, And Only Plan Behind The Plate.

Somewhere in the club offices, if you're thinking like a GM, you should feel that you lack a back-up plan on the chance that Travis d'Arnaud either incurs another injury, or struggles mightily at the plate and becomes a liability.  Sandy Alderson never did secure an MLB grade catcher to back-up Travis d'Arnaud, like the GM said he wanted to back in October.  Therefore, the Mets will most likely enter the regular season with Anthony Recker as the back-up again, which is fine by me.  Maybe however, acquiring an experienced catcher is still not out of the question.  By the end of spring training, perhaps a catcher will become available.

Anthony Recker's 38 starts last season were by far his largest single body of work.  Prior to last year, his previous high was 49 at-bats during the 2012 season.  Although he only batted .215 with a .280 OBP in 135 at-bats last year, Anthony still clubbed 6 home runs and 7 doubles, and drove in 19 runs.  So, even though he'll be turning 32-years old, and has just 77 games of MLB experience, I think there was something more to his .400 slugging average last season than meets the eye.

Recker was buried in Oakland's system for many years, and perhaps all he needs is a chance to spread his arms, so to say.  That said, after having gained a greater measure of confidence last year, and even perhaps having learned a thing or two from playing with John Buck, I'm looking forward to an improved season from him.  I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, and suspect Anthony will be a competent back-up catcher this season.

Of course, the Mets primary backstop is now Travis d'Arnaud.  He is no spring chicken, but at age 25, he will still officially qualify as a rookie this season.  Over the last two years, injuries have twice derailed and/or delayed his MLB debut.  During his call-up last season, he did not exceed the minimum requirement of at-bats, and retained his rookie status.

Many are stopping just short of labeling him as injury prone.  The Mets certainly hope that's not the case. But, we all saw first hand last season, how foul tips, errant pitches, and back swings routinely find their way to d'Arnaud's unprotected areas.  Things of that nature chip away at all catchers though, but at first glance, perhaps d'Arnaud more than others.  Otherwise, his major injuries occurred in the field of play, and not necessarily because he is fragile.  Travis injured a knee as a base runner during a play at second base, and fractured his foot thanks to a foul ball while crouched behind the plate.

He is certainly not without his flaws behind the plate, but let's keep this real.  Travis was brought in to be an offensive catcher.  The type of production he displayed in 2011 with New Hampshire of the Eastern League, and his 2012 production with Las Vegas are what people want from him.  In 424 at-bats playing AA in 2011, he batted .311 and posted a .371 OBP.  He hit 33 doubles, 21 home runs, and had a .542 slugging average. Prior to suffering a knee injury in 2012, while playing in AAA, he batted .333 in 279 at-bats, with a .380 OBP, and .595 slugging mark.  He hit 21 doubles, 16 home runs, and drove in 52 runs.

It is rather unrealistic to expect that type of production from d'Arnaud so soon.  Should he ever achieve those numbers, is another matter.  But perhaps because he was brought here in exchange for a former Cy Young award winner, he might be expected to at least show that he belongs.  He managed 20 hits in 99 at-bats last season.  However, it is unfair to hold anything about last year against him.  The rookie deserves a clean slate.  That said, I hope he develops into a very popular Mets player for years to come.

Make no mistake though, Travis d'Arnaud is one of the new, young Mets being depended upon to help turn things around in Flushing.  Travis was the main player in the R.A. Dickey trade, not Noah Syndergaard.  So, in some form or fashion, the New York pressure will still bear down on the new Mets catcher.

There is also no escaping the fact that between them, d'Arnaud and Recker total 108 games of MLB experience.  But, as noted previously, each is of a fairly mature age.  That can only help, because they are both being charged with corralling the Mets stable of current, and upcoming pitchers.  With so much of the Mets potential future success riding on the health and strength of their young pitching, having a solid battery mate is paramount.

During his small body of work last season, pitchers expressed their pleasure with d'Arnaud's receiving abilities behind the plate.  Zack Wheeler in particular, had good things to say on his behalf.  We also quickly learned that he frames pitches very well.

As David Wright will be the most experienced player in the infield, he in fact becomes a pitching coach on the field, that is, until Travis d'Arnaud is comfortably settled in his MLB role.  Sometimes, those meetings on the mound yield something inspiring.  Ultimately, things of that nature must come from the catcher.

Otherwise, this is a rather unique situation which Mets fans should enjoy - watching a promising young battery grow into their own together.





Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: First Place Raptors Coming To Flatbush

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Inside The Final Quarter Season; The Nets Can Cut Into Toronto's Division Lead Tonight At Barclays Center.

Brooklyn has seemingly turned things around.  They started out the season 10-21 during 2013, but have gone 21-9 in the new year.  The Nets are above .500 for the first time this season, and trail the surprising first place Toronto Raptors by four games in the standings.

Tonight's game at Barclays Center will be the last time these teams meet in the regular season.  The Nets have lost twice to the Raptors this season, which makes tonight's game huge, albeit, in the very weak division.  As the Atlantic Division leader, Toronto owns the third spot in the Eastern Conference.  The Nets are currently sixth, with 21 games left in the regular season.

No one is talking about Lawrence Frank these days, nor of Brook Lopez.  Winning has a way of making distractions go away.  But the Nets haven't been able to shake the injury bug though.  Kevin Garnett will continue to miss games due to his back, while Paul Pierce was lost in the game against the Kings, when he developed a sore shoulder.

The Nets lead Charlotte by 3 games in the Eastern Conference, and Atlanta by 9 games.  The Nets have two more games against Charlotte this season, and just one game left against Atlanta.  This week, Brooklyn will play the first of two remaining games against Miami, then play Washington on Saturday.  They also have difficult match-ups coming against Phoenix, Dallas and Houston.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist Wins #300; Ties Giacomin In Shutouts

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

KING HENRIK's

300

NEW YORK RANGERS: Henrik Lundqvist On Verge Of Rewriting The Blueshirts Record Books.

.............But, Sometimes Lasting Legacies Are A Mixed Bag Of Goods.

With Sunday's 3-0 Rangers victory over the Detroit Red Wings, goalie Henrik Lundqvist earned his 300th career win, and his 49th career shutout.  Lundqvist is now just one win away from tying Mike Richter (301) for the club lead, and is now tied with Ed Giacomin for the club lead in shutouts.

Henrik Lundqvist is now 32-years old.  Mike Richter retired at 36-years of age.  To date, Henrik has started 106 less games than Mike Richter totaled for the Rangers.  Richter retired with a 301-258 career record, and a .538 winning percentage.  Henrik now owns a 300-191 record, and currently sports a .611 winning percentage.  Of course, Mike Richter played prior to the institution of the shootout.  Richter was credited with 73 ties during his career, while Lundqvist technically has zero.

Henrik Lunqvist earned at least 30 victories in each of his first seven seasons.  He established a high of 39 victories during the 2011-12 season.  Mike Richter's best mark came during the 1993-94 Cup season, in which he posted 42 victories to lead the league.  He only achieved 30+ victories one other time in his career. Lundqvist on the other hand, has never achieved 40 victories - yet.  However, he did lead the NHL with 24 victories in last year's abbreviated season.

Mike Richter never recorded more than 5 shutouts in a season.  Henrik Lundqvist has twice led the NHL in shutouts, with 10 and 11 respectively.  Prior to unceremoniously being traded to the Red Wings, Hall of Fame goalie Eddie Giacomin spent 9+ seasons tending net for the Rangers, in which he recorded 49 shutouts, and led the NHL three times.

Giacomin achieved 30+ victories in a season 5 times, and his first four times came consecutively.  He led the league in wins three times, and established a career high of 37 wins during the 1968-69 season.  Eddie also earned the Vezina award for his 1970-71 season.

Henrik won the Vezina award for his 2011-12 season, while Mike Richter never managed to win the award.
Henrik also has earned gold and silver medals in the Olympics.

However, Mike Richter's name is on the Stanley Cup, and Eddie Giacomin at least competed for a Cup. Unfortunately, Henrik Lundqvist has yet to participate in a Stanley Cup series.

Recently acquired Martin St. Louis is just the latest in a long list of veteran players trying to get Henrik there.

sigh...



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Climbing The Hill In 2014

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS - Call To Arms; The Mets Are Loading Up.

After three full years of reconstruction, Sandy Alderson's minor league pipeline seems ready to provide for the pitching needs of Flushing.  The arrivals of Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler are what many fans hope is just the beginning.  In the near term at least, the Mets will be shuffling up quite a number of quality arms - more so than position players.

Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero are just two of several starting pitchers that should be sprouting up in Flushing soon.  The club will no doubt consider Super-2 status when deciding upon their call-up dates. Then behind them, perhaps starters such as Logan Verrett, Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz are not too far off.

For now, the Mets will return with Zack Wheeler, Jonathan Niese, and Dillon Gee in the starting rotation. Bartolo Colon is the fourth man in, while the club is holding a competition for the fifth spot, consisting of John Lannan, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jenrry Mejia, and long shot Carlos Torres.

John Lannan is a 29-year old, left-handed pitcher.  That, in itself is worth its weight in gold, but some might argue he never delivered on the promise Washington held for him earlier in his career.  I'm not one of them.  I feel he can still be a fine pitcher if he can shake the injury bug.  Last season, he was shut down due to a knee injury.

It's been a long road back for Daisuke Matsuzaka, but last season in seven appearances for the Mets, he didn't look too shabby - did he?  In fact, he was a very worthwhile late season acquisition, who showed, at age 32, there was certainly something left in the tank.  He enters this season as a 33-year old, and is a good insurance policy to have around.

Of course, spring training will decide how Lannan and Dice-K ultimately fit into the Mets plans.

Bartolo Colon is the fourth man in.  What he still has in the tank remains to be seen.  If he continues to pitch with the effectiveness he displayed last season, he will be worth every penny Sandy Alderson committed to him.  However, the fact that he'll turn 41-years old in May, and isn't in prime shape has many fearing Colon will turn into, among other things, a National League bust.  With health, he will do what he does best, which is consistently pound the strike zone with fastballs.  It will be interesting to watch him, and his pitching style play out in the senior circuit.  If Sandy Alderson indeed thinks the Mets can win 90 games this season, then Bartolo Colon will need to play a huge role in that.

In the bullpen, all eyes are on Bobby Parnell.  Will he be healthy enough to resume his role as closer?  That still remains to be seen.  The next question that begs asking then, is who would potentially take his place? There is no clear choice.  According to Coach Terry, the rest of the bullpen could include Jeurys Familia, Vic Black, Josh Edgin, and Scott Rice.  Carlos Torres will most likely join them, while Lannan and Jenrry Mejia could both realistically wind up in the bullpen as well.

What comes next concerns me.  After failing to retain LaTroy Hawkins, and watching the free agent relief market pass them by, the Mets signed Kyle Farnsworth, and Jose Valverde to minor league contracts, and invited them to camp.  I guess there is no harm in that...., yet.

Sandy Alderson really dropped the ball on this one.  This is right in line with his overall inability to build a bullpen - ever since he first commissioned Frank Francisco, Ramon Ramirez and D.J. Carrasco to be his firemen.  That said, even with continuing uncertainty, this year's bullpen might very well turn into Sandy Alderson's best yet.

Reliever Vic Black will have a full season to show his worth, and the healthy return of Jeurys Familia, possibly teaming up with Jenrry Mejia, is being eagerly anticipated.

But the real key to the Mets bullpen might very well lay in who they decide to promote from within.  The Mets have a number of quality, and very interesting candidates with varying AA and AAA experience to chose from.

Relievers Jeff Walters and Jack Leathersich are just two of a crop of relievers who have all pitched at least one season with AA Binghamton.  Overall, the bullpen depth at Binghamton last season was particularly quite deep.  John Church, Chase Huchingson, and Adam Kolarek are a few others who potentially stand ready to reinforce the bullpen by late summer if needed.

Heading into the 2014 season, pitching will no doubt be the team's primary strength.  Even minus Matt Harvey, there is a lot to like, and feel good about with regards to the Mets pitching options, and increasing depth of quality.

From top to bottom, the Mets are still somewhat organizationally light in left-handed pitching though.  Sandy Alderson can fix that, but the greater decision he eventually will face is, which pitcher, if any, would he trade in order to secure a premium position player?

There is one school of thought that says you need to give in order to get.  However, there is a large pocket of Mets fans who will have none of that, and are fiercely resistant to trading any of them.  Me?  I prefer the Mets hoard their pitchers, and explore other strategies for securing more offense.



Mike.BTB