N.Y. Mets: Terry Collins Playing With Fire

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Terry Collins has spent the first 29 games of the season making a strong case for his dismissal.

Is Terry Collins trying to lose his job?  What was he thinking in leaving Jenrry Mejia in against Colorado on Saturday, and letting him surrender 8 runs in the 5th inning, punctuated by a grand slam off the bat of third baseman Nolan Arenado?  Where was his mind in letting a 6-0 lead become a 2 run deficit?

Sure, an error by first baseman Lucas Duda prolonged the inning, but, make no mistake, the 5th inning will shine an awfully bright spotlight on the Mets skipper.  I'm confident this will be an incident referred to numerous times.

His bullpen management was already questionable to begin with.  At no time during Jenrry Mejia's meltdown, did the manager hasten activity in the bullpen.  Diasuke Matsuzaka was still attempting to warm up by the time his real need arrived.  As someone still learning the role of relief, Dice-K was no where near prepared to enter the game in time to save Mejia from his implosion.  That falls squarely on Terry Collins, for not having two pitchers preparing themselves.

Issues with Terry Collins' game management do not stop there.  He is also in the midst of making unpopular decisions with his line-up, particularly through his lack of conviction in selecting a clean-up hitter, along with his indecision as to how to proceed forward with the outfield.

The last few years have obviously been spent rebuilding the Mets, and as manager of such, Terry Collins served in that capacity well by pointing a preponderance of youngsters in the right direction..  But, 2014 was supposed to be a turning point.  If the Mets can't produce tangible results on the field, then at a minimum, the decision making process should nevertheless move forward with creating a more demanding environment for the players.

I believed since the day Terry Collins signed his extension, that Sandy Alderson designed that contract with the intentions of eating it.

If Terry Collins keeps this up, he may not make it to July.  But, a mid-season fire and hire however, may not present the Mets with their optimal replacement.  Third base coach Tim Teufel would most likely serve as interim manager should Terry Collins get relieved in-season, and then be included in the interview process to determine next season's skipper.  I for one, want Tim Teufel nowhere near the Mets helm.  I do not even consider him an adequate third base coach.

More and more, Mets fans are clamoring for Wally Backman to assume control over the Flushing Nine.  I share that sentiment.  I suspect promoting Wally Backman in-season is out of the question, and I would even agree it unwise.  He should finish what he started in Las Vegas.  But come next season, I would be one of tens of thousands that would stand and roar with delight at the sight of Wally Backman handing the umpires New York's lineup card on Opening Day.

We do not know Sandy Alderson's true opinion of Backman.  Based on philosophical beliefs, the two seem opposed in thought, application, and practice.  However, there is something to be said for Wally Backman being in his third season as manager of the Mets AAA affiliate.  It makes sense that Sandy Alderson keeps asking him back for a reason.

In hindsight, 2014 was prematurely targeted as the season this club was to turn the page.  That still may be, but most agree true contention is still at least another season away.  That should not preclude the club from operating with a greater sense of urgency.

Better baseball requires better management.  If a change is warranted, act with expediency and conviction.



Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks: Finally Thwart Revolution For First Home Victory Of 2014

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

York Leads Opening Day Series 2-1

GM 1 - York 6; Long Island 1

GM 2 - York 8; Long Island 7

GM 3 - Long Island 4; York 3

GM 4 - Sunday Afternoon

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Bobby Blevins Continues His Strong Pitching; Ducks Win First Home Game Of 2014 Season.

Have the York Revolution no respect for the returning champion's triumphant return home, on Opening Day no less?  Clearly, for York, which defeated the Ducks in the 2011 Atlantic League championship series, the answer is no, they did not.

The Revolutionary party-crashers from the Freedom Division were having none of it.  They came, they saw, and they ruined what was otherwise supposed to be a celebratory weekend at Long Island's Bethpage Park.

They treated Ducks starting pitchers John Brownell and Shaun Garceau rather rudely in the first two games of this four game weekend series.  John Brownell took the loss on Opening Day.  He pitched 6 innings, and was roughed up for 4 earned runs on 6 hits.  He walked 2 and fanned 5 batters before exiting on the losing side of an eventual 6-1 final.

In Saturday's first game of a twin-bill, the Ducks failed to hold a 5-2 lead, and eventually bowed to the Revs by an 8-7 score.  Shaun Garceau only lasted 4 innings, allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and fanned 5 before departing, but escaped with a no-decision.  However, he saw his ERA balloon to a ghastly 18.48 mark after two starts this season.

Over the first two games of the series, York pitching held the Ducks to a .184 batting average on 12 for 65 at the plate.  Long Island managed 4 extra base hits, which included two home runs, drew 8 walks and fanned 8 times.

The Ducks finally prevailed over the Revolution in Saturday's night cap, on the strength of Bobby Blevins' 7 inning gem, and clutch hitting from Cody Puckett.

Bobby Blevins climbed the hill for Long Island, and once again pitched marvelously over his seven innings of work.  Over that span, he allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits, walked none, and struck out 8 batters, all swinging.

York took the initial lead with a pair of runs in the 4th inning.  But, the Ducks stormed back to give Blevins a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 5th inning, on an RBI double struck by shortstop Dan Lyons, and a two run single by right fielder Fehlandt Lentini.

Jeremy Accardo entered the game in the 8th inning in relief of Bobby Blevins, and with one out, was greeted by York center fielder Sean Smith with a long home run over the left field wall, which tied the game at three, and unfortunately reduced Bobby Blevins effort to a no decision.

However, Long Island regained the lead when second baseman Cody Puckett came up with a big 2-out base hit in the bottom of the 8th inning, to score Lew Ford (single) from second base.

Closer Leo Rosales entered the game in the 9th, looking to close things out.  The first Revs batter went down swinging at strike three.  The second York batter looked at strike three.  Then, the final Revolutions batter literally threw his bat through strike three to end the game.  The bat finally came to rest foul, down the right field line.

Although Jeremy Accardo blew the save opportunity, he gets credit for Long Island's first home victory.   Leo Rosales earned his 3rd save of the young season.  In two starts and 13 innings pitched, Bobby Blevins has allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, walked none, and fanned 14 batters.  His ERA dropped from 3.00 down to a 2.77 mark.

In Saturday's Game One, catcher Keith Castillo became the first Duck with 2 home runs.  Lew Ford leads the team with 6 RBI.

Long Island evened their season record at 4-4.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Blueshirts Work Overtime To Snatch Home Ice Advantage

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Tex's Rangers Steal Home Ice Away From Penguins

Rangers Lead Series 1-0

I - NYR 3; PITT 2*

II - SUNDAY

III - PITT @ NYR

IV - PITT @ NYR

V - NYR @ PITT

VI - PITT @ NYR

VII - NYR @ PITT

*overtime

GAME TWO

New York Rangers

vs.

Pittsburgh Penguins

FROM

Steel City

NEW YORK RANGERS: We Have Ourselves A Series, As Pittsburgh Drops Opener On Home Ice.  Pressure Now Squarely On Marc Andre Fleury And The Mighty Pens To Square Series Before Entering Madison Square Garden.

Blueshirts Land First Blow In Metropolitan Division Prize Fight

Coach Vigneault was able to negotiate his team through a physical series against Philadelphia.  Among his adjustments, his timely implementation of Dan Carcillo was a key factor in the series.  Now, I have to credit Coach and say, a touch of Vigneault could be the difference in getting the Rangers through Pittsburgh.

Vigneault vs. Tortorella

The Rangers proved long ago, they can take a punch.  The criticisms levied against these new Rangers involved their inability, or willingness to punch back.  Under Alain Vigneault, the Rangers have done things differently for sure.  Where as I likened the Rangers under Tortorella to a big blue glacier grinding down teams in their path, who also many times settled things with their fists, Vigneault's team instead plays with a bit more refinement and polish, and above all, with shared responsibility.

The Rangers still continue to battle like heavyweights, just smarter under Vigneault.  Pittsburgh is clearly a far less physically threatening opponent than Philadelphia, but they're obviously a very skilled, and perennial powerhouse nonetheless.  That's where Vigneault comes in.

Under Torts, Benoit Pouliot would have never been on the ice to factor like he has.  After a series of bad penalties against the Flyers (if not after his first stupid penalty) Pouliot would have been buried deep in the basement of Tortorella's dog house, and Derick Brassard would have probably been in the penalty box having earned five for fighting.

Under Torts, the 4th line would have been nothing but a pipe dream.  Coach Vigneault deserves credit for not only creating a functioning four line system, but for assembling a 4th line that excels, and propels the Rangers.  In fact, he also established order throughout the four lines.  Under Torts, the top three forwards would have most likely been getting over-shifted.  Mats Zuccarello, the team's leading regular season scorer, would probably still be suffering from un-favored status, while Brad Richards would still be clocking in 24 minutes a night.

All that said, the Rangers and Penguins exchanged hey-makers in the first two periods, before gaining a measure of respect for each other in the third.  Then three minutes into the fourth round, Derick Brassard delivered Game One's knockout blow.

Benoit Pouliot and Brad Richards each notched their third goals of the playoffs.  Derick Brassard's first of the playoffs was a winner, and a reward for his 8th straight game of hard work.

Henrik Lundqvist faced 9 more shots (36 to 27) than did Marc Andre Fleury, and forced the game into overtime with a brilliant third period save.  But, as speculated, Fleury proved erratic between the pipes. Benoit Pouliot beat Pittsburgh's goalie like a rented mule on the game's opening score.  Then on the second score, Fleury's defensemen abandoned their posts, forcing him to over play Brad Richard's goal.  In overtime, Fleury actually got beat twice on the game's winning goal in overtime by both Pouliot and Brassard.

Sidney Crosby's post-season woes continue.  He was held to three SOG, and was a -3 for the game.
James Neal and Chris Kuntitz earned a measure of Blueshirt attention however, with 5 and 7 SOG respectively.  Rick Nash had 4 shots, and Derek Stepan had 5 shots for the Rangers.

For the new wave of Dan Carcillo fans, Coach Vigneault gave him 19 shifts in 10:00 minutes of ice time, all at even strength.  But, Coach Vigneault has so far resisted trying Anton Stralman's shot on the PP.

Both teams were scoreless in four PP opportunities each, so credit the Rangers for pulling out Game One at even strength.  The Rangers are now scoreless in their last 25 PP opportunities.

Although the Penguins had more SOG, the Rangers laid more hits and won more face-offs.

The Rangers obviously do not own home ice advantage as they did in Round One against the Flyers.  On Friday however, they helped themselves immeasurably, but only if they capitalize on their 1-0 series lead. They need an even higher sense of awareness now, and attention to detail.  I'm sure we all agree, the Rangers want the Penguins lingering around as little as possible.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Game Seven Now Hinges On Deron Williams Unfortunate Twist Of Fate

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Deron Williams' Nets Career Still Haunted By Ankle Injuries.

Series Tied 3-3

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

IV - TOR 87; BKN 79

V - TOR 115; BKN 113

VI - BKN 97; TOR 83

VII - SUNDAY

GAME SEVEN

Brooklyn Nets

vs.

Toronto Raptors

FROM

Another Country

BROOKLYN NETS: This is far from a Willis Reed moment in the Finals against the Lakers, but if Deron Williams can lead his team to Game Seven victory while playing on a potentially bad ankle, he might finally endear himself to the Borough.

Deron Williams did not defer to Joe Johnson or Paul Pierce as was the case in previous games.  He was not out of sorts and seemingly out of control down the stretch, or committing a series of late game turnovers. Nor did his shot freeze up at the (customarily) most inopportune time.

With his critics circling like sharks off the Brooklyn waterfront, Deron Williams left little question as to who the leader of Game Six was going to be.  He started the game strong, sustained his intensity, and with little over a minute left in the 4th quarter, drained a 3-pointer which effectively ended any hopes Toronto held of a comeback.

Williams was the only Nets player to score over 20 points, to go along with 4 assists and 5 rebounds. Toronto's DeMar DeRozan was the only other player to top 20 points.  But, perhaps more importantly, Deron put to rest any inclination Nets fans in attendance at Barclays Center held of spilling out along Flatbush Avenue, and going home disappointed, depressed, or worse, irate with their team's point guard.

But, Friday night's victory over Toronto was a mixed bag of goods.

Deron Williams undoubtedly led the Nets to victory on their home court, and extended the series to a decisive seventh game.  However, what he accomplished in Game Six is what was always expected of him since his acquisition.  And, with regards to this series, unless he shakes the moniker of Every Other Game Man, the sharks will continue looking to bite.

A fickle pat on the back is all he gets for now, since everyone is expecting a repeat performance in Game Seven.  The game's elite players show upon a nightly basis, and more often than not seek to seize the moment.  The narrative of Deron Williams' entire season now hinges on his ability to seize Game Seven in Toronto.

But he rolled his ever worrisome ankle again in the 3rd quarter, and as we know, the worst of the pain and swelling takes place after the sneakers come off.  Deron Williams said it best after the game - the true test will be when the game adrenalin wears off.

This makes today, Saturday, no different from another other day this season, or any over the last three years (two in Brooklyn), in so far that fans just cross their fingers and hope Deron Williams will be able to play at a high level on Sunday.



Mike.BTB

Today for Rising Apple: The Friday Night Recap - Rockies Pound Zack Wheeler And Mets 10-3

Here's my latest for

RisingApple.com

5/2 Game Recap: Rockies Pound Zack Wheeler And Mets 10-3

Join me every week for The Friday Recap.

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

L.I. Ducks: Defending Champs Finally Come Home

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Welcome Back!

OPENING NIGHT

York Revolution

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM

Bethpage Park

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Flock Back In The Pond For First Time Since Game Two Of 2013 Championship Series.

They're back, and 3-2 on the young season.

The Long Island Ducks and their fans will be reunited again for the first time since September 26th of last year.  After taking a 2-0 lead in the 2013 championship series at Bethpage Park, the series shifted to Somerset for the final three games.  The Patriots tied the series at two with back to back extra inning victories.  The Ducks prevailed in Game Five however, to become back to back champions of the Atlantic League.

Tonight, the 15th season of Ducks baseball kicks off in earnest, with Opening Night festivities and the start of a three game series against the York Revolution.  Players from last year's team will be on hand to receive their rings, and another championship flag will be raised.

April showers have wreaked havoc on the early schedule.  Forced to play a (7 inning) double-header on Thursday, the Ducks are fresh off taking both games over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

Lew Ford and right fielder Fehlandt Lentini led the charge in game one towards an 11-1 final score.  Ford connected on Long Island's first home run of the season, and was 2 for 4, with 5 RBI in the game.  Lentini was 2 for 3 with 3 RBI.

Ducks starter Matt Way pitched five sterling innings, surrendered one earned run on a home run by Somerset catcher John Bowden, but otherwise allowed just two hits, walked one, and fanned 6 for the victory.

Game two was a much more closely contested affair.  Long Island's bullpen carried the day with three scoreless innings in relief of Fernando Hernandez, who pitched 4 innings, allowed one earned run on 5 hits, walked one, and fanned 2 before exiting the game on the winning side.

Keith Castillo's two run home run gave the Ducks a 2-1 lead in the 2nd inning, and Dan Lyons provided an insurance run in the 5th, with a single that drove home third baseman Sergio Miranda.

John Brownell will pitch Long Island's home opener tonight.  John pitched 6 innings in his 1st start, allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits, walked none, and fanned 5, but was credited with a no-decision against the Somerset Patriots in their home opener on April 25th.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Will The Real Flatbush Five Please Stand Up

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

The Phantom of 2013 Strike Again!

Raptors lead Series 3-2

GAME FIVE FINAL:

Nets        113

Raptors  115

BROOKLYN NETS: They Almost Pushed The Rock All The Way Up The Mountain, But Ultimately Watched It Roll Back Into The Valley.  No One Cares How Close They Came. They Just Want The Freakin' Rock On Top Of The Mountain.

BROOKLYN FACING ELIMINATION ON HOME COURT

GAME SIX

Toronto Raptors

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Barclays Center

Flatbush Avenue at Atlantic Avenue

Starting at 101-101, the score in the 4th quarter was tied several times.  This came with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett on the bench.  After the Nets came back the way they did, you can't really knock Jason Kidd for putting them there.  But, just as I said after Game One....

....more than anything, he (KG) combined with Paul Pierce in handling the ball with very sure hands in the closing three minutes of the game. His ability to gain the high elbow, and pass back and forth with Paul Pierce on the wing, without panic, exemplified their respective playoff experience at its finest.

Too bad much of the blame for Sunday's loss went to Andray Blatche for misplaying the ball in the closing seconds. I'll just say that in the closing moments, Jason Kidd had less sure players on the floor.  But, please point to an otherwise miserable team performance before everyone piles on Blatche.

The Brooklyn Nets must now win two in a row, or get bounced from the post-season.  They get to play at home tonight, but must travel back to Toronto and win there as well, should they prevail in Barclays Center first.

Now we'll get to see if investing in all this experience will pay off.  Billy King took a a major gamble and spent a lot of dollars assembling this team.  For them to get bounced in the first round would be a colossal failure.

The GM of the Raptors hasn't said too many bright things, but, among his more rational musings was, be careful what you ask for - in reference to the Nets positioning themselves for a first round match-up with Toronto.  That plan is now only 60 minutes away from backfiring.

We know what needs to be done.  No use beating Deron Williams over the head.  He'll have enough to deal with regardless whether the Nets win or lose this series.  His criticisms have piled high since Game One.

Keep the team of 2013 in the closet, and unleash the team we saw between January and April.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: After Quick Garden Party, March On The Penguins Begins

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Rangers Win Series Over Flyers 4-3

I - NYR 4: PHI 1

II - PHI 4; NYR 2

III - NYR 4; PHI 1

IV - PHI 2; NYR 1

V - NYR 4; PHI 2

VI - PHI 5; NYR 2

VII - NYR 2; PHI 1

2013-2014

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

ROUND TWO ~ GAME ONE

FRIDAY NIGHT

New York Rangers

vs.

Pittsburgh Penguins

FROM

Steel City

NEW YORK RANGERS: With The Penguins Looming, No Time To Enjoy Dan Carcillo's Demoralizing Goal, Or Benoit Pouliot's Back Breaker In Game Seven.

I'm not trying to detract from the Rangers Game Seven victory, but, boy, did Philly play flat.  I mean, not once, but twice, Rangers passes went through the legs of two Flyers defensemen en route to a pair of Game Seven goals.  That's what happens when there's a lot of standing around and watching, which describes Philadelphia's second period play.

Otherwise Steve Mason was doing cartwheels in net.  I can't really say Henrik Lundqvist won the battle of the goalies, although, all hail the King for Game Seven.  But, the head to head numbers against Ray Emery early in the series were not that great.  Even then, Philadelphia's mistake, or misfortune (due to injury) was inserting Steve Mason too late.

Philadelphia's problems were not between the pipes though.  The Flyers defensemen flat out failed.  In Game Five, they lost track of Brad Richards, and then Dominic Moore went through them like saloon doors in the wild west.  Along with what Dan Carcillo and Benoit Pouliot pulled in Game Seven, all Philly's defensive futility was on full display.  Both Hal Gill and Braydon Coburn had a particularly bad series.

As bad as they were, the Rangers, and Henrik Lundqvist, still needed a hero last night.  Henrik - because if they had lost, everyone would have come crashing down on him.  So, thank you Dan Carcillo and Benoit Pouliot- not the most likely of names, considering...........

Think about it - the Rangers got assists from Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Klein, Derick Brassard, and Anton Stralman.  Outside of MatsZucs, you know where I'm going with this, and IT will need to change by Friday. I understand Rick Nash played an effective game, but against the Penguins, he, as well as Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, and Derek Stepan(!) must generate more scoring.

On a more positive note, three cheers for Brian Boyle and the 4th line!

I also like Carl Hagelin's and MatZucs' speed against the Penguins defense.  The Penguins are going to try and out-score their opponents.  No secret there, and with Fleury between the pipes, that's a sound strategy. If the Ranger's bigger stars show up, Hagelin and Zucs can make a big difference, but, only then.  If they are made to carry the team, then.... fuhgeddaboudit.

Not surprisingly, the Rangers generated 2.7 goals per game against Philadelphia.  That will not due against the Penguins.  But, without getting cocky, Marc Andre Fleury might be just what the doctor ordered.  At both even strength, and particularly on the power play, the Rangers need to keep peppering Fleury with shots, and from all angles.  If they can continue generating 30+ shots per game, as they did against the Flyers, I like the chance that a few more pucks find net with Fleury guarding the pipes.

Here are the obligatory numbers:

The Penguins ranked 5th in the NHL in goals, while the Rangers defense ranked 4th.  The Rangers offense was 18th, and the Penguins defense ranked 10th.

The league's 15th rated PP just got worse.  What the hell happened to the Blueshirt PP that started off so well in games One and Two, that they would fail over the next five games spanning 25 scoreless opportunities?  Mind you, the Rangers were 2/6 in Game One, and only 1/6 in Game Two, then short circuited.

Coach Vigneault might want to consider adding Anton Stralman's big shot on the man advantage, because if the PP proves equally futile against Pittsburgh, the Rangers will surely lose.  The Penguins PK ranked 5th in the league.

On the other side of the equation, I fully expect the Penguins to exploit their PP opportunities.  They were #1 in the NHL.  Therefore, the most effective method for the Rangers to kill off penalties, is to not commit mistakes in the first place.  Although their PK ranked 3rd in the regular season, the Rangers were uncharacteristically guilty of far more needless and dumb (Benoit Pouliot) penalties in the first round against the Flyers.  They'll obviously need to employ more discipline this time around.

On that note, I expect the Penguins 5th line to play a major factor in the series.  The NHL can't have anything happen to their crowned princess, so I'm sure the stripes will have their whistles at the ready any time a Blueshirt even nears her majesty.  And why not..., the refs in the last series were horrible, with all their embellishment nonsense, and other such curious calls.  Crosby additionally failed to score a goal in the first round, so I'm sure the networks want him treated with extra care to get him going as well.

I anticipate Ryan McDonagh having a better series, but I'm concerned with Anton Stralman's and Kevin Klein's ability to keep up with Pittsburgh's forwards.  I think the last thing the Rangers want is for Pittsburgh to start skating around and gaining flow - yes, what Coach Vigneault likes to do.  But, Coach might want to also consider grinding on the Penguins, in an effort to slow them down.  That should also involve keeping Dan Carcillo and his physicality on a steady shift.

No time to dwell on much else.  It's time to drop the puck on Round Two.

Let's Go Rangers.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Let's Be Friends To The End

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

why? Why? WHY?

NEW YORK METS: The Saul B.Katz Dilemma Knows No Bounds.  They're Not Too Proud To Beg After All.

On 4.3079th day in this Age of WILPONianism, let it be known, that in the Year Twelve A.D. (After Doubleday), the Saul B.Katz Dilemma dispatched this letter to its fans via email.  Check the link, because I'm not wasting my time regurgitating it here.

The contents therein rank right up there, if not exceed ownership's infamous, and impotent exhortation,

"I wanna play meaningful games in September."

Why does this ownership continually embarrass itself?  The Wilpons (Saul's Dilemma) are so flawed, they're almost endearing.  However, I stress the word almost.

I realize the organization doesn't necessarily care about me, because I'm already loyal to the team.  Their intention is to try and draw in the next sucker.  But, was this really the way to go about it?  The short answer is an emphatic - NO!  In a city of 8 million people, you shouldn't have to beg any body.  Build a winner, and they will come.

You guys were doing good this year too.  Now this.  What a ponderous thing to do.

Uncle Saul's partner just doesn't get it, does he?  Gotham has demonstrated time and again, we can easily fill both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, with 3+ million fans a season if you just put a competitive product on the field.  Asking fans to give this year's team a fair shake, just like we did for the 1969 and 1986 teams, is such an amateurish tactic, it borders on independent league.

What's next, asking Father Carmine for his blessing before every game?  Putting Jeff in a dunk tank?

I know....

Instead of pleading with fans, potential or otherwise, for their unconditional loyalty, how about penning a lengthy apology to the fans for inaugurating the de-evolution of the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: With Nash In A Funk, Game Seven Needs A Hero

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

GAME SEVEN

Philadelphia Flyers

vs.

New York Rangers

FROM

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Smallest Players Continue Playing A Big Role, While Rick Nash And His Size Remain In Obscurity.

Wayne Simmonds Played Big When His Team Was Faced With Elimination.

Now Rick Nash Must Do The Same For The Rangers.

The Rangers generated more shots - as many as they did in the first two games, and won more face-offs than Philly, which is something they've struggled to do this series.  Unfortunately, the Steve Mason they faced in Game Four showed up, and not the Mason the Rangers faced on Sunday.

That might work out well for the Rangers heading into Game Seven.  Steve Mason does not play particularly well in Madison Square Garden.  The Steve Mason the Rangers played on Tuesday and in Game Four has proven to be a far more formidable net minder when on home ice.

Other than that, things went horribly wrong in Philadelphia.

Whether Dan Carcillo should have played in Game Six is a non issue - not after a game like Tuesday's, because once again, the 4th line was the Rangers best line.  So, there's no use haranguing the issue.  But, in Game Seven Coach Vigneault might have to insert his energy, and grit into the line-up.  No one else on this team throws his body around like he does.

Let's face it, the final score of Game Six read 5-2, but that was effectively a whitewash, because the Rangers main player continues to get shut out.

Jakub Voracek carried the Flyers early in the series, and now (with a hat trick in Game Six, and 4 goals in the series) Wayne Simmonds is taking charge.  For the Blueshirts, I guess you can say Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis took early charge of the Rangers, however, Rick Nash remains mired in obscurity.

How is it that the Rangers smallest guy, Mats Zuccarello is the Rangers best player?  He got knocked around like a pinball in Game Six, but still scored a goal, and has authored some nice passes as well.  Martin St. Louis, Carl Hagelin, and MatsZucs should not be playing a more physical game than Rick Nash, who seemingly refuses to utilize his size.

All I hear out of Columbus is thank goodness Rick Nash is gone, and that they love Brandon Dubinsky. And, just to throw it out there, Brandon Prust is headed into the second round.

Let's just hope Coach Vigneault's power play wakes up tonight.  The Rangers will no doubt get opportunities.  But, the Flyers have been playing smarter of late, and are committing less penalties.  So, the need for the Rangers to capitalize on their dwindling chances this evening is paramount.  It also would not hurt if Coach Vigneault readjusts to Philly's adjustments.  The Flyers have taken control of the chess game. The next move is Vigneault's.

Clearly, the universal way of dealing with a Game Six loss is to let it go, and act like it never happened.  Life is now a one game matter now, which boils down to 60 minutes and intestinal fortitude.  It's gut check time. Let's see who shows up tonight, and who doesn't.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Deron Williams Leading The Team In Critics

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Series Tied 2-2

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

IV - TOR 87; BKN 79

V - WEDNESDAY

GAME FIVE

Brooklyn Nets

vs.

Toronto Raptors

FROM

North of the Border

BROOKLYN NETS: Dean Wormer Isn't F***ing Around Guys.  Deron Williams Is Now On Double Secret Probation.

I'm sure someone in Brooklyn appreciates how Deron Williams caught Kyle Lowry with an open-handed slap to the face - by accident of course.  Maybe Deron can audition for a part if The Lords of Flatbush revival ever hits Broadway.  But, right now, the Hoops of Flatbush need buckets, and they need them from their point guard Williams.

The Raptors covered Joe Johnson like a blanket last game.  Johnson was doubled, and triple teamed at times.  What does that mean?  Who brought the help on defense, and from where?  And as a result, who was the open man?  And, considering Kyle Lowry played Game Four with a bothersome knee,  I'll ask kindly, where the hell was Deron Williams in Game Four?

He scored 10 points and had 6 assists in 37 minutes.  He was 4/12 from the field, 0/5 from beyond the arch, and with only two buckets in three attempts, he clearly didn't do enough to get to the free throw line.  He additionally turned the ball over 5 times, and played with 5 personal fouls that caused him to play cautiously. Regardless, to date it was perhaps the most inconsequential games he's played as a Net.  Mind you, this came on his home court, and not to mention this is the playoffs.

This less about the Nets stopping DeMar DeRozan, than it is getting Deron Williams to lead the Nets.  He gets off to good starts, but so far has not finished well.  He appears content to defer to Pierce, and Joe Johnson, which is unfortunate, because as the point guard of this team, he is supposed to be the creator, the facilitator, and a decisive factor in crunch time.  Instead, a ponderous performance in Game Four leaves one with little choice but to be highly skeptical.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Vote No To Game Seven, Finish Tonight!

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Rangers Lead Series 3-2

I - NYR 4; PHI 1

II - PHI 4; NYR 2

III - NYR 4; PHI 1

IV - PHI 2; NYR 1

V - NYR 4; PHI 2

VI - TONIGHT

GAME SIX

New York Rangers

vs.

Philadelphia Flyers

FROM

The Broad Street Octagon

NEW YORK RANGERS: Blueshirts Give Bullies A Bloody Nose In Game Five; Look To Knock Out Philadelphia Tonight.

FINISH!

You know what I say - once is an event, and twice is a coincidence.  But, the Rangers scoring four goals in every other game is now a trend, or so we hope.  I'd settle for a 2-0 shutout tonight.  Try me.

The Rangers were actually out-shot in Game Five, but took a 3-2 lead in the series on the strength of their somewhat least likely scorers.  Steve Mason's teammates certainly failed him on two of them.  Mason had no answer for Marc Staal's booming shot from the left dot.  However, on the Rangers second goal, Mason accounted for every one in front of him, except Brad Richards who lurked off net.  During a loose puck scrum, four Flyers descended on the crease, left Richards uncovered, and paid a price.  Later, Mason was then failed by his teammate's piss poor puck handling on Dominic Moore's goal.

Without knowing which Steve Mason awaits them in Game Six, it behooves the Rangers to generate more shots, similar to the first two games.

Of course, Mason was a non-participant during Brian Boyle's closing goal.  There's no doubt the Rangers have 4th line fever.  After all the hard work he's put in this series, Brian Boyle finally scored.  Good for him.

Brad Richards scored his 2nd goal of the playoffs, and Martin St. Louis was robbed of the Rangers potential sixth goal of the game by non review-able whistle.  The big guns have by and large, shown up - all except Rick Nash.  He leads the team with 23 shots on goal.  So, the chances have been there.  He's just able to finish.  If he doesn't get going, the Rangers themselves risk not finishing.

Oddly enough, the Rangers have won three games without his scoring, and with a sputtering power play.  If I didn't know any better, in Game Five, it looked like the Rangers took a page out of the Flyers play book.  I watched the Blueshirts play after the whistle, I saw them crash Steve Mason, I saw them make questionable hits (they got away with..), and saw them glove wash a few faces as well.  I saw the Rangers play with an edge the Flyers did not match.

Another Flyer-like similarity was the Rangers putting Philly on the PP an uncharacteristic 5 times in Game Five.  While, the Blueshirts were only afforded 3 opportunities (and went scoreless).

The big question for the Rangers is, should Dan Carcillo play in Game Six?  I'm not as insistent on him playing like I was heading into Game Three, but I still think he should be strongly considered.  J.T. Miller deserves minutes too, and just may get 'em.

No one wants the series to return to Madison Square Garden.  We can do without a Game Seven for a change.  Finish!

And Let's Go Mets too.




Mike,BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Please Curb Your Dog

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Team's Alter-Ego Rears Its Ugly Head Again

Series Tied 2-2

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 85

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

GAME FOUR FINAL

Raptors    87

NETS       79

BROOKLYN NETS: Ya Can't Blame This One On The Fans!

The game started off ugly for the Nets, got better, then finished in a Flatbush Avenue wreck.

This is why I have to question whether the Nets actually "tanked" the last five games of the regular season, because the team that played Sunday's game looked awfully familiar to me.  In those last five games, the Nets showed every reason why they should eliminate the Raptors, but also displayed every reason why the Nets would fail to get out of the first round.

The peaks and valleys, bumps and bruises that have been Nets basketball this season make Coney Island's famous Cyclone seem smooth and tame by comparison.  Instead of being up 3-1, the series is now a toss up, or a best of three depending how you see things.

The Nets have no one to blame but themselves.  Kevin Garnett can't blame the fans for this one.  I wonder if he would want the boo's to rain down upon him and the team, the same way he wanted fans to shower the Raptors general manager with venom?

Talk about making life difficult for yourself..........  Fuhgeddaboudit.

You kind of expect DeMar DeRozan, or Kyle Lowry, to have the types of game they did - if not both together, which is what happened.  DeRozan went for 24 points, and the Raptors got another 22 points from Lowry.  That, by itself is fine.

The Nets even provided a second straight answer for Jonas Valanciunas.  In fact, Toronto played with no bench support to speak of.  However, the only one who was able to put a stop to Amir Johnson, was Amir Johnson himself.  He started out on fire, but was forced to cool off because of foul trouble.  Otherwise, the Raptors had three players in double digit scoring, in the first quarter alone.

Amir was just one variable in Brooklyn's three part losing equation.  Deron Williams failing to at least match one or the other; DeRozan or Lowry; was a major factor, as was Jason Kidd's failure to devise strategies to free up Joe Johnson.

One can excuse Joe Johnson for Sunday's performance, but what of Deron Williams?  Well, he was 4/12 from the field, and was limited to 10 points in the game.  He was effectively outplayed by Greivis Vasquez, who came off the bench to score 9 points, and lead all players with 9 assists, while Deron Williams had 8 assists.

Did I say Greivis Vasquez?

It's ponderous, that after a horrible first quarter, the Nets still had this game tied 67-67 after three quarters. They just flat out blew it.  All the numbers added up for them.  While Toronto started the first quarter shooting a stupid 62% from the field, they ended up shooting 41.3% for the game.  The Nets ended the night shooting 41.2%, but with 7 less total shots.

However, the Nets made up for that with 6 more opportunities from the free throw line.  Rebounds were amazingly even, at 43 apiece.  If anything, the Nets lost the turnover battle, and it cost them dearly down the stretch, namely by taking a series of offensive fouls.

Scoring only 12 points in the 4th quarter ultimately doomed the Nets in their own building.  Their inability to hit a shot for long stretches at a time, is something we've definitely seen before.



Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: Despite Sunday Loss, Allan Dykstra, Las Vegas 51's Continue To Roll

Here's My Latest For

RisingApple.com

Despite Sunday Loss, Allan Dykstra, Las Vegas 51's Continue To Roll

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

L.I. Ducks: Bobby Blevins Pitches Gem In Somerset

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Bobby Blevins Fans Eight, And Plunks A Pair, In Dominant Performance Over Somerset Patriots.  Webbed Nine Win First, Avoid Sweep.

Starting pitcher Bobby Blevins turned in an exceptional day's work Sunday afternoon, in helping the Ducks gain their first victory of the season, and just as important, avoid an opening series sweep against the hosting Somerset Patriots.

Bobby Blevins surrendered his only hit of the game in the first inning, but a pair of errors gave the Patriots an early 1-0 lead.  From the end of the 1st inning however, through the 6th inning, he retired 16 straight batters.

After hitting the first two batters he faced in bottom of the 7th, Coach Baez made a move to the bullpen, and brought in reliever Jereny Accardo.  A double, and a 4-3 put-out later turned this into a 4-3 game, still in the Ducks favor.  Both runs were charged to Blevins.  That would be the last of Somerset's scoring though.

Otherwise, Bobby Blevins pitched 6 full innings, allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on just one hit, no walks, and struck out 8 batters to earn his first victory of the season.  He faced 22 batters, and threw 88 pitchers, with a very efficient 60 (68%) going for strikes.

The bullpen combined on 3 scoreless innings, and closer Leo Rosales recorded his first save.

Long Island used 8 hits, and 3 walks against Patriots pitching to mount a 6-3 victory.  Joash Brodin and Cody Puckett led the Ducks with 2 RBI each.  Ryan Strieby also drove in a run, while one Ducks run was unearned.  Brodin was 2/4 at the plate, while Puckett posted a 3/4 day.

The Ducks will now migrate to Southern Maryland for a three game series against the Blue Crabs before finally heading back to Long Island, for their opening day on May 2nd.



Mike.BTB