Here's my latest for
Thursday, April 07, 2016
Sunday, April 03, 2016
N.Y. Mets: Kansas City ... Kansas City Here We Come
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: It's On! The long awaited rematch featuring the National League Champions versus baseball's reigning World Champions.
Sunday morning was confronted with Winter's final attempt to chill.
Alas, farewell to you ... be gone with your northern winds.
Bells of our Pastime's Spring cathedrals ring.
Don uniforms. Renew old rivalries and new alike.
The season for pitching, hitting, and running upon fields of Gaia's green,
... commence when the call is made to Play Ball!
!!! UNFINISHED BUSINESS !!!
Opening Night
* * 2016 * *
GAME ONE
New York Mets
vs.
Kansas City Royals
FROM
"The K"
Ewing Kauffman Stadium
NEW YORK METS: It's On! The long awaited rematch featuring the National League Champions versus baseball's reigning World Champions.
Sunday morning was confronted with Winter's final attempt to chill.
Alas, farewell to you ... be gone with your northern winds.
Bells of our Pastime's Spring cathedrals ring.
Don uniforms. Renew old rivalries and new alike.
The season for pitching, hitting, and running upon fields of Gaia's green,
... commence when the call is made to Play Ball!
*
With a National League pennant in hand ... welcome to life on the other side of a long rebuilding process. The days in Queens are now filled with wild expectations of the Metropolitans returning to the World Series.
Can they? For the first time in a long time, that's my expectation.
It all begins with a Dark Knight ... this evening ... in Kansas City.
Perhaps already harboring disappointment over the way last year's Classic slipped away, Matt Harvey most recently suffered through a (minor) blood clot scare, and did not at all appreciate the media's handling of the issue.
There's seemingly a (slightly) tangible sense that we're discussing one very angry, determined, and aggressively minded individual taking the mound this evening, seeking to silence everyone - starting with the Royals.
A little more Darkness awaits the media once the Mets return home.
That comes later. For now, baseball is back - and so is The Real Deal seeking to make a statement this season.
That comes later. For now, baseball is back - and so is The Real Deal seeking to make a statement this season.
If last year's National League flag served as this team's figurative cornerstone, then Matt Harvey gets to set the next brick in this year's effort at constructing a World Series champion team worthy of rising above the New York City skyline.
The Mets haven't entertained World Series expectations since the ponderous mid-2000's. Today, many of us expect them to at least reach baseball's Final Four.
Let the regular season tournament begin!
#LGM
Saturday, April 02, 2016
N.Y. Mets: N.L. East Podcast Pt. Two, and more 2016 previews
Here's our latest at
Featuring Fred Owens from Fansided's Tomahawk Take (Braves)
and Matt Veasey from Fansided's That Ball Is Outta Here (Phillies)
Rich hosted, while I shook my pom-poms.
In all honesty, a great show ... with a creepy ending (by yours truly).
We ranted a bit about Matt Harvey, and
covered the potential Mets/Royals revenge factor entering the season opener.
Rich hosted, while I shook my pom-poms.
In all honesty, a great show ... with a creepy ending (by yours truly).
We ranted a bit about Matt Harvey, and
covered the potential Mets/Royals revenge factor entering the season opener.
ICYMI:
Featuring Ricky Keeler from District on Deck (Nationals)
and Sean Millerick from Marlins Maniac.
In all, Rich and I hosted four outstanding guests from our Fansided sister sites whom performed well above and beyond our standards over the course of two shows.
In all, Rich and I hosted four outstanding guests from our Fansided sister sites whom performed well above and beyond our standards over the course of two shows.
Mets 2016 Season Previews
Here are my short takes on the following topics:
- What player or team will be the Mets' Kryptonite in 2016?
- The Mets player most likely to disappoint.
- Mets player most likely to surprise.
- What should we expect from David Wright?
- Which starting pitcher are you most excited to see?
Rising Apple senior staff writer
Monday, March 28, 2016
N.Y. Mets: N.L. East Preview RA Style, Part One
Here's our latest at
National League East Preview, Part One
w/ Ricky from District on Deck and Sean from Marlins Maniac.
Sam hosted, joined by Rich, Danny and me.
PLUS
Mets 2016 Preview: Who Will Be The Mets Kryptonite This Season?
Each RA staff member took their turn.
This series will run until Opening Day.
We have six more categories to go.
Each RA staff member took their turn.
This series will run until Opening Day.
We have six more categories to go.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
N.Y. Mets: Savannah Sand Gnats Served Organization like Champs
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: The Savannah Sand Gnats and 89-year old Grayson Stadium left an indelible impression upon the greater Mets organization.
In May 2015, Savannah Sand Gnats' ownership announced the club's plans to move, and re-brand in South Carolina, citing a lack of municipal cooperation with regards to upgrading their outdated Georgian minor league facility.
Old Municipal Stadium was originally built in 1926. After sustaining extensive damage in 1940, a major reconstruction was completed the following season. By then, the park affectionately became known as "historic" Grayson Stadium - named after a military veteran instrumental in raising the necessary funds for its restoration.
Despite another renovation effort completed between 2007-2009, ownership ultimately determined the antiquated park was no longer a viable venue for their enterprise.
Prior to their affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats had called Grayson Stadium home since 1984, although from 1984 through 1995, they were known as the Savannah Cardinals.
Throughout their time playing in Grayson, they won three Sally League titles. However, following their third flag in 1996, the Gnats then endured a full decade without making the playoffs until reemerging under then Mets overseer Omar Minaya.
During Savannah's nine year affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats made five post-season appearances, but as noted just once under Omar Minaya. In contrast, Savannah qualified for the playoffs in 4 of last 5 seasons during Sandy Alderson's regime, and captured the South Atlantic League championship in 2013.
Enter the Columbia Fireflies whom step into their first season of affiliation with the Mets (albeit the organization's tenth season of affiliation). Their player development agreement (PDA) remains unchanged.
The Fireflies will continue playing in the South Atlantic League Southern Division. Their new home field will be named Spirit Communications Park. It is city owned, said to seat roughly 8,500 patrons, and will be located within a skip from the University of South Carolina.
This season's field manager is once again slated to be Jose Leger. He managed the Gnats last season after spending three seasons at Kingsport.
Once the regular season starts, I'm sure the eyes of Columbia baseball fans will fix their sights on outfield prospect Wuilmer Bucerra.
"Time can tear down a building, or destroy a woman's face..." - Rolling Stones
NEW YORK METS: The Savannah Sand Gnats and 89-year old Grayson Stadium left an indelible impression upon the greater Mets organization.
In May 2015, Savannah Sand Gnats' ownership announced the club's plans to move, and re-brand in South Carolina, citing a lack of municipal cooperation with regards to upgrading their outdated Georgian minor league facility.
Old Municipal Stadium was originally built in 1926. After sustaining extensive damage in 1940, a major reconstruction was completed the following season. By then, the park affectionately became known as "historic" Grayson Stadium - named after a military veteran instrumental in raising the necessary funds for its restoration.
Despite another renovation effort completed between 2007-2009, ownership ultimately determined the antiquated park was no longer a viable venue for their enterprise.
Prior to their affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats had called Grayson Stadium home since 1984, although from 1984 through 1995, they were known as the Savannah Cardinals.
Throughout their time playing in Grayson, they won three Sally League titles. However, following their third flag in 1996, the Gnats then endured a full decade without making the playoffs until reemerging under then Mets overseer Omar Minaya.
During Savannah's nine year affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats made five post-season appearances, but as noted just once under Omar Minaya. In contrast, Savannah qualified for the playoffs in 4 of last 5 seasons during Sandy Alderson's regime, and captured the South Atlantic League championship in 2013.
Enter the Columbia Fireflies whom step into their first season of affiliation with the Mets (albeit the organization's tenth season of affiliation). Their player development agreement (PDA) remains unchanged.
The Fireflies will continue playing in the South Atlantic League Southern Division. Their new home field will be named Spirit Communications Park. It is city owned, said to seat roughly 8,500 patrons, and will be located within a skip from the University of South Carolina.
This season's field manager is once again slated to be Jose Leger. He managed the Gnats last season after spending three seasons at Kingsport.
Once the regular season starts, I'm sure the eyes of Columbia baseball fans will fix their sights on outfield prospect Wuilmer Bucerra.
Recent Savannah Sand Gnats whom now own N.L. Championship rings:
Wilmer Flores - Juan Lagares - Jacob deGrom
Kevin Plawecki - Steven Matz
Honorable Mention > Michael Fulmer
Friday, March 25, 2016
N.Y. Mets: An Amazin' podcast with Gary Mac of MetsMusings.com
From
March 24, 2016
On Thursday, I made a guest appearance on
A great Mets fan, I came to know Gary from our Rising Apple Report podcasts, and now consider him a very good friend. Talking baseball with Mr. Mac always results in good times and laughter.
We covered much in a 1/2 hour's time:
Jacob deGrom - David Wright - Jeurys Familia - Kevin Plawecki
Thor and more...
We even squeezed in obscure Ron Hodges and Benny Agbayani references.
N.Y. Mets: May I Cut You a Niese of Pity Pie?
Here's my latest article for
Ruben Tejada took the high road.
Jon Niese to a very winding, low road.
or
The art of goodbye and professionalism...
Mike
senior staff writer/Rising Apple
Thursday, March 24, 2016
N.Y. Mets: More is needed from Travis d'Arnaud
Here's my latest article for
On catcher Travis d'Arnaud:
Archives:
Last week's podcast with featured guest John Pielli
from The Passed Ball Show.
Topics
Spring Training mid-term report
Who's Hot and Who's Not
Jacob deGrom - Travis d'Arnaud - David Wright - Neil Walker
An impromptu Jon Niese rant!
Players who've worn #28 in Mets history
Matt Harvey - money - bye bye Ruben Tejada
...and much more.
from The Passed Ball Show.
Topics
Spring Training mid-term report
Who's Hot and Who's Not
Jacob deGrom - Travis d'Arnaud - David Wright - Neil Walker
An impromptu Jon Niese rant!
Players who've worn #28 in Mets history
Matt Harvey - money - bye bye Ruben Tejada
...and much more.
Mike
senior staff writer/Rising Apple
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
N.Y. Mets: RA Podcast #126 w/ former team farmhand J.J. Newman
Here's our latest podcast at
Baseball Reference > 2B, 3B
Sam hosted, joined by Rich, newest RA staff writer J.T., and me.
J.J. was a brilliant guest!
I promise you, this will be 90-minutes well spent.
And for all you Dave Kingman fans out there ... even better.
Mike
Senior staff writer/Rising Apple
Thursday, February 18, 2016
N.Y. Mets: Happy Pitchers and Catchers Day
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: As Pitchers and Catchers report, defense of their National League championship starts now.
The Truck 'O' Stuff Has Arrived ...
NEW YORK METS: As Pitchers and Catchers report, defense of their National League championship starts now.
The AGE of WILPONianism
Year 14 A.D.
(After Doubleday)
Roughly 4,802 days ago, former partners Fred Wilpon and Nelson Doubleday parted ways,
thus making Fred and Jeff Wilpon, and Saul Katz, sole owners of the
New York Metropolitan Baseball Club.
thus making Fred and Jeff Wilpon, and Saul Katz, sole owners of the
New York Metropolitan Baseball Club.
Team ownership has been a rather neat and tidy history ... from Joan Payson, to Nelson Doubleday, to Fred Wilpon & Son. We are now entering the 14th year of the latter's reign.
I couldn't resist...
Having secured the 2015 National League pennant, the Wilpons easily enjoyed their finest moment as sole owners of the Mets - for it was ownership whom stepped up at last year's trade deadline and dictated the short term course of the club.
With the off-season now officially behind us, the New York Mets enter Spring Training an improved team, with ownership's continued financial investment into Yoenis Cespedes largely to thank, which is not to say they've retired their massive debt - far from it.
Nevertheless, after a long rebuilding process the Mets are no longer underdogs, and instead enter the 2016 regular season among the favorites to win the World Series.
This blog created the WILPONian Calender in jest, and so, with a turn in team fortunes, ownership at least deserves straight forward credit.
If you think about it, the time spanning the respective firings of Bobby Valentine and Steve Phillips, through Art Howe, Jim Duquette, Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya, the 2016 New York Mets indeed enter the season on the highest of notes over the last 14 years.
So let it be done...
The Competition
With regards to the N.L. East, I think it's safe to say we're talking about a two team race between the Mets and Nationals. Despite signing 2015 NLCS hero Daniel Murphy, many might argue the Nationals actually took step backwards this off-season. As noted, the Mets on the other hand, are an improved team. By how much is debatable, but they're improved nonetheless.
The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins are next in the division hierarchy, while the Philadelphia Phillies seem destined for another last place finish. All three teams lost in excess of 90 games last season. Perhaps only Miami, with the return of Giancarlo Stanton, seems equipped to break that trend this season.
Otherwise, I do not think much else has changed. In the West Division, Los Angeles and San Francisco will battle for a lone playoff spot, because the N.L. Central will once again feature three of the circuit's top tier clubs. Some believe the Cubs are the favorites to dethrone the Mets as N.L. champs.
We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
The Team
Can you believe it? No overwhelming issues.
Without getting into the real particulars, there are no positional jobs up for grabs per se, the bench is poised to be strong, the starting rotation is set, and outside of one remaining reliever spot there are no glaring needs to speak of.
Oh how the times have changed...
Behind the dish, Travis d'Arnaud simply needs to stay on the field and in the line-up on a more consistent basis. His penchant for incurring fluke injuries is becoming problematic. I'm still high on Kevin Plawecki. The Mets have a good situation on their hands, but ultimately, one of these catchers needs to win the job outright. That said, it's obviously TDA's to lose.
Will the real Lucas Duda please show up... Are the Mets getting Dr. Jekyll from 2014, or last year's Mr. Hyde? His 2015 regular season was entirely too streaky. Perhaps he'll benefit from having Yoenis Cespedes in the line-up for a full season. He has a lot of convincing to do.
Up the middle, Asdrubal Cabrera and Neil Walker are more polished infielders than Wilmer Flores and Daniel Murphy demonstrated. The Mets are better defensively, if only slightly. Offensively, the Mets might be breaking even. The acquisition of Cabrera, however, turns Wilmer Flores into a super-sub off the bench. There's real net gain here.
Look no further than third base, where the Mets are looking towards limiting David Wright to 130 games.
Yoenis Cespedes will headline the outfield. If only the Mets could convince him to play right field, where they'd maximize his freakish arm strength. Curtis Granderson looks like he drinks from the fountain of youth. Unlike last season, Terry Collins gets to figure a way of fitting Michael Conforto, Juan Lagares, and Alex De Aza, over the course of a full season. Once again, it's a good problem to have.
As the starting pitching goes, so go the Mets - obviously. And by the way, their lone southpaw starter, Jon Niese, got traded to Pittsburgh. I wish him luck there. Otherwise, there's a need for a fifth starter.
In the bullpen, the Mets perhaps need one more reliever in order to round out what seems like a capable bunch (for now...).
That concludes my first stretch...
Happy Pitchers and Catchers Day!
Friday, February 12, 2016
N.Y. Knicks: Triangulation Exacerbation
From the desk of: DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP
New York Knicks: Derek Fisher turned into just another social misfit lost in a Triangle of love.
There was little justification for hiring Derek Fisher in the first place, so, firing him was a layup.
He was brought in to help teach Phil Jackson's triangle offense, but instead became ensnared in a bizarre love triangle gone public. As coach, his affect on the team was just as ineffective - and as we're learning, maybe even toxic.
For a change, there's no dumping on Carmelo Anthony for this one. He's clean. In fact, Melo has been more of the solution this season, than the problem. His willingness to work with Kristaps Porzingis and the rest of his newer mates elevated the Knicks into a .500 team (to date) - not Derek Fisher's coaching per se, or lack thereof. Lest we forget the Knicks were a woeful 17-65 last season.
Therefore, all this (and Kurt Rambis) must be taken with a grain of salt.
I've seen more prominent coaches torn apart by this town's media, for exercising greater command of their craft, and committing much lesser offenses than those of which Derek Fisher was essentially given a slap on the hand for. It goes without saying he has Phil Jackson to thank for his initial employment, as well as any benevolence experienced from said media.
Luckily for Derek Fisher, Phil Jackson is the alpha. All eyes are on him, and always were. Everyone looked at Fisher, but saw Phil Jackson.
Hiring Fisher was not as negligent as generally characterized. Giving Derek Fisher an opportunity to get his feet wet was a nice gesture on Jackson's part. Sure, it came at the Knicks expense, but, the team was in do-ever mode again, and going nowhere.
So what becomes of this acute Triangle now?
Phil Jackson's next hire will go a long way towards answering that question. We're also going to learn, one way or another, how stubbornly committed he is to this twisted geometry of his.
At some point, this system, or Phil Jackson himself will have to go. And it's my opinion that Phil Jackson knows exactly when the latter will happen.
Another deflating moment in the Knicks 16-year rebuilding process.
New York Knicks: Derek Fisher turned into just another social misfit lost in a Triangle of love.
There was little justification for hiring Derek Fisher in the first place, so, firing him was a layup.
He was brought in to help teach Phil Jackson's triangle offense, but instead became ensnared in a bizarre love triangle gone public. As coach, his affect on the team was just as ineffective - and as we're learning, maybe even toxic.
For a change, there's no dumping on Carmelo Anthony for this one. He's clean. In fact, Melo has been more of the solution this season, than the problem. His willingness to work with Kristaps Porzingis and the rest of his newer mates elevated the Knicks into a .500 team (to date) - not Derek Fisher's coaching per se, or lack thereof. Lest we forget the Knicks were a woeful 17-65 last season.
Therefore, all this (and Kurt Rambis) must be taken with a grain of salt.
I've seen more prominent coaches torn apart by this town's media, for exercising greater command of their craft, and committing much lesser offenses than those of which Derek Fisher was essentially given a slap on the hand for. It goes without saying he has Phil Jackson to thank for his initial employment, as well as any benevolence experienced from said media.
Luckily for Derek Fisher, Phil Jackson is the alpha. All eyes are on him, and always were. Everyone looked at Fisher, but saw Phil Jackson.
Hiring Fisher was not as negligent as generally characterized. Giving Derek Fisher an opportunity to get his feet wet was a nice gesture on Jackson's part. Sure, it came at the Knicks expense, but, the team was in do-ever mode again, and going nowhere.
So what becomes of this acute Triangle now?
Phil Jackson's next hire will go a long way towards answering that question. We're also going to learn, one way or another, how stubbornly committed he is to this twisted geometry of his.
At some point, this system, or Phil Jackson himself will have to go. And it's my opinion that Phil Jackson knows exactly when the latter will happen.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
N.Y. Rangers: Screaming for Vengeance
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS: The King continues paying a stiff tax in Alain Vigneault's system.
Since Thanksgiving, work, life, and whatnot, has taken much of my free time otherwise usually spent operating this Trolley.
In truth, however, it seems as if I'm picking up where I left off (which is an indictment of itself). So little has changed that perhaps I would have just been spending much of the last 3 months sniveling about the Rangers anyway.
We've officially entered crunch time folks ... and if you haven't noticed, things are starting to get a little chippy.
The New York Rangers presently own a 31-18-5 record (67 points), good enough for 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division, and 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
The Rangers goalie said that soon after shutting out the Penguins Wednesday evening in Pittsburgh, extending the Rangers win streak to 4 games.
It was a positive spin on the here and now, but, read between the lines. Lundqvist has been critically vocal throughout the season regarding gridlock in the royal road, and the team's overall inability to clear traffic from his crease.
The defense has clearly taken a step backwards this season. Dan Girardi's relentless style over the years seems to have caught up with him, while the overall blue line pairings look a step slower (if not fatigued), and are playing as passively as ever.
Now for the other pertinent stuff:
Yes, I'm going there, again, meaning Alain Vigneault's preference for playing Kevin Klein over Dylan McIlrath for the better part of the season. It's only recently, with Klein banged up, that McIlrath has been given more ice time.
Dylan McIlrath made his season debut on Oct. 13th, but did not play again until November, when he was squeezed into just 5 of the Rangers 14 scheduled games. In December, however, he played in 11 of the Rangers 13 games. Then in January, he was again relegated to just 3 of the Rangers 11 scheduled games.
Circle back to Feb. 2nd, when the Rangers suffered their lone defeat this month (to date) against the Devils - McIlrath did not play, while the rest of the team got pushed around.
McIlrath then played against the Wild in a game without incident. Then came Wayne Simmonds and the Flyers - a game Dylan McIlrath did not start.
If you don't know ... Saturday, Feb. 6th at Philly, Wayne Simmonds sucker punched Ryan McDonagh with his glove still on. McDonagh hasn't played since, out with a concussion. It's hard to say whether McDonagh suffered his concussion as a result of Simmonds' initial check into the boards, or as a result of the punch, or both.
In either case, I'm sick of it...!
The Rangers followed up on Feb. 8th, turning the tables on the Devils with a 2-1 victory. Newark didn't quite play with the same rambunctiousness they displayed on Feb. 2nd. I offer no theories why, other that to simply state Dylan McIlrath started, registered 2 SOG and 4 hits in 14:24 (even strength) minutes, and committed no penalties.
Dylan McIlrath made his 2nd straight start Wednesday night in the Rangers 3-0 victory over the Penguins. He registered 5 hits in 13:27 minutes.
I think by now you smell what I'm cooking.
In effect, open season on Blueshirts has begun. So I ask, what good is making the playoffs if one continually exposes his premium players to snipers, while at the same time restrains his team from firing back?
Proactive deterrence (don't make me laugh) is an entirely different matter.
Some call it playing with discipline. There's something to that ... but in this case I call it soft, which will get the Rangers nowhere except placed on the disabled list.
If that's not enough for ya, then let's circle back to Henrik Lundqvist, because the Rangers have reverted back to requiring nightly miracles from their liege. At 33-years of age, he presently leads the NHL with 46 games played (while starting 40 of the Rangers 54 games played to date).
In a bit of irony, a coach's philosophy, a poor penalty kill, worn down blue liners, injuries and perhaps indifference, are all imposing a stiff tax upon The King.
It's all relative...
The above was just one of many articles leading into Opening Night,
yet, four months later the coach himself remains a pacifist.
...but this really has more to do with Dylan McIlrath.
Since Thanksgiving, work, life, and whatnot, has taken much of my free time otherwise usually spent operating this Trolley.
In truth, however, it seems as if I'm picking up where I left off (which is an indictment of itself). So little has changed that perhaps I would have just been spending much of the last 3 months sniveling about the Rangers anyway.
We've officially entered crunch time folks ... and if you haven't noticed, things are starting to get a little chippy.
The New York Rangers presently own a 31-18-5 record (67 points), good enough for 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division, and 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
"We're a skilled team that can mix in hard work as well..." - Henrik Lundqvist
The Rangers goalie said that soon after shutting out the Penguins Wednesday evening in Pittsburgh, extending the Rangers win streak to 4 games.
It was a positive spin on the here and now, but, read between the lines. Lundqvist has been critically vocal throughout the season regarding gridlock in the royal road, and the team's overall inability to clear traffic from his crease.
The defense has clearly taken a step backwards this season. Dan Girardi's relentless style over the years seems to have caught up with him, while the overall blue line pairings look a step slower (if not fatigued), and are playing as passively as ever.
Now for the other pertinent stuff:
- Having both Keith Yandle and Kevin Klein in the line-up has officially become an untenable situation - specifically Klein's inadequate play.
- The opposition handles the puck into the Rangers defensive end with grace, style, and ease. Once in the zone, opposing forwards are permitted to loiter around Henrik, sometimes in the form of menacing mobs.
- Above all else, opposing teams/players continue battering Rangers players and taking their runs with impunity, much less a reaction, from the Rangers coach. That in turn, translates onto the ice.
Yes, I'm going there, again, meaning Alain Vigneault's preference for playing Kevin Klein over Dylan McIlrath for the better part of the season. It's only recently, with Klein banged up, that McIlrath has been given more ice time.
Dylan McIlrath made his season debut on Oct. 13th, but did not play again until November, when he was squeezed into just 5 of the Rangers 14 scheduled games. In December, however, he played in 11 of the Rangers 13 games. Then in January, he was again relegated to just 3 of the Rangers 11 scheduled games.
Circle back to Feb. 2nd, when the Rangers suffered their lone defeat this month (to date) against the Devils - McIlrath did not play, while the rest of the team got pushed around.
McIlrath then played against the Wild in a game without incident. Then came Wayne Simmonds and the Flyers - a game Dylan McIlrath did not start.
If you don't know ... Saturday, Feb. 6th at Philly, Wayne Simmonds sucker punched Ryan McDonagh with his glove still on. McDonagh hasn't played since, out with a concussion. It's hard to say whether McDonagh suffered his concussion as a result of Simmonds' initial check into the boards, or as a result of the punch, or both.
In either case, I'm sick of it...!
The Rangers followed up on Feb. 8th, turning the tables on the Devils with a 2-1 victory. Newark didn't quite play with the same rambunctiousness they displayed on Feb. 2nd. I offer no theories why, other that to simply state Dylan McIlrath started, registered 2 SOG and 4 hits in 14:24 (even strength) minutes, and committed no penalties.
Dylan McIlrath made his 2nd straight start Wednesday night in the Rangers 3-0 victory over the Penguins. He registered 5 hits in 13:27 minutes.
I think by now you smell what I'm cooking.
- Small Picture - I'm interested to see how the Rangers handle Milan Lucic and the Los Angeles Kings on Friday. My mind, however, is already fixed on Sunday's rematch against the Philadelphia Flyers - if I may be so bold as to even suggest vengeance should permeate the air.
- Big Picture - It's been proven throughout his tenure with the Rangers, Alain Vigneault's pacifism gets players hurt. He had one or two enforcers in Vancouver, and refused to utilize them as well. Thus, this is purely philosophical. His is a great system for the regular season, but reaches it's law of diminished returns come playoff time.
In effect, open season on Blueshirts has begun. So I ask, what good is making the playoffs if one continually exposes his premium players to snipers, while at the same time restrains his team from firing back?
Proactive deterrence (don't make me laugh) is an entirely different matter.
Some call it playing with discipline. There's something to that ... but in this case I call it soft, which will get the Rangers nowhere except placed on the disabled list.
If that's not enough for ya, then let's circle back to Henrik Lundqvist, because the Rangers have reverted back to requiring nightly miracles from their liege. At 33-years of age, he presently leads the NHL with 46 games played (while starting 40 of the Rangers 54 games played to date).
In a bit of irony, a coach's philosophy, a poor penalty kill, worn down blue liners, injuries and perhaps indifference, are all imposing a stiff tax upon The King.
It's all relative...
Grove Place 2: RIMX - Follow the Beat
Credits:
* * *
I could not capture this mural in its entirety. After all, Grove Place is an alley behind
Fulton Street Mall, where adjoining businesses set their rubbish for collection.
Otherwise...
"Follow the Beat"
* * *
* * *
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Dancing with the Devil: Martin Brodeur
From the desk of: ALL MOTHERS LEEDS CHILDREN
New Jersey Devils
MARTIN BRODEUR
1990 30 2014
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
All-Time Leader
GOALTENDER
Games 1,266
Minutes 74,439
Wins 691
Losses 397
Shutouts 125
30-Win Seasons 14
Team Canada
2002 Gold Medal
(2009-2010)
Brodeur warming up at Madison Square Garden during
season he surpassed Patrick Roy with 552nd career victory.
This past Tuesday, Martin Brodeur became the fourth member of the New Jersey Devils to have his number/jersey retired and lifted to the rafters. He follows those of former team mates Ken Daneyko, Scott Stevens, and Scott Niedermayer.
Now inside their 32nd year of existence, the New Jersey Devils were established in 1982-1983 after spending the organization's initial 8 campaigns as the Kansas City Scouts and Colorado Rockies.
Martin Brodeur participated in all but 11 of those seasons. During his 21-year NJD career, he led NHL goalies in wins 9 times, achieved 40 wins 8 times, and, of course, helped New Jersey win 5 conference titles and hoist three Stanley Cups.
Not bad for some Mickey Mouse outfit (as per Wayne Gretzky) - wouldn't you say?
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