N.Y. Rangers: Far From a Happy New Year

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Bring on the Bruins;

Not like things can get any worse.

New York Rangers: What a Sad State of Affairs ...

So how do the Rangers follow up Saturday's embarrassing display at Nashville?  With another lame loss against the Stars at Dallas.

That makes ten losses in their last fifteen games.  Said another way, they've lost twice as many games as they've won since New Year's Day.  And I'm not talking overtime losses, or the shoot-out variety - at least there are potential points to be earned for such losses.

The Rangers lost these ten games outright - no points.  Moreover,  they got outscored over those ten losses by an alarming 16-46 margin.  That translates into 1.6 goals for, and 4.6  goals against - a full three goal disparity.

I reject the notion injury is solely to blame.  Then how does one explain their poor play back in October?

Let's not be naive about this situation.  The Rangers have been suffering the same recycling deficiencies and inefficiencies long before injuries to Chris Krieider, Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Vesey, Marc Staal, Kevin Shattenkirk, or anyone else who has missed time this season.

I've been saying this ever since Alain Vigneault arrived off-Broadway, and at this point, there's only so many times I can repeat myself: the Rangers are too small, and are one of the league's weakest teams up the middle.  They play with an embarrassing and woeful lack of physicality.  Teams, therefore, know taking liberties against the Rangers comes free of repercussions (aside from NHL discipline, that is).

Look no further than the Nashville Predators game.  At the very least, Alain Vigneault should have been ejected for littering the ice with sticks, pucks, water bottles, gloves, clipboards, rolls of tape, and anything else he could have gotten his hands on.

Throw a shoe at the ref ... something!!

But in response to Nashville's dirty deeds levied upon Marc Staal and Jimmy Vesey, Vigneault did nothing.

That goes back to something else I've said many times - Alain Vigneault's system gets players hurt.

Nothing ...

On Monday, he watched Henrik face another 41-shots against the Stars at Dallas.  But, again, I refuse to put all that on playing shorthanded.  That's simply called not taking the body and protecting the ice between the dots.

I don't need someone making $8.5 million to ensure my goalie is being protected.  Just someone who makes the opposition think twice about their intentions, and isn't afraid to knock rambunctious forwards off the puck, or on their ass.

Just saying ...

The Rangers have 29 games left in the regular season.  They're in last place of the Metropolitan Division, and presently three points out of the playoff picture.

As a great football coach once said, "You are what your record says you are."  That means the Rangers (25-23-5) are presently a sub par team.

I'll take that a step further and say they're the ninth worst team in the NHL.

The trade deadline is fast approaching.  Jeff Gorton already asked Rick Nash to submit a list of teams for which he'd approve a trade.

That sounds promising, but moving him should only be scratching the surface.  Jeff Gorton better be hot on the phone with other GMs looking to reduce this pedestrian population we call the New York Rangers.

And can we finally fire Glen Sather?

Please?

Serie del Caribe 2018: Defending Champs Experience First Setback

From the desk of:  BEISBOL INVIERNO

desde Estadio Charros, 

Guadalajara, Mexico

ICYMI:

Serie del Caribe Preview 

Recap: Day One and Two

Pool Play Standings: Through Day Three
Cuba   2-0
VEN    2-1
D.R.    1-1
P.R.     1-1
MEX   0-3


Round Robin: Day Three

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 6; PUERTO RICO 3

The defending champions suffered their first setback of the tournament, as los Criollos were doubled up by the Dominican Republic during Sunday's early game.  Los Aguilas Cibaenas jumped out to a 5-0 lead after just two innings.  Aguilas starter Francisley Bueno allowed six hits and two walks, and fanned three over five scoreless innings of work.  Although Puerto Rico rallied for three runs in the sixth, Cibaenas relievers Ramon Ramirez, Wirfin Obispo, and Josh Judy, joined to walk just one and fan three over four scoreless innings of two-hit ball, thus silencing Caguas the rest of the way.  Los Aguilas Cibaenas scored one last run in the eighth en route to their first victory of the tournament.  Giovanni Soto took the loss after allowing five earned runs on seven hits before ever recording an out in the second inning.



   


VENEZUELA 6; MEXICO 2

Host Mexico has now bowed out of three straight games, and with just one game left in pool play appear all but eliminated from the tournament.  While Mexico sits idle on Monday, they will be looking on desperately needing losses from Puerto Rico (vs. Venezuela), and the Dominican Republic (vs. Cuba).  Meanwhile, Venezuela wins their second straight after losing their Serie opener.  Los Caribes de Anzoategui continued slugging away on Sunday.  They've connected for thirteen doubles and seven home runs over three games.



Pool Play: Day Four/Monday

• Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela
• Cuba vs. Dominican Republic

Pool Play: Day Five/Tuesday

• Cuba vs. Puerto Rico
• Mexico vs. Dominican Republic

Serie del Caribe 2018: Cuba Takes the High Ground

From the desk of:  BEISBOL INVIERNO

Pool Play

CUBA   2-0

P.R.       1-0

 VEN      1-1

D.R.       0-1

MEX     0-2

Winter Leagues Tournament Preview

Round Robin: Day One

CUBA 6; VENEZUELA 4

In the tournament's opening game, Venezuela was forced into playing from behind throughout.  Cuba's Alazanes de Granma jumped out to an immediate 2-0 lead in the first.  But los Caribes de Anzoategui struck back with a run in the third, then tied the game on a solo home run from DH Luis Jimenez in the fourth.  Cuba reclaimed the lead with a run in the bottom of the fifth, then added two insurance runs in the seventh.  The teams then traded runs in the eighth, and Venezuela scored a run in the top of the ninth, but no more.  Granma took the game's opening contest by a 6-4 final.

PUERTO RICO 7; MEXICO 4

Puerto Rico's Criollos de Caguas began defense of their Serie del Caribe title with an opening victory over Mexico's Tomateros de Ciliacan.  Los Criollos jumped out to an early 3-1 lead through the top of the third.  However, Mexico answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame, then took a 4-3 lead in the home fourth inning.  With two out in the top of the fifth, Criollos right fielder Anthony Garcia singled home the game's tying run.  Caguas then pulled away with three runs in the eighth.

Round Robin: Day Two

VENEZUELA 15; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 4

The Dominican Republic endured a rather forgetful debut in their tournament opener against Venezuela, as los Caribes de Anzoategui took out their opening game frustrations against los Aguilas Cibaenas in a romp.  Venezuela bats exploded for seven doubles, four home runs, and twenty hits overall, against lanzadores Dominicana.

CUBA 5; MEXICO 4

Make that two wins for Cuba, and two losses for Mexico.  Looking to bounce back after their opening day loss against Puerto Rico, Mexico jumped out to a 1-0 first inning lead.  Not unexpectedly, Cuba responded with a pair of runs in the third.  But Mexico stormed back to regain the lead with a trio of runs in the top of the fourth.  However, the game would ultimately change on the arm of Cuban reliever Alain Sanchez.  In relief of Granma starter Yoanni Yera, Sanchez limited Mexico to just one earned run on four hits and no walks over five innings pitched.  As such, Cuba's Alazanes tied the game at four in the seventh, then scored what proved to be the winning run in the eighth.

PIGSKIN 2017: SUPER BOWL LII

PIGSKIN

SUPER BOWL LII

PHILADELPHIA 

EAGLES

vs.

NEW ENGLAND 

PATRIOTS

Let me just come right out and say it: I am an unyielding Bill Belichick minion.  

I've been a Giants fan since the 1970s, and therefore will always be indebted to him for helping the Giants win their first ever Super Bowl, then for personally crafting a brilliant game plan aimed at thwarting the mighty Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV four years later.

Giants fans knew 35-years ago what all of football knows now - the man is a freaking genius.

I can't help but pledge unconditional devotion to him.  Belichick can secretly film other team's practice all he wants; his quarterback can deflate as many footballs as he chooses; and if it pleases Bill to be a major schmuck with the media, so be it.  None of that matters to me, because in my eyes, Simon Bar Belichick can do no wrong so long as it doesn't affect me.

For those of you too young to know who Simon Bar Sinister is, Google it!

Entering Sunday's game, the Giants are still the only team to have defeated the Brady/Belichick/Kraft triumvirate throughout their previous seven Super Bowl appearances.  Had the Giants not defeated Belichick - twice - perhaps I might see things differently.

But that's precisely what makes Big Blue's accomplishments so special.  And that's exactly the way I want things to stay.  The thought of Philadelphia winning their first ever Super Bowl makes the back of my head hurt.  Naturally, my sports hatred for them goes all the way back to the 1970s as well.


Think of all the coaches and coordinators whom have previously served under Bill Belichick.  Then think of all the replacement coaches he's needed to hire, and get up to speed.  Continue with all the players whom have come and gone over the last eighteen years.  Keep thinking how many of their best players were never allowed to get very comfortable, nor stay with New England very long - everyone not named Tom Brady, that is.  Otherwise, if you agree to keep your mouth shut, do exactly what he says, and sign a reasonable contract, Belichick will most likely make you a Super Bowl champion.

The Patriots have proven time and again they are masters at making in-game and half-time adjustments.  That's where I question any given coach's ability to match wits with Belichick - especially when he has two weeks to prepare.

Enter Doug Pederson.  He's an Andy Reid disciple, but is better known for being the man who replaced the reviled Chip Kelly.  That's two positives working in his favor.  The play of Carson Wentz, and the relief performance he's been able to get from Nick Foles are two more highlights on his short resume.

And there's rub ...

Pederson is a former journeyman player, who otherwise was named head coach of the Eagles after just five years of credible NFL coaching experience.

So who do I trust to manage this game more effectively?  I think I already answered that.

Otherwise, here's my bottom line ...

Can the Eagles score more than twenty points?

Rushing the ball, getting key first downs, and controlling the clock, are proven methods for idling Tom Brady.  If he's on the sidelines, he's not making plays.

The Eagles were one of only seven teams during the regular season to average 100+ rushing yards per game.  They were also top five in both total yards, and passing yards per game.  Much of that is owed to Carson Wentz.  But the Eagles seemingly haven't skipped a beat with Nick Foles under center.  He was 23/30 for 246 yards in Philadelphia's first playoff game against the Falcons, and 26/33 for 352 yards with three TD passes against a very good Minnesota Vikings defense.

But here's the thing.  Over the final twelve weeks of the regular season, the Patriots only allowed fourteen points per game.  They've since allowed an average of seventeen points through two playoff games against Tennessee and Jacksonville.

On defense, the Giants showed the best way to beat Tom Brady is by hitting him - often - by applying consistent pressure up the middle.  To date, no team has done that better than the Giants front lines of 2007 and 2011.  Philadelphia finished the regular season 15th with 38 QB sacks.  That's an average of 2.3 per game, which may not be enough to negatively affect New England's time of possession.

However, the more Tom Brady throws the ball, the more he potentially plays into Philadelphia's hands - who were fourth this season in interceptions.  But I doubt it ... Tom Brady only threw eight INTs during the regular season.  He has only thrown fifteen over the previous three regular seasons.  In fact, he's only thrown 160 INTs in 253 career regular season games.  However, in 36 career playoff starts, Brady has thrown 31 interceptions.  If that suggests he's somewhat susceptible to throwing post-season picks, just remember he has still completed 63% of his playoff passes, and has thrown 68 touchdowns.

All that being said, what the hell do I know.

I like the Patriots laying 4 1/2 points to the Eagles..

They may not cover, but I think they'll win.

I hope they win.

Down with Philly!

Dilly - dilly!

Serie del Caribe 2018: Winter Leagues Tournament Preview

From the desk of:  BEISBOL INVIERNO

Winter League Baseball

MEXICO * DOMINICAN REPUBLIC * PUERTO RICO * VENEZUELA * CUBA

This year's Serie del Caribe was originally scheduled for play in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.  During the summer, however, the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation voted in favor of relocating the winter league tournament, due to instability in the region, back to Mexico for a second consecutive year.  Therefore, Jalisco Stadium, home of Los Charros de Jalisco, Guadalajara, will host this year's field of five.  Culiacan, Mexico, was the site of last year's games.  Barquisimento is still tentatively in line to host next year's series.

SerieDelCaribe.net

Estadio Charro, Guadalajara

Mexico

Stadium photos: SABRhornsby.org  

Site offers a comprehensive overview of 

entire 2017-2018 Winter League season.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

• Round Robin, Feb. 2-6
• Semi-Finals, Feb. 7
• Final, Feb. 8

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

CHAMPION: Tomateros de Culiacan (def. Mayos de Navojoa)

A member of the confederation since 1971, Mexico is third among the field with nine Serie del Caribe championships.  More recently, they've won four titles in the last seven years, and seven titles since 2001.  Los Venados de Mazatlan captured Mexico's last Caribbean title in 2016.

Los Tomateros de Culiacan won their second Pacific League championship in the last four years.  Their eleven league titles are second most in LMP history behind los Naranjeros del Hermosillo.  

Culiacan is vying for a third Serie del Caribe championship, having previously captured Caribbean titles back in 1996 and 2002.

Liga Beisbol Profesional Republico Dominicana

CHAMPION: Aguilas Cibaenas (def. Tigres de Licey)

A member of the confederation since 1970, Dominican Republic leads the field with nineteen Serie del Caribe championships.  Like Mexico, they have won seven championships since 2001.  Los Leones de Escogido are the last Dominican member club to win a Caribbean title back in 2012.  Los Tigres de Licey hold the Serie del Caribe record with ten championships.

Licey defeated Aguilas Cibaenas last year to win their league leading 22nd championship.  This year, Aguilas exacted their revenge, defeating Licey to capture their 21st Dominican league title.   

Aguilas returns to the Serie del Caribe for the first time since 2008.  Their five Serie del Caribe championships are tied with Puerto Rico's Cangrejeros de Santurce for second most among all winter league member clubs.  They are also one of only nine teams to ever sweep the field, posting a perfect 6-0 record in 1998.

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

CHAMPION: Criollos de Caguas (def. Cangrejeros de Santurce)

• In the aftermath of both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, and the conditions brought to bear upon the island, Puerto Rico's professional baseball league still managed an abbreviated season (under amended rules) whereby four participating teams faced each other six times each.

An original member of the confederation since 1949, Puerto Rico is the defending Caribbean champion.  Their fifteen Serie del Caribe titles are second most in tournament history.  However, their last two titles came seventeen years apart.  Los Cangrejeros de Santurce won the tournament back in 2000; Puerto Rico did not win another until last year.

Los Criollos de Caguas are back-to-back LBPRC champions.  They turned away Santurce to capture their eighteenth league championship, tying them with los Indios de Mayaguez for most titles in Puerto Rican league history.

Caguas is also the defending Serie del Caribe champion.  They edged host Mexico 1-0 in 10-innings last year to win their fourth Caribbean title in Criollos history.  That ties them with los Leones de Escogido (D.R.) for the third most Caribbean championships among all winter league member clubs.

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

CHAMPION: Caribes de Anzoategui (def. Cardenales de Lara)

The first ever Serie del Caribe tournament played in 1949 was the brainchild of two Venezuelan business partners, Oscar Prieto Ortiz, and Pablo Morales, according to Wikipedia.

An original member of the confederation since 1949, Venezuela has won seven Serie del Caribe championships.  Los Tigres de Aragua are the last Venezuelan club to win the tournament back in 2009.

Established in 1987, los Caribes de Anzoategui claimed their third LVBP title, and thus will be making their third Serie del Caribe appearance since 2011.

Serie Nacional de Cuba

CHAMPION: Alazanes de Granma (def. Caneros de Las Tunas)

The first ever Serie del Caribe tournament played in 1949 was held at Havana, and won by host Cuba.  In fact, they dominated the field through the tournament's first twelve years, winning seven titles and reeling off five in a row from 1956 through 1960.  

Then along came Fidel Castro.  As part of his greater revolution, Fidel disbanded Cuba's professional league and nationalized the game.  The Serie del Caribe, as a result, was suspended from 1961 through 1969.  While baseball in Cuba has remained an amateur endeavor ever since, the winter league tournament reconvened in 1970 without them.  Returning members Puerto Rico and Venezuela were joined by the Dominican Republic in 1970, then by Mexico in 1971.

After 54-years of Cold War and thaw, Cuba was invited back into the fold.  By 2015, they were winning their eighth Serie del Caribe championship.

Established in 1977, los Alazanes de Granma are back-to-back Serie Nacional de Cuba champions, and therefore are making their second straight Serie del Caribe appearance.

Winter Leagues: Hank Aaron in 1953 playing for Caguas Criollos.

EXTRA INNINGS:

• Panama (1949-1960) was the fourth member of the original confederation.  In 1950, they captured their first, and only Serie del Caribe championship.  Panama did not return when the confederation reconvened in 1970.  Last year, the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation announced in March that Panama will be rejoining the tournament in 2019.

• Serie del Caribe alumni: Roberto Clemente; Roberto Alomar; Willie Mays; Tony Perez; Ken Griffey Jr.; Mike Schmidt; Vladimir Guerrero; Rod Carew; Luis Aparicio; Gary Carter; Pedro Martinez; Ivan Rodriguez; Manny Mota; Edgar Martinez; Carlos Beltran; Bartolo Colon; Carlos Delgado; David Ortiz; Vinny Castilla; George Bell; Miguel Tejada; Steve Garvey; Juan Gonzalez; Terry Francona; Magglio Ordonez; Dave Concepcion; Carlos Baerga; Joaquin Andujar; Vic Power; Bernie Williams.

• This is the 60th anniversary of the Serie del Caribe.

• Caribbean Series Baseball Reference

• Live Streaming ESPN Deportes

• ESPN Scoreboard 

• MLB.com Gameday

Battle of the Boroughs: Knicks Complete Season Sweep Over Nets

From the desks of: 

THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH  and  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

Battle of the Boroughs

Knicks win series 4-0

I - NYK 107; BKN 86

II - NYK 111; BKN 104

III  NYK 119;BKN 104

IV - NYK 111; BKN 95

New York Knicks: Tweet This!  Enes Kanter's Double-Double Buries Brooklyn.

That's a wrap. 

The New York Knicks win this year's season series four games to none.  It's their first sweep of the Nets in seven years.  In fact, the games weren't even close.  The Knicks won each contest by an average margin of 16-points.

Kristaps Porzingis led all players with 28-points Tuesday night at the Garden.  He was 9/19 (47%) from the floor, and a perfect 4/4 from the line, but inflicted most of his damage from beyond the arch, connecting on six of nine attempts.

Enes Kanter, however, wins the coveted employee of the night award.  Double-Zero scored 20-points and dominated the boards with 15 defensive rebounds and 20 overall, with all but five rebounds coming at the defensive end.  It was his 21st double-double of the season in 48 games played.  For the moment, he is averaging double-digit rebounds for only the second time in his career, and is also averaging a career high .607% from the floor (fourth best in the league). 

Did I also mention he tied with a team-high five assists as well?

None of this bodes well for the disgruntled Joakim Noah - nor should it.  Simply put, Kanter, the third overall pick of the 2011 draft, is winning the day.

Now, if only KP and Kanter had a point guard.

About that ...

In 20-minutes, Jarrett Jack had four assists and just two points off four attempts.  Meanwhile, rookie Frank Ntilikina scored eight points with five assists in 26-minutes off the bench.


Brooklyn Nets: Wet Paint ... Do Not Touch.

At this point, why waste oxygen decrying the defense?  It's an issue ... a huge issue ... one that Enes Kanter put on full display Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Nets are allowing an average of 108.8 points per game this season - seventh most in the league.  However, they were particularly generous against their cross-river rivals, as the Knicks averaged 112-points in four games against the Nets.

For a team that doesn't necessarily have a problem scoring, per se, the Nets only averaged 97-points per game against the Knicks which is eight points shy of their 105 points per game average.

Jahlil Okafor's 25-minutes were his most since coming to the Nets.  He accounted for 13 rebounds, but was only 2/7 from the floor with five points off the bench.

Podcast Episode #3: N.Y. Mets Off-Season Marches On

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

A
METSIAN

Podcast
with Sam, Rich, and Mike

EPISODE #3
Featured Guest:
Gary Mack of MetsMusings.com 
 
A quiet off-season is making the Mets look busy by comparison.
More ranting about the Wilpons; What's the plan at second base?
Look back at the 2003 season; Players who've worn #3 in Mets history.
Curtis Granderson appreciation, and a bunch of other stuff ...

N.J. Devils: Newark Arrives at Pitchfork in the Road

From the desks of:  THE BRICK CITY STYX

Bedeviled By Inconsistency

Eastern Conference

7) Devils         24-16-8 (56-points)

-------------------------

9) Rangers     25-20-5 (55-points)

10) Islanders  25-20-5 (55-points)

New Jersey Devils: The final thirty-four games will reveal how good they really are.

Who could have predicted the rebuilding Devils would achieve 56-points by the break, and be in sixth place of the conference standings?

So far, it's been a great story.  But they're slipping, and the only thing giving pause to their plight is this all-star break.  Otherwise they're presently in the midst of a four game skid.  But if you circle back to their five game win streak in December, the Devils have gone 2-7-3 since.

At this point last year, the Devils were floundering along with a 20-21-9 record and 49 points.  After which, their season really took a turn for the worse.  Having endured losing streaks of ten and six games respectively, the Devils went on to post an 8-19-5 record over their final 30 games.

Newark ended last year's regular season with a 28-40-14 record and 70 points, tying them for third worst in the league.  Through the NHL lottery system, however, they were awarded the first overall selection of the 2017 June entry draft.  

The Devils used that pick to select forward Nico Hischier.  Having turned 19-years old earlier this month, Nico has played in all of Newark's 48 games to date.  And with eight goals and 21 assists, he is third on the team with 29-points.

They've also had goalie issues of late.  Starter Cory Schneider and back-up goalie Keith Kincaid both have recently missed games with groin injuries, thus necessitating the services of Ken Appleby, called up from Binghamton.

Taylor Hall, the team leader in goals and assists, has recently missed a few games as well, and will certainly benefit from these few days off.

It is very clear what the Devils must do over their final 34 games of the regular season: avoid what happened last year.  

Easier said than done ...

But if they are to sustain their standing, they must obviously first snap their present losing streak with haste, then limit any potentially lengthy streaks down the stretch.  They've already suffered losing streaks of four losses or more on three different occasions this season, and might not survive many more.

That said, they also leave too many points on the table.  Their eight OT losses still remain tied for second most in the league.

Therefore the quicker the Devils learn the art of closing out games, the better off they'll be.

Brooklyn Nets: The Coach of Flatbush Loses His Cool

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

No Blood - No Foul..!

Brooklyn Nets: Congratulations, Kenny Atkinson, on your first NBA ejection.

No blood - no foul.  That's how the refs saw it.

The guys in the stripes allowed the Nets and Timberwolves to play a somewhat physical game Saturday night at the Target Center.  Both head coaches naturally hounded the refs all night, directing most of their vitriol at referee Tony Brothers.  As one coach growled at him from the camera's left, the other barked from the camera's right.

Pretty typical stuff ...

This went on for roughly 42-minutes, right up until an outraged Coach Atkinson got ejected with 5:55 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Granted, Thibodeau was just being Thibodeau.  But in the first quarter, the refs seemed to be whistling his favorite tune.  And so Coach Atkinson's initial fury over his team being in foul trouble less than four minutes into the game may have been justified.  With 8:39 still showing on the clock, Minnesota went on to score nine points from the charity line en route to a 30-11 first quarter lead, from which the Nets would not recover.

The Nets were shorthanded to begin with, playing minus the services of D'Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.  Yet, Flatbush outscored (first place) Minnesota 86-81 over the remaining three quarters of the game.

So, yeah, that's very frustrating.

But with under six minutes left in the game, Atkinson finally blew his top.  Believing Joe Harris deserved better after what he perceived was a hard foul committed in the offensive paint, Atkinson let referee Tony Brothers have it.  When the Coach of Flatbush got tee'd up, he exploded with rage.  Good thing Spencer Dinwiddie was nearby to intercept his coach, otherwise Atkinson could have landed himself in even deeper trouble.

As it stands, I'm sure the players would love to pay off whatever fine the league office levies against their guy.  Coaches can be overbearing at times (or all the time).  But Atkinson has established a culture of development here.  And episodes such as this reveal the coaches who are willing to battle right alongside their players from the some of the more emotionally divested, overly critical chess masters of the NBA.  The more players trust and respect their coach, the more agreeable, attentive, and teachable they become.  That's what the Nets have going.

On that note, congratulations, Kenny Atkinson, on your first NBA ejection.

It was a good one.

Well done.

While D'Angelo Russell was observing a scheduled day off, Jahlil Okafor was banging bodies with Minnesota's Carl Anthony Towns.  He led the Nets with 21-points, and secured six rebounds in 24-minutes off the bench.  Towns scored 16-points in 34-minutes, but dominated the boards with a game-high 19 rebounds.

Spencer Dinwiddie distributed a game-high ten assists.

Next stop: Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

N.Y. Giants: Because Stone Cold Coach Pat Shurmur Said So

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

A GIANT STEP FORWARD

New York Giants: Pat Shurmur named the 18th head coach in team history.

He becomes the team's seventh during my years as a fan.  But outside of what I've read, heard on radio, or seen on TV, I know little else about the man.

Therefore, I guess a quick bio is in order.

After spending 11 years at Michigan State and Stanford, Shurmur joined the NFL ranks in 1999 with the Philadelphia Eagles where he served as tight ends and offensive line coach through the 2001 season.  He then served as Philadelphia's quarterback coach - working with Donovan McNabb -  through the 2008 season.  During his decade long association with the Eagles, they made the playoffs seven times, appeared in five conference championships, and one Super Bowl.

Shurmur spent 2009 and 2010 as offensive coordinator of the (St. Louis) Rams under then head coach, and former Giants defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.  In 2009, his starting quarterback was Marc Bulger (not a bad QB) who was playing out his final NFL season.  The Rams went 1-15 that year, but parleyed that into quarterback Sam Bradford, selected with the first overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft.  With Shurmur calling plays, Bradford threw for 3,512 yards as a rookie.

By season's end, the Cleveland Browns set their sights on Pat Shurmur, naming him their head coach entering the 2011 season.  Shurmur posted records of 4-12 and 5-11 during his two seasons at the helm.  But I won't hold that against him.  Since his departure after 2012, the Browns have exceeded five wins in a season just once.  In fact, the Browns are just 4-44 over the last three seasons.  Not even Bill Belichik could turn that organization around.  Since guiding them to the playoffs in 1994, the Browns have qualified for post-season play just one other time.

In 2003, Pat Shurmer returned for a second stint with the Eagles this time as offensive coordinator.  Prior to this year's run to the Super Bowl, Philadelphia last qualified for the playoffs in 2013 with Shurmur calling plays for Nick Foles.  In 2014, the Eagles posted a second straight 10-6 record but missed out on the playoffs.  A 6-9 record the following season resulted in head coach Chip Kelly's release after Week Sixteen.  Pat Shurmur would then coach the Eagles to victory in the season finale.

He has spent the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.  In 2016, he split time being tight ends coach and offensive coordinator, and again served as offensive coordinator this season.  Reunited with Pat Shurmur in 2016, Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford led the NFL with a 71.6 completion percentage.  This season, the oft injured Bradford was out of action again after Week Two.  Enter back-up Case Keenun - a veteran in his own right.  With Shurmur calling plays, Keenum threw 3,547 yards over 15 games, with 22 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

Of course, the Vikings fell well short in last week's NFC championship game against Nick Foles and the Eagles.  Shurmur's team was on the losing end of a 38-7 defeat.  One could ask what happened with the offense?  But Mike Zimmer is head coach of the Vikings, and therefore, he had to answer most of the questions and second-guessing.

But what about Pat Shurmur?

He entered that game with his fingerprints on both starting quarterbacks.  Case Keenum was 28/48 for 271 yards, one touchdown and one interception, in a losing effort.  Nick Foles, though, was better, throwing 26/33 for 352 yards, and three touchdowns.

So What Does All This Mean For The Giants?

There's something to be said for his twenty-years of practical experience.

Aside from his two year stint at Cleveland, his career work has primarily focused on the offensive side of the ball - no different than Ray Handley, Dan Reeves, Jim Fassel, Tom Coughlin, or Ben McAdoo.  As we see, the Giants have hired a string of offensive minded coaches ever since the departure of defensive minded Bill Parcells.  Four of them took the Giants to the playoffs, and two of them got the Giants to three more Super Bowls.

General manager Dave Gettleman says Shurmur will be working with Eli Manning for the remainder of his Giants career.  Then there's Davis Webb whom still needs extensive development.  And of course, there's continuing speculation as to whether the Giants will utilize their up-coming number one draft pick on another quarterback.

Where it concerns quarterbacks, Shurmur's resume suggests successful involvement with Donovan McNabb, Marc Bulger, Sam Bradford, Nick Foles, and Case Keenum.  Moreover, while head coach in Cleveland, he somehow extracted 3,355 yards and 14 touchdowns out of rookie Brandon Weeden. It's worth noting because Brandon Weeden was out of the league within another three seasons.

But like Ben McAdoo, Shurmur is a proponent of west coast style offense.  I have my issues with that.  Shurmur also said he will be calling plays on offense.  I'm somewhat less concerned with that.

Shurmur did say that moving forward he understands Giants football which allows me to think he won't make the same mistake as McAdoo with regards to Eli Manning - which was trying to turn him into Aaron Rogers.  Dave Gettleman also said reconstructing the offensive line and reestablishing the run is a main priority.  I'm confident in Gettleman's vision, and so my west coast anxieties are tempered.

Pat Shurmur has otherwise contributed to highly competitive and successful situations in Philadelphia and Minnesota.

He also has no doubt faced adversity in St. Louis and Cleveland.

The Giants locker room was clearly fractured this past season.  Dave Gettleman wasted no time removing a few malcontents from the locker room.  And Shurmur's presser left little doubt he and Gettleman are on the same page where it concerns discipline.  Having participated in both winning locker rooms and losing locker rooms could turn out being a valuable experience from which Shurmur will draw upon during his upcoming seasons with the Giants.

The duo of Gettleman and Shurmur essentially means the days of enabling Odell Beckham Jr. are over.  Sure, Shurmur says he's getting a clean slate.  But without saying it, Odell already is being forced to clean up his act and grow up.  In other words, if Beckham wants premium money from the Giants, he'll need to compromise his so called personal brand.

Discipline, however, and disposition, can be slippery slopes.  Former NFL head coach Mike Holmgren recently chimed-in on Pat Shurmer, accusing him of having rabbit ears - meaning he pays too much attention to the media.  Said another way, he may be wound too tightly.  That can certainly become a problem in New York.  However, he nailed the presser - I mean nailed it.  He was direct, and succinct as one could be.  Shurmur left no doubt where he stands regarding a great many things.  In fact, he not only acknowledged his reputation for being too serious, he owned it - just like Tom Coughlin once did, and Bill Parcells did way back when.

Then again, those guys won Super Bowls.

Bill Belichick gets away with being a schmuck because he wins Super Bowls.

Pat Shumur said he couldn't help but notice the Giants four Vince Lombardi trophies on display in the lobby at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants have many holes to fill.  In fact, they may need a rebuild instead of just a retool.  So, let's be pragmatic about the situation.  Bill Parcells went 2-13-1 in his first season as head coach.  But despite being a schmuck, players rallied behind Parcells.  Ben McAdoo also went 3-13, but clearly didn't survive.  Ironically, he got fired in part due to his failed disciplinary policies and how that resulted in a fractured locker room.  McAdoo lost his players respect and they essentially threw him to the wolves.

Therefore, Pat Shurmur can be a schmuck all he wants.  He just needs the skill and tact for making players believe it comes from the heart.

Would the Giants have been better off with either Josh McDaniels or Matt Patricia?

Who knows.  We'll find out over the next five years or so.

But for now, Pat Shurmur's press conference makes this the right choice.

Bill Belichick's minions historically do not fare very well once they venture out on their own.  Think about it - because of their success since 2000, Belichick has gone through countless coordinators on both sides of the ball.  Yet, the Patriots seemingly continue mission without a hitch.

Why?

Bill Belichick is brilliant at making in-game adjustments.  He's been the one constant in New England for 18 seasons.  He possesses a mastery of the game his coordinators simply can not bottle-up and take with them.  The man has a uniquely superior mind for either side of the ball.

Therefore, the Giants could very well be better off with Shurmur.  The question then, is how good will he be at making in-game adjustments?

N.J. Devils: Predators Take Bite Out Of Appleby

From the desk of:  THE BRICK CITY STYX

What a pain in the groin!

New Jersey Devils: Nashville Predators take a bite out of third-string rookie Keith Appleby.

With both Cory Schneider and back-up Keith Kincaid suddenly nursing groin injuries, the Devils have recently turned to 22-year old Binghamton call-up Ken Appleby.

Making his NHL debut in relief of Kincaid last Saturday at Philadelphia, the Flyers peppered Newark's rookie with 24 shots on goal over what amounted to his first ever 46:04 minutes of big league action.  But not a single shot found its way through as Appleby made all 24 saves.

Cory Schneider then started Tuesday against the Bruins at Boston.  But after two periods, Appleby was again summoned into relief.  He made another four saves in as many shots through 18:32 minutes in net - essentially making him a perfect 28/28 over the equivalent of a full game.

On Thursday, with family and friends in attendance, he made his first ever NHL start against the Nashville Predators at the Rock.  In the first period, Appleby again successfully turned away Nashville's first ten shots on goal.

However, traffic lay ahead.

Midway into the second period P.K. Subban's notoriously heavy shot from the top of the left circle, and through a busy crease, found its mark.  Then at 5:36 of the third, Mattias Ekholm likewise unloaded from the very same spot as Subban, and again through a congested crease area.  Effectively screened, Ken Appleby never saw either shot.

He had a clear and up-close view of Viktor Arvidsson's short-handed breakaway attempt, though - a pointblank slap shot this time taken from the top of the right circle.

But again, Appleby never had a chance.

And so goes his first NHL start.

The very streaky Devils have now lost four in a row.  Over that time, they have been outscored by a  3-12 margin, which includes getting shutout twice in their last three games.

That's not a goalie issue.


ART: Devil's Playground/Bushwick

N.Y. Rangers: Road Kill

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREAT

NEWSDAY/Tuesday

New York Rangers: Right on cue; the Blueshirts have fallen to ninth place and Vigneault cries wolf.

He's not even true to his own system.  In fact, he's a proven hypocrite.  Because there comes a time during ever regular season when even Vigneault realizes that his style measures up against similarly talented teams of the league, but just not against the bigger, more physical, and similarly skilled ones.

Remember this one?

This time, according to the above Newsday article, he feels the team isn't doing enough towards winning 50/50 pucks.  He might be right about that.  But that requires a measure of dirty work, and Vigneault, after all, likes to keep things clean.

But what about the 50/50 chance they get pushed off the puck in the offensive zone?  What about the less than fifty percent chance they lay a hit, or block a puck, in the defensive end?  

What about all their failures in the neutral zone?

He has no answer for that.  But he's the same person who'll tell you none of it can be solved with toughness.  It's about getting a pass off before the hits come.

Think about that ... before a hit comes.

The Rangers have now lost five straight road games, and six of their last eight games overall.  Moreover, they've been outscored 6-13 in three games during this present road trip.

And, why?

Henrik Lundqvist continues getting sub par efforts in his own end.  He lasted all of 16-minutes Tuesday night against the Ducks, allowing three goals on just seven shots on goal.  

When he's forced to carry the team night in and night out, that will happen.

A Metsian Podcast, Ep. #2 - On What Jeff Wilpon Didn't Say

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

We're Back on the Air!

The Converted Mets fan, Sam Maxwell, MetFanRich, and I, 

have reunited to bring you:

A

METSIAN

PODCAST

On the heels of COO Jeff Wilpon's interview with the media, our main focus in Episode #2 centered around the state of ownership in general.  We also discussed baseball's newly elected members to the Hall of Fame; the career of Johan Santana; the 2002 season in review; and players who've worn #2 through Mets history.

ICYMI: The Inaugural Episode

Our featured guest was old friend and author 

Greg Prince from FaithAndFearInFlushing.com

We went for 2:30 hours because time flies when your having fun.  It was just nice having the band back together, but we'll be tightening that up.  Otherwise covered a lot regarding the past, present, and future, of our beloved New York Mets baseball club.

N.Y. Rangers: No Fight, Just Flight

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

New York Rangers: Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Flea ...

Think about how hard the Rangers worked just to beat Buffalo.  They blew three different leads, and needed two third period goals in order to avoid an embarrassing loss against the worst team in the league.

It's no wonder they went on to get outscored 3-7 over the weekend by both the Avalanche and Kings.

Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist is in the midst of his finest stretch of the season.  Imagine where the Rangers could be if only they just exerted themselves a little more in support of their world class goalie.  But it's gotten to the point where the increasingly annoyed Lundqvist doesn't even try hiding his bemusement with them anymore.

At some point, all this pacifistic pirouetting being preached by Alain Vigneault is bound to get Henrik hurt - due to an opponent, or Henrik punching a wall in disgust.

Are the Rangers short-handed?  For the moment, yes.

But you can talk Kevin Shattenkirk to me all you want.  And it turns out he's been playing on a bad knee for most of the season.  At least that explains in part why he's been so inconsequential.  But my real issue is that his money should be going into Keith Yandle's pocket.

You know what I mean ...

Just like Anton Stralman should still be with the Rangers.

You know exactly what I mean ...

While I'm at it ... there's not an opposing forward in the NHL remotely concerned about where Brendan Smith and Nick Holden are during any given shift.  It's like they don't even exist.  They're human resource enigmas.  I'll even go so far to say Holden should be playing in the AHL.

Marc Staal, well, he's the last guy I want to criticize.  He dutifully earned our respect a long time ago.  But truth be told, he plays scared, and has for several seasons now.  Some believe he plays fearful of being concussed.  However, I began noticing a marked timidness after injuring his eye.

Suffice it to say, the Rangers are no longer that elite defensive team they used to be.  But putting your goalie in harms way is an entirely different matter.  If they are to contend, they must dig in and secure that huge expanse of ice to Henrik's immediate front, and extending between the dots.

This team has no punch.  I mean that literally.  I know I'm fighting mad about it.  Just doesn't seem as if the Rangers are.

WWE: Flatbush is RAW

WWE

MONDAY NIGHT

RAW

25th Anniversary

BROOKLYN is RAW

The trucks arrived this morning at Barclays Center.

Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn