N.Y. Mets: Year Sixteen After Doubleday

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The AGE of WILPONianism

METS YEAR 0016 A.D.

(AFTER DOUBLEDAY)

New York Mets: Blame SON of PON For Setting My Mood.

It's that time of year again.

The equipment truck has been unloaded; pitchers and catchers have arrived; and the Wilpons still own the Mets.

Despite being one of the winter's busier teams, COO Jeff Wilpon nevertheless made finances an issue again this off-season when he informed media and fans of the club's intention to shave $20 million dollars from this year's opening day payroll.

Son of PON offered no particular reason why; offered no particular insight into the team's plan; and quite frankly, said nothing worth my while other than they're trying to spend less money more wisely.

Therefore, I'm going to make their finances an issue as well.  Because fifteen years have passed since Fred Wilpon's acrimonious divorce from Nelson Doubleday, and where has it gotten us?

In order to answer that, we must rewind this saga back to its genesis.

After the passing of club matriarch Joan Whitney Payson, her widow Charles Shipman Payson (and daughter Linda de Roulet) eventually put the Mets up for sale.  Ed Kranepool led a group of investors and submitted a bid which was rebuffed.  According to SABR, Kranepool says that after making a presentation to Linda de Roulet, "... she put together her friends, her social group, and they (Fred Wilpon and Nelson Doubleday) bought the ball club."

It was Fred Wilpon who initially convinced his brother-in-law and Sterling Equities partner Saul Katz into submitting a $21.1 million dollar bid.  According to a 2011 article in the New Yorker, Wilpon and Katz put up a mere $650,000 each, thus requiring investors still willing to sign on despite knowing control of the team would ultimately be vested in Wilpon's hands.  

Jeffrey Toobin of New Yorker magazine continues with John Pickett, then owner of the New York Islanders, informing Fred Wilpon that Nelson Doubleday's publishing company was interested in financing the rest of the bid.  According to a 2015 article in the New York Times, Nelson Doubleday (through Doubleday and Company) put up eighty percent of the purchase price, a record at the time for a baseball franchise.  It's partners were the City Investing Corp, and Fred Wilpon.

With Nelson Doubleday in the midst of selling his family business in 1986 to Bartelsmann, the New York Times wrote it was possible that he and Fred Wilpon would not have become 50-50 partners if Doubleday had been aware of a clause in their original agreement which gave Wilpon the right of first refusal on any sale of the team.  Doubleday, Wilpon and Saul Katz, would ultimately resolve the matter by becoming equal partners in purchasing the Mets from Doubleday and Company for $85 million dollars (and an agreement to assume $25 million dollars in team liabilities).

The issue of Fred Wilpon's right of refusal resurfaced six years later.  A 1992 New York Times article reported on Doubleday's veiled threat to sell his half of the Mets after a majority of MLB owners voted in favor of ousting then commissioner Fay Vincent.  At the time, the team's valuation was estimated between $180 million to more than $200 million dollars.  Doubleday said at the time he would not be putting his half stake in the Mets on the market, but would instead be offering it to Fred Wilpon.

The two never did get along very well - if at all - and they disagreed over a great many things.  Most famously, Nelson Doubleday felt it business wise to extend Mike Piazza's contract, whereas Fred Wilpon did not.  On the flip side, Fred Wilpon wanted to build a new ballpark.  However, Nelson Doubleday knew they couldn't afford it, preferring instead to renovate Shea Stadium.  Their differences and overall business relationship had become irreconcilable, and by 2002 Doubleday decided he wanted out.

That led to their most infamous disagreement, as the two engaged in a contentious court battle over the team's fair market valuation.  Nelson Doubleday believed the team should have been appraised for $500 million dollars, but was forced to accept a $391 million valuation established by a previously agreed upon independent appraiser, Robert Starkey.  As a net result, a furious Nelson Doubleday was forced to settle for $135 million after debt, with a promise for upwards of $40 million more if the Mets moved into a new stadium.

On the way out, Nelson Doubleday took some rather harsh parting shots at his former partner, going so far as predicting Fred Wilpon would "... run the Mets into the ground."  He also likened Jeff Wilpon to a little pharaoh, and scoffed at the notion of the boss' son learning how to become a baseball man.

Looking back, much of what ensued does indeed make Mets fans young and old shake their collective head, oft times in bewilderment, sometimes even in shame.  I speak for myself when saying along with Mr. Doubleday so went ownership's better baseball acumen, this team's authoritative check and balance, the front office's operational conviction, and above all else, there went the organization's Mets-centric sensibilities.

Nelson Doubleday may have said some things in anger, but it's more likely he knew things most of us did not.

For instance, in 2015 the New York Times wrote Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz used their accounts with Bernie Madoff to persuade lenders into refinancing certain loans thus allowing them to buy-out Nelson Doubleday, according to the lawsuit filed against the Mets owners by the trustee for the victims of Madoff's fraud.

In a separate 2011 article, former Mets general manager Frank Cashen acknowledged to the New York Times it was his understanding that several million dollars of his deferred compensation had been invested with Mr. Madoff.

This suggests Madoff was a stranger to no one and had long remained at the forefront of Fred Wilpon's financial operations right up until Dec. 8, 2008, when the greatest investment ponzi-scheme in American history was revealed.

There's no need rehashing all the financial minutia as it relates to Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz in the aftermath of the Madoff implosion.  They already simplified the details for us.  In the summer of 2015, Fred and Saul refinanced $700 million in remaining team and SNY debt.  According to the New York Post Sterling Equities owns 60 percent of SNY, and 60 percent of the Mets.  The five year loans against separate entities carry lower interest rates and tie the maturity dates together.  We are now inside year three of their continuing debt repayment schedule.

However, they were initially forced into selling limited minority shares of the team in order to survive and even get to that point.  We know Anthony Scamarucci, Bill Maher, and Steve Cohen are just some of the new silent, minority owners.  All told, the Mets reportedly raised $240 million from the sale of twelve minority shares according to a report in Newsday, with some shares purchased by SNY, and some privately purchased by Fred and Jeff Wilpon, and Saul Katz themselves.

It was also around this time Ed Kranepool and team COO Jeff Wilpon crossed paths at a team dinner.  Kranepool said to Jeff, "I hear you're selling shares in your team" according to the New York Times.  Kranepool immediately followed-up, "I don't want shares.  I want to buy the whole team so I can run it better than you and your father."

EDDIE!!   EDDIE!!   EDDIE!!

Fast-forward, and Fred Wilpon is upset with the cross-town Yankees over their off-season acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton.  He says their business model is unsustainable.  Hal Steinbrenner continues operating as if it is.

Why is it Fred Wilpon has no problem purchasing the (AAA) Syracuse franchise; has the want and wherewithal for developing the chop shops across the street from Citi Field; and tried involving himself in the Belmont Park project approved for the New York Islanders; yet has stated numerous times that in order for the Mets to increase spending, fans must attend more games and spend their money first?

To that I say gratitude is a two-way street.

Baseball Reference says Mets attendance for the years between 2012 through 2014 averaged 2,175,756 fans per season.  Between 2015 and 2017, they averaged 2,606,659 fans per season which translates into an average of 430,903 more money spenders per season.

Is it coincidence, then, that in 2003 the Mets finished in last place with a 66-95 record, then ordered Jim Duquette to freeze spending, only to finish in fourth place fifteen years later with a 70-92 record, and hand general manager Sandy Alderson a reduced budget over the winter?  Outside of Omar Minaya's ability to extract money from the Wilpons, the evidence suggests this is standard operating procedure.

Sure they recently signed Todd Frazier.  But it was the least they could do considering their recent increases at the gate.  Heaven forbid we expect more.

In the fifteen years between 2003 and 2017, the Mets compiled a sub par 1,194-1,235 (.491) record.  Over that time, they've posted only six winning seasons, won a Wild Card, captured two division flags, and clinched one National League pennant.  They've also posted nine losing seasons (including six in a row).  They won a single-season high 97 games in 2006, and in 2003 won a single-season low 66 games.

We are now 5,523 days and counting into what I call the AGE of WILPON.

I don't know about you, but I'm convinced ...

The Nelson Doubleday prophecy is fulfilled.

Street Art: Bond Street

Bond Street

Carroll Gardens/Gowanus

BROOKLYN

N.Y. Rangers: General Manager Jeff Gorton Orders An Off-Broadway Recast

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

CONSTRUCTION ZONE: BEWARE OF FALLING BLUESHIRTS

New York Rangers: Does Jeff Gorton really have this much autonomy, or is this just another day at the office for Darth Sather?

The last time these Rangers offered any glimmer of hope for being a playoff contender came back on New Year's day.  They have achieved just four regulation time victories since then.

(As of Tuesday morning they've won two more).

And so, Glen Sather and Jeff Gorton released a statement earlier this week saying, "We will be focused on adding young, competitive players that combine speed, skill, and character.  This may mean we lose some familiar faces ...." - blah, blah, blah - "commitment"  - blah - "building the foundation for our next Stanley Cup contender." 

Blah, blah, blah ...

We heard similar things the day they hired Alain Vigneault.

That being said, are we being led to believe this was Jeff Gorton's idea, and that Glen Sather signed off on it?

I would like to think so.  I would like to believe Jeff Gorton has autonomy.

But I doubt it.

Glen Sather has been part of the Rangers decision making process since 2000, where as Jeff Gorton has been general manager for only 32 months (under Glen Sather).  Meanwhile, Jim Dolan makes it crystal clear that Sather is here for as long as he chooses to be.

Now put all John Tortorella's antics aside for a moment and let's objectively consider his impact on the team during his four seasons as head coach.

Do the Rangers retain a majority of the club's young, upcoming talent, then actually exercise the required level of patience needed for developing a core group from which to build around had it not been for the influence I strongly believe John Tortorella exerted over Glen Sather?  I think not.  I believe John Tortorella indeed convinced Sather into suspending his otherwise nonsensical wheeling and dealing, and made him finally commit to a grassroots rebuild.

And they did - Tortorella and Sather; Sather and Tortorella.

And Tortorella gave this otherwise unknown group of youngsters a sorely needed identity.  They not only became one of the league's elite defensive teams, physically speaking, they quite literally threw down the gauntlet.  In the absence of an elite scorer at his disposal, that's all Torts had to work with.

Marian Gaborik wasn't willing to play in the grittier portions of the ice.  After which, Sather was never able to piece that situation together as Brad Richards and a few others resulted in epic fails.

Even Rick Nash was perhaps acquired one year too late.  I admit that I wanted him badly.  At the time, I thought Nash was the exact kind of player this team needed.  Unfortunately, he failed to provide Tortorella with playoff pop during their only post-season together - which not incidentally has remained Nash's Achilles heel throughout his years playing off-Broadway.  In 73 playoff games with the Rangers, Nash has produced just 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points.

Moving forward, Alain Vigneault merely advanced what was essentially John Tortorella's team into the Stanley Cup finals.  To be fair, playing the L.A. Kings that season was like running into a buzz saw.  The Kings were that good; very talented.  They were big, physical, tough!

Just ask the Devils.

Which brings me to my next point.

Sandwiched around John Tortorella's tenure are former coach Tom Renny and present head coach Alain Vigneault.  With each coach, the conversation invariably turns to speed and skill.  Sather, Renney, and Vigneault, clearly seem to have have more in common with each other, than either of them have with Torts.  And that's why I believe Tortorella in fact influenced Sather to the extent I do.

When I think Tom Renny, I think back to a Season Lost and the NHL Lockout.  I think about the institution of a salary cap and how that forced Glen Sather away from his usual wanton spending on aging, fractured, dysfunctional players of former renown, and made him focus more on actual player development, team building, and overall management.

One can not talk about Tom Renny and Glen Sather in the same sentence, though, without including Don Maloney, the former Rangers VP of player personnel from 1996 through 2007, whom served for seven seasons under Glen Sather.  And when I think back on Don Maloney, I can't help but recall Smurfish players such as Petr Prucha.

Yeah, I went there.

In 2007, Don Maloney moved on to became general manager of the Phoenix Coyotes.  Sather replaced him with Jeff Gorton.

Name me the beefcake drafted by either Don Maloney or Jeff Gorton.

I'll wait ...

BRB ...

And so I ask what makes the combination of Maloney, Renny, and Prucha, any different from Gorton, Alain Vigneault, and Mats Zuccarello, all these years later?  And, no, I'm not comparing Prucha to MatsZucs.  That would be silly.  But like I've said many times, when MatsZucs is your leading scorer four out of the last five seasons - with this roster of players - you have a major problem on your hands.

But my overall point here revolves around Glen Sather.

The Rangers were terribly weak at center then; the Rangers are no less weak at center today.  They were getting pushed off the puck after the lockout; theyret still getting pushed off the puck just as easily today.
Their forwards never could score that one clutch goal for Henrik Lundqvist before; they haven't been able to score that one key goal for Henrik Lundqvist ever.

And therein lie the Rangers two constants since 2005: Henrik Lundqvist and Glen Sather.

Who do you suppose I hold more responsible for the Rangers inability to hoist the Stanley Cup?

Therefore, say what you will about John Tortorella.  He certainly earned his dismissal.  But, for a short time he was able to leash Glen Sather long enough to allow the Rangers to grow into a young competitive team.  Moreover, Torts demanded his team protect Henrik Lundqvist at all costs.  The Rangers have since devolved under Glen Sather minions Jeff Gorton and Alain Vigneault, whom criminally allows Henrik Lundqvist, and his team to be beaten, battered, and bruised.

I want to know whether the front office is actually tearing this down to the ground and starting over from scratch, or, if they're simply blowing smoke up our posteriors.  Are they retooling on the fly, or are they merely aiming to alleviate themselves of three or four players in exchange for a clutch of younger, unproven, less costlier speed guys?  Because nowhere in the Rangers press release did I read the word rebuilding.  Towards that end, anything less would be a colossal mistake.

I'm already on record saying, gut it.

I'd be agreeable with retaining Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich, Brady Skjei, and maybe .. maybe, J.T. Miller.  Everyone else can and should be moved out with haste.  And I do mean everyone.

Personally, I am not interested in recouping bodies, per se.  Top rated prospects are one thing, but I want draft picks.  And perhaps the only Rangers player capable of securing a worth while number one pick is obviously Henrik Lundqvist.  Otherwise, the market among interested teams will set the price for players like Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash, Marc Staal, Michael Grabner, Mats Zuccarello, et al.

But what the Rangers need most are draft picks; many draft picks.  Between 2013 and 2016, the Rangers did not own a number one draft pick because they were all traded away.  And then the front office wonders why they find themselves in last place of the Metropolitan Division.

If Gorton and Sather are really committed to rebuilding, then the Rangers need to completely hit rock bottom.  That's something this organization has never been willing to do.  In order to maximize the odds of selecting premier talent in the draft an organization must be smart, yes, but also willing to pay the ultimate price in the standings first.  In my lifetime, the Rangers have only ever fallen below a .400 winning percentage once, and only twice since the 1965-66 season - a year before I was born.

Look around the league.  Teams which draft elite franchise players do so only after first suffering through years of gut-wrenching futility.  And by that I mean losing 65% of regular season games.  That's what happened with Pittsburgh whom wound up drafting Sidney Crosby and Ivgeni Malkin.  That's how Washington was able to draft Alex Ovechkin, and how Chicago was able to draft Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

The Islanders and John Tavares ... the list goes on.

Even after decades of mismanagement, the Toronto Maple Leafs have passed by the Rangers under the stewardship of Lou Lamoriello and Mike Babcock.

Speaking of old Lou, look no further than the New Jersey Devils.  The team that defeated Tortorella's Rangers in the 2010-2011 conference finals has since committed to rebuilding, stripped it down, and have now passed by the Rangers as well.  The Devils have earned 62-points as of this post, and are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings with less than thirty games to play.

However, they're in this position because they paid their dues in the standings first, then followed up with effective drafting.  Last year New Jersey won the draft lottery, and with the first overall pick of the 2017 entry draft, selected center Nico Hischier.  He presently has nine goals and 22-assists for 31-points.  That's more points than any Rangers center not named J.T. Miller.

The Rangers, meanwhile, presently reside in last place of the Metropolitan Division, and eleventh place in the conference.  Their (then) 57-points are the tenth least in the NHL.  Said another way, they are a bottom third team.

They have only won five division titles over the last fifty years.  That means they qualify for the post-season as a mid to lower seed more often than not.  That sort of consistent mediocrity, again, no doubt hampers their drafting, as they're usually stuck with mid to low round selections in any given year.

So, how low are the Rangers willing to go with this?

If I had my way, I'd be spending the next two weeks ensuring the Rangers become the worst team in North America.  Then right after the trade deadline, kindly show Alain Vigneault the door.

Then again, why wait?


*Updated, Tuesday morning.

Serie del Caribe 2018: Criollos de Caguas Are Back to Back Champions

From the desk of:  BEISBOL INVIERNO

60th Anniversary

CRIOLLOS de CAGUAS

CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONS

1954      1974      1987

2017-2018

Los Criollos de Caguas are back-to-back Caribbean champions.

Trailing 4-1 after six innings, Caguas surged ahead of the Dominican Republic's Aguilas Cibaenas with five runs in the seventh, and three more in the eighth, en route to a 9-4 victory in Thursday's tournament finale, and their second Serie del Caribe championship in as many years.

Criollos catcher Jonathan Morales' three run home run in the seventh proved to be the game's decisive blow.  Caguas also got a home run from center fielder Rusney Castillo.  First baseman Ruben Gotay went 2 for 4, with three RBI.

Andres Santiago earned the win in relief with two shutout innings of one-hit ball.  Miguel Mejia earned the save with two scoreless innings of no-hit ball.

Caguas has now claimed five Caribbean titles, tying them for second most in Serie del Caribe history.  Los Tigres de Licey of the Dominican Republic hold the record with ten.

This is Puerto Rico's sixteenth Caribbean title.  They are second to Dominican Republic whom also hold the record with nineteen tournament victories.

Serie del Caribe 2018: Puerto Rico to Face Dominican Republic in Final

From the desk of:  Beisbol Invierno

Championship Game

Dominican Republic

Aguilas Cibeanas

vs.

Puerto Rico

Criollos de Caguas

Los Criollos de Caguas: Champs Return to Serie del Caribe Final in Grand Fashion.

With a come from behind victory in the semi-finals over Venezuela, los Criollos de Caguas advance, and will defend their Serie del Caribe title Thursday evening against Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Republic.

Los Caribes de Anzoategui opened the scoring during Wednesday's elimination match against Puerto Rico with a run in the second inning.

After surrendering a lead-off single in the bottom of the fifth, Puerto Rico starting pitcher Orlando Roman was relieved by Fernando Cruz.  Los Caribes promptly greeted him with three straight hits, knocking Fernando out of the box.  Caguas manager Luis Matos then summoned reliever Luis Cruz whom put an end to Venezuela's threat, but not before Puerto Rico's deficit grew to four.

Caribes starting lanzador Daryl Thompson retired 15 of the first 16 Criollos batters he faced through five scoreless innings of work.

Thompson then opened the top of the sixth by fanning Criollos catcher Jonathan Morales.  But Caguas followed with a trio of hits to load the bases, and send Daryl Thompson to the showers.

Caribes manager Omar Lopez naturally followed up, bringing in reliever Nestor Molina to face Criollos number three hitter Anthony Garcia.  After swinging through a pair of pitches and looking at two others, Garcia deposited Nestor Molina's fifth offering over the left field wall for a game-tying grand slam home run.

Undeterred, Venezuela reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the seventh off Caguas reliever Robby Rowland.

However, los Caribes would unravel in the top of the eighth.  Suffice it to say, a pair of hits, a passed ball, a stolen base, an intentional walk, a wild pitch, and a catcher's throwing error later, and Caguas emerged with a one run lead, and ultimately, victory.

*

Los Aguilas Cibaenas, representing the Dominican Republic, overcame an early 0-3 deficit against Cuba to advance into the Caribbean tournament's finale against los Criollos.  Cibaenas waited to inflict their offensive damage upon Cuba late in the game, posting a pair of runs in the sixth, three in the seventh, and two more runs in the top of the eighth.  In response, all Cuba could muster was a run in the eighth, but no more.  The Cubans would ultimately fall by a 7-4 final margin.

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 ...