Brooklyn Nets: Dr. J Makes a House Call

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

DR. J

Julius Erving Makes First Ever Visit to Barclays Center

Hall of Fame member Julius Erving made his first ever visit to Barclays Center on Friday.  The Nets legend more popularly known throughout the basketball universe as Dr. J, upon his pre-game introduction was welcomed by the Flatbush faithful with a rousing standing ovation.  After launching his professional career with the Virginia Squires, the Long Island native was traded back home where he would lead the New York Nets in 1974 and 1976 to American Basketball Association championships.  After the ABA/NBA merger, Julius Erving would spend his entire NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, where in 1981 he won league MVP, and in 1983 captured his third championship title.  His #6 was retired by the Sixers, while Dr. J's #32 was retired in 1987 by the New Jersey Nets.

Hosting their former ABA brethren, Caris LeVert leads the Nets in a resounding 139-120 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.  Coming off a 51-point performance earlier in the week at Boston, Caris LeVert posts his first ever triple-double with a game high 27-points, and a team best ten assists and eleven rebounds.  Playing a team high 31-minutes, Caris also registers a game best +18 plus/minus.  Joe Harris is next in with twenty points on 9/14 from the floor, and DeAndre Jordan put up a double/double with twelve points and ten rebounds.  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot leads the bench with 19-points, shooting 3/5 from beyond the arc and a perfect 6/6 from the line.

The Nets improve to 17-14 at home, and have exactly twenty games remaining on their regular season schedule.  Despite a 28-34 record, they remain in seventh place of the conference standings.


Art mural featuring Dr. J is from a car wash and auto detail center formerly located at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.  Recently demolished the sight is presently under construction.

LIU Sharks: One Victory Down, Two To Go

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NEC TOURNEY

Fairleigh Dickinson    72

LIU SHARKS               73

With less than four seconds left to play and LIU down by one, senior Julian Batts receives a baseline inbounds, dribbles high around the left elbow, then cuts down the lane for the game winning layup.

and the Ashland Place gymnasium goes crazy!! https://t.co/4bPhkpDEqY

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) March 5, 2020

LIU takes a 15-point lead (44-29) into halftime, and by 13:26 of the second session lead by as many as 19-points.  After which the Knights strike back with a furious 35-16 run, closing within two points of the Sharks with under a minute left to play.  A defensive rebound and layup at the other end by FDU's Elyjah Williams ties the score at 71-71 with just 0:22 second left.  Williams' free throw conversion then gives the Knights their first lead since 8:40 of the first half.  But it wouldn't last.  A key Raiquan Clark rebound gives LIU possession with just three seconds showing on the clock.  Coming out of a time out, Batts scores off the glass just before the buzzer sounds.

With Thursday's 73-72 victory over #5 Fairleigh Dickinson at the Wellness Center, the Sharks advance to the Northeast Conference semifinal round against top seed Robert Morris at Pittsburgh.

N.Y. Mets: Rotation Weaker Without Zack Wheeler

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Although Zack Wheeler last March made it very clear to all that he welcomed free agency and that the club would need to meet his price, I was hoping against hope the Mets would re-sign him.

In turn the Mets let the regular season play out and apparently were dissatisfied with his performance.  Granted, Zack posted a somewhat unsightly 3.96 ERA and 1.259 WHiP through 195.1 innings pitched.  However, despite turning 30-years old this coming May, I believe health is finally on Wheeler's side and that his best days are still ahead.  Over the last two seasons he's made 60 starts with 374 strikeouts through 377.2 innings pitched.  Fangraphs had his 2018 velocity pegged at 95-mph, while last year's velocity remained steady at 96-mph.  Be that as it may the Mets made him no offer, qualifying or otherwise, electing instead to let him walk.

Wheeler signed with Philadelphia for $118 million over five seasons.  The general manager within me would have been agreeable negotiating a one hundred million package.  However I would have tried chewing him down from the other $18 million.  I'm inclined to believe Wheeler and his agent just to stay in New York would have agreed to a five year $105 million dollar deal.

Moreover, Zack Wheeler at the time I feel was better than any available replacement sans Gerrit Cole.  Simply put, the acquisitions of Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha have yet to sway my opinion, which is the starting rotation has been weakened.

Starting Depth: Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, Rick Porcello, Steven Matz, Michael Wacha.

vs.

Impacting the N.L. East: Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, Marcus Stroman, and adding Rick Porcello.

Of course, I could be wrong.

But I doubt it.

XFL Week Four: N.Y. Guardians Defend Their House

From the desk of:  GOTHAM'S GARGOYLES OF THE GRIDIRON

WEEK FOUR

L.A. Wildcats     14

N.Y. Guardians   17

Coach Gilbride Speaks, and Gotham Guardians Listen

During last week's fight marred and rather embarrassing defeat against the St. Louis BattleHawks, the Guardians for the viewing audience put on full display their lack of discipline, poor effort, and wide spread ineptness.  Beleaguered quarterback Matt McGloin incurred an early injury forcing him out of the game; performance at center continued being a major issue; otherwise everything that could go wrong did.  How bad did it get?  Coach Gilbride on the sideline was overheard suggesting in rather matter of fact manner (paraphrasing) how the team's leadership had effectively checked out.

After winning their inaugural game at home, the Guardians resounding 9-39 defeat at the St. Louis Battle Dome marked their second straight road loss.  And with the visiting Los Angeles Wildcats coming off their big week three victory over the D.C. Defenders, naturally I believed the Guardians troubles were sure to worsen Saturday at MetLife Stadium.  Instead, a resilient home effort against Los Angeles elevates the Guardians back to par with a 2-2 record.

New York's victory over the Wildcats very much resembles their week one victory against Tampa Bay.  A solid defensive effort highlighted by a couple of key sacks, and a game changing interception, complimented by a strong running game, and back-up quarterback Luis Perez' effective game management and overall performance, proved successful.         

Los Angeles quarterback Josh Johnson was 26/40 (63%) for 330 yards, with a pair a TD's and one pivotal INT.  Otherwise the Wildcats had no running game to speak of.  Their backfield was limited to just 38 yards on 12 rushing attempts.

The Guardians on the other hand were able to ride the backs Tim Cook and Darius Victor whom joined for 114 yards yards on 26 rushes. Victor carried the load with 18 rushes for 82 yards, and Cook followed with an effective 32 yards on eight attempts.

Making his first start for the Guardians, Luis Perez despite being sacked three times was an efficient 18/26 (69%) for a modest 150 yards, with a touchdown connection to Mekale McKay, and no interceptions.  It bears mentioning that with 5:40 left in the fourth quarter the two missed on a potential 32-yard connection when a well placed pass by Perez simply slipped through a wide open McKay's fingers.

Marquis Williams gets an honorable mention for his five yard QB sneak and successful two-point conversion, as does special teams whom also played a pivotal role in Saturday's victory.

After the game Coach Gilbride further elaborated about needing to adjust his team's attitude coming off last week's performance.  For now it seems to have worked.  They responded with a victory over the team whom dumfounded Cardale Jones and the previously undefeated D.C. Defenders.

The Guardians certainly dodged a third straight loss thanks to a Wildcats missed field.  But chalk one up for coaching and corrective mood management as well.

N.Y. Rangers: Big Bucks and Dumb Luck

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

New York Rangers: The Up and Down Week of Chris Kreider.

I wanted Chris Kreider traded.

they should, however painful. Need $$ flexibility, otherwise they'd just be replacing Henrik's prohibitive contract with another. I'd like to think they're still rebuilding.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) February 24, 2020

Chris is in his eighth season with the Rangers, the present campaign being arguably his best.  However through his first seven seasons I always considered him somewhat of an underachiever.  Jeff Gorton's purge and transformation of the team is proving quite fruitful.  Therefore as a rebuilding club I believed there was yet another appreciable return to be had, potentially another high draft pick.  Instead the parties agree to a seven year contract that pays the veteran left winger roughly $6.5 million per season.  Kreider turns 29-years old in April, which is to say when the deal expires he'll be 36-years old.

With all that being said.  I'm not an enemy of Chris Kreider.  When his head is screwed on right he's a fine player.  There's still every reason to believe the total package is still on the way.

Now that Kreider is signed does he get the C? #NYR

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) February 25, 2020

My answer is, yes indeed.  As the careers of Henrik Lundqvist and Marc Staal wind down, Kreider is the blueshirts' torch bearer moving forward.  If this season is indicative of a mature Kreider entering his mental and physical prime, he'll fill the role well.

Friday against the Flyers he blocks a shot resulting in a fractured foot. 

That's just dumb luck.

Squeezing Grapefruit League Baseball with Marc of MetsFansUnited on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

For love of Bob Myrick!

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

WITH GUEST

Marc AKA @NoMoreWilpons 

and @MetsFansUnited1

77 minutes

STUFF

Grapefruit League Opening Weekend

Left-Handed Pitching Dilemma

Starters ~ Bullpen 

Three Headed Catcher

JD Davis ~ Dom Smith ~ Brandon Nimmo

Steve Cohen ~ The SNY Cash Cow ~ James Dolan

Jason Bay ~ Lastings Milledge ~ Izzy ~ Jeff Reardon

Dave Cone for Mets HOF?

Happy Birthday Ron Hunt, and so much more!

BONUS OFF-TOPIC TANGENT: 

Yoenis Cespedes vs. Bo Jackson?

Yeah, we went there.

#LGM

Talking Brooklyn on The Bedford and Sullivan Podcast

From the desk of:  A SAM MAXWELL PRODUCTION

Happy President's Day

thirty minutes

Around Brooklyn in Thirty Minutes

ARod, Mad Man Manfred, and Other Great Stuff on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Show Date: 16 February 2020

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

94 minutes

Mad Man Manfred's Wacky Playoff Proposal  ~  Spring Training Experience

Zack Wheeler vs. Brodie Van Wagenen  ~  Trolling Noah Syndergaard

Rick Porcello  ~  Michael Wacha  ~  Pete Alonso

Mets to Wear #43  ~  Who Is Jerry Girard  ~  Al Lang Stadium

Florida Geography  ~  Things and Stuff  ~  The $57 Million Dollar Question

A-Rod and J-Lo  ~  so much more!

N.Y. Guardians: The Mad Mad World of Matt McGloin

From the desk of: GOTHAM's GARGOYLES OF THE GRIDIRON

XFL

WEEK TWO

Guardians     0

Defenders    27

At no point in time did I feel we were gonna be successful out there today ... No point in time did I feel comfortable ... One of the worst games I've ever been a part of  -  Matt McGloin

A noticeably perturbed Matt McGloin and his quarterback coach G.A. Mangus in the second quarter were observed along the sidelines engaged in an animated exchange.  Shortly thereafter on his way back to the locker room McGloin was asked by a sideline reporter what halftime adjustments did the Guardians need to make.  In what was an obvious jab directed at Coach Mangus, New York's quarterback rather defiantly and to an extent disrespectfully exclaimed the entire game plan needed to change.  Also adding (paraphrasing) there's some embarrassing things going on out there for us as an offense!  None of this escaped head coach Kevin Gilbride whom first imparted some words of wisdom upon his quarterback before benching him later in the second half in favor of back-up Marquise Williams.  However, Gilbride says not to overthink the switch since nothing else was working for them.  In any event McGloin is clearly a flustered quarterback whose game continued devolving throughout Saturday's contest.  His lack of composure and accountability were put on full display, both during and after the game.  McGloin's competency moving forward is sure to be brought into question throughout the upcoming work week leading up to game three, and he has only himself to blame.

All that being said the Guardians offense has more problems than a math book.  Through two weeks they're a futile 2/21 on third down conversions.  Therefore it's no wonder the Guardians sustain their first whitewashing of the season.  Playing minus two starting lineman and two receivers New York generated just 137 yards of offense against the D.C. Defenders.  That gives them just 363 total yards from scrimmage through their first two games.  Against the Defenders the Guardians rushed 16 times for 71 yards.  Through two weeks they have now gained just 115 yards on 32 rushing attempts.  And then there's mad Matt McGloin.  He was 8/19 for a mere 44 yards, with no TDs and two rather inexcusable interceptions.  Through two games he is now 23/48 (48%) for 226 yards, with one TD and two interceptions.

The Guardians defense was simply asked to do too much.  With nothing going on offensively they were made to stay on the field too long.  As a result Defenders quarterback Cardale Jones carved them up.  Jones was 23/37 (62%) for 276 yards with two touchdowns and a pick.  Two D.C. receivers topped 90-yards for the game, and two different receivers caught touchdowns.  New York generated no sacks and just two QB hits.  Meanwhile, the Defenders backfield rushed 27 times for 94 yards.  New York has now allowed 100-yards rushing in back to back games and to date have yielded 778 total yards from scrimmage.

XFL Week Two: N.Y. Guardians Rivalry With D.C. Defenders Awaits

From the desk of: Gotham Gargoyles

XFL

WEEK ONE

Tampa Vipers         3

N.Y. Guardians     23

Yeah, I'm back.  And I'm actually excited about something for a change.  The XFL is also back and I like what I see!  Last weekend was time very well spent.  All four opening day games were quite enjoyable if not down right entertaining.

Emphasizing talent and committing money in the position of quarterback is clearly paying instant dividends.  Otherwise, the XFL in just one week demonstrated at least to this fan a league wide competency worthy of serious attention.

Week One Recap: Opening Day Victory

Tampa amasses almost 400-hundred yards of offense, including 150 yards rushing on 30 attempts.  Yet they manage only three points.  I'm sure having one of their starting offensive lineman ejected for throwing a punch doesn't help.  But the Vipers true undoing is a pair of first-half Aaron Murray INTs, a fourth quarter fumble returned for six, and an otherwise swarming Guardians pass rush.  On first and goal from the Guardians six yard line, Murray lofts an errant pass attempt into the back of the end zone which gets batted and intercepted by safety Andrew Soroh.  Then with 0:41 remaining in the first half and the Vipers threatening once again in Guardians territory, Aaron Murray is picked off by cornerback Bryce Jones at the New York ten.  Three minutes into the fourth quarter, Murray's completion to Nick Truesdell is fumbled and recovered by linebacker Jamar Summers whom returns the ball 13-yards for another New York touchdown.  A third quarter sack causes Murray to fumble but Tampa recovers, if only momentarily.  In all New York records five sacks, with three coming in the fourth quarter.  Safety Wesley Sutton accounts for two, and the guys up front grab up the rest.

On the other side of the ball, Matt McGloin and the Guardians offense is limited to 45 plays from scrimmage versus 74 for Tampa.  They generate just 226 net yards against the Vipers defense, with 16 rushing attempts going for just 44 yards.  McGloin, a former Oakland Raider, goes 15/29 for 182 yards, connecting with Colby Pearson for a touchdown, and rushing for another.  

SATURDAY

New York Guardians (1-0)

vs.

D.C. Defenders (1-0)

The Guardians defense will no doubt be tested by the Defenders.  Last week D.C. quarterback Cardale Jones threw two touchdown passes, and the Defenders rushed for two more en route to a commanding 31-19 home victory over the Seattle Dragons.  Jones was 16/26 for 235 yards, and was sacked only once.  Last week the Guardians offense sputtered but Matt McGloin made big plays when needed.  This week he must sustain drives in order to keep Cardale Jones off the field.  The Guardians last week had ten possessions against Tampa and punted seven times.  McGloin did well in the way of moving the pocket and throwing on the run, and did not get sacked.  However, at some point the offensive line must ultimately settle in and go about creating daylight for Darius Victor and Tim Cook.

Defenders fans went all out last week in support of their team.  Made for a great watch on the television.  I expect no less from them this week.

Go Guardians..!


Stats: XFL.com

Another Metsian Podcast: Talking Pitchers and Catchers with Gary Mack of MetsMusings

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Unpack the Truck!

Pitchers and Catchers Have Arrived

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

With Special Guest

Gary Mack of MetsMusings.com

74 minutes

Let's Not Make a Deal ~ Grading the Off-Season ~ Spring Training Invitees

PITCHERS and CATCHERS

#42

A Most Metsian Time of the Year Holiday Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

WITH SPECIAL GUEST

Greg Prince of 

FaithAndFearInFlushing.com

sixty-seven minutes

Peace on Earth

N.Y. Knicks: Business as Usual at the World's Most Dysfunctional Arena

From the desk of: DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

Steve Mills and Scott Perry 

Continue Pushing Knicks Up The Mountain

What's sad for me as someone with a blog, much less being a fan since the mid 1970's, is the standard operating procedure put in place twenty years ago which still remains in effect today, by all indications will continue steering the future course of this organization for an unceremonious third straight decade to come.  I could be wrong with regards to what tomorrow holds, but the narrative emanating out of an unyielding MSG to date remains unchanged.  There was that one fleeting moment when Donnie Walsh expertly restored to the Knicks long needed financial flexibility and roster maneuverability.  That is until James Dolan trampled him (and coach D'Antoni) underfoot like some flaming brown paper bag of dog poop left on his front porch.

David Fizdale is merely MSG's latest victim.  I wish him well.  His departure at the very least reconfirms the ongoing dysfunction afflicting the Knicks.  Fizdale marks the twelfth Knicks head coach of this new millennium, and now Mike Miller steps in as unlucky number 13 in the last 19 years.  Players across the league have taken notice of this organization's behavior, and thus rate them low on the NBA's most favored destinations list.  The most recent off-season speaks for itself.  James Dolan is of course the founder of this calamity we call the Knicks.  In turn Steve Mills is his lead executive.  And until Mills is relieved of his duties I do not foresee any relief from this prolonged state of futility.

Meanwhile Scott Perry to me represents the stack of pages reading: all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.  Next thing you know it's your face in the old picture hanging behind the ballroom bar. You've always been caretaker of the world's most dysfunctional arena, Sir.

PIGSKIN 2019: Week Fourteen

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY
Week Fourteen

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two
Week Three

Week Four
Week Five
Week Six

Week Seven
Week Eight
Week Nine
Week Ten
Week Eleven
Week #12 Off
Thanksgiving Day
Week #13 Off

SCOREBOARD

Overall Record: 70-74

Schmear of the Week: 5-6
Bagels in the Basket: -7


I picked a hell of a time for a break, huh?


WEEK FOURTEEN
Friday Line ~ NYDN

Dolphins +5 1/2 JETS
The Jets have ensured that every NFL team will have won at least one game this season.  How benevolent of them.  In fact the previously 0-7 Sea Mammals are 3-2 since these teams last played.  Don't expect Le'Veon Bell to get many touches.  Coach Gase never wanted him in the first place and the last thirteen weeks bear that out.  The home crowd is gonna be pissed!

Ravens -6 BILLS
This game puts my theory to the test.  I rank center the fifth most important position in football.  The Ravens have scored over 400 points this season.  They averaged 35 ppg through their first eleven games.  Then they ran into the 49ers and were limited to 20 points.  The Niners are very good; not taking anything away from them.  But last week was the first game the Ravens played without starting center Matt Skura (out for the season).  Despite the greatness of Lamar Jackson, losing their center I believe will begin weighing heavily in Baltimore's planning.  Like the Niners, Buffalo features a very good defense.  Can the Bills hold them to 20 points, or will the Ravens revert back to their 35 ppg average?

PACKERS -13 D.C. Snyders
The good times are over.  Washington will not win three in a row ... not against the Packers; not at Green Bay.

TEXANS -9 1/2 Broncos
If the Texans take care of the ball they'll be fine.  Their best bet is keeping their own defense off the field with ball control.  The Broncos are 1-5 on the road.

Niners +2 1/2 SAINTS
Looking for the Niners defense keeping this close.

BROWNS -9 Bengals
Bengals are still in the driver's seat with regard to the #1 pick.  Why blow it ...

Panthers +3 FALCONS
Teams after getting their head coach fired almost always win their next game.

VIKINGS -13 Lions
The last time these teams met the Vikings defeated the Lions 42-30 at Detroit.  The Lions are losers of five in a row.  Minnesota needs to get back on track after losing last week at Seattle.

BUCS -3 Colts
The Colts early on appeared poised for succeed upon the retirement of Andrew Luck.  Lately not so much.  When you only score 12 points and lose to the Sea Mammals you know you're in trouble.  If the Bucs can manage just one or two keys stops on defense they'll emerge easy victors.  Famous last words ...

Chargers -3 JAGUARS
What use is home field is you sport a -72 point differential?  Good weather for Philip Rivers.

PATRIOTS -3 Chiefs
Here we go again!

Steelers -3 CARDINALS
How can you not root for Duck Hodges!?!?  If the Steelers aren't blitzing the crap out of Kyler Murray, they're doing something wrong.

Titans -3 RAIDERS
The Raiders are just spent, tired, road weary from unfriendly schedule which included a trip across the pond.

Seahawks -1 RAMS
No surprises here.  The Seahawks defeated the Rams by one point at Seattle in week five.  Despite a 7-5 record the Rams have been one of the more disappointing teams in the league.

EAGLES -9 Giants MONDAY NIGHT
Eli is back.  And yeah, I think the Giants can cover against the wildly erratic Eagles.


Schmear of the Week
Packers -13


Good luck, and have a happy Football Sunday, everyone!

Contemplating End of Wilpon Era on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

PARTY TIME!

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

WITH GUESTS

Marc @NoMoreWilpons and Corey@MetsFansUnited1

100 minutes

 

On the Potential Sale of the 

New York Mets

• art by #CYCLE