N.Y. Rangers: Big Win Over Caps Overshadowed By Bigger Loss Of Ryan Callahan

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

 

Rangers Fans Get "Thumbed" In The Eye

NEW YORK RANGERS:  That's One Big Win For Tex's Rangers, But One Giant Loss For Blueshirts Kind.

The Rangers looked and played like they were happy to be back in familiar surroundings Wednesday night, even if it was in Washington.  The enigmatic Capitals turned out to be a welcome elixir for the beleaguered Rangers, even though the Caps have more problems than a math book too.  That should not take away from the kind of game the Blueshirts played though.  They've shown incremental progress of late.  But the Rangers still have a long way to go before proving anything.

My attitude hasn't changed much.  In fact, very recent attempts to play man-to-man defense looked very keystone cop at times.  Overall, the defense still finds themselves in places on the ice Henrik is not used to, and as a result is facing a wider range of shots he's likewise not accustomed to.  Three cheers go out to John Moore for scoring a goal however.  I'm still not over an increasing lack of toughness, but it was nice to see Justin Falk mix it up in the first period, and the Rangers actually out-hit the Caps by a wide 35-21 margin.  That's a tangible positive.

Certainly not last, Ryan Callahan was already being tasked with having to do too much.  He easily led ALL forwards Wednesday night with twenty-eight shifts and 22:06 minutes of ice time.  Alex Ovechkin took twenty-two shifts.  Callahan also led ALL forwards with five hits, and led the Rangers with six shots on net.  Only Alex Ovechkin took more shots, but Callahan had the only goal by a forward.  Oh, and he was asked to kill penalties too.  Now, Ryan Callahan will miss the next several weeks with a broken thumb.  He'll join Rick Nash and Carl Hagelin on the list of players the Rangers can least afford to lose.

Here is more evidence that Alain Vigneault is just as guilty as the previously ousted coach when it comes to shortening the bench.  While Callahan topped everyone with 22:06, Ovechkin saw 21:40 minutes, but no other player surpassed twenty-one minutes.  Derick Brassard and Brad Richards were the only other two Rangers forwards to clock twenty minutes.  The Caps had five different forwards eclipse twenty minutes.

It is now J.T. Miller's and Taylor Pyatt's big chance to shine.  In fact, Glen Sather's newly assembled crew is all together now.  Miller, Pyatt, Brassard, Derek Dorsett, Benoit Pouliot, Jesper Fast, Dominic Moore, John Moore, Darroll Powe, Justin Falk are all Glen Sather's bright ideas to improve a club that went to the Eastern Conference finals two years ago.

All we need now is for Chris Kreider to become the next Manny Malhotra - the Rangers former number one pick of the 1998 draft, and the seventh pick over all, whom the Rangers wound up trading to Dallas for three sticks and a bag-o-pucks.




Mike.BTB

BK Nets: Jason Kidd's No. 5 - The First Jersey To Rise In Modern Brooklyn

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

JASON KIDD

5

2001 - 2008

 

BROOKLYN NETS: Jason Kidd's Number is Up.

It's his number, and if he wants it lifted to the Barclays Center rafters as quickly and quietly as possible, well then, fugheddaboudit - give the man what he wants!  He still goes down as the greatest New Jersey Nets player in the club's history whether he likes it or not.  It's certainly odd to hold a jersey retirement ceremony during the pre-season.  But Barclays Center will nevertheless be sold out tonight as the Nets take on the Miami Heat.

This will be the first of two pre-season games against Miami.  The Nets are 3-1 so far in the unofficial Jason Kidd era.  Brooklyn kicks off their regular season October 30 in Cleveland.

But make no mistake, Doctor J was the greatest New York Nets player of all-time.  The only question left to ponder is who will be Brooklyn's near-term best player of the times?

Right now, I feel Brook Lopez has the inside track.  He's young, and already ranks among the top scoring centers in the league.  If Deron Williams wasn't first hobbled by Avery Johnson, then by his ankle situation, he would have been the logical choice.  Aside from these two, no one else stands to remain in Brooklyn long enough in order to create a lasting legacy, unless that is, the current starting five push the Hoops of Flatbush all the way to a title!

And so, Jason Kidd has his mission statement in hand - win a title within two years.  That's what the owner wants, although Billy King is shooting for this season.  The team Kidd will coach, without a doubt is more talented than the Nets team Jason Kidd played for, and led to back-to-back NBA Finals.

Jason Kidd should only hope his players don't give him the same treatment Kidd gave Byron Scott.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Sather Continues Softening The Blueshirts

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

 

Feeling increasingly alone?

NEW YORK RANGERS: Yet Another Indication It Is Open Season On Tex's Rangers - Can Someone Please Place GM Glen Sather On Waivers!?

This is essentially the same team as last year, just with a new coach.  But you know what I heard after each game so far?  They need to get back to what was already ingrained into them regarding defense, and that they need to get back to doing things they already know how to do.  That screams of the stuff they used to pay keen attention to while playing for John Tortorella.  It also sounds like a lot of reminiscing by the players to me.  How do you feel about your exit interviews now boys?  They have this look about them as if wondering - what did we ask for?  To that I'll say again - you can't always give players what they want!

On that note, the GM continues to take away what this team needs most - toughness.  I wasn't exactly the biggest supporter of Aaron Asham.  He was inconsequential really.  But he did bring a measure of physicality to the ice, which is something the Rangers have methodically removed from their locker room over the last two seasons.  Glen Sather placed Asham on waivers today.  And there goes the last player who was willing to flat out fight if it meant protecting the honor of a team mate....  As a side note to this matter, Rick Nash is expected to miss at least the next two games while still suffering concussion symptoms after taking an elbow to the back of the head against San Jose.  That said, there is now one remaining player on the roster now who will stand against indiscretions taken against the Rangers.  That skater wears the C on his uniform.  He can not police the competition alone.

...And all this came against western conference clubs, who aren't necessarily known for playing intensely physical games.  The more one looks back on the Kings games, the more it looks like an aberration.  The Rangers are finally heading back east, so what do you think is going to happen now?  While getting back within their own conference might change team fortunes on the ice, I expect even more teams to push the Rangers around.

Goalie Marty Biron was also placed on waivers.  Who didn't see that coming?  Marty wasn't necessarily Alain Vigneault's favorite to back-up Lundqvist out of camp.  Biron just happened to be the best of the worst.  He never managed to recapture his effectiveness from two seasons ago, and now will contemplate retirement.



Mike.BTB

Vintage Base Ball At The Old Stone House: Gothams Take Two From Flemington

First, welcome back to the Borough of Kings gentlemen, and thank you for another fine display.  It was good seeing you all once again, healthy and spry.  And thank you Kim, for your efforts in  making the day possible yet again.

*     *     *     *

 

 

Gotham Base Ball Club of New York: Ghosts of 1864 Come Back To Brooklyn; Sweep Pair From Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club.

The ghosts of 19th Century Base Ball returned to the Old Stone House in Brooklyn today.  New York City's own Gotham Base Ball Club hosted the Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club Saturday for two matches at the adjoining historic Washington Park ball field.

The Gothams entered their final series of the 2013 season looking to improve upon their (20-20) .500 record, while Flemington's season winds down later this month.  In speaking with Mr. "Brooklyn" Shaw of the Neshanocks before the day's action, he gleamed over the team's 22-19 record this season, as they've struggled in recent years to stay above the .500 mark.  Always the gentleman, he had nothing but complimentary words for his noticeably younger opponents.

Unfortunately for the visitors from New Jersey, and to the delight of Gotham, the home team did not disappoint, taking both contests from the Neshanock club.  The day's first match was a markedly one-sided affair, while the second session was a far closer matter.

 

THUMBS (l.) of Flemington and BUGS (r.) of the Gothams

commence the day's activities with the pre-match Bat-Toss.

 

 

 

The Flemington Neshanock scorebook is an exact (and fascinating) replica of Henry Chadwick's original ledger, reproduced with permission of course.  Mr. Chadwick is considered to be one of the "Fathers of Baseball" - a sportswriter, baseball's first historian, first statistician, creator of the boxscore and first scoring system.  He rests in Brooklyn's landmark Green Wood Cemetery.  His head stone is a pillar artfully decorated with base ball equipment of the period, while the plot itself outlines a base ball diamond, replete with stone bases.

 

 

 

Flemington Neshanock Baseball Club

 

 

 

Bugs (top) was today's pitcher for New York.  After taking his warm-ups, Peaches (bottom left) of the Neshanock was the first striker to oppose him.  Peaches leaves his bat at the feet of Brooklyn and Gotham catcher Scratch (bottom right), as they admire his handy work.

 

 

 

The Gothams jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.  Their shortstop, Lightning, had himself a rather exceptional afternoon, pacing the Gothams throughout.  Pictured below, he led-off New York's first at-bat with a well struck base hit to left.  He went on to thieve both second and third base.

 

 

Scratch (below left) then stepped in,

and delivered Lightning (below right) from third with the afternoon's first run.

 

 

The Gothams went on to win the first contest by a lopsided 14-5 final score.

 

In between games, Lightning and Brooklyn shared time

discussing the myth of Abner Doubleday.

 

The second match was a more tightly contested affair, although, it did not pass without controversy.  However, not enough so that both teams could not come together and discuss matters like gentlemen.

 

 

 

Flemington tried mounting one last comeback against the Gothams, however, Bugs was especially sharp this day, hurling a 4-0 white washing of the visitors.  He turned in a manly effort, pitching in excess of fifteen innings over the two matches.

 

 

 

The Neshanock Base Ball Club still gets to leave town, albeit only one game over the .500 mark.  Even Brooklyn admitted, when the Gothams have the skilled Scratch, and the youthful Collector, Lightning, and few others on the field, they're pretty hard to beat.

 

Speaking of which, Wickets was a glaring Gothams no-show this afternoon.  Word is New York's regular shortstop caught a case of the flu - as in he flew to the Dominican Republic!  Very poor!  Otherwise, his whereabouts are somewhat unknown.  Attempts to call him have failed - just like he failed his team today.  It is wildly being suspected he's either in cahoots with Charlie Sheen to take over the world, or he malingered himself into an early vacation.  If and when Wickets returns, he will definitely have a lot of 'splaining to do!  Or maybe, he should stay there, as the team's kangaroo court could very well crash down upon him like the Spanish Inquisition.

 

Circling back to Flemington, their next contest will be played down in Maryland against the Elkton Eclipse.  They will then wrap up their season in New Jersey against the Hoboken Nine. 

 

With today's sweep, the Gothams improved their record, and end their regular season with a 22-20 mark..., or so they think.  After all, this is 1860's record keeping we're talking about.   All things considered, Bugs believes the 2013 season was a very positive campaign.  He also expressed hope the club can continue playing home games on Governor's Island, and travel out to Gettysburg next season.

 

 

The final

Huzzah!  Huzzah!  Huzzah!

 

 

 

 

*    *    *    *

 

 

 

Did You Know?

Before the modern era of concussions, there was what they call Catcher's Head.

Numerous catchers ended up in mental asylums after being struck in the head by too many bats, baseballs, and the like.  Eventually, more observant minds started making the correlation regarding head injuries.  Obviously, catchers were the first players to use gloves.  The standard catchers mask, shin guards and chest protector would soon follow.

 

 

 

Gotham Base Ball Club of New York

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

NYC: Pic of the Day

New York, NEW YORK

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

PIGSKIN 2013; Football Sunday- Week Six

PIGSKIN

 

 

Football Sunday

WEEK SIX

 

RESULTS:

Week Five

Week Four

Week Three

Week Two

Week One

 

 

 

Week Five Record:  3-8-1

Overall Record:  29-33-4

Schmear of the Week:  4-1

Bagels in the Basket:  +1

 

 

Coin Toss:

 

See the Broncos/Jaguars game.  What the hell are we supposed to do with 27 points?

 

Third and Short:

 

With a victory, the Jets can have the city all to themselves for the next week.  With a loss, they forfeit any special treatment until further notice.

 

Punt:

 

I still can't believe the Giants are 0-6 for the first time since 1976.  I was nine years old and praying for Walt Frazier and the Knicks season to start.

 

 

 

...Let's roll some Bagels.

 

 

WEEK SIX:

Friday Line - NYDN

 

 

JETS -2 (Steelers)

The Jets defense has been solid.  The Steelers offensive line will continue bogging down the running game and allowing sacks.

Loss; 19-6 Steelers

 

 

Raiders +9 (CHIEFS)

This is the first of several wacky spreads.  I'm just looking for the Raiders to stay in the game.  Their play this season deserves at least that much.

Loss; 24-7 Chiefs

 

 

Eagles -1 (BUCS)

When it rains it pours.  There is no better place to put a team's utter dysfunction on display than at home in front of your fans.  Life is cruel that way.

Win; 31-20 Eagles

 

 

RAVENS +3 (Packers)

The Packers were playing representative defense.  Clay Matthews is out this week.  I like Baltimore's chances at home.

Win; 19-17 Packers

 

 

Lions -3 (BROWNS)

I've been riding the Lions all season, not because I think they're really good, but because their competition has been average.  I took Detroit, but that means you should jump all over the Browns at home.

Win; 31-17 Lions

 

 

Panthers +2 1/2 (VIKINGS)

My first inclination was to go with Minnesota.  Then I thought to myself - what defense?

Win; 35-10 Panthers

 

 

TEXANS -7 (Rams)

Yeeee Hahhh!  Gonna rustle up some Rams!  In a week of wacky spreads, why isn't this spread larger?

Loss; 38-13 Rams

 

 

Bengals -7 (BILLS)

Every time I take the Bengals seriously, I get burned.  Buffalo is starting a rookie QB, while Cincinnati has victories over Green Bay and New England.

Loss; 27-24 Bengals

 

 

Titans +13 1/2 (SEAHAWKS)

I'm giving the Titans the respect they've earned with very stout play.  I do not think Seattle is a two TD favorite against any team.  They're very good, but not ridiculously great.

Win; 20-13 Seahawks

 

 

BRONCOS -27 (Jaguars)

This sucks!  What the hell do you do with this one?  John Fox just may very well take Peyton out of the game at some point, but not too likely - not if Peyton wants to chase some records.  But if I'm Denver, why not try to run the ball all day?  In either scenario, the Jags will be sucking wind in the Mile High city.

Loss; 35-19 Broncos

 

 

49ERS -11 (Cardinals)

I usually like the Cards getting points, but just not this week on the road.  The 49ers look to have finally ironed out their wrinkles.

Win; 32-20 49ers

 

 

Saints +3 (PATRIOTS)

I just feel Drew Brees and Coach Sean Payton are really happy to be back together again, and are making up for lost time.  They play like mortals outside of the Dome, but the Patriots are looking just as mortal lately.

Push; 30-27 Patriots

 

 

COWBOYS -5 (Redskins)

SUNDAY NIGHT - Tony Romo had a career day versus Denver, and still lost to Peyton Manning.  He'll dissect the Skins too, without fear of a Washington comeback this time.

Win; 31-16 Cowboys

 

 

 

Schmear of the Week:

Texans -7 (RAMS)

Loss

 

 

That's sixteen bagels into the oven.  Good luck, may your chicken wings be plentiful, and have a Happy Football Sunday everybody!

 

 

POST-GAME:

 

Week Six Record:  7-5-1

Overall Record:  36-38-5

Schmear of the Week: 4-2

Bagels in the Basket:  -1

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB 

N.Y. Giants: Brandon Jacobs Rumbles While Big Blue Stumbles

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

0-6

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Brandon Jacobs Romps Though Daylight, But Can't Save Giants From Eli.
 

THURSDAY NIGHT FINAL:
Giants 21
Bears  28

If I could reach out and hug him, I would.  No one anticipated the renaissance man, but Brandon Jacobs gave the Giants, losers of their sixth straight game, a throwback performance.  He didn't drop with the lightest brush against an opposing jersey, or slightest touch of a hand as he's been accused of in his later years.  Instead, he powered ahead, sometimes left, and with great success to the right.  Best of all, he pushed a pile of Bears for an early touchdown, as well as the clock back about six years.

The Giants all-time rushing touchdown leader added two more to his collection, and has three for the season.  Brandon Jacobs now has fifty-nine rushing touchdowns as a member of Big Blue.

He was a work horse and very refreshing to watch, on another otherwise disappointing night for the Giants.  Big Buddy rumbled for 106 yards on twenty-two rushes.  He scored twice while averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and had a long of sixteen yards.  He even took the field with a wrapped up thigh after Da'Rel Scott left the game with a hamstring injury.  Jacobs also caught one pass for eight yards.  All told, the Giants rushed for 123 yards.

Who knew the Giants running game was going to be saved by Brandon Jacobs' swan song?  The offensive line and Justin Pugh in particular changed schemes somewhat, and created space for Jacobs.  A few cutback misdirection plays also worked very well.  It was nice to finally see someone get the ball twenty-two times.  In fact, Eli threw the ball twenty-six times, and the Giants ran the ball twenty-six times.  With the way this season has gone, that in itself was an amazing feat.  Eli's three interceptions were the determining factor in this latest debacle.  Brandon Jacobs almost got them over the mountain though.

The big guy was huffin' and puffin' last night, and sucked a lot of oxygen.  He's only starting to get his legs under him.  Speaking of which, I'm sure we'll find out the full extent of discomfort Brandon's leg is in by tomorrow.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Sizing Up Next Year's Payroll And Pitfalls

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: So Just How Much Is Mr. Wilpon Willing To Spend Anyway?

Jonathon Niese and David Wright will cost the Mets a combined $25 million dollars to operate next season.  They are the only two players under contract beyond the 2014 season.

The Mets have eleven arbitration eligible players: Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Dillon Gee, Eric Young, Mike Baxter, Justin Turner, Bobby Parnell, Scott Atchison, Omar Quintanilla and Ruben Tejada.  I personally would grant Atchison, Quintanilla and Baxter their free agency. 

The following are no brainers: Daniel Murphy enjoyed a career year, and should realize a substantial increase from his $2.9 million salary.  With double-digit victories, Dillon Gee should likewise see a considerable increase in pay.  He made just over a half-million dollars last season.  The Mets can expect to shell out roughly six million-plus dollars next season for the pair.  Bobby Parnell, who earned $1.7 million last season, effectively staked his claim to the closer's role.  He will be coming off neck surgery, but is expected to recover.  Expect him to get bumped up to $3 million or so.

Eric Young Jr. led the National League in stolen bases.  That should be enough to get him into the millionaire's club.  Players almost never lose, and so Justin Turner will get a raise too.  The pair should cost the Mets around another $3 million to retain.

So far, we have spent $37.5 million.

There is a reason why Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Ruben Tejada were left for last.  What the hell do we do with them now?  The 2013 season was supposed to solve some team issues.  Instead, we came out even more problems.  Despite doing everything possible to give away his starting job, the Mets are lacking a shortstop that can adequately replace Ruben Tejada.  He might cost the Mets a million.  Outfield is no longer an option for Lucas Duda.  That leaves him and Ike Davis fighting it out for first base.  Or does it?  It would be difficult to let either one just walk away for nothing.  If both are offered arbitration, one would certainly have to begin the season in Las Vegas.  Another option is one gets traded during the off-season.  My over-riding sentiment is, this competition needs to end.  The time has come to make a definitive decision on one, or the other.  Where ever possible, the make-up of this team heading into the 2014 season needs to change.  Ike could only get see a marginal raise after last season.  The Mets should be able to keep him for under $4 million.  Lucas Duda however could possibly get bumped up to as much as $2 million next season.

Let's average this all out, and put the Mets at $40 million so far.

LaTroy Hawkins wants to continue pitching, and the Mets would be wise to resign him.  He made $1 million last season.  Let's give him a half-million dollar raise, and plug in Zack Wheeler, Juan Lagares and Travis d'Arnaud for the major league minimum.
.
I will add another six players who will also make the major league minimum.  You can argue over who they will be: Matt den Dekker, Germen Gonzalez, Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia, Vic Black, Wilmer Flores, Josh Satin, Wilfredo Tovar, Anthony Recker, Carlos Torres, or other.

That brings the Mets 2014 bill up to $46 million, with six more roster spots to fill.

Sandy Alderson said he will be active in the free agent market.  So let's spend some more of Wilpon's money then.  Say the Mets sign two major free agents this off-season, that cost sixteen and twenty-one million per season each.  That would bring the Mets 2014 expenditure to $83 million dollars, with four more roster spots to fill.

Fortifying the starting rotation should bring the club to $90 million dollars.  If the Mets pick up the option on Johan Santana's contract, the number goes up.

Will Mr. Wilpon dare approach this number?

Attendance at Citi Field had dropped in each of the years since it opened.  Ownership already forecasted and announced their 2014 projected $10 million dollar loss last year.  Currently, their money is mostly spoken for.  The people refinancing ownerships debt load are making sure of that.  The Mets are additionally looking to renegotiate another $250 dollars....again.  A NYPost report says Mr. Wilpon will look to arrange that over the Winter, but supposedly this will not effect 2014's player salary budget.  I honestly do not see that ownership will have any potential cash flow for the upcoming season.  Meanwhile, Sandy Alderson still needs to know what he'll be allowed to spend soon.

Another question is, how closely should the 2014 Mets resemble the team of the last two years?  Many of the above players have contributed to an overall 148-176 record.  Perhaps the Mets could benefit from trading some of their more valuable players for the sake of finally changing the direction of this club.  They certainly need to cut the chord with others.


P.S.  Bobby Bonilla is still on the books!




Mike.BTB

N.Y.Giants: The Long Successful Run To Daylight Is Over

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

JOE MORRIS

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Big Blue's Long Proud Contiguous Chain Of Running Backs Has Snapped.

Just so you know, former G-Man Ahmad Bradshaw will undergo neck surgery, and miss the rest of the season.  So, in all likelihood, he would have been of no use to the Giants had they retained him.  In essence, the Giants would have been in the same situation they find themselves at this very moment.  Think of it this way, by letting Ahmad Bradshaw walk to Indianapolis, the Giants were able to retain Victor Cruz.  The reality is, that equated to a personnel net gain of zero, which circles back to the current state of running game, doesn't it?  Meaning - Net Gain Zero.

In David Wilson's defense, he's been attempting to rush behind the Giants worst offensive line of the last fourteen years.  He's no doubt a partial victim of bad timing in that respect.  The front five couldn't push a refrigerator right now.  There is no taking away the marvelous season Wilson had returning kicks last season.  Over 1,500 yards led the entire NFL.  In fact, his career is starting similarly to Tiki Barber's; returning kicks, fumble issues, and accused of being undersized.

Wilson should only be so lucky.

Potential talent aside, David Wilson is now stored energy.  He will miss Thursday night's game against the Bears with a neck injury that threatens to keep him out longer - maybe even the entire season.  That still remains to be determined.

What if I said David Wilson also represents a glaring break down in the system?

I'm afraid the long successful rush towards daylight is over.  The torch passed from Joe Morris, to O.J. Anderson, to Rodney Hampton, to Tiki Barber, to Brandon Jacobs, to Ahmad Bradshaw, has been dropped and extinguished.  Even guys like Ron Dayne, Gary Brown and even Charles Way did their part to keep things moving down field.

The difference between all those guys and David Wilson is this - Every single one of those running backs overlapped each other.  Since Joe Morris, the Giants have always smoothly transitioned from one back to another.  Morris played with O.J., Otis played with Rodney, Hampton played with Tiki, Barber played with Jacobs, and big buddy Brandon played with his little buddy Bradshaw.  Then..., Jerry Reese handed Brandon Jacobs his walking papers two seasons ago, and opened the door for Ahmad Bradshaw last season.  In this long succession of backs, David Wilson was the first one to go into a regular season solo.  At this point, I beg you please - Andre Brown is inconsequential.  I'm not even inclined to say the injured Andre Brown and David Wilson would, or could have formed a formidable duo.  Unless you blindly see life through Big Blue colored glasses, I respectfully ask, who the hell is Andre Brown that we should rue the day he got injured?  And so I reiterate, the search for daylight just went dark.  There is a failure in the system, and it's not necessarily with David Wilson.  He is a byproduct.

For the moment, let's leave Brandon Jacobs out of this.  The Giants will enter Thursday night's game against Chicago with a backfield of Da'Rel Scott, who they cut last week, and a rookie, Michael Cox.  In the name of Frank freakin' Gifford, have you ever recalled such a circumstance?  I have!  And it was a long time ago.

I hope I'm clear in making my point, which is, the contiguous chain of running backs has been snapped.

The O-Line is indeed as bad as perhaps fourteen years ago, and deserves rightful blame for much of the current offensive dysfunction.  Jerry Reese did not transition this unit with the urgency it demanded.  The offensive line had long ago peeked and was already in steep decline entering the 2011 SB season.  Now that Chris Snee is done for the season, that means four of the original Big Five record setting linemen inherited by Jerry Reese are done.  David Diehl is the last man standing.  Reese replaced Shaun O'Hara with an ineffectual, and expensive David Baas, and Rich Seubert with a growing question mark and equally expensive Will Beatty.  Rookie Justin Pugh replaced Kareem McKenzie, and now the Giants will juggle Jim Cordle and James Brewer to accommodate the loss of Snee.  The Giants offensive line was allowed to grow old together, and these are the consequences.

Should I pile on and speak of the tragedy which is tight end?




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: The Run On Blueshirts Starts Early

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

NEW YORK RANGERS: There's No Reply At All.

The San Jose Sharks utterly embarrassed the Rangers Tuesday night.  I'll tell you right away, losing 9-2 isn't what irks me.  Instead, Rick Nash received a first period elbow to the back of the head administered by San Jose defenseman Brad Stuart.  No Rangers player so much as glanced Stuart's way.  Nash wound up missing the last two periods with an increasing headache.

When Tomas Hertl, 19, scored his fourth goal of the night to give the Sharks an 8-2 lead, he did so with a reverse between the legs whatever shot.  Some Ranger, a Ranger, any Ranger should have made that young kid think twice about ever doing that again, especially to their goalie, in this case, Marty Biron, and especially after Henrik got pulled from the game in the second period.

How much disrespect will this team allow?  Is this the way we protect, support and defend our fellow players now?  By turning a blind eye?  The Rangers of two years ago would have been administering black eyes!  Two years ago this team had toughness and identity.  Last season Glen Sather began stripping it away.  I said it last year - the Smurfs are back!

This needs repeating.  Last February, within a seven game stretch, Boston's Milan Lucic boarded Rick Nash, Ottawa's Chris Neil viciously boarded Brad Richards, then Montreal's Max Pacioretty  took yet another run at a Ranger, and boarded Ryan McDonagh.  At no time did any Rangers player stick up for their team mate - Not one.  No response.  Shortly after those three incidents, the Canadiens crashed Marty Biron, which again, inspired no response from the Rangers.

I'll also say this again and again.  Two season ago, after the Rangers defeated the Sharks in San Jose, Joe Thornton called the Blue Shirts the softest team he ever played.  The Rangers then went on to lead the entire NHL in fighting majors.  They didn't stop there.  They also league in fighting within the first five minutes of a game!  That's eerily around the same time Brad Stuart took his run last night at Rick Nash.  That's right around the time physical teams want to be exerting their dominance - early.  That's what you call setting the freakin tone and sending a message to your opponent that the Rangers aren't putting up with any crap.

Now crap is going to hit the fan because the NHL just received an even earlier invitation than last year, to take runs at Rangers players.  New York's top three fighters of two seasons ago are gone.  New York's top player, Rick Nash is down.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Ryan Callahan Is Back, But Where Are The Goals?

From the desk of:   RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

NEW YORK RANGERS: Who Needs To Do What, And How Often Do They Need To Keep It Up In Order To Win Games?

Meet the new boss.  In their first game of the season, the Rangers scored a power play goal by defenseman Marc Staal.

Same as the old boss?  No goals from the forward lines during even strength; Rangers lose 4-1 to the Phoenix Coyotes.

I shake my head to the new revolution.

The Captain, Ryan Callahan should be back on the ice tonight at the Office Supply Arena when the Rangers take on the Los Angeles Kings, who always present a supreme challenge.  Another challenge facing the Rangers is once again, where will they get their goal scoring from.  The returning Ryan Callahan has to be counted on for thirty goals this season.  After all, the offense is supposed to be opening up under new coach Alain Vigneault, right?

There are some other obvious names who need to supply goals.  Carl Hagelin needs to be counted on for at least twenty to twenty five goals this season.  Like Callahan, Derek Stepan needs to come within the twenty-five to thirty goal range.  On the next tier of scoring, I think the Rangers would greatly appreciate fifteen goals from Brian Boyle.  If Mats Zuccarello adds another fifteen, better for the Blue Shirts.

On the extreme end of things, Rick Nash needs to be a forty goal scorer.  Period.  Then, the Rangers 800 lbs. gorilla on skates needs to transform himself into an effective player again.  Brad Richards is up against IT in the worst way.  No player likes to be up against IT.  The Rangers have to get at least twenty goals and sixty points from Brad Richards to justify that money.  Even then, he would fall woefully short of living up to his contract.  So here's hoping he has a little renaissance man in him.

The wild cards are going to be players like Derick Brassard, Taylor Pyatt, and Derek Dorsett.  Down the line, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, Brandon Mashinter and Darroll Powe will need to be reconsidered for a part on Broadway as well.

I like the Rangers depth on the blue line.  The more goals they get from their defensemen, the deeper they can conceivably advance in the post-season.  I hope that wasn't assuming too much though.  The biggest question worth answering is - can Marc Staal become a fifteen, or even a twenty goal scorer again?  He reportedly had an excellent training camp, and incidentally scored the Rangers first goal of the season.  In the three seasons spanning 2008 through 2011, Marc Staal scored fifty-three goals, then was felled by a lengthy concussion.

Dan Girardi hasn't registered double digit goals since he scored ten during the '07-'08 season.  Last year he scored two in forty-six regular season games.  With some more experience under his belt, Ryan McDonagh could conceivably chip in ten goals.  Michael Del Zotto is a wild card.  During the '11-'12 season, he was a forty-one point player, with ten goals in seventy-seven games played.  In forty-six games last season, he was a twenty-one point scorer.  This season, Del Zotto needs to play smarter hockey and chip in with forty-five points.

After that, any one else is welcome to step up and contribute.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: Blame For 0-5 Start Spreading Like The Blob

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

As a rookie, Eli Manning threw nine INT's in (nine games) seven starts.

In 2008, Eli Manning threw a career low ten INT's over a full sixteen game season.

This season, he is already up to twelve.

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS:  Eli Manning! You Just Threw Three More Interceptions, What Are You Going To Do Now?  Punt?

What Do You Want The Giants To Do - Cut Him?

I remember 1979 - been there, done that.  This team is much more talented than the Giants of thirty-odd years ago, which makes this season so befuddling.  You read some of the names on this roster from a sheet of paper, and think, hey, there's talent here.  Five weeks later, season ticket holders are scrambling to make some money back on their plans.  For those who don't often come across tickets, here's your big chance.  Frankly, I never thought an 0-5 start was possible.  Entering the season, I envisioned a 2-3 start, but not this.  I'd like to buy a pair for November please?

Here's a better one - how do all these seminal disasters always come against the Eagles?

Just as it was against the Chiefs, and for the first half against Denver, Sunday's game against the Birds was winnable heading into the fourth quarter.  The Giants even caught a break.  Michael Vick was out of the game before the first half ended.  But no matter, his back-up threw two TD passes while Eli was busy throwing three interceptions.  One INT came off Jim Cordle's helmet as Eli threw with a hand raking his face.  Fine, but the other two were seemingly thrown while in a catatonic state.  That's going to get Eli a lot of flack this week.

His interception rate is back up at unexplainably stupid levels.  His twelve picks lead the league.  And so what!  He led the league in INT during the 2007 season and WON A SUPER BOWL..!  He led the league in interceptions a second time in the season before he won his SECOND SUPER BOWL..!

For the first time since his rookie season, Eli has more INT's than TD passes.  The problem is, I could rag on Eli Manning till I'm big and blue in the face, but what are we going to do - bench him?  Trade him?  Cut him?  Exactly.  Eli is not Joe Pisarcik, so why bother?  He didn't just forget everything he knows, and threw these past Sundays in a panic.  The overall bad play of the Giants spread like the blob and finally caught up with, and consumed Eli too.

It's Jerry Reese who needs to make everything else around Eli better.  It's all relative.  If you fix the offensive line, pass protection and the running game will improve, requiring Eli to do less, which in turn makes for a more effective Eli, a formidable passing attack, and a wholesome offense that makes everybody happy.




Mike.BTB

BK Nets: Jason Kidd Will Soon Coach His Toughest Judges

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: Through The Years, This Assembled Core Of Veteran Players Have Played For A Veritable All-Star Team Of NBA Coaches.  Why Does GM Billy King Think Rookie Jason Kidd Can Command Their Attention?

....Good luck with that, because two of the league's more head-strong players, Kevin Garnett and Deron Williams now play for the same team.  Both players never had any qualms over expressing their displeasure before, and I'd love to know what they really think of Brooklyn's two-headed coach now, and by that, I do not mean what they tell the media.  Deron Williams has never cased repeating his desire to run an up tempo offense, while Garnett is already speaking out defiantly regarding his proposed minutes management.

Sometimes I think this Jason Kidd experiment can work, and other times I think differently.  From the outside looking in, it seems as if Jason Kidd will be in charge of egos and the locker room, while Lawrence Frank is in charge of the bench.  I know that's not actually the case, but my confusion over who's really coaching this team remains.  I just can't grasp this dynamic, much less why Billy King chose this route.  Needless to say, this is a bold step into the unknown, with a high potential of backfiring.

The GM did single out Jason Kidd's hatred of losing as one of the prime reasons for hiring him.  Billy King thinks he can impart that on the team.  That's fine, but coaching still involves long nights at the office and desktop preparation.  To that, King said they also talked X's and O's and was additionally impressed with what he heard.  In Kidd's defense, he is considered to possess a brilliant basketball mind, and throughout his career was always portrayed as a coach on the floor.  As Billy King put it, he went into the interview with an open mind, and by the time they were through, the GM was sufficiently impressed enough with Kidd to throw the idea at the owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, who signed off with a - Why not?

Preseason is no real indicator, but once the season kicks off, this very veteran group of players, to include Brook Lopez, will detect a fraud right away if Jason Kidd doesn't come correct.  I think it is very safe to assume Lawrence Frank will be much more than just a strategist and a safety net, but to what extent remains to be seen.

Outside of Brook Lopez, who has only known the Nets, Brooklyn's major players have all been around the block with other teams, and played for a myriad of well respected head coaches.  Kevin Garnett was coached back in Minnesota by Flip Saunders, while Paul Pierce was once coached by Rick Pitino.  In Boston, both were coached by Doc Rivers, perhaps the most prepared head coach in the league today.  Deron Williams was coached by Jerry Sloan in Utah.  Joe Johnson was coached by Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix and by current Knicks coach Mike Woodson when in Atlanta.  To varying degrees, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez were all coached by Avery Johnson, then P.J Carlesimo in Brooklyn.  And in Dallas, Jason Terry also played for Avery Johnson, and then for Rick Carlisle, then moved on to spend last year under Doc Rivers as well.  Jason Kidd even played with Deron Williams on Team USA, and with Jason Terry in Dallas.

The question then, is how much will his players embrace, respect or defy their first year coach, who up until last season was their on-court contemporary?  The players will know right away if their new rookie coach is in over his head.  Then what?  How will Jason Kidd penetrate the minds of players previously hard wired by such renown coaches?

Billy King already laid down the law by saying the 2013-2014 season is a championship or bust endeavor.  That's a hell of a condition for indoctrination into coaching ranks.  Even before the season's first tip-off, Jason Kidd already makes this a fascinating second year for Brooklyn.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: Linebacker; Jerry Reese Adds Another Weak Link In The Chain

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Jerry Reese Adds A Questionable Linebacker To This Low Priority Unit.

The defense didn't play that badly last week.  For three quarters, they provided the offense with ample opportunity to score points.  But the offense wouldn't acquiesce.  The game then got away after a third quarter Kansas City punt return for a touchdown.  Two Alex Smith touchdown passes came with 5:00 minutes left in the game to make it a misleading 31-7 victory.

Collectively, the line backing unit had perhaps their best game of the season.  Mark Herzlich and  Spencer Paysinger led the team with seven solo tackles each.  Paysinger also recorded the Giants only sack.  Jacquian Williams made two tackles.  The ever disappointing Keith Rivers however, did not register a tackle Sunday and is only averaging two tackles a game.  Entering last season, the Giants  traded a fifth round selection to acquire Rivers, who has never performed up to expectations.

After offseason free agent acquisition Dan Conner was lost for the season in Week One, Jerry Reese picked up Allen Bradford, formerly of Tampa, off waivers.  Bradford made one tackle against the Chiefs.  Yesterday, Jerry Reese finalized a deal for another reinforcement.  He sent a late round 2014 draft pick to Carolina for linebacker Jon Beason.

Jon Beason, 28, was a rookie in 2007, and between 2008-2011 made three straight Pro Bowl appearances.  During the 2011 season, he tore his Achilles tendon.  Then last October, he underwent micro-fracture surgery on his knee.  Beason was benched this season after a series of poor performances.  Ironically, Chase Blackburn was signed by Carolina as a free agent during the offseason, and wound up outplaying and replacing Jon Beason on the field.

What good will Beason be to the Giants?  At a minimum, he'll keep a functioning unit on the field.  The Giants entered the season undermanned at linebacker, with a minimal number as it was.  They went into the Chiefs game with five.  Jerry Reese just increased their number to six.

Jon Beason is clearly struggling while returning from injuries.  He may need considerable time in order to become an impact Pro Bowl player again, if he ever does.  That's why nothing about this acquisition should make Giants fans any more hopeful heading into Week Five.  Time is just something the Giants can least afford.

On a side note, Jerry Reese's lack of attention, or concern over the years at linebacker is finally coming back to haunt him.  Without a pass rush, there is no Plan-B on defense.  Lets face it, the Giants totally lucked out when Chase Blackburn left his living room to make an impact.  Otherwise, massive salary cap problems prevented Jerry Reese from retaining Blackburn and the underwhelming Michael Boley.




Mike.BTB