SCARY AS HELL

This is one of the most frightening pictures I've ever seen. A "white" Michael Vick. It was published by ESPN along with its very socially relevant article about race and the treatment of Mike Vick. Then it was taken down, then put up again. Sometimes I think they literally have interns over at ESPN just playing with the site - these people can't get their facts straight or make up their minds on their site.

Vacation's Over, Time to Get Hurt

   I've been gone for a little over a week and in that span my Mets absolutely nosedived out of the sky into a mountain down a valley erupting in a fireball. Their whole team is injured as per usual and they're getting beaten down by the Phils 28-0 every night...AKA it's officially football season. 
   As a Jets fan I've seen my fair share of preseason injuries and subsequently barely watch the games at all. I look at a recap afterwards and just pray that no one of any significance got hurt. The only thing good that can come out of preseason in my opinion is that everybody stays healthy and gets in a few reps. The Jets have been a little dinged up this preseason, but luckily nothing too bad. Some groins and calves and sore backs, a la Plaxico Burress. But nothing close to the extent of the New York Giants.
   In all the time I've watched the NFL I honestly can't remember ever seeing a slew of season-ending injuries such that the Giants have had. Terrell Thomas, Prince A., Marvin Austin, Brian Witherspoon, all have gone down in the last couple of days. They literally have only 2 corners left, and as we all know in a passing league, this hurts. Osi, although he wanted out via trade, got his wish via injury also. Not to mention they've lost Eli's favorite target in Steve Smith, and their above average TE, Kevin Boss.
   It's been a rough go for the G-Men thus far, and as the annual Jets-Giants preseason game nears, I can only pray their bad luck doesn't infect the Jets on the field. I don;t understand how people can get hyped up about this game, frankly this game just scares me. If I were Tom Coughlin I'd wrap my players up in styrofoam like that nasaly little kid in Little Giants. And if I'm Rex I keep rubbing my lucky feet because thus far it's worked.

Dicky get your weight up and keep blogging, I'm out for a week.

Wherefore Art Thou Tiger?

   I was never a huge Tiger Woods fan, I was always a Mickelson guy first. But, I've always wanted Woods to do well because his greatness was unmatched and it was exciting to watch the history unfold before my eyes. I've been to major tournaments and followed Tiger through crowds at least 15 people deep, everyone with the look of awe on their face as he bombed it down the fairway and proceeded to pitch a nice up and down for a birdie, and probably a runaway victory. But, for some reason, I fear we'll never see it again.
   Now, more so than ever, I am in Tiger's corner. He's almost become a sort of underdog, as most athletes become towards the ends of their careers. He gets called out by young have-not-yet-beens such as Rory McIlroy, old caddies who owe their whole careers to him, and Europeans who feel he needed to be calmer and nicer on the course. Unfortunately the cover stories we see regarding Tiger Woods still continue to be about off-the-course issues, press-conferences, and peers' comments. Will the story ever be about his play again? Will it ever be about his charge on the back 9 on a Sunday to capture a U.S. Open or Players Championship?
   As I write this Tiger Woods has posted a +7 (77) in his first round at the PGA. It's very sad, because I see a man who cannot master the things that used to make him so great - most notably, his focus and desire. It's been over 2 years now and still we all wait for Tiger to do something, to make a mark, to shut the critics up. But as time continues to roll on I fear we have seen the best that he has to offer.  And not even the most popular, and at times most revered athlete in the world, can recover from the circus that began to encompass his life on that November night.
   Tiger is all but out of contention for this major, so we wait, to see if he can compete again in April, and so on. Like an aging Wilt Chamberlain, or a failing Patrick Ewing, it hurts to see them go. Unfortunately for a country that worships individual greatness, we wait with bated breath for Tiger to return, or fade into oblivion.

- Tone

Steve Smith = Tough Sell

And BOOM goes the dynamite.

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former New York Giant receiver Steve Smith to a one year deal. I am honestly flabbergasted by this one. These guys (Steve Smith, Kevin Boss and Plaxico Burress) must REALLY hate Eli Manning and/or REALLY hate Tom Coughlin. That is the only excuse I can come up with to explain the complete disinterest these players have shown in joining the G-Men for the 2011 season.

The owners, Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin seriously need to get their acts together before this football team implodes. If I see Steve Smith OR Plaxico Burress make a game winning catch against the Giants this year, I might just lose it. If I see Michael Clayton drop a pass at wide out or Jonathan Goff miss a tackle at linebacker, I may shell up and never speak again.

This summer has been dreadful for the Giants. I almost wish the lockout had continued and wiped the whole season out so that I wouldn't have to witness what may now be a lock for a disappointing year. With the Eagles adding solid player after solid player, the Giants might as well give up on free agency, save their money, play for a high draft pick and hope for better luck next year.

Never thought I would know what it felt like to be a Met fan, but the way things are going with the Giants right now, I must be pretty close.

- Dick

Steve Smith an Eagle

   Dicky will write much more about this tonight/tomorrow because he's the big Giants fine here, but I just had to say something. Wow. As an avid Giant "disliker," I feel for the Jints here, I mean, the nerve of this guy to spurn an organization that gave him everything he has today. And to turn to the hated Eagles nonetheless. Unless Jerry Reese really felt as if Smith would never be the same after that microfracture surgery, but you have to keep some of Eli's targets around. If I'm not mistaken the Giants are now down to Nicks and Manningham essentially, for their sake I hope Reese reaches out to Cotchery or trades for a wideout.
  Unbelievable, I'm really getting sick and tired of the Eagles' act here and my team isn't even in the NFC. Can someone look into the Eagles' cap numbers, how is it possible they can give out this many contracts. They have to be going for broke this year because no way they aren't in cap hell for the next couple years. Straight disrespectful man, c'mon Mr. Reese score one for the home team, just one time.
- Tone

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

  I know nobody gives 2 craps about the Mets besides for me, as usual. But what is the deal with all these injuries, Pagan leaves the game now, so what are we down to 3 starting position players? Back spasms? Dude, every morning I wake up I have back spasms. And leg spasms, and arm spasms. I slept on my arm the other night and the needles were unbearable, but did I ask out of my day of unemployment? No way, I woke up and went to the couch to watch TV like I normally would, no excuses.
   For realsies though, there has to be a curse on this Mets team, like no doubt about it. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, fool me 5 seasons in a row -  auto Gypsy curse. No other way to explain literally 50% of your starters going down for extended periods of time every single year. Like that shit's extremely unlikely but when it's the Mets it's what's expected. Rooting for the Mets is like rolling deep to a bar in the city on your friends birthday - you always do it no matter what, but you know some shit is going to go wrong, inevitably, and you'll feel like absolute donkey dump afterwards.
   Get well Angel, we'll need you for the wasted at bats of the home stretch.

- Tone

Blue Jays Steal Signs, Lose Games

I wonder if Bud Selig thinks cheating is more important than poker games.

According to some New York Yankees as well as other players around the MLB, the Toronto Blue Jays have been stealing signs from pitchers since 2009. And while the Blue Jays have turned into an offensive juggernaut since that time, the cheating hasn't helped them make up any ground in the AL East.

Since 2009 and including this year, the Blue Jays have finished a combined 53 games out of first place. They were 28 games out in 2009, 11 games out in 2010 and currently sit a comfortable 14 games out in 2011. In addition, the Jays have not been invited to the playoffs in any of these years.

At this point, maybe Toronto should just give up on the whole major league baseball thing. The Blue Jays did experience some glory years in the early 90's, but with a team that has no chance at winning when they don't cheat and barely hang around .500 when they do cheat, I think its time to let our little Canadian friend go. Similar to the Raptors in the NBA, the Jays just can't compete with the big cities of the East.

On a side note, thank God we can finally debunk this team and their "savior" Jose Bautista. I knew this rags to riches story and his "miraculous" home run power were too good to be true.

While they are good for old-fashion slugfests and bare-knuckle brawls, in the long run the Toronto Blue Jays are worthless to the game of baseball.

- Dick

Rex Preaches!

   No, not that Rex, Rex Grossman! The man himself has declared the NFC East Title his. You hear that? The Redskins will stun the world and win the NFC East. What Sexy Rexy Jr. here doesn't realize is, the Redskins can't win the East because...Rex Grossman is the goddamn quarterback. But I'm not going to jump all over him here for his prediction because this is what players and coaches are supposed to do. I'm in Rex's corner here, because everyone creams at the opportunity to write about the other fatter Rex's declarations of greatness.
   Football is a sport, sports are entertainment, so shut up with "you can't talk until you win anything." Bullshit, how boring would sports be without controversy and trashtalk, and bold predictions like that of little Grossman's. So I'll defend Rex Grossman's ridiculous predictions, and I'll say to those players/coaches too scared or too "quiet and confident" to man up and declare yourselves preseason champs!
- Tone

Giant Questions Remain Unanswered

In a month where most teams in the Northeast have made moves to solidify their rosters, the New York Giants have seemed to do the exact opposite.

While losing half the offensive line and tight end Kevin Boss as well as facing the possibility of losing Osi Umenyiora and Steve Smith, the Giants have remained stagnant when addressing the issue of putting quality players in key spots. While they have re-signed Ahmad Bradshaw and brought in some decent players to join the cavalry, they are still lacking firepower in key positions.

Wide receiver Steve Smith should be their main focus as they inch closer to Week One of the 2011 NFL season. With that date a little more than a month away, the Giants need to lock up Smith as soon as possible. With Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham by his side, Smith would continue to thrive in his role as a reliable number two receiver. Without a solid option at the tight end spot, the Giants need a solid receiver to keep possessions going and drives alive.

Secondly, the Giants need to find a linebacker with some experience to lead the defense. With a bunch of no-name players at the position, it will be very hard for the Giants to keep up with constantly changing offensive schemes. What they need is a leader in the middle. The Giants haven't been the same since Antonio Pierce led the Big Blue defense. Since Pierce, they haven't found a leader that can adjust on the fly and have the confidence and backing of the entire unit.

Although way past his prime, I wouldn't mind seeing a guy like Mike Vrabel take the helm, even if just for one season until they can find someone better. For this position, the Giants can get away with someone like Vrabel who doesn't have the same skill set that he used to but is still very knowledgeable and a great leader. More importantly, Vrabel hasn't had injury problems and doesn't miss games.

If the Giants sign these two players they would really have something to look forward to this year. With a steady and reliable receiver like Smith and a smart and outgoing linebacker like Vrabel, the Giants can solidify both sides of the ball for the 2011 season.

- Dick

Smith...

Vrabel...

Mets Stun the World!

No! C'mon it's the Mets, not exactly Bobby Thompson's shot heard round the world. Injuries at every position but still playing hard. Got to hand it Terry Collins, at least they play until the last inning. I know no one other than myself cares about the .500 Mets in mid August, but I need something to watch during the week besides my insurmountable stock losses. Down by 2 in the ninth, against Heath Bell! Alright enough. Honestly the only reason I watch anymore is to see what Keith will do next. Love the stache.

- Tone

Jets Are Better or Worse?

Key Additions:                                        Key Losses:
Plaxico Burress - WR                              Brad Smith - WR
Donald Strickland - CB                          Jerricho Cotchery - WR
DaJuan Morgan - S                                 Shaun Ellis - DE
Derrick Mason - WR                              Braylon Edwards - WR
Mo Wilkerson - DE                                 Drew Coleman - CB
Kenrick Ellis - DT                                   Jason Taylor - OLB
Bilal Powell - RB                                     Damien Woody - OT
Jeremy Kerley - WR

   Normally I'm a glass half full guy when it comes to the Jets and their offseason transactions. But the only way to spin this one is to feign confidence in raw youth and natural improvement.
   First thing, and of importance, the wide receivers. The Jets lost their #2 and #3 receivers and replaced them with a 37 year old #3 with more talent than Cotchery, and a previously-incarcerated question mark in Plaxico Burress. From an X's and O's standpoint most people view the turnover as a wash in terms of talent. I, however do not. As explained in previous posts I don't think the familiarity factor between QB and WR can be underplayed here. Yes, Plax and Mason are just as, if not more talented than the previous guys, but a new rapport must be created between a young QB and his much older targets. My evaluation: downgrade.
    Next, the defensive line. The Jets lost Jason Taylor, Shaun Ellis, and Trevor Pryce. The former and latter were way past their prime and have seen better days. I was completely comfortable with losing their "situational abilities" and replacing those 30-40 snaps with the two promising rookies in Mo Wilk and K. Ellis. However, the one move that makes me shudder is losing Shaun Ellis to the Pats. His experience and big play ability, can not and will not be replaced. My evaluation: downgrade. (Only way this is a wash is if Mo Wilkerson plays decently well in his first year, but please find me a D-lineman picked in the late first round who has made a significant impact in his rookie season).
   Next, the offensive line. This unit is not being discussed as publicly as it should, well no one ever talks about the big uglies. Damien Woody, who retired, was a force at Right Tackle, now he will be replaced by a journeyman OT who has had trouble finding a starting role in his 8 years in the league. Wayne Hunter, perennial backup will take over the right tackle spot, and Rex and co. of course continue to spin this as an equal swap. FYI, it is not. Wayne Hunter is capable, as he showed during the Pats playoff game last year, but what wasn't mentioned was the fact that he was getting help from TE's and RB's against the speedier DE/OLB's. Ahem, the dude's slow as hell. The unit as a whole is very strong but I fear this will be somewhat of a downgrade as well.
   Now in conclusion, not all is lost, if "natural progression" and youth deem capable. In other words, Rex and the FO are counting on rookies to play to their potential (not impossible but unlikely), and they're counting on the natural improvement of their younger players. This is more plausible as our CB's have another year in getting acclimated to the very confusing system, and guys like OLB Jamaal Westerman, Shonn Greene, and Mark Sanchez all have another year under their belts to improve. SO, barring injuries and assuming our young QB and RB's and WR's and CB's all take the next step forward, the Jets should find themselves in the playoffs again. The only question that remains is what can get them over the hump, is it Plax and Mason, is it a younger fresher D-line, or is it a more experienced offensive system? Only time will tell.
- Tone

Posada Benched

It was announced by Jorge Posada last night before the rubber match of a three game series with the Boston Red Sox that the longtime New York Yankee wouldn't be in the lineup as the designated hitter against right-hander Josh Beckett. This was just the latest step in the gruelingly slow demise and destruction of the one-time Yankee great.

Posada, who had already been removed from lineups facing left-handed pitchers, was told by Joe Girardi that in order for the Yankees to compete, Girardi was "going to put the best lineup on the field".

While some diehards believe in the whole "He's earned the right to play until he retires" garbagio, I believe that if you want to stay competitive in this league, you have to be able to tie up the loose ends and get on with "putting the best lineup on the field".

What I absolutely don't want to see is a situation similar to what the Red Sox have with Jason Varitek, where for years the team and fan base have felt obligated to keep trucking him out there despite his inability to hit or field at the major league level. That would not fly in the Bronx, not when the Yankees are SO reliant on their hitting.

The Red Sox can afford to play Varitek knowing that they are sending an ace out to the mound almost every night. With the Yankees relying on their hitting to make up for a pretty hideous pitching staff, they simply cannot afford to keep Jorge in the lineup.

So kudos to Joe Girardi for doing the right thing and farewell Jorge, it's been a good run.

And cheers to the end of the most horrific chant in baseball history...

- Dick

Big Katt Signs With Pats

Real quick before I say anything, in my searches of Shaun Ellis, I learned big katt shares a name with this crazy moron..

Is this guy serious? Anyway on to foosball, today long time Jet Shaun Ellis signed a one year deal with the hated Pats. This deal has the makings of a Jason Taylor-to-the-Jets from last year, in that it absolutely crushes the hearts of the former team and it's a little awkward for the new team. It's also similar in that Taylor had a decent, but not make or break type, year for the Jets last season, and the same should be expected from Ellis is New England.
  Shaun Ellis has spent the last 11 seasons as a Jet and has been the one constant on the defensive line throughout the years. He was drafted in 2000, when ironically his pick was compensation for the Belichick to New England move. That first round bore fruit as the Jets had 4 picks and ended up with Ellis, Chad Pennington, John Abraham, and Anthony Becht. Chad looked like he could become a playoff winning QB in the league, John Abraham looked like a Julius Peppers twin, and Becht looked as if he could catch 100 passes in one season. But, none of those things happened, the one thing that did happen was that Ellis was always on the front lines, never missing games, and constantly making big plays.
  It's not bitter-sweet, it's downright bitter to see him go to a hated rival, to a team that he helped beat so much in the last few years. I think Mr. T took the "better one year early than one year too late" rule too literally on this one.  I think Shaun took offense to the Jets veteran minimum offer to a future Ring of Honor member, and rightfully so. It boggles my mind how the FO can botch this one, they must be awfully confident in their young defensive line, cause god help them if they're wrong on this one. Thanks for the years Shaun.
-Tone

Derrick Mason has signed with the Jets...sigh

Will The Mets Win Another Game at Home This Year?

Well Jose, will they? No! Jesus christ if this team was somewhat ok at home this year they'd be at the top of the wildcard standings. Always something with these guys, can't believe I'm going to their game Saturday night. Welp, cue the heartbreaking loss in the 9th on a throwing error by (enter white guy's name who shouldn't be an infielder here).   Whatever I'll be three sheets to the wind by then anyway, EL ESTA AQUI!
-Tone

Yankees Move Into Tie for AL East Lead

And a tie for the number one spot in the American League. Thanks to some timely hitting and faulty opponents, the Yankees have won seven straight and moved into a tie atop the AL East with the Boston Red Sox.

Granted, these last seven victories have come against slumping teams in the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox, but as they say, wins are wins. And with the Red Sox dropping two of four to the Cleveland Indians, the Yanks and Sox will square off tomorrow to start a three game tilt at Fenway with equal 68-42 records.

With the A-Rod controversy in full throttle, the Yankees continue to steam along.

And how about Ivan Nova? The twenty-four year old Dominican is 10-4 with a 3.81 ERA. He is making a case to be the number two starter for the Yanks come playoff time, especially with the inconsistency shown from pitchers AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes.

As the Bronx Bombers enter Beantown, all eyes will once again be on the Northeast as this great baseball rivalry gears up for what should be another exciting finish.

- Dick

Go Yanks...

Analysts Analyze, because they're Analysts

The word Analyst has "anal" in it, which means most of them are asses, so to speak. But guess what, it's what they're paid to do. Well Merril Hoge, an ESPN football analyst (which in layman's terms means someone who talks about the sport of football for a living), said he thought Tim Tebow would not be a successful QB in the NFL (OMG!) how dare he. This is what LeBron, who literally has nothing to do with the NFL, had to say:

"Guys get on that TV and act like they was all WORLD when they played," LeBron added shortly after the initial tweet. "How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!"

LeBron must have gotten some negative press in the recent past? because he's real sensitive here to a man just doing his job. Not everyone is Dickie V and thinks everyone is wonderful and going to be great, it defeats the purpose of being an analyst of any kind. I may not agree with what Merril Hoge has to say but I'll defend his right to say it. Most professional athletes just don't get it, you don't have to have played a sport professionally to critique it or coach it. Vince Lombardi, guy never played a snap of pro football, I think he made a good coach. Red Auerbach, 9 ships, 0 minutes playing in the NBA. Michelle Beadle, phenomenal analyst, no WNBA minutes logged as far as I know. Just shut up LeBron.

-Tone

Cotchery: It’s Time to Move On

Cotchery: It’s Time to Move On

This painful snippit coupled with Plaxico having an ankle issue before he even gets on the field, is just abysmal. The Jets essentially have only 1 receiver ok, cause Plax can't get on the field and we're getting rid of our #3 for a very old Derrick Mason. Has Braylon's price gone so far down that maybe they're making a play on him? I sure hope so because the Jets went from 3 solid receivers plus a stud pass catching TE, to 1 sure fire receiver and a bunch of old questions. Tough, tough sell.

- Tone

2 Steps Forward, 2 Steps Back

   Do ya'll see this ugly man? This ugly man runs my football team, the New York football Jets. Does he talk out of both sides of his bottom? Yes. And does he make some stellar moves? Of course. But some things I just can't understand, including bringing in Plaxico Burress for one, and then deciding to bring in Derrick Mason. Yes Derrick Mason will be a New York Jet in a day or so, the same Derrick Mason who is 900 years old. Some refer to him as Yoda.
   Don't get me wrong D-Mason is a quality #3/4 receiver who is great in the clubhouse and is a high character guy. But, ahem, do these qualities sound familiar? Well they should, it's an exact description of life-long Jet Jerricho Cotchery, only Cotch is younger and has proven himself in this system. What I'm saying here is why must Mr. T make a lateral move like this at the expense of a loyal fan favorite such as Cotchery. Cotchery is still on the team as of now, but we can see the writing on the wall here, with the rumors of him getting shopped around, now this about D-Mason. What is the point of this deal, except for the sake of making a deal? Do transactions make you moist Mr. T?
   Listen here Mr. T if you want your young QB to be able to gain a nice rapport with his receivers then you don't go all musical chairs on him every single offseason. Some sense of stability, my bald-headed friend, is essential for growth and comfort for a QB and now you are removing the one constant that he's had since being here. Tsk tsk, sometimes you make me sick. For baldy's sake I hope I'm guilty of a little too much hyperbole.
P.S. - Brodney Pool was re-signed today, good move, see there are a couple good one's mixed in.

- TONE

A-Rod's Newest Scandal

If Bud Selig suspends New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in the middle a pennant race in August for playing poker, he better steer clear of Yankee Stadium for the foreseeable future.

If you want to criticize, demonize or punish Rodriguez for his HGH use, adulterous past or cocky demeanor, go ahead. He has brought that criticism upon himself and deserves to be ridiculed. But to ostracize and suspend the man for participating in "underground poker games" seems both counter intuitive and unneccessary.

To suspend him in August when the Yankees are only one game out of first place in the AL makes even less sense. To inhibit someone so valuable at a time so important for something so insignificant would truly be a travesty to Major League Baseball.

For a league that on many occasions has looked past the wrongdoings of its players in order to reel in a few extra bucks, the knit picking nature of this discussion makes me wonder about the priorities of the league office.

Listen, I understand A-Rod isnt going to win a popularity contest with fans around the league. He's also not going to win the award for best dad or highest IQ. But to single him out for committing such a ridiculously insignificant infraction will only upset Yankee fans and hurt the game of baseball.

- Dick

Giants Re-Sign Bradshaw

As teams around the NFL continue to make high-profile free agent signings, the New York Giants have gone about their business in a much quieter fashion. The re-signing of running back Ahmad Bradshaw is a testament to that approach.

After the drama that was Plaxico Burress to the Jets, the Giants faithful can breath a sigh of relief now that they know they will keep an intricate component of the Big Blue offense.

In the grand scheme of things, as much as it hurt to hear that Burress would be wearing Green this year, the Giants have greater needs than a 34 year-old wide receiver. The Giants wide receiving core is as dangerous as it needs to be with Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and hopefully Steve Smith. 

With the signing of David Baas at center and now Ahmad Bradshaw, the G-Men seem to be doing all the little things that will have them ready to compete in the NFC East come September.

All that is left for the Giants to do is sign a linebacker and re-sign Steve Smith and tight end Kevin Boss. In accomplishing this the Giants will have made a succession of moves that will ensure success both this year and down the road.

The 2011 offseason may be reminiscent of 2007, a year when the Giants had very few "high profile" signings, but just as it was in 2007, this approach may be just what the doctor ordered.

Ahmad Bradshaw highlights from 2010...

- Dick

TEDNGI. (The Eagles Do Not Get It)

Real slow tough news day, the only real story of the day is the Miami hea..er..Philadelphia Eagles signed former Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown. I mean who do these guys think they are, the Jets? It seems like Andy Reid felt ignored amongst the fellowship of dangerously obese coaches and has tried to bring himself up to Rex's level. Mission almost accomplished Andy, all you need is a killer leg tat. And then who's next Warrick Dunn? Andre Rison? Welp that's all I got on that so I leave you with my two favorite videos of all time. Tay Zonday gets it.   - Tone

Madness

I don't know what's going on, Jason Taylor was going to retire now he's going back to Miami? Osi is definitely going to get traded, Randy Moss is retiring, Rex is getting tahitian tats, Jerricho Cotchery is on the trading block, I just saw lightning strike while the sun was out, all hell is breaking loose. I honestly wouldn't be shocked, no rather I expect, for Randy Moss to end up playing this year, and it'll probably be for the Jets because all Woody Johnson wants is publicity.
B T Dubs, best part of Mr. T's press conference earlier today was when he said he and Rex drank dozens of Freindly's Fribbles Shakes to keep energized through the whole process? Are you kidding me fatsos, ever hear of coffee, five hour energies? I mean I like how Mr. T and Rex are jolly funny fat dudes, very likeable, but I don't want my whole front office dropping dead midseason from an overdose of extra thick soft-serve shakes. I'm a McFlurry guy anyway.
 - Tone

As the Cro Flies

“They say Cro is back, Cro is back all GangGreen fans say is Cro...lol,” Cromartie wrote on his Twitter page. “I'm on my FLT headed home glad 2 b a JET...let's go win a Superbowl.”
There he is, big meech, larry hoover himself, babies daddy Antonio Cromartie, back in the green and white. What a relief honestly, same tandem intact from last year, and I'll take this 1-2 punch over the trio in Philly any day beleedat. But more importantly today marks the first day of training camp over at Florham Park in dirty jers and sexy rexy has most of his pieces back for a super bowl run. I mean look at his guys fresh new ink and unreal converses, bangg...

Yes, that is Rex Ryan with a ridiculous tribal tattoo, looks like shit, one can only hope it's Henna or his wife drew it on his leg. But I doubt it, cause if we know one thing about Rex, it's he does things all the way, never half-asses it, this thing is real as a heart-attack and he probably won't wear pants for 4 months. 41 Days until the start of the season, can't wait.
- Tone

JETS SIGN PLAX

The Jets have signed Plaxico Burress to a one year fully guaranteed contract. This move pretty much solidifies the receiving corps and we've certainly seen the last of Braylon Edwards. I'm not sure how to feel about this move, one on hand Plax is a big time receiver with big play ability, on the other hand he's been in the joint for two years so what's to say he knows how to still play, I mean that's a lot of money to give a guy who we haven't seen outside of his jumpsuit since '08. But then again, with Holmes, Plax, and J-Co, this is an above average unit. But one thing that goes unnoticed here is Braylon was a spectacular blocker on the outside, probably second best in the league behind Hines Ward, this can't be under-played, Plax better be ready to be physical when the Jets run the rock 60% of the time. But if he does for the Jets what he did for the Giants in '07, I think I can live with it. Hey did you hear about the new Plaxico Burress cocktail? It's just one very expensive shot! Badadaoomche.

P.S. Jets are close to re-signing Cromartie, I'm sure they'll pay through the nose because they put themselves in a helluva bad bargaining position after whiffing on Asomugha.
 -  Tone

See You Later, Osi

Osi Umenyiora has some set.

Thinking he can hold out on the remaining two years of his contract when the New York Football Giants have as much firepower at defensive end as they do seems ludacris to me.

The remaining $8 million over two years may not be worthy of his talent, but in a year where every team (including the Giants) seems strapped for cash, Osi picked a bad year to prolong his own personal lockout from the G-Men.

Combine that with the fact that the Giants already have great defensive ends in Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and 2010 first round pick Jason Pierre-Paul, and I can't find a compelling reason to expand and extend the contract of a nine year veteran with knee problems.

If I'm the Giants, my focus is on five positions. Linebacker, running back, offensive line, wide receiver and tight end, in that order.

As you can see, I left out defensive line. If I'm Jerry Reese and John Mara, Osi Umenyiora is the least of my concerns. For all I care he can go sit on a warm sandy beach and sip fruity cocktails with little pink straw hats.

LB, RB, OL, WR, TE.

JPP's rookie highlights vs. Jacksonville. Can't wait for football season...

- Dick

NO ASO

Jets according to many sources are out on Nnamdi Asomugha, so thanks Assso for wasting everyone's time for 2 days I really appreciate it man. Douche. Good luck against Nicks and the rest of the NFC east. On to Cro and co. if they'll even come back, worse thing Jets could've done is waste 48 hours making the other FA's feel slighted and now have to come back and say, "hey we want you back." That's what makes this worse.

 

Someone remind me again please how many super bowl's the Eagles have won? Oh that's right ZERO, what makes you think this trend won't continue. 

- Tone

Jets Release Mark Brunell

As per the New York Jets, they have released veteran QB Mark Brunell, sad day for Dirty Sanchez. More info to come on other impending moves shortly.
P.S. Mark Brunell will likely be resigned on the cheap after Aso "situation" is resolved.

RIP Hideki

I was truly upset when I heard that former Yankee pitcher Hideki Irabu took his own life today. From the beginning til the end, it always seemed like Hideki couldn't overcome the challenges that faced him. Were expectations too high? Of course they were. Was he treated unfairly by the New York media and Yankee fan base when he didn't meet the godly expectations bestowed upon him? Of course he was.

It's just sad that in today's society, when most people hear that Hideki Irabu killed himself, they are reminded of his inability to perform while in the pinstripes. Forget what kind of a person he was in the clubhouse or at home with his family. Because of the way he underperformed on the mound, in America he was always be recognized as an underachiever.

Ever since he was called a "Fat Toad" by owner George Steinbrenner, his destiny was sealed and his fate decided. I just hope that he has now found a place where his mind is free and his expectiations leveled.

RIP Hideki...

Bush's and Ocho's and Stomper's Oh My!

Are you kidding me Bill Belichick, trying to counter Gang Green's solid offseason plans with your Three-ring circus reaches? Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco are now New England Patriots and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. First off how do you think Bill will handle Haynesworth intentionally stomping on an opposing player's unprotected head while defenseless on the ground? I don't think Mr. Button-up Belicheat will approve.

And how do you think Belichick will handle Albert's constant questioning of the coaching staff and subsequent refusals to play in certain schemes. I guess, not well. Yeah, a lot of football players have issues, but the biggest insult that you can give one is that they don't play hard or hard for the team, and Mr. Haynesworth does not. Does this sound like a Belichick kind of guy, I think not, but good luck reigning in this lazy waste of cash.
     Secondly Mr. Belichick great job getting Ochocinco, I'm not sure if you've heard but it's not 2003 bud. Have you watched Chad lately, he's a shell of his former self. I happen to like Chad and his antics because they're mostly harmless and mostly humorous. However, I doubt the coach who denies his players access to the media on certain occasions (see: Bruschi's Pats Media Rules), and requires players to remain in a fake shell, will embrace Ocho's constant tweets, constant video logs, and lovely endzone celebrations. It's so obvious that Belichick is grasping for straws here because these moves go completely against his philosophy, chalk up another win, a mental victory for Mr. T and Sexy Rexy.

P.S. Reggie Bush is not a very good ball player, although he will help the Fins, nothing scary about this at all.

Peace Out B to the Rad

Listen, we all knew this was coming, as I said in an earlier post, there's no way Brad Smith is returning to the Jets with the proposed big-time moves Mr. T is attempting. Unfortunately fans of the green and white will have to see Brad Smith twice a year because he has signed a 4 year deal worth $15 million with the Buffalo Bills. All week it looked like he was going to go to Chicago but it seems Buffalo came in at the last minute. Good for him, as he will get plenty of opportunity in Buffalo as one of their only real play-makers. Brad Smith was one of my favorite players of the last decade and who can forget his epic one-shoed return against the Bengals on Thanksgiving, and numerous big kick returns throughout his career, he will be missed, but so goes the business.
P.S. It seems as if the Jets and Texans are the two front runners for Aso, more to come when it's available.
Au Revoir Brad

John C. Kelly Legends Softball Tournament

For those of you that live in the Dobbs Ferry/Westchester, NY area there is a good cause to turn your attention to this coming weekend. The John Kelly Legends Softball tournament at Gould Park in Dobbs Ferry, NY, all proceeds go to the International OCD foundation. The tournament goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday July 30th. In memory of a good friend.
For Further Details:
http://jcklegendstournament.bbnow.org/

BELTRAN FINALLY TRADED

Mind bottling, so many things going on right now. It's not official yet but Joel Sherman is reporting the Mets are very close to trading Beltran to the San Francisco Giants for Minor League Pitcher Zach Wheeler. Wheeler, I mentioned in a previous post, was the piece I wanted because he's got a huge upside. So if this goes through it's a boomshakalaka for the Mets. It's been real Carlos, hope you don't have to awkwardly sit in the dugout in Cincy tonight.

Have Umpires Completely Lost it?

I know this happened last night and has been all over ESPN today but I have to comment on the ridiculous ending to the Pirates - Braves game from last night. If you didn't see it you're an idiot, but it ended in the 19th inning after something like 6 hours and 45 minutes with a play at the plate. Men were on 2nd and 3rd and some dude from the Braves hit a groundball to short, shortstop threw it home and the catcher tagged out the runner. I mean this wasn't a ball, plate, runner, all at the same time classic play at the plate. This dude Lugo, who I haven't seen since 1999, was approximately 10 feet from the plate when tagged out, he barely decided to slide. The guy even got up with his head down, like "damn that was pathetic I'm out, let's go to the 20th". But no he was called safe. Take a look for yourself...

Like my weekday softball league umpires are making bang-bang calls and these MLB umps are supposed to be the cream of the crop. I thought I saw it all when Jim Joyce blew the perfect game last year, but this year trumps it all, awful call after awful call, throwing out managers before they even make their way out on the field. These umps absolutely do not get it. I say clean house like during the umpire strike, just promote the AAA guys, new blood. Please before someone goes Wally Backman on these guys and delays the game one hour.

Aso Update

UPDATE: The Jets and Santonio Holmes have come to an agreement. (as per Jenny Vrentas). Adam Schein, who looks like a cartoon character, said the deal is $24 million over 5 guaranteed, although the cap hit will certainly be more than $5 mill per. One down a few more to go! Next, Aso/Cro, honestly I'm happy with either one and Aso seems more unlikely now. And please call Shaun Ellis for pete's sake.



Michael Lombardi, who is a pretty reliable source, tweeted today:
    "I keep hearing from well placed relible [sic] NFL sources that this Jet talk and Nnamdi Asomugha is serious and I mean serious."
Well that pretty much explains itself, B T dubs if this somehow happens the Jets can forget about getting a 2nd WR to replace Braylon. They also seem to be parting ways with nickel back Drew Coleman who had a very solid season for them last year. This is a big loss but Drew can be replaced by a free agent like Drayton Florence who has a similar skill set at age 31.
More to come later in the day... 

CC Continues to Deal

CC Sabathia earned another win for the New York Yankees yesterday to move his league leading total to 15. At 15-5 with a 2.56 ERA, CC is proving his point as a candidate for the Cy Young Award. More impressive than his season total is what he has been able to accomplish over the past ten starts.

CC is 9-1 over his last ten starts. He has also given up a minuscule five runs over his last 54.1 innings pitched. That's less than one run per nine innings. To be honest, those numbers are simply out of this world.

Without CC, the Yankees would not be in contention for the AL East crown. With CC, the Yankees are two games behind the AL East leading Boston Red Sox.

With a 6.5 game lead in the Wild Card, it's safe to say that as long as this train doesn't completely derail from the track, the Yankees will be alive and well in September and October. And with all the pitching concerns they will undoubtedly have going into the playoffs, at least one thing will be certain.

CC Sabathia will be leading the way.

GO TIME.

Ok. Things are moving fast, real fast. So I'm just going to quickly recap today's events in Jets Land as far as I know.

First things first I was completely confident Right Tackle Damien Woody would be back for one more year after being released shortly after last season. He repeatedly has stated it's Jets or retirement and the Jets want him back so ipso facto he'd be back. However, OL Wayne Hunter who played in place of big Wood in some spots last season has re-signed. So as of now I expect them to make a run at Big wood only at a small price as an insurance policy. Very disappointing.

According to reports from Jets beat reporters Manish Mehta and Rich Cimini along with Jetsblog the Jets have reached out to S Eric Smith, WR Santonio Holmes, CB Antonio Cromartie and CB Nnamdi Asomugha. Boom! Aso, insane, I'm moist thinking about it. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, hopefully something with materialize within the next few days regarding Aso. Anywho, what's most surprising here is no word of Braylon Edwards. Yeah, it's just day one but it just goes to show where they rank Bray in their list of important UFA's. So are they perhaps banking on a 2nd tier #2 further down the line?
    To me it seems like they're going all out on Holmes (which is the right thing to do) and then trying to shore up their 2nd corner spot while keeping an eye out/doing their due diligence on Asomugha. Solid so far Mr. T.
Buttttttt,   Big time negative here Trader Mike: No word on what their stance is on Shaun Ellis. This guy single-handedly stopped  the run for the Jets last year/the last 10 seasons, and I fear without re-signing this guy their run D will suffer big time. He's clearly irreplaceable right now with the inexperience of 2011 D-Line Draftees Wilkerson and Ellis.
Anyway this is just day 1, more to come tomorrow.

Plax Back to the G-Men?

Some Say Why...I Say Why Not.

As much as it kills me to hear that Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert won't be back anchoring the O-Line for Big Blue this year, I am that much more excited about the prospect of Plax coming back to the G-Men. I just hope Tom Coughlin and the Mara family didn't burn too many bridges with Plax since his infamous "incident".

Although it would be a big distraction to have him back and the likelihood that he is flat out washed up is relatively high at age 34, the slight chance that he could return to his pre-self-inflicting gunshot wounding, Superbowl game winning, six foot, six inch self is enough to convince me to take a shot. Also, I just know if another team like the Eagles get him, Plax will inevitably torch us for years to come.

So while Eli may not have any time in the pocket with 2/5 of his offensive line gone, at least we can still rely on that slant and go off the back foot to a 6'6 goomba in the back of the end zone.

G-Men...Do It

Thank You Baby Jesus!

     Well obviously you've all heard, the lockout is over. Yay Football is back! I have to admit it's ruhl ruhl tough to keep focus when all you have to watch is a miserable baseball team just waiting to trade its best players. But fear no more, because the best sport in all of sports has returned. The next two to three weeks are going to be crazier than big ben's bachelor party. So I'm going to give you my list of must-do's of the off-season when it comes to Mr. T and the New York Jets:

1. Re-sign Shaun Ellis. This may come as a surprise because he's about 40, but he's the longest tenured Jet and an anchor to the shaky defensive line. Big Katt always steps up in huge spots and is a leader on the front. Especially with the lockout Ellis is an extremely valuable vet with knowledge of the system who can mentor the rookies and provide added depth along with perhaps Jason Taylor and/or Trevor Price.

2. Sign 2 of the the 3 "skill" guys. It's too tall an order cap-wise to re-sign Holmes, Edwards, and Cromartie. I want Santonio Holmes and Antonio "Baby's Daddy" Cromartie back in the green and white. First of all the Jets can't afford to lose Cromartie because the drop-off from him to 2nd year player Kyle Wilson or even veteran Drew Coleman (assuming he's re-signed) is far too significant. And we all know Rex's defense is completely reliant on stellar cornerback play - so why weaken a vital area to remain status quo at another. And if I have to choose a WR I'm taking the game-changer Holmes. I love Edwards, he's been great in NY but I feel his skill-set is far more replaceable than the other two.

3. Lock up the "little guys." The Jets need to bring back one of the two safeties between Ihedigbo and Eric Smith. My preference is James Ihedigbo because their skill set is similar (great run stoppers, below average in coverage) and Ihedigbo is a stellar special teams player. Re-sign Digs. Also lock up either Robert Turner or Wayne Hunter to provide OL depth. Which brings me to...

4. Get Woody back. The Jets released veteran right tackle Damien Woody after last season with the hope that they can re-sign him under a lesser contract. This is a great idea as Vlad Ducasse has not shown he is ready to take the reigns and Wayne Hunter may not be back. Damien has alluded to the fact that he loves Rex and playing for the Jets and may give them a discount to come back. Get it done.

5. Finally let Brad Smith walk. It pains me to say this because I'm a huge Brad Smith fan, but the money he will demand is not worth it and can be allocated elsewhere. Brad Smith is a top 3 return guy in the AFC and his intangibles on offense and special teams are significant, however, in order to re-sign many of our other players (Pool, Digs, Woody, T-Rich, etc) it's necessary to let Brad go. The Jets drafted Jeremy Kerley who has a similar skill-set, along with both McKnights who can be useful in the return game and on Special Teams.

This sums up just a small amount of work that needs to be done over the next couple weeks. I'm sure Mr. T has his plan and back-up plans all set up ready to go, let's hope he makes the right decisions.

P.S. - Giants offseason to-do list coming soon Courtesy of Dick

Get Me Nnamdi

RT @Just_Nehpets: Where are the most likely places you see Nnamdi ends up? … Guesswork: Dall, Phil, Hou, NYJ longshot. Hear he wants Jets. 

 - Peter King's Twitter via TheJetsBlog.com


   Yes you read that correctly. Preach Mr. King. Can you imagine a Revis - Asomugha CB tandem? Yeah it's a looooong shot but only for properly fitting Nnamdi under the cap. But if he wants to form the best secondary in NFL history and have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl he'll sacrifice a few dollars to make it happen. Wishful thinking I know but it gets me all worked up thinking about it. Opposing teams might as well revert to a wildcat formation all the time because a quarterback would be useless. Trader Mike make it happen!

I asked @Mark_Sanchez what he needs to do to take his game to the next level. - Tvider

I (Jim Rome) asked @Mark_Sanchez what he needs to do to take his game to the next level. - Tvider

Four More Years!

Brandon "Doooooooob" Dubinsky and the New York Rangers agreed to a 4-year deal today that will earn the Rangers forward 4.2 million dollars per season. While this is big news, it is just the latest addition in a string of players the Rangers have signed or re-signed that "Just get it". From a scorer in Brad Richards, to an enforcer in Mike Rupp, to a fan favorite in Dubinsky, the Rangers have filled a need in each of these signings.

New York loves a scorer like Richards to go with guys like Marian Gaborik.

New York loves an enforcer like Rupp to go along with guys like Brandon Prust.

And lastly New York loves a hard-working, talented young player like Brandon Dubinsky to go along with guys like Ryan Callahan.

The only problem in this equation is that Callahan has not been re-signed for next year.

So Rangers, you've made all the right moves up to this point. Do the right thing, "pay the man his money" and sign Mr. Callahan.

Cue the hockey fight!

WOW...WAKE ME UP WHEN THERE'S FOOTBALL

       I feel like I'm not alone here when I say that I'm beyond sick and tired of CBA updates and that little piece of garbage Adam Schefter saying the same dumb shit every 3 hours. Please how about no more NFL updates until I see Bart Scott out on the field being a straight manchild. Can anyone take Chris Mortenson standing there with his ridiculous smile in front of a random building telling us 'well it could be Friday, but it might be in 3 weeks'. Ugh save it Sigfreid. I feel like I'm watching the Casey Anthony trial, slow as molasses.

Now this always cheers me up...
Here we go Tom!!

END OF AN "ERA"

     Unless something earth-shattering occurs like I find a job or become tall and handsome, today will be Carlos Beltran's last day playing at Citi Field. As I write this the Mets are getting spanked around by Jake F-in Westbrook so it's all pretty anti-climatic. However, I have to admit I'm going to miss Beltran's absolutely ridiculous at-bat music that he has kept the same for seven years. Who keeps the same entrance song for 7 years? It is catchy though, Cue the latin music!....

PS - I'm also going to miss your giant mole, hey Carlos get that thing an agent, it's got a mind of its own.

ANGEL GETS IT!

    Waaahh J-Bay your hammy, I'm so going to miss your .200 BA and like negative homeruns. Here's to the real Angel in the outfield...taste it La Russa. B t dubs, I love the flip of the bat and the rubbing it in by Pagan, the Mets aren't going anywhere so who cares do the merengue around the bases whats the difference? I'd personally do the Bernie around the bases if I ever hit a walk-off even though I know I'm guaranteed to get a 99 mph fastball to the dome next at-bat, it'd be so worth it. Take us home fellas.........