The New York Sports Vent

My Apologies

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Hi all -

I wanted to make sure to post today to apologize to the readers for the lack of posting, or should I say vacancy of posts in the last month or so.

Unfortunately, I am experiencing one of the busiest times of my life right now, between my internship, college work toward graduation, an online class I've begun taking, and the always exciting job hunt...it leaves little to no time for blogging.

I hope you all understand.

Hopefully, over the next couple of weeks I can post a little here an there about the new baseball season, NFL draft, NBA draft, and other related news and topics. I shall try my very best.

Mets close to signing Sheffield

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Palka) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:22:00 +0000

Joel Sherman of the New York Post is reporting that the Mets are very close to signing Gary Sheffield. Sherman quotes a source as saying "Unless something drastic happens, he is a Met. Someone would have to offer him a second year, and I just don't see that happening."

This is a very low-risk, high-reward sort of deal for the Mets. Sheffield is a right-handed powerhitter that the Mets lack in the middle of the lineup. I'm guessing he'll start on the bench, though, and eventually compete with either Church or Murphy for a corner outfield spot.

With that being said, I hate Gary Sheffield. Hate everything he's all about. He's a loud-mouth, hot-headed old man. We can also make a fairly educated hypothesis that Sheffield was a juicehead back in the day, although I'm not even sure that matters to anyone anymore. He already ran himself out of New York once and he's run himself out of practically every other city he's played in.

But maybe he can shut me up. Maybe he can shut himself up and come to the ballpark everyday and accept his new role with the Mets. Maybe he can be a huge pop in the middle of the order after Delgado and Beltran, much like Moises Alou was when he was healthy. I guess if he reverts to the usual Sheffield, the Mets can cut him loose at anytime with no repercussions.

I just hope he recognizes he has the chance to be a part of a great team that wants to atone for the last three seasons' heartbreaking endings. Play hard, Gary, and don't be a cancer.

Putz Out With Irritated Fingernail

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:31:00 +0000

The Associated Press is reporting the Mets setup man J.J. Putz left Tuesday nights game against the Marlins with an irritated fingernail on his right middle finger.

Prior to walking off the mound, Putz struck out back-to-back Marlins.

Mets manager Jerry Manuel has stated that the irritation is nothing serious, and that Putz will be fine for Opening Day.

After K-Rod pitched a scoreless ninth inning, the Mets beat the Marlins 9-2.

On a side note, starter John Maine continues to improve on his spring time struggles, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing two runs on six hits for the win over Florida.

Jay Cutler to be Traded

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:44:00 +0000

So I was just checking my rumor sites and saw a brand new post taken from the Denver Broncos official website. The subject of the post?

Why, Jay Cutler of course.

Although this time around, it wasn't about rumors or speculation or text messages or meetings or Bus Cook or Josh McDaniels.

This time, it was Broncos CEO Pat Bowlen releasing a statement, which read:

"Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by Head Coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful. A conversation with his agent earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded."

Wow. Could Jay Cutler be Brett Favre 2.0?

I never thought the situation would come to this to be honest, hence my lack of posting on the matter and being a big Jets fan and all.

We all know the Jets could seriously benefit from bringing in a big arm and proven talent at quarterback like Cutler, but I still have my reservations about him.

Cutler's reputation among the players of the league is that he is a hot-head, arrogant, and cocky player who likes to run his mouth.

And after this saga between he and the Broncos organization, whose to say Cutler will be able to handle the scrutiny and pressures of New York City?

Perhaps the most significant opinion on Cutler was made recently by a Jets team leader in Kerry Rhodes, who stated that he wanted to lay Cutler out when the Jets faced the Broncos last season. Apparently the disgruntled QB is quite the target around the league.

With that being said, he's also very, very good. Cutler is already proven in his young career, showing a big arm and posting even bigger numbers in what was a break-out 2008 Pro Bowl season.

Granted, the Jets don't have the same kind of weapons that the Broncos do with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, but the fact of the matter is that Cutler would be a tremendous upgrade at a very unstable position for this team. Perhaps the final piece to the puzzle, even.

Although I am comfortable going into the season with a QB competition between Kellen Clemens (who I still believe has potential) and Brett Ratliff (who has an untested ceiling), Cutler takes a playoff-potential Jets squad, and turns it into something much more legitimate.

For the sake of suspicions, I won't delve into the kind of the season I believe the Jets can have with Cutler at the helm. As for now, this is all speculation anyway, but everyone in New York will be monitoring the situation as it develops, as will I.

Can't wait to hear Boomer, Carton, Greenie and Golic tomorrow morning on the air.

Avery Won't Add Fuel to the Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Leading up to tonight's game against New Jersey, Rangers forward Sean Avery refused to delve into last seasons saga between he and Devils goalie Martin Brodeur.

We all remember the infamous stick waiving incident that occured with Avery and Brodeur in the playoffs last year, which ultimately resulted in NHL Commish Gary Bettman to create the "Avery Rule", which was effective immediately following the game.

The incident led to Avery calling Brodeur a "fatso", followed by the Devils net minder refusing to shake Avery's hand after the Rangers had won the 5 game playoff series over New Jersey. A rivalry, in addition to the pre-existing Ranger/Devil rivalry, was born.

However, what's most important to Avery at this point in time is winning, and it seems as if Rangers head coach John Tortorella is noticing the change in mind set and attitude.

"I think Sean is smart enough to understand what this game means to us. Obviously, the Devils are in but they’re looking to get to some other spot. We’re trying to get in. That overrides everything."

"This is about discipline, concentrating," Tortorella added. "This is about trying to get two points. Worrying about the other stuff, the shenanigans as the league goes through [the stretch run], it can’t happen."

The Rangers are coming off disappointing back-to-back losses, and are seeing their grip on the 7th place seed in the post season race get looser by the day. The 8th place Canadiens are only a point behind the Blueshirts now, and the 9th place Panthers trail by only two points.

New Jersey has also struggled recently, losing their last four in a row, and winning will be the first and only priority on their end as well. Although the Devils have clinched a post-season birth, they will look to end the regular season with momentum to carry them into the playoffs.

The Rangers on the other hand, will need to scratch and claw their way into a locked playoff spot. The team has six games left to play, all of which are against playoff contenders. The Canadiens also have a game in hand.

In order to win, The Rangers will need Avery at his best. When effective, he becomes one of the team's most effective offensive weapons.

Tonight will be the first test of Avery and the Rangers moxie, when they face Martin Brodeur's first-place Devils at the Garden, in what should become an intense contest.

Harrington Gets T'd Up; Knicks Lose in OT

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:49:00 +0000

After leading virtually the entire game last night, the Knicks lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the lowly Clippers.

Knicks forward Al Harrington could be to blame for the loss, seen below hanging on the rim and getting a technical foul. The Clippers converted their free throws and forced overtime, where the Knicks lost 140-135.

Goodbye playoffs, hello lottery pick.

Avery/Clutterbuck Fight

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:27:00 +0000

From last night's game at the Garden.

Ranger's win 2-1

Lee and Hughes Sit Out

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:05:00 +0000

From the New York Post:

Larry Hughes, who has been dealing with a nagging sore toe, and David Lee sat out of practice today.

Hughes will test the toe during tonight's pre-game shootaround, while Lee is expected to play.

Knicks rookie forward Danilo Gallinari is leaning toward season ending back surgery.

"I'm not 100 percent sure, because the doctors still have to talk to each other; but I might do the surgery. I'm leaning in that direction," said Gallinari, who'll likely have a procedure to shave down a disc to relieve pressure on a nerve.

This seems like the best option for Gallinari, as the Knicks hope of the post season are all but gone at this point. He'd be better off having the surgery, and beginning rehab immediately in order to come back healthy next year.

Jets Sign CB Strickland

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:58:00 +0000

This afternoon the Jets signed for 49er's corner back Donald Strickland to a 3-year contract.

Strickland, a six-year veteran who spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, played in 13 games last season, recording 23 tackles with five passes defensed. For his career, he has 115 tackles, two interceptions and 16 passes defensed.

Strickland is 28 years old, and is coming from San Francisco where he played as a nickel/dime corner, and special teamer.

He is expected to do the same in New York.

A-Rod Due Back in May

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:51:00 +0000

The New York Post is reporting that, according to Yankee's manager Joe Girardi, Alex Rodriguez could be back on the field by May 15th.

Girardi said he is expecting Alex Rodriguez back on May 15, but that has nothing to do with the progress Rodriguez is making while rehabbing his right hip in Colorado. "That's what we have been told [by the doctors], I am not judging it by the rehab," said Girardi. Rodriguez is riding an exercise bike, running in a pool and lifting weights.

This is good news for Yankee's fans. After there was so much speculation about how the organization was going to handle Rodriguez's injury, it seems as if arthroscopic surgery was indeed the best route to take.

If Girardi's feelings are accurate, A-Rod will only miss a month or so of the regular season.

Syracuse in the Sweet 16

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Palka) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:28:00 +0000

For the first time in my 4-year academic career at Syracuse University, the Orange are headed to the Sweet 16.

The Vent's own Jay and Cory can say the same and the anticipation for Friday's matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners will reach a feverish pitch as the week goes on.

As for the game, I like Syracuse's chances. They've had to deal with big men like Hasheem Thabeet and Dajuan Blair all season long so I don't think Blake Griffin will cause too much havoc. I think the Sooners are a one-trick pony so shutting down Griffin will be key. If the Orange keep playing their stingy 2-3 zone like they have in the first two rounds, it will force Oklahoma to take 3-pointers. I like Flynn, Rautins and Devendorf over Willie Warren and Co. if the game comes down to that.

On a side note, what can you say about the Big East? Five teams in the Sweet 16, a tournament record. It's interesting to see Syracuse get so much national love lately since they were considered the sixth-best team in the Big East all year long. If Syracuse played in another conference, just how good could they be perceived to be? I like the 'Cuse in the Round of 16, but a win against UNC (most likely) is hopeful.

Ottawa Snaps Ranger's Win Streak

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:25:00 +0000

After coming off an impressive win over the Buffalo Sabres at the Garden on Saturday, the Rangers came up short against the streaking Ottawa Senators last night.

Ottawa beat the Rangers 2-1, in what was a sluggish game for both sides, in my opinion. The Blueshirt's performance on the ice was dull and bland last night. It was a disappointing showing, especially considering how dominant they seemed the night before, and in the last couple of weeks for that matter.

The Rangers got off to a nice start after Sen's goalie Alex Auld, whose never lost to the Rangers in regulation, misplayed a puck behind the net that resulted in a Brandon Dubinsky goal, his first in 24 games.

After taking the lead, the level of play gradually dwindled until the end of the first period, when the Rangers had registered an unimpressive 6 shots on goal. Although the Rangers were consistently winning face-offs (Drury didn't lose one), there were too many open-ice turnovers to build significant momentum.

The biggest turnover of all, was caused by an unlikely candidate in Scott Gomez, who tried dropping a pass off behind him that was picked off by Mike Fisher in the third period. Fisher took the puck down into the Rangers defensive zone where it wound up on Ryan Shannon's stick, and then over Henrik Lundqvist's shoulder to break the 1-1 tie only a couple of minutes into the period.

"I thought the game was sloppy, by both teams," Tortorella said. "It was one of those games where you're about to make a play, you can't get it done. You try to make a pass, it's picked off. You turn the puck over when you should be making an easy play. By both teams, I thought."

The Rangers dialed up the intensity on offense after going down 2-1, but were never able to find more then a couple of legitimate scoring opportunities. That part of their game just wasn't there last night.

Call it tired legs after playing the day before, call it unlucky, or call it Sean Avery having too much fun on a Saturday night in Manhattan, like Boomer Esiason did this morning on the FAN.

Regardless, the loss last night was a disappointment. Unfortunately, the Broadway Blues were unable to gain ground on the teams seeded in front of them, but the Rangers are still sitting nicely in seventh place of the post season race.

The team is 7-3 in their last 10 games, and still playing great hockey compared to what we saw a month ago. They will look to rebound from this defeat immediately tomorrow night against the Minnesota Wild.

Today's Sports Links

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Good Morning...Here are today's sports links:

John Branch of the NYT writes an interesting piece about the sod used in Yankee Stadium
The World Baseball Classic and it's effect on Major League teams, on the NYDN
Bill Hutchinson writes about a football fan who filed a class action lawsuit against the Giants and Jets over PSL's
Alan Hahn writes about the Knicks greats who are being honored at halftime tonight
The NYDN's Gary Meyers speculates about the Jets and disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler

Niese Sent to Triple-A Buffalo

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Several moves were made today by Mets management.

The team sent pitcher Jon Niese, who was battling for the final rotation spot to Triple-A Buffalo. This all but seals the fate of Livan Hernandez, who is expected to be named the Mets 5th starter.

Pitcher Freddy Garcia, who was expected to be in the Mets starting rotation going into spring training, is still in camp.

I like the move to send Niese down to AAA. He is a young prospect who can benefit from more work down in the minors.

I wasn't sold on the idea of Livan Hernandez starting for the Metsies, but he's had a very solid spring thus far, and while he lacks velocity, he's able to move the ball around the strike zone well.

If Hernandez isn't effective, I wouldn't be surprised if Niese got called back up in a few months.

Other players sent to Buffalo were Connor Robertson and Robinson Cancel.

Rangers Sign Paul Crowder

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Center Paul Crowder, of the University of Anchorage Seawolves, has signed a contract with the New York Rangers.

A British Columbia forward, Crowder is 24 and was 14-19-33 in 35 games this year for the University of Anchorage Seawolves. He's 6-3, 202, a right-hand shot, and will likely be assigned to Hartford.

I like his size and offensive prowess, although at 24 I wonder what has taken him so long to get to this level. Newsday's Steve Zipay believes he could be a "late bloomer".

We'll see what kind of progress he can make with his game in Hartford.

Jets to Host CB Samari Rolle Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:56:00 +0000

First off I wanted to apologize for the lack of posting recently. I've been a bit under the weather and busy with work this week but hopefully I'll get back on the horse by the weekend.

The Daily News' Rich Cimini is reporting on his blog that the Jets will host free agent, and former Baltimore Ravens corner back Samari Rolle this evening.

Rolle was released by the team after he refused to take a pay cut coming off an injury riddled 2008 season.

At one point in time Rolle was considered among the elite shut-down corners in the league. Rolle was effective when healthy last season, but he is aging. I'd have to imagine he has plenty left in the tank to play the role of nickel back in the Jets backfield, however.

Although the Jets still have second year corner Dwight Lowery, who showed signs of potential in his rookie season, Rolle would be an upgrade at the position and provide some veteran wisdom to the younger d-backs.

If Tannenbaum can make this a cap-friendly signing, then I'm all for it. He's a solid veteran who can help the team both on and off the field, and already knows Rex Ryan's system.

Jones Sits Out, Elam Re-Signs

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:22:00 +0000

This afternoon the Jets matched the Cleveland Brown's offer to safety Abram Elam at $1.5 million, which secures Elam will play in New York next season.

The club had signed Elam, a restricted free agent, to a one-year, $1.01 million tender before the Browns extended the offer sheet. The Jets had until Tuesday to match the offer.

Elam will battle Eric Smith in training camp to become the third safety on the depth chart, behind Kerry Rhodes and Jim Leonhard.

Last season, Elam proved that he had some potential for making big plays, by forcing three fumbles (two of these fumbles were returned for touchdowns), a long interception for a touchdown and two sacks.

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

I like this move by the Jets, Elam is in no way a starter in the NFL, but a very solid back-up, and to sign him for only $1.5 million makes perfect sense. Not to mention, it keeps a solid Jets player off of Eric Mangini's roster in Cleveland.

Jets running back Thomas Jones, who is expected to want a new contract this spring, was a no-show for the second straight day at offseason work outs.

Jones probably wants a raise in pay after posting such a solid year, but he is an aging running back. Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum won't want to extend Jones' current contract, but maybe the two sides can settle on a restructured contract with more incentives.

Gallinari May Opt for Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Knicks rookie forward Danilo Gallinari may opt to have surgery on his ailing back, which would cause him to lose out on the rest of this season.

"Because Danilo has said his back is only 60 to 70 percent., we want to reconsider all treatement options, including surgery. Yesterday he saw a fourth surgeon in New York. Danilo has decided to travel to Italy to get additional opinions from Italian back specialists. He's leaving today and will return Monday at the latest.''

After a disappointing road trip, it's obvious that this nagging back injury is starting to flare up again on Gallinari.

Knicks fans know that the discomfort there is enough to keep Gallinari from sitting on the bench, as he prefers to lay on his stomach to alleviate pressure on the area.

It may be the best option for the Knicks to just shut the young Italian down for the year, and let him get back to 100% for next season. Gallinari shows signs of promise, and seems to have a high ceiling of potential.

No sense in the organization risking further aggrivation to the injury on a player who Donnie Walsh believes can be a Larry Bird-esque package.

Writing Contributors Wanted!

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:33:00 +0000

As I try to expand on all that this blog has to offer, I'd like to let you all know that I am currently looking for a few writers to start contributing to the Vent.

Being that I am currently interning and working on graduating from college this spring, and my two other contributors Bill and Cory are doing the same, it is difficult for us to post as often as we'd like, and on as many topics as we'd like, as well.

So, to any readers of the Vent I'd like to extend an offer to begin helping us turn this blog into what we'd ultimately like to see it become... A one-stop shop for all things related to New York sports.

That means, team coverage, breaking news, information, opinions, rants, vents, musings, entertainment, and so on and so forth.

The opportunities to write can be as narrow or braod as you'd like. You may want to monitor a single team, or "vent" your opinions on the general happenings in the New York sports world; it's all dedly!

If you are interested, comfortable with your writing abilities, follow the New York sports scene, and can dedicate at least one or two posts to the blog every week, then please email me at jason.akeson@gmail.com. Include in the subject line "Writing for the Vent", and then a brief description of yourself (fanhood, age, location, etc.), along with what kinds of topics you'd like to write about on the blog.

Once I receive your email we will proceed from there...Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.

Rangers Win 4-1, Avery Scores Twice

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon the Broadway Blues beat up on the Flyers en route to a 4-1 victory at MSG.

In a game that was broadcasted nationally on NBC, the Rangers bounced back from a loss to Philadelphia the previous day, splitting this weekend's home-and-home.

The story of the weekend, undoubtedly, was the return to form of our beloved Sean Avery.

Avery scored two power play goals on Sunday, his third and fourth goals registered in the last three games.

"I think it probably has to do with my mind-set and where my head is more than anything," Avery said. "We talked about it after the first couple of games, how I was just nervous and kind of playing a little too hard. So I was just trying to slow it down and think about the plays and where they are going to end up."

Perhaps even more beneficial then his offensive output, it was clear that Avery, and his instigating and agitating, completely threw Philadelphia off their mark.

"I think his probation period is over and now he's back up to his old antics," Philly coach John Stevens said. "And we got sucked in, to be quite honest with you. We gave ourselves no chance to win."

Often seen barking in the ears of players like Jeff Green and Mike Richards, Avery helped to keep the Flyers on edge and in the box, where they earned 24 penalty minutes on the day.

"They took way too many penalties to win this game," said Henrik Lundqvist, who made 24 saves for his 31st win.

As I'm sure I can speak for the majority of Rangers fans, it's great to see Avery becoming more and more comfortable out on the ice. He is playing with a certain swagger now that seemed to be missing from his game when he was first called up from Hartford.

This was a solid bounce back from a disappointing loss to the rival Flyers, and the Rangers are now tied for 6th in what is becoming and incredibly tight race to the Eastern Conference post season.

Nate Could Start in Place of Duhon

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Alan Hahn of Newsday is reporting that Nate Robinson could start in place of point guard Chris Duhon tonight, if Duhon isn't healthy enough to play.

With the Knicks 1 1/2 games out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference and only 18 games left, D'Antoni doesn't seem to want to take Robinson out of the roles in which he has thrived. But he does want Duhon to be honest with him before tonight's game against the Timberwolves, which could be a critical swing game in this five-game road trip, which ends Sunday against the East-leading Cavaliers. D'Antoni suggested after Wednesday's overtime win in Detroit that Duhon shouldn't have played.

Duhon has been battling some injuries lately, and it's had a negative effect on his performance on the court. In the Knicks overtime victory over the Pistons on Wednesday, Duhon only registered 22 minutes and was innefective. This has been a trend lasting a couple of weeks now of the usually consistent point guard.

Robinson on the other hand, has been playing some absolutely lights-out basketball as of late. He has the ability to break a game open with his tendancy to hit shots and make plays in bunches, and getting more minutes tonight can only enahnce that.

As a Knicks fan, I'd love to see Nate get starters minutes tonight, especially while Duhon rests up from his nagging injuries. Robinson has been a producer of excitement and energy all season, and has truely become a fan favorite.

Coming off back-to-back victories over the Bucks and Pistons, the Knicks play the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight and look to start a legitimate win streak while keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Syracuse Pulls Off an Upset in a Game for the Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Cory) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:15:00 +0000

In case you live under a rock and haven't heard about Syracuse's epic 127-117 six-overtime win over the Connecticut Huskies, I've gathered a few links to some coverages of the game and added some thoughts of my own below.

Bud Poliquin, the mercurial Syracuse Post-Standard columnist, weighs in on last night's epic game: Poliquin.

Gerry McNamara went on the Dan Patrick radio show this morning and commented on the game, which he was in attendance for.

For the UCONN perspective, check out Mike Anthony's piece in today's Hartford Courant.

And for this Orange fan's take on the game, just read on. I had the misfortune of having made the decision NOT to travel to the Big Apple for the second half of spring break to watch my beloved Orange scribble another chapter in their illustrious Big East tournament history.

Four of my roommates made the trip, including The Vent's own Jay and Bill, with whom I exchanged frantic text messages with for the entire second half and all of the overtimes. Those boys scalped tickets for last night's game for $150 a piece....questionable tactics, unless you could have predicted the way this one was going to go down, and I don't think that anyone could.

A few things REALLY stick out in my mind about this game. First, you have got to applaud the guts and heart of this Orange team, particularly their point guard and leader Johnny Flynn. Flynn logged a superhuman 67 minutes while showing minimal signs of fatigue down the stretch when his team needed him most.

Speaking of "the stretch", Jim Boeheim must be applauded for the management of his tired squad in the later overtime periods. The decision to go with Kris Joseph, a freshman from Montreal, Canada instead of another post player turned out to be a gambit that paid dividends for the Orange. Joseph continually buckled down in the center of the back line of the 'Cuse 2-3 to haul down important rebounds in amongst the trees of the Huskies front line.

Even though Thabeet had fouled out, which made it more reasonable for Boeheim to play with 5 guards on the floor, I half expected Boeheim to go with the unproven and unpolished Sean Williams just to keep a post presence in the game. Jimmy did no such thing, proving once again why he is a Hall of Fame coach and I am a contributor to an up and coming sports blog.

Speaking of Hall of Fame coaches, I was disappointed in the way that Jim Calhoun's boys attacked the tired 2-3 zone of the Orange in the overtime sessions. Ball movement was minimal after Thabeet fouled out, and UConn execution on offense all but disappeared in the final three OT sessions. Whether it was fatigue on the part of his guys or just the will of the Orange defense, Connecticut was unable to execute on the offensive end of the floor when they needed it most.

Last but not least, as a fan, how could you not have loved the play-by-play calls of 'Cuse alumni Sean McDonough? He was sensational, bringing genuine court side excitement to me in my lonely Massachusetts living room.

Tonight the Orange will play their semi-final game against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Many times during last night's broadcast the announcers referred the fatigue factor that will most certainly be present for the Orange in the semi-final game this evening. True, the Orange will have legs that may be a bit more tired than their opponents', but you've got to remember that these boys are in the prime of their lives. I do NOT expect fatigue to be a factor for the Orange in tonight's contest. I like the 'Cuse to win by 6-10 points in a well played basketball game.

Plaxico in Trouble Again

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:56:00 +0000

It is being reported by TMZ that Plaxico Burress was stopped by police in Florida on March 1st for violating several traffic regulations.

Burress had darkly tinted windows, didn't display his tags properly, changed lanes illegally, and was caught speeding as well.

Thankfully for him, he left his gun at home.

While these are small offenses that probably won't effect his gun charges, it is incredible to me how this guy can't seem to keep him out of trouble.

After everything that happened with his gun issues last season you would think he'd want to lay low. Not to mention, his offenses tend to be kind of idiotic as well.

Jets Sign Howard Green

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:52:00 +0000

This afternoon the Jets signed back up defensive lineman Howard Green, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks.

Last year in Seattle Green was mostly a reserve, but has also spent time under the coaching of who else, but Rex Ryan in Baltimore.

It is believe that Green was brought in to battle with Sione Pouha to back up Kris Jenkins on the defensive line.

With an impressive track record like Ryan's, it is hard to argue the signing of any of his former defensive players. Green will come cheap and has some good size as well.

Reyes Batting Third? Not Likely...

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:35:00 +0000

After the Dominican Republic was eliminated from the WBC earlier this week, Jose Reyes and Fernando Tatis are back in Port St. Lucie with the Mets.

Although Manager Jerry Manuel will still "tinker" with the team's batting lineup, Reyes will almost certainly end up batting leadoff come April. After all, that is where we can all agree he belongs, and feels more comfortable.

Prior to Reyes' departure for the Dominicana, Manuel had him batting third while Luis Castillo was batting in the lead off spot. Castillo and Reyes were actually relatively productive and effective in these roles, but the Mets are better off with Reyes leading off, where he will get more opportunities to steal bases.