Hello Everyone,
I am going to be taking a little bit of a break from my blog over the next few months. I will be spending my fall semester in Los Angeles and will be very involved with an internship and classes. However, when some important news breaks, I will do my best to update here and give you my take on it.
Until then, please follow my new blog that I created specifically for my LA Journey. Here's the link.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Rangers Walk Away from Nik Zherdev
The Rangers today have decided to part ways with forward Nikolai Zherdev after an arbitration hearing on Friday resulted in a figure the Rangers didn't want to pay. The Rangers presented an offer of about $3 million while Zherdev wanted about $4.5 million. The arbitrator went about right in the middle at $3.9 million and the Rangers decided it was best to walk away and let the Russian become an unrestricted free agent.
So what happens now? Zherdev can sign negotiate and sign with any other NHL team or with a team in the KHL in Russia. The Rangers have freed up some cap room, which they will likely use to sign Brandon Dubinsky to a deal and possibly add another winger. Some names involved could be Alex Tanguay, Mike Grier, or Petr Sykora.
This was an expected move, and in my mind, the right move for the Rangers. Zherdev is a talented player who can score and stick handle tremendously. However, he has shown a lack of energy and desire on a nightly basis. Some nights, he'll play well and give it his all. Other nights, he wishes he was elsewhere. This team cannot afford to pay big bucks for a player like that.
Dubinsky is a bigger piece to the Rangers' future and has plenty of talent as well. Lock him up and get a veteran that can provide some experience and scoring to give the roster some depth. However, the Rangers are all about bringing up their talented youth and letting them help the team. Zherdev appears like a guy who would rather play in Russia rather than in the NHL. Either way, you can't fault the Rangers for walking away at this point. It's sad that a guy with so much talent simply doesn't bring it every game.
So what happens now? Zherdev can sign negotiate and sign with any other NHL team or with a team in the KHL in Russia. The Rangers have freed up some cap room, which they will likely use to sign Brandon Dubinsky to a deal and possibly add another winger. Some names involved could be Alex Tanguay, Mike Grier, or Petr Sykora.
This was an expected move, and in my mind, the right move for the Rangers. Zherdev is a talented player who can score and stick handle tremendously. However, he has shown a lack of energy and desire on a nightly basis. Some nights, he'll play well and give it his all. Other nights, he wishes he was elsewhere. This team cannot afford to pay big bucks for a player like that.
Dubinsky is a bigger piece to the Rangers' future and has plenty of talent as well. Lock him up and get a veteran that can provide some experience and scoring to give the roster some depth. However, the Rangers are all about bringing up their talented youth and letting them help the team. Zherdev appears like a guy who would rather play in Russia rather than in the NHL. Either way, you can't fault the Rangers for walking away at this point. It's sad that a guy with so much talent simply doesn't bring it every game.
Lighthouse Project Hopefully Takes Another Step Forward
This morning, there was a rally outside Nassau Coliseum to support the Lighthouse Project. As I write this, a hearing is being held at Hofstra University to discuss the environmental impact of the project. Several people are in attendance from Islanders owner Charles Wang to current and former players (Mike Bossy, Josh Bailey) and County Executive Tom Suozzi. So, the big question is, is this good news for the project?
For those who are unaware, Charles Wang wants to completely renovate the Nassau Coliseum and the surrounding area. His development group has come up with a plan to revitalize the area, completely sprucing up the arena and making a residential and business community around it. There will also be a sports technology center, retail shopping, and other features.
However, the project has been held up for years now and Charles Wang has imposed a deadline of October 3rd to be told whether or not the project can happen and if construction can begin. Nothing has happened as of yet in terms of groundbreaking, and it likely won't happen for a while. However, getting the environmental kinks worked out is a big step in the process. Many people are believed to support the project and they will likely be in attendance at this meeting.
Anything that helps the project toward an eventual decision is a success at this point. The Islanders need this to get done if they want to have any chance at building a successful franchise and attracting talented players. However, there are definitely many environmental concerns. Traffic around that area of Long Island is already heavy, and this project would likely create more congestion. The size of the project is also a concern as is the sustainability factor.
There is no question that the majority of people support this project. The Islanders do have a dedicated fan base and want their team to remain on Long Island. With all the new arenas that have been constructed or are being built in the area now, the Islanders have to feel neglected. It will be interesting to see if this gets done and what comes out of today's meeting. For updates on what is going on, check out Newsday's live-blog with Katie Strang from the meeting today.
For those who are unaware, Charles Wang wants to completely renovate the Nassau Coliseum and the surrounding area. His development group has come up with a plan to revitalize the area, completely sprucing up the arena and making a residential and business community around it. There will also be a sports technology center, retail shopping, and other features.
However, the project has been held up for years now and Charles Wang has imposed a deadline of October 3rd to be told whether or not the project can happen and if construction can begin. Nothing has happened as of yet in terms of groundbreaking, and it likely won't happen for a while. However, getting the environmental kinks worked out is a big step in the process. Many people are believed to support the project and they will likely be in attendance at this meeting.
Anything that helps the project toward an eventual decision is a success at this point. The Islanders need this to get done if they want to have any chance at building a successful franchise and attracting talented players. However, there are definitely many environmental concerns. Traffic around that area of Long Island is already heavy, and this project would likely create more congestion. The size of the project is also a concern as is the sustainability factor.
There is no question that the majority of people support this project. The Islanders do have a dedicated fan base and want their team to remain on Long Island. With all the new arenas that have been constructed or are being built in the area now, the Islanders have to feel neglected. It will be interesting to see if this gets done and what comes out of today's meeting. For updates on what is going on, check out Newsday's live-blog with Katie Strang from the meeting today.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Jets Camp Starts - Leon Washington in Attendance
The New York Jets took the trip up to Training Camp in Cortland on Thursday from their facility in Florham Park, NJ. Everyone went with the exception of running back Leon Washington. On Friday, the Jets took to the field at SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex for their first practice, and guess who was on the field...Leon Washington.
The Jets' 26-year old running back/kick returner was in uniform and on the field in upstate New York despite his contract situation. For those who don't know, Washington is in the final year of a four-year rookie contract and is due $535,000. However, he is demanding a raise to fair market value, which is approximately $6 million. While it hasn't been reported a new deal has been reached, it is likely close between the Jets and Washington's agent Alvin Keels.
Washington likely did not want to hold out from training camp even without a deal. The biggest reason is probably the $17,000 a day fine that he would have to pay for missing camp. Other reason are that he is still under contract, wants to play for the Jets, and the fact that he is not the type of player that will stay away just for money. He loves football and the Jets. He wants fair market value, and he deserves it for the way he has played. Choosing to miss camp would not have helped the situation.
Here are some other notes from the beginning of camp so far:
-Everyone showed up at the team's conditioning test Thursday in Florham Park, NJ and at Training Camp except for Washington (until today).
-Everyone passed the conditioning test and no one will be put on the physically unable to perform list.
-Thomas Jones still did not speak with the media about his contract situation. He wants a raise too, but it likely won't happen since he's already received a lot of money from his contract.
-Rex Ryan claimed that Kellen Clemens was #1 on the depth chart at quarterback ahead of Mark Sanchez and then Erik Ainge. However, he said that could change and that Sanchez would see time with the first team and be given a fair shot at the starting job.
-Calvin Pace spoke to the media about his 4-game suspension for violating the league's banned substance policy for the first time. He said it was from a workout supplement he was using that hadn't been banned before 2008 and was on the list that year. He was unaware and took full blame for not knowing.
Get excited for football season in New York! The Jets certainly should have many storylines heading into this season. Here are a few of those heading into camp.
The Jets' 26-year old running back/kick returner was in uniform and on the field in upstate New York despite his contract situation. For those who don't know, Washington is in the final year of a four-year rookie contract and is due $535,000. However, he is demanding a raise to fair market value, which is approximately $6 million. While it hasn't been reported a new deal has been reached, it is likely close between the Jets and Washington's agent Alvin Keels.
Washington likely did not want to hold out from training camp even without a deal. The biggest reason is probably the $17,000 a day fine that he would have to pay for missing camp. Other reason are that he is still under contract, wants to play for the Jets, and the fact that he is not the type of player that will stay away just for money. He loves football and the Jets. He wants fair market value, and he deserves it for the way he has played. Choosing to miss camp would not have helped the situation.
Here are some other notes from the beginning of camp so far:
-Everyone showed up at the team's conditioning test Thursday in Florham Park, NJ and at Training Camp except for Washington (until today).
-Everyone passed the conditioning test and no one will be put on the physically unable to perform list.
-Thomas Jones still did not speak with the media about his contract situation. He wants a raise too, but it likely won't happen since he's already received a lot of money from his contract.
-Rex Ryan claimed that Kellen Clemens was #1 on the depth chart at quarterback ahead of Mark Sanchez and then Erik Ainge. However, he said that could change and that Sanchez would see time with the first team and be given a fair shot at the starting job.
-Calvin Pace spoke to the media about his 4-game suspension for violating the league's banned substance policy for the first time. He said it was from a workout supplement he was using that hadn't been banned before 2008 and was on the list that year. He was unaware and took full blame for not knowing.
Get excited for football season in New York! The Jets certainly should have many storylines heading into this season. Here are a few of those heading into camp.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
With Trade Deadline Looming, Yanks Eye Pitching Help
A couple of deals have already been made today as the non-waiver Trade Deadline creeps closer. Here's the biggest move so far:
Phillies acquire Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco from the Indians for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.
Overall, a good trade for the defending champs who get a quality front-end starter without giving up J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek
Here are other notable acquisitions:
-Mariners acquire Jack Wilson and Ian Snell for 5 guys.
-Reds acquire Wladimir Balentien for Robert Manuel.
Still, many big names remain out there as the deadline approaches. With the Yankees in need for a 5th starter and another reliever as well, here are some names the Yankees have been linked with:
Roy Halladay: Obviously, he's the biggest name on the market right now. The Blue Jays want to part ways with arguably the best starter in the game and want a big return. They've said they won't trade him unless they are "wowed" by a deal and basically want a team's farm system for him.
The Yankees likely will not get Halladay, nor should they. Could he help in the short-term? Definitely. But who knows if he'll be signed long-term? Brian Cashman has been steadfast in not depleting the farm for rentals, and I doubt it will change here.
Jarrod Washburn: This is the guy the Yankees seem to have their eye focused on. The lefty from Seattle is having a solid year and has a low ERA. Washburn would be a better-than-average fifth starter for the Yanks and would provide some more experience in the Yankees rotation.
The only problem for the Yanks is that there are many teams interested in him, so the asking price could be higher than expected. The Yankees shouldn't give up prized prospects or talent for him, but they should definitely try to pull off a trade. Washburn's experience and ability to still pitch well in a fairly tough division is too valuable to pass up.
Bronson Arroyo: The former Red Sox and current Reds starter has been on the Yankees radar. His numbers aren't great, but he does have the experience to provide some help at the back-end of the rotation.
It is unlikely the Yanks will go after Arroyo due to the amount of money he is owed. The Yankees almost never make money a concern, but they don't want to add his high salary to their already large payroll. Washburn would be a better choice.
Heath Bell: In terms of relief help, Bell would be a good choice. Now, the Yankees would prefer a lefty in the bullpen to help spell Phil Coke, but Bell is too good to pass up. He strikes out a lot of batters, walks few, and has been great in the closer role for the Padres.
The only issue here is that the Padres could ask for a lot in return since Bell has been so good. The Yankees don't want to give up big-time prospects, Joba, or Hughes for Bell, so there is a chance the Yankees could be priced out here. There's also a lot of competition for Bell's services.
There may be some other names out there that the Yankees could eyeball. However, these are the big guys the Yankees have been connected to as of now. Do I think the Yankees NEED to make a move? No. I think the roster is solid as is. Mitre isn't going to dominate as the fifth starter, but he'll be better than most guys out there. However, if the Yanks can grab Washburn to fill the void it would help. Same goes for the bullpen. The Yanks have the tools to be successful, but if they can obtain Bell or another solid reliever to help give other guys some rest, it would be a positive.
Let me know who you think the Yankees should or could get.
Phillies acquire Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco from the Indians for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.
Overall, a good trade for the defending champs who get a quality front-end starter without giving up J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek
Here are other notable acquisitions:
-Mariners acquire Jack Wilson and Ian Snell for 5 guys.
-Reds acquire Wladimir Balentien for Robert Manuel.
Still, many big names remain out there as the deadline approaches. With the Yankees in need for a 5th starter and another reliever as well, here are some names the Yankees have been linked with:
Roy Halladay: Obviously, he's the biggest name on the market right now. The Blue Jays want to part ways with arguably the best starter in the game and want a big return. They've said they won't trade him unless they are "wowed" by a deal and basically want a team's farm system for him.
The Yankees likely will not get Halladay, nor should they. Could he help in the short-term? Definitely. But who knows if he'll be signed long-term? Brian Cashman has been steadfast in not depleting the farm for rentals, and I doubt it will change here.
Jarrod Washburn: This is the guy the Yankees seem to have their eye focused on. The lefty from Seattle is having a solid year and has a low ERA. Washburn would be a better-than-average fifth starter for the Yanks and would provide some more experience in the Yankees rotation.
The only problem for the Yanks is that there are many teams interested in him, so the asking price could be higher than expected. The Yankees shouldn't give up prized prospects or talent for him, but they should definitely try to pull off a trade. Washburn's experience and ability to still pitch well in a fairly tough division is too valuable to pass up.
Bronson Arroyo: The former Red Sox and current Reds starter has been on the Yankees radar. His numbers aren't great, but he does have the experience to provide some help at the back-end of the rotation.
It is unlikely the Yanks will go after Arroyo due to the amount of money he is owed. The Yankees almost never make money a concern, but they don't want to add his high salary to their already large payroll. Washburn would be a better choice.
Heath Bell: In terms of relief help, Bell would be a good choice. Now, the Yankees would prefer a lefty in the bullpen to help spell Phil Coke, but Bell is too good to pass up. He strikes out a lot of batters, walks few, and has been great in the closer role for the Padres.
The only issue here is that the Padres could ask for a lot in return since Bell has been so good. The Yankees don't want to give up big-time prospects, Joba, or Hughes for Bell, so there is a chance the Yankees could be priced out here. There's also a lot of competition for Bell's services.
There may be some other names out there that the Yankees could eyeball. However, these are the big guys the Yankees have been connected to as of now. Do I think the Yankees NEED to make a move? No. I think the roster is solid as is. Mitre isn't going to dominate as the fifth starter, but he'll be better than most guys out there. However, if the Yanks can grab Washburn to fill the void it would help. Same goes for the bullpen. The Yanks have the tools to be successful, but if they can obtain Bell or another solid reliever to help give other guys some rest, it would be a positive.
Let me know who you think the Yankees should or could get.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Live Blogging for Tonight
Hello All! Welcome to tonight's live-blog for the Yankees and Mets game. The Yankees will battle the Rays in the 2nd of three in Tampa while the Mets play the 2nd of 4 against the Rockies at Citi Field. Lots to talk about with the whole Omar Minaya-Adam Rubin fiasco from yesterday and with the trade deadline approaching.
To join the live chat, click the play button on the console below, type your name and comment/question in the box and send it. Simple as that.
Here are the line-ups and pitching match-ups for the games tonight:
Yankees (61-38, 1st in AL East) vs. Rays (54-46, 3rd in East, 7.5 games back)
CC Sabathia (10-6, 3.67 ERA) vs. Scott Kazmir (4-6, 6.69 ERA)
CC Sabathia vs. Rays Hitters
Scott Kazmir vs. Yankees Hitters
Yankees Line-Up:
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Rays Line-Up:
B.J. Upton CF
Carl Crawford LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Ben Zobrist 2B
Pat Burrell DH
Carlos Pena 1B
Gabe Kapler RF
Dioner Navarro C
Jason Bartlett SS
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Mets (47-51, 10.5 GB in NL East) vs. Rockies (54-45, 8 GB in NL West, Lead Wild Card by 1 Game)
Mike Pelfrey (7-6, 4.99 ERA) vs. Jason Marquis (12-6, 3.49 ERA)
Mike Pelfrey vs. Rockies Hitters
Jason Marquis vs. Mets Hitters
Mets Line-Up:
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Daniel Murphy 1B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Cory Sullivan LF
Brian Schneider C
Alex Cora SS
Mike Pelfrey P
Rockies Line-Up:
Dexter Fowler CF
Seth Smith LF
Todd Helton 1B
Brad Hawpe RF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Ian Stewart 3B
Chris Iannetta C
Clint Barmes 2B
Jason Marquis P
Live-Blog is below. Enjoy everyone!
To join the live chat, click the play button on the console below, type your name and comment/question in the box and send it. Simple as that.
Here are the line-ups and pitching match-ups for the games tonight:
Yankees (61-38, 1st in AL East) vs. Rays (54-46, 3rd in East, 7.5 games back)
CC Sabathia (10-6, 3.67 ERA) vs. Scott Kazmir (4-6, 6.69 ERA)
CC Sabathia vs. Rays Hitters
Scott Kazmir vs. Yankees Hitters
Yankees Line-Up:
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Rays Line-Up:
B.J. Upton CF
Carl Crawford LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Ben Zobrist 2B
Pat Burrell DH
Carlos Pena 1B
Gabe Kapler RF
Dioner Navarro C
Jason Bartlett SS
---------
Mets (47-51, 10.5 GB in NL East) vs. Rockies (54-45, 8 GB in NL West, Lead Wild Card by 1 Game)
Mike Pelfrey (7-6, 4.99 ERA) vs. Jason Marquis (12-6, 3.49 ERA)
Mike Pelfrey vs. Rockies Hitters
Jason Marquis vs. Mets Hitters
Mets Line-Up:
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Daniel Murphy 1B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Cory Sullivan LF
Brian Schneider C
Alex Cora SS
Mike Pelfrey P
Rockies Line-Up:
Dexter Fowler CF
Seth Smith LF
Todd Helton 1B
Brad Hawpe RF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Ian Stewart 3B
Chris Iannetta C
Clint Barmes 2B
Jason Marquis P
Live-Blog is below. Enjoy everyone!
Omar Brings a New Low to the Mets
Wow! If you haven't seen yesterday's news conference that the Mets held to fire Vice President of Player Development Tony Bernazard, you have to check it out. Click here to see SNY's videos featuring the press conference and reactions. It was a surreal scene for sure.
For those who do not know, Mets GM Omar Minaya announced in the press conference that he had decided to fire Bernazard. However, he then chose to call out Adam Rubin, the Mets Beat Writer for the Daily News, and made a claim that he had "lobbied" Minaya and other members of the Mets organization for a job in Player Development. Minaya said that he had to think about things when Rubin published the first articles about Bernazard challenging Mets minor leaguers to a fight.
When Rubin asked if Minaya was saying he wrote the articles in an attempt to take down Bernazard and obtain his job, Minaya said no. This was a whole fiasco that has now made Rubin incapable of doing his job probably, made Omar look terrible, and bring incredible awkwardness to the Mets and their reporters.
It's a sticky situation. If Minaya is in fact correct that Rubin asked specifically about a job with the Mets, then Rubin has done wrong here and overstepped his boundaries as a journalist. However, if Rubin merely asked for advice on how to obtain a job in baseball (as he claims he did), then there is nothing wrong with that and Minaya is wrong for lying. If you ask me, I think Rubin is smart enough to know what's right and wrong and was just asking for career advice. I trust him way more than I do Minaya.
Regardless, the Mets front office looks absolutely terrible right now. In a press conference to announce the firing of an employee that clearly did some wrong, there is no reason to bring this up in front of reporters and on live television. Minaya apologized later for bringing it up in that forum but didn't back down on his comments. The Mets need to learn how to handle things correctly. They had a chance to do something right and make a simple firing announcement to end a PR issue. Instead, they created an even bigger problem that very well could (and should) cost Minaya his job.
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I'll be around tonight at 7:00 to do some live-blogging during the Mets and Yankees games. See the next post for the chat window, line-ups, and pitching match-ups. Come by to discuss the games, the Minaya-Rubin fiasco, and the trade deadline!
For those who do not know, Mets GM Omar Minaya announced in the press conference that he had decided to fire Bernazard. However, he then chose to call out Adam Rubin, the Mets Beat Writer for the Daily News, and made a claim that he had "lobbied" Minaya and other members of the Mets organization for a job in Player Development. Minaya said that he had to think about things when Rubin published the first articles about Bernazard challenging Mets minor leaguers to a fight.
When Rubin asked if Minaya was saying he wrote the articles in an attempt to take down Bernazard and obtain his job, Minaya said no. This was a whole fiasco that has now made Rubin incapable of doing his job probably, made Omar look terrible, and bring incredible awkwardness to the Mets and their reporters.
It's a sticky situation. If Minaya is in fact correct that Rubin asked specifically about a job with the Mets, then Rubin has done wrong here and overstepped his boundaries as a journalist. However, if Rubin merely asked for advice on how to obtain a job in baseball (as he claims he did), then there is nothing wrong with that and Minaya is wrong for lying. If you ask me, I think Rubin is smart enough to know what's right and wrong and was just asking for career advice. I trust him way more than I do Minaya.
Regardless, the Mets front office looks absolutely terrible right now. In a press conference to announce the firing of an employee that clearly did some wrong, there is no reason to bring this up in front of reporters and on live television. Minaya apologized later for bringing it up in that forum but didn't back down on his comments. The Mets need to learn how to handle things correctly. They had a chance to do something right and make a simple firing announcement to end a PR issue. Instead, they created an even bigger problem that very well could (and should) cost Minaya his job.
--------------
I'll be around tonight at 7:00 to do some live-blogging during the Mets and Yankees games. See the next post for the chat window, line-ups, and pitching match-ups. Come by to discuss the games, the Minaya-Rubin fiasco, and the trade deadline!
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