Friday Night Picks: Week 16

It's been said all over the radio stations and sports channels; if the Giants win both games they're in. Hopefully the Giants take care of business against a shaky Ravens team and take advantage of Baltimore's mistakes. The Giants will know the outcome of the Redskins and Cowboys games ahead of time, but they are not important. Let's hope for a stellar performance from Eli & Crew. Build the bridge to the playoffs.

Week 16: NFL Playoff Picture

For the Giants' chances of making the playoffs this year, it's very simple: win the last two. They will go into Baltimore playing a dazed and confused Ravens team who can't seem to figure out their problems. If you win that game, you go home to the end the year against Philly which should be an easy victory (knock on wood: we've seen it all). The system and qualifications are very difficult to understand, but many unfathomable scenarios could take place within the next two weeks. Here's a look at what the Giants need this week. 

GIANTS SCENARIOS:

Week 16: Need a WIN at Baltimore, a Washington LOSS (at Philly) OR  Dallas LOSS (vs. New Orleans)
                Need a Chicago OR Minnesota LOSS


For more scenarios, check out ESPN's "Playoff Machine" on www.espn.com
Link: http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

Friday Night Picks: Week 15

For nearly every single match-up this weekend, each game will determine what teams will be in the playoff picture going into the last two weeks of the season. The greatest NFL rivalry takes place in Soldier Field between the Bears and Packers, and the Steelers and Cowboys compete for bragging rights as they have for over forty years. Sunday Night Football on NBC gives America a potential Super Bowl XLVIII game between the 49ers and Patriots in Foxboro. The other great games consist of Houston/Indy, Giants/Falcons, and Ravens/Broncos. There is a lot of great football on this Sunday. I hope we all enjoy it and watch the NFL at its finest.
I apologize for posting this on Saturday afternoon. After hearing the terrible tragedy that occurred in Newtown, CT yesterday, I thought it wasn't as important to talk about sports. It's important to spend time with family and love the people that care about you. Thoughts and prayers to the heartbroken families.

Tonight's Giants game will separate the boys to the men. Yes, the Giants show up as a different team every week, but hopefully they can maintain some stability against Drew Brees and the Saints. The Ravens and Bengals can also play a huge roll in the Giants' chances of winning the division by beating the Cowboys and Redskins.

Friday Night Picks: Week 13

Week 12 Picks Part II: Sunday Ball Games

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends, enjoying great food and two losses for the Cowboys and Jets. Those two games topped of a great Thanksgiving for the fans who bleed blue. The second half test for the Giants begins Sunday night against a streaking Packers team. Since Dallas lost, the Giants will remain in 1st place regardless of their outcome, but hopefully the G-Men will come out swinging and putting up points.

Week 12 Picks Part I: Turkey Bowl Games

New York Giants Mid-Term Report Card

The Giants began their defending Super Bowl season at home against the Dallas, dropping the game 24-17 to a questionable Cowboys squad. This game was for the fans, but everyone knew not to be concerned with Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Cleveland coming up in the next four games. The Giants showed up the next week, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter alone to defeat the Bucs to give Big Blue their first win of the 2012 campaign. The Giants traveled to Carolina on a Thursday night and showed up the Panthers in a blow out 36-7. The Giants continued their hot streak into Philadelphia to play the red hot Eagles. The ball game came down to a Lawrence Tynes fifty yard field goal, which he unfortunately missed to drop the Giants to 2-2.

The next four games were the best played by the Giants so far this season, defeating the Browns by two touchdowns, showing up the San Fran Niners at Candlestick Park 26-3, a last minute touchdown pass from Eli to Cruz to slide past the Redskins, and a late come from behind victory in Dallas 29-24. The Giants were walking high, 6-2 in the NFC East, seeming like the team to beat in the NFC and possibly in the Super Bowl talks along with Houston and Chicago. On October 29, Hurricane Sandy rocked the United States East Coast, demolishing thousands and thousands of homes, leaving millions in the dark with no power, and also taking the lives of innocent civilians. Mayor Bloomberg canceled the NYC Marathon that weekend, hoping that it would become a distraction for the brokenhearted, just how baseball saved people's lives after 9/11. The only sport remaining on schedule was football in MetLife Stadium that Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  This game was dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, and it would mean so much to the citizens of the tri-state area for the New York Giants to come out victorious. The fans knew it, the city knew it, the team knew it, and even the Steelers knew it. Unfortunately, the Giants played one of their most embarrassing games yet, losing 24-20 to Steelers team with not as much talent.

Although depressed, Giant fans took a huge deep breath, and concentrated themselves for a shaky Cincinnati Bengals. The irony was that the Giants have never won at Paul Brown Stadium in their history, even though the Bengals have one of the worst home-field records. Hoping to be at a commanding 7-3 for the Bye Week, the Giants must have left their luggage and talent at the airport home; the Bengals tortured Eli & Crew 31-13, embarrassing every single Giants fan around. The Giants are 6-4. Now during this Bye Week, it's difficult to determine whether this team is a pretender or contender. Who is responsible for this debacle? The offense? Defense? Let's find out.

OFFENSE (B): The Giants do not seem to regularly have trouble putting a points against opponents, but it is definitely time to wonder if the play calling is incorrect. Should Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride be running the ball more than throwing? There is absolutely not reason to throw the ball deep on 1st down, and the Giants seem to struggle with correct play calling. Audibles are always made if something does not look right. but are the smarter plays being called? Also, what has happened to Eli Manning's consistency? Week in and week out, can we honestly say we know what Eli will bring to the table? Whether against a weak Browns team, or a stellar Niners team, the man has been inconsistent. So inconsistent, that it keeps many fans concerned on the future outcome of the team. Eli, it is also a wiser choice to throw the ball completely away if being rushed than throwing the ball to a linemen, who is also an ineligible receiver, resulting in an interception. Of course the team makes mistakes, but why so many? Limit the ridiculous mistakes, and sooner than later, this team will bounce back scoring in the high twenties again. What has happened to the rushing game? Ahmad Bradshaw does plenty of talking, but cannot seem to deliver huge with the ball in his hands. It's difficult to fire up a team on offense when only rushing one or two yards every carry. This forces the Giants to throw the ball on first, second, or even third down when they should not be at all. Andre Brown and David Wilson have impressed at the halfback position, but Ahmad Bradshaw, it's time to take a step forward and represent the Giants rushing game effectively.


DEFENSE (C): The Giants defense has been absolutely non-existent over the last few games. The Giants have given up over two hundred points this season to opponents, averaging twenty one points a game. Giving up the equivalent of three touchdowns a game is not a very effective way to win. If the offense cannot score or any given day, it leaves the defense greatly responsible for giving up huge yardage and receptions. What has happened to the rushing defense? When was the last time you heard the name Osi Umenyiora? It seems he checked out weeks ago and has not made an appearance out on the field. Steelers RB Isaac Redman ran for nearly 150 yards, averaging about four yards a carry. This defensive show up has been embarrassing and abysmal. The secondary has been worse. How many more long bombs can the G-Men let receivers catch every game? The number is way too many, and the defense looks soft, weak, and unprepared for battle. Regardless of the circumstances, if the opponent is putting up twenty points, something is evidently wrong with how the team practices each week and preps for games. Hey offense and defense, IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE.

SPECIAL TEAMS/ COACHING (C+): Special teams is important in every single game, whether on kick returns, field goals, or extra points. So far, I am very pleased with how Lawrence Tynes and Steve Weatherford have been performing. Absolutely no complaints. Now on the other hand, what is going on with kick and punt returns? Why can't the Giants seem to get the blocking necessary to run for a huge touchdown return? It's time for the Giants to decide on how they want to look upon ST. Should David Wilson still be returning kicks, or is it time to put Andre Brown in his position and change things around for a game or two. Coach Coughlin and his team always turns out roughly 6-2 during the first half of the season, and then drastically falling during the second half. In order for the G-Men to succeed against the Ravens, Packers, Falcons, and Saints to name a few, Changes will need to be made from play calling to starting lineups at each position. The Giants have the secret formula on how to win in clutch situations, hopefully the bye week gives the Giants a new outlook on how to make it to the Super Bowl and defend the Lombardi trophy. If each Giants player is ALL IN, the will need to "build the bridge", and take each game step by step, one play at a time.

NYG OVERALL RECORD: 6-4
NYG OVERALL GRADE: B-

Friday Night Picks: Week 11

Some big division match ups this weekend. Chargers/Broncos, Steelers/Ravens, and not to forget the game of the week with Bears/Niners. The New York Giants Bye Week Report Card comes out Sunday.

Friday Night Picks: Week 10

After a huge debacle against the Steelers after Hurricane Sandy drama, the Giants remain at the top of the NFC East, but a huge question mark on the consistency of the offense and defense. At 6-3, the Giants have a strong chance of standing at 7-3 going into their Bye-Week. We can only hope for a great football game for the Giants, along with pride and passion between the personnel and players to stay victorious.

Friday Night Picks: Week 8

What an intense weekend of football coming up! Giants/Cowboys in Giants Stadium South (AKA 'Boys Stadium), Pats/Rams Super Bowl XXXVI rematch in London's Wembley Stadium, along with more battles for the NFC and AFC division crowns. The half-way mark of the season has come so quickly, but it's now time for G-Men to take control of the East and Conference. At a potential 6-2, New York would represent a potent force in the league.

Friday Night Picks: Week 7

The Giants remain on top of the NFC East at 4-2, but will these scrappy Redskins give the G-Men a fight for 1st place? Expect a great game out of the Jets and Pats as well. Even though both of the AFC rivals are in their 7th game, this game will show what the expectations of making the playoffs will be.

2012 Yankees: Season Reflection

Never came a point in my mind that I imagined m writing about how awful the Yankees ended their season against the Tigers. With a team batting average under .200 in the postseason, the bats explain the New York fiasco. The Yankees managed to rally through a roller coaster ride in September, dealing with Baltimore and Tampa Bay, and the Bombers took care of necessary business during those games. Just as the ALDS between the O's got underway, it seemed as if the Yanks were "off", or not on the same page as the fans expected them to be during the Postseason, a time in October where the Yankees seem to thrive and achieve the ultimate prize. The Yankees now know that playing Detroit in October is never good news. The Tigers are Yankee killers indefinitely. 

I have never been a fan of Alex Rodriguez off the diamond, but he still is a key to this Yanks squad. Of course Girardi benched A-Rod to make an example of him, but Brian Cashman is paying Rodriguez 25 million per year for the next five years. There is no reason to bench a player making $185K per game whether he plays or not. A-Rod is not all responsible for the debacle. Who did Giradi put at 3rd? Chavez? Eric Chavez who ended up 0-17 this postseason? Good call Skip'.

Words cannot express the loss of Robbie Cano, Granderson, Swisher, and A-Rod's bats. The Yankees slumped at the worst possible time, while the Tigers peaked at the greatest time. What can you do? That's baseball. We can only wonder how the ALCS would have been if the Yanks rallied in Game 1 and if Jeter did not get injured. The Captain's absence affected the team greatly. The presence of his desire to win and leadership was missing at crucial moments. The worst possible scenarios occurred, but it's now time to accept the collapse and learn from the mistakes.


The pitching staff performed in clutch innings and situations, so there are no complaints on the table. Andy Pettitte said he will be returning in 2013, along with Mariano recovering from an ACL injury. Can anyone explain what happened to Ivan Nova and how he fell off the edge of the world in less than four weeks? It's time to trash Phil Hughes, who clearly is never prepared to perform under the New York spotlight. What are the Yanks going to with "The Killer B's" in Banuelos and Batances?

Will this Bombers lineup be the same next year? Although the offense looked embarrassing and pathetic, there is no reason to change around this lineup with trades and waiver claims. Nick Swisher should be on his way out as a Yankee. We will all miss his enthusiasm and love of the game in pinstripes, but Swishalicious was never going to be the answer to the problem. Will Granderson move to RF and Gardner to CF? Ichiro should be back next year, and if Ibanez feels he has enough left in the tank for one more year, sign him. Eric Chavez, Andruw Jones, and Chris Stewart should be gone and it's time to search for free agents in Michael Bourn or utility OF's/IF's. It could also be time to call up prospects next year early, instead of waiting in July or for September call ups. 


 This 95-67 New York Yankees team knew how to win. They rallied when trailing in late-inning at bats, and worked together when they needed each other the most. We all tried to keep the faith, but the faith ran out quickly, and the Yankees ended in tragic fashion, running on fumes to end the series getting swept by Detroit. Let's all hope for a successful off-season of recovery and progress to make this team once again capable of winning #28 for the Bronx and Yankees Universe. Like the Bad News Bears once said after defeat, "Just wait 'till next year." Keep the faith Yankee fans and dream of another run for a ring starting next spring. 

Jeter Out For Season, NFL Picks

After another miraculous comeback with 2 homers from Ichiro and Ibanez to tie it at 4 in the 9th, The Captain collapsed attempting to dive on a ground ball. Derek Jeter broke his ankle and now is out for the season. It is time for each and every single Yankee player to step up and win for Jeter because #2 wanted it more than anyone else. The past is behind us, and it is now time for men to step up, and win #28 for #2.














NFL WEEK 6 PICKS

Home Team in Caps (Last Week:2-5)

FAVORITE          UNDERDOG                  PICK

JETS         vs.           Colts           NYJ -3  IND wins 21-17

RAVENS   vs.        Cowboys        DAL +5.5   BAL win 28-20

49ERS      vs.           Giants              SF -5  SF wins 29-23

Patriots     vs.       SEAHAWKS       NE -3   SEA wins 23-20

TEXANS  vs.          Packers          HOU -6   HOU wins 31-21

CHARGERS  vs.      Broncos         DEN +4   SD wins 27-26

REDSKINS  vs.       Vikings         WAS -2.5   MIN wins 22-17

Yanks Win 3-1, ALCS Bound

 BRING ON DETROIT! KEEP THE FAITH NYY

MLB Playoff Picks/ Week 5 NFL Picks

NFL FOOTBALL FRIDAY:

Home Team in Caps (Last Week: 3-4)

FAVORITE    UNDERDOG               PICK

STEELERS         Eagles        PIT -3, PIT wins 23-19

Packers             COLTS      IND +6.5, GB wins 33-23

GIANTS            Browns      NYG -9, NYG wins 38-20

PANTHERS      Seahawks    CAR -3, CAR wins 24-19

PATRIOTS        Broncos      NE -5.5, NE wins 28-21

Texans               JETS        NYJ +7.5, HOU wins 37-17

Chargers           SAINTS      NO +3.5, NO wins 27-24

"Locked Pick": Texans over Jets

"Wild Card Pick": Falcons over Redskins

"Underdog Pick": Saints over Chargers

2012 AL East Champions New York Yankees

The Final Series Means All the Marbles

In the beginning of 2012 season, no one would    
have believed that the Baltimore Orioles would be tied for first place with the Yankees in the AL East, both with three games remaining. Playoff baseball is on the horizon, and these two match-ups determine the Yanks, O's, and Rays fate. Starting Monday, the Yankees will host the Red Sox for three games at the Stadium and the Orioles will have to travel to Tropicana Field and play the Rays in Tampa.

Although the Red Sox are eliminated from playoff contention, it's obvious they want to attempt to damage the Yank's playoff hopes. Yet, after being swept by this weekend, it is very possible that Bobby Valentine and his Sox squad have officially checked out (God be with us!). Tampa Bay has been eliminated for a division title, but are still very much alive in the AL Wild Card, only two and a half games behind the Yanks and O's. Many scenarios must take place for the Rays to make the postseason, and they have just as much a shot to make the playoffs as anyone else does. Remember the last day of the season last year? Baltimore knocked the Sox out and Evan Longoria hit a laser homer to send his Rays to the playoffs? Two games decided two team's destinies. No team can control your fate. You either show up, or don't show up. For all the Yankee fans out there, keep the magic, and keep the faith!

This will be an incredible last week of the regular season for these AL East teams. Division spots and Wild Card spots are available to any. Who will it be? Here are my picks:

PREDICTIONS:
-Yanks take 2 of 3 from Boston, Baltimore takes 2 of 3 from Tampa.
-Tiebreaker on Thursday in Baltimore between NYY and BAL for the division title.
-Yanks win 8-7 under the wings of Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter

-AL Playoff Teams: East: NYY (95-68), Central: DET (89-73), West: TEX (94-68)
-NL Playoff Teams: East: WAS (98-64), Central: CIN (98-64), West: SF (94-68)
-AL & NL Wild Card Teams: BAL (94-69), LAA (92-70), ATL (95-67), STL (87-75)

Week 4: SNF: Giants @ Eagles

It has been nearly been 10 days since the NY Giants left Charlotte, North Carolina with heads high, winning 35-7 on Thursday Night Football against the Panthers. The Giants showed true resilience during their battle with injuries from Nicks, Bradshaw, Hixon, and Diehl. Only three games into the season, it is evident that the backup players will have a huge role "Building the Bridge" this year for Tom Coughlin's crew.

As a Giants fan, I believe that there is not a better time to play the Eagles than now. This Eagles team is coming off a high expectation preseason, and although they seemed like a potent force in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves at 2-1. Philly QB Michael Vick found his way out of two pickles against a dangerous Baltimore Ravens defense, and a ridiculously awful Cleveland Browns squad. To be fair, there is no logic or reasoning into picking whether or not teams will make the postseason only three weeks in. Yet, this Eagles team has lost total motivation and confidence after being shown up by an Arizona Cardinals team that is now 3-0! (I would have never thought that Kevin Kolb and this team would pull W's out of their a** like they have now.) Vick has nine turnovers in three games, and his name has been placed on the hot seat in Phila. This is either good news or bad news for the Giants. It's great news that Vick has not performed and the Giant's D-Line can get to Vick, but it's also bad news for the case that Vick may play his best with his job on the line.

The Giants will go into Sunday night without WR Hakeem Nicks due to another injury he suffered in Week 2, but RB Ahmad Bradshaw will be suited up and ready for the Eagle's defensive pressure. RB Andre Brown surprised many last week, along with offensive targets Martellus Bennett and Ramses Barden. Expect another high throwing game for Eli Manning, and also expect a huge scoring game. It will be a rowdy crowd at Lincoln Financial, but I'm taking the Giants in this game 27-23.




For anyone who loves our head coach Tom Coughlin, watch NFL Films "A Football Life: Tom Coughlin" on NFL Newtork. This documentary showed Coughlin's roots through adulthood and family, along with lessons he has learned and has taught as a football coach for more than four decades.

Friday Night Picks: Week 4

There are tons of games this week that will define where a specific team stands for the rest of the season. Here are my Week 4 picks. 

Home Team in Caps

FAVORITE         UNDERDOG                  PICK

Patriots         vs.       BILLS          NE -4.5, NE wins 38-17

49ers            vs.        JETS           NYJ +3.5, SF wins 28-13

PACKERS     vs.       Saints            GB -6.5, GB wins 38-16

COWBOYS   vs         Bears           DAL -3, CHI wins 21-19

EAGLES       vs.        Giants         PHI -3, NYG wins 27-23

TEXANS      vs.        Titans        TEN +7.5, HOU wins 30-16

FALCONS    vs.       Panthers       ATL -8, ATL wins 38-10

"Locked Pick": Patriots over Bills

"Wild Card Pick":  Broncos over Raiders

"Underdog Pick": Vikings over Lions

Last Road Series: Yanks at Jays

The final road series of the 2012 season is here for the 90-65 New York Yankees. Taking two of three at Target Field in Minnesota, the Yanks travel to Toronto, trying to build an even bigger cushion to clinch the AL East.

With only 6 games remaining, this series at the Jays and a home series against a struggling Sox team is significant for the Bombers. As of now, the magic number of the division is 6, and clinching a playoff spot is 4. If the Yanks can take three of four and the Orioles lose two of three in Boston, the Yankee would win the AL East, looking like a potent force for either two wild card teams, or the AL Central champ in Detroit or Chicago. Derek Jeter's 19-game hitting streak was snapped yesterday afternoon, but the bats have come alive to Ichiro, Cano, and Swisher. When it comes down to high pressure ball games, experience continues to play an important impact on victories. The Yankees have been around the block, and know what it takes to succeed and reach their goals. Keep the faith Bombers.

PITCHING PROBABLES:
                         NYY                         TOR
Thursday: Nova (12-7, 4.94) vs. Morrow (8-7, 4.94)
Friday:  Kuroda (14-11, 3.44) vs. Jenkins (0-2, 4.24)
Saturday: Pettitte (5-3, 2.71)  vs. Romero (9-14, 5.76)
Sunday: Hughes (16-13, 4.10) vs. Laffey (4-6, 4.52)

Game 3: Giants at Carolina

Last Sunday afternoon in the Meadowlands was one of the most remarkable games in Giants history. Let's all be honest. Many, and I mean many of us turned off the TV at halftime down two touchdowns to the Tampa Bay Bucs (I know I did). Down 27-13 going into the second half, it was beyond fantasy for the Giants to come back and win after Eli Manning gave up three huge interceptions in the first half alone. WR Martellus Bennett proved that he can become a huge factor in the games, and with the loss of Ahmad Bradshaw to a neck injury, back up running back Andre Brown stepped up as well.

The last five minutes of the game were overwhelming to all. Back and forth touchdowns with less than five minutes remaining had many people standing rather than sitting on the couch. Victor Cruz delivered in the clutch with a huge eighty-yard touchdown run late, along with Eli Manning tallying over five-hundred yards in the game alone (8th most yards in a game all-time). The Giants won the game 41-34. It may have been ugly, but a win is a win.

Here's the inactive list for the Giants tomorrow: Hakeem Nicks, Ahmad Bradshaw, Domenik Hixon, and David Diehl. The G-Men will have to begin in a hole against a frisky Panthers team. Little to none offensive targets remain for New York and the back-ups will have to show up prepared to go to battle to get a very needed win in order to keep the playoffs in mind this year. Playing the Bucs, Panthers, Browns, and Bengals should always result in victories. Tom Coughlin and the Giants cannot afford to lose this game against Carolina. It's difficult to be the road team on Thursday night, but the Giants need to go out swinging, looking for positives rather than negatives.

This game seems like a pick-em. Either team can pull off a win. Eli & Co. showed a tremendous amount of resilience last week, but injuries have been killing the Giants so far this season. But I'll take the defending champs by a field goal, 22-19. It's going to be a great game to watch, so get ready.

Big Weekend: New York and Tampa Bay

After a shaky and questioning Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys to kickoff the 2012 season, the G-Men look for revenge against the surprising 1-0 Tampa Bay Bucs. Tampa Bay pulled off a stunning victory against the Carolina Panthers 16-10. Many believed Cam Newton's squad had great potential this season, considering the fact that the New Orleans Saints would struggle, also along with the Buccaneers. Week 1 of the NFL threw a lot of curve balls at fans. RG3 and the 'Skins beat Drew Brees in the Superdome? Peyton Manning defeated the Steelers, who were my AFC pick of the year? Even though one game means nothing, the Giants sit in last place looking up as the Cowboys, Eagles, and Redskins started off with W's. It seems like the Giants die hards have some concerns on the player's performances. So what if Victor Cruz missed some catches? So what if Eli and the O-Line looked shaky. The so called "stellar" defense lost to the Cowboys. There's no need to fret. No one takes Josh Freeman and new head coach Greg Schiano seriously. I'm expecting a big game out of Eli Manning and company, along with great special teams, which leads to my prediction that the Giants win their first game of the season 41-16.


The Yanks won two of three at Fenway Park, which is good news for everyone. The bad news is that Baltimore swept the Tampa Bay Rays, which means New York and the O's are still tied for the division. It was not the best case scenario for the Yanks, but they need to look at this weekend series against Tampa as an opportunity to knock the Rays out of playoff contention. The Rays trail four games in the AL Wild Card behind the Yanks, O's, and Athletics. If the Yankees can manage to somehow sweep this weekend series, these three victories could make Tampa seven games out, which may be too big a hole to climb out of. The Rays may have better pitching than the Orioles, but Tampa Bay is not playing great ball when they need to the most. Baltimore has a west coast trip to Oakland, which could possibly be the Wild Card match up in the playoffs. The Yanks have a nine game home stand starting tonight, and it's time for the Yanks to take what belongs to them: the pennant race. Expect a great series. CC tonight, Nova the next day, and Kuroda on Sunday. Plus, Hughes on Monday and the return of Andy Pettitte on Tuesday! It's funny how you can take David Phelps and Freddy Garcia out of the rotation, and the pitching staff seems so much more potent than it has this year. It's been exactly a month since the Yankees won back-to-back games, and if they win tomorrow, it would be called a winning streak. New York hasn't swept a team since Texas at home in August. Let's hope for those results to come back. Keep the faith New York.

PITCHING MATCHUPS:

                  TB (77-66)                     NYY (81-62)
Friday: D. Price (17-5, 2.54) vs. C. Sabathia (13-5, 3.56)
Saturday: J. Shields (14-8, 3.71) vs. I. Nova (11-7, 4.92)
Sunday: M. Moore (10-10, 3.68) vs. H. Kuroda (13-10, 3.17)

9/11: How Sports and New York Saved the Country

On September 11, 2001, our country suffered through terrible tragedies due to terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and the  United-93 hijacking. Although we remember the ones who lost their lives during that day, we also can appreciate how sports saved the United States during this time of mourning and self reflect. 

 September 21, 2001. After a long road trip for the Mets, they came back home to play the Atlanta Braves, the first major sporting event since the terrorist attacks. Although many recognize the Yankees as the team that saved baseball since they made the World Series that same year, there is not an iconic moment that is greater than Mike Piazza's home run that shook Shea Stadium that very night. The home run gave hope to families who lost loved ones and to those who sympathized, and gained hope and relief from the pain. Mike Piazza came through when New York needed him the most, and for that we thank you.

President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch during Game 3 of 2001 World Series between the Yankees and Diamondbacks. Fans who witnessed the game remember Bush standing on the rubber, giving a thumbs up, telling everyone is silence that everything is going to be alright. Seconds later, he threw a perfect strike that lead to a Yankee win. The next night, Tino Martinez hit a home run off of D-Backs reliever Byung-Hyun Kim that tied the game in the 9th inning. This lead to Derek Jeter's "Mr. November" walk-off home run that won the game. Just when things seemed crazy enough, Scott Brosius hit a game tying home run that rocked the Bronx, leading to a Yankee victory, taking a 3-2 lead in the Series. Unfortunately, the D-Backs fought back with two wins in Arizona after a blown save by Mariano Rivera in Game 7. It was a story book ending planned for the Yanks, but the Bombers reunited the city as one, representing the country in baseball's Fall Classic. The ball players jobs were to try to make everyone's life just a little bit easier, even if it was for a limited amount of time.

February 3, 2002. Super Bowl XXXVI took place between the favorite St. Louis Rams and the underdog New England Patriots in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The halftime show featured Paul McCartney, singing his signature song, "Freedom", along with U2 playing their top hits as the slideshow began that included the names of the victims who passed during 9/11. Bono then proudly showed the crowd his jacket with the American flag embroidered on the inside to the nation.  It was an iconic performance for both bands, and is remembered in a very special way. Ironically, the Patriots won the game 20-17 on a time expiring field goal made by Adam Vinatieri. The Patriots were champions of America, and no one could ask for a better team to win during the 2001 season. Patriots owner Robert Kraft went on to say, "We are all Patriots, and tonight, the Patriots are world champions." Couldn't explain it in a better way. 

No matter where you go, what you do, or who you're with, September 11 brought depression and war to this country that we fight to live in every single day. Sports gave the men and women who lost loved ones a sense of hope, knowing that there is always something that can make you feel better, whether it would be for one hour, or possibly nine innings. Whether it was Paul O'Neill and Joe Torre wearing the FDNY/ NYPD baseball caps, or Michael Strahan wearing the FDNY fire helmet, sports saved the United States during the 9/11 attacks. It may be just a game, but sports are a wonderful thing that saved more lives than believed. 

30 Days in the Hole

Top of the eighth inning: Yanks down 6-1. A-Rod, Ichiro, Cano, and Chris Dickerson delivered clutch at bats, including walks and extra base hits. The Yankees were tied going into the bottom of the eighth with the score 6-6.

Right before all the craziness began late in the ball game, the Yanks dug them selves into a hole, down 4-0 after the first inning. Many TV sets went off in Yankee households after that inning, and victory seemed slim to none, along with one of the largest Baltimore Oriole crowds in their last fifteen years. At Camden Yards, the Bombers have been used to a majority Yankee crowd, since the Orioles haven't made a playoff push since 1997. Last night's atmosphere was overwhelming and intense. Ironically, the fans were there to celebrate Cal Ripken Jr.'s "Iron Man" record for the seventeenth season. Who would've expected in Spring Training that there would be a Yankees and Orioles pennant race?

David Robertson pitched the bottom of the eighth, and on a one-two count to Orioles center-fielder Adam Jones, Jones drove a fastball that was right in his wheelhouse, right into the left-center field seats for a home run. Mark Reynolds then continued his Yankee killing spree with another home run, which brought another two runs in to make the game 9-6. The Yankees lost the game 10-6. Who would've thought that possibly the best Yankee win of the year could turn into the worst loss of the season.

Does Baltimore deserve the division? Have they earned it more than the Yanks? Is Buck Showalter the AL Manager of the year while Joe Girardi is placed on the hot seat?

This last month of Yankees baseball has been a list of terrible adjectives; panicky, stressful, devastating, and most importantly, embarrassing. It's time for the younger players to step up and for the veterans to set an example and perform to their fullest. No need no sugar coat it, it's been ugly. All I can ask out of all the Yankee fans is just to do one thing: Keep The Faith.

Week 1: Giants vs Cowboys

The 2012 NFL season begins Wednesday night in the Meadowlands between the visiting Dallas Cowboys and the Super Bowl defending champion New York Football Giants.


Words cannot describe this bitter NFC East rivalry. The Giants have the bragging rights after sweeping the series in 2011, winning 37-34 on a blocked field goal attempt credited to Giant's DE Jason Pierre-Paul. The blocked field goal as time expired saved the Giants' 2011 playoff hopes. The G-Men went on to defeat the NY Jets on Christmas Eve, which lead to a rematch between Dallas and New York to determine the East champs. On a cold, bitter New Year's Day in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Giants tortured the Cowboy's playoff dreams after beating Big D 31-14.

After winning Super Bowl XLVI, the Giants went through 2012 training camp as true underdogs as they are every year. The NY Jets took the limelight of Manhattan, and even though it upset Giants fans, Big Blue seemed to enjoy less pressure and attention coming into the new season.

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to be the favorite to win the NFC East, predicted by many experts as a possible Super Bowl XLVII candidate. Questions still remain for both Dallas and New York. Can the Cowboys be taken seriously with Jason Garret behind the helm? Can the Giants survive their brutal second half schedule?

It's September, and football is in the air. The New York Giants are ready to defend the Vince Lombardi trophy for the 2012 season. Who else would you want to beat in the first week of the season? I think the Cowboys win the debate. MetLife Stadium will be rocking Wednesday night, and expect a GIANT win in week one.

Yanks vs Birds at the Stadium

As every Yankee fan knows, the Baltimore Orioles are making noise in the AL East and are knocking on the Bomber's door for sole possession of first place. With a record of 72-58, 3 games back of the Yanks, Baltimore may seem a little scary to New Yorker's this summer.

The Yankees did not play their best baseball when they needed to the most against the Blue Jays, losing 2 of 3 to an abysmal Toronto ball club. This weekend begins the start of September baseball; it will be the best baseball we will see this season. For the Yanks, 13 of their next 16 games will be played against Baltimore and Tampa Bay. In order for the Bombers to keep their stature in the American League, they will NEED 2 of 3 from these O's this weekend. There are no more wants, only needs.

Here's how brutal the final month of the season will be:

8/31-9/2: vs. Baltimore
9/3-9/5: @ Tampa Bay
9/6-9/9:  vs. Baltimore
9/11-9/13: @ Boston
9/14-9/16: vs. Tampa Bay


I cannot stress enough how important these games will be for the 2012 New York Yankees. Business always needs to be taken care on home turf. It's time to end the Baltimore fantasy land they've been living in and show who really owns this division. Bring the A-game Yanks. It's your only choice.

PITCHING MATCH-UPS:
                 
                     BAL (72-58)                 NYY (75-55)

Friday:  M. Gonzalez (5-3, 3.66) vs. H. Kuroda (12-9, 2.98)
Saturday: W. Chen (12-7, 3.78)  vs. F. Garcia (7-5, 4.90)
Sunday: C. Tillman (7-2, 3.26)  vs. D. Phelps (3-4, 2.96)

Beantown Breakdown

Dating back from last year's collapse against Baltimore, the Red Sox never recovered. A disorganized clubhouse resulted in losses and incidents with personnel, and especially beer and fried chicken contributed.

Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and Josh Beckett have been sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Dodger scrubs. It is quite remarkable how this Red Sox organization has gone from one of the top threats in the American League to now one of the most overrated teams in the League.

Yankee fans, after the Boston Massacre of 2011, who would've thought it would come down to this. Cherrington was so desperate, that he gave away hundreds of millions of dollars to LA just to bring peace in Boston. This goes down as one of the greatest days for Yankee fans. How sweet is this!

Now there are many questions. How can the Dodgers afford this roster? Will David Ortiz now have to play 1st? Will the Sox release Ellsbury and go after FA's Josh Hamilton, Zack Greinke, and Joey Votto?

What a day for New York sports fans. Let's enjoy this day, and lay to rest the Boston Red Sox.

Yankee Fans, Take A Deep Breath

Let's stop beating around the bush. The Yanks are playing their worst baseball so far. Remember that 10 game winning streak in the first half of the season that sounded so sweet? Who would have thought at the moment that the wonderful 10+ game lead in the division the Yanks had at the ASG would trim down to just 3 games on August 22. The most important stat that goes around is that the Bombers have a record 0-44, trailing after 8 innings. Pitching is one problem. Clutch bats are another.

Unfortunately, I might have jinxed the Yanks this series. Getting swept by anyone doesn't look good. But you need to ask yourself a question: Do you want to play the White Sox or Tigers in the ALDS?

To me, it's a clown question (Thanks Bryce Harper). I want absolutely nothing to do with this Detroit club. They may be struggling now, but wait till they heat up in September's crunch time.

If you know your Yankees, the concern level might be creeping a bit higher and higher after each loss. Let's look at the positives before the negatives. This team is 72-52. Most wins in the AL. Don't worry bout how good the Nats, Reds, or Giants look. And enough about the A's. Colon is gone, they have no pitching (case closed). Whether this team takes the division or wild card, it's way way way to early to be concerned about the Rays or Orioles. There are 38 games remaining; let's take a deep breath, and remember how talented this ball club is. Everything is going to work out. The AL East is used to competition, and the Yanks know how to manage the pressure.

Every team has it's funk. I'd be glad its happening in August rather than September. By the way, I'm sorry to rain on Derek Jeter's parade. 3 homers in 3 games is something he's never done (not to mention breaking records vs. Chi Town). Derek was the only man keeping the Yanks in this series.

Yanks Go South Side

For the first time this season, the Yanks will be traveling to US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL to play a three-game set with the Central leading White Sox. The Yanks took two of three from Boston, and all is well in the Bronx.

The two wild card team format for the playoffs has made me play many scenarios through my head. As of now, the Chi Sox have a 1.5 game lead over Detroit for the division. Because of the playoff change, and how dangerous this Tigers team can become, it might be a safer bet to lose against this Chicago team to keep their playoff chances still alive. Detroit tortures the Yanks in the playoffs; there's no need to sugar coat it.

At 72-49, the Yanks are best in the AL, 5 ahead of an all of the sudden smoking hot Rays team. I'm looking out for the future stand point of the club. If getting swept or losing two of three means a better chance of easier competition during crunch time, then so be it. The way the division is playing out, it's hard to see Baltimore keep it together. That argument has to be the same for the Chi Sox. Chicago knows how much pressure is on them. I don't mind chipping in to screw the Tiger's playoff dreams.

After the White Sox, the Yanks get three easy games in Cleveland.....that's a topic for another column.

All in all, I'm expecting the White Sox to take two of three this week. No hard feelings Chi Town.

PITCHING MATCHUPS

                    NYY (72-49)             CHW (65-55)

Monday: F. Garcia (7-5, 4.68) vs. G. Floyd (9-9, 4.43)
Tuesday: I. Nova (11-6, 4.76) vs. F. Liriano (4-10, 5.22)
Wednesday: P. Hughes (12-10, 4.23) vs. C. Sale (14-4, 2.72)

Round 4: The Rivalry Continues

After a great series against the proposed AL Champs in Texas, the Yankees showed their true colors, taking 3 of 4 from the Rangers.

The Bombers have had a shaky August; questions with the rotation and injuries have affected them heavily. Yet, at 70-48 with the best record in the AL, the Yanks have remained the beast of the East. 

There is not much to say about this 58-61 Boston Red Sox squad. Let's face it; Bobby V is a disappointment, the clubhouse has turned to a nuthouse, and injuries have screwed playoff hopes and fantasies for Fenway Hopefuls. Even though I doubt Baltimore and Oakland will be there in the end come October, the Sawx playoff chances have turned slim to none. There is no consistency in their game and the discord in the locker room doesn't aid the odds.

But the Yanks can't take this team for granted. As we all know, these games last four hours on average, and fluky plays occur frequently. Can the Clippers sweep the Sox? Most likely yes. The x-factor is the pitching of both teams, and whether or not it will perform against the spotlight of the Bronx. No one expected 3 of 4 W's through that dirty Texas lineup. So why not dream big? I'm calling a sweep this weekend. Seal the deal Yanks. It's not a rivalry if only one team wins all the time. 

PITCHING MATCHUPS

                   BOS (58-61)                                   NYY (70-48)

Friday: F. Morales (3-3, 3.29)  vs. P. Hughes (11-10, 4.44)
Saturday: J. Lester (6-10, 5.20) vs. D. Phelps (3-3, 2.53)
Sunday:  J. Beckett (5-10, 5.19)  vs. H. Kuroda (11-8, 3.06)