My Two Cents Worth

The Yankees keep on rolling but if they can’t beat Anaheim is it really worth much. We already know this club has issues with top tier teams like the Red Sox and Phillies. If they continue to show weakness against the big boys, many Yankee fans will start to wonder what the playoffs will bring.

Sure a postseason appearance will keep Joe Girardi in the dugout and Brian Cashman in his office as G.M. however a quick first round ouster at the hands of the Angels will not be enough to satisfy fans. A second round drubbing by Boston will only upset them more.

This weekend the Bombers have to put that notion to rest. Sure the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, of California, of the U.S.A. of the G8 are not healthy, Vlad Guerreo and Torii Hunter are on the DL and the pitching staff has been a mess all year. Not to mention losing two out of three to rival Texas this week. The Yanks have had problems in SoCal since 1996. Taking the series going into the break would – at the very least – show there is reason to believe this team can contend in October.

*************************************************************************************

The Carlos Gomez leaping catch will be on the highlight reel of this season. Any time an outfielder steals a home run it’s a tremendous play and good effort. But, every once in a while, there is a defensive play that makes you say, “Wow!” Gomez got his shoulders over the wall to haul it in. Of course the ball was hit by A-Rod, with the bases loaded no less, somehow some way he will always be there when the spotlight is shining.

Speaking of defense, Daniel Murphy has had his share of troubles this season, but his behind-the-back throw against the Dodgers is as nifty and heads-up as it gets.

****************************************************************************************
Although you would never know it listening to Mets fans, the Amazins are still in playoff contention. Sure things are not looking good right now but no other team is going to add Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes down the stretch.

Now there is talk that the Mets might go after Roy Halladay. So, here’s the question: Do you want to give away whatever is left of the farm system for a 32-year-old pitcher, albeit the best in baseball, who has a ton of innings on his arm? Not a smart move for this team. If a club is an ace away, go for it. But this team still has question marks in the bullpen, outside of the ninth inning, and in the back half of the rotation. That’s assuming the crowded DL shrinks, or you can add a lack of power in the line-up to the list of flaws.

**************************************************************************************

The Nets once again cut salary and brought in guys who enjoy passing as much as shooting, clearly another attempt to bring King James to Kings County. (For non-New Yorkers, that’s Brooklyn.) First round pick Terrance Williams models his game after Magic Johnson, if he even resembles Magic the Nets will be all smiles. Williams prides himself on being a point-forward.

Keeping on all things Magic, the Nets traded Vince Carter to Orlando. A move that helps both clubs perfectly. Orlando now has a clutch shooter to go to late in a contest; Games Two and Four of The Finals were lost because of missed shots late. Carter may not have made those attempts but VC is better option than anyone the Magic have. New Jersey in turn brought in a legitimate back-up point-guard, by far the biggest hole in the line-up last season. Rafer Alston is a local product – grew up in Queens and is a proud Yankees fan – and is excited about being here. Also coming north is Courtney Lee, a good young guard who will bring it on defense.

The Nets now have it all when it comes to luring LeBron. Devin Harris is a young point guard who can score and pass. Brook Lopez is a 21-year-old seven-footer who can score, rebound and will only get better on defense. He would be the first sports super-star in Brooklyn since Duke Snider and Dem Bums moved west more than 50 years ago. To top it off LeBron is good buddies with Jay-Z who is a part owner of the Nets.

There is be billboard waiting for you, your highness.

*************************************************************************************
On a parting note, the Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick was one the best sporting events of the year. There are few stages that parallel Wimbledon in all of sports, and to have history on the line just made it that much better. Two tough competitors refusing to go down, what more can we ask for?