"But it's been no bed of roses-
No pleasure cruise" (Queen-We Are The Champions)
Any season that culminates with a championship in hand is a good year, but for the New York Yankees any season that does not end with a world title is incomplete.
The 2009 Baseball season ended the only way it can be deemed satisfactory in Yankees Universe: The Pinstripes congregating in the infield triumphantly.
But, as with all seasons, there were times of discontent. Times where it seemed like nothing could go right. Going all the way back to the beginning, there were doubts about this group of players and coaches.
Spring Training got underway with Alex Rodriguez' admission that he indeed was a steroid user. A short time later, it was thought that the third baseman would be out for the season with a hip injury.
Chien-Ming Wang could not regain whatever it was that made him a two-time 19-game-winner. His absence left a major void in the middle of what was supposed to be a deep starting rotation. July 4th would prove to be the final outing of the 2009 campaign for Wang.
Through his first 35 games in Pinstripes, Mark Teixeira was batting under .240.
As late as June there were those wondering if Brian Cashman should be assembling a search party to find a replacement for Mariano Rivera (as if a replacement actually exists).
The first eight match-ups with the Red Sox ended with Boston W's. To add insult to defeat many of those contests were quite embarrassing.
First-place in the American League East did not belong to New York until the last week of May, and that was short-lived. The Yankees only occupied the division penthouse permanently from the last third of July and on -- not as early as one might expect from a club that went on to win 103 games.
But now, all of that gets washed away with just a few sprays of champagne. None of it really matters.
A-Rod no longer has to deal with questions of clutch or whether he can win a World Series, one of the best postseasons in recent memory answers all those queries.
As to whether or not A-Rod is a "real Yankee," the answer rests in one's definition of that title.
Will the Yankees have to deal with the steroid-stain on A-Rod's resume? Sure, but that's down the road, when he starts moving in on some important numbers (714, 755, 762). For now, all A-Rod has to do is point to his ring.
Does Joe Girardi over-manage? Make more pitching changes than necessary? Maybe. But now he's in select company, he's a World Series-winning manager.
When CC Sabathia was brought to the Bronx, the hulking lefty's postseason credentials did not match his regular season numbers. A fact that left many Yankees fans questioning whether Cashman made another lousy pitching decision.
Both Sabathia and Cashman were vindicated with CC's ace-like performance in the 2009 postseason.
Mariano Rivera got past the initial hiccup and went on to have one of the finest seasons of his already splendid career. And in the playoffs Mo raised his status, if it were possible.
The aging Final Four (Jeter, Posada, Pettitte and Rivera) proved that despite the advanced years, some folks just know how to win.
In the end -- bit by bit, piece by piece -- it all came together to complete the puzzle of what was truly the best team of 2009.
Sure, there are still questions, but now there's a simple, one-word answer: Champions.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Gaudin Should Start Game 5
The asterisk has been removed from Game 5, it will absolutely be necessary. And after the Yankees' bats smacked around Cole Hamels and the Phillies bullpen in Game 3, it is also a certainty that the Bombers will not be facing elimination in that fifth game.
With a return to New York -- either for a parade or Game 6 -- in the bag, Joe Girardi should not have any Yankees starter this side of CC Sabathia work on short rest.
That would mean Chad Gaudin, who has not yet started a game in the playoffs, would be pressed into an exceedingly difficult situation -- on the road, in Philadelphia, against Cliff Lee.
However, that situation gives the Yanks its best chance to win its 27th World Series.
With the Yankees in the driver's seat, albeit only a one-game lead, Girardi would be best served lining up his rotation as best serves his club to win two games: A.J. Burnett on regular rest in Game 6 and Sabathia in Game 7 with Andy Pettitte in reserve.
Sure, that would mean all but actually forfeiting the contest by sending Gaudin to the hill against Lee, but the other option is less-than-spectacular itself. With Burnett taking the ball for Game 5, there is a big hole left in the rotation for Game 6 -- which MAY take place with the Yankees back to the wall.
If Burnett were to be held to that first game back at the Stadium, worst case scenario one of your two best starters is there to bail you out against a very beatable Pedro Martinez.
As for Game 5, who's to say the Yankees can't scratch out a couple of runs against Lee. Who's to say Gaudin can't come out and pitch the game of his life, stranger things have happened. It wouldn't be an all-out giveaway, the lineup should stay the same and the 'pen would be used as necessary.
What the Yankees do tonight does not change the heart of the issue: Girardi's focus should be on the two games set to be played in the Bronx. Any additional victories in Philly should be accepted as gravy. If you get them, smile and keep moving.
Having Sabathia on the hill, the Yankees are the favorites to take tonight's Game 4, and with Burnett going in Game 5 there is a decent chance of the Bombers taking that one as well. Yet, both can just as easily be won Charlie Manuel's club.
The Phillies have hit CC in the past, and Joe Blanton has some postseason experience. A.J. hasn't pitched without regular rest all season, and his ERA is over a full run higher on the road.
The options are: give your team a chance to win every game or take the best shot at some of the games and be at a significant disadvantage in others.
Having the lead means having the luxury to set up the rotation how it best suits your team. And that's what should have been done -- even if it means sacrificing Game 5.
With a return to New York -- either for a parade or Game 6 -- in the bag, Joe Girardi should not have any Yankees starter this side of CC Sabathia work on short rest.
That would mean Chad Gaudin, who has not yet started a game in the playoffs, would be pressed into an exceedingly difficult situation -- on the road, in Philadelphia, against Cliff Lee.
However, that situation gives the Yanks its best chance to win its 27th World Series.
With the Yankees in the driver's seat, albeit only a one-game lead, Girardi would be best served lining up his rotation as best serves his club to win two games: A.J. Burnett on regular rest in Game 6 and Sabathia in Game 7 with Andy Pettitte in reserve.
Sure, that would mean all but actually forfeiting the contest by sending Gaudin to the hill against Lee, but the other option is less-than-spectacular itself. With Burnett taking the ball for Game 5, there is a big hole left in the rotation for Game 6 -- which MAY take place with the Yankees back to the wall.
If Burnett were to be held to that first game back at the Stadium, worst case scenario one of your two best starters is there to bail you out against a very beatable Pedro Martinez.
As for Game 5, who's to say the Yankees can't scratch out a couple of runs against Lee. Who's to say Gaudin can't come out and pitch the game of his life, stranger things have happened. It wouldn't be an all-out giveaway, the lineup should stay the same and the 'pen would be used as necessary.
What the Yankees do tonight does not change the heart of the issue: Girardi's focus should be on the two games set to be played in the Bronx. Any additional victories in Philly should be accepted as gravy. If you get them, smile and keep moving.
Having Sabathia on the hill, the Yankees are the favorites to take tonight's Game 4, and with Burnett going in Game 5 there is a decent chance of the Bombers taking that one as well. Yet, both can just as easily be won Charlie Manuel's club.
The Phillies have hit CC in the past, and Joe Blanton has some postseason experience. A.J. hasn't pitched without regular rest all season, and his ERA is over a full run higher on the road.
The options are: give your team a chance to win every game or take the best shot at some of the games and be at a significant disadvantage in others.
Having the lead means having the luxury to set up the rotation how it best suits your team. And that's what should have been done -- even if it means sacrificing Game 5.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
MaxHockey
Hey there, I wrote a piece for Maxhockey.com.
Click here to link directly to the piece and be sure to check out the rest of the site. Max is quickly becoming one of the best hockey websites out there.
Click here to link directly to the piece and be sure to check out the rest of the site. Max is quickly becoming one of the best hockey websites out there.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Questioning the NFC
After a good defensive battle Thursday night between the Steelers and Titans, the rest the NFL gets underway over the next two days.
In the parity-era of the league no team is complete, every club has a question that will only be answered in the grind of a full season.
The AFC queries were dealt with before its schedule got underway the other night in the Steel City. Now its time for the NFC clubs to face their imperfections.
First, one issue the NFL will have to face: What's the league going to say when the ridiculous scoreboard in Dallas changes a game? A do-over will work -- playgroundesque as it is -- for a while. But, what if a punter hits the massive thing four or five times and then shanks one that goes 17 yards.
Or, a worst case scenario would be, after four or five do-overs everyone on the field is winded from going back-and-forth. Everyone except the returner that is, he is the only one who would barely have moved. As the only fresh legs on the field, the punt is returned for a touchdown. Then what? How a $1.5 billion stadium could have such an easily diagnosed issue is remarkable.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
NFC EAST:
Giants:
Who's going to catch it?
The Giants don't have a receiver that will keep a defensive coordinator up at night. Big Blue will run the ball with the best of them. The D-line gets after the quarterback better than any team in the league. But, as we saw in the second half of last season, Eli Manning needs a big time receiver to throw to. If none of the pass-catchers on the roster have a break-out year, the Giants will not represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Cowboys:
Will Tony Romo improve without T.O.?
After getting off to good starts the past few seasons, the Cowboys have played shoddy football in the latter half of the schedule. Did Terrell Owens' antics contribute to the drop-off? If Tony Romo doesn't show he can win in the playoffs this season, the 'Boys will have to rethink the QB position before next season.
Eagles:
Mind? Heart? Soul?
While most are focusing on the offensive side of the ball and the addition of Michael Vick, the bigger change is on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's passing (mind), MLB Stewart Bradley's season-ending injury (heart), and Brian Dawkins' departure to the Broncos (soul) in the offseason has been underplayed. Johnson was one of the best coordinators in football. Bradley isn't that well-known but that is because his reputation has yet to get around. Dawkins has long been one of the fiercest hitters around.
Redskins:
Is Jason Campbell the real deal?
The 'Skins have been propping up Campbell for a few years now, but the QB has yet to take any major steps. On defense, it's not a question of will Albert Haynesworth miss games, rather how many?
NFC NORTH:
Vikings:
What does Favre have left in the tank?
The best run-defense and number one running back will be enough for the Vikes to take this solid but overrated division. Whether or not the team does anything in the postseason will depend on what Favre has at the end of a long season. The Indecisive One got off to a fine start with the Jets then fell apart late. Another thing Favre will have to contend with is a thin receiving corps which may push Brett to force more throws than usual -- if that's at all possible.
Bears:
Who is Jay Cutler throwing the ball to?
Sure, Jay Cutler is the best quarterback to play for the Bears in a long time, but a glance at the pass caching depth chart will not exactly strike fear in opponents' heart. Devin Hester is the number one receiver on this squad, and no doubt he's a tough guy to bring down in the open field, however catching the ball from someone who throws with the velocity of Cutler is no easy task.
Packers:
Will Aaron Rodgers take the next step?
Aaron Rodgers showed us that the Packers weren't nuts for thinking they had a replacement for Favre. If he can be a top-of-the-line QB remains to be seen. The club is good, if not great, at just about every other position. If Rodgers takes a significant step-up, the Pack will be a team to deal with for many years to come.
Lions:
Last season was rock-bottom, right?
It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all. Matthew Stafford is an upgrade at QB, as is Jim Schwartz as head coach. If you're looking for something to keep an eye on with this team, how about the first team that loses to the Lions this season? That's going to be embarrassing.
NFC SOUTH:
Falcons:
Can the defense catch-up to the offense?
Who would think that with the cards this franchise was dealt just a few years ago it would turn into one of the best stories of last season. Rookie QB plus rookie head coach = no problem. Roddy White is one of the best big-play receivers in the league. The addition of Tony Gonzalez adds to an already fine offensive unit. However, for this team to make any noise in the playoffs the defense will have to show significant improvement.
Panthers:
Will the Julius Peppers saga disrupt the team?
It's hard to find a weakness on this team offensively. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart make-up the best running tandem in football. The defense is solid but needs Peppers to play at his best to be most effective. He wasn't happy with the contract situation in the offseason, if it brings down his performance on the field in any way the whole team will feel it.
Saints:
Is Reggie Bush a premiere running back?
Coming out of USC, Bush was supposed to be the next great thing. After three years in the league that has yet to come to fruition. Running backs have short careers, Bush has already missed a significant number of games over the last two seasons. The Saints will be better off moving Bush to receiver, he's at his best when he has the ball in space and that is not something running backs get in this league.
Buccaneers:
Is there a QB in the house?
Want to know the importance of a quarterback to an NFL franchise, look no further than the Bucs. Even though there is good talent at the other offensive positions, there is no chance at a playoff run because there's a big hole at QB. Byron Leftwich has not won a game as a starter since 2006 with Jacksonville. Another thing worth watching in Tampa is rookie coach Raheem Morris who is only 33-years-old and was never a head coach at any level.
NFC WEST:
Cardinals:
Was last season an aberration?
The Cards got into the postseason because they reside in an incredibly weak division -- the 49ers finished in second place, enough said -- and took off from there. The defense is suspect at several spots and there isn't much of a running game. Will the best trio of receivers do enough to keep the team afloat? If 38-year-old QB Kurt Warner misses time, does Matt Leinart have what it takes to lead the team?
Seahawks:
Was last season an aberration?
The class of the AFC West since 2003 completely fell apart last season. Matt Hasselbeck played in only seven games. The leading receiver on the squad was rookie tight end John Carlson. If this team is a little luckier on the injury front, there will be a significant improvement on last season's 4-12 record. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is an instant upgrade at wide receiver. What kind of job will Jim Mora do at head coach?
49ers:
Can Mike Singletary straighten out a franchise?
Singletary came in mid-season and went 5-4 in his nine games at the helm. No doubt he will make the team tougher, but for a franchise that had a good-to-great QB from 1981 through 2003 (Montana-Young-Garcia) the last few year have left a lot to be desired. Michael Crabtree's holdout is not the way for a tremendously talented receiver to start his pro-career.
Rams:
Can Spags turn around this mess?
Five wins combined over the last two seasons would define a mess. It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all, there isn't much lower they can fall. Rookie head coach Steve Spagnuolo will have his hands full, but at the very least he should make this team more fun to watch -- not quite The Greatest Show on Turf, but more exciting then it's been lately.
In the parity-era of the league no team is complete, every club has a question that will only be answered in the grind of a full season.
The AFC queries were dealt with before its schedule got underway the other night in the Steel City. Now its time for the NFC clubs to face their imperfections.
First, one issue the NFL will have to face: What's the league going to say when the ridiculous scoreboard in Dallas changes a game? A do-over will work -- playgroundesque as it is -- for a while. But, what if a punter hits the massive thing four or five times and then shanks one that goes 17 yards.
Or, a worst case scenario would be, after four or five do-overs everyone on the field is winded from going back-and-forth. Everyone except the returner that is, he is the only one who would barely have moved. As the only fresh legs on the field, the punt is returned for a touchdown. Then what? How a $1.5 billion stadium could have such an easily diagnosed issue is remarkable.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
NFC EAST:
Giants:
Who's going to catch it?
The Giants don't have a receiver that will keep a defensive coordinator up at night. Big Blue will run the ball with the best of them. The D-line gets after the quarterback better than any team in the league. But, as we saw in the second half of last season, Eli Manning needs a big time receiver to throw to. If none of the pass-catchers on the roster have a break-out year, the Giants will not represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Cowboys:
Will Tony Romo improve without T.O.?
After getting off to good starts the past few seasons, the Cowboys have played shoddy football in the latter half of the schedule. Did Terrell Owens' antics contribute to the drop-off? If Tony Romo doesn't show he can win in the playoffs this season, the 'Boys will have to rethink the QB position before next season.
Eagles:
Mind? Heart? Soul?
While most are focusing on the offensive side of the ball and the addition of Michael Vick, the bigger change is on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's passing (mind), MLB Stewart Bradley's season-ending injury (heart), and Brian Dawkins' departure to the Broncos (soul) in the offseason has been underplayed. Johnson was one of the best coordinators in football. Bradley isn't that well-known but that is because his reputation has yet to get around. Dawkins has long been one of the fiercest hitters around.
Redskins:
Is Jason Campbell the real deal?
The 'Skins have been propping up Campbell for a few years now, but the QB has yet to take any major steps. On defense, it's not a question of will Albert Haynesworth miss games, rather how many?
NFC NORTH:
Vikings:
What does Favre have left in the tank?
The best run-defense and number one running back will be enough for the Vikes to take this solid but overrated division. Whether or not the team does anything in the postseason will depend on what Favre has at the end of a long season. The Indecisive One got off to a fine start with the Jets then fell apart late. Another thing Favre will have to contend with is a thin receiving corps which may push Brett to force more throws than usual -- if that's at all possible.
Bears:
Who is Jay Cutler throwing the ball to?
Sure, Jay Cutler is the best quarterback to play for the Bears in a long time, but a glance at the pass caching depth chart will not exactly strike fear in opponents' heart. Devin Hester is the number one receiver on this squad, and no doubt he's a tough guy to bring down in the open field, however catching the ball from someone who throws with the velocity of Cutler is no easy task.
Packers:
Will Aaron Rodgers take the next step?
Aaron Rodgers showed us that the Packers weren't nuts for thinking they had a replacement for Favre. If he can be a top-of-the-line QB remains to be seen. The club is good, if not great, at just about every other position. If Rodgers takes a significant step-up, the Pack will be a team to deal with for many years to come.
Lions:
Last season was rock-bottom, right?
It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all. Matthew Stafford is an upgrade at QB, as is Jim Schwartz as head coach. If you're looking for something to keep an eye on with this team, how about the first team that loses to the Lions this season? That's going to be embarrassing.
NFC SOUTH:
Falcons:
Can the defense catch-up to the offense?
Who would think that with the cards this franchise was dealt just a few years ago it would turn into one of the best stories of last season. Rookie QB plus rookie head coach = no problem. Roddy White is one of the best big-play receivers in the league. The addition of Tony Gonzalez adds to an already fine offensive unit. However, for this team to make any noise in the playoffs the defense will have to show significant improvement.
Panthers:
Will the Julius Peppers saga disrupt the team?
It's hard to find a weakness on this team offensively. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart make-up the best running tandem in football. The defense is solid but needs Peppers to play at his best to be most effective. He wasn't happy with the contract situation in the offseason, if it brings down his performance on the field in any way the whole team will feel it.
Saints:
Is Reggie Bush a premiere running back?
Coming out of USC, Bush was supposed to be the next great thing. After three years in the league that has yet to come to fruition. Running backs have short careers, Bush has already missed a significant number of games over the last two seasons. The Saints will be better off moving Bush to receiver, he's at his best when he has the ball in space and that is not something running backs get in this league.
Buccaneers:
Is there a QB in the house?
Want to know the importance of a quarterback to an NFL franchise, look no further than the Bucs. Even though there is good talent at the other offensive positions, there is no chance at a playoff run because there's a big hole at QB. Byron Leftwich has not won a game as a starter since 2006 with Jacksonville. Another thing worth watching in Tampa is rookie coach Raheem Morris who is only 33-years-old and was never a head coach at any level.
NFC WEST:
Cardinals:
Was last season an aberration?
The Cards got into the postseason because they reside in an incredibly weak division -- the 49ers finished in second place, enough said -- and took off from there. The defense is suspect at several spots and there isn't much of a running game. Will the best trio of receivers do enough to keep the team afloat? If 38-year-old QB Kurt Warner misses time, does Matt Leinart have what it takes to lead the team?
Seahawks:
Was last season an aberration?
The class of the AFC West since 2003 completely fell apart last season. Matt Hasselbeck played in only seven games. The leading receiver on the squad was rookie tight end John Carlson. If this team is a little luckier on the injury front, there will be a significant improvement on last season's 4-12 record. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is an instant upgrade at wide receiver. What kind of job will Jim Mora do at head coach?
49ers:
Can Mike Singletary straighten out a franchise?
Singletary came in mid-season and went 5-4 in his nine games at the helm. No doubt he will make the team tougher, but for a franchise that had a good-to-great QB from 1981 through 2003 (Montana-Young-Garcia) the last few year have left a lot to be desired. Michael Crabtree's holdout is not the way for a tremendously talented receiver to start his pro-career.
Rams:
Can Spags turn around this mess?
Five wins combined over the last two seasons would define a mess. It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all, there isn't much lower they can fall. Rookie head coach Steve Spagnuolo will have his hands full, but at the very least he should make this team more fun to watch -- not quite The Greatest Show on Turf, but more exciting then it's been lately.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Questioning the AFC
If you're a Mets fan this is the day you've been waiting for since the All-Star Break: Today the NFL kicks-off its season in Pittsburgh.
The classic between the Steelers and Cardinals feels like ages ago while it also feels like it happened last week. Strange how that works.
The offseason has been a long one. Between the Draft, the trades, head coaches being fired and hired and some big players (Albert Haynesworth) moving through free-agency the NFL really doesn't have much quiet time.
Yet, after all these months, there are still questions abound.
Training camp has come and gone, meaningless football -- that fans put way too much stock into -- is over till next August, but every team in the league has at least one unsettling situation. Many have two or more.
Here are the biggest questions facing AFC teams. The NFC will take its turn before it gets its season underway Sunday.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
AFC EAST:
Patriots:
How's the knee?
With Tom Brady back the Pats are once again Super Bowl favorites. But, something very small can derail everything, about the size of a knee, more specifically Brady's knee. Bill Belichick is still reluctant to say which one. The other issue is: Who will run the ball? For all the talent this team stock piles, there is not a decent running back on the squad.
Dolphins:
Will Penn. need relief?
Chad Pennington is coming off his second come-back player of the year award. While that shows tremendous persistence on Chad's part, it also means he has issues staying on the field. Should the need arise, is Chad Henne ready to step in? Or will the 'Phins be forced to move to all-Wildcat offense?
Jets:
Which Matt will Mark Sanchez resemble?
Matt Ryan who carried the Falcons to the playoffs or fellow USC product Matt Leinart. To be fair, it may be difficult to judge, because the Jets also have a few questions to be answered at the receiver spot.
Bills:
When/Will T.O. .......?
When Terrell Owens is on your roster every query must involve the reality-show star. Will T.O. get along with his quarterback? How long before T.O. gets frustrated? Will T.O. cry at a press conference?
AFC NORTH:
Steelers:
Can a team repeat in this NFL?
Repeating is one of the most difficult things to accomplish in sports. Every game is the opposing team's prove-it-game. The defending champs have some clear-cut games on the schedule -- no matter what the Lions or Raiders are trying to prove they don't have a shot against the Steel Curtain. However, there is still some uncertainty on the offensive line, and don't discount a tumultuous offseason for Ben Roethlisberger.
Ravens:
Flacco? Rex? Ray?
Is Joe Flacco a fluke? Will losing Rex Ryan to the Jets hurt the defense? Is this the year Ray Lewis begins to show his age? This team will take a significant step back if any of these questions are answered to the affirmative.
Bengals:
What happened?
The franchise was a joke for a decade, then turned it around and were on the verge of big things. Now, they're back where they started. Will Carson Palmer stay on the field this year?
Browns:
Mangenius or Mangidiot?
It wasn't very long after the Jets fired Eric Mangini that the Browns hired him. Early in his head coaching career he was a genius, as time went on he became a pain in the rear. Need proof, Mangini still has not announced who his starting QB will be.
AFC SOUTH:
Colts:
Is this the year?
Losing your head coach (Tony Dungy) and one of the best receivers in history (Marvin Harrison) is going to cause some problems, there is no way around it. How big a step back the team takes -- if any -- will rest on the broad shoulders of Peyton Manning, as the franchise already does anyway.
Texans:
Is this the year?
This team has been on the verge of big things for some time now. Andre Johnson is among the top receivers in the game. The running game is dangerous. The front-seven is deep. The one piece missing is QB Matt Schaub taking the next step to being a premiere NFL passer. Come to think of it, with a top wideout, strong running game, solid pass-rushers and a QB on the verge, the club is reminiscent of a Giants squad that not too long ago beat a certain Patriots team 17-14.
Titans:
Can Kerry stay healthy?
Kerry Collins is coming off a very serviceable season. The wide receiving corps is much improved with the additions of Nate Washington and Kenny Brit but Collins' age (36) has to be taken into account. Can Vince Young step in and hold the team together if Kerry goes down. A few bad games could end their season in a very deep division.
Jaguars:
Can they rebound?
The Jags went from 11-5 to 5-11 in one season. They were one of the darling picks going into the season, but it all came apart. Coach Jack Del Rio got rid of some guys he thought were a negative to the team. It will be tough to get more than eight wins in this division but that kind of improvement will be necessary to keep the heat off Del Rio.
AFC WEST:
Chargers:
Will it -- finally -- all come together?
San Diego has long had the most talented offense it the league, now it's time for them to step-up and play like it. In a cheese cake of a division -- which should be locked up by Thanksgiving -- the Chargers should roll into the playoffs. What LaDainian Tomlinson (there is only one LT, and he played linebacker for the Giants) has left remains to be seen. And whether Shawne Merriman is pushing himself right out of football, a la Plaxico Burress, also warrants (no pun intended) keeping an eye on.
Chiefs:
Is Cassel the real deal?
Matt Cassel stepped in for Tom Brady and did a fine job. Was he a product of the system or is he legitimate NFL QB? New coach Todd Haley has brought some tough love to K.C. but long-term success for this franchise will depend on Cassel.
Broncos:
What should we expect?
Josh McDaniels replaces Mike Shanahan as coach and almost immediately the two best players on the squad are unhappy. Jay Cutler is now in Chicago and Brandon Marshal is in a contract dispute. Outside of Knowshon Moreno is there any reason to watch this team?
Raiders:
Is there a foundation in place?
Let's not forget that the Raiders went to the Super Bowl in this decade, they're not quite the Lions. It's been a disaster since then but there may be a decent base that will not fully take shape for a couple of years. Does JaMarcus Russell have anything? Is Darren McFadden a premier number-one back? Was it head coach Tom Cable who threw the punch that broke assistant coach Randy Hanson's jaw? Whenever this team does come around, it has the most unknown great player in football, Nnamdi Asomugha, at cornerback.
The classic between the Steelers and Cardinals feels like ages ago while it also feels like it happened last week. Strange how that works.
The offseason has been a long one. Between the Draft, the trades, head coaches being fired and hired and some big players (Albert Haynesworth) moving through free-agency the NFL really doesn't have much quiet time.
Yet, after all these months, there are still questions abound.
Training camp has come and gone, meaningless football -- that fans put way too much stock into -- is over till next August, but every team in the league has at least one unsettling situation. Many have two or more.
Here are the biggest questions facing AFC teams. The NFC will take its turn before it gets its season underway Sunday.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
AFC EAST:
Patriots:
How's the knee?
With Tom Brady back the Pats are once again Super Bowl favorites. But, something very small can derail everything, about the size of a knee, more specifically Brady's knee. Bill Belichick is still reluctant to say which one. The other issue is: Who will run the ball? For all the talent this team stock piles, there is not a decent running back on the squad.
Dolphins:
Will Penn. need relief?
Chad Pennington is coming off his second come-back player of the year award. While that shows tremendous persistence on Chad's part, it also means he has issues staying on the field. Should the need arise, is Chad Henne ready to step in? Or will the 'Phins be forced to move to all-Wildcat offense?
Jets:
Which Matt will Mark Sanchez resemble?
Matt Ryan who carried the Falcons to the playoffs or fellow USC product Matt Leinart. To be fair, it may be difficult to judge, because the Jets also have a few questions to be answered at the receiver spot.
Bills:
When/Will T.O. .......?
When Terrell Owens is on your roster every query must involve the reality-show star. Will T.O. get along with his quarterback? How long before T.O. gets frustrated? Will T.O. cry at a press conference?
AFC NORTH:
Steelers:
Can a team repeat in this NFL?
Repeating is one of the most difficult things to accomplish in sports. Every game is the opposing team's prove-it-game. The defending champs have some clear-cut games on the schedule -- no matter what the Lions or Raiders are trying to prove they don't have a shot against the Steel Curtain. However, there is still some uncertainty on the offensive line, and don't discount a tumultuous offseason for Ben Roethlisberger.
Ravens:
Flacco? Rex? Ray?
Is Joe Flacco a fluke? Will losing Rex Ryan to the Jets hurt the defense? Is this the year Ray Lewis begins to show his age? This team will take a significant step back if any of these questions are answered to the affirmative.
Bengals:
What happened?
The franchise was a joke for a decade, then turned it around and were on the verge of big things. Now, they're back where they started. Will Carson Palmer stay on the field this year?
Browns:
Mangenius or Mangidiot?
It wasn't very long after the Jets fired Eric Mangini that the Browns hired him. Early in his head coaching career he was a genius, as time went on he became a pain in the rear. Need proof, Mangini still has not announced who his starting QB will be.
AFC SOUTH:
Colts:
Is this the year?
Losing your head coach (Tony Dungy) and one of the best receivers in history (Marvin Harrison) is going to cause some problems, there is no way around it. How big a step back the team takes -- if any -- will rest on the broad shoulders of Peyton Manning, as the franchise already does anyway.
Texans:
Is this the year?
This team has been on the verge of big things for some time now. Andre Johnson is among the top receivers in the game. The running game is dangerous. The front-seven is deep. The one piece missing is QB Matt Schaub taking the next step to being a premiere NFL passer. Come to think of it, with a top wideout, strong running game, solid pass-rushers and a QB on the verge, the club is reminiscent of a Giants squad that not too long ago beat a certain Patriots team 17-14.
Titans:
Can Kerry stay healthy?
Kerry Collins is coming off a very serviceable season. The wide receiving corps is much improved with the additions of Nate Washington and Kenny Brit but Collins' age (36) has to be taken into account. Can Vince Young step in and hold the team together if Kerry goes down. A few bad games could end their season in a very deep division.
Jaguars:
Can they rebound?
The Jags went from 11-5 to 5-11 in one season. They were one of the darling picks going into the season, but it all came apart. Coach Jack Del Rio got rid of some guys he thought were a negative to the team. It will be tough to get more than eight wins in this division but that kind of improvement will be necessary to keep the heat off Del Rio.
AFC WEST:
Chargers:
Will it -- finally -- all come together?
San Diego has long had the most talented offense it the league, now it's time for them to step-up and play like it. In a cheese cake of a division -- which should be locked up by Thanksgiving -- the Chargers should roll into the playoffs. What LaDainian Tomlinson (there is only one LT, and he played linebacker for the Giants) has left remains to be seen. And whether Shawne Merriman is pushing himself right out of football, a la Plaxico Burress, also warrants (no pun intended) keeping an eye on.
Chiefs:
Is Cassel the real deal?
Matt Cassel stepped in for Tom Brady and did a fine job. Was he a product of the system or is he legitimate NFL QB? New coach Todd Haley has brought some tough love to K.C. but long-term success for this franchise will depend on Cassel.
Broncos:
What should we expect?
Josh McDaniels replaces Mike Shanahan as coach and almost immediately the two best players on the squad are unhappy. Jay Cutler is now in Chicago and Brandon Marshal is in a contract dispute. Outside of Knowshon Moreno is there any reason to watch this team?
Raiders:
Is there a foundation in place?
Let's not forget that the Raiders went to the Super Bowl in this decade, they're not quite the Lions. It's been a disaster since then but there may be a decent base that will not fully take shape for a couple of years. Does JaMarcus Russell have anything? Is Darren McFadden a premier number-one back? Was it head coach Tom Cable who threw the punch that broke assistant coach Randy Hanson's jaw? Whenever this team does come around, it has the most unknown great player in football, Nnamdi Asomugha, at cornerback.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Order The Champagne
Anyone associated with the Yankees during the dynasty years of the late '90s -- whether a member of the team or a fan -- can tell you that there are four celebrations to any successful season.
Clinching the playoffs, preferably taking the division, was first. Prevailing in the Division Round would set off another party. Winning the pennant was next on the agenda in the Championship Series. Of course, all this had to be followed up by the final fiesta by winning a World Series.
While the 2009 version has yet to accomplish anything of serious significance thus far, before long there will be a nightly check of "The Magic Number."
The four-game sweep of Boston not only legitimizes everything that's taken place over the past couple of months but knocks the Red Sox so far back that Beantown has to start looking at Wild Card competition.
Sure there are close to fifty games remaining, and a good number of them will be the best rivalry match-up in sports. However, everything is clicking in the Bronx and the Red Sox roster has more holes in it than a fisherman's net in Cape Cod.
Theo Epstein was once being hailed as a genius for his personnel moves. John Smoltz would come in mid-season and add to the starting pitching depth, what could possibly go wrong? Five losses in eight starts with an ERA almost as high as the Green Monster, that's what.
Getting rid of Manny Ramirez and bringing in Jason Bay looked like a fine trade in mid-May, but after a two-month slump the move isn't looking all that terrific. Shortstop has been an issue all season with no relief in sight.
The rotation is fine at the top but the back end is wide open. Smoltz is now gone, Tim Wakefield is on the DL as is Daisuke Matsuzaka. The bullpen has been serviceable but Jonathan Papelbon has had his issues despite what his low ERA will have you believe.
The Fenway faithful have all but given-up on the Yanks and are slowly turning on Theo even if he brought in Victor Martinez.
The Yanks meanwhile have evolved into a team that never quits. In the series against Boston they showed that the magic is returning to the Bronx, albeit across the street. This club is starting to develop a similar personality to those that threw all those parties and parades.
Since A-Rod's return the Yanks have been fairly healthy, except for Chien-Ming Wang. And it's been Brian Cashman who's looked brilliant.
There are still two west-coast trips to deal with including three games in Anaheim in late September which will be followed by three at the stadium vs. the Red Sox.
However, by that time the race for the division will be all but over. After a season in which the only celebration was the closing of The Stadium -- more like a funeral -- it's time to get ready for party number one.
Clinching the playoffs, preferably taking the division, was first. Prevailing in the Division Round would set off another party. Winning the pennant was next on the agenda in the Championship Series. Of course, all this had to be followed up by the final fiesta by winning a World Series.
While the 2009 version has yet to accomplish anything of serious significance thus far, before long there will be a nightly check of "The Magic Number."
The four-game sweep of Boston not only legitimizes everything that's taken place over the past couple of months but knocks the Red Sox so far back that Beantown has to start looking at Wild Card competition.
Sure there are close to fifty games remaining, and a good number of them will be the best rivalry match-up in sports. However, everything is clicking in the Bronx and the Red Sox roster has more holes in it than a fisherman's net in Cape Cod.
Theo Epstein was once being hailed as a genius for his personnel moves. John Smoltz would come in mid-season and add to the starting pitching depth, what could possibly go wrong? Five losses in eight starts with an ERA almost as high as the Green Monster, that's what.
Getting rid of Manny Ramirez and bringing in Jason Bay looked like a fine trade in mid-May, but after a two-month slump the move isn't looking all that terrific. Shortstop has been an issue all season with no relief in sight.
The rotation is fine at the top but the back end is wide open. Smoltz is now gone, Tim Wakefield is on the DL as is Daisuke Matsuzaka. The bullpen has been serviceable but Jonathan Papelbon has had his issues despite what his low ERA will have you believe.
The Fenway faithful have all but given-up on the Yanks and are slowly turning on Theo even if he brought in Victor Martinez.
The Yanks meanwhile have evolved into a team that never quits. In the series against Boston they showed that the magic is returning to the Bronx, albeit across the street. This club is starting to develop a similar personality to those that threw all those parties and parades.
Since A-Rod's return the Yanks have been fairly healthy, except for Chien-Ming Wang. And it's been Brian Cashman who's looked brilliant.
There are still two west-coast trips to deal with including three games in Anaheim in late September which will be followed by three at the stadium vs. the Red Sox.
However, by that time the race for the division will be all but over. After a season in which the only celebration was the closing of The Stadium -- more like a funeral -- it's time to get ready for party number one.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bring On The Sox
"Bring on the Red Sox." No, that's not the chant of some arrogant Yankees fan who thinks this year's ballclub can go head-to-head with Murders Row and come out victorious. It's what Joe Girardi's boys better be thinking as we head towards a very significant four game set between the Bombers and BoSox.
The greatest rivalry in sports was last showcased on June 11th. The Red Sox completed yet another sweep of the Yanks and were riding high. They were 8 and 0 against the team that had the best chance of knocking them off their perch in the AL East standings. But things have changed a lot since then.
Over the past six weeks -- since June 24th against the Braves -- the Yanks have been playing as good a brand of baseball as they have played in years. Going into that game against Atlanta, the Yanks were five games back of Boston with a record of 38 up and 32 down.
Since that game the club has gone 27 and 10, a five game deficit has turned into a two and-a-half game lead. Boston has played just above .500 -- 19 wins to 17 loses in that time.
The Yankees have won ten series and lost only two in that time, and one of those losses came against the Angels whom it seems the Yanks can't beat so long as their manager's name is Joe.
The Red Sox 19 and 17 record is actually better than it should be. Consider that they played the AL East Punching-Bag-Orioles nine times in that span, winning seven of those match-ups.
Beantown has also suffered some terrible losses since to two clubs last played. There was that embarrassing loss when the Sox led the O's 10-1 only to implode and lose 11-10. Just over a week ago Jonathan Papelbon came into a game against Oakland with a three run lead only to have Nick Green commit two throwing errors with two outs to let the lead slip away, Oakland went on to win in extras.
Early in the season Red Sox Nation had Jason Bay as the shoo-in for MVP, not to mention next mayor of Boston. Well, Bay's stats have started to resemble G.M.'s stock charts from earlier this year, his batting average is down over .70 points in the last two months. Throw in a home run total for July that would make even David Wright cringe -- ONE, that's right just one homer for the month.
J.D. Drew batted to a .217 clip in July. John Smoltz has looked nothing like the pitcher we knew in Atlanta -- and that has nothing to do with his receding hairline. Smoltz is two and four with a seven-plus ERA. Add to all this, the steroid news concerning Manny and Ortiz.
No, it has not been perfect in the Bronx. Alfredo Aceves has been shaky over his last few outings, same for Phil Coke. Losing Chien-Ming Wang for the season is going to hurt, but all that is small potatoes compared to the problems in Beantown.
Boston has lost their last two. The Yankees have won three in-a-row. The Yankees have their pitching staff setup, the top four starters will pitch. Smoltz is the only one Boston would rather not have start in this series.
Taking three out of four in a series against anyone is tough. Pulling it off against a formidable foe like the Red Sox is asking a lot. To prove that things have turned around in the past month and a half the Yankees need to split the series -- minimum.
Anything short of two wins will mean a tie in the loss column atop the AL East standing. A sweep either way would obviously be a huge blow to the loser. The Yanks would have a 6.5 game lead and dispelled of all the demons should they win four.
If the Sox continue their dominance in the match-up they will not only leap-frog into first, they show that while the Yanks can walk over the rest of baseball they still can't beat the playoff contenders.
This series comes at the right time for the Yankees, now they have to take care of business on the field. If they don't, the Red Sox will have successfully called the bluff of the past six weeks.
The greatest rivalry in sports was last showcased on June 11th. The Red Sox completed yet another sweep of the Yanks and were riding high. They were 8 and 0 against the team that had the best chance of knocking them off their perch in the AL East standings. But things have changed a lot since then.
Over the past six weeks -- since June 24th against the Braves -- the Yanks have been playing as good a brand of baseball as they have played in years. Going into that game against Atlanta, the Yanks were five games back of Boston with a record of 38 up and 32 down.
Since that game the club has gone 27 and 10, a five game deficit has turned into a two and-a-half game lead. Boston has played just above .500 -- 19 wins to 17 loses in that time.
The Yankees have won ten series and lost only two in that time, and one of those losses came against the Angels whom it seems the Yanks can't beat so long as their manager's name is Joe.
The Red Sox 19 and 17 record is actually better than it should be. Consider that they played the AL East Punching-Bag-Orioles nine times in that span, winning seven of those match-ups.
Beantown has also suffered some terrible losses since to two clubs last played. There was that embarrassing loss when the Sox led the O's 10-1 only to implode and lose 11-10. Just over a week ago Jonathan Papelbon came into a game against Oakland with a three run lead only to have Nick Green commit two throwing errors with two outs to let the lead slip away, Oakland went on to win in extras.
Early in the season Red Sox Nation had Jason Bay as the shoo-in for MVP, not to mention next mayor of Boston. Well, Bay's stats have started to resemble G.M.'s stock charts from earlier this year, his batting average is down over .70 points in the last two months. Throw in a home run total for July that would make even David Wright cringe -- ONE, that's right just one homer for the month.
J.D. Drew batted to a .217 clip in July. John Smoltz has looked nothing like the pitcher we knew in Atlanta -- and that has nothing to do with his receding hairline. Smoltz is two and four with a seven-plus ERA. Add to all this, the steroid news concerning Manny and Ortiz.
No, it has not been perfect in the Bronx. Alfredo Aceves has been shaky over his last few outings, same for Phil Coke. Losing Chien-Ming Wang for the season is going to hurt, but all that is small potatoes compared to the problems in Beantown.
Boston has lost their last two. The Yankees have won three in-a-row. The Yankees have their pitching staff setup, the top four starters will pitch. Smoltz is the only one Boston would rather not have start in this series.
Taking three out of four in a series against anyone is tough. Pulling it off against a formidable foe like the Red Sox is asking a lot. To prove that things have turned around in the past month and a half the Yankees need to split the series -- minimum.
Anything short of two wins will mean a tie in the loss column atop the AL East standing. A sweep either way would obviously be a huge blow to the loser. The Yanks would have a 6.5 game lead and dispelled of all the demons should they win four.
If the Sox continue their dominance in the match-up they will not only leap-frog into first, they show that while the Yanks can walk over the rest of baseball they still can't beat the playoff contenders.
This series comes at the right time for the Yankees, now they have to take care of business on the field. If they don't, the Red Sox will have successfully called the bluff of the past six weeks.
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