Starting NYNE Show 12/21

Click here to listen to the newest installment of the Starting NYNE. Steve and Paul host the show while Alex was still feeling sick over the Jets most recent debacle. The guys discuss the day in football, have an interview with Islanders beat writer Greg Logan and finish up the show with a little hot stove baseball.

Favre On His Way To Hawaii

Brett Favre as well as 6 of his teammates will be headed to Hawaii this year after being voted into the annual Pro Bowl.

Well, most likely, maybe 2 of those collective 7 will show up. But anyway, Favre who has led his team to an 11-3 record...Oh wait, they lost to the Broncos....and the 49'ers.

Brett Favre who has led his team to a 9-5 record, while leading the league in touchdowns...Oh, well he actually ranks 8th in touchdowns with 21.

Brett Favre who has thrown maybe the fewest interceptions in the league...Oh, well he actually leads the league in interceptions with 17.

So your telling me that without Favre's 6 touchdown game against the Cardinals he would have a 15:16 touchdown to interception ratio?

Well, I don't care, he has an amazing passer rating....Oh, well he actually has a passer rating of 86.5 which is good enough for 15th in the league.

Well uh, well uh, I know he has a ton of yards...Oh, well he actually ranks 12th overall in yards with 3,052. Almost 200 yards less than the guy they let go to make room for Favre.

Look the point of all this isn't to poo poo on Brett Favre because in reality, I love the guy. How can you not? He plays the game with the enthusiasm that we all think we would have if we made it to the pro's.

The point of this was to show how retarded and moronic the thought of the Pro Bowl is. Not only do maybe half of the players voted in not show up but ,NOBODY cares about it. I've personally watched maybe 2 quarters of Pro Bowl play in my entire life. But the most damning think of all is that in the Pro Bowl, more than any other all star event, the players who deserve it the most, are left out.

-Alex

Yanks doin' their thing

The novel idea of actually developing your own talent has worn off on the Yankees. They gave it a one-year try, and give them credit, they know what they can and cannot do. The only thing the Yankees know how to do (at the moment) is spend money. They haven't a clue about anything thing else. I keep hearing about all the money that's coming off the payroll this year. Here's a newsflash! Those players need to be replaced too, and Yanks aren't bargain basement shoppers. And it shows you what they really think of Phillip Hughes. He's now an afterthought. The guy they wouldn't part with, for Santana, is still not major league ready. And don't tell me he is , because he doesn't have a rotation spot on the 2009 Yankees. They should have traded him when he was worth something. He's worth nothing now. Why? Because the Yankees wouldn't know a legit prospect if they fell over one.

So they invest money in two guys. One. who in a ten year career has stayed healthy twice, and another guy who at 300 pounds, is a health timebomb! I suppose we'll have to hear Cashman and Steinbrenner whine again next year about injuries. It's a wonderful time to root against the Yankees. Red Sox don't need to do a thing, and they're still better than the Yankees. Fear not Yankee fans.......they'll just add more payroll again next year. It's all they know. Problem is........they haven't a clue on who to spend it on.

Jets vs. Bills-What Just Happened?

Did anybody else notice that the Jets defense forgot to show up to the yesterday?

Did J.P Losman really come that close to beating the Jets?

Is Dick Jauron a moron?

These are the questions I was left asking myself after the Jets lucky win against the hapless Buffalo Bills Sunday afternoon.

Watching the Jets march up and down the field so effortlessly their first 2 drives of the game, I was filled with relief. Thinking to myself, "Where has this been? Thank god." Unfortunately that feeling didn't last after a hokey Brett Favre interception that lead to a Bills touchdown. I was still feeling O.K but once again, that feeling didn't last.

The Jets defense which had been the driving force during their 5 game winning streak, has now become nothing more than a whisper in the wind. Marshawn Lynch cut up the Jets D like he was on Iron Chef. The difficulty in which the Jets had tackling was mind boggling. It was like watching Eric Mangini in front of a Donut Buffet. It's going to be ugly and end horribly. I mean honestly, the Jets D gave up 27 points to a J.P Losman lead offense. Do I really need to elaborate any more to show how much this defense is struggling?

But the guy who gets the Dunce of The Day Award goes to.......Bills Head Coach Dick Jauron.

Why in your right mind with 2 minutes left in the game and your team up by a field goal, would you ever EVER decide to throw the ball? Especially with the way Lynch was stampeding through the Jets. Especially when J.P Losman is your QB. What was he thinking? Better yet, what were the Bills owners thinking? Quite literally 5 minutes after watching their team blow what seemed to be a sure victory, the Bills announced that they had extended Jauron's contract for 3 years. WHAT?! Could the timing be any worse? Couldn't this wait until the end of the season and not while still in the shadow of the Moron Move O' The Year?

Either way, the Jets won and are still leading the AFC East at 9-5. But please don't let this "victory" cloud your judgement. This team, more specifically this defense, is in a ton of trouble.

-Alex

Steve Rants on Financing of Yankee and Met new stadiums

So, the Yankees have now spent almost one quarter of a billion dollars on two starting pitchers and don't seem to be done shopping yet. Their payroll appears to be headed well north of $200 million once again. The Mets have signed K-Rod and also traded for JJ Putz. All well and good but who is paying for their new homes that are scheduled to open in 2009?
For the answer to that and more check out Steve's rant on Youtube.

Click the link below to take you there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXhmFcuM27M

There Is A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

If you thought Thursday nights 9-2 drubbing by the sticks of the Penguins was the low point of this Islanders season, I regret to inform you that your wrong.

What we all know about this Islanders team, is that there will be growing pains. Ya know, the kind of pain where you start grabbing your leg because you think you feel the bone stretching. This past loss is only the tip of the iceberg.

Coming into the season, some fans(including myself) were excited to see what Coach Scott Gordon could do and to watch guys like Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen grow. Well, unfortunately for the Isles, Okposo and Nielsen both have significant injuries and will miss a major chunk of what would have been a very important season for both players. Rookie Josh Bailey has come up and impressed quickly but career underachiever, Jeff Tambellini has been just that.

With the General Managers meeting just having wrapped up, expect things to get much,much worse. The Islanders are in the midst of a youth movement and have plenty of veterans to move at the deadline. Bill Guerin,Doug Weight,Jon Sim and Richard Park are all players who may be spending their last few weeks playing on the lovely ice surface at the Coliseum. With vets moving out and more youngsters moving in, the growing pains may reach Andre the Giant size proportions.

But like I said, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That light also has a name, and that name is John Tavares. For those of you who don't know Tavares, he will be the 1st overall selection in the 2009 NHL draft. Here are some of his stats for you:

2007 Season-67 games, 72 goals, 62 assists, 134 points
2008 Season-59 games, 40 goals, 78 assists, 118 points

Tavares is the jewel in this years draft. And let's face it, the Islanders are going nowhere this year or perhaps for the next few years. Is it better to grab an 8 spot in the playoffs or to get a stud rookie. I vote the latter. Let the Islanders stink up the joint for the next few months, let them trade the vets, stockpile draft picks and be bad enough to win the draft lottery.

The thought of a line with Kyle Okposo-Josh Bailey-John Tavares only makes me salivate and yearn for the day that this becomes a reality.

But for now, buckle up fans, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

-Alex

All Hail Omar

With the Mets bullpen in shambles last year, our fearless leader has not let the Shea..err...Citifield faithful down. On the same day Omar Minaya officially signs the most prized closer on the free agent market, Minaya then trades for the most prized closer on the market in general, in the form of J.J Putz. That's Poo-tz, not Puh-tz. Putz will become the bridge to K-Rod in the 9th. Some closers feel that becoming a setup man is a downgrade in position, but so far, Putz is saying all the right things. J.J told Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times

"It’s a new challenge and I’m excited about it… I’m going to a new team that’s
going to be very competitive. Francisco Rodriguez is a great closer and with
Sean Green going as well, we should have a great bullpen."

Thankfully this is a far cry from Aaron Heilman being the heir apparent to the closers thrown last year. And speaking of Mr.Crybaby, guess where he is? In Seattle! I think every Mets fan breathed one hell of a sigh of relief after imagining the starter-wannabe walking up those little airplane stairs, turning back and taking his final look at New York. In the immortal words of rock Gods "Steam", Aaron, NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE.

The Mets did give up, 2 fan favorites though in Joe Smith and Endy "The Catch" Chavez. But let's face it, in the case of Chavez, he never really got any legitimate playing time under Jerry Manuel and became a defensive replacement. So losing him, while it hurts the hearts of fans, is not a detriment to the Mets on the field play. Joe Smith on the other had, was finally finding a way to get out left handed hitters last year and as always, dominated the righties. With his submarine motion and his quick success in the bullpen, it didn't take long for Joe to become a fan commodity. But in all trades, you have to give something to get something.

And that's what Omar did. He brought the Mets the 2 most sought after relievers on the open market. He strapped some dynamite to the bullpen and has already changed the face of it. He took what was the major weakness of this team last year and has already made it somewhat of a strength.

For this, we thank you Omar. But don't think your job is done yet.

-Alex

C.C. Opts for New York- At Least For Now

So the Yankees can now come home from the winter meetings with the biggest Free Agent prize on the market. Brian Cashman actually had to travel on a commercial flight to meet with CC in California. "We're not the Red Sox" with John Henry's private jet, quipped Cash. Ultimately the Yankee GM signed C.C. to a $161 million dollar deal for 7 years. But there's a catch! CC can leave after three years and $69 million if he so desires.

This clause tells us two things: first the Yanks were desperate- and showed it in a big way- to get the former Cy Young winner and were willing to go to any length to get him. Hey, what ever happened to all the players who's life long dream was to "wear the pinstripes" and play on the same field as Ruth Gehrig, Dimaggio, Mantle among others? Clearly Sabathia's first choice was not NY. It took an offer $60 million higher than the next closest team to land him! The Yanks actually had to bid against themselves, increase the dollars by 20 million and add a year to get the deal done- and don’t think that opt out clause didn’t mean as much to Sabathia as the money. Face it- it makes the Yankees look bad when they offer top dollar and give the player a get out of jail free card after three years. The last time a player of his magnitude turned down the Yankees was when Greg Maddux chose less money to play in Atlanta. Hammerin’ Hank Steinbrenner and Cash were not going to let that happen again!

The opt out option also indicates how hesitant Sabathia is to pitch here. He has only piched in smaller markets: Cleveland and Milwaukee. As mentioned in my previous post CC has not done well in the big arena-namely the playoffs which, for the Yankees, is when the REAL season begins. So it will be interesting to see how he responds at the new Stadium if he gets off to a slow start and feels the fan's wrath. When the official media announcement is made, and the Yanks pull out the carving board, put the NY Yankee hat and shirt on their latest prize I don't want to hear Sabathia tell us how much he has wanted to play for the Yankees. If that were the case he would not be planning his potential getaway during the negotiations. How about just telling us you came here for the money and great restaurants NY has to offer? Welcome to NY CC- to quote Mick Jagger-“go ahead- bite the big apple- don’t find no maggots”! Shidoobee!
-Steve

Yanks Make Pitch and Finally Get Their Man

Looks like the Yanks have finally landed the big- and I mean, BIG fish on the free agent pitching market. Brian Cashman’s quest to land the big fella had him following Sabathia from Las Vegas to California like a puppy dog chasing his tail. It only took a month from the date of the original offer plus an additional year on the contract and an extra $20 million for C.C. to decide to come to the Big Apple.

Several reports indicate that Sabathia has an “opt-out” clause after three years and $ 69 million. Doesn’t that say something about his desire to come and stay here in NY?

The former Cy Young winner has numbers that immediately make him the “Ace” of the Yanks’ staff. Here is a quick breakdown of his numbers in his 8 year career:

His regular season stats should make Yankee fans happy:
117 wins and 73 losses with a 3.66 ERA in 254 games started.

But the Post-season, where the real “money” players show up, it’s a different story:

In 5 post season appearances his numbers are far from “Ace like”
With a record of 1-3 and an ERA of 7.92, Yankee brass and fans alike have to be a little concerned whether or not CC can keep his lunch down in a big spot. In 2007, the year he won the Cy Young, Sabathia went 0-2 with 10.45 ERA in 10.1 innings against the rival Red Sox in the ALCS.

Granted, now that the Sox are “Manny-less” the tide may change but if history is at all an indicator of future performance then odds are that “opt out” clause will be exercised.

So Merry Christmas to all Yankee fans- you got your C. C. under the tree. Let’s hope you are not “re-gifting” him in a couple of years for a couple of prospects

- Steve

The Savior Has Arrived!

Ring the church bells, sound the alarm, dust off the bull horn! The Mets have a closer! Ok, now wait 5 minutes and come back to me.




You back? Good. Now that I have your full and undivided attention, I hope you realize that while K-Rod obviously instantaneously improves the Mets horrid bullpen, he does not give this team the NL East crown.

Lets see what he will do:
-He has had at least 40 saves every season since he became a full time closer in '05.
-He will strike out 3 batters for every 1 he walks.
-He gives the team and more importantly the fans, confidence that if the Mets go into the 9th inning with a lead, they will win.
-He has shown that niether pressure nor the spotlight will effect his performance.
-He will show lotto winning type emotion when saving a 3 run lead against the Nationals.....in Port St. Lucie


But now unfortunately, it's time for Devils Advocate.

Lets take a look at a few things K-Rod won't do:
-He won't be able to drive in Dan Murphy from 3rd base, after a leadoff triple.
-He won't be able to fill the #4 and #5 holes in the rotation.
-He won't be able to cover the ground at 2B that Luis Castillo can't.
-He won't be able to treat Ryan Church after his next concussion.
-He won't blow 29 saves in one season.

So, yes, rejoice my fellow Mets fans! We won't have to be tortured by the likes of Luis Ayala and dare I say Aaron Heilman, trotting out of the bullpen with the game on the line in the 9th inning.
But do not be fooled by this glorious day. This team still has a long way to go.

-Alex

FREE AGENCY: LET THE BIDDING BEGIN

OK- SO, free agency is in full swing and all of baseball’s royalty is now in Las Vegas at the opulent Bellagio Hotel and Casino thumbing their collective noses at the financial difficulties of the country. Players, agents and the collective brass from all teams have arrived and are looking for that perfect gift to bring to home just in time for Christmas– "just in time for the holidays" as the ads usually read.... The lobby of the Bellagio is a buzzing hotbed of media, agents, led by the avenging agent of them all: Ebeneezer Boras. All involved are in sin city to buy/sell players to get maximum dollars and fill team needs. Boras and other agents will gather all their information and mis-information about their players and author novels listing the reasons why each client and his abilities will make the perfect fit for your team and the next coming of Sandy Koufax or TY Cobb.
As we all know, thus far the rush to shop seems to have been a little slow in getting underway. Why is that, do you think?

The economy has been cited as a major factor. Teams seem to be more willing to light their Christmas trees on fire than to throw 8 year contracts worth in excess of $100 million at any players.

Collusion? Puh- lease! I have three words for you: Manny Freaking Ramirez. If you remember it was Mr. Ramirez along with Ebenezer Boras who conspired and orchestrated their way out of Boston this past season. Manny earlier in the year assaulted a 64 year old traveling secretary- for which he later apologized - how magnanimous! Then, during a crucial series against the Yankees could not play on the Friday night of a weekend series. Only some behind the scenes arm twisting by Sox management got Manny on the field for the ensuing games. More carefully orchestrated shenanigans, with Boras as the master Pupetteer, finally got Manny out of Boston ( and Boras free to negotiate and cash in at season’s end) Remember- Boras would have gotten zilch had Manny’s options been picked up because he ( Boras) was not the agent who signed Ramirez to the Sox 8 years ago. Once traded to "Mannywood" Ramirez’ knees miraculously heeled and one would see him go first to third on a single and steal bases, and hit over 400!
So – I say– if a player and his agent can conspire to get what is financially beneficial to them then let the teams do the same thing for their financial motivation.

Many speculate that once the first domino falls then the others will soon follow. And, speaking of the first domino that leads us to C.C. Sabathia and "The Evil Empire" known as the New York Yankees.

Rumor has it the Yankees are in Vegas to buy a pitching staff to compete in the powerhouse AL East. They have had a $140 million contract on the table for C.C. Sabathia for the past month. Hey Yankee fans, wouldn’t he look good on Christmas morning under the tree?- just hope he doesn’t hang around for dinner. Imagine that– you’ll be the first and only kid on the block with a CC under your Tree!

The Yanks are also said to be very interested in Derek Lowe AJ Burnett and Ben Sheets.
Whatever happened to the "kids" Ian Kennedey and the next Roger Clemens: Phil Hughes. With Brian Cashman at the wheel Yankke fans are in for a real wild ride.

Can anyone say "Carl Pavano" , "Jose Contreras", or Javy Vazquez"- just the mention of those names causes Yankee fans to curl up into the fetal position . Let’s not even mention Jeff Weaver, who the Yankees traded for the immortal Kevin Brown.

Seems Cashman is at it again in Vegas at the tables and willing to gamble BIG TIME.
Now not to bum any one out but lest we think a team can buy a pitching staff let’s take a look at some of the most recent Free Agent signings- you be the judge.
Last year Carlos Silva- never to be confused with Bob Gibson- signed a 4 year 48 million dollar deal with the Mariners. At that point in his career Silva had a 55-46 record - not exactly "Koufaxian"
Silva proceeded to produce a 4-15 record with a 6.46 era and lead the M’s to a 61-101 season; the second worst record in baseball. Only the Nationals were more inept. Oh BTW he has 3 years left on his contract Merry Christmas!
In 2006 we saw some real bargains on the FA pitching Market emerge
- Miguel Batista– 3 years for $25 million ( he of the 20-25 recordd and ERA of about 5).
- El Duque- 2years for $12 m ( by the way he did not even pitch for the Mets last year)
- Kei Igawa- 5 years for $20 million + 25 posting fee – A "missing person" report has been filed as to the exact where-abouts of Mr. Igawa. He was hardly seen or heard from since his arrival- only kidding no report was filed but where the heck IS he? Maybe his 2-4 and 6.66 have him in the witness protection program.
– Ted Lilly- 4 years for $40 million Lilly has been, what coulfd be tarmed a "bargain" with a 32-17 record and ERA of about 4.
– Mark Mulder- 2 years for $13 million - He’ pitched in a total of 6 games during the life of his contract- enough said!
– Daisuke Matsuzaka- 6 years for $52 million plus $51 million posting fee (which averages out to a cost of about $17 million per year) 33- 15 3.72 ERA. He’ll drive you crazy by throwing 100 pitches in 5 innings but at least his numbers are good.
– Gil Meche- 5 years for $55 million - remember how we all thought that KC was crazy to give him than money? He has actually pitched fairly well with a 23 -24 record with an ERA of about 4.4 - on a lousy team.
And the whopper of them all..........

– Barry Zito - 7 years $126 million 21-30 with an ERA of about 4.4. Ya think the Giants would like to launch him into McCovey’s bay?

We haven’t even touched the hitters who are out there. You know who they are: Mark Teixeira, Manny "the Dread-locked Dufus- Ramirez, et. al. Be sure to check back later, we may have some opinions to share with you then.

So let the bidding begin in earnest. Hopefully your favorite designated shopper, also known as the GM of your favorite team, finds some real bargains. But beware of the pitcher under the trees with the red bow and bloated ERA. It’ s just like when you buy a new car-shining in the sunlight with that new car smell. After a year or so the luster wears off and that "new car smell" is replaced with a curious stench of fast food french fries, dirty socks and chicken bones and you're left stuck with payments for the next 4 years. That player may look new and shiny now but in a year from now who knows? And remember, unlike the new car there are no 3 year 36,000 mile warranties with players.

-Steve