Not much happening in Yankee stuff for the last few weeks, and with the Giants having a bye week, it has been slow here at Yankee Fan Central.
I'm not a huge college football fan, with little more than a passing interest in the major bowl games. Didn't watch the playoffs, and the only game I really care about is the Eagles against the Vikings. I believe the Eagles are the only team that can keep the Giants out of the Super Bowl. The Giants can take the Cardinals, the Panthers, and the Vikings. Sure, they can beat the Eagles, but who wants to face a red hot team like them? And, if they take out the Vikes, the Eagles would have to be considered among the elite. They worry me.
Go Yankees
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Sports Event of the Year
What was the biggest event of 2008?
There were 3 huge sports stories: The Phillies WS win, the Giants Super Bowl win, or the Patriots undefeated regular season.
I would eliminate the Patriots for 2 reasons: 1. I hate Boston and 2. They lost the biggest game of the season.
So, it's between the Giants winning the Super Bowl or the Phillies winning the World Series. To me, of course, the Super Bowl winning effort by the Giants is my favorite as I'm a huge fan. But realistically, the World Series win by the Phils is probably a bigger, and more improbable, event. The Phils had to come from behind to catch the Mets, beat a tough Brewers team led by CC Sabathia, and then beat a red hot L.A. team, before finally knocking off the upstart Rays.
I'd have to give it to them as the team of the year.
Go Yankees
There were 3 huge sports stories: The Phillies WS win, the Giants Super Bowl win, or the Patriots undefeated regular season.
I would eliminate the Patriots for 2 reasons: 1. I hate Boston and 2. They lost the biggest game of the season.
So, it's between the Giants winning the Super Bowl or the Phillies winning the World Series. To me, of course, the Super Bowl winning effort by the Giants is my favorite as I'm a huge fan. But realistically, the World Series win by the Phils is probably a bigger, and more improbable, event. The Phils had to come from behind to catch the Mets, beat a tough Brewers team led by CC Sabathia, and then beat a red hot L.A. team, before finally knocking off the upstart Rays.
I'd have to give it to them as the team of the year.
Go Yankees
Monday, December 29, 2008
Giants lose last regular season game
Why bother to play the game at all? Giants rested most regulars for at least half the game. And they almost pulled it out. In a way, I was happy, knowing the game meant nothing to the G men and everything to the Vikings so I was glad I got to see the Vikes at their best. If the Giants meet them in the playoffs, I have total confidence that the Giants will crush them.
And speaking of crushing, the Eagles beat the crap out of the Cowboys, and by doing so, knowcked the 'boys out of the playoffs. I liked to see that. But I am worried as the Eagles will be tough in the playoffs, tougher than the 'boys.
The Giants have the bye week, so I can sit and watch to see who they play next. I am pretty confident as they went 12-4, and realistically, should have won 14 games.
Could they win back to back Super Bowls? It's looking good.
Go Yankees
And speaking of crushing, the Eagles beat the crap out of the Cowboys, and by doing so, knowcked the 'boys out of the playoffs. I liked to see that. But I am worried as the Eagles will be tough in the playoffs, tougher than the 'boys.
The Giants have the bye week, so I can sit and watch to see who they play next. I am pretty confident as they went 12-4, and realistically, should have won 14 games.
Could they win back to back Super Bowls? It's looking good.
Go Yankees
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Teixiera Sign with Yanks
Just as I predicted on December 19th, Mark Teixiera signed with the New York Yankees.
Not one of the "experts" predicted it, and the Yankees denied it all the way. And, while the Yankees are spending like mad, it should be pointed out that every acquisition made sense. In the past, they sometimes grabbed players just to keep them away from another team, or to bolster a strength, but not so this year. They are rebuilding (this hurts) a 3rd place team that needed a major overhaul. They finished 8 games behind, and 3 out of the wild card. The 2008 Yankees were a good team, but they play in the AL East, a division that is loaded with 2 other very good teams, and a couple other decent teams. No punching bags like Seattle or Oakland here.
The Yankee pitching was nearly non-existent, so they added a great pitcher in CC Sabathia, and a good pitcher in AJ Burnett. With Wang returning from injury, they have a "Big 3" as good as any other team. Good enough to make up 8 games? Maybe. But the Rays will be better this year, and so will the Sox.
They were pretty well set at every position, except first base. Looks like that hole has been filled.
The Manny Ramirez rumor is still circulating, and I am pretty sure the Yankees will pass. A couple years ago, when Manny was on top of his game, the Yankees could have had Manny when the Sox put him on waivers, and they didn't claim him. All they had to do was pay him 20 mil per. Why would they sign him now, a few years, and a couple incidents later, for 25 mil or so? It makes no sense. I predict they are going to pass.
And, I've been right so far this off season.
Go Yankees
Not one of the "experts" predicted it, and the Yankees denied it all the way. And, while the Yankees are spending like mad, it should be pointed out that every acquisition made sense. In the past, they sometimes grabbed players just to keep them away from another team, or to bolster a strength, but not so this year. They are rebuilding (this hurts) a 3rd place team that needed a major overhaul. They finished 8 games behind, and 3 out of the wild card. The 2008 Yankees were a good team, but they play in the AL East, a division that is loaded with 2 other very good teams, and a couple other decent teams. No punching bags like Seattle or Oakland here.
The Yankee pitching was nearly non-existent, so they added a great pitcher in CC Sabathia, and a good pitcher in AJ Burnett. With Wang returning from injury, they have a "Big 3" as good as any other team. Good enough to make up 8 games? Maybe. But the Rays will be better this year, and so will the Sox.
They were pretty well set at every position, except first base. Looks like that hole has been filled.
The Manny Ramirez rumor is still circulating, and I am pretty sure the Yankees will pass. A couple years ago, when Manny was on top of his game, the Yankees could have had Manny when the Sox put him on waivers, and they didn't claim him. All they had to do was pay him 20 mil per. Why would they sign him now, a few years, and a couple incidents later, for 25 mil or so? It makes no sense. I predict they are going to pass.
And, I've been right so far this off season.
Go Yankees
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Giants Beat Carolina in OT
In an absolute battle against Carolina with home field advantage through the playoffs on the line, the Giants won 34-28 in an overtime battle against the Panthers. The Giants came from behind in the 4th quarter at the Meadowlands, and a wind blown Carolina 50 yard field goal miss sent the game into OT.
Jacobs carried 24 times for 87 yards and 3 TDs. Manning turned in a workmanlike 17-27 for 181 yds and a TD. He also threw for a 2 pt conversion.
The backfield known as Earth, Wind, and Fire was back at full strength, and they pounded the ball as Ward ran for 215 yards and the G-Men totalled 301 on the ground, the most since 1959.
Hixon managed to hold on to 4 passes, and Boss, who is underutilized, caught 5 including one in the end zone for a TD.
Plaxico Burress is still an idiot.
Go Yankees
Jacobs carried 24 times for 87 yards and 3 TDs. Manning turned in a workmanlike 17-27 for 181 yds and a TD. He also threw for a 2 pt conversion.
The backfield known as Earth, Wind, and Fire was back at full strength, and they pounded the ball as Ward ran for 215 yards and the G-Men totalled 301 on the ground, the most since 1959.
Hixon managed to hold on to 4 passes, and Boss, who is underutilized, caught 5 including one in the end zone for a TD.
Plaxico Burress is still an idiot.
Go Yankees
Dock Ellis Passes away at 63
Former Pirate and Yankees star Pitcher Dock Ellis passed away at age 63. Ellis had battled drugs during his career. He was a very good pitcher with the Bucs, his best year 1970 when he went 19-9 with a 3.05 ERA.
In his only full season with the Bombers, Ellis won 17 while dropping 8 with a respectable 3.19 ERA.
For his career, Ellis went 138-119 with an ERA under 3.50. Certainly not HOF stats, but he was very good. Makes me wonder how he would have done if he dedicated himself to the game.
Go Yankees
In his only full season with the Bombers, Ellis won 17 while dropping 8 with a respectable 3.19 ERA.
For his career, Ellis went 138-119 with an ERA under 3.50. Certainly not HOF stats, but he was very good. Makes me wonder how he would have done if he dedicated himself to the game.
Go Yankees
Friday, December 19, 2008
Mark Teixeira --where is he going?
Mark Teixeira is not going to the Red Sox according to the rumor mill. The Sox claim they have cut off negotiations. This has me wondering what is going on. Supposedly the Nationals and the Orioles are the front runners, and a "mystery team."
The usual suspects, the Yankees and Angels, have pretty much denied being in the hunt. With Scott Boras as agent, we all know he will go where the money is top, and I just don't see the Nationals or O's being able to pay the big bucks.
Meanwhile, it appears the Yankees are considering adding Manny Ramirez's bat to their potent lineup. Manny is the only player on the Red Sox I didn't hate in all my years of hating Red Sox players. (It officially started in 1961)
Yes, I would like to see that bat in the number 3, 5, or 6 hole, but the man comes with a lot of baggage. I hope Cashman pases on him.
So, where goes Teixeira? The Sox have Youkilis (the pussy) so I can't see them signing another first baseman. The Nationals? I guess they may want to build around him, but he may not want to play for a team that is destined to go nowhere for a few years. That leaves the O's, Angels and the very quiet Yanks.
He could improve the O's, but would they be able to win a division like the AL East? That division is loaded with quality teams. Are they really going to pay such huge money to bring in a player to possibly finish 2nd, but more likely 3rd or 4th? Doesn't make sense to me.
That leaves the Yanks or Angels as the best fit. Neither team "needs" him, but he Yankees propensity for grabbing every player may mean they may just suddenly be in the race. That plus the fact they do now have a regular first baseman, and it makes sense. I won't be surprised to see him in pinstripes.
Lastly, Pettitte is still negotiating. Apparently, he does not want to take the 10 million the Yankees have put on the table. Last year, he made 16 million, and that is too large a drop.
Not for nothing, but Andy, who is one of my all time favorite Yankees, should just take the cash. He is at the end, and did nothing in the second half last year. He did get injured and we don't expect much more thn his 14-14 record and 4.50 ERA. That isn't a 16 million dollar pitcher. I doubt anyone would pay him more than the Yankee offer. Just suck it up, Andy, and try to get by on the 10 mil.
Go Yankees
The usual suspects, the Yankees and Angels, have pretty much denied being in the hunt. With Scott Boras as agent, we all know he will go where the money is top, and I just don't see the Nationals or O's being able to pay the big bucks.
Meanwhile, it appears the Yankees are considering adding Manny Ramirez's bat to their potent lineup. Manny is the only player on the Red Sox I didn't hate in all my years of hating Red Sox players. (It officially started in 1961)
Yes, I would like to see that bat in the number 3, 5, or 6 hole, but the man comes with a lot of baggage. I hope Cashman pases on him.
So, where goes Teixeira? The Sox have Youkilis (the pussy) so I can't see them signing another first baseman. The Nationals? I guess they may want to build around him, but he may not want to play for a team that is destined to go nowhere for a few years. That leaves the O's, Angels and the very quiet Yanks.
He could improve the O's, but would they be able to win a division like the AL East? That division is loaded with quality teams. Are they really going to pay such huge money to bring in a player to possibly finish 2nd, but more likely 3rd or 4th? Doesn't make sense to me.
That leaves the Yanks or Angels as the best fit. Neither team "needs" him, but he Yankees propensity for grabbing every player may mean they may just suddenly be in the race. That plus the fact they do now have a regular first baseman, and it makes sense. I won't be surprised to see him in pinstripes.
Lastly, Pettitte is still negotiating. Apparently, he does not want to take the 10 million the Yankees have put on the table. Last year, he made 16 million, and that is too large a drop.
Not for nothing, but Andy, who is one of my all time favorite Yankees, should just take the cash. He is at the end, and did nothing in the second half last year. He did get injured and we don't expect much more thn his 14-14 record and 4.50 ERA. That isn't a 16 million dollar pitcher. I doubt anyone would pay him more than the Yankee offer. Just suck it up, Andy, and try to get by on the 10 mil.
Go Yankees
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About Me
- Da Old Man
- Downtown, New Jersey, United States
- Yankees fan. But the team hasn't been the same since Yogi retired. TV watching expert. Manly man.
