Coughlin must go

10 wins and no layoffs.

He blew the Eagles game, and others (too angry to think.)

He gotta go.



Go Yankees

Coughlin's gotta go

2 horrible losses in a row.

Go Yankees

Stupid Giants

Stupid friggin Giants.

Go Yankees

Adam "Pacman" Jones is a putz

So, Adam Jones got cut by the Cowboys and another talented guy throws it all away. One of his quotes after being cut, according to ESPN, was "I love me some me."
Apparently, this expression was made popular by Terrill Owens (also a member of the 'Boys.)

I understand it is ok to be comfortable with oneself, and even to love oneself, but does this say something about a man who, due to his own selfish and stupid actions, has let down his team mates, his family, and anyone who ever believed in him? It certainly does scream of an ego that is hyperinflated. The ego of a putz. The ego of a guy on a team NOT in the playoffs.

Meanwhile back to important stuff.

The Giants are playing the Eagles on Sunday in what will be a "Battle Royale." This may be the best game of the entire season, better than the Super Bowl may be. As a G Men fan, naturally, they are the pick.

But looking at it critically, the Giants do seem to be the team to beat. They have Earth, Wind, and Fire at full strength. The Iggles have a couple of nagging injuries. The week off has been of tremendous benefit to my team.

The Giants should win this one 27-17, easily covering the spread (currently 4 pts)

Go Yankees

Quiet week

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

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

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

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

Yankees rotation falling in place, Hot Stove Report

With the signings of CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, the Yankee rotation is looking pretty strong. They also lead the league in starting pitchers with initials instead of names.
As of now, the big 3 starters are CC, AJ, and Wang. Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy round it out.
Obviously, they won't have a 6 man rotation, so Kennedy, Chamberlain, and Hughes will be up for the last 2 spots. And, according to the rumor mill, Andy Pettitte is still in the running for the #5 spot. While one can never have too much pitching, as proven by last year's injury plagued season, it is almost certain the Yankees will not go north with 7 starters. I'd look for one of 3 things to happen: a trade of Kennedy or Hughes (I'd hate to see Hughes go) or letting Pettitte finish his career eleswhere, or keeping Joba in the pen, setting up Mo until he hangs up his spikes. Mo is 39, so how much longer can he pitch?

In football news, the stupid Giants were outplayed by the 'Boys. That is painful. In their defense, the Giants have 3 starters on offense out, not counting that loser Burress. And Hixon would make a great defensive back, as he can't catch and hold on to the ball. Two weeks in a row he dropped a potential TD pass that hit him in the hands.
This week, we play Carolina. I'm looking for a big Giants win if everyone is healthy.

Go Yankees

Giants win; Plaxico Burress a moron

The defending champion Giants looked great against Washington, and improved to 11-1. They used a balanced attack as Manning threw for 300+ yards and a TD as the 'Skins focused on stopping Brandon Jacobs. Eli simply used Boss as an out to slow down the charge, and hit his wideouts regularly. This team just has so many weapons, that even when a selfish moron like Burress is out, they kick butt.

Without going into anthing about the legal ramifications of Plax's actions, as he is innocent until proven guilt, one thing needs to be said concerning him and all professional athletes. We have high expectations for our athletes, some may say they are even too high.

But, what exactly, do we expect?

We expect them to show up and do their best all season long. We expect them to follow a certain code of conduct. Nothing out of the ordinary--pretty much the same rules every other law abiding citizen follows. Ok, maybe a bit more stringent, as it would probably be a good idea for athletes to NOT hang out in nightclubs as they are likely to have problems that come with being well known.

What do they get for this? They are financially rewarded with princely sums of money. And, they are treated like royalty everywhere they go. They are asked to pay a very small price for a huge reward, and dunderheads like Burress and Pacman Jones simply can't get it.

The NFL, all sports, in fact, step up and discipline players from time to time. But players continue to push the envelope. I wish I knew why. It is illogical. It's not like careers, especially in football, last a long time.


Go Yankees

Giants and Jets win; Super Bowl in future?

The Giants now are tied for the best record in football following their hard fought victory over the Cardinals 37-29. The game was close, and the Giants needed to rely on Manning's arm more than they have recently as he completed 26 of 33 for 240 yds and 3 TDs. The usually powerful rushing game was hampered somewhat by the absence of Brandon Jacobs, coupled with a swarming Cardinals defense.

Meanwhile, the Jets absolutely put the smack down on the previously unbeaten Titans, 34-13. The Titans held everyone to an average under 13 PPG, but Brett Favre and the Jets must have missed that memo as they rolled up over 400 yds and controlled the ball for over 40 minutes.

Go Yankees

Giants win again 30-10

As a long time Giants fan, I have no real complaints. Big Blue has been to the Super Bowl 4 times, and come home with the trophy 3 of those times, most recently last year. But usually, they were the Rodney Dangerfield team, they got no respect. Sure, the '86 squad was one tough bunch, and were known as the Big Blue Wrecking Crew. The '90 team was almost an afterthought, and considered lucky as Phil Simms missed much of the season and Jeff Hostetler led them to the Super Bowl.
The 2000 edition of the Giants fought their way into the Super Bowl, losing to the heavily favored Ravens. And last year's edition had to be the quietest Super Bowl team ever. They were off the radar, and were underdogs in every single playoff game, beating Brett Favre and the Packers, the sexy favorite Cowboys, and finally, in the Super Bowl, taking down the 18-0 and considered unbeatable, Patriots.
So, coming in to this year, most "experts" predicted the G-men would finish behind the Cowboys, Skins, and possibly the Eagles.
Imagine how happy I am to hear those same "experts" pronounce that the Giants are possibly the best team in football. And, of course, they are living up to the hype. Yesterday was the latest example. The Ravens came into the Meadowlands, and the pre-game made it sound as if it was going to be a fierce battle. The Ravens could not be run against, and had only allowed 1 rushing touchdown all year. In fact, teams averaged 60 yards or so on the ground against them.
I guess they forgot to tell the Giants how awesome the Ravens were, as Brandon Jacobs scored 2 rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, and both he and Jacobs each ran for more than 60 yards. Manning turned in a workman like performance, but the heroes were the defense. Joe Flacco, who had gone 4 games without an interception, was welcomed to the NFL with 2 by Aaron Ross, who returned one 50 yards for a TD to put the game out of reach.

In a strange story in the NFL, the Steelers beat the Chargers 11-10. You may think that seems unusual a score, and you would be right. First time in NFL history such a score was recorded in a game, according to the talking heads. To make it even more unusual, the final play of the game was a razzle dazzle type desperate play by the Chargers, which resulted in Polamolu somehow coming up with the ball, and sprinting in for a TD, making the score a more normal 17-10. However, there was a penalty on the play...no wait, it was an illegal play, penalty declined, and... no wait...a game can't end on a penalty. So, half the team was off the field, half was on the sidelines waiting for it to be sorted out, and eventually, the score was reversed to 11-10, and the game was declared over. I'm sure someone on ESPN will be able to explain, because I still have no idea. It was a crazy ending to a well played defensive battle in snowy weather.
The Skins had a chance to deliver a knock out blow to the Cowvoys season, but didn't. The 'Boys won 14-10.

In baseball news:
Mussina is still trying to decide if he will retire. He will announce it this week. I wonder if he is thinking about 300 wins? He is at 270, which means he is 2 years away, at best. While I personally hate when stars hang on just to hit milestones, Moose is coming off one of his best years ever, and his first 20 win season.
In more hot stove news, according to Yankees.com The Yankees made a record-breaking six-year, $140 million offer to free-agent starter CC Sabathia on Friday as the first part of their plan to overhaul their starting rotation, Hank Steinbrenner, one of the team's co-chairmen, confirmed.
The Yankees also confirmed that they will pursue Burnett and Lowe, and are looking to deal for Peavy with the Padres. If all of this takes place, they will have one of the greatest teams ever assembled. I wouldn't count on them getting everyone, but CC and one other pitcher would make them heavy favorites to win it all.

Go Yankees

Yankees start to rebuild

The Yankees acquired slugging switch hitting first sacker Nick Swisher in exchange for Wilson Betemit and a couple minor league pitchers.

Swisher turns 28 in a few days, so he should just be coming into his prime. While the Yankees have always been known for great centerfielders, first base in Yankee Stadium has been home to such great stars as Gehrig, Mattingly, and Giambi.

Swisher has shown good power, belting over 20 homers, and driving in 80 runs. He also walks 90 times or so. While his average hovers around .240, his OBP is .350 or better. So, he appears to have a decent eye, which makes his 130+ strikeouts interesting. I'm predicting that by working with Yankee coaches, along with the protection of the potent Yankee lineup, he could become more selective. It would not surprise me in the least to see him bump the average up while adding to his HR numbers.
I'm predicting right now that he will put up these numbers:
.280 avg, 30 HR, 95 RBI while dropping his strikeouts total to under 100. Better numbers than these wouldn't surprise me at all.
It is expected that Cashman will pursue some of the free agents who become available today. Early indications are that he will try to sign CC, and Lowe. No word yet on whther Moose or Pettitte will return. But the trade for Swisher pretty much ends the idea of a Texiera signing.

And, in football news--J*E*T*S Jets Jets Jets
The New York Jets, who play in Giants Stadium, in NEW JERSEY, won in OT against the Patriots to take over first place. It was a pretty decent game, as the Jets looked to run away with it in the first half, and held on in the second, eventually winning on a field goal in OT. It was significant for the Jets because it gives them a few advantages in tie breaker situations against the Pats. The Jets schedule looks pretty favorable the rest of the way, and last year's 4-12 team could wind up 12-4, although 11 wins is more probable.
And the other tem that plays in the NJ Meadowlands, the Giants have a big test this weekend as they take on the Ravens. The G-men are favored by 7. If I were a betting man, and if forced to place a bet, I'd put my money on the Ravens and the points. But straight up, I'm looking for the Giants to improve to 10-1.

Go Yankees

Jets and Giants win

The Giants won a battle against the Eagles Sunday night, while the Jets pounded St. Louis. The game was over by half time.

The free agent baseball market will be in full swing soon. Manny Ramirez is one of the stars seeking employment. It's kind of interesting that due to his attitude and the amount of money he is seeking, his options are severly limited.

I really am looking forward to the Yankees movement in the market. They need to retool, and are probably going to seek out some pitching.

Early reports are that Andy Pettitte will be back. I'm not sure about Mussina, but these are both back of the rotation pitchers now. Moose is coming off what was his best year as a Yankee, but this will be his 19th MLB season, and that is a lot of pitches. Andy, too, was always one pitch away from a career ending injury it seemed.
Not sure what is going to happen with Joba and whether Phil Hughes will return from his injury riddled season. Mo had another great year, but he is not getting any younger. Lot of question marks on a staff that had question marks last year.
CC Sabathia and Dempster are 2 big names that may be available. Giambi will be released, and that means Mark Texiera may be pursued. Posada will be back, but who knows what they will get with him. The 2009 team may take a few weeks to introduce themselves to each other.

Go Yankees

Giants and Jets win

The Giants battled the Steelers finally picking up a 21-14 win. This was a challenge for the G-men against a premiere team. The Steelers managed to shut down the Giants running game, and the highlight was a late first quarter goal line stand, stopping the G-men who were inside the 1. The Giant D was rocking as they picked off Big Ben 4 times. They also sacked him 4 times.
On the other side of the ball, Manning was 19-32, 199 yds. with a TD and 0 int.

The Jets eeked out a 28-24 win over the Chiefs. Favre continued to throw crazy passes into double coverage, and was picked off 3 times. Bret was 28 for 40 with 290 yards and a pair of TDs, but this was against a team that was a huge underdog.

In baseball news, the Phils won in an unbelievable ninth inning to go up 2 games to 1. I'm hoping to see them win, though I really have no dog in this fight.

Go Yankees

Giants win; Stupid Red Sox probably will

The Giants took care of the 49'ers today 29-17, in a game that wasn't as close as the final score. The Niners scored once on a blocked punt, so the G-men's offense really held them to only 10 points.
The Jets are playing the Raiders in the late (4:00) game in the NY area.

And the stupid Sox are playing a game 7 against the Rays tonight.

I can't believe it. I know the stupid Sox beat my Yankees by coming back from a 3-0 deficit a few years ago, but that was a Yankees team that had a staff that was out of gas. Last year's Indians (Boston also came back against them) team just didn't have the depth. But the Rays should have won easily once they wee up 3-1.
They are a better team, they have pitchers who are rested, and the staff was set up for the playoffs.

Stupid Sox.



Go Yankees

What's the deal with throwback Jerseys?

Last year this stupid thing started. The Jets were among the many teams that participated and played in the uniforms of the Titans, which was the original AFL team.



The team developed the nickname "Gang Green" and here they are wearing blue and gold. This is at least the second game this year that they have done this. It was interesting last year, and paid tribute to the NFL. Now, it's apparent that they are just looking to move merchandise.

It's stupid and needs to stop now.

The Giants are playing tomorrow night.

In the playoffs, the Rays lit up Beckett, while the Sox chased Kazmir. What was originally thought to be a pitcher's duel turned out to be a 7 HR slugfest with the Rays winning in extra innings.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers limp back to the West Coast down 2 games to 0. During the regular season, the teams split, and each team won all home games. It has continued through the playoffs.


Go Yankees

Giants Pound the Seahawks

The G-Men came to play today. They still have not allowed a first quarter TD, and the Giant offense is running like a well oiled machine as they put up 44 points against the Seahawks. The defense continues to prove stifling as they held the potent 'Hawks offense to 2 field goals.
The Giants are playing like they are the best team in football, and anyone thinking they just got lucky last year, must be reconsidering that now.
The defending Super Bowl champs are playing like they will do the improbable and repeat.
In the 4th quarter Manning came out of the game to give Carr a few snaps, and Carr drove the team in for a TD.
Manning wound up 19-25 with 267 yds and 2 TDs
Carr 1-1 with 5 yds and a TD
Jacobs rushed for 136 and scored twice
Giants put up at least a TD every quarter.

Looks like Peyton isn't going to be the best QB at the Manning's Thanksgiving dinner table this year

Playoff update

As I sit here and watch the Cubs- Dodgers series, I can only think that Torre and Piniella were both fired from the Yankees.
This confirms what has been said all along by so many--the manager doesn't win or lose the games. No less than the great Earl Weaver admitted that he produced no wins for the O's during his many years as manager.
I remember when Torre first came to the Yankees, he was called Clueless Joe. Then he won 14 straight years including 4 Championships. Suddenly, he became Clueless again?
I contend, and always will until someone can prove otherwise, that if a manager has the horses, he will win. If he doesn't, he won't. I remember the Cubs from a few years ago, maybe the mid 80's. Don Zimmer was the manager, and he did some of the craziest moves, and they worked. Went against the righty lefty thing, and so on. But it seemed whenever he went against the grain, the Cubs came through. And Zimmer was declared a genius. The next year, he did the ame things, and they didn't work, and he was a dope and soon was looking for a job. I'm pulling for the Dodgers just because I'd love to see Joe back in the Series. It will give Hank Steinbrenner (dumb bastage) something to stew about.
In football action, the Giants are back on the field after their bye week. Burress will be sitting as per his suspension as the G-Men take on the Seahawks. The Jets are off, giving Farve a week to rest his ankle.

Go Yankees

J*E*T*S Jets Jets Jets

I'm a total Giants fan, but I have been rooting for the Jets for a few years, too. I mean, if they play each other, it's not even close. My loyalties are with the Big Blue Wrecking Crew.

I just sort of feel sorry for the Jets. They are tenants in Giants Stadium, and they haven't won a Super Bowl since 1969. Haven't even been in one in all that time. They have had a couple good teams in that time, but compared to the Giants who won in '86, '90, and '08...well, you get the point.

Rutgers won on Saturday, which is our local college.

And the Cowboys lost last night, so it's been a good weekend.

Go Yankees