From the AP:
So far, professional baseball’s only righty-lefty reliever has done nothing but improve his chances of eventually becoming the Yankees’ ambidextrous answer out of the bullpen.
Venditte has been lights out the past two seasons at Staten Island and Charleston, converting 36 of 38 save opportunities. This year, he leads the South Atlantic League with 13 saves and has 31 strikeouts—against one walk— in 20 innings for the RiverDogs.
A very nice feature on Venditte. I'd love to see him on the YES Network soon, especially with the Yankees' need for good releivers. Dude has an 0.86 ERA, a 0.81 WHIP and only 1 walk in 21 innings. But I'll wait until he's dominating in Scranton.
The piece also mentions this quirky incident:
--Max Caster
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Steve Stricker Wins Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
A fantastic finish at the Colonial this weekend. Steve Stricker outlasted both Tim Clark and Steve Marino to win a tour event for the first time in two years.
Although good golf story's almost always come from the winning participants, often I find it more fascinating to look at how another player lost it. Especially when a playoff hole or two is involved. We saw this with Kenny Perry and Chad Cambell during Angel Cabrera's triumph at Augusta in April.
To me, today's choke of the week award goes to Tim Clark. Clark holds the not-so-honorable distinction of being the richest player in tour history without a victory to his name. He's an example of a guy who can make a career out of making cuts and finishing in top 10's consistently. There's also a reason why these guys never win.
Clark's back nine and playoff at Colonial is a perfect example of this. With five holes to play, Clark had a two shot lead. He blew it...On the first playoff hole, Clark stood over an easy as pie putt that would have won the tournament. He blew it...On the second and final hole, Clark let loose a perfect approach shot...bad luck, it hit the flag stick and bounced back like a javelin jumper. What came half an inch away from a sure fire tournament winning eagle from the rough, turned into a missed 20 foot birdie putt and a win for Steve Stricker.
As for Steve Marino, he seemed too nervous to win the playoff. On the second playoff hole, Marino backed away from the tee about a thousand times because he couldn't settle down. I never got that Marino had the moxie needed to win a playoff on the PGA tour. This tournament was clearly about Stricker and Clark.
Next stop on the tour- Dublin, Ohio for the Memorial Tournament next weekend. This one is intriguing because its the "Jack Nicklaus tournament". It's played at a Jack Nicklaus course in Jack's home town. The field is pretty good too. It includes last years champ, Kenny Perry, this week's champ, Steve Stricker, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, David Duval, Rocco Mediate, and some guy named Tiger.
- Jordan Lauterbach
photo: golf.com
Video: Barkley's Foul Language
This is from last night's TNT broadcast of Game 6 between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland LeBrons:
Haha. I didn't know you could say that on TV.
Reggie's face and audible gasp are priceless.
--Max Caster
Haha. I didn't know you could say that on TV.
Reggie's face and audible gasp are priceless.
--Max Caster
Diehl: Receiver not an Issue
From DaveDiehl66.com:The fans and media worry a lot about our wide receivers, and it is tough to lose a player like Plaxico Burress, of course. But we’ve got guys who are hungry and are excited about getting the opportunity to play.
Bringing in Hakeem Nicks as a first-round pick is exciting, he’s a tremendous guy and tremendous athlete. We have the same agent so I know that he’s already found a place to live so he can stay here all summer and catch passes and run routes with Eli. It’s awesome to see a guy with the intensity and dedication. He can make a splash right away.
Steve Smith is a player who has made big plays for us and we just got a glimpse of what Dominic Hixon can do last year, he’s just coming into his own and should get a lot more playing time. Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham are also players look to get into the mix. And even though he is a tight end, I see Kevin Boss playing a big role in our offense this year. Best thing about all of these guys is that they are still young and have tons of potential.
Diehl is right about a few things here. All of the players he listed are indeed young and have potential. Steve Smith is a beast. Hixon should and probably will get more burn. Nicks is a freak. But hunger doesn't necessarily make a player perform like Plaxico Burress. The team lost one of their greatest weapons, and until we get to see the replacements in a real game, it still has to be presumed that these guys won't be as valuable.
He's saying the right things in terms of political correctness, but the fact still remains that the Giants are still unsure at wide out.
Also, he failed to mention Ramses Barden. What the hell!!?? If there's a guy to replace Plax, it's Barden.
--Max Caster
Phil Jackson on the Money
At today's practice session, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said "It's to your advantage not to double (Dwight Howard)."I guess he watched at least one game of the Eastern Conference finals, because that assertion is blatantly obvious. When the Cleveland defense moved towards Howard, the structure of it collapsed, leaving one of the four Orlando shooters open. Along with nobody supporting LeBron James offensively, that was what killed the Cleveland LeBrons.
Not only does Phil Jackson understand that Dwight Howard can't be contained, he realizes that he doesn't have a player to match up with him. Pau Gasol has been great defensively but is too small to body Howard. Lamar Odom had 4 blocks in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals but can disappear with the snap of a finger. And Andrew Bynum...
Instead, it seems as if Jackson is focusing more on the shooters and rightfully so. He has the personnel to guard them. However, he will probably have to pull Bynum out of the starting lineup to acclimate to Orlando's 4-guard offense.
It looks like the Lakers are on the right track.
It's going to be a GREAT NBA Finals!
Here's some videos of Jackson, Pau Gasol & Shannon Brown talking about the upcoming finals.
--Max Caster
You Can Have Tiger...I'm taking Kim Jong Il
On top of being a ruthless, dictorial maniac, looks like Kim Jong Il is also the worlds greatest golfer....
Hilarious stuff from Phil Mushnick in todays New York Post-
It was in 2003 that North Korea's state-controlled news agency reported that Kim had played his first round of golf, finishing the 18 holes at 38 under par, which stands to reason given the 11 holes-in-one he made. Not bad for a beginner.
The same news organization reported that "Dear Leader" typically has several holes-in-one every round he plays. Yeah, well he's streaky that way.
North Korea at the time had only one course, a par-72 that played very long, 7,700 yards. So Kim, then 61, on that first day he played, routinely aced a few par fours and perhaps even a par five, to finish with a 38-under 34, or roughly 30 strokes better than the best pros on their best day.
But the most preposterous part of it all was an exceptionally polite, benefit-of-the-doubt World Tribune report of Kim's golfing acumen. It referred to him as "easily the greatest golfer the world has ever seen," adding, "if the official government media is to be believed.
...Now back to watching a pretty good final in the Colonial....
- Jordan Lauterbach
Hilarious stuff from Phil Mushnick in todays New York Post-
It was in 2003 that North Korea's state-controlled news agency reported that Kim had played his first round of golf, finishing the 18 holes at 38 under par, which stands to reason given the 11 holes-in-one he made. Not bad for a beginner.
The same news organization reported that "Dear Leader" typically has several holes-in-one every round he plays. Yeah, well he's streaky that way.
North Korea at the time had only one course, a par-72 that played very long, 7,700 yards. So Kim, then 61, on that first day he played, routinely aced a few par fours and perhaps even a par five, to finish with a 38-under 34, or roughly 30 strokes better than the best pros on their best day.
But the most preposterous part of it all was an exceptionally polite, benefit-of-the-doubt World Tribune report of Kim's golfing acumen. It referred to him as "easily the greatest golfer the world has ever seen," adding, "if the official government media is to be believed.
...Now back to watching a pretty good final in the Colonial....
- Jordan Lauterbach
Interesting NBA Rumblings...
In today's NY Post, Peter Vescey wrote a very interesting column discussing Pau Gasol and the success of the Lakers. He also dove into some quick NBA rumors and updates concerning free agency and the NBA Draft.- Carlos Boozer is telling "confidants" that he will end up in either Detroit or New Jersey next season. I always felt Detroit made sense, especially when they are going to shed cap by letting Iverson walk with his expiring contract but New Jersey also seems very intriguing. Boozer in a lineup with Devin Harris, Vince Carter, and Brook Lopez is extremely promising. Not to mention, CDR coming off the bench. For his career, Boozer averages 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Nets have not had a dominant post-player in years. I wonder what Max Caster thinks about this.
- Eat your heart out Nick Malone, Peter Vescey believes the Hornets are almost a guarantee to sell their number one pick (21st overall) in next month's draft. Don't expect the Hornets to be the only team to do such a thing, as the Knicks tried to buy the Grizzlies 27th pick and Darko Milicic for $3 million just a few days ago.
- Vescey also reports that Davidson guard Stephen Curry put on an "unreal" shooting performance for teams at the combine. Much to the contrary, he actually grew an inch from what he was originally measured in college. Teams know Curry can shoot so I do not know how much it helps his stock, it just doesn't hurt it. He's going to have to prove that he can handle NBA point guard duties.
- The Knicks have scheduled workouts with UCLA's Jrue Holliday and USC's Demar DeRozan. I like Holliday as a fit more because if the Knicks are truly invested in Wilson Chandler and Gallo, DeRozan is only going to take away minutes. Holliday can be a floor general and is committed to defense, much like Russell Westbrook is for the Thunder.
- The Raptors might deal Chris Bosh in the off-season in an attempt to get value for him now, rather than losing him in free agency in 2010. The Bulls are rumored to be interested but Luol Deng would have to be part of the package. Detroit could also land Bosh if the Pistons sign and trade for Boozer and Boozer ends across the border.
-Matt Soldano
Poll Results: The Long Arm of the Law
Which point guard is the best fit for the Knicks at the 8th overall pick?
Ty Lawson (UNC)................... 15 votes
Stephen Curry (Davidson)..... 4 votes
Brandon Jennings (Italy)....... 4 votes
Johnny Flynn (Syracuse)........... 4 votes
Jeff Teague (Wake Forest).... 0 votes
Lawson would be optimal for the Knicks. He can run the floor as well as any point guard in the NBA. His stat line from his last year at North Carolina is staggering. 16.6 ppg, 53.2% from the field, 47.2% from behind the arc, 6.6 ast, and 3 rebounds.
With all this news about Hasheem Thabeet and Stephen Curry, it is shaping up to be another questionable Knicks draft. Although, the last time I questioned New York's decision, it turned out extremely good...
New poll question: Who will win the NBA Finals?
--Max Caster
Walsh: Knicks Would Move Up For Thabeet
Well this is an idea I talked about in late April on Off the Glass. We had Newsday's Alan Hahn to discuss the Knicks draft and I brought up how smart the Knicks would be to draft Hasheem Thabeet in next month's NBA Draft. Well now, even the Knicks brass is listening to me. According to Marc Berman of the NY Post, Donnie Walsh has his eyes set on Thabeet and would look closely at the idea of trading up for him.
"Walsh interviewed Thabeet the Chicago NBA Draft combine Wednesday and is the only prospect he views worthy enough to give up a decent asset to move up from No. 8 in the draft. The Knicks were last in shotblocking the past two seasons."
I think selecting Hasheem Thabeet is a pick that will obviously provide evidence that Coach D'Antoni is beginning to switch the way he operates things. Obviously, the Knicks can pick a dynamic scorer in Steph Curry who can shoot the lights out but there are questions about his game outside of that. Thabeet's offensive game will grow, and it will take time, but to put a 7 foot 3 inch monster on the floor game in and game out will automatically improve your defense. Also, with Thabeet in the middle, David Lee can move back to his natural position at the power forward. With that being said, I believe Thabeet is going to end up in Memphis at #2 and as low as #3 to the Thunder so the Knicks are definitely going to have to come up with some sort of package that compensate for such a large leap.
-Matt Soldano
Serena: She Cheated!
There was a bit of controversy during a round 3 match in the French Open between Serena Williams and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez. The AP gives the account:
At 2-2 in the first set, Williams double-faulted to give a break point to Martinez Sanchez, a Spaniard who is ranked 43rd and never has reached the fourth round at a major. On the next point, Martinez Sanchez raced to the net behind a drop shot that brought Williams forward, too. Williams ran up and smacked a backhand right at Martinez Sanchez.
In what seemed to be an effort to protect herself, as much as to try to hit a volley, the left-handed Martinez Sanchez raised her racket, quick as could be. The ball ricocheted back—off her racket? off her arm? off both?—and past Williams. The point was awarded to Martinez Sanchez, giving her the game.
NBC, which televised the match, showed The Associated Press replays in which the ball appears to glance first off Martinez Sanchez’s right forearm, then off her racket, before going over the net. Tennis rules say if a ball touches a player, the point is lost.
The ball clearly hit off Martinez Sanchez. Although the ball hit her, she didn't admit it to the judge and took the point.
Fessing up to something that'll make you lose a point sounds crazy to me. Martinez Sanchez is the 43rd ranked player in the world and she is facing the 2nd ranked and an all-time great. I'm taking the points any way I can. Being 100% honest is not my number 1 concern when I'm trying to win a sports match.
That's why I can respect NBA players who can get away with illegal plays on defense, i.e. Malik Rose's chair pull with a player backing him down. Countless times, Rose would brace an offensive player, then step aside while tugging their shorts; causing them to travel. Brilliant! Or Bruce Bowen's never ending array of potentially dirty plays.
The point is that a player has the right to try almost anything to gain an advantage, as long as it is within the time of play.
I was watching the match with my Dad yesterday and he had the completely opposite reaction than I had. My Dad was an excellent amateur tennis player -- the trophies litter the house -- and he cited an unspoken code of ethics on the court. He wanted Martinez Sanchez to relinquish the point. He added that the instance can't be accurately related to team sports, because tennis is, of course, individual.
I get his argument, but I just can't see why anyone would give up a point against any opponent, let alone one of the best ever. I told my Dad that if I ever got a point on Rafael Nadal, no matter how I got it, I would put it on my résumé.
Either way, Serena ended up winning the match, but not after a tight end to the 3rd set.
--My reaction to Nadal losing in the 4th round of the French: "Holy crap..."
--Max Caster
At 2-2 in the first set, Williams double-faulted to give a break point to Martinez Sanchez, a Spaniard who is ranked 43rd and never has reached the fourth round at a major. On the next point, Martinez Sanchez raced to the net behind a drop shot that brought Williams forward, too. Williams ran up and smacked a backhand right at Martinez Sanchez.
In what seemed to be an effort to protect herself, as much as to try to hit a volley, the left-handed Martinez Sanchez raised her racket, quick as could be. The ball ricocheted back—off her racket? off her arm? off both?—and past Williams. The point was awarded to Martinez Sanchez, giving her the game.
NBC, which televised the match, showed The Associated Press replays in which the ball appears to glance first off Martinez Sanchez’s right forearm, then off her racket, before going over the net. Tennis rules say if a ball touches a player, the point is lost.
The ball clearly hit off Martinez Sanchez. Although the ball hit her, she didn't admit it to the judge and took the point.
Fessing up to something that'll make you lose a point sounds crazy to me. Martinez Sanchez is the 43rd ranked player in the world and she is facing the 2nd ranked and an all-time great. I'm taking the points any way I can. Being 100% honest is not my number 1 concern when I'm trying to win a sports match.
That's why I can respect NBA players who can get away with illegal plays on defense, i.e. Malik Rose's chair pull with a player backing him down. Countless times, Rose would brace an offensive player, then step aside while tugging their shorts; causing them to travel. Brilliant! Or Bruce Bowen's never ending array of potentially dirty plays.
The point is that a player has the right to try almost anything to gain an advantage, as long as it is within the time of play.
I was watching the match with my Dad yesterday and he had the completely opposite reaction than I had. My Dad was an excellent amateur tennis player -- the trophies litter the house -- and he cited an unspoken code of ethics on the court. He wanted Martinez Sanchez to relinquish the point. He added that the instance can't be accurately related to team sports, because tennis is, of course, individual.
I get his argument, but I just can't see why anyone would give up a point against any opponent, let alone one of the best ever. I told my Dad that if I ever got a point on Rafael Nadal, no matter how I got it, I would put it on my résumé.
Either way, Serena ended up winning the match, but not after a tight end to the 3rd set.
--My reaction to Nadal losing in the 4th round of the French: "Holy crap..."
--Max Caster
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A Word on Yesterdays Met Lineup
If you were at Citi Field yesterday (as I was), you got to see a piece of history. No, it wasn't a perfect game, or a 500th home run, or a 300th win. It was the worst Met starting lineup since, at the very least, 2005 . That's not an understatement either. In case you forgot, or blocked it out, here it is:
1. Pagan, lf
2. F. Martinez, rf
3. Beltran, cf
4. Tatis, 3b
5. Murphy, 1b
6. R. Martinez, 2b
7. Schneider, c
8. Valdez, ss
9. Redding, rhp
Wow. That's terrible.
I'm normally not a big line up guy. I don't look at the order on a day to day basis and analyze it all too much. I've always subscribed to the theory that good hitters will hit, regardless of if they are leading off or bringing up the rear. I know this goes against saber metrics, so feel free to shoot me in the face the next time we meet. In general, I find the over analysis of lineups to be missing the point. The game is about who's in the game and who's not, not about whether they are hitting 4th, 5th or 6th.
Yesterday's lineup issues have nothing to do with order. It has everything to do with the decision to sit two of the three best healthy players on the team on the same day. I question why Gary Sheffield and David Wright had to sit during the same game. This is a team that has encountered a wealth of injuries over the last three weeks. Despite the negatives of the last two seasons, health was, for the most part, a relative constant. Now that the injury bug has hit flushing, I'm not sure the Mets are handling it as well as they should be. Besides being completely unprepared for long term injuries by starters at almost every position (that's a topic for another post), lineups like yesterday's make it seam like the team doesn't know how to play short handed.
I'm all for giving guys time off. But again, why two on the same day? Is it because Josh Johnson was on the hill? Johnson is a guy who the Mets have never been able to figure out. It's usually a theory I would yell and scream about on "The Edge", but didn't yesterday reek of a "give away game?" The logic behind the give away game doesn't make any sense to me anyway. If your facing a pitcher who has always given you trouble, why wouldn't you want to arm yourself with the best arsenal possible. Especially if your playing shorthanded to begin with.
Make no mistake, my issue with the lineup is not that guys got time off. I'm all for that. It's the fact that the Mets put themselves at a decided disadvantage before the game even started.Gary Sheffield is forty years old and will need more than a few days off as we get further into the summer. He may have been winded after an exciting 11th inning on the base paths on Friday night. You could make a convincing argument that Sheff is the MVP of May. He's carried the team in the last two weeks. What's most encouraging about him is that he's hitting bullet line drives. That's how you know that a player is locked in. David Wright has had about 3 off days in his entire career (and I'm not really exaggerating). He's also hitting .335 with 30 rbi's. Not exactly in need of a "mental health day". I think its a great idea to give Wright a day off here and there, but if Sheff couldn't go, why couldn't' Wright sit today? or Friday night?
It just doesn't make any sense....
Other notes:
* Prediction: Omir Santos is the starting catcher by August 1. Not because he's going to continue this hot streak he's been on, but because he'll beat Schneider out fair and square. I think everyone in my section yesterday had the same thought about Schneider. Nobody really missed him.
* Have no fear: according to David Lennon, Carlos Beltran left yesterdays game because of a virus. I don't know if he'll play this afternoon, but at least its not the knees again.
*I wonder what will happen with Tim Redding. This is the second consecutive start that he's been categorically terrible. With Oliver Perez no where near the big club yet, (Lennon reported that Ollie is headed back to Port St. Lucie for another MRI) will it be time for Nelson Figeroa round two? I say yes. I don't think the Mets want to keep John Niese on a trampoline between the majors and the farm. The general consensus is that too much movement between levels is bad for the development of a pitcher. The certainly can't keep sending Redding out their. I think its time for everyones favorite spot starter...Figgy!
* Next time you go to Citi Field- get a hamburger....delicious.
- Jordan Lauterbach
1. Pagan, lf
2. F. Martinez, rf
3. Beltran, cf
4. Tatis, 3b
5. Murphy, 1b
6. R. Martinez, 2b
7. Schneider, c
8. Valdez, ss
9. Redding, rhp
Wow. That's terrible.
I'm normally not a big line up guy. I don't look at the order on a day to day basis and analyze it all too much. I've always subscribed to the theory that good hitters will hit, regardless of if they are leading off or bringing up the rear. I know this goes against saber metrics, so feel free to shoot me in the face the next time we meet. In general, I find the over analysis of lineups to be missing the point. The game is about who's in the game and who's not, not about whether they are hitting 4th, 5th or 6th.
Yesterday's lineup issues have nothing to do with order. It has everything to do with the decision to sit two of the three best healthy players on the team on the same day. I question why Gary Sheffield and David Wright had to sit during the same game. This is a team that has encountered a wealth of injuries over the last three weeks. Despite the negatives of the last two seasons, health was, for the most part, a relative constant. Now that the injury bug has hit flushing, I'm not sure the Mets are handling it as well as they should be. Besides being completely unprepared for long term injuries by starters at almost every position (that's a topic for another post), lineups like yesterday's make it seam like the team doesn't know how to play short handed.
I'm all for giving guys time off. But again, why two on the same day? Is it because Josh Johnson was on the hill? Johnson is a guy who the Mets have never been able to figure out. It's usually a theory I would yell and scream about on "The Edge", but didn't yesterday reek of a "give away game?" The logic behind the give away game doesn't make any sense to me anyway. If your facing a pitcher who has always given you trouble, why wouldn't you want to arm yourself with the best arsenal possible. Especially if your playing shorthanded to begin with.
Make no mistake, my issue with the lineup is not that guys got time off. I'm all for that. It's the fact that the Mets put themselves at a decided disadvantage before the game even started.Gary Sheffield is forty years old and will need more than a few days off as we get further into the summer. He may have been winded after an exciting 11th inning on the base paths on Friday night. You could make a convincing argument that Sheff is the MVP of May. He's carried the team in the last two weeks. What's most encouraging about him is that he's hitting bullet line drives. That's how you know that a player is locked in. David Wright has had about 3 off days in his entire career (and I'm not really exaggerating). He's also hitting .335 with 30 rbi's. Not exactly in need of a "mental health day". I think its a great idea to give Wright a day off here and there, but if Sheff couldn't go, why couldn't' Wright sit today? or Friday night?
It just doesn't make any sense....
Other notes:
* Prediction: Omir Santos is the starting catcher by August 1. Not because he's going to continue this hot streak he's been on, but because he'll beat Schneider out fair and square. I think everyone in my section yesterday had the same thought about Schneider. Nobody really missed him.
* Have no fear: according to David Lennon, Carlos Beltran left yesterdays game because of a virus. I don't know if he'll play this afternoon, but at least its not the knees again.
*I wonder what will happen with Tim Redding. This is the second consecutive start that he's been categorically terrible. With Oliver Perez no where near the big club yet, (Lennon reported that Ollie is headed back to Port St. Lucie for another MRI) will it be time for Nelson Figeroa round two? I say yes. I don't think the Mets want to keep John Niese on a trampoline between the majors and the farm. The general consensus is that too much movement between levels is bad for the development of a pitcher. The certainly can't keep sending Redding out their. I think its time for everyones favorite spot starter...Figgy!
* Next time you go to Citi Field- get a hamburger....delicious.
- Jordan Lauterbach
New Puppet Commercials
Have these commercials taken a turn for the worse? At least the second one makes me hungry for an empanada. Unfortunately, I don't know where I could get one.
While I'm a big Dwight Howard fan, I would love to see LeBron bring the Cavs to the finals. Game 6 is going to be watch oh so closely tonight.
--Max Caster
Good Luck Today, Mets Fans!
You're going to need it.
1. Pagan, lf
2. F. Martinez, rf
3. Beltran, cf
4. Tatis, 3b
5. Murphy, 1b
6. R. Martinez, 2b
7. Schneider, c
8. Valdez, ss
9. Redding, rhp
--Max Caster
1. Pagan, lf
2. F. Martinez, rf
3. Beltran, cf
4. Tatis, 3b
5. Murphy, 1b
6. R. Martinez, 2b
7. Schneider, c
8. Valdez, ss
9. Redding, rhp
--Max Caster
Revis Ranked 6th Best CB
The Sporting News put together a list of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. With no surprise, Anthony DeFranco's boy(friend) Nnamdi Asomugha was atop the list. Second was shocking. In fact, numbers 3-5 were just as egregious, because Jets Cornerback Darelle Revis did not appear until 6th.The names ahead of him? Cortland Finnegan, Champ Bailey, Asante Samuel and Nate Clements. All good corners. All not better than Revis.
The term shutdown corner is used widely when discussing defensive backs. But only few actually merit that distinction. Few can actually prevent plays to a side of the field every single down. Asomugha is one. Revis is another. There's really nobody else who warrants as much respect as those two.
--Max Caster
Vindication for Kobe Hinges on Championship
As predicted by yours truly, the Los Angeles Lakers took care of business in Denver and defeated the Nuggets 119-92 in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals to earn a trip to the NBA Finals. Just a quick recap of the individual statistics in tonight's game. The star of the night was Kobe who scored 35 points grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 10 assists all while turning the ball over once. Pau Gasol chipped in with 20 points and 12 rebounds while Trevor Ariza poured in 17. The Lakers bench answered the call scoring 40 points with Lamar Odom scoring half of those. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups shot a combined 8 of 24 from the field for 35 points.For the first time in this entire playoffs, the Lakers showed the type of intensity and commitment to defense in consecutive games that championship caliber teams must play with. Now, it is time for this team to carry it over for one more series in order to achieve the ultimate goal: winning a championship.
Watching the post-game press-conference when the Lakers were presented with the Western Conference Finals trophy, there was a joyous feel to the team but at the same time, a level of dissatisfaction and the hunger to accomplish more. When I look at this Lakers team, I see a team with the talent to win it all but at the same time the ability to loosen up and become unfocused.
Maybe something changed over the past 72 hours. Maybe I am wrong. But there is one thing that you can put in the bank. The only vindication that Kobe Bryant can achieve is by winning a championship. This is Kobe's sixth NBA Finals Appearance and he has already won three. The famous argument, "Let's see if he can win without Shaq" can be put to rest over the next few weeks. Despite that Kobe is surrounded with talent in Gasol, Odom, and Ariza, he has not received that kind of help from them throughout the playoffs.
It certainly is not comparable to the way Lebron James has been thanked by his teammates but Kobe is the sole reason why the Lakers won against Denver. Lebron's sick performance throughout this year's playoffs have overshadowed just how dominant Kobe was throughout this latest playoff series. Bryant's offense, passing ability, defense, coaching on the court, and veteran savvy have proved to be the difference throughout the post-season.
I would not say that this is the best team Kobe has been on throughout his career but it certainly is over the past five years or so. With the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Boston Celtics appearing to remain dominant in the East and with the Western Conference being so talented from one to eight, the chance of becoming a dynasty and the window of opportunity for any team is closing rapidly. The Lakers, in my opinion, understand the task at hand and I believe will show up to play night in and night out no matter who they play.
Kobe Bryant is a top ten player in NBA history right now. Winning a fourth ring will only strengthen the resume and put any talks of no longer being able to lead a team to a championship to bed. It is all up to him now and there are no more excuses.
-Matt Soldano
Friday, May 29, 2009
Update: Mets Trade Ramon Castro to White Sox
To update Caster's blog, the New York Mets have traded Ramon Castro to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Lance Broadway. After tonight's heroics by Omir Santos, the organization just could not option him down with Brian Schneider set to be activated tomorrow.
You can read the article from the Star Ledger here.
So who is Lance Broadway? Well here's a picture...
-Matt Soldano
Mets Looking to Trade Castro
From the NY Daily News:
The Mets front office is working the phones Friday evening trying to deal backup catcher Ramon Castro before Saturday afternoon's game against the Marlins at Citi Field. With starting catcher Brian Schneider back in the clubhouse and ready to be activated from the disabled list before the game, and Omir Santos having played his way into the favor of manager Jerry Manuel, the Mets are believed to have engaged the Mariners about the 33-year-old Castro.
Clearly the Mets need to move one of the catchers not named 'Omir'. Clearly Schneider is the lesser of the two, but how much will the team get in return? Castro will bring in more resources for the Mets. It's disputable, because moving either makes sense.
--Max Caster
The Mets front office is working the phones Friday evening trying to deal backup catcher Ramon Castro before Saturday afternoon's game against the Marlins at Citi Field. With starting catcher Brian Schneider back in the clubhouse and ready to be activated from the disabled list before the game, and Omir Santos having played his way into the favor of manager Jerry Manuel, the Mets are believed to have engaged the Mariners about the 33-year-old Castro.
Clearly the Mets need to move one of the catchers not named 'Omir'. Clearly Schneider is the lesser of the two, but how much will the team get in return? Castro will bring in more resources for the Mets. It's disputable, because moving either makes sense.
--Max Caster
Posada Back, Cash Optioned
From The Newark Star-Ledger:
...Jorge Posada's back in the lineup, and says he's feeling strong after missing time with his hamstring injury. He said the time away also helped his surgically-repaired shoulder.
"I'm doing well," Posada said.
Catcher Kevin Cash was optioned out.
The lineup:
1. Jeter, SS
2. Damon, LF
3. Teixeira, 1B
4. Rodriguez, 3B
5. Cano, 2B
6. Posada, C
7. Matsui, DH
8. Swisher, RF
9. Gardner, CF
Moving Cash was the right thing to do. Although he had a very good series in Texas, Francisco Cervelli has been better. The Yankees risk losing Cash by designating him for assignment. I wouldn't be surprised if some team scoops up the veteran.
I have some concerns about Posada behind the dish as soon as he comes back. Playing catcher puts a lot of strain on the legs and could reaggrevate his injury. I would have had him DH today. But we'll see how he does.
In other catcher news, this from the Star-Ledger as well:
Also, Brian Schneider is at Citi Field, done with his rehab. No word on what the Mets intend to do with their catchers.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's there to pick up his pink slip...
--Max Caster
...Jorge Posada's back in the lineup, and says he's feeling strong after missing time with his hamstring injury. He said the time away also helped his surgically-repaired shoulder.
"I'm doing well," Posada said.
Catcher Kevin Cash was optioned out.
The lineup:
1. Jeter, SS
2. Damon, LF
3. Teixeira, 1B
4. Rodriguez, 3B
5. Cano, 2B
6. Posada, C
7. Matsui, DH
8. Swisher, RF
9. Gardner, CF
Moving Cash was the right thing to do. Although he had a very good series in Texas, Francisco Cervelli has been better. The Yankees risk losing Cash by designating him for assignment. I wouldn't be surprised if some team scoops up the veteran.
I have some concerns about Posada behind the dish as soon as he comes back. Playing catcher puts a lot of strain on the legs and could reaggrevate his injury. I would have had him DH today. But we'll see how he does.
In other catcher news, this from the Star-Ledger as well:
Also, Brian Schneider is at Citi Field, done with his rehab. No word on what the Mets intend to do with their catchers.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's there to pick up his pink slip...
--Max Caster
Gwaltney Not Done with Football
From Steven Marcus of Newsday:Gwaltney graduated from North Babylon in 2005 and has played less than two full seasons at West Virginia and Post. Only 22, he still has two years of college eligibility remaining.
"I'm closer to my dream than I've ever been before," he said about one day playing professionally. He said he is looking to play at the Division III level, where he could be eligible in the fall.
As one of the broadcasters for CW Post Football, I have to admit that I wish Jason Gwaltney was still at Post. On a team where there were way too many inconsistencies, Gwaltney was a bright spot in that offense. In every game he played, I think it was safe to say that he was the most dominant player on that field.
Gwaltney played in only 6 of the 11 regular season games for the Pioneers. Regardless, he still led the team in all rushing categories with 729 yards and 10 touchdowns on 128 carries (5.5 yds/carry).
Now, the fact that he's gone may not mean the CW Post Pioneers will be a terrible team. One thing we were able to say several times last year is that the team had a great amount of talent -- even when Gwaltney was out. However, the team did lose several seniors. It'll be interesting to see how this team performs come August 29 at home against American International. Of course, you can hear that game on WCWP Sports.
Check out the link to the article. It's a pretty good interview from Gwaltney's perspective on his time at CW Post.
Photo: CWPostPioneers.com
--Max Caster
NFL Rookies Flash Dance Moves
Ramses Barden won. Hands down.
The worst...
Yep! Son... I am disappoint.
--Max Caster
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hansbrough Compares Himself To David Lee
Well I am interested to hear what Max Caster has to say about this...Earlier today at the NBA Draft Combine, North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough had this to say concerning the Knicks' David Lee...
"That's who I compare myself to, a rebounder, an energy player, a Missouri guy."
Tyler I am not sure David Lee is the right guy to compare yourself to. While I am one of the few people who believe you will have a long career in the NBA, David Lee is a perennial All-Star who led the league in double-doubles. Yes both guys have work ethics that can be set as examples to the rest of the team, but after that, I do not see much. Lee has more of an offensive game and a better rebounder. Hansbrough will set a tone coming off the bench playing 15 minutes a game but nonetheless play productively. Hansbrough later went on to say...
"I'll go higher than (30). David's proven he's a lot better than a 30th pick. He was a beast in high school."
I have Hansbrough going #27 in my Mock Draft 2.0 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Who knows though, maybe I'm wrong and Tyler will earn his merits to pose next to hot woman in deodorant ads.
-Matt Soldano
And yes, I did choose the picture of Hansbrough's pathetic dance after sinking a game winner last year in the ACC tournament on purpose.
Trainer Sold Steroids to Nationals, Capitals
From the NY Daily News:
Police in Lakeland, Florida, are holding former bodybuilder and personal trainer Richard Thomas in custody after Thomas allegedly admitted to importing and selling a large amount of anabolic steroids, including to players on the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals.
I heard about this yesterday and I haven't heard much else. The story is regarding the hot button, headline dominating topic of steroids in sports. But there hasn't been a lot of coverage on it. The story seems like a big deal. Steroids were allegedly sold to one of Hockey's best teams.
Now don't me wrong. The non-coverage of a steroid story is a breath of fresh air. But it's a big surprise that there isn't much speculation when there are a couple of big dogs to go after on both the Capitals and Nationals.
--Max Caster
Police in Lakeland, Florida, are holding former bodybuilder and personal trainer Richard Thomas in custody after Thomas allegedly admitted to importing and selling a large amount of anabolic steroids, including to players on the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals.
I heard about this yesterday and I haven't heard much else. The story is regarding the hot button, headline dominating topic of steroids in sports. But there hasn't been a lot of coverage on it. The story seems like a big deal. Steroids were allegedly sold to one of Hockey's best teams.
Now don't me wrong. The non-coverage of a steroid story is a breath of fresh air. But it's a big surprise that there isn't much speculation when there are a couple of big dogs to go after on both the Capitals and Nationals.
--Max Caster
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Source of Bruney's Injury Revealed
From the Newark Star-Ledger:
In recent weeks, Yankees set-up man Brian Bruney and outfielder Brett Gardner have taken to battling each other in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game. The winner gets to keep in his locker for the day a small figurine of the greatest golfer in the world.
On Tuesday, Bruney, who is in possession of the trophy, added another twist. Sitting at a clubhouse table, Bruney used glossy red model paint to give the mini version of Tiger Woods his trademark Sunday Red golf shirt.
And for days when Gardner wins, Woods' shirt will be painted green, appropriate for the guy who has four green jackets hanging his closet.
So the truth comes out. Brian Bruney's elbow is hurt because he stays up all night painting a freaking Tiger Woods action figure!
You're a major league pitcher, Bruney. I know you guys need downtime, but could you find a better hobbie than painting action figures? I can't hate on the video games, because I play Tiger Woods on PS2. But the strange combination of a grown man painting toys and playing games reminds me of something...
In recent weeks, Yankees set-up man Brian Bruney and outfielder Brett Gardner have taken to battling each other in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game. The winner gets to keep in his locker for the day a small figurine of the greatest golfer in the world.
On Tuesday, Bruney, who is in possession of the trophy, added another twist. Sitting at a clubhouse table, Bruney used glossy red model paint to give the mini version of Tiger Woods his trademark Sunday Red golf shirt.
And for days when Gardner wins, Woods' shirt will be painted green, appropriate for the guy who has four green jackets hanging his closet.
So the truth comes out. Brian Bruney's elbow is hurt because he stays up all night painting a freaking Tiger Woods action figure!
You're a major league pitcher, Bruney. I know you guys need downtime, but could you find a better hobbie than painting action figures? I can't hate on the video games, because I play Tiger Woods on PS2. But the strange combination of a grown man painting toys and playing games reminds me of something...
Yeah.... I went there.
--Max Caster
Plax Wants to be in AFC East -- Not New York
From the Miami Herald:
Former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, who has a residence in Miami, has told people he would love to join the Dolphins if his legal problems are resolved. The Jets and Buccaneers are reportedly interested. Burress will appear in court next month and faces the possibility of a 3 ½ year sentence for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
He'd fit in Miami. Too bad he's going to jail though.
--Max Caster
Former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, who has a residence in Miami, has told people he would love to join the Dolphins if his legal problems are resolved. The Jets and Buccaneers are reportedly interested. Burress will appear in court next month and faces the possibility of a 3 ½ year sentence for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
He'd fit in Miami. Too bad he's going to jail though.
--Max Caster
LA Needs Ariza to Win
Trevor Ariza has been a solid role player all season for the Lakers. On a team with so many proficient scorers, Ariza has found his niche. In the shadow of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, he has made himself into the energy guy – a player that can spark a scoring run, be another body in the paint, and make hustle plays on both offense and defense. Ariza had done that sufficiently throughout the regular season, but raised every aspect of his game in the playoffs.He played all 82 games this season, becoming a piece of the Lakers’ periphery. But in 16 playoff games in 2009, Ariza has come alive. He’s raised his scoring average to 11 points a game and saved the team in Game 1 and Game 3 of the Western Conference finals with steals off inbounds passes late in each game. As long as he is active, in any way, the Lakers’ chance of winning against the Denver Nuggets is increased significantly.
Ariza was everywhere in the first 3 games of the Western Conference finals. In Game 2, he almost matched his playoff high with 20 points, but did reach his steals high with 4. He followed that up with 16 points in Game 3. But if Ariza’s production falls off, it would ultimately doom Los Angeles in this series.
Ariza's game-saving steals from Game 1 and Game 3.
Case in point: Game 4.
In Game 4 on Monday night, Ariza was nowhere to be seen. He picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and shot 0-2 from the field; both shots coming from behind the arc. The fouls and long-range shots were clear compensations for diminished athleticism. Ariza took a couple of hard fouls earlier in the series, giving him a sore hip to deal with. He left Game 3 but returned to the floor.
He was on the court for only 11 minutes in the first half, and made little to no improvement in 15 second half minutes. The injury rendered him useless and totally ineffective. His poor play caused the Lakers to lose decisively to Denver, 120-101.
Ariza is the only role player who has played above expectations and made a positive impact. Lamar Odom has become a great liability. It seems that every dumb foul, infraction or turnover stems from a mistake by Odom. He's averaging 11 points and over 9 rebounds in the postseason. But in the Conference finals, his numbers have declined. Only 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds a game against Denver. He also has 6 turnovers in the series -- three of them coming in Game 4.
Andrew Bynum is a waste of space for the majority of the time he’s on the floor. Despite his great size, Bynum disappears in the paint. His inability to even get close range shots is eerie. The knee surgery is not a valid argument to use in defense of Bynum. While he may still be suffering from the ill effects of that operation, he shouldn’t have such a difficult time being a 4th, even 5th, scoring option. He’s the biggest person on the floor, but he plays smaller than he actually is.
His defense is no better. Whenever he is on the court without Pau Gasol, Los Angeles’ interior defense is decayed.
Derek Fisher and Sasha Vujacic have not gotten their shots to fall this series. Fisher, a starter, has only connecte
d on 10 field goals in the four games against Denver. Vujacic, who has not played a full game’s worth of minutes in the series, has made 4; all of them being 3 point shots.Luke Walton has been nonexistent; Shannon Brown has not been able to get going; and Jordan Farmar has been vastly underused in Fisher’s struggles. Farmar, the 2nd year point guard out of UCLA, has averaged about 11 minutes a contest in the Denver series.
Every single role player has not performed in a noticeably constructive manner in the Western Conference finals. Everyone except for Trevor Ariza. He has been the only one showing grit, intensity and efficiency. He’s played his role as the energy guy, and much more, filling the gaps left by so many others in the Lakers’ periphery. Without him, there is a considerable lack of toughness on the team.
If Ariza does not get healthy, the Los Angeles Lakers can kiss this conference championship goodbye, unless, of course, someone can step up. But with the way this series has gone, it’s not likely. Trevor Ariza is, without a doubt, the Lakers’ most important role player.
--Max Caster
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Perez Gets the Loss in Buffalo
New York Mets Pitcher Oliver Perez made a minor league start with AAA-Buffalo tonight. He went 4.1 innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 5 walks. His three strikeouts weren't enough, as the Buffalo Bison fell to Lehigh Valley 2-1. Perez got the loss.
--Max Caster
--Max Caster
F-Mart Called Up To The Mets
According to the New York Daily News, New York Mets prized prospect Fernando Martinez has been called up to the major leagues and will make his major league debut in right field tonight against the Nationals. F-Mart needs to fill a roster spot because Jose Reyes and Ryan Church have been placed on the 15 day DL. Wilson Valdez, who is a utility infielder, was just acquired via trade for cash considerations will take up the other roster spot.
The 20 year old Martinez hit .291 with 8 home runs and 28 RBI's in 42 games in Buffalo this year.
Carlos Beltran will undergo an MRI on his ailing knee and will sit out tonight's game. He DH'd for the three games in Boston.
The lineup for tonight's game looks as such...
1. Angel Pagan - CF
2. Luis Castillo - 2B
3. David Wright - 3B
4. Gary Sheffield - LF
5. Fernando Tatis - 1B
6. Fernando Martinez - RF
7. Omir Santos - C
8. Ramon Martinez - SS
9. Livan Hernandez - P
I think the Nationals might have a better lineup than the Mets tonight...
Also of note, Oliver Perez starts tonight in Buffalo...all eyes will be on that.
-Matt Soldano
CDR on the Grind
If you've been following Chris Douglas-Roberts' Twitter page as closely as I have, then this will be no surprise to you. The New Jersey Nets' second-round selection in last years' draft has been in the gym working hard on his game.He writes, "Tiring work out tonight. Shot a lot of 3's and made a lot of moves off the dribble." Later, he added "Another great one. This was a 3 point jumpie workout...and a ball handling workout. And a deadly conditioning drill @ the end!"
His focus seems unflappable when he tweets such things as "Mostly errybody eating bar-b-que and I'm locked in. Mastering this hustle." And "Nobody in the country is doing this type of work."
Douglas-Roberts spent most of his rookie year on the Nets bench, getting a few minutes here and there when healthy. But when Devin Harris went down with a shoulder injury, CDR filled in admirably. Along with Keyon Dooling, he solidified the back court and provided a much needed and unseen spark to the New Jersey offense. "Keyon really helped me this season man." he writes. "When I wasn't playing as much, he went out his way to help me. Love KD for that."
Through the last month of the season, Douglas-Roberts proved that he was a capable scorer from all areas on the floor. He set his career-high with 14 points against the New York Knicks on March 18th. He promptly broke that mark by going for 18 against the Miami Heat two days later. In that game, he knocked down a crucial 3-pointer late in the 4th quarter to put a surging Heat team away for good.
Only big things are to come for Chris Douglas-Roberts, but it seems that nobody is taking much notice. "I know YOU sleeping on me and I lovvve it!!! It almost turns me on. Swear."
--Also, it appears as if CDR shares the same opinion as our very own Matt Soldano when it comes to the Nets' draft.
"I like Earl Clark, but I don't know who we'll end up picking. There will be a lot of quality players @ 11 though." Douglas tweets in response to a fan.
Soldano has New Jersey taking the 6'10" Forward from Louisville in his Mock Draft.
You can now follow WCWP Sports on Twitter!
Photo: Getty Images
--Max Caster
Another Epic Fail By The Washington Nationals
First it was this...
Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn wore "Natinals" jerseys for a game.
Now, it's this...
Really? Teddy ROSSevelt? I mean, do the Nationals even want to be considered a major league ball club? They can't even get their promotions right with this bobblehead. No one wanted to google or check a textbook on the spelling of Roosevelt. All the Nationals have going for them are Ryan Zimmerman who is hitting .346 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI and Adam Dunn who is batting .277 with 14 home runs and 39 RBI. They must feel lucky about their location because when you run out of players to promote you turn to the presidents for help.
None of this would have happened if they had not demoted Lastings Milledge to Triple A. Seriously, this could have all been avoided.
-Matt Soldano
SIDENOTE: I just realized we have hit the CENTURY mark for posts in a month. Here's to the WCWP sports staff, well done.
Video: Jose Canseco's MMA Debut
Here's last night's video of Jose Canseco's MMA Debut against Hong Man Choi. Canseco has made some dumb decisions in his life, but fighting a 7'2", 330lbs man has to be the dumbest.
--Max Caster
--Max Caster
Nady Getting Some Action
From Kim Jones of the YES Network:Nady is scheduled to play in a simulated game of some sort in Tampa tomorrow. He'll hit only. Posada, Molina and Ransom are also in Tampa; they're not ready for any game action yet.
This is very interesting. Remember when we all thought Xavier Nady would be out for the season after needing Tommy John surgery? Remember how worried we were? And remember how soon we forgot about him when all four outfielders got off to blazing starts?
Well he's almost back and will certainly create a glut of outfielders.
You know Girardi won't sit Nady everyday. If Nick Swisher is still in his sudden slump, Nady could work back into the lineup. Then again, you don't want Swisher's power on the bench. Johnny Damon is definitely not being sat as he's one of the best hitters in baseball. Melky Cabrera is a beast at the plate and a defensive superstar. And Brett Gardner, who is usually off the bench as a pinch runner, has hit .290 (.421 OBP, .645 SLG) in May. Not to mention, he has more homeruns than David Ortiz. None of the four deserved to be benched or, in Gardner's case, sent to the minors.
If Brian Cashman wants to trade one of his outfielders, the player that makes the most sense at this point is Nady. However, his value has to be in the pits after having a potentially severe elbow injury -- one that I bet we haven't heard the last of this season.
So we'll see.
Jones also mentioned that Jorge Posada and Jose Molina are scheduled to come back soon, which means Francisco Cervelli could find himself in the minors again. That would be a shame given that he's performed way above expectations -- both batting and catching. I know Girardi is a catcher by trade, but he won't carry three of them on his roster.
--Max Caster
Monday, May 25, 2009
TO: Romo Caused me to be Cut
From Terrell Owens' Twitter page:"Neither ws i, blame the OC & romo!! but i'm happy 2 b where i am but i miss the other guys tht were & r true teammates!!"
He wrote this to one of his followers who was displeased with the way the 35-year old receiver was released from the Dallas Cowboys. He goes on to cite Tony Romo, the Cowboys' flashy, overrated quarterback as the main reason for his dismissal. The "OC" he refers to is Dallas Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett.
If you remember, towards the end of his stay in Dallas, TO said that Romo and Tight End Jason Witten were isolating themselves from the rest of the offense.
Owens thinks Romo and Witten -- close friends and road roommates who came to Dallas in the same offseason -- hold private meetings and create plays without including Owens, according to a source who speaks regularly with Owens' teammates. Owens believes these discussions have worked to his detriment and Romo seeks to deliver the ball to Witten regardless of whether Owens is open.
I believe Owens when he says that. Romo and Witten are good friends. What else are they supposed to do? It's unfortunate that TO got the axe, when he was telling the truth. His track record didn't help him, though.
Of course, this is a far off cry (pun intended) from this famous TO scene:
...Anything to get that clip in.
--Max Caster
The End is Near
From the NY Post:Oliver Perez will make his first Triple-A rehab assignment Tuesday night in Buffalo against Lehigh Valley. Perez pitched in two extended spring training games in Port St. Lucie earlier this month, including a five-inning outing last week that apparently was so shaky the Mets refused to release the statistics from it.
That came after Perez -- on the DL since May 7 after being yanked from the rotation -- had a typical Ollie outing in his first extended spring game: four walks and seven strikeouts while throwing 56 pitches in just three innings.
I think the Amazin's are better off with Tim Redding. Hey what ever happened to Jon Niese? Or maybe Steve Trachsel. Anything to keep Ollie off the mound.
--Max Caster
Bruney Out -- Robertson Called Up
From the Newark Star-Ledger:
The Yankees have recalled right-hander David Robertson from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take the spot of reliever Brian Bruney, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said on Monday.
Robertson is good and could be the real deal. He has a 3.86 ERA and a K/9 of 13.5 in 5 appearances in 2009. It'll be good to see some competant relievers in the bullpen.
And why is Bruney out?
Bruney admitted Monday that the pain from a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow never went away, even after returning from nearly a month-long stay on the disabled list. Initially, Bruney didn't disclose his recurring elbow pain to the Yankees. But after less than a week on the active roster -- and after being limited to just one appearance because of the pain -- Bruney is headed back to the DL.
I know this is going to sound a little corny, but how can a team operate if the players can't be trusted? Bad job by Bruney.
--Max Caster
The Yankees have recalled right-hander David Robertson from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take the spot of reliever Brian Bruney, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said on Monday.
Robertson is good and could be the real deal. He has a 3.86 ERA and a K/9 of 13.5 in 5 appearances in 2009. It'll be good to see some competant relievers in the bullpen.
And why is Bruney out?
Bruney admitted Monday that the pain from a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow never went away, even after returning from nearly a month-long stay on the disabled list. Initially, Bruney didn't disclose his recurring elbow pain to the Yankees. But after less than a week on the active roster -- and after being limited to just one appearance because of the pain -- Bruney is headed back to the DL.
I know this is going to sound a little corny, but how can a team operate if the players can't be trusted? Bad job by Bruney.
--Max Caster
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Pioneers Win DII Lacrosse National Championship
For those of you who followed our Lacrosse broadcasts all season, here's a fitting conclusion.
From cwpostpioneers.com
The C.W. Post Pioneers refused to let rain and lightning ruin things as they edged out previously undefeated LeMoyne College, 8-7, to capture the NCAA Division II men’s lacrosse championship title in front of more than 24,000 fans Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
The Pioneers in their 50th season, conclude the 2009 campaign with a 15-1 overall record – a program best. LeMoyne ends its season at 16-1 overall.
“It’s been a great year for us at C.W. Post,” said C.W. Post head coach John Jez. “We had one hiccup earlier in the year, and today, we overcame that hiccup. The seniors have worked so hard the whole year. Greg Cerar and Dan Sciulla led us the whole way. We’re just really happy. Our university is really happy, and we’re just proud of all our guys.”
The title is the second for C.W. Post as the first came in 1996 with a 15-10 win over cross-town rival Adelphi University.
The Pioneers in their 50th season, conclude the 2009 campaign with a 15-1 overall record – a program best. LeMoyne ends its season at 16-1 overall.
“It’s been a great year for us at C.W. Post,” said C.W. Post head coach John Jez. “We had one hiccup earlier in the year, and today, we overcame that hiccup. The seniors have worked so hard the whole year. Greg Cerar and Dan Sciulla led us the whole way. We’re just really happy. Our university is really happy, and we’re just proud of all our guys.”
The title is the second for C.W. Post as the first came in 1996 with a 15-10 win over cross-town rival Adelphi University.
I'm sure Piccione will have tons to say about this tommorow night on The Edge (8-10pm- wcwpsports.com)
WCWP- The official broadcast home of the National Champion C.W Post Pioneers!
- Jordan Lauterbach
Shockey Taken to Hospital
From TMZ:NFL star Jeremy Shockey was taken out of the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas by stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital.
Sources on the scene tell TMZ Shockey was at Rehab -- the ironic name of the Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock -- when he was found unconscious at around 2:00 PM. The call went out to the Las Vegas Fire Department and he was taken out via stretcher. Paramedics tried to cover him up so onlookers -- including a TV camera crew -- couldn't ID him.
There is no more information at this time. You don't want to speculate, but Shockey has had a history of poor decision making and immaturity. We'll see where this goes.
UPDATE: The New Orleans Times-Picayune has this:
New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was rushed to a hospital in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon, team spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed. Bensel said the team has been told that Shockey is fine.
The article also says that Shockey was dehydrated, though it has not been confirmed. ESPN says that he was released from the hospital.
--Max Caster
Rosenhaus: Jones at Jets Camp on Wednesday
From Rosenhaus' Twitter page:
I think the jets are going to be very impressed when they see what great shape Thomas Jones is in when he joins the team for Wednesday's OTA
Just a confirmation. But, once again, Leon is more important.
Rich Cimini of the Daily News has this:
If disgruntled RB Thomas Jones shows up next Wednesday for the Jets' next OTA practice, as his Twittering agent announced the other day, it won't be with a restructured contract, the Daily News has learned.
Jones has two years remaining on the four-year, $20 million contract he signed when he was traded by the Bears, and that deal apparently will remain intact. There was some speculation earlier this week that perhaps the Jets had agreed to re-do Jones' deal. Not so.
--Max Caster
I think the jets are going to be very impressed when they see what great shape Thomas Jones is in when he joins the team for Wednesday's OTA
Just a confirmation. But, once again, Leon is more important.
Rich Cimini of the Daily News has this:
If disgruntled RB Thomas Jones shows up next Wednesday for the Jets' next OTA practice, as his Twittering agent announced the other day, it won't be with a restructured contract, the Daily News has learned.
Jones has two years remaining on the four-year, $20 million contract he signed when he was traded by the Bears, and that deal apparently will remain intact. There was some speculation earlier this week that perhaps the Jets had agreed to re-do Jones' deal. Not so.
--Max Caster
K-Rod Returns to Team
From Newsday:The morning after collapsing outside the clubhouse, unable to walk, Francisco Rodriguez arrived Sunday at Fenway Park towing his own luggage. That was the first sign of Rodriguez's speedy recovery from severe back spasms.
"I'm a lot better," Rodriguez said. "They went away and I'm feeling pretty good."
Great news for the Mets. Thank goodness the team didn't need Rodriguez today. A 12-5 loss to the BoSox will doo that.
--On another note, I will once again retire from making day-to-day baseball predictions. Two weeks ago on 'The Replacements', I announced my retirement. This past week on the show, I coaxed myself into stepping back into the spotlight, only to be shown the door once again.
I stated that the Yankees then 9-game winning streak would continue through the weekend series with the Phillies. New York dropped two of three.
I also said that I'd rather have Jeremy Reed playing than Gary Sheffield this weekend in Boston. Sheff went 3 of 9 with a homer, 3 RBIs, 4 runs and 3 walks. Reed hit .250 with 1 RBI and 1 run.
On the other hand, my long term predictions seem to be shaping up. How about Omir Santos' game-winning homer over the Green Monster on Saturday night? It'll be near impossible for Brian Schneider to even have a contract by the end of this year.
--Max Caster
Jerry Jones Knows Financing
These photos are from the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium, which has the world's largest HDTV:
Through some research (meaning a Google search), I've found that a very large television for a home is this 150 inch behemoth. What are the measurements of the Dallas Cowboys' new boob-tube? 4000 inches. That's over 330 feet. All for the low, low price of $40 million.
Through some research (meaning a Google search), I've found that a very large television for a home is this 150 inch behemoth. What are the measurements of the Dallas Cowboys' new boob-tube? 4000 inches. That's over 330 feet. All for the low, low price of $40 million.
That's money Jerry Jones could have used to sign some good players this offseason. Now all these screens are good for is letting the Cowboys faithful watch their team lose in HD.
It's not 5-11. It's 5-11 in HD!!!!
Nice work, JJ!
Photo: Dallas Observer
--Max Caster
Oooo, E, Oooo, Ah ah
If you or anybody you know is struggling with issues of a sporting nature, I would suggest speaking with Mike Pelfrey. After suffering from "the yips" and consequently balking the ball park on Sunday night, Pelfrey sought the aid of a sports psychologist. This man must be some sort of witch doctor (extreme kudos to anyone who gets the title of this post). After one trip to the doc, Pelfrey goes out and pitches his best outing of the year last night at Fenway. Pelfrey pitched seven strong innings, giving up only two runs. After looking completely lost and out of control on Sunday night in San Francisco, Big Pelf was more in control than he had been at any point this season. It will be interesting to see if this continues into his next few starts, or if the success was coincidental. But maybe the Mets should put that doctor on payroll. He obviously knows what he's doing.
Make no mistake- I am not making light of Pelfrey's trip to a sports psychologist. I support it whole heartily. As someone who understands the benefit of talking out your problems to a non-biased party as a way of therapy, I think more players should consult the use of a sports psychologist. I can't imagine that feelings of inadequacy and confusion are uncommon in professional athletes. Think about it, these guys spend their entire lives trying to "make it". Once they have achieved that goal, sometimes its hard to deal with failure- especially inexplicable failure. What happened to Pelfry last Sunday night is known as the "yips". This refers to players randomly forgetting how to do simple tasks, such as throwing to the catcher (remember Rick Ankiel in the 2000 NLCS?). In Pelfrey's case, it was forgetting how to approach the plate without balking. However, this has been an ongoing problem for Pelfrey. He set a record for balks when he pitched for Wichita State in college.
-I was not the biggest fan of instant replay in baseball when it was instituted last summer, but last night's game did a lot to show me that it's a necessary commodity. The Mets could have easily lost last nights game on a botched home run call. I know, I know, suddenly I'm all for instant replay the minute it helps my team, but I'm starting to move to the side of getting the call right no matter what the costs....and yet another clutch hit by Omir Santos.
- Jordan Lauterbach
photo- nydailynews.com
Make no mistake- I am not making light of Pelfrey's trip to a sports psychologist. I support it whole heartily. As someone who understands the benefit of talking out your problems to a non-biased party as a way of therapy, I think more players should consult the use of a sports psychologist. I can't imagine that feelings of inadequacy and confusion are uncommon in professional athletes. Think about it, these guys spend their entire lives trying to "make it". Once they have achieved that goal, sometimes its hard to deal with failure- especially inexplicable failure. What happened to Pelfry last Sunday night is known as the "yips". This refers to players randomly forgetting how to do simple tasks, such as throwing to the catcher (remember Rick Ankiel in the 2000 NLCS?). In Pelfrey's case, it was forgetting how to approach the plate without balking. However, this has been an ongoing problem for Pelfrey. He set a record for balks when he pitched for Wichita State in college.
-I was not the biggest fan of instant replay in baseball when it was instituted last summer, but last night's game did a lot to show me that it's a necessary commodity. The Mets could have easily lost last nights game on a botched home run call. I know, I know, suddenly I'm all for instant replay the minute it helps my team, but I'm starting to move to the side of getting the call right no matter what the costs....and yet another clutch hit by Omir Santos.
- Jordan Lauterbach
photo- nydailynews.com
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Video: Melky Cabrera in Hotel with Porn Star
This from Terez Owens:
Her name is Marey Carey for those interested. Clearly this is a bit dated since Cabrera's number is no longer 28, but rather 53.
Either way, dude looks creepy in the beginning when he's just eating peanuts.
--Max Caster
Her name is Marey Carey for those interested. Clearly this is a bit dated since Cabrera's number is no longer 28, but rather 53.
Either way, dude looks creepy in the beginning when he's just eating peanuts.
--Max Caster
Another Hang Up in Washington Contract Talks
From the Newark Star-Ledger:The Jets are facing a difficult dilemma regarding RB Leon Washington in light of the uncertainty surrounding the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement.
As the current CBA agreement stands, Washington would be only a restricted free agent in March 2010, not unrestricted, as he would've been under the old agreement. The NFL Players Association and owners are in talks for a new deal.
Thus, with Washington, who is scheduled to earn $535,000 in the final year of his contract in 2009, being only a restricted free agent next season, he could command a maximum salary of roughly $3 million per season.
Under a new agreement, Washington's market value as an unrestricted free agent would be approximately $5 to $7 million per season.
An interesting situation, but nothing that prevents the Jets from just giving Leon some money. This has gone on for too damn long.
Here's a wonderful solution: Slightly overpay him now, before a new CBA is agreed on. Spend a little extra and cut your losses. I promise it will be made up by Leon Washington's multifaceted game.
--Also, Hutchinson writes this:
Former Rutgers DE Jamaal Westerman isn't only learning the outside LB position, he's now being taught the inside LB position as well. "Obviously, we think a great deal of this guy," said Ryan.
This Jamaal Westerman is already a favorite of the Jets staff, and is well on his way to becoming a fave of this blog. Why did NY draft Vernon "The Ghost" Gholston again...?
--Max Caster
Friday, May 22, 2009
Rumor:Notre Dame to Grace Yankee Stadium With Its Presence
After the Rutgers contract fell through last year, New York ND alums and members of the Subway Alumni (ND fans who did not attend ND) were left wondering if the Irish would ever come back to the tri-state. Turns out, the dream of South Bend coming to the South Bronx for an afternoon may not be far off.
From northjersey.com
Notre Dame is interested in celebrating its football history by playing games that will recall some great games of the past, including playing at the new Yankee Stadium.
"I'd be interested as we look forward to scheduling to think about how to sort of echo the history of our program," athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Thursday. "Obviously there have been some important Notre Dame games at Yankee Stadium so I have a general interest in whether that's possible to do. None of this is any further than thinking out loud."
Swarbrick said he took a tour of Yankee Stadium and inquired whether a football field would fit, but the game is only in the idea stage.
"There have been no substantive discussions because among the things that we might conclude here is that the economics don't work. So we haven't had any of those," he said.
A game at Yankee Stadium, though, would work into Notre Dame's plan to play one game a season at an offsite venue. The Irish will play their first such game against Washington State at San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 31.
"I'd be interested as we look forward to scheduling to think about how to sort of echo the history of our program," athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Thursday. "Obviously there have been some important Notre Dame games at Yankee Stadium so I have a general interest in whether that's possible to do. None of this is any further than thinking out loud."
Swarbrick said he took a tour of Yankee Stadium and inquired whether a football field would fit, but the game is only in the idea stage.
"There have been no substantive discussions because among the things that we might conclude here is that the economics don't work. So we haven't had any of those," he said.
A game at Yankee Stadium, though, would work into Notre Dame's plan to play one game a season at an offsite venue. The Irish will play their first such game against Washington State at San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 31.
Doesn't sound like talks have hit a fevered pitch yet, but one can dream.
On a personal note, it would be nice not to have to go to Maryland or Pittsburgh to see the team I hold so dear.
My fingers are forever crossed.
-Jordan Lauterbach
Robinson Unsure of Future
From Nate Robinson's Twitter:
iam not sure what the knicks will do but its going to be fun come june 25th
Should the Knicks keep David Lee or Nate Robinson?
Nate Robinson has been at the center of that huge debate for a long time. But now it appears as if his future with the New York Knicks is becoming less certain.
The Knicks are projected to draft a guard in this year's draft, leaving Robinson without a spot on the floor.
As I've been saying, Robinson is not needed in New York. As much as I like him, he is not as valuable as David Lee.
--Nate Robinson also wrote this during Game 1 of the Cavs-Magic series:
magic win.. its going to be a good series, if the cavs bench dnt help the king they are going to be out and lebron will be a new york knick
iam not sure what the knicks will do but its going to be fun come june 25th
Should the Knicks keep David Lee or Nate Robinson?
Nate Robinson has been at the center of that huge debate for a long time. But now it appears as if his future with the New York Knicks is becoming less certain.
The Knicks are projected to draft a guard in this year's draft, leaving Robinson without a spot on the floor.
As I've been saying, Robinson is not needed in New York. As much as I like him, he is not as valuable as David Lee.
--Nate Robinson also wrote this during Game 1 of the Cavs-Magic series:
magic win.. its going to be a good series, if the cavs bench dnt help the king they are going to be out and lebron will be a new york knick
Hmmm.....
--The Knicks Blog has an article up stating that Robinson wants to play for the Portland Trailblazers, but the team has shown no interest in him. Portland is rumored to be high on Andre Miller.
And you can follow us on Twitter. Check us out.
--Max Caster
It's Official: McMahon vs. Kroenke
Should be another enthralling faux-match, but I think Denver-LA gets the nod from me after the great games played so far in the series.
McMahon held a press conference here in New York to further publicize this Monday's show. Check out this article about it. Here are some photos from the event. And the video.
--Max Caster
Analyzing the WWE/Stan Kroenke Feud to a further degree
Now I know some of you may groan at the title and think...."How typical. The only way Malone can find a topic to write about on this blog (and not sound or look stupid) is something about professional wrestling." Looking at how this feud between Kroenke and the WWE has put a bad taste in alot of people's mouth....Mine included, but that if there is anything that Vince likes to do, it's milking the situation for as long as he can go with it. I think if you took a poll within the rest of society, most of them would even side with the WWE over the handling of the situation and how they were thrown out of the Pepsi Center for their live broadcast of Monday Night Raw in Favor of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Nuggets and Lakers. It's just a matter of principles that if you hold a deal then you are supposed to live up to the end of the deal through and through. It's a shame that the fine people of Denver will now have to wait even longer to get a respectable broadcast as the WWE had run through Denver a total of 2 times over the last 5 years. The Denver Nuggets have not made the conference finals in the last 24 years till 1985 where they played against....You guessed it, the Lakers so it's a pretty big deal to Denver Sports Fans.
Anyways, the resolve of this issue basically has the WWE moving this week's upcoming Monday Night Raw inside the Staples Center (The home of the team the Nuggets are playing against). To tell you the truth and if you had been listening to Over The Ropes over the last few weeks (Which you can hear ever Saturday Night at 10 PM to 12 AM on mywcwp.com and wcwpsports.com) you would know that Monday Night Raw; given the talented Roster has done the least with the most and have been putting on....lackluster broadcasts to say the least in the logic department. WWE Monday Night Raw is geared to the Kids as more of an entertainment and kid friendly program these days, really playing more towards Kid's and their families which is really a shell of its former selves from just a decade ago known as the Attitude Era. To get to the meat and the potatoes of this issue and why it's being written on here most notably is the factors that it revolves around the whole vendetta the WWE won't let go till Monday Night at about 11:05PM EST against the Denver Nuggets and Stan Kroenke. The WWE held a news conference inside NYC today officially detailing what has been going around the media and what the official decision was today for this next edition of Monday Night Raw. His disdain for Stan Kroenke just goes to no end and will be shown through 2 segments specifically speaking in one being "Mr. McMahon" himself going up against this impostor portraying the owner of the Pepsi Center and Nuggets, Stan Kroenke and a 5 on 5 match featuring the WWE's version of the Lakers and their version of the Nuggets.
On the Lakers side, you have the top Babyfaces on Raw right now in: John Cena (Kobe Bryant of the WWE), Batista (The Andrew Bynum of the Raw Roster even though he is something like 38/39), Jerry "The King" Lawler (I guess if you could put it....The Phil Jackson of the group), Montel Vontavious Porter aka MVP (I'd say a Mix between Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza mostly due to the grit and effort he puts in like Ariza and the raw, athletic potential to really deliver he has to the group) and a Player to be named and revealed on Raw.....(Choices could possibly be Ric Flair as he is supposed to be calling out Randy Orton on Raw this coming week, HHH due to the fact that he has sold his injury long enough and would be good to make a return to "surprise the crowd or even possibly Kofi Kingston, Mr. Kennedy or even ........even.....Hornswoggle...a Midget to put it politely in a green suit with blond hair pretending to be a leprechaun)
Now for the Denver side: Randy Orton (Leader of the Legacy which is Raw's top group and could be compared to Carmelo Anthony talent speaking and gifted athletic as the leader of the group), His two stooges in Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase (If you could compare these two guys for Denver.....they really aren't starters but pretty much over pushed bench players like Ronaldo Balkman and Anthony Carter), The Miz (A Talented and smaller individual that really has grown over the time span of his career and really has been carrying the broadcasts in alot of ways since he came over to Raw from ECW in the WWE draft this past year....I'm comparing him to Chauncey Billups) And finally, the Big Center.....The Big Show (You can probably combine the talents and weight of K-Mart, "The Birdman"....No not Koko B. Ware but Chris Anderson and Nene and they still wouldn't compare to just how big this guy actually is)
Overall Analysis: Even if there wasn't this stupid Denver/LA storyline going on, the side for LA would have won and most likely will in easy fashion. My problem I see with this is the simple oversight that Vince has pushed the Media's buttons to try and create Buzz out of this less than worthy edition of Raw and with this match....As a wrestling fan first and foremost I'm fearing that guys like the Miz, Cody and Ted will be crushed once again while Randy Orton and The Big Show will be protected in some form of fashion....When you are trying to create new stars, the recipe for success is to have a gradual incline to their career's and not made to have them look like complete jobbers. All of the momentum The Miz has generated over the last few weeks could very easily be taken away if he gets to be the one to take the pin and eat the most offense to make the Laker side look good for the crowd. The match will hardly be note worthy or something special unless it actually means something and this by many stretches won't do anything in comparison to what the actual Denver Nuggets game 4 will be with the Lakers.
Another note of to this edition of Raw is how overly excited Vince McMahon is to really verbally and physically tearing into this guy as much as possible. The sad point to this is that the "Humor" that Vince finds in these sorts of situations don't really churn out to be anything memorable either and just flat out embarrassing that continues to perpetuate a negative connotation down onto the wrestling business in general just for this sort of pettiness alone. It's just another way that people that aren't fans of the business can brown nose the product without giving any consideration to other shows like ECW or SmackDown. It's stupid comedy like this that makes people want to turn the channel over to Game 4 and not stay tuned to watch this upcoming train wreck. I'm just one voice in a million and for this, this is Vince McMahon's Party and he'll cry if he wants to even if he technically deserves the Pepsi Center Monday Night and not the Denver Nuggets. Most likely, I'll be tuning in to watch the majority of Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs also with the majority of the guys.
Till Next Time,
I'm Nick Malone.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Joba Leaves Game with Injury
Yankees Pitcher Joba Chamberlain has left tonight's showdown with the Baltimore Orioles with a leg injury. While facing Baltimore's Adam Jones in the 1st inning, Chamberlain took a liner off his right knee. He picked up the ball and recorded the out to first base.After that, Chamberlain let up singles to Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff. He was then taken out of the game and replaced by Alfredo Aceves.
UPDATE: X-Rays on Chamberlain's knee are negative. He has been diagnosed with a bruised knee. No word yet as to how much time, if any, Chamberlain will miss.
(AP Photo)
--Max Caster
Floyd "Money" Mayweather Goes Off On Brian Kenny!
This is an absolute classic interview. Mayweather was on ESPN to talk with Brian Kenny to discuss his coming out of retirement.
Mayweather over Pacquiao!
-Matt Soldano
2009 NBA Mock Draft 2.0 (Post-Lottery)
So Adam Silver got on his extra grind when it was reppin' time and now the lottery is finally set. The rest of the picks are based off of best records throughout the regular season. As promised, here is my mock draft 2.0.
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin PF, Oklahoma - Mike Dunleavy has already come out and said that Griffin will be the pick here, basically casting away any sort of drama leading up to the draft. The Clips organization is so sure of the pick that they are using Griffin as a ploy to hope sell season tickets. Even though they have a ton of power forwards, they could ship one of them (Kaman or Camby) to a team possibly like Chicago for a point guard like Kirk Hinrich.
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet C, UConn - Call me crazy, but after reading this from RealGM, it appears Rubio has no intent on playing for either Memphis or Oklahoma City Thunder to the point where he would pull his name out of the draft or just decide to not come over. He can because of certain clauses in his contract. Rubio and his agent want him to end up somewhere in Cali and I got to believe that this is for real. The Grizz #1 priority is not a point guard but rather it is size. They have Marc Gasol who is more of an offensive forward so adding Thabeet's defense is a great pick here.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jordan Hill PF, Arizona - The Thunder could go for James Harden here but I still believe they really want a big man. They tried to swing a trade for Tyson Chandler in mid-season but that fell through. Hill is a guy who will add energy and toughness to a team who currently sports Nick Collison and Nenad Kristic as their frontline. Hill won't change a franchise around but the Thunder already have Durant for that.
4. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio PG, Spain - After Tuesday night, the Kings appeared to be the biggest losers of the lotto. Projected to pick at number one, they slip all the way down to number four. However, Rubio's "holdout", if true, can land the Kings with their point guard of the future. Rubio will impact Kevin Martin's game right from the start and also improve guys like Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes.
5. Washington Wizards - James Harden SG, Arizona State - Washington appears to want the trade pick badly but since we can't predict what happens, assuming they keep it, Harden is a great fit. Washington along with Oklahoma City are the two teams in the top seven or eight that have the brightest future in my opinion. Harden fits nicely in the 2 in which he will be playing along side Agent Zero and Caron Butler. Best pure scorer in the draft IMO.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Demar Derozan SF, USC - Their last pick they used on a small forward, Corey Brewer was a bust. Now, the Timberwolves will pick Derozan who is the best athlete in the draft but has battled through inconsistencies in college. Depending on his workouts, he can go as high as 5 but perhaps as low as 12. I think adding him to a lineup with K Love, Al Jefferson, and a healthy Randy Foye, is certainly a nice nucleus in Minnesota.
7. Golden State - Brandon Jennings PG, Italy - Jennings is one of my favorites in the Draft. Very quick and has great instinctive point guard skills. He will have one of the fastest crossovers in the NBA once he steps on the court. However, at 170 pounds, the dude needs to add some serious weight. Was not consistent across the pond in Rome.
8. New York Knicks - Stephen Curry PG, Davidson - Like Anthony DeFranco and I said on Sports Talk 4 Dummies last night, the best pick here, would be Ty Lawson. However, I think the rumors we are hearing about Curry and the Knicks are true. D'Antoni and Walsh are infatuated with his scoring ability and basketball IQ. He is going to be able to spread the floor like few people in the draft. However, will he make his teammates better? Probably not. Are the comparisons to Reggie Miller justified? No.
9. Toronto Raptors - Tyreke Evans PG, Memphis - Anthony Parker is a free agent at the end of the summer and he isn't even the best baller in his family (so that should tell you something). However, Evans is a guy who can be a combo guard and play alongside of Jose Calderon. For that to happen, Evans is going to have to work on his shot but for a guy who has top ten talent easily, you cannot pass him up here.
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jrue Holliday PG, UCLA - Holliday is a guy I think should have stayed in school for another year. With Darren Collison and Josh Shipp leaving, Holliday would have been the man. However, scouts will probably see Russell Westbrook in Holliday which will give him a lottery bid.
11. New Jersey Nets - Earl Clark SF/PF, Louisville - His 6-10 frame is deceiving because Clark is no means a power forward. With his unselfish passing ability, vision, and IQ, Clark projects to be more of a point forward. Insert Clark into a lineup with Harris, Carter, and Brook "Lawrence Frank?!?!" Lopez, the Nets future suddenly looks bright.
12. Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Henderson SG, Duke - Henderson averaged 17 points in his final season with Duke but had an abysmal tournament. He is an effective slasher who will get his points that way and has above average on the ball defensive skills. Would MJ seriously draft a Dukie?
13. Indiana Pacers - Ty Lawson PG, North Carolina - Jarret Jack is hitting free agency this season so the Pacers could look for a replacement. Lawson is a guy who fits in well with the Pacers and could eventually complement Danny Granger really well. The Pacers could also give Johnny Flynn and Eric Maynor a look here.
14. Phoenix Suns - Johnny Flynn PG, Syracuse -Flynn becomes the heir apparent to Steve Nash with the final pick in the lottery. Although some people love Flynn, I have a few questions about his shot selection and his shot making ability. When it comes to ball handling and quickness, few are better than Flynn. Apparently the Suns are reported to be "enamored" with Flynn.
15. Detroit Pistons - Austin Daye SF, Gonzaga - Some people actually believe Daye could be a top seven pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. His versatility is a forte of his as he is 6'10'' with a great post and outside game. Daye could be an asset on the Detroit bench to start out, but eventually after a year or so, work his way into the starting lineup and turn out to be something special.
16. Chicago Bulls - DeJuan Blair PF, Pittsburgh - Blair would be a great fit in Chicago. According to RealGM, Tyrus Thomas is eligible to receive an extension from Chicago but the Bulls may have doubts about doing so. There are few left in the league who have the ability to grab offensive rebounds the way Blair does.
17. Philadelphia 76ers - Eric Maynor PG, Virginia Commonwealth - This pick basically falls in the Sixers lap. Out of the great point guards in the draft, (Lawson, Flynn, Evans, Jennings) Maynor might not be on par with them, but he is not too far away. Maynor is a veteran when it comes to big situations from his VCU days. Andre Miller is aging and the Sixers need a replacement.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami) - James Johnson PF, Wake Forest - Johnson has great versatility at both the small forward and power forward position. Some people believe that he is a lottery pick somewhere between 11-14. The T-Wolves adding Johnson would give them a nice rotation on the frontline with Jefferson and Love.
19. Atlanta Hawks - Jeff Teague PG, Wake Forest - The Hawks have swung and missed on three point guards. Marvin Williams over Chris Paul. Shelden Williams over Rajon Rondo. Acie Law over Rodney Stuckey. They can't make the same mistake 4 times in a row can they? Mike Bibby is a free agent and Jeff Teague can provide the exact same scoring that Bibby did.
20. Utah Jazz - B.J. Mullens C, Ohio State - Mullens is a prospect because of his size and you simply cannot teach height. However, the Jazz do have a clear need at the 4 or the 5 with Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap both hitting the free agent market. Mullens is definitely going to be a project and will take a few years to develop.
21. New Orleans Hornets - Nick Calathes PG, Florida - The Hornets need to draft a point guard in order to save Chris Paul's legs. Calathes is a guy who is going to give you offense but not much defense. He is also an above average passer.
22. Dallas Mavericks - Terrence Williams SF, Louisville - Williams drops a little bit from my first mock draft. To me, he is just so hard to get a read on because he as lottery talent but was so inconsistent throughout his four years in Louisville. Williams has some point forward in him which I think the Mavs will value.
23. Sacramento Kings (via Houston) - Omri Cassipi SF, Israel - Let's see, have not seen any of him besides some Youtube clips but he's a good shooter with some quick feet. Maybe has some Gallo in him.
24. Portland Trail Blazers - Patrick Mills PG, St. Mary's - Jerryd Bayless does not seem to be the type of point guard that Kevin Pritchard was looking for. He has been dangled in some trade reports. Mills is quick and has great vision to excel at the point for Portland.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via San Antonio) - Wayne Ellington SG, North Carolina - Ellington provides the Thunder with some scoring off the bench and could eventually work himself into a rotation with Westbrook, Durant, and Jeff Green. Ellington, behind Curry has one one of the purest shots in the country.
26. Chicago Bulls (via Denver) - Chase Budinger SG, Arizona - With Ben Gordon and Luol Deng's future in doubt, the Bulls need to get another scorer who can provide help for Derrick Rose. Budinger has great range on his shot and offensively improved this season averaging 18 points and 6 boards. And I'll correct myself, Chase Budinger could not guard a chair.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando) - Tyler Hansbrough PF, North Carolina -Hansbrough is going to survive in this league because of his work ethic, toughness, and hustle. I am not saying he will be a star because he is not as skilled as the other people he will be competing against but he will be a serviceable role player.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Boston) - Darren Collison PG, UCLA - The T-Wolves have three first round picks and right now having selected DeRozan and James Johnson, the Wolves would love to add a point guard. Collison at this point seems to be a steal. He is experienced, knows what it takes to play in the big game and is tough. With Telfair not working out and Foye always fighting an injury bug, Collison could be a perfect fit.
29. Los Angeles Lakers - Marcus Thornton SG, LSU - Apparently teams have fallen in love with Thornton and as many as 25 teams are waiting to work him out. That being said, I would be stunned to still see him on the board. However, Thornton can provide scoring off the bench for a Lakers unit who has seen decreased production from that unit.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Toney Douglas SG, Florida State - Douglas is a dynamic scorer and shooter and showed his ability to take over games late especially in the ACC tournament. Cleveland can use his offense coming off the bench.
So there you have it, please feel free to comment with any thoughts you have. Remember, continuing draft coverage will be on Off the Glass which you can listen to on wcwpsports.com from 8-10 pm on Tuesday nights.
Mock Draft 3.0 will be coming at you in the first week of June.
-Matt Soldano
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